Energetic Radio

Dale Sidebottom & Paul Campbell

Energetic Radio with Dale Sidebottom & Paul Campbell is a fantastic tool for people looking to bring fun play and happiness into each and every day. Listen along as Dale interviews world-renowned experts and shares his own experiences with you in this weekly podcast.

  1. #376: Regulate, Play, Create: Mindful Living & Meaningful Goals for the New Year

    12/07/2025

    #376: Regulate, Play, Create: Mindful Living & Meaningful Goals for the New Year

    Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In this inspiring episode, Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell dive into the simple rituals that spark joy, learning, and genuine connection, all amid the holiday season. You'll hear stories about cricket, golf, and the infectious anticipation of Christmas. More importantly, our hosts share practical strategies on: The power of play to regulate emotions, especially for kids (and grown-ups!).The transformational effects of "microplay" and why you should never label activities (hint: it works wonders in classrooms and family rooms).Real-life experiments with gratitude games that reframe challenging moments into laughter and connection.Advent calendars with a twist: moving from chocolate to kindness challenges, and how your family can build this habit year-round.Plus, there's honest advice on starting passion projects or businesses, why the safest route is to build while still working, and how to carve out time even in a busy life realistically. You'll discover: How regulated brains are ready brains, and why play is the secret sauce for everyone, including neurodiverse learners.Simple mindfulness and meditation studies (science-backed!) prove you can improve your memory, sleep, and mood with daily practice.The surprising benefits of reducing screen time, embracing creativity, and starting each morning with intention.There's lots of laughter and rapid-fire trivia along the way, including memorable failures (Uranus, really?) and random sports knowledge. As we wrap up the year, Dale and Paul challenge you: What's something you want to learn in 2026? How will you use play and mindfulness to regulate, grow, and create meaning in your life, long after the holidays are over? Don't miss these practical tips, real talk, and a healthy dose of encouragement to keep you energised into the new year. Topics covered: The joy and value of sporting traditionsUsing play to manage emotions in children and adultsKindness advent calendars and gamified daily challengesStarting a business: The practical path vs. passion pitfallsMindfulness and meditation for everyday AussiesThe importance of reducing screen timeBook recommendations and the power of nightly readingSetting intentional goals for personal growthLinks & Resources: The School of Play Daily Mission CardsKindness advent calendar creatorsMemory coach Tanzel Ali's podcast episodesPhil Jackson's book on leadershipListen in, take action, and let's energise life together, because there's always something new to create, learn, and celebrate.

    31 min
  2. #375: Pressure Is a Privilege: Finding Positivity in the Chaos

    11/30/2025

    #375: Pressure Is a Privilege: Finding Positivity in the Chaos

    Welcome back to the Energetic Radio Podcast episode 375! Hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell dive deep into the power of vulnerability, authentic leadership, and the importance of play in life and business. Episode Highlights: Raw and Real Vulnerability: Dale shares the overwhelming response to his emotional openness in last week's episode, discussing how being vulnerable sparked meaningful conversations and helped listeners feel less alone.Mental Health and Societal Pressure: Open discussion around "dad guilt", societal taboos, and why sharing our struggles can liberate not just ourselves but those around us.Letting Go of Perceptions: The hosts reflect on valuing reality over perception. Paul explores how people often maintain a facade, and the freedom that comes with dropping it.Play-Based Leadership in Action: Dale and Paul recap a surprising and energising corporate workshop with 240 electricians, illustrating how connection and gratitude can thrive in any setting.Grit Stories: A nod to ultra-athletes and Aussie legend Cliff Young, celebrating perseverance, grit, and the attitude that power extraordinary achievements.Mindset Matters: Thought-provoking banter on what’s more important: having more positive thoughts, or fewer negative ones? The hosts lean into neuroscience and personal experience, sharing strategies for cultivating presence and reducing negativity.Family Traditions: Delightful exchange about memorable family moments, from musical car rides to tickle fights and holiday adventures, underscoring the significance of simple rituals.Exciting Announcements: The launch of the Play-Based Leadership platform and the upcoming School of Play Academy are revealed, including details on their new leadership book co-authored by Nick Haywood.Looking Ahead & Gratitude: The hosts share what they’re most looking forward to this summer, from personal holidays to industry keynotes and meaningful breaks.Resources & Mentions: Play-Based Leadership Website now live: playbasedleadership.comThe School of Play Academy Coming in 2026!"Play Profile" Quiz, Find out your leadership style and practical ways to improve - https://playbasedleadership.com/play-profilesKey Takeaways: Vulnerability is contagious and healing, share your truth!Presence is a gift: stop focusing on the negative, and live in the moment.Leadership is for everyone, and it can be fun, find your play profile.Cherish the small family traditions, they matter more than you think.

