The School of Wellbeing with Meg Durham

“Who we are beyond our work shapes how we show up within it.” Mark Worthington In this episode of The School of Wellbeing, Meg Durham sits down with Mark Worthington, Head of Player Development Manager at the Geelong Cats and former teacher, to explore what it means to have an identity beyond work. Together they discuss the parallels between education and elite sport including the intensity, the transitions, and the pressure to perform, and why cultivating a non-work (or non-athletic) identity is vital for long-term wellbeing and success. Mark shares insights from his journey from the classroom to the AFL, reflecting on balance, leadership, self-compassion, and how caring for the person behind the professional transforms how we live and work. ---- Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 04:10 – From teaching to elite sport: Mark’s story 10:35 – The intensity of high-performance environments 17:20 – Developing a non-work identity 23:40 – Balancing personal life and professional demands 31:15 – Self-compassion and sustainable leadership 38:00 – Feeling supported beyond performance 44:50 – Lessons from sport for teachers and school leaders 50:30 – Final reflections: thriving beyond work ---- Deliberate Actions Reflect on what fills you up outside of work. Schedule time this week for something that reminds you of who you are beyond your role. Start a conversation with a colleague about how you each protect your non-work identity. Give yourself permission to rest and recover because it’s part of sustainable performance. ---- Episode 155 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Mark Worthington  LinkedIn ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“Turn learning from shame making into thrill seeking.” - Andrew Fuller Andrew Fuller, Clinical psychologist joins Meg Durham to reframe neurodivergence through a strengths based lens. We explore why labels alone are not enough, how teachers can think like coaches, and practical ways to change the neurochemistry of a room on purpose. Andrew explains myelination and unique strengths, shows how language shifts like today’s challenge lift engagement, and walks through the Attach Approach so we can move students from agitation to connection. We talk school culture that connects, protects and respects, sensory aware classrooms, after lunch resets, and partnering with parents around a student’s strengths. The goal is simple and profound: help young people feel valued for who they are and set them up for success in school and beyond. ---- Chapter markers: 00:20 Welcome back Andrew and why this book 02:00 What neuroadvantage means and why strengths matter 04:45 Teacher as coach building bridges from strengths 07:19 Music and maths the brain bridge we often miss 10:43 How recognising strengths changes learning 12:20 School culture CPR connect protect respect 14:33 Simple classroom tweaks that help every brain 16:48 Language shift from learning objectives to today’s challenge 21:59 The Attach Approach activate agitate avoid attack attach 25:36 Dance rhythm puzzles and the dopamine lift 33:33 Physical environment and sensory experience 35:27 Designing varied break time options to reduce friction 36:59 After lunch strategies that change the mix in the room 43:31 Partnering with parents using a strengths profile 46:24 Calming strategies and learning each child 50:03 Joy the future and being a catalyst ---- Deliberate Actions: Open each lesson with a short challenge on the board to boost motivation quickly. Give every major instruction both verbally and visually so more students can follow along. Use quick fast thinking bursts followed by slow reflection to balance energy and focus. Replace learning objective with today’s challenge in your lesson language for one week. Introduce a three minute movement or music routine to start or reset a class. Identify one calming strategy for each focus student and practise it before you need it. ---- Episode 154 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Andrew Fuller  Website | LinkedIn | Books | My Learning Strengths ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

