Best Ell Lessons Podcasts (2026)

1
Best of 2025: Against The Odds 46:55

1d ago46:55

46:55

Over the last year I've had conversations with some amazing survivors, who not only survived, but are thriving against all odds. First, Suzanne Heywood details how a dream sailing trip as a child turned into a nightmare at the hands of her narrowly-focussed father. Then, Matthew Lewis on how he was forced to take control when the fishing vessel he …

1
Episode 162. When the Strategies Aren’t Enough: Teaching ELs without Losing Yourself 12:08

1d ago12:08

12:08

Today’s episode "When the Strategies Aren’t Enough: Teaching ELs without Losing Yourself," is a reintroduction to The ESL Teaching Podcast, marking a new season of growth and transformation. Here are a few key ideas you'll here: A Personal Break and Burnout: I am sharing why I stepped away from the podcast for several months (July through December …

1
Best of 2025: Going For Sporting Glory 49:44

9d ago49:44

49:44

With the year drawing to a close, I look back at some of the most impactful conversations I've had over the last year. This episode features some of Australia's sporting greats: former Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown on getting his head right early in his AFL career; then Olympian Elle Armit on the heartbreak of being dropped from representin…

1
Best of 2025: Behind The Headlines 52:02

16d ago52:02

52:02

With the year drawing to a close, I look back at some of the most impactful conversations I've had over the last year. In this episode, inaugural Masterchef winner Julie Goodwin's raw and candid conversation about her mental health; plus 7NEWS journalist Mike Amor recounts being on the ground as the September 11 attacks unfolded in 2001; and journa…

1
Lessons in Rejection with Gavin DeGraw 36:05

19d ago36:05

36:05

Multiplatinum singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw sits down with Troy Vollhoffer for an at-home episode of "On the Bus" for an in-depth conversation about growing up in the Catskills, his family’s passion for music, and how Patrick Swayze’s character in Dirty Dancing was (allegedly) based on his grandfather! Gavin opens up about why supporting the troop…

1
How To Raise Resilient Children with Tim Curtis 44:27

23d ago44:27

44:27

A parent's instinct is to protect their children from harm, and in a world full of adversity, our kids have never needed resilience more. But wrapping them in cottonwool could be doing more harm than good. In this episode, former soldier, leadership consultant and resilience expert Tim Curtis shares his own lessons from the battleground and corpora…

1
The Science of Feeling Dead Inside with Dr. Corey Keyes 1:07:03

23d ago1:07:03

1:07:03

What if you’re not burned out, not clinically depressed, and nothing in your life is falling apart—but you still feel numb, empty, or like you’re just going through the motions? In this episode, sociologist and mental health researcher Dr. Corey Keyes explains the science behind that feeling, and why he calls it “languishing.” We dig into how our c…

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Inside The Grim Aftermath Of The Boxing Day Tsunami with Peter Baines 52:42

30d ago52:42

52:42

Peter Baines spent years as part of the New South Wales police force investigating some of the state's most horrific crimes and collecting and analysing the forensic evidence to convict the perpetrators. After helping with the recovery and investigation of the Bali bombings in 2002, Peter was tapped to assist when a devastating tsunami struck Thail…

1
Life As A Worldwide Roadie With Tom Mayhue 30:22

1M ago30:22

30:22

After realizing he wasn’t destined to be a guitar player, Tom Mayhue found his true calling behind the scenes—solving problems on the road. Four decades later, he’s still living the dream, managing tours for some of the biggest names in rock. In this episode, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with his longtime friend Tom Mayhue to talk …

1
How Saya Sakakibara Overcame A Crippling Fear Of Injury 55:50

1M ago55:50

55:50

Saya Sakakibara and her brother Kai grew up competing in BMX racing, starting when her family moved to Japan. When they relocated back to Sydney, the pair quickly rose through the ranks, winning a slew of state and national titles between them. No stranger to accidents while competing, Saya had suffered a number of concussions herself before Kai wa…

1
Dr Paul Taylor: The Hardiness Effect flipping the script on stress 49:02

1M ago49:02

49:02

There's no denying that many modern 'conveniences' are actually making us less resilient, sicker and un happier than ever before. And we've been told for years to avoid stress to help us live better. But in his new book The Hardiness Effect, Dr Paul Taylor says we need to view potential adversity as a challenge, rather than a threat. Instead, we sh…

1
The Hillbillies of the British Invasion With The Boxmasters 32:52

2M ago32:52

32:52

After growing up watching The Who on the Ed Sullivan Show, the members of The Boxmasters never dreamed of having the chance to tour with one of the greatest bands in the world, but here they are. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes Billy Bob Thornton and JD Andrew of The Boxmasters to On The Bus. The duo walks Troy through their happenstan…

