Conversations for Thriving Together Podcast
Conversations for Thriving Together Podcast: where the ideas from my book meet conversations with leading wellbeing and educational experts. Together, we turn research into real strategies and inspiring stories to help schools, families and communities truly flourish.
Episodes

Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
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 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 Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

Friday Oct 24, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
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 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 think, connect, and grow - one grateful moment at a time.
Buy "Growing With Gratitude" or Connect with Ash:
website: https://growingwithgratitude.com.au/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-manuel-201678bb/
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

Friday Oct 17, 2025
Friday Oct 17, 2025
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 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 ages to truly thrive.
Buy "The Strength Switch" or Connect with Lea:
Website: https://www.leawaters.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profleawaters/
Buy a copy of "Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students" at https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/ or through Amba Press

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
“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




