Hi! I'm Jess- creative producer, performer, puppeteer and the Garden Keeper behind Spuddy and Scoot.

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If you asked little Jess what she wanted to do when she grew up, the answer would be simple: "to be on Hi-5". Like many Aussie kids growing up in the early 2000's, Hi-5 was always on. I was completely fascinated by the presenters, the singing, the dancing and the way they made learning feel like anything was possible. 

 

If I wasn't at dance class or making up dances in the lounge room, some of my favourite childhood memories were spending hours outside in the backyard with my two younger brothers, climbing trees and having adventures that somehow lasted until dinner time. We'd disappear outside for hours and every patch of grass, stick pile and leaf became part of a bigger story. 

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Even back then, I somehow knew I'd probably always be a big kid at heart- the kind who still builds imaginary worlds, bursts into dance unexpectedly and believes vegetables can absolutely become your best friend. 

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My love of performing has taken me on some incredible adventures- from creating magical moments as a Face Character at Tokyo Disney Resort, to performing at Dreamworld and Warner Bros. Movie World back home in Australia. I later packed my suitcase again to tour as a puppeteer with Bluey’s Big Play, before continuing my journey in the Bluey universe through Bluey Live events and leading guest experiences at Bluey’s World.

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As I grew older, another passion quietly grew- healthy eating and movement through yoga and running. I became excited by the idea that caring for ourselves doesn't need to feel complicated. or overwhelming- it can be playful, creative and part of everyday life. 

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It was also while living in Japan that I discovered something that would eventually shape this whole world- 'yaki imo' (Japanese roasted sweet potatoes). I loved Japanese sweet potatoes so much that my friends even started nicknaming me "Sweet Potato".

 

Overtime, my passions eventually grew into my drive to produce my own children's show. During my first tour with Bluey's Big Play, I started creating little skits and songs with my ukulele about healthy eating. Then one day I remember thinking:

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"I need a friend...what about a Sweet Potato?" And that is when our friend Spuddy was born.

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At its core, Spuddy and Scoot exists to turn healthy habits, wellbeing and learning about our bodies into a fun adventure. Through puppetry, music, movement and playful storytelling, the world encourages children to explore healthy foods, friendship and self-care in ways that feel joyful, achievable and full of wonder. 

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More than anything, I want Spuddy and Scoot to feel like a safe place- a world where children can return to again and again just like I did in my backyard growing up. A world where trying new things is celebrated, mistakes are part of learning, little acts of care matter and every child feels welcome exactly as they are. 

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