The School of Wellbeing with Meg Durham

Dr. Sarah Woodhouse, a research psychologist and trauma expert, delves into the importance of healthy coping mechanisms and self-care, especially in education. She discusses how cultural pressures create guilt around rest and advocates for embracing self-kindness. The conversation uncovers the roots of codependency, the need for boundary-setting, and the impact of productivity culture on well-being. Listeners learn the significance of emotional engagement, personal growth, and modeling healthy behaviors for future generations.

"Sometimes the desire to help, to fix, to problem solve actually creates disconnection." - Marie Vakakis Discover the transformative impact of holding space as Marie Vakakis, a highly skilled Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Family Therapist and Educator dispels myths and shares practical insights to help you uncover the keys to genuine relationships, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. In this enlightening podcast episode, Marie shares invaluable insights on the transformative power of holding space for yourself and others. She illuminates the path to emotional intelligence, urging us to embrace vulnerability and presence. Marie showcases the profound impact of active listening and clear communication. Press play to find out how to deepen your connection with others and yourself. Episode 106 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders!

"Early signs of compassion fatigue include exhaustion, trouble separating personal and professional life, sleep disturbances, and reduced empathy." Mariel Lombard Dive into the heart of educators' resilience as Mariel Lombard shares the unspoken struggles we face daily. In this heart-felt episode, educator and researcher Mariel Lombard, PhD candidate at Western Sydney University joins Meg Durham to share a profoundly personal journey that every educator can relate to. With unwavering honesty, Lombard reveals her own battles with compassion fatigue and PTSD, drawing a raw and authentic connection between her experiences and the widespread challenges faced by educators. Lombard's research, illuminating a glaring gap in our understanding, underscores the urgent need for change within the education sector. Through Lombard's words, we glimpse the power of community, self-care, and dialogue in healing, making this episode an indispensable resource for you as you seek to nurture a healthier, more compassionate educational environment. Press play to join the conversation that could reshape the way we care for those of us who dedicate our lives to shaping the future. Episode 105 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders!

"We've become a very cautious population now; one that wants to play it incredibly safe." - Andrew Fuller Ready to explore the surprising impact of student behaviour on teacher wellbeing and discover powerful insights for creating a more resilient and thriving classroom environment? In this insightful episode, Meg Durham invites Andrew Fuller, a clinical psychologist, to join her in a discussion about the challenges teachers face, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related disruptions. Press play to find solutions for a more supportive and adaptable educational system that prioritises positive relationships and student learning. Andrew Fuller is an accomplished author of books that help parents raise thriving children - check out his books here! Episode 104 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! Please note: This may include affiliate links which help support the podcast. Thanks for being a listener!

"Doing the work that we love helps other people do the work that they love." - Dr Bree Hurn As an educator, do you often wonder how to manage your time and energy effectively? In this insightful conversation, Meg Durham speaks with Dr Bree Hurn, an experienced educator and Director of ‘Know Your Why Learning’. The two discuss how to reconnect with your educational purpose, manage your energy, and avoid burnout. Listen now for practical guidance on managing your time effectively, “slicing away” the things that don’t matter, and reflecting on the magic that makes you an incredible asset to the educational community.  Episode 103 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders!

"Being able to notice more of yourself allows you to make more informed choices." - Karen Stein Do you wish you could take more control of your personal growth and leadership journey? In this engaging podcast episode, host Meg Durham speaks with Karen Stein, a leadership coach and author of 'Be Your Own Leadership Coach'. Join the conversation as the two explore practical self-coaching and self-reflection strategies that can help you improve self-awareness, boost confidence, and achieve greater productivity. You’ll learn about the transformative power of self-reflection, self-assessment, and purposeful actions in improving your wellbeing. Whether you're an educator, professional, or simply someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers a roadmap to becoming a more empowered and influential leader in your own life. Episode 102 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! Please note: This may include affiliate links which help support the podcast. Thanks for being a listener!

 “Everything in life is emotionally demanding to some degree.” - Dr Aimee Maxwell How do you manage the emotional demands of school life? In this episode, Meg speaks with Dr Aimee Maxwell, an Educational and Developmental Psychologist, about how emotional demands impact our daily lives. Aimee shines a light on the unnoticed emotional pressures we face, whether dealing with a child's tantrum or the challenges of a demanding profession like teaching. By tuning in, you'll gain practical insights into safeguarding your wellbeing, from choosing the right recovery activities to taking brief moments of self-reflection. In a profession where stress and burnout are the new norm, this episode offers invaluable insights for a calmer, healthier and happier you. Episode 101 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders!

Welcome to the 100th episode of The School of Wellbeing podcast! In this celebratory episode, Meg Durham speaks with expert guest Ben Crowe about finding your mojo. Teaching is about so much more than academics; it’s about discovering your passion, too! Listen in and learn from Ben, a professional mentor and leadership coach, about the importance of teachers finding a fresh outlook, looking within and nurturing self-compassion. You’ll walk away with practical techniques - like flipping “got to” to “get to”, how to use acceptance lists, and so much more. This episode champions self-awareness, mindset development, and self-compassion as keys to a more joyful, genuine life. You’ll also hear from a few of Meg’s loyal listeners. Were you featured? Listen in to find out! Episode 100 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders!  

In this incredible episode, Meg Durham reflects on her journey as she approaches the 100th episode milestone. You’ll hear about the transformation her life and work have undergone since starting the podcast in 2021. She shares insights and key learnings from her podcasting journey, highlighting the importance of taking responsibility, increasing one's tolerance for discomfort, and creating pockets of respite for wellbeing. Professionally, Meg talks about the impact of the podcast on her career, noting the increased opportunities to work with schools and educators on teacher wellbeing. On a personal level, she shares how her family has settled into their new home and found a better work-life balance. Meg emphasises the significance of support and services in her life and expresses gratitude for the positive changes since moving to Geelong.  Listen now to this heartfelt episode, get closer to Meg, and learn more about the personal decisions she’s made over the past few years. You’ll walk away feeling inspired to welcome more wellbeing into your life through essential practices that help you feel good, function well, and relate better. Episode 99 Shownotes - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders!

"We want to create classrooms which unconsciously soothe our nervous system." - Belinda Jankowiak Do our physical spaces impact our wellbeing? Join host Meg Durham and expert guest Belinda Jankowiak as they discuss how sensory factors greatly influence students' learning experiences. Belinda, an occupational therapist and founder of Project Classroom, highlights the impact of sensory inputs on energy levels, access to learning and building relationships. The two discuss sensory processing and its role in shaping classroom environments. During the episode, you’ll hear strategies such as reducing visual clutter and managing noise to create conducive learning spaces. You’ll gain insights into fostering student regulation and enhancing overall engagement. By embracing sensory-aware approaches, educators and students can enjoy reduced stress, improved focus, and a more enriching educational journey. Episode 98 Shownotes - Click here Leave A Voice Message - Click here Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here Booking Requests - Complete the form The School of Wellbeing is one of the best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders!