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PODCAST

The Expanding Worlds Podcast

Expanding Worlds

The Expanding Worlds podcast Shares Stories and Shares Solutions to expand what people believe is possible. We talk to individuals and organisations who are driving change to enable people with Additional Needs to live the independent lives they aspire to.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

13:53

227 Planning with Love: Navigating Special Needs...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/12/10

In this episode Debra Caldow talks to Rhiannon Gogh, a specialist financial planner, who talks about the importance of planning for the future of young people with additional needs. She discusses estate planning, including creating trust funds and the role of life insurance policies as well as the importance of ensuring plans are tailored to each person's unique needs. Rhiannon also explains the framework she uses to help families develop comprehensive plans which reflect their different

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06:54

226 Who Are We Without Them? A Parent's Reflection...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/12/03

In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the balance between providing support and fostering independence. Drawing on her personal experience, she reflects on the challenges of co-dependency, the emotional journey of letting go, and the importance of allowing our children to become their own advocates and problem-solvers. Debra addresses the need to sometimes re-assess our motivations behind wanting to protect our children and the need to give them the space to make mistakes and grow.

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14:17

225 Brewing Opportunities: How Esteamed Coffee...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/11/26

In this episode Debra Caldow talks to Julie Walker, from Esteamed Coffee, who explains how they provide employment and social opportunities for young people with additional needs. She discusses why the cafe's physical location and community involvement play a crucial role in its success. Julie also discusses the future of Esteamed, which will focus on developing partnerships with employers and expanding their visibility through initiatives like a coffee cart. https://www.esteamedcoffee.com/

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06:51

224 Why Independence Isn't Linear with Debra Caldow

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/11/19

In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the concept of independence and why it might be time to redefine how we see independence and include dignity as a core component. She talks about why focusing on small, achievable goals and adaptable are useful strategies in helping developing independence. Debra also talks about the importance of understanding that independence is not a one-size-fits-all concept, or about doing everything alone, but is about having the right support to make choices about

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12:21

223 Encouraging Independence & Problem Solving with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/11/12

In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Gwyn McCormack from Positive Eye talking about practical methods to foster independence. Gwyn discusses the importance of stepping back to avoid "learned helplessness". She also explains why recognizing our children as effective problem solvers aids their long-term goal of greater independence as adults. Gwyn also talks about the positive impact of having a long-term vision and why everyone, including educators, need to think about the

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16:05

222 "The Woodiness of the Wooden Spoon": Learning...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/11/05

In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Gwyn McCormack from Positive Eye about her innovative approaches to teaching. She discusses why using everyday objects, like wooden spoons, enables a more holistic contextual learning experience. Gwyn also discusses her 'Marvin's Storytime Show,' which is an online literacy program designed for children with complex needs. Marvin's Storytime Show utilizes high-contrast visuals and engaging storytelling to sustain engagement. https://positiveeye.co.uk/

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08:36

221 The Business Case for Inclusive Hiring:...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/10/29

In this episode, host Debra Caldow explains why hiring people with additional needs is not only a socially responsible choice but also a smart business decision. She discusses how inclusive hiring provides companies access to talented employees but can also boost employee morale and enhance customer loyalty. Debra also talks about why the focus should be on removing barriers rather than reducing expectations, ensuring that all employees can contribute meaningfully.

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11:36

220 Transforming Futures: The Power Of Employment...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/10/22

In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Dave Friedman, from AutonomyWorks. He discusses the changes required in business recruiting to better match people’s talents with business needs. Dave addresses the impact of AI, highlighting both potential risks and opportunities. Dave also talks about the transformational effect of employment and how it represents the positive shift from a past-oriented to a future-oriented perspective, which in turn fosters independence and builds

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13:28

219 Unlocking Potential: The AutonomyWorks Story with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/10/15

In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Dave Friedman from AutonomyWorks. He shares the inspiration and journey behind AutonomyWorks, a company that provides meaningful employment opportunities for adults with autism. Drawing from personal experience Dave explains the challenges faced by individuals with autism in securing employment, particularly due to structural job design and traditional hiring processes. Dave explains how AutonomyWorks addresses these challenges by matching the specialized

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07:59

218 Forging Resilience: The Art of Letting Go with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/10/08

In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of promoting independence in our children with additional needs. She addresses the unintended consequences of doing too much for our children and the value of allowing them to try things on their own to build their resilience and confidence. Debra also speaks of her personal experiences and shares successful strategies, such as habit stacking and visual aids, that have helped her daughter become more resilient and confident.

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16:47

217 Building Life Skills For Independence with Claire...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/10/01

In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Claire Wannell from Springboard about teaching essential daily live skills, such as cooking and personal hygiene. She discusses the methods that can be used to make learning these skills accessible and enjoyable. Claire also talks about the importance of empowering young people to become independent and provides practical tips for families on how to involve young people in daily home activities. https://www.springboardsupport.org/ Check out our Independent

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17:15

216 Springboard Into Success: Building Work Ready...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/09/24

In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Francesca Diana from Springboard who shares insights on the challenges of finding work experience. She explores potential solutions, such as increasing business support and involving families in building confidence and essential skills. Francesca also addresses the role of volunteering in helping bridge the gap between education and work. https://www.springboardsupport.org/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course

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10:01

215 Creating Living Plans: Adapting For Tomorrow with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/09/17

In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of dynamic planning in areas like education, work, housing, and finances. She explains that while planning is important, it needs to change as life changes and sticking too strictly to one plan can hold people back. She discusses why dynamic planning helps people adjust when needed, giving clear direction while still leaving room for growth, change, and unexpected opportunities. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course

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14:36

214 Empowering Independence: Lessons From Experience...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/09/10

In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Ben Simmonds as he provides insights into how parents and educators can better support young people with additional needs. He discusses the importance of listening to and understanding individual perspectives. Ben also talks about the significance of parental belief and involvement in advocating for greater inclusion and supporting the development of independence skills. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course

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12:58

213 Tales Of The Unexpected Paths with Ben Simmonds

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/09/03

In this episode, Debra Caldow’s guest is Ben Simmonds, who shares his experiences from being diagnosed with autism, being nonverbal until the age of five, moving through school and university, and then to employment. He discusses how autism impacts his life in multifaceted ways. Ben also touches on the medical and social models of disability and the importance of recognizing both the challenges and abilities associated with neurodiversity. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course

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09:10

212 The Question We All Want An Answer To with Debra...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/07/23

In this episode, host Debra Caldow addresses the critical question of what happens to our children, when we are no longer around. She outlines some of the challenges family members may face if they are expected or were to assume taking over the role of main support. She also discusses how and why less traditional support models like micro-boards can also offer a personalized and holistic support system. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking

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16:39

211 Transforming Care With Shared Values with Tom...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/07/16

In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Tom Roberts from the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative discussing some of the reasons why the cooperative approach isn’t as popular as it should be. He also talks about the benefits of cooperative care including greater job satisfaction and a more engaged, person-centered approach. Tom also discusses the issues around having a diverse membership and balancing viability as an organization with maintaining the cooperative ethos.

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14:21

210 The Future of Care? A Cooperative Approach with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/07/09

In this episode, Debra Caldow talks to Tom Roberts, Chair of the Brighton and Hove Care Co-operative, about how the cooperative model offers an alternative approach to providing care and support. He explains the concept of care cooperatives as organizations that are owned and run by both care providers and receivers. Tom also discusses how this model contrasts with traditional charities and for-profit care providers with an emphasis on transparency, participation, and reinvestment of profits

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08:14

209 A Model Approach To Building Independence with...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/07/02

In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the impact we can have as role models for our children with additional needs. She talks about the importance of consistent behavior modeling and why it is so effective in teaching a variety of skills. Debra also shares some practical strategies like breaking down tasks, using visual aids, and video modeling to build on what we show them and to support their independent learning. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course

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25:07

208 Shifting The Focus From Difference To Uniqueness...

The Expanding Worlds Podcast ·

2025/06/25

In this episode, Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Alison Thomas from Unique & Loved talking about uniqueness. Alison discusses the pressure to conform and the societal tendency to highlight differences rather than uniqueness. She talks about some strategies for fostering self-acceptance and suggests practical steps for understanding and celebrating individuality. Alison also discusses how celebrating each of our unique attributes helps to promote inclusion and understanding.

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228 results

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