Explore every episode of the podcast The Building Resilient Kids Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Prior – Former Professional Rugby Player on Coaching Kids for Confidence, Connection and Resilience (Part 2) | 01 Oct 2026 | 01:07:50 | |
“Make Yourself Irrelevant: Ian Prior on Coaching Teens to Think, Perform and Lead for Themselves” At some point, junior sport changes. The scoreboard starts to matter. Selection becomes more competitive. Training becomes more structured. Some kids simply want to keep playing with their mates, while others begin wondering whether sport could take them somewhere much further. So how should our coaching change with them? In Part Two of this Building Resilient Kids conversation, host Tim Curtis sits down again with former professional rugby player Ian Prior to explore the transition from participation-focused junior sport into the more competitive teenage years. And Ian introduces a powerful idea: The ultimate job of a good coach is to make themselves irrelevant.Not because the coach doesn't matter. Quite the opposite. A great coach progressively gives young athletes the knowledge, confidence and decision-making ability to solve problems for themselves—because when the game starts, the coach can't make every decision for them. That shift—from instruction to independence—sits at the heart of this episode. Ian explains that as children mature, coaching should move beyond simply teaching how to perform a skill. Coaches increasingly need to teach why. Why did that option work? What cues did you notice? What other options were available? What will you do differently next time? Those questions don't just create better athletes. They build mental models for decision-making, adaptability and problem-solving that young people can carry into school, work, relationships and life. But teenage athletes present another challenge: their bodies are changing rapidly. Ian discusses peak height velocity—the period of rapid adolescent growth—and why coaches need to understand that the teenager standing in front of them may temporarily be less coordinated, more susceptible to injury and physically very different from the athlete they were only months earlier. That means managing training load, recovery and skill development intelligently rather than simply assuming that harder training is always better. Ian then offers a practical framework for skill development: Isolated → Controlled → Chaotic. First, practise the skill. Then introduce decision-making. Finally, recreate the unpredictability of competition. It's a simple coaching progression that allows young athletes to build competence before learning to execute under pressure. From there, the conversation moves into one of the most important areas of teenage sport: Pressure.How do we teach young people to handle it? How do we build confidence without creating entitlement? How do we help them win well—and perhaps more importantly, lose well? Ian argues that confidence should be grounded in preparation and repetition rather than simply telling a teenager to “be confident”. Do the work. Build the repetitions. Prepare properly. Then take confidence from knowing you've done what you can—while recognising that the opposition, environment and circumstances still get a vote. Ian also shares the grounding techniques he developed during his professional career. At one point during a game, that could be as simple as picking up a piece of grass and feeling it between his fingers—a tactile cue that brought him back into the present moment. Other athletes use breathing, visual focus or physical grounding. These aren't just tools for professional athletes. They're practical emotional-regulation skills teenagers can use before a game, during competition—or walking into an exam. One of the episode's most practical examples comes from Ian's time captaining the Western Force. After a score—whether his team had scored or conceded—the players would deliberately reset. They would come together. Pause. Breathe. Connect. Receive only a small number of key messages. Then finish with a synchronised clap. That clap became a psychological bookend: What's happened has happened. What's my next job? It's a professional sporting technique with an obvious application for teenage athletes—and an equally powerful lesson for life. Review what happened. Take the lesson. Then move. The same principle applies after losing. Ian argues that coaches should involve athletes in the review: What did you see? What did we do well? Where did we fall short? What do we need to work on? That creates ownership rather than dependence. Once the lesson has been extracted, however, the result needs to be parked and attention returned to the process. The conversation also explores performance anxiety and visualisation. Ian describes how young athletes can mentally rehearse both success and adversity—not pretending everything will go perfectly, but becoming familiar with what they might encounter and developing a response before the pressure arrives. What if I miss? What if I make a mistake? What if I feel anxious? And what will I do next? The feared situation becomes less unfamiliar—and the teenager begins building a toolkit for responding to it. Underneath all of this sits something even more important: A child's performance is not their identity.Win or lose, make the kick or miss it, get selected or dropped—the teenager needs to know that their relationships with the important adults around them don't depend upon the result. As Ian puts it, the outcome shouldn't dictate how we feel about each other. That unconditional support gives young athletes a psychologically safe place from which they can take risks, fail, learn and try again. That also places responsibility on parents. Ian's advice from the sideline is straightforward: Support. Don't interfere. Respect the coach. Help where you can. Don't try to influence selections or tactics. And don't ride every emotional high and low as though your child's sporting performance is your own. When they come home, they need a parent—not another coach. For coaches, Ian recommends setting expectations early. Explain your coaching philosophy. Explain how selection works. Explain what you value. Explain what you expect from athletes and parents—and what they should expect from you. Honest expectations at the beginning of a season can prevent enormous confusion later. And then, progressively, hand the game over to the athletes. Ian recalls learning under Australian rugby great Stephen Larkham, who didn't simply tell players what to do. He helped them understand what he was seeing so they could eventually recognise those same situations themselves. Ian also reflects on the All Blacks philosophy of increasingly reducing coach input as game day approached—allowing experienced players to take ownership of training, tactics and ultimately the game itself. Because that's the destination. Not an athlete constantly looking to the sideline for instructions. But a young person capable of thinking: I understand the problem. I have some tools. I can make a decision. And if it doesn't work, I can adjust and try again. That's not just good coaching. That's resilience. Key Themes and Takeaways
