Best Lou Kuchel Podcasts (2024)

1
PDA and CPS with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby 1:00:09

1+ y ago1:00:09

1:00:09

In this episode Lou discussed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby. What is PDA? Is it a real diagnosis? Comparing PDA to ODD. Helping families to access the right support if they suspect PDA in their child or have had a recent diagnosis. The discussion then moves to Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) an…

1
Western Australian Warrior with parent advocate, Symone Wheatley-Hey 1:02:47

2y ago1:02:47

1:02:47

This is the episode where Lou announces her recent diagnosis of terminal lung cancer but the focus of this episode is a discussion between Lou and parent Advocate, Symone Wheatley-Hey. Symone discusses her struggles with the WA education system and the efforts of the WA Square Peg Round Whole group to engage with Education Minister, Sue Ellery. Ple…

1
The delightful Yenn Purkis (they/them) 1:03:22

2+ y ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Please sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools! https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschools Please write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.au In this episode, Lou talks t…

1
The Neurodivergent Doctor with Dr Sarah Bernard 52:03

2+ y ago52:03

52:03

Please sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools! https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschools Please write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.au Call to Action: Towards the …

1
Value the De-valued with parent and advocate, Lisa Bridle 1:21:20

2+ y ago1:21:20

1:21:20

Please sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools! https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschools Please write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.au This is a long episode but w…

1
A Mother's Love with Jane Hancock 55:05

2+ y ago55:05

55:05

Please sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools! https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschools Please write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.au This episode is a conversati…

1
CPS is coming to Australia! with Dr Ross Greene 54:39

2+ y ago54:39

54:39

Please sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools! https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschools Please write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.au Lou has been working towards…

1
I will NEVER give up! with Dr David Roy 1:06:52

2+ y ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Dr David Roy has lived through the worst trauma possible; knowledge that his son was allegedly abused whilst attending his special school aged 3 years old. This episode shares shocking details but also the inspirational advocacy that came from it. Lou and David discuss the events that led to David and his wife's drive for a Parliamentary Inquiry fo…

1
We Don't Yet Know What We Don't Yet Know, Bridges Learning System with Dr Katrina Martin and Kat Harhai 1:08:55

2+ y ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Lou interviews Katrina and Kat from the Bridges Learning System. On the same journey as Lou, moving away from behaviourism and towards neurodiversity affirming practices, these two clever women have created a wonderful curriculum for neurodivergent children. The "Insight Sprites" take children through an affirming process where they discover neurod…

1
Autistic Adjectives and an I CAN Attitude with Chris Varney 52:33

2+ y ago52:33

52:33

Finally the wonderful Chris Varney is on the podcast! Lou and Chris talk about the foundation of the I CAN Network, Chris's life growing up, self acceptance and development of Autistic identity and how he learned that it's more important to be proud of what you CAN do than what you CAN'T! If you haven't checked out the I CAN Network for the Autisti…

1
Dancing in the Grey with entrepreneurial educator, Peter Hutton 1:00:54

2+ y ago1:00:54

1:00:54

If you think you can help the Future Schools Alliance with a financial donation, to create a new education system that will be able to teach our Square Pegs, please go to this link and donate now! https://www.mycause.com.au/p/281370/lets-build-a-new-model-of-schooling?fbclid=IwAR0OUiQWRHjSdhgw4cDbEny3ybz9Cwhi2vRaB98D9sDFbo-Q2ENFpwALYj0 Lou and Pete…

1
My Spirited Child, Rebecca Perkins and ADHD Conferences! 40:48

2+ y ago40:48

40:48

Lou and Ash Kuchel will be speaking at the "My Spirited Child" Victoria ADHD Conference and what better way to discuss the excitement than to invite the founder and organiser, Rebecca Perkins on to the podcast! In this episode, Lou chats to Rebecca about her journey parenting and leading the way in education of the broader community about ADHD and …

