Wag Tales

Megan Corcoran
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  • EDUCATION

Wag Tales podcast is a series of conversations on all things trauma, healing, education and wellbeing. Host of Wag Tales, Megan Corcoran is Director of Wagtail Institute, providing trauma-informed wellbeing consulting to schools and complex settings. Megan believes in the power of storytelling and engaging in great conversations as a way to learn, grow, and take steps towards healing. In each episode, Megan invites a guest to share their story or to engage in a topical conversation to share best practice, new insights, and ideas to support those impacted by trauma to heal. Megan is joined by a variety of guests including school principals, therapists, athletes, authors, artists, and lived experience practitioners.

  1. 2D AGO

    #63: Ruby Sait, from Out-of-Home Care to thriving in your own way

    Ruby Sait is a passionate advocate for young people with lived experience of out-of-home care, whose work is shaped by her own journey through homelessness, education, and life beyond the system. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and community work, Ruby is committed to ensuring that young people who have grown up in care are not defined by their circumstances but supported to see what is possible for their future. Her story is one of determination, courage, and a deep belief in the potential of others. In this episode, Ruby and Megan explore Ruby’s journey through out-of-home care and homelessness, and the realities of navigating life without consistent support. Ruby speaks openly about the messages she received about her worth and her future, and the determination it took to stay connected to education and create a different path for herself. She reflects on the role of alternative education in providing connection and belonging, and the significance of graduating despite the barriers she faced. The conversation also highlights Ruby’s work supporting other young people with experience in out-of-home care to access education opportunities, including helping them secure scholarships and pathways into further study. Ruby shares why mentorship matters, what it means to be a consistent and encouraging presence in a young person’s life, and how belief can shift someone’s trajectory. Together, they discuss the gaps that still exist for young people transitioning out of care, and the need for more responsive, compassionate systems of support. Ruby also speaks to the emotional weight of sharing lived experience, the balance between empowerment and vulnerability, and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. This is a powerful and hopeful conversation that reminds us that young people are not statistics — they are individuals with stories, strengths, and futures worth investing in. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

    56 min

  2. MAR 23

    #62: Zach Mercurio, Mattering in schools and workplaces

    Zach Mercurio, PhD, is a researcher, speaker, and author whose work centres on one of our most fundamental human needs: to feel that we matter. Through his research in organisational psychology and his work with schools, workplaces, and leaders around the world, Zach explores how simple, everyday interactions shape our sense of value, connection, and wellbeing. His work offers a powerful reframe — that feeling seen, heard, and valued is not a “nice to have,” but essential for human development and thriving. In this episode, Zach and Megan explore what “mattering” really means, and how it differs from concepts like belonging and inclusion. They unpack how a sense of mattering is built through small, consistent interactions — noticing someone, affirming their value, and showing that they are needed. Zach shares how these micro-moments can have a profound impact on young people’s mental health, engagement, and sense of identity, and why the absence of mattering can contribute to disconnection, disengagement, and burnout. The conversation also explores what this means in practice for educators, leaders, and anyone working with people. Zach offers simple, tangible ways we can build a culture of mattering in our classrooms, workplaces, and relationships — not through programs or initiatives, but through how we show up in everyday moments. Together, they reflect on the role of technology, the importance of rebuilding relational ecosystems, and why meaningful connection must sit at the centre of any system that aims to support wellbeing. This episode is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to do something extraordinary to make a difference — we need to be intentional in the ordinary. Because when people feel that they matter, everything else begins to shift. You can find out more about Zach Mercurio and grab a copy of his book here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