Ian Prior is a former professional rugby union player, coach and father who spent 14 years playing professional rugby. His career exposed him to high-performance environments, elite coaches, leadership, selection, pressure, injury, victory and defeat—including captaining the Western Force. But Ian's perspective in this conversation is equally shaped by being a parent and developing coach. He understands what high performance looks like. He also understands that teenage sport needs to accommodate very different motivations. One teenager may simply want to spend time with their mates. Another may genuinely want to become a professional athlete. Good coaching creates an environment where both can develop—combining learning, enjoyment, connection and competitiveness without assuming that every child needs the same destination. Resources and Concepts Mentioned Long-Term Athlete DevelopmentPart Two continues the Long-Term Athlete Development discussion from Part One, moving into the teenage years when training, competition and athlete ownership begin to increase. Australian Sports Commission – Win WellIan discusses Australia's Win Well philosophy and the importance of developing sporting performance in an environment that also considers culture, wellbeing and the development of the person. Isolated → Controlled → ChaoticA practical progression for coaches: Isolated: Practise the skill with limited variables. Controlled: Introduce choices and decision-making. Chaotic: Recreate the uncertainty and pressure of the actual game. The objective isn't merely to perform a skill in practice. It's to recognise when and why to use it when the environment becomes unpredictable. RAMP Warm-UpIan discusses the RAMP approach to preparing young athletes: Raise – Activate – Mobilise/Move – Potentiate The aim is to progressively prepare the cardiovascular, neuromuscular and movement systems before asking teenagers to perform at intensity. Grounding and BreathingIan describes using meditation and tactile grounding during his professional career. Tim also references previous Building Resilient Kids guest Rachel Vickery and the simple cue: “If in doubt, breathe out.” The broader principle is to give teenagers practical tools they can use to regulate themselves when pressure rises. VisualisationVisualisation can help athletes rehearse performance, anticipate adversity and mentally practise their response before the moment arrives. The goal isn't to imagine that nothing will go wrong. It's to build familiarity with the possibility that something might—and know what you're going to do next. SBI – Situation, Behaviour, ImpactTim introduces SBI as a simple framework for difficult conversations between coaches, athletes and parents: Situation: What happened? Behaviour: What did the athlete do or not do? Impact: What effect did that have? It provides a more objective structure for conversations around performance, behaviour and selection. MentorsIan closes the episode by reflecting on the value a mentor could have provided earlier in his professional career. Teenagers don't always want advice from Mum and Dad. A trusted coach, former athlete, teacher or other adult can become an important member of the child's village—someone who provides perspective without carrying the emotional weight of the parent-child relationship. Building Resilient Kidshttps://resilienceshield.com/kids The Resilience Shield Quote of the Episode“What are we actually trying to do? Trying to make ourselves irrelevant.” — Ian Prior Another Memorable Quote“Preparation plus repetition generally leads to you feeling more confident in the game.” — Ian Prior And One for Every Sporting Parent“Our role is there to support.” — Ian Prior Reflection ChallengeThis week, whether you're a coach, teacher or parent, notice how often you give a teenager the answer. Then, once or twice, resist the urge. Instead ask: “What are you seeing?” “What do you think your options are?” “What would you do differently?” “What's your next job?” Give them enough guidance to stay safe and moving forward—but enough space to solve the problem themselves. Because eventually the teenager has to step onto the field, into the exam room, into university, into work and ultimately into adult life without us standing on the sideline telling them what to do. The goal isn't to create a young person who always has the right answer. It's to create one who knows how to work out what to do when they don't. | |||
| Ian Prior – Former Professional Rugby Player on Coaching Kids for Confidence, Connection and Resilience (Part 1) | 24 Sep 2026 | 01:07:46 | |
“Coach the Kid, Not Just the Sport: Ian Prior on Belonging, Effort and Keeping Kids in the Game” Episode Show NotesWhat makes a great junior coach? Is it technical knowledge? Winning games? Developing the most talented players? Or is there something much more important happening every time a child turns up to training? In Part One of this two-part Building Resilient Kids conversation, host Tim Curtis sits down with former professional rugby player Ian Prior to explore what good coaching looks like during the crucial childhood and early adolescent years—and why the lessons learned through sport can extend far beyond the field. Ian spent 14 years playing professional rugby, having progressed through elite junior pathways himself. But he is also now a dad and coach, giving him a very different perspective on the sporting environments we create for children. Looking back on his own childhood, Ian remembers parents who were enormously supportive but never forceful. They drove him to training, helped him practise and created opportunities—but the motivation to improve remained his. That distinction becomes one of the central themes of the episode: Support the child. Don't own the child's sporting journey. Ian and Tim explore the role coaches, parents, teachers and instructors play in creating belonging and psychological safety. For Ian, sport provided somewhere he felt at home as a child. It gave him a way to connect with others, communicate and form relationships—regardless of background, ability or social confidence. That makes the role of the junior coach far bigger than teaching someone how to kick, throw or catch. A good coach notices the child who hasn't touched the ball. They learn names. They ask questions. They create opportunities for different ability levels. They recognise effort and teamwork—not simply the kid who scores the most points. Most importantly, they make kids feel seen, heard and valued. Ian identifies three behaviours he believes coaches should deliberately develop and reward: being a good teammate, communicating well and demonstrating work ethic. His philosophy is simple: children can't completely control outcomes, but they can control their effort. The conversation also tackles something central to resilience: losing. Ian wasn't always selected as a junior. He missed representative teams and experienced the disappointment of being close but not quite good enough. Looking back, he believes those early failures may have helped prepare him for the inevitable setbacks of professional sport. Crucially, home remained psychologically safe. There wasn't more love when he won or less love when he lost. His parents were supporters