"When we're self-reflective, we bring our better self.” - Tracey Ezard Ever noticed how one person can shift the energy in a room? In this episode of The School of Wellbeing, Meg Durham is joined by leadership expert, keynote speaker and educator Tracey Ezard to explore how our presence, mindset and emotional tone influence school culture, team dynamics and professional relationships. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with authenticity, how self-awareness supports growth, and why the tone we set matters in every interaction. Whether you are in the classroom, on a leadership team or supporting others in education, this is a powerful reminder that who we are is just as important as what we do. In this episode, you will learn How our presence shapes school culture, connection and trust. Why authentic leadership builds stronger teams. When strengths become blind spots without reflection. What self-awareness and emotional intelligence make possible. Can honest conversation build more trust and clarity. This conversation is ideal for educators, school leaders and anyone passionate about teacher wellbeing, educational leadership and creating healthy, high-performing learning environments. Episode 153 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Tracey Ezard  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Books ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“I want new teachers to be teachers for a long time.” - Tom Brunzell Education is always evolving, and one of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the rise of trauma-informed practice and wellbeing in schools. In this episode of The School of Wellbeing podcast, Meg Durham speaks with Dr Tom Brunzell, Director of Education at Berry Street and co-author of Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms. Together they explore how the field is maturing, why our understanding is deepening, and what the next chapter of education looks like. In this episode, you’ll learn: How trauma-informed education has evolved over the past 20 years Why intersectionality is central to supporting diverse learners The role of allied health professionals in building thriving school communities How policy and resources can drive systemic change Why trauma-informed practice is becoming the foundation of education What gives Tom hope for the future of schools and wellbeing This is a conversation about hope, possibility, and the future of education where both staff and students can feel good, function well and thrive together. Episode 152 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Dr Tom Brunzell –  LinkedIn | Berry Street | Book | Berry Street Education Model | Research ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“Let's recognise the autonomy and the power and the control we have to make schools great workplaces for educators.” Amy Green Workload in education is one of the biggest challenges facing schools today. It shapes the way teachers teach, the way school leaders lead, and the way students learn. In this episode, host Meg Durham speaks with Amy Green, educator, leader, and author of Teacher Wellbeing and Leading Wellbeing. Together they explore the reality of workload in schools, why clear processes matter for students and teachers, and how schools can create the conditions for deep work, clarity, and purpose. By tuning in, you will learn: How to manage teacher workload more effectively. Why perfectionism adds to the pressure. The importance of autonomy and competence for educators. Practical ways to protect staff time, energy, and focus This conversation will leave you with greater clarity, practical strategies for teacher wellbeing, and the encouragement to rethink not just how much work we do in schools, but why we do it and whether it is still fit for purpose. Episode 151 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Amy Green – Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Books ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“Language heavily impacts our psychological realities.” - Lindsay G Oades PhD In schools, we often hear the terms mental health, wellbeing and flourishing, but are we clear on what they really mean? In this practical and thought-provoking conversation, Meg Durham is joined by internationally acclaimed wellbeing scientist, educator and author Professor Lindsay G. Oades. Together, they explore the power of language and why it matters in how we care for ourselves and others in school communities. You’ll learn about the difference between mental health and wellbeing, the concept of wellbeing literacy, and the emotional labour involved in working in schools. Lindsay shares insights on how teachers can support student wellbeing while protecting their own, and why setting clear boundaries is essential to sustaining our care over time. This episode will help you move beyond buzzwords and towards a deeper, more sustainable way of supporting wellbeing in your school. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between mental health, wellbeing and flourishing. What wellbeing literacy is and why it matters. How to stay compassionate without taking it all on. The role of schools in promoting flourishing, not just achievement. Episode 150 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Prof Lindsay Oades PhD -  LinkedIn | Research ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“Just because that's the way it's always been done doesn't mean that it actually works.” - Lael Stone Do you own your story, or does it own you? In this powerful and deeply relatable conversation, speaker, educator, and author Lael Stone shares insights from her new book, Own Your Story: Understanding Your Past to Create Your Future. Lael gently guides us through what it means to become curious about our triggers, take accountability for our growth, and start shifting the old stories that no longer serve us. In this episode, you’ll learn: What imprints are and how they’re formed in childhood How to recognise the beliefs that still quietly shape your behaviour What anger can teach us about our boundaries and unmet needs How to rewrite the stories we inherited and choose a different path forward This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and school leaders who want to lead with more emotional intelligence, compassion, and clarity. Episode 149 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Lael Stone - Instagram | Website | LinkedIn  ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“What we need to do is try to break that cycle of compulsive behaviour.” - Dr Helen Kelly Why is it so hard to switch off? Even when the school day ends, the work often follows us home, in our minds, in our emails and in the emotional weight we carry. In this episode, Meg Durham is joined by Dr Helen Kelly to explore why switching off feels so difficult and how learning to switch off is a skill every educator can master. Together they unpack the cultural pressures, digital habits and deep sense of responsibility that keep teachers and school leaders always on. You’ll learn how chronic stress shows up, why burnout is more about the system than the individual, and what small shifts can make a big difference. Inside this conversation:• The early signs of emotional and physical burnout.• How cultural expectations shape our relationship with rest.• The impact of guilt on educators' ability to switch off.• Micro-habits that support healthy recovery.• How to reframe self-care as a professional responsibility. This episode is a compassionate reminder that learning to switch off and protecting your energy is not selfish, it is essential. Episode 148 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Dr Helen Kelly - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram  ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“The best resource we have for challenges is connection.” - Mathew Disher Is learning possible without wellbeing? In this episode, Meg Durham speaks with Mathew Disher, Director of Learning and Wellbeing at Concordia College, about the powerful connection between how we feel and how we learn. Together, they explore the Equilibrium Model of Wellbeing, the role of social resourcing, and why embracing challenge can foster growth for both students and staff. Mathew shares practical insights into leadership, cognitive load theory, professional anxiety, and the quiet strength of connection. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or someone who supports schools, this conversation offers fresh ways to support wellbeing and learning in real, sustainable ways. Episode 147 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Mathew Disher - LinkedIn  ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

“Know that you don't have to do this alone and know that you don't have to come up with these answers alone.” - Kristen Douglas What can we do when tragedy strikes a school community? In this important episode, Meg Durham is joined by Kristen Douglas, Head of Headspace Schools and Communities, to explore how educators can respond to crisis with compassion, clarity and care. With nearly two decades of experience supporting schools through suicide, grief and loss, Kristen shares practical insights into what school staff need to know before, during and after a critical incident. Together, they discuss the difference between prevention and postvention, the emotional toll on educators, the power of language and why strong relationships matter most when things fall apart. Whether you're a teacher, leader or parent, this conversation will leave you feeling more prepared, supported and informed. If your school community is managing a crisis or responding to suicide, please contact your state’s Be You Team (headspace) for immediate support: ACT: 0475 838 049 NSW: 0475 838 049 NT: 0484 269 957 QLD: 0455 079 803 SA: 0448 381 280 TAS: 0458 559 736 VIC: 0458 559 736 WA: 0477 769 352 These contacts are also available to assist with postvention planning, staff training, and preparedness support. For more information and resources, visit:🔗 Suicide Prevention and Response – Be You🔗 Whole School Wellbeing – Be You Please don’t wait,  support is here, and you don’t have to face this alone. Episode 146 Shownotes - Click here. ---- Kristen Douglas LinkedIn | Instagram ---- Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation. ---- ** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **