The Josh Ezekiel Podcast

Rooted in Nature: How the Earth Teaches Our Children to Grow

In this episode of The Josh Ezekiel Podcast, I sit down with Tom, an early years educator with a passion for sustainability and outdoor learning. Together, we explore the world of eco-schooling — what it really means, how it supports children’s emotional and psychological development, and why the outdoors is often the best classroom of all.
We talk about everything from composting and herb gardens to how children with ADHD and autism thrive outside. There’s also a lot of laughter, real talk about nature and neurodiversity, and a few stories involving mashed bananas and bug-hunting.
Whether you're a parent, practitioner, or just someone curious about how nature helps children grow — this episode will leave you feeling inspired to get your hands (and maybe your socks) in the soil.
🎧 If this episode speaks to you, leave a 5-star rating and a quick comment — not just for me, but because there’s a parent or practitioner out there searching for exactly this kind of support, and your rating helps them find it.

A Chef’s Dream: Metal Fish, Garlic Wars, and Nursery Truths

What happens when a top-tier chef swaps 60-hour restaurant weeks for the chaos and cuddles of nursery life? In this unfiltered, laugh-out-loud, and at times deeply touching episode, Josh sits down with Richard—nursery chef, dad, grandad, and lowkey philosopher—to talk about the real drama behind the kitchen doors.
From dealing with parents terrified of garlic and "metal fish," to managing nursery menus like they’re Michelin-starred, Richard serves up sharp truths about food anxiety, parenting, class divides, and why London is simultaneously magical and miserable. They dive into everything from Gen Z gym culture to the price of nappies, how a nursery chef becomes a published children’s author, and why no one smiles on the Tube anymore.
A must-listen for parents, chefs, Londoners, and anyone wondering what on earth has happened to ringtones, respect, or rainbow sheep.Grab a copy of 'The Adventures of Cookerman' on Amazon: Written by Richard Chung Illustrated by Trudy Bailey The Adventures of Cookerman click here to buy your own copy. Written by Richard Chung, Illustrated by Trudy Bailey

A Father’s Goodbye

What happens when the anchor of our childhood drifts away? When a father—a protector, a guide, a presence we thought would always be there—suddenly isn’t? Grief has a strange way of reshaping the world around us, turning familiar places into echoes and memories into something both beautiful and unbearable.
In this episode, we explore the profound experience of losing a father—the heartbreak, the longing, the unspoken words left behind. How does grief change us? How do we make sense of the emptiness, the questions, the quiet moments where we still expect to hear his voice? With warmth, honesty, and gentle reflection, we unpack the layers of loss, the complexities of healing, and the unexpected ways love lingers even in absence.
This conversation isn’t just about mourning; it’s about remembering. It’s about finding ways to carry forward the lessons, the laughter, and the love. Because while loss can feel like an ending, perhaps it’s also a bridge—to understanding, to resilience, to a deeper connection with ourselves and those we’ve lost.
So, let’s talk. Let’s hold space for grief, for healing, and for the enduring presence of those we love—even after they’re gone.

Overthinking Parenthood: Navigating Nursery and the Early Years

As someone who works in a nursery, I see it all the time—parents worrying about their child’s first day, asking if they’re ready, wondering how they’ll cope with the transition. And I get it. Having your first child start nursery is a huge step, and the overthinking can be real.
If you’ve ever found yourself questioning if you’re doing the right thing, stressing about milestones, or just feeling all the emotions of letting go, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking through it all. So, grab a coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s make sense of it together.

Big Feelings Big Words: Helping Kids Navigate Emotional Outbursts

Ever had a moment where your child says something so shocking that you're left wondering, Where did that even come from?! Well, you're not alone. In this episode, I dive into a real-life situation shared by a parent whose 10-year-old daughter blurted out some pretty intense words at school. But as with most things kids say, it’s not just about the words—it’s about the emotions bubbling underneath.
We’ll break down why children sometimes lash out verbally, what’s going on in their developing brains, and most importantly, how parents can respond in a way that teaches rather than punishes. I’ll walk you through practical strategies, from creating a safe space for conversation to helping kids reflect on their actions without shame.
If you’ve ever struggled with how to handle emotional outbursts or discipline without disconnecting from your child, this episode is for you. Tune in, reflect, and let’s navigate these big feelings together.

Navigating The Shadows: Understanding Hidden Struggles

In this episode, we’re diving into a deeply personal and often unspoken experience—feeling stuck in your own mind, unsure of how to ask for help, and battling exhaustion, isolation, and even unsettling perceptions.
A listener has bravely shared their struggles, and today, we’ll unpack their message together. We’ll explore why so many of us hesitate to reach out, how mental health challenges can manifest in unexpected ways, and—most importantly—what small steps we can take toward healing.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or like your struggles aren’t “bad enough” to ask for help, this episode is for you. Let’s break down the barriers to seeking support and remind ourselves that healing isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking the first step, no matter how small.
You’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.
🎧 Listen now and share with someone who might need this today.

What Shouting At Your Children Does To Their Mental Health

We've all been there—you're exhausted, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and before you know it… BOOM! You’re raising your voice. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens inside a child’s mind and body when they’re being shouted at?
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the real impact of shouting on children—not just in the moment but in their brain development, nervous system, and emotional well-being. I'll break down:💥 How shouting triggers fear and anxiety in kids🧠 The way it rewires their brain and emotional regulation😔 Why it can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression later in life🔄 How it creates a cycle that gets passed down through generations
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! We’ll also go over practical strategies to shift from reactive shouting to mindful communication—so you can handle those stressful parenting moments in a way that actually strengthens your bond with your child.
🎉 ALSO… I MADE IT PAST EPISODE 3! 🎉Apparently, episode three is where a lot of new podcasters stop, but NOT ME! This journey has been such a wild learning curve, and I’m so excited to be growing with you. There’s so much more amazing content coming your way, and I can’t wait to share it all!
If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and let me know your thoughts. Got a topic you want me to cover? Hit me up—I’d love to hear from you! 💙
Song: Embrace
Composer: Sappheiros
Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0

Can Reducing Stress in Pregnancy Prevent Illness

We talk a lot about what to eat during pregnancy, which vitamins to take, and how to prepare for birth—but what about stress? How much does it really matter? The truth is, stress doesn’t just affect the mother—it shapes the baby’s brain, immune system, and even their emotional well-being.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the science in a way that actually makes sense. How does stress during pregnancy impact a child’s future health? Can it really increase the risk of anxiety, ADHD, or even asthma? And more importantly—what can parents do about it?
The good news? It’s not about eliminating stress completely (because, let’s be real, life doesn’t work like that). It’s about small, practical changes that can make a big difference. Whether you’re expecting, know someone who is, or just love learning about how early experiences shape us, this one’s for you.
Hit play, and let’s get into it.
🎧 Subscribe for more honest, insightful conversations about child development, trauma, and mental health.
Song: Embrace
Composer: Sappheiros
Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0

You Can't Save Your Parents But You Can Save Yourself!

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do—meds, therapy, self-care—you’re still stuck in the same heavy fog? Like depression isn’t just a feeling but a place you keep getting pulled back into? You’re not alone.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into why depression feels so persistent, what’s actually happening in your brain, and why healing is so much more than just a chemical imbalance. We’ll talk about trauma, survival mode, and the guilt that weighs on so many of us—especially those who grew up feeling like they had to take care of their parents. But here’s the truth: you can’t save them. You can, however, save yourself.
I’ll share my own journey—how medication helped, but also how it didn’t. How I found a way to fight back against the numbness, even when it felt impossible. And if you’re a parent struggling to keep your head above water, we’ll talk about small, real steps you can take—because you deserve to heal, too.
This isn’t about fixing everything overnight. It’s about taking that first step. No matter how small.
You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And you are so much more than your pain.

The Beginning: Why I’m Talking About Mental Health

"Welcome to Therapy with Josh! This podcast is for you—whether you're a parent trying to understand your child’s emotions, someone healing from past trauma, or just curious about mental health and personal growth.