Little Steps, Big Futures:The Podcast
Episodes
Tips, Laughs, and Preschool Reports
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny chat about how Aoife has been on both sides of the table, first as a teacher, and now as a mom attending parent-teach...
When Life Presses Pause
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny talk about why Little Steps, Big Futures went quiet for a few weeks and why sometimes rest is not a choice, it is a n...
'Pause Before You Post'
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny chat about easing into the Christmas season and bringing the focus back to what really matters. Instead of getting sw...
When Drop-Offs Get Tough
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny chat about the ups and downs of school life, from Theo’s sudden change in drop-off confidence to how those...
Finding Balance
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aoife and Jenny catch up about Theo’s first month in preschool, sharing the little moments, surprises, and milestones that come with this big transi...
The Power of Routines
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny talk about the importance of keeping a routine, both at home and in the classroom. From the comfort of daily...
The First Day: Starting Preschool Together
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny dive into the big transition of starting preschool — what it feels like for children taking those first steps and f...
Big Changes to Aistear: What Educators Need to Know
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Aoife and Jenny chat to Dr. Gillian Lake from ChildPaths, who sponsored this episode, about the recent updates to Aistear an...
Mini Episode: Chaos Behind the Mic
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some people record in peaceful studios with perfect soundproofing. We, on the other hand, recorded this one in between a toddler wrestling match, a cr...
Summer So Far
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aoife’s back from five weeks in Ireland — a trip filled with toddler chaos, sickness delays, and the full-on reality of travelling with two kids. ...
Holding Space for Recovery
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, Aoife and Jenny sit down to reflect on the emotional journey that follows birth, the part we don’t always talk about. Aoi...
Play Is a Right, Not a Reward
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny dive into the UN’s new International Day of Play and why it’s more than just a celebration. They discuss play as ...
Oops, We Skipped a Week—Let’s Catch Up!
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Life got busy (again!), but we’re back with everything you missed—doctor runs, family chaos, and fresh news on the childcare scene in Ireland. It’...
The Preschool Search Begins
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Jenny chats with Aoife about her recent experience touring a preschool for her little boy, Theo. Aoife shares what the visit...
Episode 100!
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wow… 100 episodes. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. What started as a simple idea has grown into something truly special—thanks to you...
From One to Two: More Love, Less Sleep
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny get real about the shift from one child to two. Aoife shares what life’s actually been like since baby number two a...
Starting Out in Early Childhood Education
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny share their personal experiences with college placements and the exciting journey of starting a career in early child...
Mind Your Words: Shaping Positive Language for Kids
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Aoife and Jenny explore how young children naturally use descriptive language — and when words like "fat" sta...
The Power of Play
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny talk about The Power of Play—why it’s more than just fun and how it shapes a child’s development. From building...
Post-Christmas Catch-Up
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Aoife and Jenny for their first episode of the new year as they catch up after Christmas! They chat about the holiday highs, the back-to-reality ...
Toddler Tantrums: Surviving the Meltdown Moments
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Little Steps, Big Futures, we tackle the rollercoaster ride of parenting two-year-olds—specifically, those infamous tantrums! Fro...
The Changing Landscape of Childcare in Ireland
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jenny and Aoife, examine the latest developments in the childcare sector in Ireland, focusing on the concerning rise in service closur...
Remembering Loved Ones with Littles
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, Aoife and Jenny explore gentle ways to keep memories alive, using examples from our own lives, like stories of Jenny's...
Forever Online: A Child's Digital Footprint
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aoife and Jenny explore the impact of children’s digital footprints in family-focused influencer content. They discuss the rise of ...
Where Have We Been? New Jobs, New Babies, and a Fresh Start!
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a year away, Aoife and Jenny are back and excited to catch up with you! In this episode, they reflect on the whirlwind of the past year—Aoife ...
Theo's birth story: Part 2
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HAPPY BIRTHDAY THEO! This week we finally finish Theo's birth story. Aoife shares her real and honest experiences about her time in hospital a...
Embracing Change for Professional Growth
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss Jenny’s new job! Jenny shares the reasons she made the change and has some advice for anyone who is thinking about taking the l...
10 Months In
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast Aoife recaps the last 10 months of parenthood and talks about all the challenging moments in the early stages of becoming a n...
