In Episode 366 of the Energetic Radio Podcast, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell welcome Craig Randall, a global educator, consultant, and pizza enthusiast, to the show. Craig has served as a teacher and principal around the world, in Asia, the Middle East, South America, and beyond, bringing unique cultural and leadership insights to the field of education.

The conversation kicks off with Craig sharing his signature pizza recipe (think Mediterranean flavours on a pesto base!) before diving deep into a topic central to his professional mission: building trust in schools and beyond.

Craig unpacks the philosophy behind his work, “Trust-Based Observations,” a groundbreaking system designed to shift teacher observations and feedback from deficit-based to strengths-based, ultimately fostering an environment where trust and genuine growth flourish. He highlights practical strategies for building trust, such as focusing on strengths, asking meaningful questions, conducting observations in a teacher’s own classroom, and delaying feedback until a trusting relationship is built.

Key topics and takeaways include:

The Power of Trust: Why trust is hard to build and easy to lose; essential habits for leaders and coaches.
Trust-Based Observations in Action: How unannounced, strengths-based observations, combined with reflective conversations, lower vulnerability and inspire risk-taking and innovation among teachers.
Transferable Wisdom: How the same principles can transform parenting, sports coaching, and business relationships anywhere trust and growth are essential.
Lessons from Global Education: Craig’s reflections on teaching and leading in international schools, the impact of cultural context, and why global experiences shaped him and his family.
Personal Insights: Craig’s own relationship with trust, how he’s built it, where he’s been burnt, and why empathy and forgiveness matter.
Advice for Educators: Why leading with kindness, building relationships, and prioritising play aren’t just nice; they’re necessary for learning and innovation.

From inspiring metaphors (think “trust marbles in a jar”) to transformative, practical steps, this episode is packed with insights for educators, coaches, parents, and leaders at every level.

Resources & Links:

Find Craig Randall and learn more about Trust-Based Observations at trustbase.com

This week's episode of Energetic Radio is a special celebration of milestones, meaningful moments, and making a difference. Hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell are positively buzzing as they mark a serendipitous alignment: the release of their new book "365 Days of Play" and the show's 365th episode, pure fate!

Dale and Paul reflect on the book launch, gratitude for their community, and the power of giving back, highlighted by an inspiring event they recently hosted for Muscular Dystrophy Australia. Listen in as they unpack not only the joy that comes from helping others, but also the personal and professional transformation that comes from chasing your dreams, nerves, and all.

Paul takes a heartfelt moment to shout out friends, family, and colleagues who have bravely leapt toward their goals, while Dale shares honest reflections on the highs and lows of solo hustling and the joy of sharing life's big wins with others.

The episode is packed with practical wisdom, too: From simple tools to lift your mood (think: workouts, little acts of kindness, and the magic of music), to a game-changing insight about building trust that will instantly improve your coaching, parenting, or leadership skills.

Plus, get a sneak peek of next week's transformative interview and collect a few new conversation starters along the way! Whether you need inspiration, reflection, or a reminder that chasing your dreams is always worth it, this episode delivers with warmth, humour, and plenty of heart.

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In this uplifting episode, host Dale Sidebottom and co-host Paul Campbell dive deep into the power of kindness, gratitude, and the meaningful connections that shape our lives.

Fresh from facilitating workshops, Dale and Paul reflect on the infectious energy of public speaking, the joy of giving back, and the ripple effect of reaching out to thank those who've helped us along the way. They share personal stories of teachers, mentors, and 'sliding door' moments that led them to where they are today, revealing just how much being kind and a little bit stubborn can change your path.

Plus, the pair give listeners a sneak peek into their new book, "365 Days of Play," and share practical ways to savour life's small moments, challenging you to reconnect with someone who made a difference in your journey. There's plenty of laughter, honest conversation, and actionable inspiration in this week's episode. Tune in and get ready to bring more joy, gratitude, and play into your everyday life!

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In episode 363, Dale Sidebottom and co-host Paul Campbell are energised, refreshed from a long weekend, and ready to deliver another dose of joy and inspiration. In this episode, they kick things off by sharing laughs and bonding moments over Lego builds, as well as a mind-blowing app that helps you create something new from your pile of bricks.

