The Wonders of Wellbeing Podcast

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Life is too short. You need to set then chase outrageous goals. Invest in your time. Now. I had the pleasure of chatting with Kate Christie. Kate is Australia’s top time management expert who has supported organisations including BUPA, Westpac, Specsavers, L’Oreal, Women in International Security, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, The European Union - and now us, here on the Wonders of Wellbeing.

She is a sought after media commentator, an Opinion Columnist for CEOWorld Magazine and a co-host on TV’s Kochie’s Business Builders. Kate is also the best selling author of 5 books, her most recent being ‘The Life List’.

Kate has spoken to audiences around the world including in Australia, Asia, America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom.

Kate and I discussed:

Role of mindset in effective time management
Strategies to prioritise tasks and invest in time efficiently
Overcoming time-wasting habits and distractions
Inspiration behind her latest book, 'The Life List'
And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb
Connect with Kate:
Email: kc@katechristie.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-christie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.christie.92
Website: www.timestylers.com

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We must pause and contemplate the most efficient and productive method for managing our workloads.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Cowley. With nearly 30 years in the classroom, many years on SLT and eight as Deputy Headteacher, Andrew draws upon his experience of teaching in every year group across the primary school range and upon leadership of a number of subject areas and a range of initiatives in changing educational times. Andrew now supports the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools as a coach, both on the School Mental Health Award and on the Senior Designated Mental Health Leader programme.

He also serves as chair of governors at a primary school in his local area. Andrew speaks at live events and on podcasts and webinars as well as being a guest blogger for a number of educational and mental health providers. Andrew is a twice published author with Bloomsbury Education: The Wellbeing Toolkit discusses strategies for leading staff wellbeing in schools; The Wellbeing Curriculum sets the case for why and how we can embed wellbeing across our primary schools. He is in the final stages of writing his third book, The School Mental Health Toolkit, due for publication in 2025.

Andrew and I discussed:

How educators can effectively balance planning and resourcing to ensure optimal learning outcomes for students.
Tactics to prevent the constant struggle of grading and providing feedback.
How to assure educators that small, sustainable steps will have a meaningful impact when it may seem like progress is moving very slowly.
Number one piece of advice for educators in relation to their workload.
And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb
Connect with Andrew:
LinkedIn: Andrew Cowley
X: Andrew Cowley
Website: Healthy Toolkit
Email: andrewcowley23@gmail.com

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What would be the impact if every conversation in your school was a better one? Even just a little bit? I had the pleasure of chatting with Julie Keyes, a highly experienced educator and coach with more than fifteen years in the field. In 2021, Julie established The Educational Coach. She meticulously handpicked a team of exceptional coaches and educators, and introduced The HELP Method, a transformative model she personally designed and implemented in schools worldwide.

With a background as a senior leader, Julie has steered complex organisations and institutions both in the UK and internationally. She holds professional membership with the Charter College of Teaching and has served as a trustee for a prominent school trust. Julie's contributions include creating and refining a module on parent partnerships for Discovery Education and the National Association Headteachers.

Julie's expertise extends to developing leadership programs for major corporations and law firms, alongside services in education. She passionately advocates for strengths-based coaching, recognising its ability to bolster self-awareness and confidence. Actively engaged in professional communities like the ICF, Julie remains dedicated to continuous learning and advancement in coaching methodologies.

Julie and I discussed:

What constitutes a high-quality conversation and trends in the coaching industry.
Key benefits of fostering a coaching culture within education.
Practical strategies for integrating coaching principles into a school environment.
Ethical considerations when engaging in coaching relationships in education settings.
How individuals can strike a balance between investing in their personal growth and focusing on their professional development.
And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb
Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn: Julie Keyes
Instagram: The Educational Coach
Website: The Educational Coach
Email: hello@theeducationalcoach.co.uk

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A positive workplace is a powerful thing.I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr Suzy Green, the CEO & Founder of The Positivity Institute, a positively deviant organisation dedicated to the research and application of Positive Psychology in workplaces and schools. She is a leader in the complementary fields of Coaching Psychology and Positive Psychology, having conducted a world first study on the impact of evidence based coaching on performance and wellbeing.

Suzy is an Honorary Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of East London. Suzy also holds honorary academic positions at the Centre for Positive Psychology, University of Melbourne and the Black Dog Institute. Suzy is also an affiliate of the Institute for Wellbeing at Cambridge University. As a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the treatment of mental illness, Suzy is passionate about reducing the significant impact of mental health in our workplaces, schools and communities.

As a Coaching Psychologist, who has scientifically investigated the impact of evidence-based coaching, Suzy is also passionate about encouraging the use of coaching for performance and wellbeing enhancement for all. Suzy’s extensive experience in the media includes having been a brand ambassador for ANZ, Fitbit, Nivea, Nespresso and Officeworks. Suzy is also an official ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Suzy and I discussed:

Key characteristics of positive leaders in education and how they influence the success of a school.
How positive leadership can address issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Examples of specific strategies or initiatives that positive leaders can implement to foster a culture of collaboration.
In challenging situations or times of change, how positive leaders can effectively guide their teams and maintain a sense of optimism.
And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb
Connect with Suzy:Instagram: @drsuzyg
LinkedIn: Dr Suzy Green
Twitter: @DrSuzyGreen
Facebook: The Positivity Institute

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New national regulations in Australia reflect the outcomes of an independent review of Australia’s model Work Health and Safety laws in 2018, which recommended more specific guidance on how to identify and manage psychosocial risks. Psychosocial hazards are hazards that may cause psychological harm. These new regulations are part of a significant national effort to better address the risks caused by psychosocial hazards at work and recognise that a worker’s psychological health is just as important as their physical health.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Lesley Cooper, a management consultant with over 25 years’ of experience in the design and delivery of all elements of employee wellbeing management programmes. In 1997 Lesley founded WorkingWell, an award-winning specialist consultancy that helps companies to manage workplace pressure in a way that facilitates growth and development. She is the co-author of Brave New Leader: How to Transform Workplace Pressure into Sustainable Performance and Growth.

Her passion lies in assisting clients to achieve the highest standards of performance, while prioritising the well-being of their workforce. Through her extensive expertise, she strives to make a positive impact on organisations by enhancing employee well-being and driving overall success.

Lesley and I discussed:

What psychological safety is and why is it crucial in workplaces.
Specific signs or indicators that suggest a lack of psychological safety among staff.
Effective strategies for creating a psychologically safe environment for teachers within schools or educational institutions.
The role school leaders play in fostering psychological safety for staff and what initiatives or policies can they implement.
How teachers themselves can contribute to the development of a psychologically safe culture within their professional communities.
And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb
Connect with Lesley:
Website: https://www.workingwell.co.uk/
LinkedIn: Lesley Cooper

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Thriving Workplaces. Flourishing Schools. Stronger Communities.

I had the pleasure of chatting to Dr. Michelle McQuaid, a best-selling author, workplace wellbeing teacher and playful change activator. An honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education, in addition to hosting the highly acclaimed weekly podcast, Making Positive Psychology Work, which features leading researchers and practitioners from around the world, Michelle blogs for Psychology Today, The Huffington Post and Thrive, and her work has been featured in Forbes, The Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Boss Magazine, The Age and more.

Michelle and I discuss:

How schools can effectively navigate organisational change to promote a positive and supportive environment.
Key strategies that have been successful in implementing organisational change in schools.
How can leaders ensure that changes are communicated transparently and inclusively to foster a sense of unity and understanding among staff.
How school leaders can prioritise and support the wellbeing of their staff to prevent burnout and maintain a positive working environment.
And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb
Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.michellemcquaid.com
LinkedIn: Michelle McQuaid
PERMAH Survey Link

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A modern approach to nutritional wellbeing without extreme approaches.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chattingwith Michele Chevalley Hedge, a former teacher and Microsoft marketing manager turned nutritionist, who brings a unique perspective to health and wellness, understanding the challenges faced by time-strapped corporate and education professionals.