1
The Phone Call That Saved Barry Barry Du Bois' Life 56:23

2M ago56:23

56:23

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health issues. Barry Du Bois had been a successful builder who had retired young and was sailing around the world, when he was tapped to join the TV world, becoming a beloved face on our TV screens thanks to the hugely popular TV series The Living Room. But behind the beaming s…

1
A Lot Of Grit And A Little Bit Of Crazy With Cody Johnson 21:42

2M ago21:42

21:42

Cody Johnson grew up hunting and fishing in rural Texas with two dreams: to be a singer and a cowboy. Not only does CoJo continue to sell out stadiums, but he has his own ranch filled with horses, cows, and pastures. If only young Cody could see him now! Troy Vollhoffer, CEO of Country Thunder, is thrilled to welcome Cody Johnson on the bus this we…

1
NRL Icon Adam Reynolds On Teamwork And Determination 45:59

2M ago45:59

45:59

Adam Reynolds grew up in the Sydney suburb of Redfern - the heartland of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A gifted junior footy player, he quickly rose through the ranks, taking home plenty of awards and ultimately winning the NRL premiership in 2014. But he shocked the NRL community in 2021 when he left the Rabbitohs to head north and captain the Brisb…

1
The Real War Experience Behind Jack Carr's 'The Terminal List' 51:46

2M ago51:46

51:46

Jack Carr grew up with a love of reading, and when he joined the Navy SEALs, he always carried a book with him into battle. But when we left the military life to focus on his family, a new career as a bestselling author flourished. Now his books have been adapted into two hit Amazon Prime Video series: The Terminal List starring Chris Pratt, and Th…

1
Decoding Human Behavior: The Science of How We Show Up with Shaun Dyke 56:35

2M ago56:35

56:35

What if there really was an owner’s manual for being human? In this episode, Chris sits down with one of the top executive coaches in the country Shaun Dyke, to reveal the models that billion-dollar leaders use to understand people, motivate change, and create results. They unpack the hidden psychology behind your reactions, relationships, and resu…

1
Dreaming Up Barbara with Old Dominion 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

The members of Old Dominion spent years in Nashville crafting a sound and trying to break through. After another label passed, their manager asked if they wanted to keep going. The guys had one answer: “If they don’t like it, that’s fine.” Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes one of his favorite country bands, Old Dominion, to the show. The…

1
Claire McAuliffe’s Escape From A Religious Cult 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

Growing up in a strict religious household and sheltered from the outside world, Claire McAuliffe found herself coerced into marriage at the age of 18. When her husband moved Claire and their growing family to a compound belonging to a known doomsday cult, she slowly began to question the absurd teachings and questionable actions of cult leaders an…

1
200. Scaffolding Success: 5 Strategies for Newcomers in Your ELL Classroom 29:12

3M ago29:12

29:12

In this powerful episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher (formerly Boche), founder of Inspiring Young Learners, dives deep into one of the most pressing challenges facing educators today—supporting newcomer English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom. As classrooms across the country see a rising number of newcomer students, …

1
How Mindfulness Fuelled Travis Boak's AFL Success 54:40

3M ago54:40

54:40

In August 2025, Port Adelaide star Travis Boak called time on his 19-year AFL career. Known for his commitment to the game and strong mental focus over a record 387 games with the club, he's now sharing his life lessons from two decades of high performance in the new book 'The Power Within'. In this episode, Travis discusses how, while his father's…

1
199. Cooperative Learning Strategies for ELLs: Scaffolding for Effective Peer Interaction 27:04

3M ago27:04

27:04

Frustrated with keeping your ELL students engaged? Or struggling to give everyone the chance for output in a short amount of time? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, we dive into 4 practical Kagan Cooperative Learning strategies that will help you keep every student participating. Boost engagement, scaffold activities, and empower your …

1
Paving a Path in Music with Larry Fleet 23:58

3M ago23:58

23:58

Larry Fleet’s father told him that if he learned a skill, he’d always have a job, which is how he made a living pouring concrete. After playing a bar for tip money, Larry learned that he might be able to pave a path into the music industry. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes the world-traveling Larry Fleet to On The Bus. Larry and Troy di…

1
Jaye Pukepuke: Finding Purpose After Prison 40:02

3M ago40:02

40:02

Growing up, Jaye Pukepuke dreamed of making it big in rugby league. But falling in with the wrong crowd led him to a life of crime. Convicted of 15 armed robberies, his jail sentence not only ripped away his freedom, but his hopes of hitting the heights of the NRL. But sitting in a cell and wanting more from life, Jaye made the most of opportunitie…

