Best Robyn Gobbel Podcasts (2025)

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EP 236: Rewriting the Nervous System Story 41:21

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1d ago41:21

41:21

Your child’s behavior isn’t telling you the whole story. Their behavior is telling you just the story their nervous system is writing in that moment. This week, let’s continue my deep dive into my conversation with Deb Dana (episode 233), exploring how polyvagal theory offers us the hope of rewriting the nervous system story. We’re going to talk ab…

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#139: The exit routine your class [and you] desperately needs 16:26

21h ago16:26

16:26

Let’s talk about the part of the lesson where the wheels often fall off — the final five minutes. You know the one. The bell's about to go, some students are packing up early, others are zoning out, and you’re standing at the door doing your best nightclub bouncer impression. 🚪🕺 In this final episode of the Kickstart series, we're talking exit rout…

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EP 235: Parenting in Chronic Protection Mode 32:28

7d ago32:28

32:28

Parenting kids with vulnerable nervous systems often means that parents and caregivers are living in a state of chronic chaos and danger. Even if the behaviors aren’t ‘that bad,’ it’s dysregulating to live with someone in chronic protection mode. In this episode, I take a closer look at how polyvagal theory helps us understand the nervous system’s …

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#138: Brain breaks that secretly boost behaviour (and help us reclaim a bit of teaching joy in the classroom) 23:46

9d ago23:46

23:46

Ever feel like your class is one brain snap away from absolute chaos… or just asleep at the wheel? In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most powerful — and wildly underused — classroom management tools in your toolbox: brain breaks. But not just for the sake of fun. We’re talking strategic, rapport-building, energy-resetting m…

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EP 234: Polyvagal Theory, Hope, Dysregulation, and Repair 31:10

16d ago31:10

31:10

What if dysregulation isn’t the problem? I know I know- that’s really hard to wrap our brain around! At least, it was for me. In this episode, I continue the conversation from last week’s interview with Deb Dana and take a deeper dive into one of her most powerful insights: that dysregulation is simply part of being human—and it’s the absence of re…

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#137: Feel like you need to split into 30 trying to support the whole room? This tool changes everything. 20:53

15d ago20:53

20:53

The task strategy that will change your classroom (even if you’re running on fumes) Ever feel like the second you set your students off on a task, it’s like you’ve got to split into ten different versions of yourself? In this episode, I’m walking you through one of my favourite practical strategies of all time — the humble task card — and showing y…

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#136: The entry routine that is magic for low-level disruption! The power of learning maps 19:32

21d ago19:32

19:32

Join the Kickstart: https://www.the-unteachables.com/kickstart If your lessons feel like a sprint uphill from the very first bell... kids trickling in, backpacks still on, everyone chatting while you’re already repeating yourself, then friend, you don’t have an entry routine problem. You have an entry routine opportunity. This is part two of the Be…

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EP 233: Polyvagal Theory as a Path to Hope: Regulation, Repair, and Connection with guest Deb Dana 59:39

23d ago59:39

59:39

Polyvagal theory isn’t just a theory- it’s a way of living that can transform how we show up for our kids, ourselves, and everyone around us. I’m SOOOO excited to introduce you to Deb Dana! Together, we explore how understanding our nervous systems brings hope, deepens connection, and makes repair possible even in the messiest moments. In this epis…

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EP 232: Swearing- What it Means and How to Respond 49:21

30d ago49:21

49:21

When kids swear, it often feels jarring, disrespectful, or even threatening. But swearing isn’t about defiance or being a bad kid- it’s a clue about the state of your child’s nervous system. Swearing might mean your child is overwhelmed, dysregulated, or struggling to find their real voice. Of course, understanding the behavior isn’t excusing the b…

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#135: Is your teaching presence undermining your classroom management? 22:10

29d ago22:10

22:10

Why Your Presence Might Be Undermining Your Classroom Management (And How to Fix It) Ever felt like you're being too nice... or not taken seriously enough in your classroom? Like you're walking a tightrope between being warm and relatable and being respected as the leader of the room? Whew—yeah. Been there. That’s exactly what today’s episode is al…

