Andrea Downie: How do we design school systems that prioritise people and wellbeing?
Today’s guest is Andrea Downie who is a global education leader, wellbeing expert, and co-founder of Project Thrive®.
Andrea is the Head of Wellbeing and an Executive Board member at the British School Jakarta, and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Wellbeing Science. Over the past two decades, she’s worked across schools and systems around the world, helping educators redesign learning through the lens of wellbeing and systems change.
She’s taught in classrooms, led school-wide change, worked in leadership roles across sectors, and delivered keynotes on five continents. Her passion is clear: to create an education system where authentic learning, personal growth and wellbeing sit at the heart of every school community.
Let’s get into the conversation.
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49:12
Peter Howes: Rethinking leadership, building trust and authentic community engagement.
Today’s guest is Peter Howes, Principal of Ballina Coast High School and a passionate leader in public education. With more than three decades of experience across teaching, leadership, and community engagement, Peter brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and inclusion in every aspect of his work.
As a seasoned school leader, he’s driven by a belief that every student — no matter their background or ability — deserves access to a high-quality, supportive education. His approach to leadership is grounded in strong relationships, community partnerships, and a vision of schools as places where both students and staff can grow, contribute, and thrive.
In this conversation, we explore what it means to lead with purpose, how to build an inclusive school culture, and the role of public education in shaping stronger communities.
Let’s get into it.
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Dr Daniel T. Willingham: Why Don’t Students Like School?
Today’s guest is Dr. Daniel T. Willingham a cognitive scientist, professor, and author whose work bridges the gap between research and the classroom.
He’s a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and the bestselling author of Why Don’t Students Like School?, a go-to book for educators looking to understand how students learn.
Dr. Willingham has a rare gift for translating complex science into clear, practical insights. His research focuses on memory, reading, and critical thinking, and he writes regularly for The Washington Post and American Educator.
In 2017, he was appointed by President Obama to the National Board for Education Sciences, recognising his contribution to evidence-based education.
I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Willingham. Let’s get into it.
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Ashleigh Smith: Rainbow Sky Creations, influential books and memorable teachers.
Today I’m joined by Ash Smith, co-founder of Rainbow Sky Creations — a passionate educator creating practical, inspiring resources for teachers. Through her work, Ash supports educators to feel more confident, organised, and empowered in their classrooms.
Let’s jump into the conversation.
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Adam Larby: Thriving together, school culture and servant leadership.
Adam Larby, Head of Tudor House at The King’s School, is a passionate educator, thoughtful leader, and lifelong learner devoted to nurturing both character and curiosity. With years of leadership experience at Shore’s North Sydney Preparatory School and a deep commitment to faith, family, and community, Adam brings a rich blend of wisdom, vision, and heart to his role.
It’s a conversation about leadership, legacy, and building a school culture where students and staff can truly thrive.
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