Small Talk Podcast

About Small Talk Podcast

Leah Rando-Poller founded Kids In The Middle to help families navigate separation, school transitions, and shared parenting challenges. Her approach combines compassion with structure, ensuring that children feel supported and parents have practical tools to guide them through change. With more than three decades of experience as a teacher and school leader, Leah understands both how schools operate and how children respond emotionally to change. This background allows her to design effective handover models and support strategies that truly benefit students, families, and schools.

Publisher

Leah Rando-Poller

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Jun 2026

Latest episode

3 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Oct 2026

   Ep.14 Small Talk Podcast (Solo Series - You had a life before me)

   Episode 14 — Wait… You Had a Life Before Me? There comes a moment when children make an astonishing discovery: their parents existed before they did. There are photos to prove it. You had friends. You went out. You travelled. You had favourite music. You may even have been cool. And yes…that really was your hair. In this Small Talk Solo, Leah takes a funny and nostalgic look at what happens when children discover the person behind Mum or Dad. Prepare for questions about old clothes, ancient technology and the deeply offensive discovery that you were born in the 1900s. But underneath the laughs is something rather lovely. Old photographs and family stories give children the chance to know us as people — not only as parents. So drag out the photo albums, tell them some stories and let them laugh at the fashion. Because one day their children will be looking at their old photos asking exactly the same question: “You actually wore THAT?”

2. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Ep.13 Small Talk Podcast (Solo Series - Bedtime)

   Episode 13 — Why Do Children Always Want to Talk at Bedtime? You’ve had all afternoon. Dinner has happened. The dishes are done. Teeth are brushed. The lights go off…and suddenly your child needs to talk. Not tomorrow. Not after breakfast. Now. In this Small Talk Solo, Leah looks at the strange phenomenon of bedtime becoming the moment children suddenly remember everything they’ve been meaning to tell you. Friendship problems, school worries, big questions, random thoughts — and occasionally something involving sharks, the dog or a question you couldn’t possibly have prepared for. Yes, sometimes they’re stalling. But sometimes bedtime is simply when the world becomes quiet enough for the important stuff to come out. A warm and funny reminder that children don’t always talk when it’s convenient for us. Sometimes they talk when it finally feels right for them.

3. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Ep.12 Small Talk Podcast (Solo Series - Voice to Text)

   Episode 12 — Kids & Voice-to-Text: What Did You Just Send? Remember when sending a text meant actually typing? Apparently, we’ve moved on. Now we talk to our phones, trust them completely and press send — sometimes without checking what they actually heard. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this Small Talk Solo, Leah takes a funny look at kids, voice-to-text, voice messages, background noise, autocorrect and those messages that make absolutely no sense whatsoever. And then there’s the ultimate horror: sending it to the wrong person. A light-hearted look at communicating in a world where our phones are listening…although clearly not always very carefully. There’s one simple rule worth remembering: before you press send — LOOK.

4. 

   11 Sept 2026

   Ep.11 Small Talk Podcast (Solo Series - But Mum Let's Me)

   Episode 11  — But Mum Lets Me! Five little words capable of stopping a parent in their tracks: “But Mum lets me!” Or Dad. Or Grandma. Or apparently every other parent on the planet. In this Small Talk Solo, Leah looks at what happens when children discover that different homes have different rules — and become surprisingly skilled at pointing this out. Bedtimes, screens, food and routines aren’t always going to be exactly the same everywhere. And maybe they don’t need to be. With plenty of humour and a reminder not to fall into the comparison trap, this episode is about being comfortable with the rules in your own home without turning parenting into a competition. Because sometimes the best response to “But Mum lets me…” really is: “That’s okay. Things can be different here.”

5. 

   11 Sept 2026

   Ep.10 Small Talk Podcast (Solo Series - Where did the clothes go ?)

   Episode 10 — Clothes: Where Did They All Go? School jumpers disappear. Socks vanish without explanation. The good clothes migrate to the other house and somehow never quite find their way home. Then clothes you’ve never bought start appearing in your laundry. Welcome to the travelling wardrobe of separated family life. In this Small Talk Solo, Leah takes a humorous look at what happens when children, clothes and two households collide. Because children have enough to remember without becoming wardrobe managers as well. Who bought the jumper? Which house owns the shorts? Where are the school socks? Sometimes it’s worth sorting out, and sometimes…it’s just a T-shirt. A relatable reminder that children should be free to move between the people they love without worrying about which house owns what’s currently on their back.

6. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Ep.9 Small Talk Podcast (Solo Series - Missing Shoes)

   Episode 9 — Where on Earth Are Your School Shoes? It’s a school morning. Everyone needs to leave. The bags are packed, lunch is sorted, and then comes the question capable of bringing the entire operation to a halt: “Where are your school shoes?” Suddenly everyone is searching. Bedrooms, cupboards, under beds, behind doors, in the car — because apparently school shoes have the ability to disappear overnight. And when children move between homes, there’s always one more possibility: “I think they’re at Mum’s.” Or Dad’s. Excellent. In this Small Talk Solo, Leah takes a funny look at the morning chaos of missing shoes and the extra layer that comes with children moving between households. Because sometimes things will get left behind, and children don’t need an adult argument attached to every missing item. Find another pair if you can, solve the immediate problem, and remember: sometimes the shoes are just shoes.

7. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Ep.8 Small Talk Podcast (Solo Series - Tupperware)

   Episode 8 — The Great Tupperware Custody Battle Where does all the Tupperware go? You pack the lunch, send off the container…and somehow it disappears into the mysterious world between school, backpacks and two homes. Meanwhile, random containers you’ve never seen before start turning up in your cupboard. In the first Small Talk Solo, Leah tackles one of separated family life’s lesser-known challenges: the travelling Tupperware collection. It’s funny because it’s true, but there’s a simple message underneath it. Children shouldn’t have to become couriers, messengers or keepers of the household inventory. Sometimes a missing container is annoying. Sometimes it’s one of the good ones, which admittedly hurts a little more. But sometimes…it’s just Tupperware. A light- hearted look at keeping the little things little — and the kids out of the middle

8. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Ep.7 Small Talk Podcast (Carrina Hampton)

   Families can be complicated. Separation can be complicated. Add blended families, co-parenting, big emotions and children trying to make sense of it all… and there’s plenty to talk about! In this episode of Small Talk, an extension of Kids In The Middle™, I’m joined by Carrina Hampton, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist with more than 20 years’ experience working with children, parents, couples and families. We chat about separated and blended family life, communication and conflict, what happens when cooperative co-parenting simply isn’t possible, and an important question — what might a child’s behaviour actually be trying to tell us? At Kids In The Middle™, the focus is on keeping children at the centre of our thinking, without placing them in the middle of adult issues. Real families, real challenges and practical conversations that help us look at things a little differently. Small Talk – Practical Conversations That Put Children First. Kids In The Middle™: www.kidsinthemiddle.au (http://www.kidsinthemiddle.au/) Small Talk Podcast: www.kidsinthemiddle.au (http://www.kidsinthemiddle.au/)

9. 

   18 Jul 2026

   Ep.6 Small Talk Podcast (Tiffany Staples)

   Schools are so much more than a place to learn reading, writing and maths. They’re where children celebrate their wins, navigate friendships, carry big emotions… and sometimes quietly cope with the challenges of family separation. In this episode of Small Talk, Leah chats with experienced school principal Tiffany Staples about what really happens behind the school gates. From awkward school car park handovers and communication between parents to helping children feel safe, settled and ready to learn, Tiffany shares practical insights drawn from years of working alongside families. You’ll hear what schools wish parents knew, the behaviours staff notice, the simple things that make a child’s day easier, and how adults can work together—even when they’re no longer together. It’s an honest, relaxed conversation filled with real stories, practical tips and plenty of reassurance for parents, educators and professionals supporting children through family change. If you’ve ever wondered what schools see, what children need most, or how to make school a positive place during separation, this episode is for you. Because when home and schoolwork together, children don’t just cope—they have the best chance to flourish. Listen now, and don’t forget to explore our other Small Talk episodes and practical resources at www.kidsinthemiddle.au (http://www.kidsinthemiddle.au/) or wherever you get your podcasts.

10. 

    15 Jul 2026

    Ep.5 Small Talk Podcast (Alyssa Bradbury)

    What can a 16-year-old teach us about confidence, leadership, resilience and making a difference? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode, Leah sits down with Alyssa Bradbury, a remarkable young country woman who is already making a positive impact through sport, youth leadership and mentoring younger athletes. Growing up in the Southwest region of Western Australia, Alyssa shares what country life has taught her about community, resilience, hard work and the importance of giving things a go. Together, they explore how sport can build confidence, lifelong friendships and mental wellbeing, while also talking honestly about the pressures young people can face. Alyssa reflects on coaching younger children, supporting other girls in sport, stepping into leadership roles and why it’s so important that young people feel heard, valued and encouraged to use their voice. This is a genuine, uplifting conversation filled with warmth, humour and practical insights for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches and anyone who wants to better understand and support the next generation. It’s a reminder that leadership doesn’t come with an age requirement, and sometimes the youngest voices offer the greatest wisdom. Enjoyed this episode? Explore more conversations, resources and previous episodes at www.kidsinthemiddle.au, and follow Small Talk on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

11. 

    29 Jun 2026

    Ep.4 Small Talk Podcast (School Handovers)

    School handovers happen every day, but have you ever stopped to think about what children experience during those few minutes in the school carpark? In this episode of Small Talk, Leah shares stories and insights from nearly 30 years working in schools and her experience as a parent, step-parent and a Child Consultant. Together, we'll explore why calm, child-focused handovers matter, what children notice that adults often miss, and how small changes can make a big difference to a child's day. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, carer, teacher or family professional, this episode is full of practical ideas to help children feel safer, more settled and ready to learn. This podcast is general in nature and does not replace professional advice. About Kids In The Middle Australia Kids In The Middle Australia is dedicated to helping children thrive through family separation and life's many transitions. By working alongside parents, schools, workplaces and family professionals, Leah helps keep children's voices and needs at the centre of decision-making. Learn more at www.kidsinthemiddle.au (http://www.kidsinthemiddle.au/), and if you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share and join us for the next conversation on Small Talk.

12. 

    12 Jun 2026

    Ep.3 Small Talk Podcast - If children had a microphone

    On this episode, we explore the everyday challenges, opportunities and conversations that shape childhood, family relationships and community connections. Because the smallest conversations can have the biggest impacts. Thank you for joining me and if you enjoy the podcast, please like, share and follow

13. 

    10 Jun 2026

    Ep.2 Small Talk Podcast - What is a Child Consultant ?

    On this episode of the Small Talk Podcast, Leah take us behind the scenes of what is a child consultant and the importance of the role they play in supporting families understand the children's point of view in times of crisis and in times of need. For more information - make sure to go to www.kidsinthemiddle.au

14. 

    4 Jun 2026

    Ep.1 Small Talk Podcast

    In this episode, Leah shares her unique proposition and how life experience combined with professional experience has helped her shaped the solution-based approach to helping families going through a tough stage of life.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.