Be the Difference

Mike Shepherd

'Be The Difference' is the official podcast of Redlands College, embodying our vision of Curious Minds, Serving Hands, Loving Hearts, and Purposeful Lives. Produced by our community, this termly podcast stitches together diverse segments that reflect the ingenuity and compassion of our school's culture. Engage with the College as we navigate through topics that ignite curiosity, showcase service, unfold purpose, and express the warmth of community. Tune in to celebrate and be inspired by the difference our students are making, one story at a time.

Episodes

  1. New Beginnings, Muddy Moments and Meaningful Goodbyes

    APR 1

    New Beginnings, Muddy Moments and Meaningful Goodbyes

    This episode reflects on the end of Term One, 2026, highlighting new beginnings across the College, including the opening of a new junior school block and the joy of the Teddy Bears Picnic. We celebrate student success with Asher’s journey on Australian Idol, honour the contribution of departing chaplain Mr Connor McGaha, and explore themes of resilience and community, alongside some light-hearted mud crab facts. Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Introduction 01:29 Reflecting on the Term 04:03 Celebrating Muddy the Mascot 06:38 Teddy Bears Picnic Highlights 09:06 A Rising Star on Australian Idol 18:11 Farewell to Mr Connor 22:19 Resources for Building Resilience 23:30 Purposeful Lives Segment Introduction (Alumni) 25:46 Curious Minds Segment 28:50 Closing Remarks Brief Summary In this episode, we reflect on the close of Term One, 2026, and the many moments that have shaped life at Redlands College. From the anticipation of a new junior school block to the delight of the Teddy Bears Picnic, we see how small traditions help build strong communities. We celebrate Asher’s journey on Australian Idol and the way his story has inspired students across the College. We also take time to honour Mr Connor McGaha as he concludes his time as chaplain in residence, recognising the impact he has had on students and staff. The episode includes a helpful resource on building resilience for families, before finishing with a light-hearted Curious Minds segment exploring the surprising world of mud crabs. Together, these stories reflect a community marked by growth, gratitude and connection. Footnotes: Editing via auphonic.comMusic courtesy of Pixabay.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDrLQ0yk-1S7tBDwmc1AFAA (Asher I)https://happyfamilies.com.au/Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as endorsements by Redlands College.

    30 min
  2. Wrapping Up the Year: Community, Celebration and Christmas Traditions

    12/10/2025

    Wrapping Up the Year: Community, Celebration and Christmas Traditions

    Be the Difference - Redlands College Podcast for Term Four 2025 Wrapping Up the Year: Community, Celebration and Christmas Traditions This episode looks back on the school year, touching on major moments from the swimming carnival and award nights to Year 12 graduation and emerging traditions. We also explore insights from the recent exchange program and share some light-hearted curiosities around Christmas customs and community life. Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Introduction 01:30 Reflecting on the Term 05:13 Celebrating Achievements 06:09 Year 12 Celebrations 10:41 Exchange Program Insights 13:14 Alumni Engagement 16:12 Curious Minds Segment 23:47 Closing Remarks Brief Summary In this end-of-year episode, we reflect on key moments that shaped our school community, including the swimming carnival and award nights that highlight student growth, contribution and spirit. We discuss Year 12 celebrations and evolving family engagement traditions that invite parents and carers more fully into the milestone moments of school life. The conversation also touches on the exchange program with Friendship Christian School in Tennessee and how cross-cultural experiences shape our students' perspectives and connections. We finish with a light segment on Christmas traditions, celebrating community, curiosity and togetherness as we look forward to new opportunities and partnerships in the year ahead. Footnotes: Editing via auphonic.comMusic courtesy of Pixabay.comhttps://www.dallaschristian.com/https://www.friendshipchristian.org/https://glchs.ca/https://www.lipscombacademy.org/Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as endorsements by Redlands College.