Positive Tone of Voice in the Early Years Setting
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the importance of using a positive tone of voice in the early years setting. As caregivers and educators, our tone of voic...
Welcome back!
18 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast Aoife and Jenny catch up and chat about some topics they will cover over the next few weeks featuring a very special guest! ...
This year on Little Steps, Big Futures: The Podcast
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Oh hi again! Lets pretend we didn't just take a hiatus from podcasting for the past 6 months! We are coming back. Life has been busy! But that&ap...
Theo's birth story: Part 1
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat about Aoife's birthing experience via c-section! We go into a lot of detail so if you are squeamish or have had a poor birthing...
Some exciting news!
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we ease back into recording and chat about the newest member of the Little Steps Family. Welcome to the world Baby Theo!Support us:https://w...
Dr. Emma O' Brien - Chartered Senior Clinical Psychologist
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Dr. Emma O' Brien, a Chartered Senior Clinical Psychologist about responsive parenting. Responsive parenting refers to paren...
Aoife and Jenny - Early Years Pay Update
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Aoife and Jenny chat about the recent pay recommendations for the Early Years. We chat about the proposed rates and how this may impact the ...
Caroline Michniak - Infant Massage
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Caroline Michniak, a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. Caroline tells us about the benefits of a baby massage for both the pa...
Donna - Dyslexia Matters Ireland
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Donna, 1 half of Dyslexia Matters Ireland. Donna talks to us about what dyslexia is, how it can present itself in a child or a...
Aoife & Jenny - Childhood Experiences
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we tried to chat about our Childhood Experiences in the schooling system but true to fashion we chatted about more than that! Enjoy this cas...
Susan - Chime in and Play
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Susan, founder of the Irish Franchise formally known as Gymboree now Chime in and Play. Hailing from California USA, Susan atte...
Martina Hnatysyn - Parent Guilt
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Tina from Fit By Tina. Tina is a mom, wife and successful business woman however has suffered with major parent guilt since her ...
3K for Kay - In aid of The Irish Cancer Society
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My mom Kay McCarthy lost her 4 year battle with cancer on the 25th of April 2017, a day after her birthday. Last year we held the first '3K FOR K...
Sharon Flanagan - Fitness for Kids
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Sharon Flanagan, CEO of Fitness for Kids. Sharon has spent over twenty years working with children. Include owning and running h...
The Evolution of the Early Years Part 2 with Dr. Mary Moloney
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest today has many titles and achievements. She’s President of OMEP Ireland, A lecturer of Early Childhood Care and Education at Mary Immacula...
The Evolution of the Early Years Part 1 with Dr. Mary Moloney
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest today has many titles and achievements. She’s President of OMEP Ireland, A lecturer of Early Childhood Care and Education at Mary Immacula...
Aoife & Jenny - Catch Ups & Updates
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are flying solo and chatting catching up on some key happenings in the Early Years Sector as well as catching up with one another. Happy ...
Caoimhe Keogan - Jigsaw Kerry
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Caoimhe Keogan from Jigsaw Kerry who is the Youth and Community Engagement worker. Jigsaw was founded by Dr. Tony Bates, a clini...
Minna Murphy - Finnish Childcare
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are chatting to Minna Murphy, a service provider and Early Years Advocate. Minna chats to us about the Early Years System in Finland wher...
Aoife Sheahan - Childcare in Australia
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Aoife Sheahan, Early Years Educator and owner of two Montessori Settings in Sydney, Austraila. Aoife talks about how life in OZ ...
Sarah Murray - Paediatric Behaviour Analyst
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Sarah Murray. Sarah is a Paediatric Behaviour Analyst with her own business in Cork. In this episode we chat about Early Interve...
Charlotte - The Nursery Nurse
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Charlotte aka The Nursery Nurse on Tik Tok and Instagram.Some of our listeners may already know who Charlotte is but if not Charl...
Big Start Campaign
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Anne and Eva from Siptu and The Big Start Campaign. Anne and Eva talk to us about how the campaign came about, discussed the cha...
PJ Lucey - The importance of self defence
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to PJ Lucey, a secondary school teacher in an all boys school. PJ is the owner of a Martial Arts Gym which focuses on Grappling, Bra...
