Michael O’Keeffe: Lessons from The Arts, leading with purpose and the power of professional learning communities.
Today I’m joined by Michael, an experienced educational leader with more than two decades working across the primary, secondary and adult education sectors. His career has been shaped by a passion for coaching, digital technology, and the Performing Arts, where he’s made a real impact on both teaching and leadership.
Michael is currently the Deputy Principal at John Paul College in Frankston, Victoria, where he brings together his deep expertise and his commitment to helping teachers and students thrive.
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48:50
Jamie Gerlach: Deep learning, human agency and the power of play.
Today I’m joined by Jamie Gerlach, an educator and leader who believes in the power of deep learning to build human agency and sees access to rigorous play as a basic right for all. For over a decade, he has designed and led professional learning in embodied literacy, 4C learning and school transformation, working with teachers and leaders across Australia and internationally. Jamie has also lectured at the University of Sydney and spoken at national conferences. In this conversation, we explore his philosophy, passion and practical insights for reimagining education.
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Dr Ange Rogers: PVAT, Building teacher expertise and the power of place value.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Ange Rogers, a teacher, numeracy leader, consultant and researcher whose work has helped countless primary teachers feel more confident in the maths classroom. With more than twenty years of experience across teaching, coaching, and research, Ange has a real gift for turning evidence into simple, practical strategies that work.
Her passion lies in building teacher confidence, improving number sense, and breaking down those common misconceptions that can so easily trip students up. Ange’s down-to-earth approach means everything she shares is classroom-ready, realistic, and focused on what makes the biggest difference for students.
Whether you’re a teacher wanting new ways to strengthen your numeracy practice or a leader looking to support your staff, this conversation is full of insights, routines, and encouragement that will help maths click.
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Brendan Yu: Championing rural and remote schools.
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Brendan, a proud public education principal with deep roots in his community. Brendan now leads in the very place he once attended as a student, driven by a passion to expand opportunities for rural and remote students. His journey began early, when he revitalised the Riverina Industrial Arts Network to strengthen skills teaching across the region. He continues to champion equity, opportunity, and strong staff support, making a real difference in the lives of young people and the communities they grow up in.
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Dr Peter Lovatt: How pirouettes can literally change your mind.
What if the key to thinking more clearly, feeling more connected, and even solving problems... was movement?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr Peter Lovatt psychologist, dancer, and founder of the world’s first Dance Psychology Lab, to explore how moving our bodies can transform our minds. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will prompt you to think (and maybe even dance) in new ways. His new book, The Dance Cure, is a must read.
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