    25 min
  3. Global Journeys & A Legacy of Faith

    09/16/2025

    Global Journeys & A Legacy of Faith

    🎙️ Be The Difference – Season 2, Episode 3 Term 3 Highlights, Global Journeys & A Legacy of Faith ✨ Episode Summary In this Term 3 edition of Be The Difference, we cover the stories, voices, and moments that shaped the Redlands College community this past season. From the joy of Seussical to the heartfelt reflections on our reunion day, from international ministry and service trips to the much-anticipated Matt Stanley Rugby Match, this episode captures both the laughter and the laments of our shared journey. We hear from Christine Palacios, the Pepperdine student and Next Generation Preacher Search winner who spent ten days on our campus, from students in the cast of Seussical, and from those who travelled to the USA and Vanuatu. We pause to honour the life of James Newton, a much-loved colleague, alumnus, and friend whose smile and faith left a lasting impact. Along the way, Curious Minds takes us sailing through the Greek Islands, alumni share stories from reunions, and students reflect on discovering their God-given potential. 🗂️ Chapters ⁠ 0:00⁠ Be the Difference ⁠ 0:24⁠ Welcome to Term 3 wrap-up ⁠ 0:42⁠ Christine Palacios interview (NGPS & Pepperdine) ⁠ 3:59⁠ Seussical student reflections ⁠ 5:58⁠ Alumni reunions (1995, 2005, 2015) ⁠ 8:16⁠ Global journeys: USA & Vanuatu trips ⁠ 11:55⁠ York University & PLI reflections ⁠ 12:55⁠ Matt Stanley Rugby Game recap ⁠ 13:20⁠ Curious Minds: Greek islands trivia ⁠ 17:12⁠ Remembering James Newton ⁠ 20:09⁠ Closing reflections and thanks 20:39 Christine Palacios Interview (full) 🎧 Tags Redlands College Term 3 Seussical Alumni Reunion Christine Palacios Next Generation Preacher Search Pepperdine University USA Ministry Trip Vanuatu Service Trip York University Presidential Leadership Institute Matt Stanley Rugby Curious Minds James Newton 💬 Call to Action Thank you for listening to this episode of Be The Difference. Please share it with a friend, leave a review, or message us with your reflections. If you’d like to support James Newton’s legacy, consider a donation to Scripture Union. Stay connected, stay curious, and remember—you too can be the difference. 🔗 Footnotes & Resources Mentioned Editing via auphonic.com Music courtesy of Pixabay.com Context for the Matt Stanley Rugby Game Courier Mail article on James Newton’s faith Scripture Union donation link Pepperdine University – NGPS, Christine Palacios York University – Presidential Leadership Institute Redlands College Alumni Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be seen as endorsements by Redlands College.

    31 min
  4. Across the World, Around the Oval

    06/18/2025

    Across the World, Around the Oval

    From tornado warnings in Tennessee to triumphs on the Rugby field, this episode takes you from global adventures to local highlights. Mike and Wendy share reflections from our student exchange, the Vanuatu Year 9 Project Vila, and Battle of the Bands; alongside updates on international visitors, alumni contributions, and upcoming reunions. It’s a celebration of learning, connection and school spirit, both far from home and right here on the oval. ⁠0:00 ⁠The Redlands College Podcast ⁠2:32 ⁠Student Reflections on Exchange 11:09 ⁠Celebrating Events and Achievements 15:02 ⁠Upcoming Trips and Opportunities ⁠17:04 ⁠Curious Minds Segment Begins ⁠21:33 ⁠Alumni Contributions and Reunions ⁠22:59 ⁠Wrapping Up the Episode 🎧 Tags Redlands College Student Exchange Partner Schools USA Lipscomb Academy Friendship Christian School Central Arkansas Christian Pepperdine University Jeff Walling Rugby Sevens Battle of the Bands Vanuatu Mission Project Villa School Culture Alumni Stories Global Education Be The Difference 🔗 Footnotes & Resources Mentioned Student Exchange Program Partner Schools in the USA 📍 Friendship Christian School – https://www.friendshipchristian.org/ 📍 Lipscomb Academy – https://www.lipscombacademy.org/ 📍 Central Arkansas Christian Schools - https://cacmustangs.org/ Jeff Walling,Pepperdine University – Guest Speaker & TEDx Presenter Learn more about Jeff’s work through Pepperdine University 🎤 https://www.pepperdine.edu/spiritual-life/church-relations/staff/jwalling.htm Redlands College Alumni Alumni.Redlands.Qld.Edu.au Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be seen as endorsements by Redlands College. Editing via auphonic.com Music courtesy of Pixabay.com