    42 min

  3. MAR 9

    #61: Dr Kate Renshaw, play at the heart of childhood

    Dr Kate Renshaw is a play therapist, educator, and researcher whose work centres on the role of play in children’s emotional development, learning, and wellbeing. Through her clinical practice, teaching, and advocacy, Kate has spent many years helping adults better understand the language of play and the profound insights it offers into children’s inner worlds. Her work bridges therapeutic practice and education, inviting teachers, parents, and professionals to see play not as a break from learning, but as one of the most powerful ways children learn, regulate, and make sense of their experiences. In this episode, Kate and Megan explore the foundations of play therapy and why play is such an essential part of healthy child development. Kate explains how play therapy draws from a range of experiential therapeutic approaches and how teachers, carers, and other adults can support children through play in everyday environments. They talk about developmentally appropriate learning, the importance of observation and curiosity when engaging with children, and why play is often the most natural language children have to communicate what they are feeling and experiencing. The conversation also explores how our cultural understanding of childhood shapes the opportunities children have to play, and why adults sometimes struggle to interpret or value play in the same way children do. Kate introduces the idea of the “cortical complexity gap” and how this influences the way adults interpret children’s behaviour. Together, Megan and Kate reflect on how play supports emotional regulation, creativity, and problem-solving, and why reclaiming play in both childhood and adulthood is so important for wellbeing. This episode is an invitation to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the power of play. Whether you are an educator, parent, therapist, or simply someone interested in supporting children well, Kate’s insights offer a thoughtful reminder that play is not an extra — it is fundamental to how we grow, learn, and heal. Dr Kate Renshaw's clinical website can be found here. National Institute for Play (US based) https://nifplay.org/ Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

    47 min

  4. FEB 24

    #60: Jesse Diggins and Nathan Castle, Psychs in Schools and supporting young people well

    Jesse Diggins and Nathan Castle are psychologists and co-founders of Psychs in Schools, an initiative working alongside schools to strengthen mental health support for children and young people. Their work focuses on increasing access to psychological services within educational settings, building strong partnerships with educators, and ensuring that support is relational, practical, and responsive to the realities schools face every day. In this episode, Megan, Jesse, and Nathan explore what it really means to provide meaningful mental health support in schools. They talk about the growing needs of young people, the pressure educators are under, and the importance of collaboration rather than siloed support. Together, they unpack how psychologists can work in partnership with school staff, why connection must sit at the centre of wellbeing work, and how assessment services and timely intervention can make a significant difference for students and families. They also discuss the role of technology in young people’s lives — acknowledging both its risks and its potential — and the need for balanced, thoughtful conversations rather than reactive fear. The episode highlights the importance of sleep, play, and safe relationships, and reminds us that supporting student wellbeing is not the work of one professional alone. It requires shared responsibility, clear communication, and a willingness to work as a team. This conversation offers insight for educators, school leaders, and anyone invested in creating environments where young people can access the right support at the right time. You can find out about Psychs in Schools here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

    52 min

  5. FEB 8

    #59: Danielle Murphy, foster care: hearts in transition

    Danielle Murphy is a foster carer, writer, and advocate who has spent the past six years walking alongside children and young people in care. Through her lived experience, Danielle brings an honest and grounded voice to the realities of foster care — the deep love it invites, the uncertainty it holds, and the emotional labour required to keep showing up. She is the author of Hearts in Transition, a book written to reflect the stories so often left untold in foster care and to offer connection and support to other carers navigating similar paths. In this conversation, Danielle and Megan explore what foster care really looks like beyond the surface. They speak candidly about the unpredictability of placements, the emotional toll of constant transitions, and the grief that carers and children carry — even when placements are short. Danielle reflects on how schools often struggle to understand the impact of trauma and transition on children in care, and why trauma-informed approaches are not optional, but essential. Together, they unpack how even a few weeks of safety, consistency, and care can leave a lasting imprint on a child’s life. They also discuss what carers need in order to sustain this work — from genuine support systems and community, to honest recruitment practices and acknowledgment of the financial realities of fostering. Danielle shares why self-care is not a luxury for carers, but a necessity, and how building connection with other foster carers can be a lifeline. This episode is a deeply human conversation about holding love and loss at the same time, and what it truly means to care for children during seasons of transition. You can find Danielle's book here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

    47 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    #58: Dr Nathan MacArthur, naming the grief we don’t talk about