1
Feeling Guilty for Hating Your Job? Here’s the Real Problem with Malissa Clark 53:13

3M ago53:13

53:13

If you’ve ever felt guilty for resenting your job—even one you worked hard to get—you’re not alone. In this episode, psychologist and author Dr. Malissa Clark breaks down why burnout and dissatisfaction aren’t always about hours worked, and why our relationship with work is more complicated than we think. We explore the hidden forces that keep us “…

1
198. How to Build a Vocabulary-Rich Classroom for English Learners 25:41

3M ago25:41

25:41

In this high-impact episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, Beth Boche dives deep into one of the most loved topics by the community: teaching vocabulary that sticks. With a countdown to the 200th episode underway, we're celebrating by revisiting this listener favorite that’s packed with actionable strategies for vocabulary instruction using a tiere…

1
Matt Lewis: Surviving An Antarctic Shipwreck 53:37

3M ago53:37

53:37

By Nova Podcasts

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197. ACCESS Testing Tips for ELL Teachers: How to Reduce Stress and Maximize Support 21:54

3M ago21:54

21:54

Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs podcast! As we count down to our 200th episode, we're celebrating YOU, our amazing community, with top-loved episodes and exciting giveaways. This week, we’re revisiting a listener favorite that’s packed with actionable advice: how to effectively prepare your students, colleagues, and yourself for ACCESS testing s…

1
From the Merch Stand to the Stage with Cole Swindell 20:59

3M ago20:59

20:59

Cole Swindell was drinking beer on the porch at his college fraternity when an alum by the name of Luke Bryan stopped by to change his guitar strings. After moving to Nashville a few years later, Cole got his first job in the music business, selling t-shirts for his new favorite frat brother, Luke Bryan. Cole Swindell takes a break from the incredi…

1
Rhonda Hapi-Smith: Inside New Zealand's Most Notorious Prison 46:24

3M ago46:24

46:24

Rhonda Hapi-Smith never intended on following her father and brothers into New Zealand's corrections service. But at a crossroads in life as she approached the age of 30, she relented and became a prison guard, working at some of the country's most notorious jails. But 20 years of keeping convicted criminals in line and keeping her work and persona…

1
196. Mastering the 4 Language Domains: Daily Routines for ELL Success 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

In this special lead-up to the 200th episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher dives into one of the most requested and transformational topics for educators of multilingual learners—how to build practical, effective routines to strengthen all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Whether you're new to sup…

1
Matty Johns: Developing The Discipline To Not Fear Failure 58:31

4M ago58:31

58:31

Matty Johns is one of Australia’s best known and most beloved sportsmen. Growing up in a small town with a passion for rugby league, his decade-long NRL career opened the door to a successful media career following appearances on Channel 9's The Footy Show. But as Matty admits to Ant in this episode, success didn’t come easily. Growing up in a smal…

1
195. The 6 most common mistakes teachers make with ELLs and how to avoid them 20:54

4M ago20:54

20:54

Are your ELL students falling behind—even when you're doing everything you can to support them? Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs Podcast! In this insightful episode, host Beth Vaucher breaks down the six most common mistakes educators make when working with English Language Learners (ELLs)—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. As the school y…

1
Going Solo and International with Tyler Hubbard 15:39

4M ago15:39

15:39

In 2012, Tyler Hubbard burst onto the music scene as one-half of the Florida Georgia Line duo. After pioneering a new wave of country music, over 20 hit singles, and selling out shows as a member of “the biggest band in the world,” Tyler knows what it’s like to reach the mountain top. And now Tyler’s on a new journey back to the top but solo. Count…

1
Why You’re Not As Creative As You Think and How to Actually Change That with Zorana Pringle 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

Think you’re a creative person? Think again. In this episode, psychologist and author Dr. Zorana Pringle explains why most of us are far less creative than we believe—and what to do about it. We explore why great ideas often die before they ever get started, how fear disguises itself as perfectionism, and why creativity has more to do with action t…

1
Des Powell: Lessons From Taking On SAS Selection Twice 52:27

4M ago52:27

52:27

During Operation Desert Storm, part of the Gulf War in 1991, Des Powell was part of the Bravo Three Zero patrol that successfully infiltrated enemy lines to take out scud missiles. It was a story that was overshadowed by the tragedy of Zero Two Bravo, which saw three soldiers killed and another four captured. In this episode, Des recounts his reluc…

1
194. Ask yourself these 3 questions to keep your lessons aligned all year 22:10

4M ago22:10

22:10

Do you ever feel like your lesson plans are just a collection of random activities—fun in the moment but not really building toward anything? You’re not alone. Many teachers, especially those working with English language learners, find themselves overwhelmed trying to fit in every domain, standard, and activity into a short block of time. The resu…