    25 min
  5. Term One Tales, Cyclone Chronicles & Easter Hope

    04/01/2025

    Term One Tales, Cyclone Chronicles & Easter Hope

    Episode Summary Welcome back to Be The Difference! In our Season 2 premiere, we take you inside Term 1 at Redlands College with stories, laughter, reflections, and a few unexpected twists along the way. From student insights during Cyclone Alfred to egg-cellent Easter trivia, this episode is packed with thoughtful updates, warm welcomes, and playful banter. We introduce our new heads of school, recap a busy term full of sports, concerts, and camps, and preview the upcoming Easter Reflection Service with special guest Jeff Walling. You’ll also hear directly from students in The Playground Diary, gain insights from alumnus and illustrator Brent Wilson, and catch a heartfelt reflection from Jordan House, visiting from Greater Atlanta Christian School. Whether you're a student, parent, alum, or friend of the College, this episode invites you to pause, smile, and remember: you too can be the difference. Timestamps: 00:00 – Podcast Introduction 00:12 – Cyclone Chronicles 04:27 – Easter Insights 14:51 – Curious Minds Segment (Easter Edition!) 18:30 – The Playground Diary 22:55 – Alumni Highlights (incl. Brent Wilson) 24:44 – Reflections from Jordan House 🏷️ Tags Term 1 · Redlands College · Cyclone Alfred · Easter · Community Events · Jeff Walling · Student Voices · Alumni Achievements · Christian Education · Brent Wilson · Jordan House 📌 Key Mentions - Getting to Know You concert 🎶 - New Heads of Junior and Secondary School - Easter Reflection Service (April 20, 5PM )🕊️ - The return of Curious Minds 🧠 - Redlands x GAC student exchange 🇺🇸🇦🇺 - Upcoming Reunion – August 2 - Frog, Log, and Dog Almost Saved the Day – illustrated by Brent Wilson 📚 💬 Call to Action If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or message us with your thoughts. Want to be part of our upcoming reunion or host a visiting student? Let us know! Stay connected. Stay curious. And remember—you too can be the difference. 🔗 Footnotes & Resources Mentioned Tropical Cyclones – BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) Understand how cyclones are named and tracked in Australia 🌐 http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/tropical-cyclone-knowledge-centre/understanding/tc-names/ Getting to Know You Concert – Redlands Performance Music Explore the vibrant music program at Redlands College 🎶 https://redlands.qld.edu.au/beyond-the-classroom/performance-music/ Jeff Walling – Guest Speaker & TEDx Presenter Learn more about Jeff’s work through Pepperdine University 🎤 https://www.pepperdine.edu/spiritual-life/church-relations/staff/jwalling.htm Student Exchange Program Partner Schools in the USA 📍 Friendship Christian School – https://www.friendshipchristian.org/ 📍 Lipscomb Academy – https://www.lipscombacademy.org/ Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be seen as endorsements by Redlands College. Editing via auphonic.comMusic courtesy of Pixabay.com

    28 min
  6. Our One-Year Anniversary!

    12/09/2024

    Our One-Year Anniversary!

    Our One-Year Anniversary! Be the Difference - Redlands College Podcast for Term Four 2024 Welcome to this milestone episode celebrating one year of the Be the Difference podcast! Join us as we share stories, updates, and exciting changes at Redlands College. Here's what you can expect in this episode: Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Our One-Year Celebration! 02:23 Year 12 Graduate Reflections 05:31 Curious Minds Trivia Segment 13:07 Alumni Spotlight and Staff Recognition 16:14 Upcoming Changes for 2025 23:20 Podcast Anniversary Reflections and Closing Brief Summary In this special episode, we mark one year of podcasting with reflections on the journey and interviews with our Year 12 graduates. We share alumni achievements, including Laura Eban's success in television, and acknowledge the retirement of Barb Farley, a long-standing staff member. The Curious Minds segment dives into trivia about holiday traditions while upcoming changes, such as student ID integration and a new Chaplain-in-Residence, are highlighted. Tune in for a mix of fun, nostalgia, and exciting news as we celebrate this milestone together! Footnotes: Editing via auphonic.com Music courtesy of Pixabay.com https://qutlegends.wixsite.com/qutlegends/post/laura-eban-passion-projects-dirtgirlworld-and-procrastabaking https://www.friendshipchristian.org/ http//www.pepperdine.edu https://alumni.redlands.qld.edu.au/ Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be seen as endorsements by Redlands College.

