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.

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

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.