Known as the "modern-day nutritionist," Michele's clinical practice and patient stories have led to bestselling books like "Beating Sugar Addictions for Dummies" and "Eat, Drink & Still Shrink." Beyond her clinical work, Michele collaborates with major international corporations and is an ambassador for Nature Care College, Cure Cancer, and the Heart Research Institute.

Michele is a passionate advocate for mental health and nutrition research and contributes to various publications. As the founder of A Healthy View, Michele's influence extends globally through online programs, showcasing her authenticity and dedication to wellbeing.

Michele and I discuss:

How educators can prioritise nutrition to ensure they maintain energy levels and overall wellness throughout the work day.
How the connection between mental resilience and physical wellbeing contribute to overall wellness, and strategies can educators employ to enhance this mind-body connection.
Practical tips for educators to boost their energy levels naturally, especially during long and demanding workdays.
How educators can develop and cultivate mental resilience, and specific nutritional strategies that can support this aspect of wellness.
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Michele:
Website - www.ahealthyview.com
LinkedIn - Michele Chevalley Hedge
Instagram - @ahealthyview

A generous offer from Michele for listeners;

Well-Nest Community here is your COMPLIMENTARY online one hour Continue Education Point course on Sleep and Productivity for Educators! 2 CPD points. Please download before February 1st on https://www.ahealthyview.com/free-sleep-program Use code PODCAST-FREESLEEP. The Science of Workplace Wellbeing - The Impact of Improving Sleep & Stress Levels on Productivity.

This short online program will 'edu-tain' on how to improve sleep and stress not just for your waistline but for your energy levels, mood, performance and productivity. I mentioned this in the podcast as it is an entirely new modality in CPE/CE development globally and would be not only beneficial for educators but also a welcome gift that they can share in their homes. These courses are for ALL industry and have global accreditation!

Think about your Wellbeing officer at your school rolling this out to your entire school through our licensed program. I have created three Science of Workplace Wellbeing courses on nutrition, sleep, gut health, mental resilience and more. https://www.ahealthyview.com/workplace-wellbeing-programs

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A mission to create thriving workplaces and foster positive cultures by empowering others to overcome their own hurdles and achieve their full potential.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Ali Flynn, Director and Founder of Tri Altitude Performance. With a background in psychology, trauma counselling, business strategy, and fitness coaching, Ali delivers impactful presentations that provide tangible outcomes for her audiences. She weaves powerful personal stories with her expertise to guide individuals on a transformative journey from where they are today to where they truly can be.

Drawing from her personal journey of resilience and determination, Ali influences thousands with her unwavering belief that obstacles can be overcome. She worked as a trauma therapist for almost a decade before she opened a fitness studio, and 3 founding companies. Her national company works with well-being and performance and has a trauma informed focus.

Ali and I discuss:

The definition of trauma and unique aspects of trauma that teachers may encounter in their roles.
How to guide educators in developing and maintaining resilience, particularly in the face of challenges within the education system.
Positive changes that can occur both personally and professionally and how can educators actively foster growth after challenging experiences.
How to support educators in safely exploring and processing their trauma to create a positive learning environment.
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Ali:Podcast Link: https://podfollow.com/challenges-that-change-us
Course “Surviving to Thriving: Discover the Secrets to Resilience”: resilience course: https://www.challengesthatchangeus.com/surviving-2-thriving-course1
Business: Tri Altitude performance Website: http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.au
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aliflynn
Email me: support@challengesthatchangeus.com

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The art and science of making those honest conversations possible because when we create the right conditions to bring our humanity out into the open. That’s when people feel a strong sense of belonging and that’s when communities thrive.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chattingwith Mike Dyson, a human skills facilitator, consultant and keynote speaker. After 15 years working with individuals in complementary healthcare supporting their physical and mental wellbeing, against a prevailing tide of overwork and overwhelm, a crisis in his own health, guided him to uncover the missing piece of the wellbeing puzzle - the power of human connection. Strong, supportive, empathetic, accountable human connection.

For the last 10 years, Mike has facilitated group conversations with all kinds of people on all kinds of difficult topics - from mental health and suicide prevention to culture change, healthy masculinity and corporate leadership.

Mike and I discuss:

How can adults encourage open and honest communication with teenagers, especially in challenging or sensitive situations?
Addressing the unique communication preferences of today's youth to enhance meaningful conversations?
Insights when navigating difficult topics or addressing resistance during conversations with adolescents?
Supporting and developing social and emotional intelligence in young individuals through communication?
What approaches help foster a safe and inclusive environment that encourages open communication among young people?
Common challenges or misconceptions that adults face when attempting to have better conversations with young people, and how can they be overcome?
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Mike:
Website - https://www.mikedyson.com.au/
LinkedIn - Mike Dyson
Email - mike@mikedyson.com.au
Instagram - goodblokesco

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"I book end my day with quiet practices, which is the biggest thing I have learnt over time" - Nicole

I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole Nolan, the current Leader of Kindergarten to Year 2 at Hills Grammar, north-west of Sydney. Nicole is a dedicated education professional with a strong passion for promoting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in educational settings. She is committed to enhancing literacy and numeracy skills in students for a brighter future and has extensive experience in diverse educational sectors across Australia, fostering a holistic approach to learning and development.

Nicole and I discuss:

How she begins and ends her day to support her wellbeing
Her personal and professional boundaries
Habits she has developed during the school day to support her emotional regulation
The power bravery and confidence
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://buff.ly/3DLem0w
Spotify - https://buff.ly/3OMP7kL
Amazon Music - https://buff.ly/3Os2F3V

Connect with Nicole:
LinkedIn: Nicole Nolan

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Discover how recognising and leveraging individual strengths not only empowers educators but also enhances the overall learning experience for students, fostering a culture of continuous growth and success in the classroom.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chattingwith Alison Mitchell, a high-impact leadership and career coach with over 30 years of experience in international and UK school leadership and teaching. Teaching across primary, secondary and now higher education, Alison understands the needs of teachers and the system they work within.

Her strengths-based approach empowers educators and school leaders to achieve their goals. She is passionate about positive psychology and the link between coaching and wellbeing speaking about these areas. With a focus on positive communication, she helps individuals and teams improve their relationships, communication skills, and job satisfaction.

Alison and I discuss:

How teachers identify their own strengths and recognise them within themselves
The role self-awareness plays in helping teachers leverage their strengths
How school leadership can support teachers in identifying and utilising their strengths
Strategies for collaboratively leveraging the strengths of teachers within a team or department
The role of ongoing reflection and feedback in optimising the use of strengths in teaching
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Alison:
Website - www.acoachingculture.com
LinkedIn: Alison Mitchell

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The most important asset in any organisation is… the brains of your people!

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chattingwith Dr Mark Williams, a Neuroscientist, Author, International Speaker and Facilitator and Director of Rethinking the Brain. Mark’s passion lies in improving learning, productivity, and wellbeing.

He is an internationally recognised professor of cognitive neuroscience, with over 25 years experience conducting behavioural and brain IMAGING research focusing on our social skills. He has taught the fundamentals of neuroscience to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as publishing more than 70 scientific articles. Mark has been awarded numerous high profile fellowships and grants, and worked both at MIT in the USA and at universities in Australia.

Mark and I discuss:

How cognitive load resulting from excessive administrative tasks impacts educators' ability to engage in innovative teaching methods
What strategies or cognitive adjustments help mitigate the negative effects on creativity and problem-solving
The neuroscience behind how constant time pressures affect educators' cognitive functions
Ways we can use this understanding to help teachers use their energy better for both their regular tasks and for thinking creatively
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Mark:
Website - https://www.drmarkwilliams.com/
LinkedIn: Mark Williams
Email: drmark@drmarkwilliams.com

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Educators, are you emotionally exhausted?

What strategies do you have in your toolkit to support your emotional wellbeing?

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Madhavi Nawana Parker, the Managing Director of Positive Minds Australia, an Author, Coach and Speaker. Madhavi is one of Australia’s leading experts on Wellbeing and Resilience. Madhavi is known for her warm, optimistic, and compassionate attitude towards others. She is a passionate supporter of young people, their families, and schools, and as a widely published author, Madhavi’s books and programs are implemented in schools, homes, and allied health care settings around the world.