    Dr Nathan MacArthur is a grief counsellor, researcher, and the founder of Sydney Grief Counselling. His work centres on helping people navigate the many shapes and seasons of grief — from bereavement and relationship loss to the quieter, less spoken-about forms of grief we carry throughout our lives. Nathan’s approach blends clinical insight with deep humanity, offering gentle, evidence-informed support to individuals, families, and carers, including kinship and foster carers who are often holding complex layers of loss in their homes. In this episode, Nathan and Megan explore what grief really is, not just the pain that follows a death, but the grief tied to identity, missed possibilities, ruptured relationships, and the changes we didn’t choose. Nathan shares his research into adult grief experiences and the ways we can better understand the physical, emotional, and relational impacts of loss. They talk about how grief shows up for children, the importance of clear and honest language, and what adults can do to support the young people in their lives as they make sense of their own losses. This conversation invites us to think about grief as a universal human experience, something we will all encounter, and something we can learn to navigate with more gentleness and courage. Nathan reminds us that grief is not something to fix, but something to honour. Whether you’re supporting others, moving through your own loss, caring for children in complex circumstances, or wanting to feel more confident having conversations about death, grief, and change, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and compassion. You can find more about Nathan and his work here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

    51 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    #57: Aaron Stark, I was almost a school shooter

    Content warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood violence, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, which may be distressing for some listeners. Support services are listed below. Aaron Stark is a writer, speaker, and mental health advocate best known for his viral TED Talk, “I Was Almost a School Shooter.” His story has reached millions of people around the world, offering a raw, honest look at how pain, neglect, and rejection can push a young person to the edge — and how a simple act of kindness can pull them back. In this episode, Aaron and Megan talk about the early years that shaped his story — growing up surrounded by violence, instability, and homelessness — and the point where he began to lose hope in himself and the world around him. Aaron speaks openly about the moment he planned to commit an act of violence, and the unexpected friendship that changed everything. They discuss what true connection looks like for young people in crisis, the role of compassion in preventing harm, and why we must offer love to those who seem to need it the least. This episode is confronting, moving, and ultimately full of hope. Aaron’s story reminds us that prevention begins with presence, and that a small act of kindness can quite literally save a life. Help and Support: If you or someone you know needs support, here are some resources available in Australia: • 1800RESPECT – 24/7 national support for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence. Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au. • Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. • Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au. • Kids Helpline – Free, confidential support for young people (ages 5-25). Call 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au. • Blue Knot Foundation – Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma. Call 1300 657 380 or visit www.blueknot.org.au. Please take care while listening, and reach out for support if needed. If you are outside of Australia, please reach out to your local services for support. You can contact Aaron via his email address: aaronstarkauthor@gmail.com Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

    1h 2m

  8. 11/05/2025

    #56: Benjamin Perks, Trauma Proof: healing, attachment, and the science of prevention

    Benjamin Perks is a global child-rights advocate, educator, and author of Trauma Proof. Working for the UN in New York, he campaigns on human rights and child development and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Jubilee Centre, University of Birmingham, and an associate member of the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford. Today, he joins the podcast in a personal capacity as an author to discuss his research and vision for prevention. In this conversation, Benjamin and Megan unpack what a true public-health approach to trauma prevention looks like. They explore the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the economic and moral arguments for investing early, and why prevention must be treated as a social and policy priority—not an afterthought. Benjamin outlines the layers of prevention—primary, secondary, and tertiary—and shares examples of how communities can be strengthened before harm occurs. He also reflects on his own childhood in care and a powerful realisation at a global conference on attachment theory, where he recognised that the research being discussed was describing his lived experience. Benjamin also speaks about the teacher who changed the trajectory of his life, illustrating how one trusted adult can alter a child’s sense of worth and future. This episode is both systemic and deeply human—a reminder that when societies invest in children, connection, and care, the return is not only economic but generational. You can order your copy of Trauma Proof here. You can follow Benjamin's work on LinkedIn here. Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Wag Tales walkout songs playlist can be found here.⁠⁠ Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    51 min
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About

Wag Tales podcast is a series of conversations on all things trauma, healing, education and wellbeing. Host of Wag Tales, Megan Corcoran is Director of Wagtail Institute, providing trauma-informed wellbeing consulting to schools and complex settings. Megan believes in the power of storytelling and engaging in great conversations as a way to learn, grow, and take steps towards healing. In each episode, Megan invites a guest to share their story or to engage in a topical conversation to share best practice, new insights, and ideas to support those impacted by trauma to heal. Megan is joined by a variety of guests including school principals, therapists, athletes, authors, artists, and lived experience practitioners.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Corcoran
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Megan Corcoran
  • Show Website
    Wag Tales

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