Unlearn Pod

In this episode of UNLEARN, we delve into the concept of cisgender with Rachel Kuysten (she/her), an experienced educator and advocate for gender diversity. Together, we unpack what it means to be cis - or transgender , how language shapes our understanding of gender, and why awareness is only the first step toward allyship . Rachel shares insights on navigating cisnormativity in schools, recognising privilege , and challenging biases to foster environments where all students can thrive. Milla reflects on her own learning journey, the discomfort that comes with unlearning, and why embracing that discomfort is key to real growth. Whether you are new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode hopefully provides thoughtful discussion, practical ideas, and resources to help educators create more inclusive spaces. Listen now to explore how small shifts in language , mindset , and action can make a big difference —not just for gender-diverse students but...

In this episode of UNLEARN, my supervisors,  Tara Pond  (she/her) and  Sylvia Hach  (she/her), join me in unpacking some of the latest gender statistics from Aotearoa New Zealand. We explore the 2023 Census data, perhaps surprising findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand study, and why these numbers matter to us educators. Statistics are powerful tools that can help us challenge our biases and expand our understanding of gender diversity—but only if we’re open to unlearning. Tara and Sylvia share their journeys with data, explain how biases affect our interpretation of statistics, and discuss what these insights mean for creating more inclusive classrooms. We also reflect on the courage of young people embracing their identities, the importance of language in fostering belonging, and the responsibility we educators have to be role models for inclusion. Resources mentioned in this episode: 2023 Census shows 1 in 20 adults belong to Aotearoa New Zealand’s LG...

Kia ora, and welcome back to UNLEARN! I’m Milla (she/her), an educator and researcher, and in this second episode, I’m reflecting on the values that currently drive my commitment to gender inclusion in education. So far this journey has taught me that unlearning biases—especially around gender—is not just about understanding others but about questioning the privileges and assumptions I’ve held for so long.  Since I'm asking you to reflect and unlearn, I start by doing that myself. I share some reflections on the discomfort that recognising privilege and the responsibility that comes with it creates. Through my stories and examples, I unpack how misinformation, rigid beliefs, and fear can hinder our journeys towards inclusivity—and how we, as educators, can take steps to address these obstacles with empathy, respect, courage and grace. In this episode  I also explain why mental models are at the heart of change in what my research is about.  Whether you’re an educator, all...

 Kia ora, and welcome to the very first episode of UNLEARN! I’m Milla (she/her), an educator and researcher. In this first episode, I’m opening up about a journey that’s been challenging but necessary—unlearning my own biases, especially around gender. I want to do and be better, to truly see and understand the gender diversity that exists all around us, that which yet often remains invisible in traditional education spaces. We people often cling to certainty and to the things we've learned before, sometimes turning away from the human rights of others in the process. But I’ve realised that staying silent is its own kind of harm, and I have a responsibility as an educator to make sure that everyone, especially those who don’t fit into society’s narrow gender boxes, feel seen and valued. My goal for each episode is to discuss the small but powerful actions we can take in education—like learning people’s names and pronouns and respecting their identities. These are often overlooked d...