Madhavi was proud to recently launch Thriving Minds, an online wellbeing program, the first of its kind in South Australia. Thriving Minds equips Teachers, Students and Parents with practical tools to support their Mental Health, Wellbeing and Connection to each other, through an online program that fits in with the Australian Curriculum and meets the Professional Standards for Teachers.

Madhavi and I discuss:

The complex layers involved in our wellbeing
Reset, recharge and recover; why and how
Coping with emotional exhaustion
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Madhavi:
Website: http://positivemindsaustralia.com.au
Facebook: Positive Schools Australia
Instagram: Positive Schools Australia
LinkedIn: madhavi-nawana-parker
YouTube: MadhaviNawanaParker

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Focusing on student mental health is vital for holistic development. By supporting parents, teachers and the collective school community, we create a nurturing environment that fosters wellbeing, academic success and lifelong resilience.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Toni Medcalf, an integrative psychotherapist and the Director and Founder of the Schools Counselling Partnership. Since qualifying at a psychotherapist, she has worked for ASCA (Adults Surviving Child Abuse), The Open Door Project in Feltham and the Brit School for Performing Arts. She is also a Mindfulness Teacher, Mentor and Group Leader for BASE Babywatching, a trustee of Dream Arts and on the advisory board of BASE Babywatching.

Toni and I discuss:

Support teachers need when it comes to supporting the impact of trauma on the brain development of their students
The main stressors/concerns teachers are addressing in 'drop in' sessions
How to ensure confidentiality and privacy for clients, especially in a school setting
Vulnerable but powerful stories
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Toni:
Website: School's Counselling Partnership
LinkedIn: Toni Medcalf

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The importance of building a culture where teachers and students work together, and where student voice, agency and leadership are understood as inter-related factors that contribute to the notion of empowerment and sense of school pride.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Lennon Rego, Head of Positive Education at The Australian International School in Singapore. He who works within the Wellbeing Team to create dynamic programmes to foster greater school spirit. Having lived in 5 countries and going to close 10 schools in Asia as well as in Australia, Lennon always felt a connection to the classroom and to teachers who would create a space for belonging and acceptance. As an ambassador for student and staff wellbeing, Lennon aims to create a positive and uplifting school culture where students and teachers may explore, collaborate and find the fun in learning.

Lennon and I discuss:

What Positive Education looks like at the Australian International School in Singapore
What Lennon does as a teacher to foster greater personal wellbeing
How to create a Student Leadership team which empowers students within the school community to take charge, lead events and develop school pride
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Lennon
LinkedIn: Lennon Rego

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The Launch of Well-Nest | Episode 50!

I have some exciting news to share... thank you so much for your support.

It truly means so much to me!

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"The purpose of my work is to help all humans understand themselves better and be inspired to live the life they desire" - Lael Stone.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Lael Stone, an educator, TEDx speaker, author, mother and parenting counselor who has been working with families for over 20 years. Her work as a birth educator, post-natal trauma counselor and parenting educator has seen her work with thousands of families consulting about newborns all the way to the teen years. She spent over 5 years in secondary schools working with teens around sexuality, wellbeing and relationships and her great aim is to empower parents to create connections and stronger relationships with their children.

She is the co-creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative new school based on emotional wellbeing and connection. Lael was the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast and a sought-after public speaker who talks candidly about her experiences and her great passion; creating wellness in adults through connection and communication.

As well as sitting on a few advisory boards and consulting with organisations around emotional awareness and trauma-informed practices, she has teamed up with The Resilience Project to deliver presentations about raising resilient children all over Australia. Lael’s first book ‘Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children' has just been released, debuting on many best sellers list. Lael's work has now extended to working with adults in the corporate space where she addresses the impacts of imprints and trauma and how that affects all relationships and stepping into our potential. She is currently writing her second book which focuses on healing our pasts so we can thrive in our future.

Lael and I discuss:

What resilience is and the significance of it in workplaces
Which strategies can be used to build resilience and we can foster a culture of resilience amongst staff
How staff can support one another when it comes to resilience
The influence of limiting beliefs on an individual's resilience
How people can identify their limiting beliefs and what steps can they take to overcome them to build resilience
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Lael:
Website: http://www.laelstone.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laelstone/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laelstone/
Woodline Primary Website: https://www.woodlineprimary.com.au/
Podcast: The Aware Parenting Podcast - over 2 million downloads
Book: Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children
Tedx Talk: How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children - over 3 million views

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Saying yes is a finite resource; as is your time. When you say “yes” to one thing you are inevitably saying “no” to another.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with David Bott, a sought-after speaker, author and education consultant who works with government organisations and some of the world’s leading schools to help guide wellbeing vision and strategy. As an expert in applied wellbeing science, David has supported thousands of educators from hundreds of schools around the world in designing and implementing system-level approaches to wellbeing and cultural change.

David is the Co-Founder and Director of The Wellbeing Distillery, based in Melbourne, Australia. David sits on the UAE Government’s Dubai Future Council for Education, is a Director on the PESA (Positive Education Schools Association) board. David’s bestselling book, 10 Things Schools Get Wrong: And How We Can Get Them Right was published in 2020.

David has led significant projects, partnering with government and non-government organisations, to embed wellbeing science in school systems in the UAE and Hong Kong. His current work is informed by his five years as Associate Director at the Institute of Positive Education and his 15 years of practical teaching experience in Australia and the UK where he held senior pastoral and academic leadership positions.

David and I discuss:

What boundaries are different types of boundaries
Why it is important to maintain personal and professional boundaries
What challenges people face when enforcing their boundaries
How people can balance the need for boundaries with the desire to be flexible and accommodating
The launch of The Wellbeing Educator, an online professional learning course
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with David:
LinkedIn: David Bott
Twitter: @davidbott
Website: www.thewellbeingdistillery.com

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Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning and behaving and differences are not viewed as deficits.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr Claire Hepworth, an HCPC Accredited and Chartered Clinical Psychologist. She additionally holds an MSc in Health psychology, a PhD in Psychology and is Co-Lead for CPD on the Division of Coaching Psychology committee BPS.

Claire has twenty years of experience in psychology research and clinical practice in the UK, working in NHS services, private practice and the Education sector. She provides consultation, assessment and psychological therapy, to individuals, families and professionals. Claire provides strategic consultation, coaching, supervision and training to schools and education professionals, with a particular focus on whole school wellbeing through inclusion and trauma informed practice.

Claire and I discuss:

The different types or neurodivergence
The biggest challenges neurodivergent students are facing at school
How schools are supporting neurodivergent students and what needs to be done to create more supportive environments
The future of neurodivergence
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Claire:
LinkedIn: Dr Claire Hepworth
Website: https://www.dowhatworks.co.uk/ and https://www.drclairehepworth.com/
Email: admin@dowhatworks.co.uk

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An important element of addressing educator and school leader burnout is to foster a positive school culture and create a staff wellbeing action plan.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Adrienne Hornby, a Health and Wellbeing Consultant who works alongside school leaders and their staff to build and embed a tailored ‘Staff Wellbeing Action Plan.’ Each plan is specifically designed to nurture a positive school environment and address teacher burnout, so that they can improve school outcomes and performance in each school.

As a school leader, Adrienne was once unhappy, unhealthy and overworked - and, it wasn't long before she burnt out. By prioritising her health and wellness, she started to feel healthier, happier, and more engaged at work. Before long, her leadership evolved and her staff's performance skyrocketed. Since then, she's made it her mission to help schools put their people first in order to build more positive staff and school cultures. Adrienne offers a range of tailored school wellbeing consulting services to suit the needs, budget and nuances of each specific school.