For Ashling Murphy 🕯
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is very sensitive and may not be for little ears so if you wish to listen later we recommended switching to a different episode. We have...
Welcome to 2022!
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! Can we still say that on January 13th? We are back with a bang this year and chatting all about our 2022 plans and goals. Thank you to...
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is our last episode of 2021! Thank you so much to each and every one of you for continuing to support us here at Little Steps, Big Futures over t...
Jenny's Back!
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Guess who is baccck? This week Aoife and Jenny catch up on all the news including Storm Barra, masks in schools and Christmas Magic!If anyone is liste...
Rachel Coates - Intuitive Eating
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are chatting to Rachel Coates, a Registered Nutritionist based in Manchester, a non - diet nutritionist who doesn't focus on weight ...
Eileen McGlinchey - All about teeth
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Registered Dental Nurse, Oral Health Advocate and Dentist in training, Eileen McGlinchey or SmileyEileey. Eileen chats to us all ...
Carla Magee and Iain Donaldson - Wave Project NI
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Carla and Iain from the Wave Project Northern Ireland. Wave Project supports children and young people who experience a range of ...
Samantha O' Shea - Sector in Crisis #2
04 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Samantha O' Shea. Samantha is a manager of a large creche setting in Kerry. We chat about the past year and taking over as...
Julie Cronin - Why Physical Education should be a lifestyle, not a subject
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to P.E. and English Teacher, Julie Cronin.Julie talks to us about how she can see the affects or lack thereof of exercise, P.E. or...
Aoife & Jenny - Aistear and Siolta
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are chatting all about Aistear and Siolta!We go through what they both are, how they are used in the classroom and some examples. We hope...
Ciaran and Robbie - Childpaths
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Ciaran, Founder of the extremely popular app Childpaths, and Robbie, Director of Business Developmet at Childpaths. Childpaths is...
Aoife & Jenny - Why we love our job!
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It is just again this week chatting all about why we love our job and why we chose to remain in the childcare sector. We also read out some of the res...
Aoife & Jenny - Contact Tracing & 2028 plans!
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we sit down to chat about the new COVID19 regulations for The Early Years and schools.Should contact tracing still go ahead? Should we be is...
Dr. Christopher Brown - Is your child ready for school?
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are joined by Dr. Christopher Brown for our 50th episode! Chris is a former preschool, kindergarten, and 1st-grade teacher. He is also an...
Jen Ormond - ADS Teacher & Children's Yoga Instructor
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Jen Ormond. A teacher in an Early Learning Unit working with children with additional needs. Jen is also a child's yoga inst...
Katie O' Connor - Settling into Preschool
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have our second returning guest - Katie O' Connor.Katie is an Early Years Practitioner and mom to a little boy who just started Pres...
Katie Power - The Nanny
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to the lovely Katie Power. Early Childhood Graduate and full time Nanny.Katie chats to us about why she became a nanny after college...
Aoife & Jenny - Back to School Flashback Episode
26 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We are taking a break this week but please listen to a recent episode we recorded around choosing a creche or preschool and what to bring! Today Aoife...
Drew Vernon - #readtoyourchild
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Drew Vernon is back! This week we chat to Drew, a returning guest and the Marketing Director at Tonies. Drew and the team at Tonies USA have created a...
Katie O' Donoghue - The Little Squirrel who Worried
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Katie O' Donoghue, Art Psychotherapist and Author of 'The Little Squirrel who Worried'.We talk to Katie about he...
Peig O' Sullivan - Counselling and Psychotherapy
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Peig O' Sullivan. Peig is a Qualified Social Care Practitioner, holds a Diploma in Youth and Community Work and is a Qualifi...
Jen Hogan - Being a parent & doing it all
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Jen Hogan.Jen is the author of 'The Real Mum's Guide to (Surviving) Parenting', a journalist, radio & T.V. con...
Rebecca Knox - Childcare in Crisis
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Rebecca Knox - a fellow Early Years Educator, room leader and advocate for the Early Years. We discuss the ongoing issues that Ed...
Aoife & Jenny - Webinar Series!
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As Early Years Professionals we are always trying to learn more and develop our skills and we have found that there is little to no help for Educators...
