Join Clare as she unpacks the three most common advocacy models for parents of deaf children. Discover why passive and reactive approaches often fall short, and learn about the game-changing proactive & collaborative model that empowers parents and can bring about real results!

Clare shares her personal journey from people-pleaser to strong parent advocate, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies for other families looking to make the same transformation. You'll gain a deep understanding of how to effectively communicate your child's needs, navigate educational and healthcare systems, and create positive change in various environments.

Enjoy!!

Don't miss out on the Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp!

This intensive program will equip you with essential tools and techniques to advocate for and foster a signed bilingual approach in your home. Sign-ups close on November 3rd, so secure your spot today and join a community of parents committed to empowering their children with the gift of language --> https://www.raisingbilingualsdhh.com/bootcamp

YOUTUBE VODCAST:

For those who prefer visual content, check out the vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions and a full transcript: https://youtu.be/aFklNBDFJgw

Join me for this incredibly profound episode two of THE POD PLACE, where I sit down with Melissa Howard, a mother from Western Australia, who shares her extraordinary journey raising her deaf son, Huey. Mel takes us through the ups and downs of parenting a child with multiple diagnoses, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and opens up about the rollercoaster (there's really no other word for it!) of hospital visits and never-ending advocacy that has become a far too familiar part of their lives.

As a triage nurse, Mel brings a unique perspective to her family’s experiences, blending professional knowledge with the raw emotions of a mother navigating the very system she works in.

YouTube version (filmed with captions & included transcript): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SoylgUtAmM

For more on Mel's journey and her mission to support families navigating the healthcare system, follow her along here:

For more on Clare's journey:

Visit her website, Instagram and Facebook pages

IMPORTANT: AUSLAN INTERPRETATIONS

Although these are not available yet, we are hard at work organising for Auslan interpretations to be included in all episodes to ensure full access for the Deaf Community. We will keep you updated on when these are available! We appreciate your patience while we navigate this.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of THE POD PLACE, hosted by Clare Best—a dedicated Teacher of the Deaf and a mother of a brilliant little deaf human. In this first ever episode, Clare shares her personal story, detailing the unique challenges and rewarding moments that have defined her journey. With a focus on authenticity and real-life experiences, Clare explores the intersections of education, parenting and advocacy on this journey and candidly discusses her motivations for launching this podcast and what her audience can expect in future episodes.

Join Clare as she sets the stage for meaningful conversations that aim to educate, inspire, and foster a deeper understanding of the deaf experience. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply curious about this vibrant community, Clare invites you to be part of this journey. Welcome to THE POD PLACE—let's dive in!

YouTube version (filmed with captions & included transcript): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SoylgUtAmM

For more on Clare's journey:

Visit her website, Instagram and Facebook pages

IMPORTANT: AUSLAN INTERPRETATIONS

Although these are not available yet, we are hard at work organising for Auslan interpretations to be included in all episodes to ensure full access for the Deaf Community. We will keep you updated on when these are available! We appreciate your patience while we navigate this.