rather than judges—and that gave him somewhere safe to return after disappointment. Tim and Ian then broaden the discussion beyond competitive athletes. What about the kid who doesn't think they're sporty? The child who is there because their friends are? The late bloomer? The kid on the wing who rarely sees the ball? Ian argues that coaches need to understand why each child is there. Some want to compete. Some want to master a skill. Some simply want to belong to the tribe. All of those motivations are legitimate. The goal—particularly when children are young—is to help them discover forms of movement and sport they genuinely enjoy. Because forcing children into a parent's preferred sport may produce participation for a while, but it rarely produces a lifelong love of being active. And the benefits extend well beyond physical fitness. Sport can teach teamwork, communication, empathy, delayed gratification, work ethic and how to recover after failure. It can provide a social bridge for children who struggle to communicate in other environments. And movement itself supports learning, cognition and wellbeing. Tim and Ian also explore free play and risky play—running, jumping, climbing, falling, getting back up and discovering what your body is capable of. These experiences don't just develop physical competence. They give children opportunities to assess risk, make decisions, build confidence and develop resilience. Finally, Ian offers a wonderfully human lesson for coaches themselves. He recounts giving overly harsh feedback to a young player and immediately seeing the player's body language change. Rather than defending himself, Ian later pulled the player aside, apologised, explained what he had been trying to achieve and acknowledged that he could have coached the moment better. It's an important reminder that good coaching doesn't require perfection. It requires relationships, self-awareness and the humility to repair things when we get them wrong. Part One finishes by introducing the Long-Term Athlete Development model (LTAD)—moving children from participation and fundamental movement skills towards learning to train, while recognising that children develop at different rates and have different sporting ambitions. And that sets up Part Two. As kids move into their teenage years, competition becomes more serious, pathways begin to separate and some athletes start asking: How good could I actually become? Key Themes and Takeaways
Ian Prior is a former professional rugby union player, coach and father who spent 14 years playing professional rugbyafter progressing through Australia's elite junior rugby pathway. Growing up in Australia to Zimbabwean parents, Ian describes sport as one of the places where he most strongly felt that he belonged. Rugby eventually became his profession, but his sporting upbringing extended across cricket, athletics, swimming, cross-country and soccer. Today, Ian brings together the perspective of the former professional athlete, developing coach and sporting parent. That combination makes this conversation particularly valuable. Ian understands elite performance and what it takes to pursue sporting excellence—but he also understands that the vast majority of children who turn up on Saturday morning aren't trying to become professional athletes. Some want to compete. Some want to improve. Some want to be with their mates. And some simply need an adult who makes them feel like they belong. Resources Mentioned Long-Term Athlete Development – LTADThe Long-Term Athlete Development framework provides a useful way of thinking about how children progress from basic movement and participation through skill development, structured training and—in some cases—higher levels of competition. As Ian explains, the early stages should concentrate on movement, participation, connection and fundamental skillsbefore progressively introducing more demanding training and competition. Building Resilient Kids – Tim CurtisSeveral concepts from Building Resilient Kids feature throughout this conversation, including:
Building Resilient Kids: https://resilienceshield.com/kids The Resilience Shield Bill Ribbans – The Four S'sTim discusses surgeon and sports scientist Bill Ribbans' Four S's as a useful framework for developing physically capable humans: Strength – Speed – Stamina – Suppleness Rather than focusing purely on sport-specific skills, children benefit from developing broad physical capability—running, jumping, balancing, moving, accelerating, decelerating and controlling their own bodies. Free Play and Risky PlayTim references the importance of allowing children opportunities for unstructured and appropriately risky play—climbing, exploring, creating games and learning what their bodies are capable of—rather than making all movement adult-directed and organised. Quote of the Episode“You can't control the outcome. You can influence the outcome, but you can control the effort.” — Ian Prior Another Memorable Quote“There wasn't more love when I won. There wasn't less love when I lost.” — Ian Prior One More Worth Remembering“They feel seen, they feel heard, they feel validated, and valued as a person.” — Ian Prior Reflection ChallengeThis week, if you're coaching, teaching, managing—or simply standing on the sideline watching your child—pay attention to what you praise. Is it: “Great goal!” “You won!” “You were the best player!” Or are you also noticing: “I loved how you kept going.” “I saw you include your teammate.” “You worked really hard on that.” “That didn't go your way, but you stayed in the game.” Then ask yourself one question: Am I rewarding the result—or the behaviours that will help this child long after the scoreboard has been forgotten?Because the goal of junior sport isn't simply to build better athletes. It's to build kids who belong, persist, contribute, move confidently—and hopefully still love being active long after their junior sporting days are over. Coming in Part TwoIn Part Two, Tim and Ian move further up the athlete-development pathway and into the teenage years. What changes when kids begin taking sport seriously? How should coaches balance competition, selection, performance and development? And for the young athlete who genuinely wants to pursue an elite pathway, how do we challenge them without destroying the love of the game that got them there in the first place? | |||
| Michelle Cyril – Advanced Paediatric Sleep Specialist and Children’s Nurse, Helping Neurodivergent Children and Families Sleep Better | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:57:37 | |
"Sleep Is a Ninja: Michelle Cyril on Helping Busy Brains Feel Safe Enough to Sleep" Episode Show NotesIn this practical and reassuring episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by Michelle Cyril—The Family Sleep Specialist, an advanced paediatric sleep specialist, children's nurse and mum of two neurodivergent children. Michelle knows the exhaustion of childhood sleep difficulties from both sides of the equation. One of her twins slept; the other didn't. After three and a half years of chronic sleep deprivation, her personal search for answers eventually developed into a professional specialisation in helping children and families for whom conventional sleep advice simply doesn't work. The conversation explores why sleep is such a fundamental building block for resilience and why improving a child's sleep can have effects far beyond bedtime—from emotional regulation and concentration to eating, movement, relationships and the wellbeing of the entire family. Michelle describes sleep as a "golden chain" running through our lives: when sleep improves, other areas have an opportunity to flourish. For neurodivergent children in particular, Michelle challenges the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to sleep. Rather than simply enforcing stricter routines, she encourages parents to understand the individual child's nervous system, sensory needs, anxiety and need to feel genuinely safe. One of her central ideas is beautifully simple: sleep can't be forced. Telling an anxious child to "just go to sleep" is asking them to consciously perform something that happens naturally. Instead, Michelle tells children that "sleep is like a ninja"—it creeps up on you when your brain and body are ready. Tim and Michelle explore practical techniques for helping children develop that sense of safety and independence, including Michelle's "excuse me" game, where parents gradually build trust by briefly leaving the room and reliably returning. The aim isn't simply separation—it's teaching the child's nervous system that Mum or Dad can leave, come back as promised, and I am still safe. They also unpack why a rhythm may work better than a rigid routine for children with demand-avoidant profiles, how sensory input before bedtime can actually help a busy body settle, why screens aren't necessarily the enemy, and why teenagers need daylight, movement and clearer separation between their bedroom as a living space and their bed as a place for sleep. Importantly, the episode isn't only about the child's nervous system. Michelle explains how exhausted parents can arrive at bedtime already dysregulated after months or even years of difficult evenings. Her concept of brief "off-duty time"before bedtime gives parents permission to regulate themselves first, so that children can borrow their calm through co-regulation. The result is a refreshingly compassionate conversation about sleep that moves away from blame, battles and endless lists of things parents "should" be doing. Because sometimes the answer isn't trying harder to make a child sleep. It's understanding what this particular child needs to feel safe enough for sleep to come. Key Themes and Takeaways
Michelle Cyril is an Advanced Paediatric Sleep Specialist, children's nurse and founder of The Family Sleep Specialist, specialising in sleep support for neurodivergent children and young people. She brings together almost 30 years of experience as a children's nurse, degree-level Advanced Paediatric Sleep training, training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), experience within NHS-commissioned children's services and, importantly, her own lived experience as the mother of two neurodivergent children. Michelle specialises in supporting children and teenagers with autism, ADHD and demand-avoidant/PDA profiles, although children do not need a confirmed diagnosis to access her support. Her approach combines evidence-based sleep practice with neuro-affirming principles, focusing on the child's unique sensory needs, emotional regulation, anxiety and sense of safety rather than trying to force them into a standardised sleep routine. Her work also recognises that childhood sleep difficulties rarely affect the child alone. Poor sleep can ripple across parents, siblings, relationships, work and everyday family life—something Michelle and Tim explore extensively in this conversation. Michelle supports families internationally through online consultations and provides free resources for parents wanting to begin understanding their child's sleep differently. ResourcesThe Family Sleep Specialist — Michelle Cyril https://familysleepspecialist.co.uk Free Busy Brains Guide — Helping Autistic and ADHD Children Switch Off at Bedtime https://welcome.familysleepspecialist.co.uk/busy-brains-guide Free Neurodivergent Sleep Help Facebook Community Available through Michelle's website. Michelle specifically directs listeners to both the Busy Brains guide and her free community at the end of the episode. The Resilience Shield https://resilienceshield.com Building Resilient Kids https://resilienceshield.com/kids Michael Gradisar — Sleep Research Michelle references Australian sleep researcher Michael Gradisar's work when discussing adolescents, screens and sleep. Quote of the Episode"Sleep is like a ninja. It's going to just creep up on you." Another Memorable Quote"My child's emotional regulation is far more important than getting the job done." One More Worth Remembering"Your child is wired differently, and they need a different way of approaching bedtime." Reflection ChallengeThis week, take a look at bedtime through your child's eyes rather than your own. Instead of asking: "Why won't they just go to sleep?" Try asking: "What does my child need to feel safe, regulated and ready for sleep?" Then identify one "should" you can remove from your family's bedtime routine. Maybe brushing teeth happens earlier. Maybe the bath moves away from bedtime. Maybe your busy-body child needs movement rather than quiet time. Or perhaps the parent doing bedtime needs ten minutes of their own off-duty time first. The goal isn't the perfect bedtime routine. It's finding the rhythm that works for your child and your family | |||
| Ben Pronk – Former SAS Officer, Leadership Expert and Author of We Are All Going to Die | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:58:07 | |
"Our Kids Should Fight to Be Happy: Why Resilience May Be the Foundation of a Flourishing Life" In this thought-provoking episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by former Australian SAS officer, leadership expert, bestselling author and long-time friend Ben Pronk to explore one of life's biggest questions: What does it really mean for our kids to be happy? While many parents say they simply want their children to be happy, Ben challenges us to reconsider what happiness actually is and whether modern life has quietly led us astray. Drawing on philosophy, neuroscience, psychology and positive psychology, Ben argues that lasting happiness isn't found through comfort, achievement or material success. Instead, it emerges from a balance of pleasure and purpose, meaningful relationships, gratitude and the willingness to embrace struggle. Together, Tim and Ben unpack why resilience may not simply support happiness—it may be one of its essential foundations. They explore why today's children are growing up in a world of unprecedented comfort, comparison and digital distraction, yet increasing rates of anxiety, loneliness and poor wellbeing. The conversation also examines why failure is an essential teacher, why parents should resist removing every obstacle from a child's path, and how modelling gratitude, curiosity and presence shapes children's understanding of what a good life looks like. Blending ancient philosophy with practical parenting, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that our goal is not to raise children who avoid hardship—but children who develop the confidence, character and resilience to flourish because of it. Key Themes and Takeaways
