In this premiere episode of The Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by John Pearce — otherwise known as the Purple Wiggle, and dad to Henry — to discuss the toys, technology and parenting battles that are shaping childhood in 2026.

John opens up about the parenting rules he and his wife Jess thought they would never break, including their dream of a screen-free, Montessori-style childhood, and how quickly those plans can disappear when you're trying to keep a toddler entertained.

The conversation also dives into Toy Story 5 and its surprisingly powerful message about children, technology and the importance of play. Sean shares how watching the movie actually prompted his own children to rethink their screen habits and start playing with their toys again.

And then Sean and John investigate the viral squishy and fidget toys taking over Australian schools — from mystery dumplings and butter sticks to giant squishy cheese and tiny jelly cubes. Which ones are worth buying, and which ones belong firmly in the bin?

Plus, John talks about how becoming a dad has changed him as a performer, touring internationally with his young family, what it's like watching his son recognise him as Big Strong John from The Wiggles, and being recognised in public.

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LINKS :

• Check out The Wiggles’ latest music here
• Don't miss The Wiggles' Sparkle! BIG SHOW National Arena Tour
• Follow John (@johnpearce) on Instagram
• Follow Purple Wiggle John (@john_wiggle) on Instagram
• Follow The Wiggles (@thewiggles) on Instagram

MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS:

• Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube
• Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram
• Like Sean on Facebook

CREDITS:

• Host: Sean Szeps
• Guest: John Pearce (Purple Wiggle)
• Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes
• Audio Producer: Adrian Walton
• Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke
• Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
• Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert
• Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content