Adrienne and I discuss:

How schools know if and/or when they need to conduct a wellbeing survey?
What the benefits are of conducting an anonymous survey?
How schools create the right questions to ask for their context?
How schools prepare for what the data will tell them and what the process once the data has been collected?
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Adrienne:
LinkedIn: Adrienne Hornby
Website: www.adriennehornby.com.au
Instagram: adriennehornby_coach
Facebook: adriennehornbyconsulting
Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au

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Are you an educator or parent who is struggling to understand teenagers? As children move into adolescence, their brains are continuing to grow and change, which affects their thinking and behaviour. Understanding these changes can help you understand teenagers.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Marie Vakakis, a highly skilled Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Family Therapist, presenter, podcaster, and trainer. Marie is widely recognised for her expertise in the field of mental health and wellbeing. As a specialist in promoting positive relationships between adults and young people, Marie designs and delivers tailored programs that help educators build emotional intelligence and connect with young people.

Her inspiring talks and podcasts encourage audiences to embrace mental health as an essential part of overall well being, while breaking down the stigma that often surrounds the topic. Marie is passionate about empowering teachers and school communities to facilitate open and productive conversations around mental health and wellbeing, ultimately creating healthier, happier, and more resilient young people.Marie and I discuss:

The biggest challenges teens are facing
The best way for schools and parents to support teens who are in a stage of school refusal
The signs and symptoms to look for in teens who may be experiencing depression and anxiety
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Marie:
LinkedIn: Marie Vakakis
Website: https://thetherapyhub.com.au/
Facebook: TheTherapyHubCounselling
Instagram: thetherapyhubcounselling

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With the explosion of cyber technology, the issues of cyberbullying and ‘sexting’ are emerging as the number one issue confronting the safety and wellbeing of young people and the wider community.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Susan McLean, Australia’s leading expert in the area of cyber safety and the most highly qualified Federal Government eSafety certified educator. Susan was a member of Victoria Police for 27 years and was the first Victoria Police officer appointed to a position related to cybersafety and young people where she established and managed the Victoria Police Cybersafety Project. Susan has completed an abundance of advanced certifications and training.

Susan is a published author with her book Sexts Texts and Selfies which is acknowledged as the definitive guide to online safety. She presents to over 450,000 students each year as well as tens of thousands of parents and educators both within Australia and Internationally. She provides 100’s of hours of pro bono support to parents and schools each year in relation to online issues. Susan reviews and develops policies for a range of organisations and is considered an ‘expert witness’ in court proceedings. She is also a member of the Meta APAC Safety Advisory Group. She has authored resources for the Victorian Education Department and was engaged by the New South Wales Education Department to conduct a review into the personal use of mobile phones in schools by students.

Susan and I discuss:

How and where children are groomed online
When and how cyberbullying is a ‘sexting’ a crime and what the duty of care is as educators when it is brought to our attention
Sextortion and the influence and impact of artificial intelligence
The social, emotional and psychological effects of cyber safety trauma
What parents, teachers and schools should and should not do when cyber safety issues occur
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Susan:
LinkedIn: Susan McLean
Website: www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au
Twitter: TheCybercop1
Facebook: Susan McLean - Cyber Safety Expert

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There is so much to be said about wellbeing and culture, yet it is hard to know what to do. In a time where workloads are increasing, burnout is on the rise, and we look for ways to be more flexible and to support staff, we are often left to our own devices to try and make sense of what is needed and how we can support ourselves and others. The same can be said for our own wellbeing; we know it matters, but finding what works, prioritising time, and putting this into practice is easier said than done.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Amy Green, the Founder of The Wellness Strategy. Amy is a published author, speaker, facilitator and coach with a background in teaching, leadership and positive psychology. As the Founder of The Wellness Strategy, Amy is able to support schools, businesses and organisations to improve wellbeing, productivity, engagement, and culture. Her vision is to have schools across the globe make data-informed decisions that support teacher and student wellbeing whilst building collective teacher efficacy and student self-efficacy.

Amy and I discuss:

What teacher wellbeing is and how it looks in a school setting
The difference between subjective wellbeing and psychological wellbeing
Why we should be prioritising teacher wellbeing and where have we got it wrong
The connection between self efficacy and collective efficacy
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Amy Green
Website: https://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au/
Instagram: _thewellnessstrategy
Email: hello@amygreen.com.au

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"If you believe wellbeing matters, then important change needs to happen at a system level. The truth is wellbeing is a responsibility AND a strategy. It needs to be at the foundation of all decision making. Leaders should be questioning, how will this decision and structural change impact the wellbeing of people within our organisation? Integral to this is the care and attention given to nurturing the relational process, which is at the heart of education" - Sue Chandler

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Sue Chandler, the Founder of Transformative Schools. Sue has 30 years’ experience in teaching, educational leadership, counselling, coaching, conflict resolution, professional supervision, training and workplace health and wellbeing design. She has presented workshops on her wellbeing design concepts at state, national and international conferences.

Having led the strategic design, project planning and implementation of a whole school wellbeing framework at a large independent school, Sue brings a wealth of experience to her consultancy business, Transformative Schools. Her mission is to help schools drive positive and transformational change through the integration of the science of wellbeing into whole school systems.

Sue and I discuss:

The services provided by Transformative Schools
How to imbed wellbeing approaches and build professional capability
The importance of distributing power in such a way as to allow others to gain a sense of ownership over the goals in the process of change
Helping teachers understand that their classroom is a system and they have an incredible opportunity to curate the environment for learning and wellbeing, not just deliver content
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Sue Chandler
Website: https://www.transformativeschools.com.au/
Email: sue@transformativeschools.com.au

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In today’s busy life with too many choices, schedules and too little time, more and more children and teenagers present with anxiety disorders, behavioural concerns and an alarming rate of suicidal tendencies. Parents often feel overwhelmed by their daily routine and there seems to be a paramount disconnect between parents and their children.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Susanne North, the Founder of SPIEL Family Coaching in Sydney, Australia. I was fortunate enough to record Episode 16 in the middle of last year with Susanne, which focused on Family Coaching and today's episode is focused on Simplicity Parenting.

Susanne founded SPIEL over 12 years ago which is a multifaceted approach that aims to support parents in raising resilient and well-adjusted children whilst also understanding the importance of looking after their own mental wellbeing. As a Certified Leader of the Simplicity Parenting movement, Susanne is giving parents permission to bring childhood back to its grassroots and allowing children to be children in order to restore calm and harmony in families.
Susanne and I discuss:

Why Simplicity Parenting
What Simplicity Parenting means and how does it look in reality
The 5 domains of Simplicity Parenting
Desired results/observations as a result of applying this approach
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Susanne North
Website: https://susannenorth.com.au/
Email: susnorth@bigpond.net.au

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Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a strengths-based, collaborative approach to organisational change which focuses on understanding the ‘positive core’ of an organisation and how this can be strengthened.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with David Kolpak, the Principal at Trinity College North in Adelaide, South Australia. Prior to this, David was Head of Junior Years at St Peter’s College. In his leadership roles, David has been responsible for the design and delivery of Positive Education programs and wellbeing initiatives, worked with teams to develop the scope and sequence of programs and ensured that the principles of positive psychology were embedded across all curriculum areas.

With over 30 years experience as a leader and teacher, David has established himself as a quality educator and speaker on Positive Education and Wellbeing and has been invited to present his work at numerous national and international conferences. As a facilitator of Professor Lea Waters’ Visible Wellbeing Program, David is able to utilise his passion for a whole-school approach to wellbeing.

Keen to share his work, David has authored several “Character Strength’ iBooks which are freely available to use in the classroom. David’s passion for bringing out the best is evident in his school-based leadership and teaching roles together with his wider roles as a speaker and leader in the field.

David and I discuss:

The appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach
How to implement the AI approach
What ways we can integrate wellbeing into every lesson every day
Why combining the science of learning with the science of wellbeing is important to help students flourish
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: David Kolpak
Twitter: David Kolpak (@chardkol)
Email: david.kolpak@trinity.sa.edu.au

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Teachers are leaving the profession and few people want to join the field; experts are sounding the alarm. We need to look after new graduate teachers who are new to the field.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Emma Gentle, Founder of The Grad Guide. Em has worked in education for 11 years and supported neurodivergent children whilst studying a Bachelor of Education in the Primary years. She spent 7 years as a Primary Classroom Teacher in both upper and lower classrooms. Before having her daughter, she undertook a Relieving Assistant Principal role, specialising in mentoring new teachers, Learning Support and implementing school-wide wellbeing practices.