1
The Black and White of Inclusion with teacher and advocate, Sarah Humphreys 41:48

2+ y ago41:48

41:48

Lou interviews Sarah Humphreys from Inclusive Schools Australia. Sarah has an uncanny way of just making inclusive education to be so black and white and easy to implement. She would argue, that's because it is! She talks about the "50 Shades of Grey" around non-inclusion and how to avoid that. Sarah accurately and simply describes Universal Design…

1
Know Better, Do Better with Dr Melanie Heyworth 1:04:56

2+ y ago1:04:56

1:04:56

In this episode, Lou an Mel discuss Mel's early life and how her passion that led to a PhD in medieval studies soon changed to a brand new world of Autism once her children were born and four members of the family were identified as Autistic. The discussion continues as Mel shares her experiences from behaviourism to neurodiversity affirming approa…

1
Vapes, Alcohol, Drugs with Paul Dillon 1:21:14

2+ y ago1:21:14

1:21:14

With a neurodivergent lens over the whole conversation, Paul and Lou explore the risk taking behaviour of our teens. They discuss alcohol, weed, vaping and cocaine in detail and then go on to focus on the Year 9s, sleep overs and the inevitable driving risks and drug testing that can get, especially those taking ADHD medications in hot water. Final…

1
Thriving with ADHD with Lou Brown 59:30

3y ago59:30

59:30

Today is a discussion between the two Lous!! Lou Kuchel speaks to Lou Brown about ADHD. When Lou B was a child, she was misunderstood. That led to shame and a poor self image. After discovering her son was ADHD, she realised she's also neurodivergent and that led to a re-birth of sorts. Lou realised that everything she had experienced in her earlie…

1
Neuro-inclusion for the Neuro-distinct with neurodivergent entrepreneur Will Wheeler 1:02:51

3y ago1:02:51

1:02:51

In this final episode for the 2021 season, Lou and Will discuss Will's lived experience as a young neurodivergent person living with Dyslexia and probable ADHD. Will explains the rollercoaster ride of his younger years and the experience of being misunderstood by everyone around him, struggling with drugs and alcohol and finding his strengths. It's…

1
Moving away from Behaviourism with Christina Keeble 1:13:21

3y ago1:13:21

1:13:21

This is a long episode but it is well worth it and packed with a huge amount of resources and helpful and practical advice and information. There's quite a few light bulb moments where Lou connects the dots such as a realisation that you can't apply Collaborative Proactive Solutions if you don't have a trusting relationship with the child first. Ch…

1
The Human Right to Read with Georgina Perry from SPELD 55:09

3y ago55:09

55:09

Lou and George talk about "the human right to read, write and numerate" as George put it. They discuss the correct language used to describe learning disorders Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia. The diagnosis and school experiences, teachers' approaches, George explains some key messages for parents and teachers, where to get help and access sup…

1
A Special Understanding with parent Treacy Devlin 1:14:57

3y ago1:14:57

1:14:57

This really is "A Special Understanding". It's an understanding of Treacy and everything she's been through in her life from years of mis-diagnosis and all that comes with that, of the trauma, fear and challenges of single parenting a neurodivergent child when you don't understand your own neurology. It's the revelation when the penny drops. It's f…

1
The Next Frontier: Square Peg Employment, with The Neurodivergent Coach Samantha Nuttall 1:00:24

3y ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Samantha Nuttall is The Neurodivergent Coach and she talks to Lou about life as a neurodivergent mum to two neurodivergent sons and the interesting lightbulb moment she had that led her to develop her business as The Neurodivergent Coach. Sam is passionate about helping neurodivergent people to overcome disability discrimination barriers with emplo…

1
Celebrating Lighthouse teacher, Mrs Kindness with parent Tania Waring 1:05:44

3y ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Tania is a lawyer and psychology student. Other accomplishments are her three sons. Tania and Lou discuss the challenges of being parents to neurodivergent children but they also focus on strategies to understand our square pegs, their journey to self-awareness and self-acceptance. They also discuss Tania's approach to school to avoid the inability…

