The Move. Talk. Thrive. Podcast

How does movement support the sensory system, and why does this matter when working with children?In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy explores the connection between sensory input, motor output, regulation and participation from an exercise physiology perspective.She explains why children who crash, jump, avoid movement, struggle to sit still, become dysregulated or refuse activities may not be showing “bad behaviour”, they may be communicating sensory and nervous system needs.Lizzy also breaks down the vestibular, proprioceptive and interoceptive systems, and shares practical ways to adapt therapy environments in clinics, gyms, schools, early learning centres and homes.From calming movement and heavy work to becoming a sensory detective in the first few minutes of a session, this episode is a helpful listen for paediatric clinicians, parents and educators who want to better understand how movement can support regulation and participation.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, clinician, educator or allied health professional who supports children with movement, regulation, sensory needs or participation challenges.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this solo episode, Lizzy unpacks the difference between stimulation, regulation and behaviour and why understanding this distinction matters when supporting children.She explores how sensory input affects the nervous system, why regulation does not always mean calm, and how behaviour is often the outward signal of what is happening underneath. Lizzy also shares how movement, environment and co-regulation can support children more effectively at home, in therapy and in early learning settings.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, clinician or early childhood educator who supports children with big behaviours, sensory needs or regulation challenges.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy chats with Michelle Kvello, founder of Lantern Partners and fractional CFO, about financial clarity for allied health business owners.Michelle breaks down the numbers every business owner should understand ; from cash flow and pricing to gross margin, utilisation rates, payday super changes, and preparing for NDIS funding uncertainty.This is a practical, empowering conversation for allied health business owners who want to feel more confident, informed and in control of their finances.In this episode, we cover:Why cash and profit are not the same thingThe difference between gross margin and net marginHow utilisation rates impact profitabilityWhy pricing correctly supports your purposeHow to prepare for NDIS changes through scenario modellingWhat the payday super changes could mean for your cash flowResources mentioned:Cash Flow Forecast TemplatePricing CalculatorConnect with Michelle:Website: lanternpartners.com.auInstagram: @michellekvelloStay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow allied health business owner who needs to hear this.Follow on Instagram: @movetalkthriveWatch on YouTube: Move.Talk.ThriveYour HostsLizzy DawsonWebsite: lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Emily MackieWebsite: emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares an inside look at running a successful pediatric holiday program and why it has become such a valuable part of her clinic.From managing cancellations and maintaining continuity of care to creating a supportive, low-stimulation environment for children with complex needs, Lizzy breaks down what makes a holiday program truly effective.She also shares practical insights on staffing, structure, and how these programs can improve therapy outcomes while supporting both families and clinicians.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in early learning or paediatrics.Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_Connect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores why the word “sales” feels uncomfortable for many allied health professionals — and why it shouldn’t.Lizzy reframes sales as clear communication, education, and advocacy for client outcomes, explaining that practitioners are already “selling” every time they help families understand what they’re seeing, why it matters, and what the next step should be.Lizzy’s Simple 3-Step Communication FrameworkLizzy shares a practical formula practitioners can use during sessions or assessments to communicate recommendations clearly:1) Lead with what you seeStart with a clear observation.2) Explain the impactHelp parents understand why this observation matters.3) Give a clear recommendationOffer a specific plan for intervention.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who works in early learning settings.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_

In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares 16+ years of real-world experience working inside early learning centres — and why they’re not mini clinics.As funding models shift, more clinicians are moving into group-based, naturalistic settings. But one-on-one strategies don’t automatically work in busy, noisy classrooms.Lizzy breaks down:• Why modelling in real time beats theory• How educator burnout impacts outcomes• Why collaboration matters more than clinical delivery• How movement can be a powerful clinical lensStay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who works in early learning settings.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson sits down with speech pathologist Carolyn Weatherby to explore the future of allied health within the NDIS — and why clinicians can no longer navigate sector change alone.With 28 years in the disability sector, Carolyn shares how evidence-based communication and mealtime support transform lives, the growing challenges clinicians face during ongoing NDIS reform, and why collective representation is essential for sustainable practice and quality care.As a founding member of NDIS Professionals Australia, she explains how advocacy, formal representation, and collective action can help protect the future of allied health.If you’re an allied health professional working under the NDIS, this episode is a timely call to stay informed, supported, and represented.Learn more about NDIS Professionals Australia🔗 NDIS Professionals Australia – Your union for self-employed & small business NDIS Allied HealthFacebook: NDIS Professionals AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndis-professionals-union-professionals-australia/Member Join: Click hereContact Carolyn Weatherby📩 carolyn@simplyslp.com.auStay connected with Move.Talk.ThriveInstagram: @movetalkthriveYouTube: Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with the hostsEmily Mackie — www.emilymackie.com.au | @emilymackie.speechieLizzy Dawson — www.lizzydawson.com.au | @lizzydawson_

Lizzy Dawson and Emily Mackie answer a listener question about Virtual Assistants and how they use them to support their businesses. From onboarding and systems to delegation and consistency, they share practical tips for making VAs a valuable part of your team.Perfect for startup owners, clinicians, and solo operators ready to free up time and mental energy.🎧 For business owners and clinicians who want sustainable growth, not overwhelm.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode helped you rethink delegation, systems, or how you spend your time, share it with a fellow business owner or clinician who might benefit.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_