Em is on a mission to help create a new generation of emotionally intelligent teachers who want to change schools from the inside out. She strongly believes that a child’s social and emotional wellbeing is the highest priority and as such, supports and mentors graduate teachers, helping them to foster a classroom culture that promotes well-being and cultivates connection and understanding above anything else.

Em and I discuss:

The Grad Guide and her associated Mentorship Program
Common stresses impacting teachers who are new in the field
Crucial mindset tips for new graduate teachers
Notable holes in teaching degrees and teaching training when preparing graduates for 21st century classrooms
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Instagram: thegradguide_
Website: http://thegradguide.com.au
Email: hello@thegradguide.com.au

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Restorative Practice is a wellbeing strategy in schools and often they are seen as two separate entities.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Kristy Elliot, the Founder and Director of Restorative Pathways, an Australian, Melbourne-based business supporting schools to create flourishing cultures using restorative approaches. She is an experienced international consultant and teacher, who has worked for over two decades with schools in Australia and Asia striving to make a positive difference in their school communities.

Kristy provides coaching and tailored professional development in restorative practice and positive psychology. She runs restorative peer mediation training for students, teaches innovative circle technologies for the enhancement of relationships and provides in-class coaching for educators. In addition, she supports schools in policy and document writing and works with school leaders and educators to understand the crucial role of psychological safety in teams.

Kristy and I discuss:

What restorative practice is and what it offers schools
Neuro-scientific and psychological foundations in restorative approaches
Evidence-based positive psychology tools that target teacher wellbeing
How schools measure the impact of restorative pathways
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Kristy Elliot
Website: http://restorativepathways.com.au
Email: kristy@restorativepathways.com.au

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No more students struggling in silence. No more teachers unsure of how they can help.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Hayley Watson, Founder and CEO of Open Parachute, an online video-based school mental health program that is being delivered in schools globally. As a clinical psychologist, Hayley has extensive experience in the assessment, treatment and support with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. She has particular expertise in supporting adolescents dealing with anxiety, bullying/social exclusion, victimisation and relational difficulties.

Hayley has worked within the policing, victim services and restorative justice fields. She has a solid grounding in academia, lecturing and teaching in the fields of both Psychology and Criminology.

Hayley and I discuss:

The inspiration story behind 'Open Parachute'
Why their video-based mental health program is powerful and the process involved in creating video content
The positive changes seen in schools since the pandemic and what schools are currently doing well in relation to wellbeing
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Dr Hayley Watson
USA Website - https://openparachuteschools.com
Australian Website - https://www.openparachute.com.au

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The importance of taking a strategic approach to bring meaningful improvement to staff and student wellbeing, prevent burnout and build a positive school culture.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Helen Kelly, a school wellbeing and culture expert, researcher, author, speaker and consultant. Helen is committed to helping schools maximise wellbeing and improve school culture. She led international schools in Asia and Europe, until she retired from her work as a principal in 2020.

Helen has been conducting research in the field of education wellbeing for almost a decade and consults with schools to provide strategic and practical approaches to improve staff wellbeing and workplace culture.

Helen and I discuss:

The definition of burnout as well as the dimensions and factors surrounding burnout
What the process is when addressing burnout and wellbeing in a school context
Why school leaders fail to prioritise their own needs and how this can be addressed
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Dr Helen Kelly
Website: http://www.drhelenkelly.com
Book: School Leaders Matter: Preventing Burnout, Managing Stress and Improving Wellbeing will be published in February 2023 - Amazon

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Help children thrive with peace, passion and positivity. Using play-based educational tools and strategies to help them be the best they can be.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Helen Maffini, the Director of MindBE Education. MindBE Education is an educational training company working globally to improve mindfulness and social-emotional learning skills in preschools. MindBE highlights the latest research, tools, and strategies and works with thought leaders in the industry helping educators and parents develop these skills in themselves and children.

Helen and I discuss:

The positive influences on 'third culture kids'
How to turn emotional meltdowns into teaching moments
The impact of social-emotional learning in preschool
The creation of the Kind Kids Card Deck Initiative
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Dr Helen Maffini
Email: helen@mindbe-education.com
Website: https://mindbe-education.com/

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A desire to see generational change by helping students understand all the elements of their inner selves and to get to know who they are down to the core of their existence.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Lizette Lotter, Founder and CEO of The Wellbeing School. As a content developer, Lizette created the Mind Master Program with the aim to help students unlock the power of their minds and discover their true purpose and potential by providing a comprehensive teaching program for schools.

Lizette and I discuss:

The values that underpin The Wellbeing School
Details of the Mind Master Program
How to get control back to make positive change and take responsibility
Effective collaborative life coaching practices within schools
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Lizette Lotter
Email: thewellbeingschool@outlook.com
Website: http://www.thewellbeingschool.org

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Belonging and connection are two atavistic human needs; two things that, as a ten year old or 110 year old, help you feel accepted in the world in which you live.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Mike Symons, a secondary English teacher at The Kings School in Sydney and current Director of Community Engagement. Mike has been in the education sector for 13 years and is an Advanced English HSC marker.

He has represented Australia and his school at many international conferences and recently, he was one of the lead speakers at an International Boys School Coalition with the focus of giving young men the confidence and opportunities to be leaders in their own personal settings.

Mike and I discuss:

How to foster an environment of belonging and connection in a boarding school
The importance of communication
Managing independence and autonomy
Breaking the stigma for it to be 'OK' for boys to seek support during adversity
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

LinkedIn: Mike Symons
Email: mikesymons@live.com

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How do we cultivate trusting and safe work environments through the development of emotional intelligence?
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Marc Lesser, an executive coach, workshop leader and Zen teacher. He is known for his engaging, experiential presentations that integrate mindfulness and emotional intelligence practices and training.

Prior to his business and coaching career, he was a resident of the San Francisco Zen Center for 10 years and director of the Zen Mountain Center, the first Zen monAstery in the Western world. He was also involved in the development of the world-renowned Search Inside Yourself (SIY) program within Google; a mindfulness-based emotional intelligence training for leaders.

Marc and I discuss:

The foundations for success when it comes to bringing mindfulness and emotional intelligence practices into the world of education workplaces
Tools to be used when developing emotional intelligence in adults
The key takeaways from his book ‘The Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader’
Marc's experience as Director of Tassajara - Zen Mountain Center, the first Zen monastery in the western world
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Website: http://www.marclesser.net
Book: http://www.marclesser.net/books/

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Finnish education is free, from early childhood education through to university and the positive impact on society is phenomenal.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr Johan Storgård whose current position as Chief Executive Officer of Finland International Education is framed around exporting Finnish high-quality Childhood Education and Care to operators in the business around the globe.

Johan and I discuss:

The inspiration for sharing Finnish education with the rest of the world
The Finnish pedagogical approach for Early Years
The focus of "It's not just random play. It’s learning through play”
The positive social impacts of equality in education
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Website: http://www.fineeducation.fi
Email:

Click here to purchase "Playful Learning in Early Childhood Education in Finland"

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Bold, unapologetic and ready for change.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Sam Moinet, an education disrupter and global leader in the revolution of student wellbeing.

As an international speaker and coach, Sam’s aim is to transform emotional support for young people and create lasting change for future generations. After experiencing frustrations as a classroom teacher, Sam wanted to have a bigger impact on his students wellbeing and provide them with essential life skills so they could create success, happiness and wellbeing within themselves whilst dealing with adversity.

Sam and I discuss:

Why we see ourselves as victims
How we can support others who are feeling like victims and how we can support ourselves
Deep dive into Student Breakthrough Academy
The upcoming 'Education Disruptor' event
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Website: Student Breakthrough
LinkedIn: Sam Moinet
Instagram: Student Breakthrough

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The importance of helping families have the right conversations at the right time.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr Joshua Symes who has spent over 20 years as a wellbeing practitioner, teacher and educational leader around the globe. As the Head of Wellbeing & Insight at TogetherAI, he has led the development of the wellbeing and content strategy as well as technological approaches to improve the wellbeing and mental health of the diverse range of users from across the world.

