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.

In Episode 368 of Energetic Radio, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell are back after a much-needed hiatus. This week, they delve into what it means to juggle the demands of business, personal life, and self-care, reflecting on one of their busiest term yet and what it taught them about boundaries, burnout, and reassessing priorities.

Dale shares openly about his whirlwind speaking tours, the toll they took, and the invaluable lessons learned, such as recognising when you've said yes to too much, and why striving for balance often means reevaluating what matters most.

Paul brings his signature energy, celebrating big wins both on and off the field, from back-to-back footy championships to supporting his kids as they embark on their own sporting adventures.

Together, they explore the importance of having a personal project, whether it's painting a fence, signing up for a fitness challenge, or starting a new book. They discuss how small, tangible achievements cultivate pride, recharge your motivation, and create a ripple effect of positivity in all areas of life.

You'll also hear about their most rewarding and challenging projects, the launch of their Play Free Foundation charity, and their excitement for a new play-based leadership book in the works. Plus, there's a lighthearted debate about paint brands, the surprising math of existence (400 trillion to one!), and a heartfelt message to enjoy the ride because simply being here is already a win.

Key Takeaways:

• The real cost of overcommitting and the necessity of honest self-reflection
• Why it's important to have one (or more) side projects, no matter how big or small
• The joys of collaborative wins, from personal milestones to community impact
• A reminder that balance is a work in progress, not a destination
• Sometimes, painting a fence is exactly what you need

Thank you for your messages and encouragement to get Energetic Radio back on the air! If you're navigating busy seasons or craving inspiration for your next personal project, this episode will leave you motivated (and maybe ready to grab a paintbrush).

Remember:

You're one in 400 trillion. Enjoy the ride!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Guests are lined up for future episodes, so stay tuned for more inspiration and actionable happiness hacks as we roll into the end of the year!

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In Episode 367, hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell return to the bunker after a busy stretch and bring heartfelt stories, practical insights, and a burst of encouragement for anyone looking to add more joy and fulfilment to their life.

In This Episode:

• Book Impact: Dale and Paul celebrate the incredible reach of their books, "365 Days of Play" and "The Playful Astronauts," sharing touching stories from families, schools, and individuals of all ages whose lives have been enriched by playful routines.
• The Power of Starting: Hear candid reflections on why launching new projects is daunting, but so worth it. The hosts encourage listeners to chase what excites them, highlighting that intrinsic motivation always beats external rewards.
• New Experiences Abroad & At Home: Dale recounts his trip to the U.S. as a keynote speaker, overcoming nerves and jet lag to experience a genuine connection with peers he'd only met online. Meanwhile, Paul shares travel tips for families and the power of collective adventure, plus a story about his first-ever snorkelling trip (at age 40!) that turned into a lifelong memory with his son.
• Facing What You Avoid: The duo reflects on a powerful quote, "What you avoid controls you", and unpacks the challenge and relief of confronting what scares us, whether it's getting out of bed, starting something new, or pushing through internal pressure as they launch their new executive leadership program.
• Intentional Connection: Paul and Dale get honest about the challenges and joys of parenting, from late-night Lego building to lovingly reframing frustrating bedtime routines. A touching perspective shared from an older father reminds us not to take precious moments with little ones for granted.
• Actionable Takeaways:
  • Lean into discomfort and try the things you've been avoiding; they might bring the most growth and pride.
  • Nurture connections, whether with family or friends, through intentional effort, even when life gets busy.
  • Remember: you control the meaning you give to life's challenges; adjust your mindset to find the joy in the challenging moments.

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!