1
Mark Winterbottom: The Path To Motorsport Glory 49:14

4M ago49:14

49:14

Mark Winterbottom is one of Australia's most successful Supercars drivers, but his success didn't come easy. Growing up with a mother battling cancer and struggling to make ends meet, a raffle ticket changed the course of his career. Winning a mini-bike as a kid fuelled his passion for motorsport, which saw him move into a successful karting career…

1
193. The 3 essential tracking systems every ELL teacher needs, without drowning in paperwork. 19:59

4M ago19:59

19:59

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the paperwork that comes with assessing and tracking your English learners? You’re not alone. Many ELL teachers ask the same questions: How do I assess my students without drowning in forms? How do I keep track of their growth in a way that’s meaningful and sustainable? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcas…

1
Mike Amor: What It Takes To Be A Foreign Correspondent 51:41

4M ago51:41

51:41

Mike Amor was just 13 months into his role U.S. Bureau Chief for 7NEWS when the World Trade Centre came down on September 11. As the only Australian journalist on the ground in New York that day, it fell on his shoulders to keep Australians updated on the tragedy unfolding in the aftermath of that horrific attack. A seasoned broadcast journalist, M…

1
Curtis McGrath: From Warzone Injury to Paralympic Champion 58:32

4M ago58:32

58:32

In this special 100th episode of Head Game, Ant speaks with Australian Army veteran Curtis McGrath. Curtis lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, and being his teams medic, directed his own lifesaving care as he lay bleeding in the desert. As he was airlifted out for treatment, he joked with his unit that he'd soon be at the Paralym…

1
EP39 - Leading with Clarity, Empowering Creativity 5:52

5M ago5:52

5:52

What if the secret to unlocking teacher creativity isn't more freedom—but more clarity? In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, Christina Shala explores the often-overlooked connection between structure and innovation in schools. Discover why a lack of alignment can stall creativity—and how a clear framework can actually give teachers th…

1
192. Should You Translate Everything? Essential ELL Strategies for Teachers 24:37

5M ago24:37

24:37

Should you translate everything for your English Language Learners? Overusing translation can actually slow down language acquisition and create over-dependence on students' first language. In this episode, Beth breaks down when translation becomes a barrier and when it can be a powerful support. You'll hear real classroom examples that show the di…

1
191. Prioritize Supporting Exceptional Learners with Beth Skelton and Tan Huynh 48:10

5M ago48:10

48:10

Are your multilingual learners fluent in conversation but still struggling with academic content? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher speaks with Beth Skelton and Tan Huynh, authors of Long-Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals, to unpack why fluency isn’t the finish line—and how educators can better support multil…

1
How AI Is Forcing Us to Rethink Who We Are and the Future We Want with Jeff Burningham 47:49

5M ago47:49

47:49

What if the biggest challenge with AI isn’t the technology, but what it’s revealing about us? Jeff Burningham has built companies, invested in hundreds of startups, and even run for governor — but his most urgent message comes in his new book The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. He believes AI is a mirror, reflecting ou…

1
Jake Bailey: Bouncing Back After Being Given Two Weeks To Live 49:58

5M ago49:58

49:58

In his final year of high school, Jake Bailey thought a persistent toothache was caused by his wisdom teeth. But as his condition deteriorated, further tests revealed the horrific truth. An aggressive form of cancer was infiltrating his body, and doctors told Jake that without treatment, he'd have as little as two weeks left to live. His courageous…

1
190. Time-Wasters vs. What Actually Works: How to Plan ELL Lessons That Save You Time and Boost Student Success 24:18

5M ago24:18

24:18

Are you spending hours planning ELL lessons that your students don’t even seem to retain? Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs Podcast — the space where we take the overwhelm out of teaching English language learners and replace it with clarity, strategy, and confidence. In this episode, host Beth Vaucher dives deep into the common time wasters ELL t…

1
The Life Lessons Pete Murray Learned From His Father's Death 48:47

5M ago48:47

48:47

Pete Murray has been a fixture of the Australian music scene for two decades. With three #1 albums and multiple hit singles under his belt, Pete this year launched his biggest tour to date - with nearly 60 shows across Australia and New Zealand. Initially planning a career in rugby union, a missed call and a string of injuries ended his sporting dr…

1
EP38 - How to Bring School Values into Every Lesson 5:12

5M ago5:12

5:12

School values often look great on posters and sound inspiring in assemblies—but what happens when the bell rings and lessons begin? In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, we’ll explore simple, practical ways to make those values part of your daily teaching. From quick, in-the-moment connections to intentional planning strategies, you’ll…

1
EP37 - The Support Staff Survival Guide: From Reactive to Ready 7:11

5M ago7:11

7:11

Support staff often find themselves reacting on the fly—stepping into lessons midstream or being handed tasks without context. In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, we walk through five practical strategies to help you move from scrambling to supporting with confidence. Learn how to access the curriculum, preview resources ahead of tim…

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