Josh and I discuss:

The importance of giving children time to be bored
The key of 'communication' in child development
The benefits of using artificial intelligence to support wellbeing
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Website: www.togetherai.com
LinkedIn: Josh Symes

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How does teacher wellbeing become the center of culture within a school setting?

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Amy Green who is a published author, speaker, facilitator and coach with a background in teaching, leadership and positive psychology.As the Founder of The Wellness Strategy, Amy is able to support schools, businesses and organisations to improve wellbeing, productivity, engagement, and culture. Her vision is to have schools across the globe make data-informed decisions that support teacher and student wellbeing whilst building collective teacher efficacy and student self-efficacy.

Amy and I discuss:

The importance of aligning personal values with professional values
How to build a culture of wellbeing
Setting professional boundaries to support time management and productivity
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Website: www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au
LinkedIn: Amy Green
Instagram: The Wellness Strategy
Facebook: Amy Green

Order Amy's book 'Teacher Wellbeing' from here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/.../192.../ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0...

Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/teac.../book/9781922607386.html

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com.au/.../B0B.../ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0...

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Be You is the national mental health in education initiative in Australia delivered by Beyond Blue, in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and Headspace. Be You supports educators from early learning services and schools to develop a positive, inclusive and resilient learning community where every child, young person, educator and family can achieve their best possible mental health.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Julian Jefferyswho for over 20 years, has been immersed in international education and more recently, mental health. Having worked across six different countries, he has gained a unique global perspective on education and how to prepare young people for the 21st Century. He is now a Team Lead at Headspace/Be You and brings with him a plethora of knowledge.
Julian and I discuss:

Wellbeing services available in Australia on a national scale
The importance of understanding school life from the perspective of students
How to be conscious of losing empathy when stressed and overwhelmed
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

BeYou: https://beyou.edu.au/
LinkedIn: Julian Jefferys

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Rhiannon's'Healthy Living' initiative aims to teach all students awareness, tools and strategies to look after themselves and to look out for others.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Rhiannon Phillips-Bianco, a Classroom Teacher and Leader of Wellbeing and Positive Education. Majority of Rhiannon’s 20 years of teaching has been across the UK, Netherlands and Italy. In that time, she has held numerous teaching and leadership roles across various schools. Rhiannon and I discuss:

Powerful soft skills to teach compassion
The vital importance of having the support of leadership and wellbeing ambassadors
The benefit of 'drip drip' when implementing professional development for staff
The crucial element of patience and time
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

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Building and shaping confidence and resilience in students in order to develop lifelong learners is vital in every classroom.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Lulu Sanderson-Green who is currently a Stage Leader and Classroom Teacher. Prior to being in the classroom, Luluworked in inclusion support for an early childhood not-for-profit organisation where her role was assisting educators to build inclusive practice for children in one of the targeted priority groups.
Lulu and I discuss:

How to build trusting relationships
The impact of teacher guilt
The power of making mistakes
How to show empathy through actions
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

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His aim on a daily basis is to build students' academic abilities as well as their wellbeing abilities in order to better equip them for future life, simply, by being in their corner.
In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Hugh Scott who has been an educator for over 15 years. Heknows what it takes to make students thrive, how to build healthy relationships, how to guide students to improve their self awareness and how to build resilience and confidence to help them navigate social situations.Hugh and I discuss:

How to build strong connections with students
What it means to be 'in their corner' and the power of it
The significance of Term 4 as an educator
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

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Lauren has had the unique experience of teaching a variety of age groups and has a field of experience in the area of music and performing arts.
In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Lauren Kelleher. Her educational philosophy stems from a progressive and hands-on approach to learning that develops the whole child through self-exploration, curiosity and wonderment. Throughout all of Lauren’s teaching experiences, she believes that at the core of her educational philosophy is a growth mindset, where every child can come to learn with a belief in themselves and the comfort of being vulnerable when exploring all aspects of education.Laurenand I discuss:

The importance of setting intentions
Strategies from the CARE program (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education)
Connection with students across different ages
The benefits and challenges of teacher expat lives when it comes to wellbeing
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

CARE Program: http//www.careforeducation.org

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As a pedagogical director of Learning Scoop, Johanna has focused on training foreign teachers, students and education experts about Finnish education. Her mission is to share ideas and best practices with experts from around the world.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Johanna Järvinen-Taubert. For the last 20 years, she has trained teachers from early childhood education, basic education, high school and higher education in Finnish in-service teacher training courses. This has given her a comprehensive insight about the Finnish education system as a whole.

Johanna and I discuss:

The structure of a Finnish school day
The science behind the foundations of Finish education
Teacher education and pedagogical leadership development behind Learning Scoop
The child-centred inspirational learning process of Forest Education
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Website: http://www.learningscoop.fi
LinkedIn: Johanna Järvinen-Taubert
Email: johanna.jarvinen-taubert@learningscoop.fi

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For 36 years, Zoë Neill Readhead has been running the internationally known Summerhill School in Suffolk, founded exactly a hundred years ago by her father, the pioneering Scotsman A. S. Neill. Over the years, Summerhill has had to accept the way the world views the school as not always positive or supportive of its underlying values and principles.

In this episode, I have the the pleasure of chatting with Zoë Red head, the Principal at Summerhill School, Suffolk in the United Kingdom. Summerhill is unlike any conventional school, providing a space where children can grow in a ‘free-range’ environment. The school was created to fit the child rather than forcing pupils to do what parents and educators thought might be best for them. Zoe describes it as a real place, not a utopia.

Zoe and I discuss:

What a typical day looks like at Summerhill
The core values of Summerhill
How wellbeing is catered for and managed
What a successful graduate looks like when they leave Summerhill
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Twitter: Zoe Summerhill
Website: https://www.summerhillschool.co.uk/

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Lilli is most passionate about the systems within which we live and how we can make them more conducive to health and connection, rather than disease and loneliness. She has lived and travelled in lots of different countries and very much enjoys learning through experience.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Lilli Morgan, an educator with 3 different degrees, who has incredible career and life experiences under her belt. Since 2013, Lilli has held various positions within the education sector and allied services. She has a degree in International Studies, Public Health and Education. Lilli is currently living in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, the heart of Australia, teaching at St Philip's College.

Lilli and I discuss:

How her role as Education Project Manager at Smiling Mind change the way she viewed education.
The difficulty of trying to find the line of relational safety as a teacher and how much can you/should you share with students.
In philosophy, what is at the core of teaching wellbeing to students and what is the practical application of these philosophical teachings.
The practice of questioning constructs within a classroom to support student development and wellbeing.
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Contact Details for Lilli:
LinkedIn: Lilli Morgan
Instagram: @lillialexiss

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We can get confused with signs of anxiety and be lost when supporting students and families within the school community.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr Jodi Richardson about understanding anxiety and how as educators, we can best support students and families in our care.

Dr Jodi Richardson is an Anxiety and Wellbeing Speaker, Educator and Bestselling Author. As an educational leader, she is one of Australia's leading lights in managing anxiety and amplifying wellbeing. Jodi supports parents and teachers to understand anxiety, their relationship with it and lights the way for children and students to do the same.
Jodi and I discuss:

Why students are more anxious than ever and signs of anxiety in the classroom.
How to deal with catastrophic thinking and big feelings with students.
What the importance is of emotional intelligence.
Which strategies we can use to support school withdrawal and avoidance
And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:

Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg

Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Season 2 Episode 9
The Wonders of Wellbeing
The Power of Understanding Anxiety

Website: https://drjodirichardson.com
Email: jodi@drjodirichardson.com.au
LinkedIn: Dr Jodi Richardson
Instagram: drjodirichardson

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"We live in such a busy world where there is so much stimuli, technology and things we are processing and I think if we can create a culture where people take pauses, then we can make better decisions not just for ourselves but for our community."

This episode with Lucy deep dives into the power of mindfulness in a school community. Lucy shares her expertise having worked as a mindful educator school wide. She is extremely honest with where mindfulness is most powerful and where it is not. She discusses the analogy of planting seeds slowly, as a way of implementing change like this in a school setting.

Lucy highlights the importance of starting the mindful process by being clear on why you're implementing it and what the purpose is. Is it students knowing themselves better, individuals making more conscious decisions, showing more compassion or helping them cope with stresses in the world? We discuss which age groups mindfulness is most significant for and the different strategies and practices used across a whole school setting. Lucy shares positive ways to engage staff and parents as well as students.

Lucy explains her successes and challenges, the importance of a systemic mindful change not just individuals as well as the power of making such a practice a habit in order to see benefits and change. Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners.

Website: www.mindfulnessbylucy.com
Email: lucy@mindfulness
LinkedIn: Lucy Keller
Facebook: Mindfulness by Lucy

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"Montessori builds the foundations for children to be self determined in a Montessori classroom by being independent, access what they like, interact with others and their concentration is expanded because they are bale to focus on something for as long as they want to."

This episode with Isabelle deep dives into the power of play in order to develop the foundations of social emotional growth. We discuss the misconceptions of Montessori, the physical and mental health support given in a Montessori setting and Isabelle shares the importance of independence from a very young age.

The power of grit is also discussed as this is a huge driver for the direction The Mushkins is taking. Isabelle shares details of the incredible program The Mushkins offers as an educational method. She explains the use of creative and explorative storytelling techniques used to teach resilience and wellbeing in early childhood education. Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!
Website: https://www.themushkins.com
Instagram: @themushkins
Email: info@themushkins.com

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"Fast forward, what kind of human being would you like to greet at the door? Someone who has made a lot of money who is unhappy and has poor mental health or someone who is compassionate, empathetic, resilient with a good sense of humour and good mental health?"

This two-part episode with Susanne deep dives into supporting child development through strong family connections. Rather than parents micromanaging their children, Susanne discusses the importance of being their shepherds and shares advice on how to help parents let go of socially imposed 21st century pressures.

We discuss the power of play, the correlation between success and pressure as well as the importance of providing opportunities to role model behaviours as adults. We talk about the love languages of children, the impact of screen time as well as the never ending concern of child anxiety.

Susanne says we have lost the sacredness of connecting and understanding that all children require deep connectedness with parents and educators. She feels parents are crying out for help and this two-part episode shares so many incredible ideas and practical strategies for parents and educators. Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Website: https://susannenorth.com.au
Instagram: @spielfamilycoaching
LinkedIn: Susanne North
Email: susnorth@bigpond.net.au

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Website: https://susannenorth.com.au
Instagram: @spielfamilycoaching
LinkedIn: Susanne North
Email: susnorth@bigpond.net.au

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"Why are we waiting for people to see a psychologist to learn amazing tools? Why not teach them to young adolescence before they stumble across adversity."

This episode with Ben and David deep dives into the power of building meaningful and shared experiences. We discuss the implications of COVID on students and the need for us to purposely create experiences for them to connect with one another. They share their passion for acknowledging that as humans, we won't always be happy. They share tools they teach students to understand and recognise different emotions and feelings and the ways they can make space for them.

Ben and David share vulnerable moments and explain how Brene Browns line 'The story I’m telling myself is’ is a foundation of their professional conversations together as they expand Toolbox Education. They share how their engaging and relatable workshops teach students how to apply tools from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to their own lives. This start-up initiative is doing extremely well in its very early days and Ben and David have found a huge gap in 21st century education and I can't wait to see where this goes. I'm positive you will enjoy this chat as much as I did. Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Website: https://www.toolboxeducation.com
Instagram: @toolbox.education
Email: info@toolboxeducation.com
LinkedIn: Ben Scholl and David Berlinski

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"I am analysing the researching thematically and putting it into a format that can be used; there is a gap between research and practice and that is the gap that I am bridging."

This episode with Nadine deep dives into preventative and integrative systemic approaches that support wellbeing education. She shares the different elements of the model Mind the Class utilise to support schools as well as the importance of experiencing and overcoming failure. Nadine discusses how she helps to build capacity, empower and connect teams so they can make progress year after year with autonomy and self-direction.

The second hat Nadine wears is an Integrative Mental Health Consultant through Neuropsycle. We discuss the approach and practices used to support her clients and the close connections these have to Mind the Class. The pressure on schools in 21st century education is discussed as well as the importance of context and culture. Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!
Mind the Class Website: www.mindtheclass.org
Neuropsycle Website: www.neuropsycle.com
Linked In: Nadine Wilches

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"The coaching allows the space to talk about, and acknowledge, the signs of stress and fatigue that are going on; you can't just keep going and going."

This episode with Elizabeth deep dives into the power that coaching and mentoring can have in a school setting. Liz discusses the importance of evaluating values and having a calm, safe and reflective environment to foster a positive school culture. Her passion is to get every teacher a coach and when you listen, you will understand why. We discuss the holistic viewpoints required to action these processing in a school context. Liz wants teachers to have the space to talk, reflect and acknowledge what they do.

Her blended approach to mentoring and coaching is interesting. She shares the biggest challenge in her role and some vulnerable moments from her life experiences. Her mission with Elizabeth Helen Coaching is to mend a coaching culture with UK schools in order to best support teachers. Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Free Wellbeing Questionnaire - Email Liz at elizabeth@elizabethhelencoach.co.uk
Website: https://elizabethhelencoach.co.uk/
LinkedIn: Elizabeth Helen Adamowicz

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"I am extremely passionate about reclaiming the term mental health. We need to normalise it as it is something we all have and we are all somewhere on the continuum. It is normal for us to slip in the continuum and not always feel like we are flourishing, coping and high on life but we need to know what to do to prevent it and what to do when we are suffering from poor mental health. If we start these conversations earlier, we have a much greater chance of reducing the severity and dangers."

This two-part episode with Alice deep dives into a range of different topics around wellbeing in schools. We discuss Grow Your Mind and the program content, normalising mental health, how teachers can best plan lessons, the power of stories, their children's podcast, the importance of a whole school community when it comes to wellbeing in action as well as the influence leaders have within a school to support wellbeing frameworks. This episode truly inspired me and I have already explored three of the podcasts with my class and they absolutely loved it! If Grow Your Mind is not a program your school has, you can still jump onto their website and get access to so many incredible resources! I loved my conversation with Alice and I hope you enjoy listening. Thank you for helping create a better future for our life long learners.
Website: https://growyourmind.life/
Instagram: @growyourmind.life
Children's Podcast: The Grow Your Mind Podcast

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"The foundation is training in mindful awareness in order to support key social and emotional skills and competencies like self awareness, self management, relationship skills that contribute to awareness and understanding of ourselves under the umbrella of community wellbeing." This two-part episode with Amy and Kevin deep dives into the power of awareness based wellbeing and the stigma around self care. We discuss practical strategies from their books as well as content from their workshops and courses. Mindwell is a global network of best practices and evidence-based approaches to social and emotional learning and mindfulness. Their knowledge and experiences are a treat to listen to and this chat is filled with so many incredible take aways! Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners.

Discount code for new book release 'The Mindful Teacher's Toolkit' - UK22Authorwhich can be purchased through - https://www.mindwell-education.com/our-books
Website: https://www.mindwell-education.com/
Instagram: mindwelleducation
Promotional Links: https://linktr.ee/mindwelleducation
LinkedIn: Amy Burke and Kevin Hawkins

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"Our reality is made up of this material called thought, which is energy in different forms and when we take it all so seriously, we take everything we see and feel as real. But when we take a closer look, they are all essentially like holograms; every human experience, belief, idea, judgement, expectation is just thought in different disguises."

This episode with Ed deep dives into the power of reconnecting with who you really are, so that your whole mental system is healthy. He shares the upmost importance of deep listening because when there is no real listening, we often lose goodwill and respect contained with us. If people are trapped in a negative physical reality, made of thought, they find it very hard to be present - 97% of our communication is non-verbal so the practice of deep listening has been lost.