The conversation turns candid as Dale and Paul open up about falling off the fitness wagon and the challenge of getting back into routines, especially as life gets hectic. They explore the importance of not being too hard on yourself, the value of small positive habits, and the power of doing things that “take no talent” like perspective, connecting with others, and showing up with intention.

They also dig into the idea of being a beginner at any age and embracing continuous learning, with plenty of personal stories from coaching kids’ sports to balancing work, travel, and family. Throughout, Dale and Paul sprinkle in practical tips to lift your mood, foster connection, and live with purpose, while keeping things authentic and fun.

Whether you’re looking for a dose of motivation, ideas to re-energise your week, or just some laughs about everyday parenting and life, this episode brings it all. So settle in, get ready to smile, and join the conversation with Dale and Paul as they inspire you to play, connect, and live your best day, one energetic moment at a time.

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In this powerful episode, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell are joined by Michael Donehue, founder of Journey Apparel. Michael brings raw honesty and relatable humour as he shares his journey through mental health challenges, growing up in a small country town, and the pivotal moments that led him to become an advocate for mental well-being. The conversation delves into how Michael turned adversity into a mission, utilising apparel to spark conversations, break stigma, and build strong communities centred on openness and support. From discussing the importance of reaching out to embracing vulnerability to practical well-being strategies for everyday life, this episode is packed with positivity, real talk, and the reminder that everyone has a story and that sharing it can change lives. Stick around for wisdom, laughs, and a whole lot of heart from three blokes determined to make a difference.

https://journeyapparel.com.au/

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In this episode, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell reunite in the studio after a busy hiatus, hitting the road across Victoria to spread the power of play in schools and communities.

The pair dive into exciting updates, like the upcoming release of their co-authored book, 365 Days of Play, and the much-anticipated launch of Dale's children's book, The Playful Astronauts. Dale and Paul share candid reflections from their road trip adventures, lessons learned about saying no, and the importance of being intentional in daily life. They also chat about creative flow, the benefits of positive self-talk, and how dressing with a bit of flair can brighten your day (and those around you!).

Additionally, they preview the launch of their new Play Free Foundation, which aims to bring play opportunities to all children. If you're looking for laughs, inspiration, and some fresh tools to bring more joy to your family and community, this episode is for you.

365 Days of Play:
Amazon - https://amzn.asia/d/5BrvuC8
Booktopia - https://www.booktopia.com.au/365-days-of-play-dale-sidebottom/book/9781923403147.html
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/365-days-of-play-dale-sidebottom/1147458929?ean=9781923403147

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In episode 360, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell are fresh from their Easter break and ready to dive deep into how small changes in our daily mindset can bring more joy, happiness, and connection to our lives. The duo reflects on their holiday experiences, the invaluable benefits of getting outdoors, and the clarity that comes from spending time in nature.

This episode gets thoughtful as Dale and Paul dissect the everyday phrases like “stay safe” that we use without thinking, wondering why we tend to focus on caution rather than encouragement. They challenge listeners to try signing off conversations with positive, empowering statements instead.

The conversation turns introspective as they discuss the impact of negativity in news and media, and how being intentional about sharing good news, whether at home, at work, or at school, could uplift our outlook and foster stronger communities. Plus, the hosts break down the main causes of stress and the power of celebrating small wins and reveal the “three C’s” essential for turning dreams into reality: Courage, Confidence, and Consistency.

Tune in for a lively mix of personal stories, practical strategies, and playful banter that will leave you reflecting on how to rip the guts out of life (in the best possible way), build positive connections, and take your own happiness to new heights.

Welcome to Energetic Radio, Episode 359, where we have the pleasure of chatting with the inspiring principal of Keilor Views Primary School, Matt Borg. Hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell dive into a lively conversation about the intentional creation of a vibrant school culture that puts humans at the centre of it all.

Matt shares his unique approach to leadership that has fostered a community of empowerment, connection, and positivity among students and staff. With an innovative mindset, he discusses the key role of play, emotional intelligence, and intrinsic motivation in the educational setting. This episode is packed with insights that are not only relevant for schools but for any organisation looking to prioritise human connection and growth. Whether it's the morning routine of physical activity or dismantling traditional hierarchies within a school, Matt's approach is both refreshing and impactful.

Join us as we explore what it means to be an "empowerpreneur" and how we can all strive to be better at "humaning" together. Get ready for an engaging discussion that challenges conventional norms and inspires a brighter, more connected future for education and beyond.