1
The Queen of Common Sense - Words of Wisdom from our very own MAGGIE DENT 1:00:29

3y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Another very special episode. This time, Lou chats to Australia's national treasure, Maggie Dent! Lou learns that Maggie's key early intuitions led her to a deep understanding for our neurodivergent youth, their strengths, challenges and their need for our support and understanding, especially when they are at school. Maggie shares some very moving…

1
Talking Tourette with parent Lydia Roberts 1:12:43

3y ago1:12:43

1:12:43

This week we are talking Tourette Syndrome. Lou talks to Lydia Roberts, mum to Ruari and her twin daughters. Ruari is neurodivergent. He has ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome. Lydia is a brilliant parent advocate and actively works to educate the community about Tourette Syndrome. The episode opens with a sound bit from an ABC Perth radio segment where …

1
Getting Legal with lawyer Laura Cottam 56:21

3y ago56:21

56:21

Order in the court! Today we are getting legal. Lou talks to lawyer, Laura Cottam from Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL). They talk about disability laws and the importance of understanding those in order to advocate for your Square Peg at school and across all settings. Laura explains the laws and the importance of getting the balance ri…

1
Autism is Actually Awesome with Autistic young adult, Consultant, Animal Therapist and Speech Therapy student, Shadia Hancock (they/them) 1:05:56

3y ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Did you know that Autism is Actually Awesome? If you still think that being Autistic means a life of stress, worry and social isolation - think again! Listening to Shadia will surely convince you otherwise. Lou and Shadia discuss Shadia's life growing up, their amazing advocate/teacher mum, the progressive and inclusive school that Shadia attended …

1
Smiling on the Outside - A story of Mental Illness, with young adult Zoe Dagassan 56:23

3y ago56:23

56:23

Zoe is Lou's son's best friend. Zoe is living with mental illness, and like so many others, to look at her and to know her reasonably well, you would never know what’s going on under the surface. She is so beautiful on the outside and has a beautiful heart and a beaming smile at all times, but no one would ever know the battles within. Zoe was rece…

1
Brain Body Parenting with Dr Mona Delahooke 58:09

3y ago58:09

58:09

This is a pivotal episode. Lou dreamed it may happen one day and all her dreams came true! Mona and Lou discuss the fundamental messages of Mona's book, Beyond Behaviours, they delve in to COVID induced trauma, school "push out", Mona's thoughts on ODD, PDA, behaviour charts and behaviour management strategies and the importance of respecting the S…

1
Inclusive Education - It's Happening! with teacher Loren Swancutt 1:01:55

3y ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Do you believe that Inclusive Education can happen? Should happen? Well it's happening!! Loren Swancutt is a highly experienced inclusive educator and leader who is committed to advancing the realisation of inclusive education within the Australian context. Lou and Loren discuss the human right to access inclusive education and Loren explains the t…

1
Wiradjuri Man with all round legend, Darcy Brown AKA Buddy Oldman 1:01:31

3y ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Lou and Darcy discuss Darcy's colourful, wonderful, uplifting and magical but also traumatic life story. Darcy tells us about the importance of the elders, his father's influence and their special bond. Darcy discusses fostering 150 children! His relationships with his kids, the students at the school where he works. He talks about the juvenile jus…

1
Making Sense of Sensory with Occupational Therapist, Carly Coleman 58:13

3y ago58:13

58:13

Announcement: Dr Mona Delahooke coming on the podcast in early October 2021! In this episode, Lou and Carly discuss Occupational Therapy and the concept of adapting the environment to suit the needs and preferences of the child. They talk about looking behind behaviour and meeting the child where they are at with compassion and evidence based thera…

1
The Elephant in the Room with Dr Siobhan Lamb - a response to the NSW Department of Education 45:29

3y ago45:29

45:29

Dr Siobhan Lamb is the Principal of "Embrace Difference", an Autistic led organisation that educates and supports schools, teachers, parents, carers, families and individuals who are Neurodivergent themselves, to teach and support Neurodivergent students or just seek a better understanding of Neurodiversity. http://embrace-difference.com.au/ Don't …