In this solo episode of Move Talk Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares a gentle, intentional approach to reflecting on the year that’s been — and planning ahead without burnout.Lizzy invites listeners to look beyond unfinished goals and focus on wins, lessons, patterns, and growth across personal life, leadership, and business. She shares simple reflection and journaling prompts you can use in 10 minutes or over a full day.Perfect for clinicians, business owners, parents, and anyone wanting to move forward with clarity, values, and sustainability.In this episode:Why reflection supports sustainable growthIdentifying wins and the systems behind themReframing challenges as teachersNoticing patterns in energy and leadershipSimple prompts you can revisit anytimeStay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonates , whether you’re a parent navigating school transition, a clinician supporting families, or a business owner planning services, share it with someone who needs reassurance that transition takes time.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Emily and Lizzy have a candid, practical conversation about navigating the end-of-year season while juggling multiple roles; clinician, business owner, parent, partner, and more.They unpack the realities of this time of year: clinic closures, financial pinch, school holidays, gift-giving pressures, and year-end exhaustion. Sharing their rituals, systems, and lessons, they offer tools to transition out of the busy season with calm, from budgeting and holiday program planning to clearing spaces and letting go of unrealistic expectations.Key Takeaways:Financial wobble is normal – early budgeting, systemising programs, and saving leave eases stress.Preparation starts early – map schedules and logistics months ahead to avoid a December scramble.Rest matters – mental health is essential; burnout prevention is part of leadership.Structure is key – plan your first week back, clear workspaces, prioritize tasks.Release perfectionism – not everything needs finishing before December 24.Create restorative spaces at home – reset, declutter, and carve out calm zones.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode helped you feel seen as a clinician or business owner, share it with someone who might need support heading into the holidays. Instagram: @movetalkthriveWatch episodes on YouTube: Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with EmilyWebsite: emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieConnect with LizzyWebsite: lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Emily sits down with her business bestie Lizzy for an honest conversation about goals, burnout, resilience, and what it means to pivot when life doesn’t go to plan.Lizzy opens up about her five-year New York Marathon goal — and how illness, overwhelm, and anxiety led her to make the hardest (and most aligned) decision: not running it. They unpack what it looks like to listen to your body, choose rest, make values-based decisions, and let go of goals that no longer serve you.They also dive into business ownership, leadership, systems, and how taking a real holiday transformed Lizzy’s clarity, wellbeing, and team.Key Takeaways:• Letting go can be growth.• Your nervous system speaks first.• Systems create freedom.• Rest isn’t optional.• Do the work only you can do.• Goals evolve — and that’s okay.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf Lizzy’s story resonates with you — whether you’re a clinician, business owner, or someone who’s ever questioned a goal — share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder that it’s okay to pivot.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Emily and Lizzy turn the focus from children to the adults who support them — the employees, clinicians, and leaders feeling the strain of end-of-year fatigue.As reports pile up, diaries fill, and festive logistics take over, they unpack what it truly means to “finish well” — without tipping into burnout. Drawing from their own experiences as business owners, they explore how to support teams through this demanding season, maintain co-regulation in the workplace, and balance forward planning with being present.Key TakeawaysCo-regulation matters at every level: The energy you bring to your team influences everyone around you.Work smarter, not harder: Finishing well isn’t about doing more — it’s about creating clarity, structure, and support.Reflection over perfection: Take time to check in with yourself and your team — what worked, what didn’t, and how you want to show up next year.Shift from hustle to gratitude: Appreciation and acknowledgement boost morale far more than last-minute productivity pushes.Clarity calms chaos: Be clear about priorities — and let go of what can wait until the new year.Finish with intention: Ask yourself — How do I want to feel when the year ends?Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode resonates with how you’re feeling heading into the end of the year, share it with a fellow clinician, teacher, or teammate who could use a reminder to slow down and reflect.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect with UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_

In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Emily and Lizzy unpack a habit we all fall into from time to time — procrastination.Whether it’s putting off paperwork, avoiding tricky conversations, or feeling stuck in a cycle of “I’ll do it later,” procrastination often isn’t about laziness, it’s about what’s happening underneath.Drawing from their own experiences in business and clinical work, Emily and Lizzy explore the psychology behind procrastination, the emotional triggers that fuel it, and the small mindset shifts that make it easier to take action.They share practical strategies for breaking through mental blocks; from setting micro-goals and finding your “why,” to using accountability, energy management, and even fun rewards to keep momentum going.You’ll also hear how perfectionism, fear of feedback, and unclear goals all play into the procrastination loop and how reframing these patterns can help you and your team move forward with clarity and confidence.Key TakeawaysProcrastination isn’t laziness: It’s often a response to overwhelm, fear, or unclear direction.Find your “why”: Connecting the task to a meaningful outcome helps unlock motivation.Perfectionism fuels paralysis: “Progress over perfection” helps build momentum.Energy and regulation matter: Manage your physical and emotional energy before tackling hard tasks.Accountability helps: Whether it’s a mentor, colleague, or plan, external check-ins can keep you on track.Make it enjoyable: Change your environment, add small rewards, or make the task fun to reduce resistance.Feedback isn’t failure: Reframing feedback as fuel for growth builds resilience and confidence.Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode got you thinking about your own procrastination patterns, share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow clinician who might need a gentle nudge too.Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.ThriveConnect With UsEmily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.auInstagram: @emilymackie.speechieLizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.auInstagram: @lizzydawson_