    27 min
  3. #374: Beyond Labels: Embracing Differences in Ourselves and Our Others

    11/23/2025

    #374: Beyond Labels: Embracing Differences in Ourselves and Our Others

    In Episode 374 of the Energetic Radio podcast, hosts Dale Sidebottom and co-host Paul Campbell return after a busy fortnight, sharing heartfelt stories and powerful lessons learned from their recent experiences. The duo opens up about the emotional impact of running a workshop for Very Special Kids, a Melbourne-based organisation supporting children in palliative care and their families. Both hosts discuss the transformative effect this experience had on their perspectives, especially as parents, and the importance of cherishing everyday moments with loved ones. The conversation dives deep into personal growth, with Dale reflecting on his journey of self-discovery around ADHD and the determination to become a better parent and person. Paul shares practical strategies for supporting children's emotional well-being, including actionable advice for parents to help kids handle nerves and build healthy emotional habits. The episode also features insights from their recent international trip to Singapore, where Dale headlined the PHASE Asia Conference attended by delegates from 42 countries. Both hosts celebrate the power of global connection, community, and professional growth, while also spotlighting the simple joys and quirky adventures of travel. Key themes include: The importance of emotional regulation and educationCreating supportive home environments for childrenHonest communication in friendships and familiesAlarming statistics on screen time and children's healthEasy, actionable tips for parents to improve connection and well-being (like the "phone-in-the-drawer" challenge)Inspiration from Scandinavian teaching methods and why emotional education matters for lifelong resilienceWhether you're a parent, educator, or simply seeking practical wisdom on happiness and well-being, this episode delivers a mix of laughs, real talk, and strategies you can apply right away.

    36 min
  4. #371: Aaron Healey: Unlocking Perspective, Passion, and Play!

    10/26/2025

    #371: Aaron Healey: Unlocking Perspective, Passion, and Play!

    Join Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell for a heartwarming and insightful episode of Energetic Radio, as they welcome sports performance coach, educator, and former Australian Under 17 World Cup footballer Aaron Healey. Recorded on a sunny morning in Melbourne, the conversation delves deep into the power of perspective, the importance of mentorship, and why staying passionate about play matters for young people, athletes, and leaders alike. What’s Inside This Episode: Who Is Aaron Healey: Learn about Aaron’s rich background, from his time on the world stage with the Young Socceroos to his pivotal roles in education and elite sports coaching at the Victorian Institute of Sport and Melbourne Victory.Perspective is Everything: Aaron shares how travel and sport shaped his worldview, recalling birthdays in Santiago, Chile, and the invaluable lessons he gained from seeing life’s contrasting realities. Discover why perspective is a lifelong skill, not just a childhood lesson.Mentors & Leadership: Hear Aaron’s reflections on working under legendary A-League coach Ernie Merrick and why great leaders trust, empower, and uplift their people, whether on the pitch or in the classroom.Embracing Failure and Curiosity: Explore the “failure movement” in coaching and education, why creating safe environments for mistakes fosters self-belief, confidence, and lifelong growth.The Joy of Community: From grassroots football to senior coaching, Aaron celebrates the magic of mateship, fun, and staying connected to sport beyond the pursuit of trophies. Hear about the mental and physical benefits for young coaches returning to give back, and why multi-sport participation is key for children and teens.Parenting Insights: Honest, relatable advice for parents of young athletes, how to balance support with gentle encouragement, and why the “car ride home” should celebrate effort, not critique performance.Quiz Segment Fun: A lively quiz session brings out the competitive side of the hosts and guests, reminding listeners of the joy found in lighthearted play and connection.Personal Pride & Advice: Aaron opens up about his proudest achievements, the power of positive relationships, both on and off the field, and what he wishes he could tell his younger self about self-belief, kindness, and not being too hard on yourself.Why Listen? Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, or sport lover, this episode delivers practical wisdom, authentic stories, and plenty of laughs. Discover what it really means to create joy, build confidence, and influence lives through sport and education.

    45 min
  5. #370: Blow Your Own Trumpet & The Treasure Hunters Mindset

    10/19/2025

    #370: Blow Your Own Trumpet & The Treasure Hunters Mindset

    Welcome to Episode 370 of Energetic Radio, hosted by Dale Sidebottom and co-host Paul Campbell. This week's episode is all about celebrating small wins, cultivating gratitude, and becoming a treasure hunter in your personal and professional life. Dale kicks things off with an energy boost after finally getting a good night's sleep and shares some personal wins, from writing 500 words a night to landing an exciting new partnership for the School of Play curriculum in 45 Mayfield Early Learning Centres across Australia. He gets candid about the pride of seeing his own kids benefit from the very programs he's built. Paul jumps on the trumpet-blowing bandwagon by sharing his own fitness milestones, callisthenics progress, and moments of pure morning gratitude. Plus, the great budgie smuggler debate makes a return. What does swimwear have to do with motivation and progress? You'll have to tune in! This episode also highlights the power of a positive mindset, featuring a simple yet powerful Mel Robbins quote: "One of the single greatest skills you need to develop in life is to have a good attitude for no reason." Dale and Paul dive deep into practical ways to train your brain for positivity, even when life throws curveballs.  They also introduce a game-changing approach for teachers, parents, and leaders, the Treasure Hunters mindset. Discover why shifting focus from labels to strengths helps both neurodiverse and neurotypical kids (and adults!) thrive. Find out how being a treasure hunter can transform classrooms, workplaces, and even family life. Plus, don't miss the new trivia segment! See how you stack up against Paul as Dale takes him through 10 quick-fire questions, no blue ribbons for half-points here! Highlights in this episode: Dale's wins with sleep, fitness, and School of Play partnershipsPaul's running and swimming triumphs, and why core strength mattersThe positive impact of celebrating your own victoriesWhy adopting a "good attitude for no reason" is transformativeThe Treasure Hunters approach for educators and leadersFun banter, trivia, and plenty of laughs (including budgie smugglers and scallop facts!)Actionable takeaway: This week, blow your own trumpet, big or small, and celebrate what makes you proud. And start looking for treasure in everyone you meet!

    29 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Energetic Radio with Dale Sidebottom & Paul Campbell is a fantastic tool for people looking to bring fun play and happiness into each and every day. Listen along as Dale interviews world-renowned experts and shares his own experiences with you in this weekly podcast.