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EP 231: EMDR with Kids with Attachment Trauma with Deb Wesselmann 57:30

1M ago57:30

57:30

I’m so excited to introduce you to someone who has deeply influenced my work- Deb Wesselmann! Deb is a pioneer in integrating EMDR therapy with family therapy for children with early attachment trauma. In this episode, we chat about how Deb (and her colleagues) developed her attachment-focused EMDR model, why slow bilateral stimulation is so effect…

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#134: Bullying in the classroom?! 😖 How to talk to your students about it in a way that gets them listening, empathising, and creating change! 19:23

1M ago19:23

19:23

Ever had a student yell "I'M BEING BULLIED!" when their friend won’t let them borrow a pencil? Meanwhile, real, insidious bullying is flying under the radar? HEAD TO THE BLOG HERE FOR ACTIVITIES + MORE 😁 In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to the three-part framework I use to help students identify what actually counts as bullying, how to …

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EP 230: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria 39:15

1M ago39:15

39:15

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) isn’t about being overly sensitive. It’s about a nervous system that experiences rejection as danger. In this episode, I explore RSD through the lens of relational neuroscience, attachment, memory, and regulation. Whether you see this in yourself or your child, this episode will help you understand why rejectio…

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#133: Flipping your lid! The concept that changed everything about the way I responded to students in the middle of a meltdown. 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

What’s actually happening when your student flips their lid? And more importantly… what should you be doing when it happens? HEAD TO THE BLOG HERE FOR VISUALS + MORE 😁 In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most game-changing concepts I've learned about behaviour and brain science: flipping your lid. You’ll hear me break down Dr…

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#132: The No-BS Back to School Breakdown! Exactly what I do lesson-by-lesson in Week 1 to build rapport, set expectations, and create routines that stick. 26:13

2M ago26:13

26:13

Back to school?! Whaaaaaaat?! If your first thought seeing this episode pop up was “Claire, I am still sipping margaritas and pretending I’ve never even heard of a seating plan,” I get it. 😅 But if you are gearing up for the next school year or term, this episode’s for you. I’m giving you a front seat to my no-BS, non-negotiables for the first week…

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EP 229: NeuroRelational Healing with Guest Sara Sherman 56:43

2M ago56:43

56:43

Healing comes in all forms, including on farms, with horses, and of course, in relationship. My guest this week, Sara Sherman, is a graduate of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s Professional Immersion Program and the founder of Dandelion NeuroRelational Family Services in Minnesota. Sara and I have a delightful chat about what it means to …

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{REPLAY} The Privilege of Parenting This Way (with safety) 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

{Replay of Episode 169 from March 2024} Parenting with co-regulating and seeing below our kids behaviors is actually a privilege we rarely talk about. It’s always a privilege, but especially when we consider different marginalized and oppressed identities that a lot of kids- and those of you listening- intersectionally hold. In this episode, you’ll…

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#131: 4 sobering statistics that prove that teaching is the hardest, and most important job in the world. 27:31

2M ago27:31

27:31

TW: Mention of self-harm and suicide Ever left school feeling completely wrung out, wondering if you’re even cut out for this job? Same. And in this episode, I’m opening the curtain on one of the most raw, real reflections I’ve ever shared—because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt that way. This one’s a mix of real talk, sobering stats, and a …

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#130: Dealing with defiance? You don't need to say a word - you just need these 3 game-changing non-verbal strategies! 15:44

2M ago15:44

15:44

When talking more makes things worse… try this. Ever felt like the more you say, the more defiant your students become? Yeah. Been there. This episode is all about the subtle magic of nonverbal strategies — those tiny, calm, game-changing tools that help you shift students out of defiance and into direction without saying a word. Whether you're dea…

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EP 228: Supporting Kids who Live Part Time in a Home without Regulation, Connection, or Felt Safety with guest Sybil Cummin 1:00:10

2M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

What do you do when your child lives part-time in a home where regulation, connection, and felt safety aren't present? In this episode, I talk with Sybil Cummin, a therapist specializing in working with families navigating coercive control. Sybil shares practical guidance for showing up as a steady, safe presence for your child, even when the other…

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EP 227: Nothing Works! Are you burned out on tools? 36:54

2M ago36:54

36:54

Part of why you keep listening to this podcast is for parenting tools and strategies, right?? So, what do we do when it feels like nothing is working?! What’s really going on when parenting tools feel useless and you want to shout “THIS ISN’T WORKING?! In this episode, you’ll learn: Why parenting tools “work” when they come from connection, not pro…

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#129: The exact one-liners I use in the classroom when responding to defiant or challenging behaviour (and why every teacher needs these!) 19:20

2M ago19:20

19:20

What to do when a student flat-out says NO [Get the FREE Calm Scripts Guide: https://www.the-unteachables.com/calmscripts] Let’s talk about the moment every teacher dreads: You’ve asked a student to follow an instruction… and they just say “No.” Or ignore you. Or crank the volume on their phone. Or knock the work off the table. Whether it’s passive…

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#128: 4 ways imposter syndrome shows up for teachers in the classroom (and what you needed to know YESTERDAY to overcome it) 21:11

3M ago21:11

21:11

The imposter syndrome episode every teacher needs. You’re in the classroom, trying your best, showing up with good intentions… but there it is. That sneaky voice that whispers: “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” Sound familiar? Yeah. Me too. In this episode, I’m walking you through four of the biggest ways imposter syndrome has crept into my teachin…

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EP 226: The Power of Delight in Parenting Kids with BBBs 33:51

3M ago33:51

33:51

I know- sometimes it feels impossible to feel delight toward your child. I get it! BUT! If you can find even micro-moments of delight, it can be very powerful for both you and your child. In this episode, you'll learn: How is delight related to secure attachment The science behind why it’s sometimes very hard to find delight in kids with vulnerable…

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#127: I met the King, and he asked me a question about the work I do with classroom management I was NOT expecting 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

Wait, did I just explain classroom management to the King?! Yep. That happened. In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most bizarre, surreal, and pinch-me experiences of my life — being invited to Buckingham Palace and getting to literally talk to King Charles about what we do as educators. But more importantly, I want to unpack…

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EP 225: How to Stay Curious When Behavior Makes No Sense 30:54

3M ago30:54

30:54

When your child’s behavior leaves you feeling confused, frustrated, or even hopeless, staying curious might be the last thing on your mind. But curiosity is actually SO COOL! It’s both a parenting strategy AND a nervous system state. In this episode, we’ll explore how to access curiosity, even when behavior makes no sense, and how that curiosity he…

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EP 224: Is Behavior Change the Goal? 34:18

3M ago34:18

34:18

When you're dealing with whining, hitting, defiance, back talk…well, of course you want it to stop. But what if behavior change isn’t actually the place to start? Not for long-term behavior change, at least. In this episode, I explore why behavior change does matter, but why it’s not the first goal, especially for kids with vulnerable nervous syste…

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#126: How to support staff mindset shifts around behaviour approaches 17:15

3M ago17:15

17:15

This episode is in response to a great question: How do you support staff through mindset shifts? Whether you’re leading a team or just quietly modelling a new way of doing things, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS: Why change feels so threatening – and what’s really underneath the resistance How to lead culture change without lec…

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EP 223: What a Trigger REALLY Is 38:56

3M ago38:56

38:56

Have you ever freaked out at your child and then later thought, “Where did that come from?” Yup, that’s being triggered! In this episode, we’ll unpack the neuroscience behind why we get triggered, what memory processing has to do with it, and how to find your way back to presence and connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: The anatomy of a trigg…

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#125: Q&A: Dealing with the class clown, when students gang up on you, and motivating unmotivated learners. 21:34

3M ago21:34

21:34

This week I’m doing something a little different – answering your questions! I asked over on Instagram what you needed support with when it comes to behaviour, and wow… you delivered. In this episode, I’m giving practical advice for three of the big ones: What to do when students gang up on you How to motivate learners who refuse to try How to mana…

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Ep. 222: Lying, Stealing, Regression & Baby Talk 39:12

4M ago39:12

39:12

Why do kids sometimes - or a lot of the time! - suddenly act much younger…or sneakier?! In this episode, we use Dr. Bruce Perry’s concept of state-dependent functioning to reframe some of the baffling behaviors as signs of stress, not signs of defiance. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, join us over in The Club. In June 2025, we’re having…

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#124: What to do when you’ve tried it all (and behaviour is STILL a battle). 12:22

4M ago12:22

12:22

You’ve followed the advice. You’ve implemented the strategies. You’ve worked your heart out – and still, that one student just isn’t responding. It feels hopeless. Like nothing’s shifting. Like all your effort is for nothing. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I’ve tried everything, and it’s not working,” this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISOD…

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Ep. 221: A Brain-Based Way to Understand Baffling Behavior 30:04

4M ago30:04

30:04

Could you use a short refresher about what I mean when I say your child’s "owl brain flew away"? Or do yoRu know someone who is willing to listen to a short explanation of how you’re approaching your child’s baffling behaviors? In this episode, I revisit - briefly- what behavior really is and the owl, watchdog, and possum brain metaphor. I explain …

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#123: How to stand tall and confident in front of your class (even in the midst of some tough as heck behaviours) 17:20

4M ago17:20

17:20

One thing nobody tells you before you step into a classroom is just how much behaviour will challenge you. Not just your strategies. You. Your nervous system. Your confidence. Your sense of self. In this episode, I’m talking about what it really feels like to manage behaviour in the moment – especially when you’re young, new, or not naturally loud …

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EP 220: Mini Pep-Talk for When You Feel Like You’re Failing 19:31

4M ago19:31

19:31

If you’ve clicked on this episode because you’re feeling like you're failing—at parenting, at keeping it together, at helping your child—I'm really glad you’re here. Because first, I want you to know this: you’re not failing. You’re doing something incredibly hard. Parenting a child with a vulnerable nervous system, whether your child has been impa…

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#122: “Miss, that deserves a detention!!” When students tell you how to do your job. 14:27

4M ago14:27

14:27

Students telling you who deserves a detention or questioning why you didn’t sanction someone? It’s frustrating, undermining – and it adds to the noise when you’re already handling behaviour. If this culture is creeping into your classroom, this episode will guide you on what to do next! IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS: Why this dynamic is so frustrating…

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Ep 219: 20 Non-Therapy Therapeutic Interventions 49:17

4M ago49:17

49:17

If your kid refuses therapy, what other options are there? Or maybe they don’t refuse therapy, but you’d still like to increase the therapeutic support for your child and family. Here are 20 different non-therapy therapeutic supports based on Dr. Perry’s work of ‘moments of healing’ and experiences that are rhythmic, repetitive, relational, and som…

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#121: 4 steps to building confidence in your classroom management 20:34

4M ago20:34

20:34

If you’re drowning in behaviour… If you’re thinking, “I actually can’t keep doing this”… If you’re exhausted from trying everything and nothing’s sticking… You are not alone. And you are not the problem. Confidence in classroom management can come with time and experience. But often, it doesn’t. That’s why I created a clear path forward. In this ep…

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#120: Your teaching IS your classroom management. Here are 3 ways to make it work for you 18:23

4M ago18:23

18:23

You’re trying to support every student – but the second you lean in to help one, the rest of the class starts to drift. The volume rises. The off-task behaviour begins. And you feel pulled in every direction. It’s overwhelming. It’s exhausting. And it’s not sustainable. In this episode, we break down why this keeps happening – and what to do instea…

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Ep 218: Questions to ask a Potential Therapist 53:12

4M ago53:12

53:12

Have you ever wondered what types of questions you should ask a new therapist to assess how well they understand behaviors through the lens of the nervous system? No need to take notes during this episode, I created downloadable handouts you can access with just one click. Listen to the episode then head over to my website! PLEASE NOTE. These are s…

