Conversations for Thriving Together Podcast

David Kolpak
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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.

  1. Apr 23

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest Dr Marco Gleeson

    We talk a lot about wellbeing, but are we overlooking the foundations? In this episode, I speak with Dr Marco Gleeson about the everyday habits that shape how young people feel, function, and learn. Drawing on his work as a GP and through The Mentor Space, Marco brings a practical and honest perspective on what he is seeing in young people today, and what actually makes a difference. We explore: • The growing challenges facing young people • Why sleep, movement, and routine matter more than we think • How physical and mental health are deeply connected • Supporting young people without adding pressure • Simple, realistic ways families and schools can build healthier habits It’s a powerful reminder that wellbeing isn’t just something we think about - it’s something we live, every day, in the choices we make and the environments we create. Contact Marco through: https://thementor.space/        OR  linkedin.com/in/dr-marco-gleeson-b99386383 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

    45 min

  2. Apr 9

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest David Bott

    What if wellbeing isn’t something we add… but something we live? In my latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I sit down with David Bott from The Wellbeing Distillery to explore what it truly means to embed wellbeing into the fabric of our schools, families, and everyday lives. David challenges us to rethink wellbeing - not as a program or initiative, but as a way of seeing ourselves, relating to others, and shaping the cultures we are part of. We explore: • The stories we carry and how they shape young people • Why adult wellbeing is the foundation for student wellbeing • What it takes to move from “doing wellbeing” to living it • How small, intentional shifts can transform culture over time This conversation is a powerful reminder that wellbeing is not an extra—it’s the work. Contact David through: https://thewellbeingdistillery.com/         OR linkedin.com/in/davidfbott 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

    46 min

  3. Mar 26

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest Meg Durham

    What if the most powerful thing we can do for young people… is to take better care of ourselves? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I sit down with Meg Durham for a deeply honest and practical conversation about what it really means to be well - not just as educators and parents, but as humans. Together, we explore: Why so many of us feel exhausted, even when we’re doing “all the right things” How to reconnect with ourselves beyond the roles we hold What it means to give ourselves permission to be human - not perfect The powerful impact of modelling wellbeing for the young people in our care Simple, meaningful ways to move from surviving… to truly thriving This is not about adding more to your plate. It’s about changing how you show up for yourself and for others. If you’re an educator, leader, or parent who wants to support young people to flourish, this conversation is for you. Click here to visit Meg's website: https://www.megdurham.com/  Or connect with Meg on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/meg-durham 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

    40 min

  4. Mar 19

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest James Cavanagh

    What if behaviour isn’t the problem… but a signal? In this episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I speak with James Cavanagh from the RAWlife Centre for Applied Neurocoherence about how understanding the human nervous system can transform the way we support young people. James shares powerful insights into why many of the challenges we see in schools and families today are not simply behavioural issues, but reflections of capacity, regulation, and the environments young people are navigating. Together we explore: • Why behaviour is often a signal rather than the problem • What “neurocoherence” means and why it matters for learning • How environments shape regulation and engagement • Supporting neurodiverse learners to thrive • Why adult wellbeing and regulation matter more than we think For educators, leaders, and parents, this conversation offers a powerful shift - from trying to fix behaviour to designing environments where young people can truly flourish. Connect with James: https://jcavanagh.com/ 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

    38 min

  5. Mar 12

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest Dr Justin Coulson

    How do we raise resilient, emotionally healthy young people in a world that feels increasingly complex? In this episode, I’m joined by DrJustin Coulson psychologist, bestselling author, parenting expert, and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance. Through his work with Happy Families, Justin has helped thousands of parents and educators better understand children’s behaviour, connection, and wellbeing. Our conversation explores the powerful role families and schools play together in shaping environments where young people feel safe, supported, and capable of thriving. If you’re a parent, educator, or leader who cares deeply about the wellbeing of young people, this is a conversation not to miss. Click here to read Justin's work: https://happyfamilies.com.au/product-category/books 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

    54 min

  6. Mar 5

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest Kate Lose

    If we want young people to truly thrive, we must first ensure they feel safe, seen, and understood! In the latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Kate Lose, facilitator from Berry Street Education, to explore what trauma-informed practice actually looks like in schools and homes. This is not about adding another program. It’s about shifting from managing behaviour to understanding it. It’s about building cultures of safety, regulation, belonging, and connection. And it’s about supporting staff and families as much as students. Kate shares practical, grounded strategies for leaders, educators, and parents who want wellbeing to be lived - not laminated. If you care about creating environments where children and communities can truly thrive together, this conversation is for you. 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

    40 min

  7. Feb 26

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest Dana Kerford

    What if wellbeing wasn’t about another program - but about how we show up in everyday relationships? In the latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by Dana Kerford to explore how strong relationships, shared language, and consistent adult behaviour create calmer, more connected school and family cultures. We unpack why explicitly teaching friendship skills matters, how clear boundaries actually support wellbeing, and the difference between doing wellbeing and living it through culture. If you’re a teacher, school leader, or parent navigating friendship challenges, behaviour, and wellbeing in real-world settings, this conversation offers practical insights and reassurance that small, intentional actions can make a big difference. To connect with Dana: Visit her website: https://urstrong.com/ Or via Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/danakerford 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

    36 min

  8. Feb 19

    Conversations for Thriving Together: Guest Tom Boyd

    What happens when someone reaches the pinnacle of success - and realises it still isn’t enough to feel okay? In the latest episode of Conversations for Thriving Together, I’m joined by former AFL number one draft pick and Western Bulldogs Premiership player, Tom Boyd. From the outside, Tom had everything - elite talent, national recognition, and a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ historic 2016 Premiership. But behind the scenes, he was facing intense pressure and significant mental health challenges, ultimately making the courageous decision to step away from football and redefine his path. This is a powerful conversation about identity, pressure, and the importance of choosing wellbeing over external expectations. Tom’s story offers valuable lessons for leaders, educators, parents, and anyone supporting young people in high-pressure environments. To connect with Tom, visit his website: https://www.tomboyd.com.au/  or via Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tomboyd17 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

    41 min
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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.

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