Wiggle Talk - A Podcast For Parents
Kids & Family
About
Wiggle Talk lifts the curtain on The Wiggles you know and love. Every week, get an insight into the lives of Simon and Lachy as not only Wiggles, but parents, as they navigate issues you’re probably going through with your toddlers right now. Plus, each episode listeners, and famous friends, will have the opportunity to ask founding Wiggles member and expert dad Anthony Field questions about their kids they need help with. Get to know The Wiggles as parents, without the skivvies, as we all work out this parenting thing together.
Episodes
- Dear Wiggles: My Toddler Won’t Stop Climbing
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, Simon, John, and Caterina discuss the common toddler climbing phase. They cover reasons behind the behavior, home modifications, and effective ways to manage little ones who love to climb.
- Lachy Came Home With A Tattoo
Simon and Lachy from The Wiggles discuss their return from a UK tour, covering topics like jet lag, family, and a "tiny purple souvenir" Lachy acquired. They share insights into their experiences on the road and at home.
- Big Strong John on Travelling Overseas With a Toddler
John and Jess Pearce join hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie to discuss the preparations and challenges involved in traveling overseas with a one-year-old toddler.
- Dear Wiggles: What Kind of Dad Are You, Really?
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss their personal experiences as fathers. They share their approaches to parenting and the realities of managing family life.
- What Every Parent Should Know About Toy Safety
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon and Lachy discuss toy and button battery safety in Australia with experts Rod Balding from Standards Australia and Sarah Hunstead from CPR Kids. They provide information on product safety standar…
- Dear Wiggles: Childhood Memories We Still Cringe At
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie reflect on their own cringeworthy childhood memories, including past outfits, phases, and choices. The hosts discuss these moments in the context of witnessing their o…
- The Secret to Getting Kids Hooked on Books, with Andy Griffiths
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie interview author Andy Griffiths about encouraging children to read. They discuss how humor, silliness, adventure, and creativity can help children enjoy books while moving away from a homework-like approac…
- Dear Wiggles: When Your Child Starts Calling You By Your First Name
Hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss the situation when a child starts calling their parents by their first name instead of "Mum" or "Dad." They explore whether this behavior is a phase and how parents might choose to address it.
- What Rainy Days Can Teach Kids
Simon and Lachy interview Nine weather presenter Jessica Braithwaite about how weather can help children learn about feelings and resilience. They discuss connecting with nature and building confidence by framing rainy days as positive lea…
- Dear Wiggles: Anthony’s Golden Tooth Explained
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, Anthony Field joins hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie to explain the personal story behind his famous golden tooth in response to a listener question.
- Raising Twins When You’re a Twin - Jessie Stephens
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie are joined by author and podcast host Jessie Stephens to discuss her experience being a twin, growing up with twin brothers, and her own pregnancy with twins. The conversation covers the practical and emot…
- Dear Wiggles: How Do I Stop Comparing My Twins?
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, Simon Pryce is joined by John Pearce and Caterina Mete to discuss the challenges of raising twins. They talk about how to stop comparing children and provide advice on supporting each twin as an individual.
- What Play School Taught Us About Parenting
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie interview Noni Hazlehurst and Philip Quast about their experiences on Play School. They discuss the show's production process, the importance of modeling problem-solving, and the impact of its gentle appro…
- Goodbyes and Separation Anxiety
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon and Lachy discuss separation anxiety in children with guest Jessica Vanderwier of Nurtured First. They examine why goodbyes can be difficult during transitions like daycare and school and provide…
- Dear Wiggles: Why Does Everyone Fall in Love at The Wiggles?
In this episode of Dear Wiggles, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie are joined by guests Evie Ferris and Zane Powell to discuss their engagement and the experiences of working and being in a relationship together within The Wiggles te…
- The First Week of Big School: Expectations vs Reality
Hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss the experiences of their families during the first week of starting school. They are joined by Lauren Hannaford and Dana Stephensen to share personal updates on how their children are adjusti…
- Dear Wiggles: Is My Toddler Going to Eat Beige Food Forever?
