The Positive Education Podcast With Ash Manuel

In this episode with Natalie Coote, we dive into how wellbeing is embedded into the everyday experience at Riverland Special School, and what it truly looks like to support young people with additional needs through connection, structure, and personalised care. The conversation reinforces that wellbeing is not something extra, it is built through consistent actions, relationships, and understandin...

In this episode with Damian Hill, we dive into how better questions can transform the way educators lead, teach, and support students. From coaching conversations to classroom practice, this episode is packed with practical ways to shift from telling to empowering others to think for themselves. Key Takeaways Better questions help build ownership, allowing students and staff to take responsibility...

Key takeaways Many young males today feel a lack of direction, especially when sport, school, or identity goals feel uncertain. Without strong habits or routines in place, motivation can drop quickly. Social media comparison and the expectation of quick results are major pressures for boys, contributing to low confidence and impatience with long-term growth. A consistent male role model or mentor...

In this episode with Laura Brodie, we dive into her lived experience of albinism and low vision and how that journey shaped her work supporting teachers and parents to create calmer, more inclusive classrooms. As an educator and mindfulness practitioner, Laura shares practical tools to move from overwhelm to clarity, confidence, and belonging. Mindfulness doesn’t remove challenge, it changes how w...

In this episode with Gavin McCormack, we dive into one of the most moving stories you'll hear. It's a story about danger, hope, heartbreak and humanity and what happens when you decide you can’t unsee something and choose to act. From a treacherous journey into remote Nepal to rebuilding a forgotten school for orphaned children, Gavin shares the moments that broke him open and reminded him what tr...

In this episode with Rod Soper, we dive into his powerful journey from school leadership to pioneering early years wellbeing through thinkers.inq and the Playing With Gratitude Project. Rod shares why play and gratitude are foundational to mental health, how these practices are transforming children, educators and families, and why wellbeing must be nurtured long before the teenage years. 1. Wellb...

In this episode with Justin Robinson, we dive into how schools can shift from scattered wellbeing programs to strategic, sustainable systems that genuinely support students, staff, and families. Justin shares powerful stories, practical insights, and fresh ways to use data, leadership, and specialist roles to make wellbeing meaningful, measurable, and lasting. Key Takeaways 1. “Find Your Bird” Fin...

In this episode with Paul Campbell, we dive into how play can transform school culture, enhance connectedness, and support both student and staff wellbeing. Drawing from his work in schools, professional sport, and co-founding The School of Play, Paul shares practical insights and real-world impact. Key Takeaways - Play is used as a tool to "trick people into wellbeing," making social-emotional le...

In this episode with Alicia Cohen, we dive into the challenges and rewards of navigating mainstream schooling with a special needs child. Alicia shares her personal journey, insights from her new book, and practical advice for both parents and teachers. Top Takeaways: Be a Visible and Proactive Parent Alicia encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s schooling, not as a “difficult...

In this episode with Steven Trotter, we dive into how school leaders can move from overwhelm to clarity, create momentum for change, and lead with both purpose and wellbeing in mind: The SKIM Model, a simple, powerful leadership model that helps shift teams from resistance to momentum Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership and personal wellbeing How to lead through pressure w...

In this episode with Sagar Bahadur , we dive into the future of international education, student mobility, and how institutions can better support learners across cultures, especially in India and South Asia. Here are seven key takeaways from the conversation: Only 2% of India’s 40 million higher education students currently study abroad, yet 58% aspire to access international education. This gap...

In this episode with Isabella Portolesi , we dive into what it truly means to action Positive Education in the classroom, through both daily routines and intentional teaching. Isabella shares her journey from psychology to education, offering practical insights that every educator can relate to and apply. 6 Key Takeaways Isabella transitioned from a clinical psychology focus to teaching because sh...

In this episode with Matt Pitman , we dive into the transformative power of connection in schools, what it really means, how it can be intentionally built, and why it’s essential for students, staff, and families. Matt shares practical strategies and leadership insights drawn from his experience as a head of school and author of The Connection Curriculum. 6 Key Takeaways Connection isn’t a buzzwor...