Ben Pronk is a former Australian Army officer who served for more than a decade in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), including operational deployments to East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his military career, Ben co-founded Mettle Global, where he works with organisations around the world to develop resilient leaders, high-performing teams and adaptive cultures. Ben is the co-author (with Dr Dan Pronk and Tim Curtis) of The Resilience Shield, an evidence-based framework for building resilience across the mind, body, social and professional domains. His latest book, We Are All Going to Die, published by Pan Macmillan, explores one of humanity's oldest questions: how can we build a happier, richer and more meaningful life? Combining philosophy, neuroscience, psychology and humour, Ben offers practical insights into flourishing in an increasingly complex world. Through writing, keynote presentations and leadership development, Ben continues to help individuals and organisations rethink resilience, purpose and what it truly means to live well. ResourcesBen Pronk — https://www.benpronk.com We Are All Going to Die — Ben Pronk (Pan Macmillan) The Resilience Shield — https://resilienceshield.com Building Resilient Kids — https://resilienceshield.com/kids The Harvard Study of Adult Development — Harvard University Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (Eudaimonia) Meditations — Marcus Aurelius The Myth of Sisyphus — Albert Camus Quote of the Episode"Fight to be happy." Another Memorable Quote"Happiness is a balance of pleasure and purpose." One More Worth Remembering"I want struggle for my kids." | |||
| Daniel Principe – Youth Advocate, Educator and Author, Helping Young People Build Character, Healthy Relationships and Resilience | 10 Jul 2026 | 01:03:17 | |
"Character Before Culture: Daniel Principe on Raising Good Humans in a Noisy World"
In this thought-provoking episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by Daniel Principe—one of Australia's leading youth advocates, educator, author and speaker, whose work has reached hundreds of thousands of young people, parents and educators across the country. Daniel explores what it means to raise resilient children in an age dominated by social media, comparison, digital distraction and competing cultural influences. Rather than blaming young people, Daniel challenges adults to become more curious, more intentional and more connected. The conversation explores why character matters more than status, why resilience is "caught" as much as it is taught, and why meaningful relationships remain the greatest protective factor for children navigating an increasingly complex world. Daniel also shares insights from his work around respectful relationships and consent education, arguing that consent is only one part of a much bigger conversation about empathy, emotional regulation, communication and becoming a person of good character. Throughout the discussion, Daniel offers practical wisdom for parents, teachers and mentors who want to help young people develop courage, resilience and confidence without losing kindness, humility or curiosity. This episode is a powerful reminder that while the world facing today's children is changing rapidly, the fundamentals of raising good humans remain remarkably timeless. Key Themes and Takeaways
Daniel Principe is an Australian youth advocate, educator, author and international speaker who has spent more than a decade working with schools, sporting organisations, parents and communities to help young people thrive. His work focuses on character formation, respectful relationships, masculinity, digital culture, consent education and emotional wellbeing. Daniel is widely recognised for his practical, evidence-informed approach to engaging young people through curiosity rather than judgment, encouraging them to become thoughtful, resilient and compassionate adults. Through keynote presentations, workshops, writing and media appearances, Daniel continues to challenge cultural narratives while equipping families and educators with practical tools to raise young people of strong character in an increasingly complex world. Resources
"You can't be judgmental and curious at the same time—pick one." Another Memorable Quote"Character matters more than status." One More Worth Remembering"Resilience is often caught before it is taught." (resilience is contagious) | |||
| Roy Newey – Entrepreneur, Author, Father of 2, Turning Dyslexia into a Superpower | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:53:10 | |
"Bullies, Business and Belief: Roy Newey on Finding Strength in Life's Biggest Setbacks"
Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis sits down with Roy Newey... entrepreneur, business leader, author, father, and self-described "dyslexic who still can't read or write." Roy's story begins with spectacular academic failure. Leaving school without passing a single exam, few would have predicted he would one day build and sell multiple businesses, lead the economic regeneration of Liverpool, chair a bunch of companies, and become an author. Roy reflects on how dyslexia, once viewed as his greatest disadvantage, became his greatest competitive advantage. Unable to rely on written words, he developed extraordinary observational skills, emotional intelligence, memory and an ability to read people—qualities that shaped his success as a leader. The conversation also explores Roy's deeply personal children's novel, Timothy and the Triplets Three. Inspired by his own son's experiences with bullying, the story helps children realise they are not alone while reminding parents, teachers and carers of the profound influence adults have on a child's resilience. Throughout the episode, Roy shares heartfelt stories about humour, confidence, parenting, and why allowing children to experience manageable struggle is one of the greatest gifts adults can give. This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about discovering the strengths that hardship can reveal. Key Themes and Takeaways
Roy Newey is an entrepreneur, international business adviser, author and speaker who has spent more than three decades helping organisations and communities grow. Despite leaving school without passing a single exam due to dyslexia, Roy went on to build and sell multiple successful businesses, lead the economic regeneration of Liverpool, and chair more than 150 companies across the UK and internationally. Roy is also the author of Timothy and the Triplets Three, a children's novel inspired by his son's experience with bullying. Written to help young readers feel less alone, the book explores friendship, belonging, courage and resilience through humour and adventure. Roy's story is a powerful reminder that the labels placed on us as children need never define our future. Resources
"Being dyslexic became my superpower." Another memorable quote"Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is not rescuing them, but standing beside them while they work out the solution themselves."
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| Michelle Mitchell – Parenting Educator, Author, Mother of 2, Champion of Teen Connection and Resilience | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:53:47 | |
“Space, Trust and the Roundabout: Michelle Mitchell on What Teens Really Need from Us” In this insightful and deeply practical episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis speaks with Michelle Mitchell—parenting educator, bestselling author, and founder of the Resilient Kids Conference about what it really takes to support teenagers through one of the most complex stages of development. Drawing on decades of experience working with young people and families, Michelle shares a refreshing perspective on resilience, connection, and the evolving role of parents. From her early days working with at-risk youth to raising her own two sons, Michelle’s message is clear: resilience is not built in isolation—it is built in relationship. This episode challenges common parenting narratives and offers grounded, actionable insights into how we can stay connected to our kids while giving them the space they need to grow. Key Themes and Takeaways
Michelle Mitchell is a leading Australian parenting educator, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience supporting young people and families. She began her career as a teacher before founding a youth-focused charity, working extensively with vulnerable and at-risk children. Michelle is widely known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to parenting teens and is the host of the Resilient Kids Conference, bringing together leading experts to support families navigating modern challenges. Resources
******** Get in touch with Tim Curtis at kids@resilienceshield.com https://resilienceshield.com/kids/
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| Molly Benjamin- Money Smart Kids: Building Financial Resilience from Pocket Money to Property | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:51:25 | |
From piggy banks to pay gaps, Molly Benjamin shares practical ways to raise financially confident kids in a cashless, complex world.
Molly Benjamin is on a mission to make financial literacy accessible, practical, and empowering—especially for women and now, kids. After transforming her own “hot financial mess” into a thriving movement that’s educated 70,000+ Australian women, Molly is bringing the conversation to the next generation. As a spokesperson for Spriggy, she has deep insights into how kids earn, save, spend, and give—and how parents can raise resilient, financially confident children who are ready to thrive. In This Episode Money Mindset Starts Young Molly explains how kids form their attitudes toward money by age seven—and how adult behaviours code that mindset. She shares why normalising conversations around spending, saving, and giving early matters, especially in a cashless society. “It’s not just what we say, it’s what we do around money. Kids are watching.” The Three Piggy Bank RuleMolly outlines her favourite financial framework for children—Spend, Save, Share—and explains how to use tools like Spriggy or Monopoly money to reinforce tangible learning about financial priorities and delayed gratification. Girls Out-Earning Boys?The FY25 Spriggy Kids Economy Report reveals that girls are earning $1.03 for every $1.00 boys earn—flipping the adult gender pay gap. What can this tell us about confidence, motivation, and resilience in young people? Money Mistakes Parents MakeFrom over-rewarding chores to avoiding money conversations, Molly highlights the unconscious habits that may undermine a child’s financial resilience. “Money shouldn't be a taboo or secret. If they don’t learn it from us, they’re learning it somewhere else.” Financial Stress & The FutureWith house prices now 8–14 times the average wage, Molly discusses how we can prepare our kids for lifelong affordability pressures—through saving, investing, and open dialogue. “Even if you’ve never invested before, go on the journey with your child. Learn together.” Practical Tools to Build ConfidenceFrom setting savings goals to explaining superannuation and tax to teens, Molly shares strategies to raise informed, confident kids who won’t panic the first time they fail—or the first time they look at a budget. Takeaways
Resources Mentioned
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| Dr Louise Mansell – Clinical Psychologist, Innovator, Mum of Two Boys (and a Teddy Bear) | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:58:33 | |
Episode Subtitle: “Emotions, TED Talks & Teddies: Louise Mansell’s Mission to Build Brave Kids”
In this episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by Dr Louise Mansell, a clinical psychologist and founder of Tedology. Originally from the UK and now based in Perth, Louise brings a wealth of experience working with vulnerable children in care systems and mainstream settings. Louise shares insights into her personal upbringing, how her mother’s anxiety shaped her sense of responsibility and empathy, and what inspired her journey into psychology. She discusses the need for a whole-system approach to child development, the importance of working with schools and families, and how trauma-informed, compassionate care can change the course of a young life. The heart of the episode is Louise’s innovative creation: TED (Teddy for Emotional Development) – a science-based, sensory teddy bear that helps children regulate emotions, build resilience, and develop emotional literacy through play. From weighted limbs and textured paws to guided voice prompts based on proven psychological tools like CBT and DDP, TED is a cuddly co-regulator for kids. Louise reflects on parenting, teaching, and the daily challenge of applying psychology at home, candidly admitting her own occasional “screen bans” as a mother. Her honesty and evidence-based practice make this a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone committed to raising emotionally resilient kids.