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, Simon Pryce is joined by John Pearce and Caterina Mete to discuss the common toddler phase of only eating "beige" foods. They provide practical advice on how to manage this phase, reduce mealtime pressure, a…
- How Connection Builds Confidence in Young Children
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon and Lachy discuss attachment security and building child confidence with psychoanalyst and parent coach Erica Komisar. They explore the importance of presence, the impact of phone usage, and stra…
- Dear Wiggles: How Do I Get My Four-Year-Old Out the Door Faster?
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss how to manage morning routines with independent four-year-olds on the Dear Wiggles segment of Wiggle Talk. They offer advice on encouraging independence while maintaining efficiency and avoiding po…
- Kids After COVID: What Parents Need to Know with Dr Norman Swan
Simon and Lachy interview Dr. Norman Swan to discuss parenting in the post-COVID era, addressing concerns like increased illness, screen usage, and feelings of parental uncertainty. The episode provides an evidence-based perspective on wha…
- Dear Wiggles: Can You Stop the Daycare Sickness Spiral?
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss the challenges of managing illnesses brought home from daycare. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating these common parenting difficulties.
- Greg Page Unfiltered: The Laughs, The Lows, The Legacy
Original Yellow Wiggle Greg Page joins Simon, Lachy, and Anthony for a behind-the-scenes discussion about the history of The Wiggles. The conversation covers the group's early days, their rise to success, and Greg's personal experiences re…
- Dear Wiggles: Am I Passing My Fears Onto My Child?
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss how parents' fears can influence their children's reactions in a Dear Wiggles segment. They explore whether parents should hide, explain, or conquer their own…
- You’ll Never Hear Children’s Music the Same Way Again
Simon, Lachy, and Anthony are joined by filmmaker Penny Lane to discuss her HBO documentary, If You're Happy and You Know It! The group explores the world of children's music, the artists behind the songs, and the impact of these tracks on…
- The Christmas Episode (with John)
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie are joined by John Pearce for a festive edition of Wiggle Talk. The group engages in a free-flowing conversation about the holiday season.
- Dear Wiggles: How Do We Survive the School Holiday Chaos?
Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie, joined by Evie Ferris and Tsehay Hawkins, discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining routines during school holidays and share memories of their own experiences.
- The Conversations That Are Still Sitting With Us
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie reflect on key moments and topics from the second season of Wiggle Talk, including discussions on parenting, grief, neurodiversity, and safety. They revisit insights shared by various guests who have appea…
- Dear Wiggles: My Child Loves Dancing… So Why the Nerves?
Simon and Lachy discuss the challenge of children who are confident at home but shy in dance class. They are joined by Tsehay, Lucia, Evie, and John, who share personal experiences and advice on keeping dance activities fun and pressure-fr…
- How To Talk To Children About Their Bodies, Consent & Safety
Simon and Lachy are joined by psychologist and Safe Kids Project founder Victoria Barendsen to discuss teaching children about body autonomy, consent, and safety in an age-appropriate way. This episode covers how to handle these topics wit…
- Dear Wiggles: Can I Have A Baby Brother?
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss how to respond when a toddler asks for a sibling, sharing their own parenting experiences and advice on addressing these emotional questions honestly.
- What Children Should Actually Eat
Dietitian Joel Feren joins hosts Lachy and Simon to discuss practical approaches to feeding children. The conversation focuses on balancing health, flavor, and family routines while reducing the stress often associated with mealtimes.
- Dear Wiggles: What If My Toddler Refuses To Wear Pants?
Simon and Lachy discuss the common toddler dilemma of refusing to wear pants or appropriate clothing in cold weather. They offer advice on how to handle these situations and when to pick your battles as a parent.
- Jeff Fatt: A Quiet Life in Purple
Original Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt joins hosts Lachy Gillespie and Simon Pryce to reflect on his career, his experience with shyness, and his transition from The Cockroaches to The Wiggles. The conversation explores his journey as an enterta…
- Dear Wiggles: How Do I Start Family Traditions?