    27 min
  7. Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present

    09/09/2024

    Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present

    Welcome to our latest episode, where we dive into the heart of our community, spotlighting stories, updates, and insights from around Redlands College. Here's what you can expect in this episode: 00:00 Welcome  05:00 Matt Stanley Match [Content Alert: Please be advised that some listeners may find this segment emotional.]  10:25 Father's Day Stall  13:15 Book Week and Character Parade  16:24 Fusion Recap  21:36 Alumni Spotlight  22:58 Curious Minds Brief Summary In this podcast episode, we reflect on the busy third term at Redlands College, recapping the Matt Stanley match honouring a former student. We discuss the exciting upcoming international exchange program with Lipscomb Academy and highlight recent fundraising efforts and the joyful Book Week character parade. Footnotes: Editing via auphonic.com Music courtesy of Pixabay.com https://qhvsg.org.au/what-we-do/education/one-punch-can-kill/ https://www.lipscombacademy.org/ https://www.friendshipchristian.org/ https://alumni.redlands.qld.edu.au/ Match Commentator/s: Daniel Moore, with help from Cooper Lang and Dom Camacho Listen to Tayla on BBC World Sporthour: https://bbc.in/3VVMcdi Read Tayla's interview with ABC News: https://amp.abc.net.au/article/103413634 Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be seen as endorsements by Redlands College.

    31 min
  8. Curtain Call and Beyond!

    06/14/2024

    Curtain Call and Beyond!

    Show notesChapters 0:00 - Cold Open 0:15 - Welcome to Redlands College Podcast 1:02 - Redlands Review Episode 3 featuring Oscar Wharton and Jye Jones 13:56 - Curious Minds: Myths Debunked1 7:41 - Wrapping Up Term Two Highlights 21:17 - Distinguished Alumni: Tegan Gilroy In this episode, we reflect on the past term at Redlands College, focusing on the school play "Through the Looking Glass" and its impressive costumes, makeup, and acting. We delve into the behind-the-scenes elements that contributed to the play's success, such as quick changes and set design. Additionally, we debunk myths about animals, explore the true abilities of dogs and bats, and engage in a quiz-style segment on old wives' tales. We also celebrate achievements across different school levels, including the cross-country race, community events, and alumni success stories like Tegan Gilroy's sustainable brand Nakie. The hosts discuss the enriching experiences and individual achievements that shaped the term, showcasing the school community's vibrant accomplishments in athletics and the arts. The episode concludes with a call to listeners to stay connected and inspired by future episodes. Tegan  Leibbrandt, TedX Brisbane Footnotes: Editing via auphonic.com Music courtesy of Pixabay.com Redlands College School Play "Through the Looking Glass" Costumes Makeup Acting Behind-the-Scenes Quick Changes Set Design Dogs Bats Old Wives' Tales Cross-Country Race Community Events Alumni Success Tegan Gilroy Nakie Brand Athletics Arts Achievements School Community Vibrant Accomplishments Stay Connected Future Episodes

    24 min
  9. Voices of the Heart

    03/26/2024

    Voices of the Heart

    Episode 2: Voices of the Heart Show Notes for This Podcast Episode Welcome to our latest episode, where we dive into the heart of our community, spotlighting stories, updates, and insights from around Redlands College. Here's what you can expect in this episode: 0.00 Opening: We start with a warm welcome and a preview of what's coming. 1.01 Man on the Street: Hear directly from our community with spontaneous, on-the-spot interviews. 3.25 Alumni Spotlight: Find out about former students making waves beyond our campus. 5.03 Redlands Review, Student Segment by Oscar and Jye 9.20 Campus Updates: The latest news and happenings from around Redlands College. 10.12 Student Interview Courtesy of Christian Chronicle: In a poignant segment, we share a story from the Christian Chronicle about a teen's journey through grief and faith after the loss of her mother. [Content Alert: Please be advised that some listeners may find this segment emotional.] 24.34 Closing: We wrap up this episode with final thoughts. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you find the stories and updates both informative and uplifting. Footnotes: Editing via auphonic.com Music courtesy of Pixabay.com Laura Alleway assumed the name Laura Brock upon marriage https://www.wegotthechocolates.com.au/ https://www.jacquimclaren.com/ https://www.matildas.com.au/video/get-know-laura-alleway Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be seen as endorsements by Redlands College. Christian Chronicle Episode 56: Making Peace in Kansas City - A Teen Grieves Her Mom and Finds Her Faith, and Puppets Bring Bible Stories to 50 Million Plus. A Bible Bowl Bonus Segment at Home with the Tryggestads.

    25 min

About

'Be The Difference' is the official podcast of Redlands College, embodying our vision of Curious Minds, Serving Hands, Loving Hearts, and Purposeful Lives. Produced by our community, this termly podcast stitches together diverse segments that reflect the ingenuity and compassion of our school's culture. Engage with the College as we navigate through topics that ignite curiosity, showcase service, unfold purpose, and express the warmth of community. Tune in to celebrate and be inspired by the difference our students are making, one story at a time.