1
Tassie Maddi with psychologist, Dr Maddi Derrick 56:04

3y ago56:04

56:04

This week, Lou talks to Maddi about all things ADHD. Dr Maddi Derrick is a psychologist, a parent and has a lived experience of ADHD. Maddi is super clever because she is a founding member of the super successful parent advocacy group called Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia. Lou and Maddi discuss the early days and Maddi explains her experiences…

1
Twice Exceptional with exceptional teacher, Melinda Gindy 1:01:29

3y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

In this episode, Lou talks to Melinda Gindy about being Gifted and Talented with Disability, also known as Twice Exceptional. Did you know that you can be gifted but also have one or more disabilities? This is a concept shrouded in mystery and misconception. Melinda helps Lou to unpack and understand this complex area in education. Melinda clearly …

1
Navigating Behaviour school part 2' with parent, Nathalie Steinmetz 52:51

3+ y ago52:51

52:51

Lou talks to Nathalie Steinmetz again but this time they take a deep dive in to school suspensions and behaviour school experiences within Nathalie's "Brady Bunch" family. Nathalie shares some shocking facts about her experiences during this stressful and worrying time and how her littlest square peg has come out the other end as a well adjusted an…

1
Navigating Behaviour school part 1 with parent, Nathalie Steinmetz 55:48

3+ y ago55:48

55:48

Lou talks to Nathalie Steinmetz about the life of a large, blended and mostly neuordivergent family. They discuss the adjustments that Nathalie makes at home to keep things running smoothly, education experiences, supporting everyone's mental health and why it's so important to have good "neurodiversity literacy" when working with schools to suppor…

1
'Doing Before Thinking' - young adult ADHD with Matt Kuchel 33:07

3+ y ago33:07

33:07

This episode explores the experience of an ADHD diagnosis when you are 18, in your final year of school, during a pandemic! Lou's son Matt has recently been diagnosed with ADHD at a very fragile and difficult time in his life. They discuss his experiences to the present day and hopes for the future. It's a great baseline discussion for future follo…

1
'Same Classroom Same Opportunities' with Karen Tippett from Family Advocacy 49:39

3+ y ago49:39

49:39

Lou chats to Karen Tippett from Family Advocacy about inclusive education and the challenges faced by neurodivergent families. There is also discussion around behaviour support, school suspensions and the exciting new parent driven P and C Inclusive Education Initiative. Please join the Square Peg Round Whole podcast Facebook page: https://www.face…

1
The Inclusionista Dad with parent, Mark Hunyor 47:50

3+ y ago47:50

47:50

In this episode, Lou talks to Mark Hunyor, a local parent. Mark and his wife have worked very hard to ensure that their son, Luca receives an inclusive education at his local public school. Mark discusses the mentorship and support he receives from Family Advocacy and the open and collaborative relationship he has with his son's school to ensure th…

1
The Perfect Storm with parent, teacher and neurodivergent person, Dr Siobhan Lamb 51:09

3+ y ago51:09

51:09

In this episode, Lou talks to Dr Siobhan Lamb. Siobhan is the "perfect storm" of neurodivergence and she tells some fascinating facts about her life and growing up different and embracing that difference through to her adult life. Siobhan also gives insight to the way she approaches neurodivergent students from her teacher's perspective as well as …

1
The Light Bulb with Lou's husband, Ash Kuchel 33:01

3+ y ago33:01

33:01

During this episode Lou talks to her husband, Ash about the early years up to present day. They talk about their initial stumbles and the moments that made them "wake up" and realise that their son didn't need to be fixed or changed but that embracing him and treating him with compassion would change everything. Ash presents a father's perspective,…

1
Introduction Episode 7:40

3+ y ago7:40

7:40

The podcast where we discuss diversity and how to embrace our neurodivergent kids at home, at school and in the work place. Each fortnight or so, Lou interviews various guests. These are people with lived experience of neurodivergence, teachers, parents or academics. We will discuss ADHD, Autism, Tourette's Syndrome, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing di…

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