Today’s guest is someone your kids will absolutely know… and chances are, you do too.

Dr Emma Watkins, also known as Emma Memma (and of course, the first female Yellow Wiggle) joins Sally Stanton for a fun, insightful and surprisingly moving chat about life on the road as a performer, her favourite childhood holidays, and what really connects with children all over the world.

From performing in over 40 cities with over 150 shows, to travelling with a small team, Emma shares what it actually takes to bring a children’s production to life on tour and how she (and her sister Hayley) keep things running smoothly along the way.

We talk packing hacks, colour-coded suitcases, life on tour buses, and the reality of travelling internationally with a full production. Plus, Emma opens up about her time on The Amazing Race, her tour life in the Wiggles, and how her journey from ballet dancer to children’s entertainer (and now Doctor!) shaped everything she does today.

But what makes Emma Memma truly special is what’s happening beneath the surface.

Her shows beautifully integrate music, movement and sign language, creating a space where all children, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, can connect, learn and feel included. It’s thoughtful, intentional and incredibly powerful.

You’ll also hear how much she LOVES chocolate!

Plus, an extra fun Kids’ Corner featuring questions from mini travellers and a few very sweet moments along the way.

🎧 Don’t miss Thursday’s bonus episode, where Emma dives deeper into sign language, working with deaf performers, and how her shows create meaningful connections for children all over the world

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Emma Watkins

04:21 Life on Tour with Emma Memma

08:00 Experiences on The Amazing Race

12:21 Cultural Experiences in India

15:40 Life on a Tour Bus

19:01 Connecting with Local Communities

20:39 Life in the Southern Highlands

22:41 The Joy of Touring

24:10 Managing a Touring Team

25:33 The Essence of Emma Memma

27:50 The Roots of Sign Language Passion

29:30 Universal Language in Performance

31:35 Engaging Children Through Performance

34:09 The Evolution of Emma Memma

36:18 What Lights Up Children?

38:32 Supporting Parents and Educators

39:10 Collaborations with Iconic Brands

42:12 Kids Corner: Childhood Memories

47:36 Future Adventures and Travel Dreams

49:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

Resources

Emma Memma

Emma Memma Jungle Picnic Tour

Connect

Thank you so much for listening.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions via

• https://www.instagram.com/sallynanamis/
• https://www.instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/
• Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page
• Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

If you're enjoying the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up.

And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s travelling with kids (or whose kids are obsessed with Emma Memma!).

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

This week’s episode is a quick one… but there’s a lot coming.

Host Sally Stanton is heading off grid and into the wild, all in the name of “research”. Which sounds dreamy… until you realise there’s no phone, no reception… and no WiFi 😳

But here’s the exciting part…

Sally will be reporting back with a full episode sharing exactly where she went, what it was like and how her city loving fam survived nature's wonderland.

BUT next Tuesday there is a very special guest coming on Snacks and Suitcases.

Let’s just say, she’s one of the biggest children’s entertainers in the world. You probably know her by her first name.

So don’t go anywhere.

Make sure you’re following the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next and if you’ve got a road trip or holiday coming up, now’s the perfect time to catch up on past episodes.

Connect

Thank you so much for listening.

• Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/
• com/sallynanamis/
• Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page
• Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travelling the world!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

We head to the stunning mountain town of Livigno in Italy, a true hidden gem in the European Alps and one of the host locations for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Sally is joined by Aussie ski industry powerhouse and mum of two, Caroline Brauer, who shares why this incredible destination completely won her over. And why she, along with her husband, former Olympic skier Jono Brauer, base their Arc Skier Development Program there.

They chat about what makes Livigno so special for families and young developing skiers. Think “hero” snow, wide open slopes, runs that literally take you to Switzerland! Short lift lines and that relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes travelling with kids so much easier.

Caroline also explains how the Arc Skier Development program gives Aussie kids the chance to build their skills in a world class alpine environment, while parents enjoy a European ski holiday filled with amazing food, scenery and a little bit of indulgence.

From duty free shopping to delicious Italian and Swiss inspired cuisine, Livigno offers so much more than just skiing. It is one of those places that surprises you in the best possible way.

If you have some budding ski superstars or are just dreaming of a family snow trip that feels a little different, this one is definitely worth adding to your list.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Livigno: A Hidden Gem for Families

02:14 Olympic Spirit: Caroline's Experience at the Winter Olympics

05:29 The Arc Skier Development Program: Nurturing Young Talent

13:04 Family-Friendly Lavinio: A Perfect Destination

18:36 The Unique Offerings of the Arc Program

27:33 Off-Slope Activities: Fun Beyond Skiing

31:54 The Essence of Bombardino

32:44 Navigating Livigno: Language and Accommodation

36:07 Culinary Delights: The Restaurant Scene in Livigno

40:46 Off-Snow Activities: Ice Rally Driving and More

43:10 Shopping in a Duty-Free Paradise

45:12 Affordable Skiing: Lift Prices and Packages

46:31 A Perfect Day in Livigno with Kids

49:59 Packing Essentials for a Ski Trip

51:56 Exploring the ARC Ski Development Program

52:35 Kids Corner: Questions from Mini Travelers

54:23 Fast Five: Quickfire Questions with Caroline

Resources

• The ARC Ski - Official Website
• https://www.instagram.com/thearcski/
• Zinermann Sports Ski Rental
• https://www.myholidaylivigno.com/en
• https://www.livigno.eu/en/

Connect

Thank you so much for listening.

• Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/
• Instagram.com/sallynanamis
• Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page
• Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of an alpine adventure

AND... Don't forget your snacks!