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Ep. 217: Co-Regulating? Or Masking? 32:54

5M ago32:54

32:54

Kids with vulnerable nervous systems need more co-regulation than other kids their age and yes it’s exhausting. Did you know it’s possible to be GOOD exhausted and not just BAD exhausted?!?! It’s you’re chronically exhausted, you’re probably not doing as much co-regulation as you are masking how dysregulated you are. And hey- no judgment here! This…

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#119: Are calm corners worth having in secondary classrooms? 25:20

5M ago25:20

25:20

Calm corners look great online – but in reality? Students can ignore them, misuse them, or turn them into a hangout spot. You’re left wondering if they’re even worth it in a busy secondary classroom where time, space, and structure are limited. You want to support emotional regulation, but not at the expense of learning. I’ll take you through how I…

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Ep. 216: "On Purpose" Behavior 38:21

5M ago38:21

38:21

Have you ever wondered how those behaviors that feel 'on purpose' fit into this nervous system approach? They feel so intentional! Like there is so much Owl-brain thought involved. But they certainly aren't behaviors of connection!!! This episode will: Demystify 'on purpose' behaviors Remind you to always consider regulation, connection, and felt s…

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#118: The number one reason you’re finding behaviour tough right now 16:17

5M ago16:17

16:17

You’re not failing at behaviour because you’re “just not cut out for it.” And no, it’s not because you don’t have that magic voice or commanding presence either. The truth? Most of us simply weren’t taught how to manage behaviour effectively. And it shows – not because we’re not trying hard enough, but because no one gave us the tools to begin with…

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Ep. 215: The #1 Ingredient of Self Regulation 46:44

5M ago46:44

46:44

Monitoring and modifying are the two essential elements of regulation. ~ Dr. Dan Siegel When we really understand what makes up the skill of self-regulation, we can be more intentional about helping our kids develop those skills. We can also be more understanding and compassionate when they aren't able to use those skills! This episode explores the…

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#117: What to prioritise when big behaviours bubble up in the lesson. 9:31

5M ago9:31

9:31

You're in the middle of a lesson, focused on delivering content, when a student walks in displaying behaviours that signal things are about to escalate. Maybe they look angry, and you know they have the potential to become physical. Maybe they’re swearing, laughing, and trying to draw in the rest of the class. Maybe they walk in and tip over a chai…

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EP 214: Helping Kids with Medical Trauma with Rose LaPiere 49:49

5M ago49:49

49:49

Medical trauma can feel confusing because in many circumstances, we are seeking out the very medical interventions that our kids experience as traumatic. Trauma is in the eye of the beholder. Some kids experience trauma due to their time in the NICU. Some kids experience trauma at the dentist. Some kids experience trauma due to an emergency or acci…

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#116: Quick Win Challenge! 5 brilliant behaviour reflection strategies you can start using immediately 9:23

6M ago9:23

9:23

When I engage with students about their behaviour, it’s often just a conversation between us. But sometimes, having a structured reflection task can make a huge difference. Reflection is a skill that needs to be taught, modelled, and practised. These tasks help students problem-solve, build self-awareness, and develop emotional regulation. In this …

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#115: Brain breaks are my secret sauce for student engagement. Here are my 3 I can't live without! 14:28

6M ago14:28

14:28

Check out my Brain Break Bundle! As a secondary English teacher, I used to struggle with the idea of brain breaks. The pressure to get through content and prepare students for exams felt too overwhelming to justify stopping for “games.” But my classroom culture was suffering. Students were stressed, disengaged, and burnt out—especially during heavy…

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Ep. 213: Resentment & Parenting 44:27

6M ago44:27

44:27

Resentment. We’ve all felt it. Very little about this parenting journey has gone according to plan. We’ve done the hard work- the never-ending work actually - of rewiring everything we thought we knew about behavior, what it means to be human, how to parent, and how to have a family. Some days we do it without a second thought. Some days are full o…