Ed shares personal experiences as a teacher with stories of his own and that of students where wellbeing was as the forefront. Ed strongly believes that connection is when our minds are silent and that we are not able to deep listen until our minds are calm. This conversation made me think really deeply and I hope it does for you too. Thank you for coming on this journey to make a better future for our life-long learners!

You can contact Ed through the following platforms;
Website: mentalwellbeingcentre.org
Instagram: @mentalwellbeingcentre
Mavis Karn - Ed refers to these links in the recording;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUEqVstGXjY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94GJwb2upcY

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"I have been able to simplify health and wellbeing without having to count calories or how many steps we do a day, it's just getting back to the really simple things and doing the best we can; not adding guilt to our recipe is one of the best things we can do for our health." This episode with Mark deep dives into timeless wisdom for modern health with a focus on Ayurveda. As a former professional AFL footballer, Mark already had a deep understanding of high-performance health science. But years of training and study hadn't provided the holistic answers to health and contentment he was looking for. A volunteer trip to South East Asia to work for an aid group changed all that. Mark strongly believes in simplifying the shift to conscious living, creating happier, healthier and stress-free lives through the collective wisdom of East meets West. We discuss in detail Transcendental Meditation (TM) which is a technique for avoiding distracting thoughts and promoting a state of relaxed awareness. The late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi derived TM from the ancient Vedic tradition of Indian and Mark shares insightful examples of how we can imbed this strategy into our daily lives, based on his own experiences. We discuss the recent work he has done in school settings and the benefits schools are getting from his presentations. This is a truly fascinating chat that will no doubt open your mind to new ways of thinking. Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our lifelong learners!
Website: https://markbunn.com.au/
Instagram: @markbunnhealth
You can also find Mark Bunn on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube

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"When it comes to wellbeing we need to think about where we are in our life and what stage we are in because every stage is different and what we have to offer changes, so we need to be able to adapt our wellbeing practices for what our context requires of us." This episode with Meg deep dives into the power we have to design our wellbeing practices to suit our context. Meg strongly believes that when we look after ourselves we can think clearly, make better decisions and in turn, be more confident on a daily basis. She shares stories of past experiences that shaped her perception of the power wellbeing has both inside and outside school contexts and describes meaningful and vulnerable moments in her career that have inspired her. Meg offers brilliant ways we can take care of ourselves by designing our wellbeing to suit our needs as well as the programs she offers schools through Open Mind Education. Kindling VS wood is a great analogy Meg shares to describe the power of deep and meaningful conversation that helps fill her bucket on a daily basis. Thank you for coming on this journey to make a better future for our life long learners!
You can contact Meg through the following platforms;
Website: https://openmindeducation.com/
Email: hello@openmindeducation.com
Instagram: megdurham_
LinkedIn: Meg Durham
Podcast: The School of Wellbeing

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"For me it is all about putting the focus of the students first, which has to inform every decision we make as a teacher in the classroom, as a leader of a team or as a senior leader of a whole school." This episode with Cate deep dives into the student focused approach, which she is extremely passionate about. She shares experiences throughout her career that have supported this approach and the work she has done with the likes of Guy Claxton to support school frameworks. Her experience working as Head of Inclusion taught her a tremendous amount about whole school wellbeing alongside an incredible program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Cate has a wonderful explanation of what wellbeing would look like on her blank canvas as she shares the importance of funding and equality. Thank you for coming on this journey to make a better future for our life long learners!

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“You really need to be confident that the social emotional program you are implementing has research backing and has been proven to produce an affect that is meaningful." This episode with Campbell deep dives into the power of proactive intervention and the benefits it has in an education context. He shares valuable examples and clearly and articulately explains the implementation process to connect both school and home. We discuss the procedure schools go through to select wellbeing programs and Campbell shares insightful tips. He describes the experience he had with the Black Dog Institute and what directed him to the path of psychology originally. Campbell shares some vulnerable moments from his professional career and his childhood, as well as the three special people in his life that he is inspired by daily. Thank you for coming on the journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

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"Wellbeing in action is being autonomously motivated and self-determined in your life." This conversation with Helen unpacks the misconceptions of motivation and the connection it has with behaviour. She shares relatable and realistic ways we can pioneer the support of learning engagement, motivation and wellbeing within schools. Positive Schools Mental Health and Wellbeing Conferences were co created by Helen in 2009 and are now Australia’s leading mental health and wellbeing event for educators. We discuss what the conferences advocate as well as insightful take aways from previous events. We deep dive into her most recent book, ‘Contextual Wellbeing’, and explore the core domains of the framework; people, policy and practice, physical space and social normals. Helen's passionate, composed and articulate manner is extremely engaging! Thank you for coming on the journey with me to create a better future for our life long learners.
Website: http://www.positiveschools.com.au/
Instagram: @positiveschools
LinkedIn: Dr Helen Street

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"He said to me, right now you are here and held his hand to his chin; you need to bring it here and he put his hand above his head." Pat explained "you need to have relationships with these kids Jade because they do not know you care about them, they do not know that you are going to stay here and not leave them and until you have that relationship with them, you can't tell them what to do." This conversation with Jade explores the vital importance of relationships and student voice in the classroom. She shares vulnerable moments she has experienced throughout her career thus far as well as practical and applicable strategies and practices. As a PAX Good Behaviour Games Coach and a Restorative Practices Trainer, Jade has learnt how to create a safe and comfortable environment for all students. Having taught in a very low socioeconomic area in San Francisco early in her career, she learnt very quickly that academic engagement can’t be achieved until students feel safe, heard and valued. Her passion for student wellbeing and social emotional development is contagious and truly inspiring! Thank you for coming on the journey with me to create a better future for our life long learners.

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"I take a 'why not' approach as opposed to a 'why' approach which is a little nuance I would recommend to other school leaders out there." This episode with Dan deep dives into the powers of leading with empathy. Dan strongly believes that wellbeing is the most important component of school systems, especially in a global pandemic. We discuss changes in the Japan International Schools over the last 20 years, ways Dan incorporates his wellbeing philosophy into his daily practices, challenges he has faced leading a school throughout COVID-19 as well as the new character and kindness curriculum he is in the middle of creating! Listen in to hear inspiring and practical ways Dan applies his philosophy on a daily basis. Thank you for coming on this journey with me to create a better future for our lifelong learners.

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"I am putting my hope in humanity; us all growing, fumbling, learning and finding our way through growth and change together as a living ecosystem." This episode with Lucy conveys a strong message about the power we have to make change. With her past experiences as CEO of Smiling Mind, Brand and Strategy Manager of The Resilience Project, involvement in digital agency startups in New York City and management of global health advocacy events alongside the UN General Assembly and World Health Assembly she has a plethora of wisdom to share! She strongly believes that our school system and society needs to teach people how to feel safe within themselves in order to take risks, be vulnerable and to open up. Sheis building a social enterprise to guide the next generation of changemakers, titled 'School of Social Change' which is launching soon! Thank you for coming on the journey with me to create a better future for our life long learners.
https://www.lucyrichards.com.au/schoolforsocialchange
@luce_richards

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"The connection between teachers and students is vital in order to develop effective wellbeing in a school setting; we just need time to create them." Welcome to our FIRST ever episode! This conversation with Rach deep dives into the critical connections required for students to be successful. She shares vulnerable stories with us, elaborates on wellbeing programs that have made a difference in her classroom and paints a picture of wellbeing in 21st century education on a blank canvas. Rach has a simple yet effective analogy of 'plates' which we can all refer to from this day forward. Thank you for coming on the journey with me to create a better future for our life long learners.

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Welcome to The Wonders of Wellbeing Podcast, hosted by Aimee Parkinson! Here we provide inspiring conversations about wellbeing in 21st century education. We share stories, knowledge and experiences of professionals around the globe while taking a moment to view wellbeing education as a blank canvas. The aim is to uncover programs, initiatives, research and reforms around the world that are creating a better future for our life long learners.

The Wonders of Wellbeing Podcast: Recent Episodes

Aimee Parkinson