THE POD PLACE

This one’s powerful folks.

I sit down with Sarah, the mother of two beautiful kids - her eldest, Kipp, is deaf. But the journey to discovering Kipp's deafness isn't one you've heard on here before. Kipp's story is a very real reminder of the devastation that is language deprivation and just how critical our parent voice is in this space. Full disclosure: I cried editing this one, so get those tissues ready—you’ve been warned!

Clare x

Connect with Sarah and her family over at @freemans_fam

Links to Raising Bilinguals courses:

 THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join the Waitlist for 2025 launch!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations

For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole - the incredible SUPER-Mum of 3 gorgeous kids; her middle child and only daughter, Hallie, is deaf. But that is only the beginning when it comes to Nicole’s story and the absolute rollercoaster the past 4 years have been. I won’t share too much more here, as I think this story is best told by Nicole herself.

Clare x

Links to Raising Bilinguals courses:

The Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp: Join the Waitlist for our 2025 intake!

THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join the Waitlist for 2025 launch!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations

For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x

In this episode, I share a recent development in my deaf son’s journey that has left me feeling incredibly proud of him. I also dive into the importance of building self-advocacy skills in our kids as early as possible and why these are essential for fostering independence and confidence in our deaf children as they navigate this wild, chaotic world. Enjoy!

Clare x

Links to Raising Bilinguals courses:

The Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp: Join the Waitlist for our 2025 intake!

THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join the Waitlist for 2025 launch!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations

For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x

In this episode, I talk with Rachel - a proud mother of a 2.5 year old profoundly deaf child, Tiger. Rachel talks about that wild first year and the hectic diagnostic testing journey that brought them to the cause of Tiger's deafness - ANSD. Rachel also discusses her challenging experiencing with the cochlear mapping process and the complications and chaos that can be the public healthcare system.

Clare x

-----------------------

Links to Raising Bilinguals courses:

The Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp: Join the Waitlist for our 2025 intake!

Building Our Village on-demand course for family & friends

THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join the Waitlist for 2025 launch!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations

For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x

In this solo episode, I explore the crucial difference between Membership and Visitorship when it relates to the learning environment for deaf and hard of hearing students. I share my insights and anecdotes on what true inclusion looks like—where our kids are not just present but are equal members with full access to opportunities, relationships, and discussions. I discuss the dangers of the visitorship model, where our deaf kids are merely bodies in the room, and emphasise the importance of fostering an environment where every deaf child has a genuine seat at the table.

Let's dive in! Clare x

-----------------------

Links to Raising Bilinguals courses:

The Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp: Join the Waitlist for our 2025 intake!

Building Our Village on-demand course for family & friends

THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join the Waitlist for 2025 launch!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations

For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x

I sit down with Shanie, a wonderful mother of 3 boys - her youngest Knox, is profoundly deaf due to CMV (Cytomegalovirus). Shanie talks about the emotional rollercoaster that was that first year of Knox's life, waiting to see if and when he'd meet those initial milestones. She also highlights the reality of the cochlear implantation journey that is so common for many deaf and hard of hearing children and how they chose to navigate it as a family. So much goodness in this one!

If you want to follow Shanie and Knox's journey, make sure to join them over on Instagram at @hearknox_ for all the updates!

Clare x

-----------------------

Links to Raising Bilinguals courses:

The Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp: Join the Waitlist for our 2025 intake!

Building Our Village on-demand course for family & friends

THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join the Waitlist for 2025 launch!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations

For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x

In this solo episode, I unpack 3 simple ways to reduce the mental load on the journey of raising deaf and hard of hearing children and how we as parents can control the information we allow in and how we choose to use it. A few great takeaways in this one!

Clare x

-----------------------

Links to courses:

The Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp: Join the Waitlist for our 2025 intake!

Building Our Village on-demand course for family & friends

THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join the Waitlist for 2025 launch!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

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

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Keely, a passionate advocate and parent of Remi, who is 2.5 years old and deaf. Keely shares her overwhelming journey of discovering Remi's deafness, the challenges she faced and the empowering lessons she learned along the way. Through her own advocacy journey, Keely offers invaluable nuggets of wisdom for parents and caregivers on the same path! Tune in now.

Clare x

www.raisingbilingualsdhh.com

-----------------------

Links from episode:

'Welcome to Holland' Poem

The Raising Bilinguals Bootcamp (as mentioned by Keely). Join the Waitlist for our 2025 intake!

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

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

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.

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

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

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

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.

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.

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

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

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

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! 

For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:

Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages

-----------------------

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

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.