Expanding the research: Two new UNLEARN episodes & next steps

The UNLEARN podcast continues to evolve as a research-informed space for educators exploring gender inclusion. Since my last update, I’ve been deep in analysing the survey data from teachers about their learning on gender diversity, planning a listener and co-designer survey, and reflecting on how this research can shape future support for educators. Alongside this work, I’ve also recorded two new episodes, now available to listen to!

Episode 5: What Do We Mean When We Speak About Safer Spaces? with Chelsea
This episode explores the concept of safer spaces, particularly in education. Through research and practice, we examine what contributes to creating environments where gender-diverse students can thrive. What does the literature say? How do educators interpret and implement this in their work?

Episode 6: How Can Our Lived Experiences Help Us Unlearn? with Slay
This episode explores the concept of safer spaces, particularly in education. What does it mean to create a space that truly feels safe for gender-diverse students? How does research intersect with lived experiences in shaping these environments? Chelsea brings their expertise and insights from their own work on safer spaces, challenging us to think beyond surface-level inclusion and consider deeper systemic shifts.

What I learned from these conversations?

One of the biggest challenges—and most rewarding aspects—of this journey has been embracing ako (reciprocal learning). It’s one thing to commit to learning about gender inclusion in theory, but another to put myself in a position where I actively unlearn and grow—publicly. Every conversation I have on UNLEARN pushes me to confront my own biases, uncertainties, and cis-paralysis—those moments where I feel the weight of not wanting to get it wrong.

Editing these episodes is its own learning cycle. Each time, I go through the conversation again, reliving the discomfort, the aha moments, and the shifts in perspective. And then, I choose to publish—despite the vulnerability—because I know that sitting in that discomfort is exactly what’s needed to push forward.

What's next?

In addition to these episodes, I’ve been:

  • Working on summarising and finalising a report on the survey findings from educators on how they’ve learned about gender diversity. 
  • Designing listener and co-designer surveys to inform the next steps of the UNLEARN podcast and potential support resources.
  • Exploring how research and storytelling intersect to shape meaningful learning experiences for educators, and planning who to discuss these topics with next

These latest episodes reflect a growing dialogue between research, educator experiences, and co-design approaches supporting gender inclusion in education. If you listen, I’d love to hear your reflections—how does this connect to your own teaching or learning journey? What challenges or insights stand out to you?

You can contact me via the UNLEARN Instagram page @unlearnpod. 



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