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss how to establish family traditions. They respond to a listener question about creating lasting memories through simple daily or weekly rituals.
- How Sobriety Made Me the Parent I Wanted To Be
Radio presenter and author Maz Compton joins hosts Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie to discuss her journey to sobriety. They explore how her decision to stop drinking has influenced her life and her approach to parenting.
- Dear Wiggles: Where's Anthony?
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie welcome Anthony Field to the studio to discuss his current projects and life at Wiggles HQ. This episode also includes the listener question segment, Dear Wiggles.
- The Book That’s Opening Big Conversations About Little Brains
Neurodivergent child psychologist Sandhya Menon joins Simon and Lachy of The Wiggles to discuss her book, The Brain Forest. They explore how to talk to children about neurodiversity with love and honesty.
- Dear Wiggles: Who Taught The Tree of Wisdom to Dance?
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie interview Dominic Field about his role as the Tree of Wisdom. They discuss how the character was developed and became a fan favorite.
- Falling Off the Horse: Teaching Children Courage and Kindness
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie discuss courage and kindness with author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt. They explore her book Kat & Brandy and share insights on helping children face their fears.
- Dear Wiggles: Why Do Birthdays Feel So Much Bigger Once You’re a Parent?
Lachy Gillespie and Simon Pryce discuss how birth anniversary perspectives shift after becoming parents, marking Lachy's 40th birthday. They reflect on the evolution of celebrations from a child's early milestones to anticipating future fa…
- Can Watching Children's TV Actually Build Resilience?
Simon and Lachy discuss the role of children's television in emotional development with researchers Kelly Bohl and Dr. Bradley Smith. They explore how the show Bluey models resilience and emotional strength, and how co-watching can benefit…
- Dear Wiggles: Did You Change the Lyrics on Purpose?
Simon and Lachy discuss the truth behind the lyrics of their cover of Tame Impala's Elephant for triple j's Like A Version. They also share the story behind the performance, Kevin Parker's reaction, and their experience reaching the #1 spo…
- Hugh van Cuylenburg: Seeing The World Through His Neurodivergent Child’s Eyes
Hugh van Cuylenburg joins hosts Simon and Lachy on Wiggle Talk to discuss his experience raising a neurodivergent child. They explore the challenges and rewards of parenting, focusing on patience, empathy, and meeting children at their own…
- Dear Wiggles: Is It Okay If Our Kids See Us Argue?
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie discuss the challenges of parental disagreements regarding discipline in front of children during their Dear Wiggles segment.
- Turia Pitt on Why Being a Little Selfish Might Make You a Better Parent
Turia Pitt joins hosts Simon and Lachy on Wiggle Talk to discuss how prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries can benefit parents. She shares her experiences with burnout and why looking after oneself is essential for family life.
- Dear Wiggles: Can You Teach a Child Confidence?
Simon and Lachy discuss strategies for teaching children confidence, including overcoming shyness and stage fright. They are joined by guests Tsehay, Lucia, John, and Evie to share personal stories and advice on building self-assurance.
- Two Dads & Two Kids, with Sean Szeps
Writer and podcaster Sean Szeps joins hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie to candidly discuss modern fatherhood, including his experiences with surrogacy and postnatal depression as a father of twins.
- Dear Wiggles: Is Santa Real?
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie discuss how to respond when children ask if characters like Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy are real. They share their own perspectives on balancing honesty with childhood imagination.
- What No One Tells You About Fatherhood
Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie interview Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw about the realities of fatherhood. They discuss parenting styles, dad guilt, and personal experiences with the challenges of raising children.
- Dear Wiggles: Am I a Bad Parent If I Don’t Love Playing Dinosaurs?
In this episode of Wiggle Talk, hosts Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie address a listener's question about feeling bored during playtime with toddlers. They discuss the normalcy of these feelings and provide tips on how to keep playtime e…