In this episode with Jacqui Clarke, we dive into how money impacts teacher wellbeing, the importance of building healthy financial habits, and how we can teach students the value of financial literacy, no matter their age. Key Takeaways: Why financial wellbeing is directly tied to overall wellbeing, and how it often goes overlooked in schools The importance of knowing your “open the front door” co...

In this episode with Tansel Ali, we dive into how teachers can sharpen their memory, boost mental clarity, and use practical memory techniques to connect more deeply with students and teach more effectively. Tansel shares actionable tools that can be applied immediately in the classroom, for both educators and students. Key Takeaways: Memory is a skill, not a gift. Anyone can improve their memory...

In this episode with Melo Calarco , we dive into the practical tools and powerful mindset shifts teachers can use to protect their wellbeing, prevent burnout, and perform at their best. Drawing on decades of experience, including cycling 30,000km across five continents, Melo shares transformational strategies tailored for educators working in high-pressure environments. 6 Key Takeaways Self-awaren...

In this episode with Dr. Huu Kim Le , we dive into the hidden dangers of gaming addiction, how screens are rewiring young brains, and what parents and teachers can do to set healthy, realistic boundaries. Here are 6 key takeaways you won’t want to miss: Gaming addiction is real and it’s growing fast Dr. Le shares how screen addiction is tearing families apart, with some children refusing school, b...

In this episode with Ali Casiano, we dive into how educators can build emotionally intelligent, connected, and future-ready classrooms—using practical tools from both schools and the tech world. Here are 6 powerful takeaways you won’t want to miss: EQ isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a life skill Ali explains why emotional intelligence should be part of everyday classroom routines like journaling, bre...

In this episode with Dr Mark Williams , we dive into the science of how we learn best, highlighting the power of human connection, why face-to-face conversations matter more than ever, and how small shifts in classroom practice can dramatically boost engagement and retention. Dr Mark also shares practical, brain-based strategies to strengthen student focus, reduce negative self-talk, and navigate...

In this episode with Damien  Porter , we dive into the power of inclusive education and the lived experience of raising a family where disability is part of daily life. Damien shares heartfelt stories and practical insights on how schools—and society—can better support, empower, and include people with disabilities. Here are the key takeaways from your podcast episode with Damien: Inclusive Educat...

In this episode with Steven Payne, we explore how game-based learning and design thinking can transform student engagement, build critical skills like empathy and resilience, and make wellbeing education more impactful. Steven shares powerful examples of using Minecraft and other creative tools to help students take ownership of their learning and solve real-world problems. Here are the key takeaw...

In this powerful episode with Brett Salakas , we explore his remarkable journey from personal hardship to becoming one of the world’s most influential educators. Brett shares how authentic connection, purposeful technology, and embracing challenge can unlock true potential — for both students and teachers — while offering deep insights into wellbeing, leadership, and the future of education. Key t...

I n this episode with Gavin McCormack , we explore his journey from struggling student to global education leader, and how one teacher’s belief changed everything. Gavin shares insights on connection-based teaching, the power of modelling behaviour, and how his platform  UpSchool  is helping students create real-world impact through purposeful, project-based learning. Key takeaways: From Strugglin...

In this episode with  Chris , we dive into his 30+ years of experience in education and his mission to make learning engaging, meaningful, and growth-focused through game-based learning. Chris, a leader at Accelium Australia, shares how strategy games can be powerful tools for building wellbeing, resilience, and thinking skills in both students and educators. Why Games Matter for Wellbeing  – Chri...

In this episode with Vikas Pahwa , we explore his passion for holistic education and his leadership role at Shiv Nadar School, where he champions well-being, international-mindedness, and innovative learning. With a rich background in Humanities and global curriculum delivery, Vikas shares how well-being is not just a program, but a way of being embedded throughout the school community. Key topics...