Highlights
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Quote of the Episode “Resilience isn’t about just coping. It’s about being brave enough to express yourself—and knowing someone will listen.” – Dr Louise Mansell
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| Anne- Marie (Curtis) Hicks – Fundraising Professional and Mum of 3, Parenting Children with Sotos Syndrome and Down Syndrome | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:51:49 | |
Joy, Diagnosis and the Village: Annie Hicks on Building Resilience in Kids with Disabilities In this deeply personal episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis speaks with his amazing cousin, Annie Hicks—a dedicated mother of three and a fundraising professional in the education sector—about what it means to raise resilient children, including two living with disabilities: Calvin (Sotos Syndrome and ADHD) and Lily (Down Syndrome). Annie opens up about the surprises and challenges of receiving a diagnosis, the evolving needs of her children, and how she and her husband Michael have navigated parenthood with intentionality, balance, and love. With candour and warmth, Annie discusses the power of community, the importance of self-care, and the need to be selectively selfish to model resilience for her kids. From managing emotional regulation through sensory tools, companion animals, and trampoline resets, to redesigning family expectations and slowing down to meet her children where they’re at, Annie offers practical wisdom for parents, carers, and educators alike. Also in this episode:
Annie’s heartfelt stories and honest reflections will resonate with anyone striving to raise strong, self-aware, and joyful kids; regardless of ability. Resources & Further Reading:
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| Marty Doolan – NSW Firefighter, Outdoor Educator, Father of 2, Shaping Resilience through Risk and Reflection | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:57:34 | |
Episode Sub-title: Breathe, Climb, Adapt: Marty Doolan on Nature’s Role in Raising Strong Kids Episode Show NotesIn this episode of the Building Resilient Kids podcast, host Tim Curtis speaks with Marty Doolan — a NSW Fire and Rescue firefighter, outdoor educator, father of two, and lifelong adventurer. Marty shares reflections from years spent guiding young people in the wild and responding to emergencies on the front line. His insights draw from two high-stakes domains — firefighting and outdoor education — and reveal what these worlds can teach us about how kids build emotional strength, courage, and problem-solving skills. This is a wide-ranging conversation on nature, parenting, discomfort, and self-regulation — with practical wisdom for parents, teachers, and coaches helping kids find their inner footing. Key Themes and Takeaways
Marty Doolan is a full-time firefighter with NSW Fire and Rescue, and a part-time outdoor educator. He spent years guiding in the Blue Mountains and taught outdoor leadership to young adults before transitioning into emergency services. Now a father of two young children, Marty continues to apply his knowledge of risk, resilience, and human performance to both professional and family life. He brings an open, self-aware, and experience-driven perspective to the conversation around how kids grow stronger through challenge. ResourcesNSW Fire and Rescue https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au Outward Bound Australia (example of programs similar to those discussed) https://www.outwardbound.org.au The Resilience Shield – Model referenced throughout the episode https://resilienceshield.com Nature Play Australia – Encouraging unstructured outdoor play https://www.natureplay.org.au Project Rockit – Building peer support and leadership in youth https://www.projectrockit.com.au Breathwork Australia – Understanding breath as a regulation tool https://www.breathworkaustralia.com.au | |||
| Rick Pedley-Smith – Physical Education Teacher, Father of 2, Pioneer of the Rite of Passage Program for Boys | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:56:14 | |
Episode Sub-title: “Effort Over Results: Rick Pedley-Smith on Mentoring Boys and Building Self-Respect” Episode Show Notes:In this energising and deeply personal episode of the Building Resilient Kids podcast, host Tim Curtis speaks with Rick Pedley-Smith, physical education teacher, father of two boys, and co-creator of the pioneering Rite of Passage Program at a Western Sydney School. Rick shares his journey from martial arts and running to almost three decades of teaching, and why he and his wife model “effort over results” as a family philosophy. He explains how the Rite of Passage Program came about, the lessons learned from mentoring disengaged boys, and why self-respect is a far better goal than self-esteem. Rick also reflects on the importance of role models outside the family, the dangers of social media, and why controlled adversity — from running and poetry performance to abseiling and 24-hour hikes — is crucial for building resilience in young men. In a special moment at the end of the episode, Rick’s own sons join the conversation to share what resilience means to them in their own words, bringing the episode’s message full circle. Key Themes & Takeaways:
Rick Pedley-Smith is a long-time physical education teacher based in northwest Sydney, an avid runner and jiu-jitsu enthusiast, and father of two boys. Together with Wade Fairclough and other educators, he co-founded the Rite of Passage Program, an initiative that supports disengaged male students by blending physical challenges, mentoring, and emotional learning to help them discover their values, virtues, and self-respect. Resources:
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| Charlie Cay – Fourth-Generation Farmer, Father, Building Resilience on the Land | 20 Aug 2025 | 01:28:02 | |
Episode Sub-title: Weathering the Seasons: Charlie Cay on Grit, Gratitude, and Growing Strong Kids
In this episode, host Tim Curtis talks with Charlie Cay, farmer, father, and proud steward of both land and legacy. Charlie shares the highs and heartbreaks of family life on the land — from the harsh realities of drought and flood to the quiet wins of raising resilient, well-rounded kids in a remote rural part of Australia. With humour and honesty, Charlie reflects on the lessons learned from nature, work, and family, and how they’ve shaped his approach to parenting, leadership, and inner strength. This episode is a reminder that resilience is forged in rhythm — through seasons of hardship, community connection, and the day-to-day work of showing up for those we love. Key Themes & Takeaways:
Learn more at: resilienceshield.com/kids
Resources:
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| Rachel Vickery- Former International Gymnast, and High-Performance Consultant | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:58:54 | |
Episode Sub-title: “How our kids can perform better from the Beam to the Boardroom" In this episode of the Building Resilient Kids podcast, Tim Curtis speaks with Rachel Vickery, former international gymnast turned high-performance consultant to elite athletes, special forces units, and corporate leaders across the globe. Rachel brings her deep experience from gymnastics and years working behind the scenes with Olympic teams, the NBA, Premier League, World Rugby, and even Australia’s special operations, to share insights into how we can raise emotionally and physiologically resilient kids. This is a deep dive into the mechanics of pressure, breath, mindset, and how adults, whether parents, educators, or coaches, can build safe, supportive environments for kids to thrive in.
Key Themes & Takeaways:
Learn more at: resilienceshield.com/kids
Resources & Further Reading
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| Rob Redenbach – Professional Speaker, Martial Arts Expert, Father of 3 and Grandfather | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:59:38 | |
Episode Sub Title: “Persistence, Parenting & Purpose: Rob Redenbach on Raising Resilient Kids”
In this reflective and moving conversation, host Tim Curtis sits down with keynote speaker, author, and resilience educator Rob Redenbach. Rob shares stories from his rich and diverse background—from martial arts and military security to fatherhood and now grandfatherhood—and how those experiences shaped the way he raised his three children, all now thriving young adults. With humour, humility and insight, Rob explores what it really means to earn a child’s respect, why persistence is the most powerful parenting tool he knows, and the value of slowing down to savour the “magic” in everyday moments. He also reflects on generational change, lessons from failure, and how even our weaknesses can become gifts to our kids. Key themes and takeaways:
👉 Learn more at: resilienceshield.com/kids (Even) More About RobRob Redenbach has delivered resilience and communication training in more than 20 countries and worked with everyone from corporate leaders to Nelson Mandela’s protection team. With a background that spans martial arts, private security, and law, Rob now mentors others in public speaking and adaptability—and has earned the title “professional student of life.” Find out more about Rob’s work at redenbach.com. Resources:
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| Stephanie Pinto – Emotional Intelligence Expert, Mother of 2, Raising Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Kids | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:51:54 | |
Episode Sub Title: “The Undercurrent: Steph Pinto’s Superpower for Building Resilient, Emotionally Strong Kids”
In this thoughtful and practical episode, host Tim Curtis speaks with Steph Pinto, emotional intelligence expert, mum of two, and champion for raising emotionally strong and self-aware kids. Steph opens up about her own journey with anxiety, what she’s learned as a parent in a neurodiverse household (ADHD in the mix), and how emotional intelligence can help kids and adults alike manage big feelings, build resilience, and strengthen relationships. Key themes and takeaways:
👉 Learn more at: resilienceshield.com/kids
(Even) More About Steph: Steph Pinto is an emotional intelligence coach, accredited anxiety therapist for kids and teens (Cool Kids program), and an advocate for building emotionally healthy families. She draws from personal experience as a parent of a neurodiverse child, as well as professional expertise in emotional regulation and resilience tools.
Resources:
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| Jasmin Diab – Special Operations Engineer and Nuclear Scientist, Mother of 2, Parenting a Child with Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) | 05 Jul 2025 | 00:46:34 | |
Episode Sub Title: ““STEM Mum, Big Heart: Jaz Diab’s Lessons in Resilience” In this inspiring and open-hearted episode, host Tim Curtis speaks with Jasmin (Jaz) Diab, nuclear scientist, STEM nerd (self confessed!), and mum of a remarkable five-year-old with achondroplasia, Zoe and little baby boy Remy. Jaz shares her experiences parenting a child with achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism), the lessons she’s learned about resilience, and how curiosity, honesty, and community have helped her navigate challenges.
Key themes and takeaways:
👉 Learn more at: resilienceshield.com/kids (Even) More About Jaz: Jasmin draws upon 22 years of service as an Australian Army engineer officer with a focus on security and safety in high risk environments. Jasmin is a nuclear engineer with an extensive knowledge and experience in the Australian nuclear and national security landscape and loves a good complex challenge
Resources: Women in Nuclear (WiN) Australia — A network supporting women in nuclear science and technology; Jasmin is likely engaged with groups like this. Special Operations Engineer Regiment (SOER) — Australian Army’s dedicated combat engineer unit supporting Special Operations Command. Little People of Australia — National support network for people of short stature and their families. Growing Stronger: Achondroplasia Resource (Johns Hopkins Medicine) — Detailed medical overview of achondroplasia. Short Statured People of Australia Facebook Group — Community space (private group; request to join). Welcome to Holland – by Emily Perl Kingsley — Full text of the poem.
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| Susannah Kindred- Clinical Psychologist and Mum of 3 | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:47:27 | |
Episode Sub Title: "Perfectionism, Parenting & Lollipops: Susannah Kindred’s Guide to Being Good Enough" In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, host Tim Curtis welcomes Susannah Kindred, clinical psychologist, performance coach, and mum of three, to the Building Resilient Kids podcast. Together, they explore what it really looks like to juggle professional expertise and the raw realities of parenting — and how being a psychologist doesn’t mean you have all the answers at home! Key themes and takeaways:
This episode is filled with practical, real-world insights on parenting with compassion, curiosity, and courage — without needing to wear a “psychology hat” at all times. 👉 Learn more about Susannah and her work at: kindredthriving.com
(Even) More About Susannah: Susannah Kindred is a performance and mindset coach, trained clinical psychologist, and founder of KINDRED Thriving. She helps leaders, professionals, parents, elite athletes, and performing artists develop the mental and emotional skills to navigate challenges and excel with courage, curiosity, and compassion. In her private practice, she has supported countless adolescents and parents, and as a mum of three young kids, she’s passionate about equipping people with the tools to navigate life with resilience and purpose.
Resources: Susannah's website: https://kindredthriving.com/ About Wise Mind on DBT: https://dbtselfhelp.com/wise-mind/ On 'Good Enough Parenting': D.W. Winnicott introduced the concept of "good enough parenting," suggesting that parents don't need to be perfect to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. Instead, they should aim to be "good enough," meaning they adequately meet their child's basic physical and emotional needs, providing a secure base for development while also allowing for age-appropriate independence and frustration tolerance.
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| Building Resilient Kids: The Mission Begins | 29 Jun 2025 | 00:13:31 | |
In this introductory episode of the Building Resilient Kids podcast, host Tim Curtis shares the motivation behind launching the podcast and outlines what listeners can expect from the series. It will provide you the 'Who', 'What' and 'Why'. Tim is a co-author of the bestselling book The Resilience Shield and author of Building Resilient Kids. He gives the context for his passion on resilience which was initially shaped by his military experiences; his being a resilience nerd.... and his accompanying deep interest in human growth and performance through adversity. Key themes covered:
BRK POD- SERIES PREVIEW: You will meet the experts behind Tim's interviews in the book Building Resilient Kids; discovering not only their professional insights but also find out a bit about them on a deeply personal level including their personal strategies (and even their “resilience superpowers”).
References:
Buy the Book 'Building Resilient Kids': Click here
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