Conversations for Thriving Together Podcast

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 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.
To connect with Dale and Paul:
Visit their website: www.theschoolofplay.co/
Or via Linkedin:
Dale: linkedin.com/in/dale-sidebottom-25ab5186
Paul: linkedin.com/in/paul-campbell-68304131b
And if you enjoy the podcast series, buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

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 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:
Visit his websites:
glengerreyn.com (Personal)
thehopefullorganisation.com (Company)
thehopefullinstitute.com (Company)
Or via Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/glengerreyn
And if you enjoy the podcast series, buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

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 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 Wellbeing https://www.hatwellbeing.com/
Be3 Wellbeing https://be3wellbeing.com/
My Manifesto https://mymanifesto.me/
 
And if you enjoy the podcast series, buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press
 

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 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 connect with Katherine visit: linkedin.com/in/katherine-adnett-366112112
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

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, 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/drdenisequinlan/
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

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 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 Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

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 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/
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

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 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

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 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 Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

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, 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 Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press