Shows
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Tom BoydWhat 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 Premiership. But behind the scenes, he was facing intense pressure and significant mental health challenges, ultimately making the courageous decision to step away from football and redefine his path.
This is a p...
2026-02-1940 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Callum HannWhat 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 hospitality, restaurants, and education, and reflects on: how food creates connection and belonging, why cooking builds confidence and life skills, what schools and families can do to foster healthier relationships with food an...
2026-02-1232 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Sarah SutterWhat 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 up not only in organisations and schools, but also in families and everyday relationships - reminding us that thriving begins with how we lead ourselves and others.
To connect with Sarah:
Visit her website: www.sarahsutter.com.au
...
2026-02-0534 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guests Dale Sidebottom and Paul CampbellWhat 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 educators can bring more joy, connection, and energy into everyday life.
This conversation is uplifting, practical, and a powerful reminder that thriving often starts with a little more laughter, movement, and fun...
2026-01-2949 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Glen GerreynWhat 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 wishful thinking, but a skill that can be developed and lived every day. This is an inspiring conversation for educators, parents, and leaders committed to helping young people flourish.
To connect with Glen...
2026-01-2232 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Justin RobinsonIn 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 leaders, teachers, and parents can do to make it real.
To connect with Justin:
justin@thewellbeingdistillery.com
linkedin.com/in/jrobinson-wellbeing
linkedin.com/company/the-wellbeing-distillery
And related website links are:
The Wellbeing Distillery https://thewellbeingdistillery.com/
HAT Well...
2026-01-1653 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Katherine AdnettIn 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 and learning can flourish.
Our conversation explores the intersection of wellbeing, leadership, and future-focused education, and how adaptive leadership and shared purpose create the conditions for thriving schools and educators.
For more information on this episode, or to con...
2026-01-0837 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Dr Denise QuinlanWhat 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, recover, and grow through challenge. This conversation is thoughtful, practical, and deeply reassuring for anyone leading or supporting wellbeing in schools.
For more information on this episode, or to connect with Denise visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drde...
2025-12-1843 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Chris RamsdenWhat 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 think deeply, connect meaningfully, and thrive beyond the classroom.
For more information on this episode, or to connect with Chris visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisramsden/
Buy a copy of "Thriving To...
2025-12-1139 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Susan McLeanIn 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 trust, setting healthy boundaries, and empowering students to make positive choices online.
For more information on this episode, or to connect with Susan visit: https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/
...
2025-12-0434 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Madhavi Nawana ParkerIn 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 to connect with Madhavi visit: hhttps://positivemindsaustralia.com.au/
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press
2025-11-2838 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Matt PitmanIn 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 just perform better they thrive together.
Connect with Matt
Website: www.mattpitman.com.au
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mattlukepitman
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Fl...
2025-11-2044 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Dr Shyam BarrIn 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, confidence, and lifelong curiosity - essential skills for thriving in and beyond school.
Connect with Shyam
Website: https://www.shyambarr.com.au/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyambarr/
Buy a copy of "Thriving...
2025-11-1340 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Dr Helen StreetIn 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 motivation, and the practical ways leaders and educators can nurture belonging, autonomy, and purpose. This is a powerful reminder that when we design environments for connection, learning and flourishing naturally follow.
Connect with He...
2025-11-0747 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Tyson GreenwoodIn 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 actionable tips.... this is one for families and educators alike!
For more information on this episode, or to connect with Tyson, visit URStrong at: https://urstrong.com/
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Bluepr...
2025-10-3042 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Ash ManuelIn 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 sustainable. Together we discuss how gratitude can shape school culture, strengthen relationships, and help young people develop lifelong wellbeing skills.
This episode is a reminder that thriving begins with the small, consistent actions that shape how we th...
2025-10-2441 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastConversations for Thriving Together: Guest Prof Lea WatersIn 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 into daily routines and conversations, making strengths a natural part of learning and living. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that when we focus on what’s strong - not what’s wrong - we create the conditions for people of all a...
2025-10-1655 min
Conversations for Thriving Together PodcastComing Soon...Conversations for Thriving Together“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 Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press
2025-10-0801 min
Well-Led SchoolsS3E9: Building Thriving School Communities Through a Focus on Wellbeing with David KolpakMany schools face a common challenge: how to cultivate staff wellbeing and build a thriving culture amid fragmented efforts and wellbeing initiatives that often fall short or don’t last. Leaders want teams that feel connected, supported and energised, because when staff wellbeing flourishes, students benefit too, and the whole school community thrives. Yet, creating this kind of cohesive, sustainable wellbeing culture is far from straightforward. In this episode, we welcome back David Kolpak, Principal at Trinity College North School and Visible Wellbeing Facilitator, with Professor Lee Waters. With over 30 years of education experience, David is...
2025-07-011h 26
Follow Through with LVB#33 David Wiese - The Journey of Proving that I CanIn this episode, host Logan van Beek dives into the journey of David Wiese and how his followed through on his aspirations. (1:41) The key to finishing games with the bat… (2:38) David’s developmental journey to becoming into one of the best T20 finishers in the World… (4:48) Finishing games from a Bowling perspective… (6:01) David’s upbringing in South Africa, family influences and key moments… (9:35) What was David’s motivational factors throughout his career… (12:20) How David deals with setbacks and being able to pick himself up to go again… (14:41) Pivotal moments in David’s career… Playing for South Africa, becoming a Kolpak for Sussex, p...
2024-12-171h 12
The Positive Education Podcast With Ash ManuelEPISODE #35 | David Kolpak – There’s No One Size Fits All Approach
In this episode with David we dive into:
How David thinks about positive education across the whole school
How to approach wellbeing coming into a new school
Importance of regular audits
Difference between Positive Education and Wellbeing
Flipping from how to why
Challenges of wellbeing across a whole school and how to overcome those challenges
The benefits David has witnessed of having a dedicated wellbeing program in schools
What’s next when you have an established wellbeing program
PLUS MUCH MORE
More About David
David Kolpak is the Principal at Trinity College North School (EY-10). Pr...
2024-06-0442 min
Good Areas PodcastDavid Wiese audits his careerThis week on Red Inker we talk about life on the T20 circuit with a man who has done plenty of it, David Wiese. We talk about coming from a small town, work-life balance, playing for South Africa, being a Kolpak, Namibia, death bowling, chopping wood, and why his four-year-old daughter likes business class.-To support the podcast please go to our Patreon page. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32090121. Jarrod also now has a Buy Me A Coffee link, for those who would prefer to support the shows there: https://www.b...
2024-04-0543 min
The Final Word Cricket PodcastThe Final Word with David WieseSeason 16, Episode 2: If asking who has the most interesting story in world cricket right now, a leading candidates would be David Wiese. From the South African national team to England as a Kolpak, until Brexit put a stop to that. Then another door opened into the Namibian national team, getting the chance to represent a second country at multiple World Cups, showing his talent as a matchwinner on the global stage, then hitting the road as a freelancer in his late 30s in just about every T20 league going. His life is the subject of a new podcast series...
2024-04-0442 min
Well-Led SchoolsEP10: Adopting a Positive and Nurturing Approach to Improving Staff Wellbeing with David KolpakIn the 10th episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast I am joined by school principal and Positive Psychology advocate David Kolpak. Leading a school culture where both staff and student wellbeing is front and centre requires strong leadership capability, the relevant personal attributes and emotional intelligence. David encompasses these very qualities and in this episode he breaks down his approach and philosophy towards becoming a “well-led school” - a school that leads with wellbeing in mind. About David: David Kolpak (MEd, BEd, BTeach) is the Principal at Trinity College North in Adelaide (EY-10). In hi...
2023-03-1448 min
The Wonders of Wellbeing PodcastAppreciative Inquiry Approach to Whole-School Wellbeing with David KolpakAppreciative 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 pri...
2023-02-2734 min
Bringing Wellbeing to LifeBringing Wellbeing to Life - 24-09-2019 - Series 2 - Show 03 - Lessons from a decade of wellbeing work – with David KolpakShow 03 - Lessons from a decade of wellbeing work – with David Kolpak - What does embedding wellbeing look like further down the road?
In this podcast, Denise and David talk about the challenges and successes St Peter’s faced in implementing positive psychology in boys’ education, working alongside staff, students and families. David shares lessons learned at his school over a decade of wellbeing work – and starting with the staff is lesson number one.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz
2019-09-2427 min
Talking TeachingPositive Psychology: Learning the skills and capabilities for wellbeingThe sixth International Congress for Positive Psychology was held recently in Melbourne with the University of Melbourne as the main partner. Hundreds of experts from across the globe described their approach to maximising wellbeing, particularly among young people. Talking Teaching was there and interviewed David Kolpak from St Peter's College in Adelaide where wellbeing programmes are a standard part of the curriculum. In this episode you'll also hear where the science of Positive Psychology is taking us with Professor Lindsay Oades, Director of the Centre for Positive Psychology at MGSE.
2019-07-3025 min
The Leading Edge Cricket PodcastDuanne Olivier Leaves South African Cricket | Leading Edge Podcast Ep70Today Rich is joined by Tally to breakdown all the latest happenings in the crazy world of cricket.All the latest on the Duanne Olivier Kolpak agreement with Yorkshire as well as the PSL, IPL, India, Australia, Will Jacks incredible 100 and the revamp to test cricket.00:48 NEW ZEALAND V BANGLADESH2:15 TEST CRICKET GETS TO GET NEW RULES, NAMES & NUMBERS, ONE BALL, OVER RATES7:20 ENGLANDS ODI FORM10:20 HARRY GURNEY RETIRES FROM RED BALL CRICKET12:15 DARREN PATTINSON SIGNS FOR NOTTINGHAMSHIRE13:07 PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE FINAL15:45 IAN BELL INJURED OUT FOR THREE MONTHS18:30...
2019-03-2550 min
The Leading Edge Cricket PodcastDuanne Olivier Leaves South African Cricket | Leading Edge Podcast Ep70Today Rich is joined by Tally to breakdown all the latest happenings in the crazy world of cricket.All the latest on the Duanne Olivier Kolpak agreement with Yorkshire as well as the PSL, IPL, India, Australia, Will Jacks incredible 100 and the revamp to test cricket.00:48 NEW ZEALAND V BANGLADESH2:15 TEST CRICKET GETS TO GET NEW RULES, NAMES & NUMBERS, ONE BALL, OVER RATES7:20 ENGLANDS ODI FORM10:20 HARRY GURNEY RETIRES FROM RED BALL CRICKET12:15 DARREN PATTINSON SIGNS FOR NOTTINGHAMSHIRE13:07 PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE FINAL15:45 IAN BELL INJURED OUT FOR THREE MONTHS18:30...
2019-03-2553 min