Explore every episode of the podcast The Building Resilient Kids Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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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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| 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
Learn More
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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