Join Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell for a heartwarming and insightful episode of Energetic Radio, as they welcome sports performance coach, educator, and former Australian Under 17 World Cup footballer Aaron Healey. Recorded on a sunny morning in Melbourne, the conversation delves deep into the power of perspective, the importance of mentorship, and why staying passionate about play matters for young people, athletes, and leaders alike.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Who Is Aaron Healey: Learn about Aaron’s rich background, from his time on the world stage with the Young Socceroos to his pivotal roles in education and elite sports coaching at the Victorian Institute of Sport and Melbourne Victory.
• Perspective is Everything: Aaron shares how travel and sport shaped his worldview, recalling birthdays in Santiago, Chile, and the invaluable lessons he gained from seeing life’s contrasting realities. Discover why perspective is a lifelong skill, not just a childhood lesson.
• Mentors & Leadership: Hear Aaron’s reflections on working under legendary A-League coach Ernie Merrick and why great leaders trust, empower, and uplift their people, whether on the pitch or in the classroom.
• Embracing Failure and Curiosity: Explore the “failure movement” in coaching and education, why creating safe environments for mistakes fosters self-belief, confidence, and lifelong growth.
• The Joy of Community: From grassroots football to senior coaching, Aaron celebrates the magic of mateship, fun, and staying connected to sport beyond the pursuit of trophies. Hear about the mental and physical benefits for young coaches returning to give back, and why multi-sport participation is key for children and teens.
• Parenting Insights: Honest, relatable advice for parents of young athletes, how to balance support with gentle encouragement, and why the “car ride home” should celebrate effort, not critique performance.
• Quiz Segment Fun: A lively quiz session brings out the competitive side of the hosts and guests, reminding listeners of the joy found in lighthearted play and connection.
• Personal Pride & Advice: Aaron opens up about his proudest achievements, the power of positive relationships, both on and off the field, and what he wishes he could tell his younger self about self-belief, kindness, and not being too hard on yourself.

Why Listen?

Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, or sport lover, this episode delivers practical wisdom, authentic stories, and plenty of laughs. Discover what it really means to create joy, build confidence, and influence lives through sport and education.

Welcome to Episode 370 of Energetic Radio, hosted by Dale Sidebottom and co-host Paul Campbell. This week's episode is all about celebrating small wins, cultivating gratitude, and becoming a treasure hunter in your personal and professional life.

Dale kicks things off with an energy boost after finally getting a good night's sleep and shares some personal wins, from writing 500 words a night to landing an exciting new partnership for the School of Play curriculum in 45 Mayfield Early Learning Centres across Australia. He gets candid about the pride of seeing his own kids benefit from the very programs he's built.

Paul jumps on the trumpet-blowing bandwagon by sharing his own fitness milestones, callisthenics progress, and moments of pure morning gratitude. Plus, the great budgie smuggler debate makes a return. What does swimwear have to do with motivation and progress? You'll have to tune in!

This episode also highlights the power of a positive mindset, featuring a simple yet powerful Mel Robbins quote: "One of the single greatest skills you need to develop in life is to have a good attitude for no reason." Dale and Paul dive deep into practical ways to train your brain for positivity, even when life throws curveballs.

They also introduce a game-changing approach for teachers, parents, and leaders, the Treasure Hunters mindset. Discover why shifting focus from labels to strengths helps both neurodiverse and neurotypical kids (and adults!) thrive. Find out how being a treasure hunter can transform classrooms, workplaces, and even family life.

Plus, don't miss the new trivia segment! See how you stack up against Paul as Dale takes him through 10 quick-fire questions, no blue ribbons for half-points here!

Highlights in this episode:

• Dale's wins with sleep, fitness, and School of Play partnerships
• Paul's running and swimming triumphs, and why core strength matters
• The positive impact of celebrating your own victories
• Why adopting a "good attitude for no reason" is transformative
• The Treasure Hunters approach for educators and leaders
• Fun banter, trivia, and plenty of laughs (including budgie smugglers and scallop facts!)

Actionable takeaway:

This week, blow your own trumpet, big or small, and celebrate what makes you proud. And start looking for treasure in everyone you meet!

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In episode 369, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell kick things off with contagious energy, ticking off the to-do list, fueling creativity, and finding happiness in the everyday. They delve into why having a personal project or two (whether it's building a golf studio, mastering swimming, or simply painting a fence) can bring a genuine sense of accomplishment and joy.

This episode is packed with insights on balancing work, play, and self-improvement:

• Personal Projects & Happiness: The guys discuss how focusing on yourself and having tangible projects (even backyard golf sheds!) sparks creativity, purpose, and genuine happiness.
• Play-Based Leadership Unveiled: Dale and Paul introduce their new Play Profile tool, a quick and insightful quiz that uncovers your play-based leadership style (Connector, Creator, Challenger, or Carer). Discover why understanding your own style is essential and how it can positively impact your team's energy.
• The 'Pressure is a Privilege' Mindset: A lively chat about reframing pressure, building resilience in adults and kids, and the power of adding "yet" to your self-talk for growth.
• Being Present & Ditching Devices: The hosts get passionate about the need for more phone-free spaces, whether at restaurants, kids' activities, or just while kicking the footy outside. It's all about creating memorable, genuine connections.
• Aussie Nostalgia: Hear how neighbourhood street cricket, footy, and outdoorsy community vibes are making a comeback in Paul and Dale's worlds, and why we need more of this classic fun.
• Quick Life Audits: A simple, powerful self-check: Would your body/mind pack up and leave if it could? Dale and Paul explore what this means for self-care, burnout, and bouncing back.

Plus, they answer some spontaneous "questions without notice," share good laughs about avocado trees, and drop practical tips for parents and leaders on building better habits and keeping a joyful life.

Links & Resources:

• Play-Based Leadership Play Profile Quiz Find your style - Click HERE
• Connect with Dale & Paul for leadership workshops and speaking gigs (now booking for 2026!)
• Learn more about SchoolOfPlay

Takeaways:

Whether you're after more creativity, practical wellbeing boosts, or ready to be the "kick-the-footy-on-the-street" neighbour, this episode serves up plenty of real-life inspiration and fun.