Sharing the stories of teachers who inspire futures
In this brand new podcast series, Kurt Fearnley chats with some of our favourite Aussies – Adam Hills, Jane Caro, Brian Schmidt, Nancy Penfold and Izzy Vincent – about the teachers who impacted them the most. From the memorable lessons to the moments of encouragement, it celebrates the teachers who make us who we are.
Kurt Fearnley is a high school teacher, former professional wheelchair athlete and Paralympic Games medallist, as well as being our Teachers Health brand ambassador. As a TV and radio presenter, he loves sharing the stories of real Australians.
This podcast series is proudly supported by Teachers Health as a way of recognising and celebrating the dedication of our members and all those in the education community. Day in, day out, they are shaping the lives of so many, in ways they may not even realise!
Preview: A New Podcast Celebrating Teachers
To celebrate the teachers who inspire all of us, we’ve been working on a project with Kurt Fearnley. And like most of us, he has a teacher he remembers—the one who believed in him when no one else did. This podcast is his way of delving into what makes a teacher great and celebrating the educators who go beyond the curriculum to impact our lives.
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Episode 1: The Teachers Who Shaped Adam Hills
Adam Hills is the brilliant host of ‘Spicks and Specks’ and ‘The Last Leg’. He is known for his quick wit and infectious humour. Adam shares stories of the teachers who believed in him and shaped his journey. From unforgettable life lessons to recognition of his talents, we'll hear how they helped Adam become a much-loved comedian and TV host.
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Episode 2: The Teachers Who Shaped Jane Caro
Jane Caro is known for her passionate views on education and social issues. But she didn’t always have it easy at school—until one teacher saw her talent and believed in her. This episode explores the different teachers who really saw and encouraged Jane, and helped her become the compelling writer and thinker she is today.
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Episode 3: The Teachers Who Shaped Brian Schmidt
Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Brian Schmidt shares his inspiring stories of the teachers who believed in him and nurtured his curiosity about the universe. From helping him reach for the stars to bringing him back down to earth, we'll discover how his relationship with his teachers helped him become such an esteemed scientist and educator.
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Episode 4: The Teachers Who Shaped Nancy Penfold
As a fifth generation public education teacher, Nancy Penfold is an esteemed educator whose dedication to nurturing young minds has left an indelible mark on many. In this episode, we delve into the stories of the teachers who influenced Nancy's journey, guiding her to become a passionate teacher and education advocate.
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Episode 5: The Teachers Who Shaped Izzy Vincent
Izzy Vincent is a Paralympic swimmer known for her advocacy for inclusive sport. This episode gives us a glimpse into Izzy’s school experience and how her favourite teacher created a positive competitive environment that helped spur her on to become the youngest athlete on the Australian Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Team at just 15.