Aoife & Jenny - Starting Creche or Preschool
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today Aoife and Jenny chat about what parents should look out for when choosing a Childcare Setting and what they should bring in for their first day!...
Amanda Cambridge - Water Safety & The Hold Hands Initiative
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Amanda Cambridge. While holidaying in Spain, Amanda lost her 3 year old little boy Avery in a tragic accident, when he fell int...
Louise O' Leary - Pediatric Occupational Therapist
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Podcast we chat with Louise O' Leary - a pediatric Occupational Therapist. Louise explains what her everyday routine looks like ...
Teresa Coughlan - Transitioning from Preschool to Primary School
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Teresa, a Primary School Principal, about transitions from Preschool to Primary School.Teresa tells us why having good communic...
BONUS: Safe Sleep with Tessa, The Sleepy Mammy
12 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On Wednesday the 9th of June, we went Live on Instagram with Tessa, The Sleepy Mammy to chat all about safe sleep in the home and the Childcare Settin...
Jenny & Aoife - Partnerships with Parents
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are chatting all about opening up those lines of communication with parents attending your Childcare Service. We chat about some tips tha...
Deirdre Holland Hannon - Behavioral Specialist
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Deirdre Holland Hannon - a Beahvioural Specialist. Deirdre chats to us about how she came to be a behavioural specialist and the ...
Nicola Lavin - Living with Lyme Disease
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to the amazing Nicola Lavin.15 years after getting bitten by a tick during a J1 holiday in Montauk, Nicola was diagnosed with Lyme...
Clarisse - Diversity and Parenting
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Clarisse, currently living in Geneva and mom to a beautiful little boy called Marcus.Clarisse chats to us about raising Marcus so...
Drew Vernon - Tonies
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Drew Vernon, Marketing Director at Tonies, former Brand Director at Lego, former Marketing Researcher for P&G, founder of...
In Memory of Kay McCarthy
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a very special episode this week.We are remembering a very special person; a wife, a mother, a sister, a loyal friend and a very respected mem...
Michael Keogh - Teaching in China
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to a fellow hometown native, Michael Keogh. Mike moved to Shanghai, China to teach English to Early Learners but the road to China w...
Aisling & Teresa - Just Two Cailíní
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are chatting to Aisling & Teresa from Just Two Cailíní.Aisling & Teresa chat to us about their experience of working from home ...
Kelsey Komorowski - Komo Consulting
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to kelsey Komorowski from Komo Consulting. Komo is an Educational Consulting Firm whose tagline, 'We transform struggling stude...
Tessa O' Connor - Paediatric Sleep Consultant
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Tessa O' Connor, a Paediatric Sleep Consultant.We are talking all things sleep from birth to Childcare and everything in bet...
Children Chat COVID
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have a very special episode. We had the privilege to chat to some amazing children about COVID19 and their experiences during lockdown.T...
Niamh Byrne - Social Media, Screen Time & Young People
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to fellow Podcaster, Niamh Byrne from the N-dustry Podcast.What influence does Social media and apps like Instagram and TikTok have ...
Alanna Kiely - Marriage, Children & Social Pressures
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we sit down with Alanna Kiely to chat about the pressures put on young people to get married, settle down and have children. Alanna opens up...
Aoife & Jenny - The Government Announcement
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat about the recent Government Announcement (February 25th) and the plan for reopening schools and extending the opening of the Childca...
Kate Veale - Irish Athlete
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we chat to Kate Veale. Kate is is an Irish Racewalker, she was the World Youth Champion in the 5 kilometre Racewalk (2011), and has also represe...
Selina Looney - The Mama Movement
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to Selina Looney, the founder of The Mama Movement. The Mama Movement is a unique community and focuses on Pregnancy Fitness,...
We're baaaaccck!
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We are back! Welcome back to Season 2 of Little Steps, Big Futures: The Podcast. In this episode Aoife and Jenny catch up and chat about some very...
BONUS: Early Years Update
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to this Bonus episode of Little Steps, Big Futures: The Podcast! We will be officially launching Season 2 on February 4th but in light o...
Have a holly jolly Christmas!!
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As 2020 draws to a close, we wanted to thank you - our listeners - for all your love and support. We are so grateful to each an every one of you and w...