Conversations for Thriving Together Podcast

We talk a lot about wellbeing, but are we overlooking the foundations? In this episode, I speak with Dr Marco Gleeson about the everyday habits that shape how young people feel, function, and learn. Drawing on his work as a GP and through The Mentor Space, Marco brings a practical and honest perspective on what he is seeing in young people today, and what actually makes a difference. We explore: •...

What if wellbeing isn’t something we add… but something we live? In my latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I sit down with David Bott from The Wellbeing Distillery to explore what it truly means to embed wellbeing into the fabric of our schools, families, and everyday lives. David challenges us to rethink wellbeing - not as a program or initiative, but as a way of seeing ourselv...

What if the most powerful thing we can do for young people… is to take better care of ourselves? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I sit down with Meg Durham for a deeply honest and practical conversation about what it really means to be well - not just as educators and parents, but as humans. Together, we explore: Why so many of us feel exhausted, even when we’re doing “all...

What if behaviour isn’t the problem… but a signal? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I speak with James Cavanagh from the RAWlife Centre for Applied Neurocoherence about how understanding the human nervous system can transform the way we support young people. James shares powerful insights into why many of the challenges we see in schools and families today are not simply beh...

How do we raise resilient, emotionally healthy young people in a world that feels increasingly complex? In this episode, I’m joined by DrJustin Coulson psychologist, bestselling author, parenting expert, and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance. Through his work with Happy Families, Justin has helped thousands of parents and educators better understand children’s behaviour, connection, and...

If we want young people to truly thrive, we must first ensure they feel safe, seen, and understood! In the latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Kate Lose, facilitator from Berry Street Education, to explore what trauma-informed practice actually looks like in schools and homes. This is not about adding another program. It’s about shifting from managing behaviour to...

What if wellbeing wasn’t about another program - but about how we show up in everyday relationships? In the latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Dana Kerford to explore how strong relationships, shared language, and consistent adult behaviour create calmer, more connected school and family cultures. We unpack why explicitly teaching friendship skills matters, how cl...

What happens when someone reaches the pinnacle of success - and realises it still isn’t enough to feel okay? In the latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by former AFL number one draft pick and Western Bulldogs Premiership player, Tom Boyd. From the outside, Tom had everything - elite talent, national recognition, and a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ historic 2016 Premie...

What if food was more than fuel and instead a powerful pathway to connection, confidence, and wellbeing? In this episode, I’m joined by Callum Hann - Australian chef, author, and co-founder of Sprout Cooking School - to explore how cooking, shared meals, and food education can support wellbeing in young people, families, and school communities. Callum shares insights from his journey through hospi...

What if leadership wasn’t about having all the answers, but about creating the conditions where people can truly thrive? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, former gold medalist, now leadership coach Sarah Sutter shares how self-awareness, trust, and intentional conversations shape cultures of wellbeing, connection, and accountability. Together we explore how leadership shows u...

What if play was the missing link in wellbeing, learning, and connection? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell to explore how play can transform classrooms, families, and communities. Dale and Paul share why play isn’t just for young children, how playful moments build belonging and resilience, and practical ways parents and educat...

What role does hope play in helping young people and communities thrive? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Glen Gerreyn, founder of The HopeFull Institute, to explore how hope and purpose can be intentionally cultivated in schools, families, and leadership. Glen shares powerful insights on building optimism, resilience, and meaning, reminding us that hope isn’t...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I speak with Justin Robinson from The Wellbeing Distillery about moving beyond one-off initiatives to embedding wellbeing as a strategic operating system across schools and families. Drawing on his journey from Geelong Grammar to working with hundreds of schools globally, Justin unpacks what truly sustains wellbeing over time - and what leade...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Katherine Adnett, Senior Research Fellow in Adelaide University's Education Futures unit and a leader in educational innovation and leadership. Katherine brings a powerful blend of school leadership experience and practice-led research, supporting leaders to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and build cultures where people...

What does resilience really look like in schools today, for students, educators, and leaders? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, Dr Denise Quinlan shares powerful insights into building sustainable wellbeing and collective resilience in school communities. Denise unpacks how we can move beyond “coping” toward flourishing, and how small, intentional practices help people adapt,...

What if games could teach us more than just how to win? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, Chris Ramsden from Accelium and Mind Lab shares how strategy-based games can build critical thinking, resilience, and emotional intelligence in learners of all ages. Chris explains how challenge and reflection develop transferable skills for learning and life — empowering students to thi...

In today’s world, technology is a big part of our children’s lives, but staying safe, kind, and balanced online has never been more important. In this powerful conversation, Susan McLean, Australia’s leading cyber safety expert, shares practical advice for parents and educators on helping young people navigate the digital world with confidence and care. This episode is full of insights on building...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I chat with Madhavi Nawana Parker from Positive Minds Austrlia about practical ways to help children understand their emotions, strengthen empathy, and build resilience through kindness and connection. Empowering, relatable, and full of actionable tips.... this is one for families and educators alike! For more information on this episode, or...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I speak with Matt Pitman to explore how authentic leadership and a strong sense of belonging help schools flourish. Matt shares insights on creating trust, connection, and purpose in staff and students, and how vulnerability and consistency build genuine culture. This episode is a reminder that when people feel valued and included, they don’t...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I chat with Dr Shyam Barr, author of Educate to Self-Regulate, about how students can learn to manage their attention, emotions, and motivation. Shyam shares practical strategies for teachers and families to help young people take ownership of their learning and wellbeing. This conversation explores how self-regulation builds resilience, conf...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, Dr Helen Street explores how wellbeing isn’t a program we deliver but a culture we create every day. As founder of Contextual Wellbeing and Positive Schools, Helen shares how schools and families can build environments where people feel connected, valued, and engaged in meaningful learning. Together we discuss how context shapes behaviour and...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I chat with Tyson Greenwood from URSTRONG about why friendships matter so much for children’s wellbeing, at school and at home. We unpack practical language, skills, and strategies to help young people build healthy friendships, navigate “friendship fires,” and feel confident in their social world. Empowering, relatable, and full of actionabl...

In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Ash Manuel, founder of Growing with Gratitude, to explore how simple daily habits can help children and adults build resilience, optimism, and wellbeing. Ash shares his journey of bringing gratitude, kindness, and mindfulness into schools and homes through practical, strengths-based practices that make wellbeing tangible and sus...

In  the very first episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I speak with Professor Lea Waters, world-leading psychologist and founder of the Visible Wellbeing approach. Together we explore how discovering and developing our strengths transforms not just individuals, but families and whole school communities. Lea shares how her SEARCH framework helps parents and educators embed wellbeing int...

“Conversations for Thriving Together” explores how wellbeing, leadership, and learning connect to create flourishing schools and communities. Each episode features inspiring guests and practical insights that deepen our understanding of resilience, purpose, and the daily habits and practices that help educators and students truly thrive. Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishin...