Wag Tales

Skye Staude is an experienced educator and leader who has spent over 15 years working in alternative and re-engagement education settings with young people who have experienced significant adversity. Now a Deputy Executive Principal across multiple campuses at MacKillop Education, Skye brings a deep commitment to trauma-informed practice, system-level change, and supporting both young people and the adults who care for them. In this conversation, Skye and Megan reflect on their shared journey in the early days of trauma-informed education and the experiences that shaped their work and leadership. Together, they explore what it really means to build trauma-informed systems — not just within classrooms, but across families, staff, and the broader community. Skye shares a powerful initiative from her current work: embedding a family therapist within the school to support connection, reduce isolation, and strengthen the role of families in a young person's life. They also reflect on literacy, early intervention, and the importance of responding to the real needs sitting in front of us, rather than what systems assume. This episode also brings into focus the often unspoken realities of this work — particularly the physiological load on educators and leaders. Megan and Skye unpack the importance of self-awareness, regulation, and psychological safety within teams, and why trauma-informed leadership must include the wellbeing of staff if it is to be sustainable. It's an honest and thoughtful conversation about leadership, relationships, and the systems we need to build if we want to truly support young people to thrive. --- Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. Website: https://wagtailinstitute.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagtail.institute Music by Kabbilistic Village: https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Ruby Sait is a passionate advocate for young people with lived experience of out-of-home care, whose work is shaped by her own journey through homelessness, education, and life beyond the system. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and community work, Ruby is committed to ensuring that young people who have grown up in care are not defined by their circumstances but supported to see what is possible for their future. Her story is one of determination, courage, and a deep belief in the potential of others. In this episode, Ruby and Megan explore Ruby’s journey through out-of-home care and homelessness, and the realities of navigating life without consistent support. Ruby speaks openly about the messages she received about her worth and her future, and the determination it took to stay connected to education and create a different path for herself. She reflects on the role of alternative education in providing connection and belonging, and the significance of graduating despite the barriers she faced. The conversation also highlights Ruby’s work supporting other young people with experience in out-of-home care to access education opportunities, including helping them secure scholarships and pathways into further study. Ruby shares why mentorship matters, what it means to be a consistent and encouraging presence in a young person’s life, and how belief can shift someone’s trajectory. Together, they discuss the gaps that still exist for young people transitioning out of care, and the need for more responsive, compassionate systems of support. Ruby also speaks to the emotional weight of sharing lived experience, the balance between empowerment and vulnerability, and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. This is a powerful and hopeful conversation that reminds us that young people are not statistics — they are individuals with stories, strengths, and futures worth investing in. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Zach Mercurio, PhD, is a researcher, speaker, and author whose work centres on one of our most fundamental human needs: to feel that we matter. Through his research in organisational psychology and his work with schools, workplaces, and leaders around the world, Zach explores how simple, everyday interactions shape our sense of value, connection, and wellbeing. His work offers a powerful reframe — that feeling seen, heard, and valued is not a “nice to have,” but essential for human development and thriving. In this episode, Zach and Megan explore what “mattering” really means, and how it differs from concepts like belonging and inclusion. They unpack how a sense of mattering is built through small, consistent interactions — noticing someone, affirming their value, and showing that they are needed. Zach shares how these micro-moments can have a profound impact on young people’s mental health, engagement, and sense of identity, and why the absence of mattering can contribute to disconnection, disengagement, and burnout. The conversation also explores what this means in practice for educators, leaders, and anyone working with people. Zach offers simple, tangible ways we can build a culture of mattering in our classrooms, workplaces, and relationships — not through programs or initiatives, but through how we show up in everyday moments. Together, they reflect on the role of technology, the importance of rebuilding relational ecosystems, and why meaningful connection must sit at the centre of any system that aims to support wellbeing. This episode is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to do something extraordinary to make a difference — we need to be intentional in the ordinary. Because when people feel that they matter, everything else begins to shift. You can find out more about Zach Mercurio and grab a copy of his book here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Kate Renshaw is a play therapist, educator, and researcher whose work centres on the role of play in children’s emotional development, learning, and wellbeing. Through her clinical practice, teaching, and advocacy, Kate has spent many years helping adults better understand the language of play and the profound insights it offers into children’s inner worlds. Her work bridges therapeutic practice and education, inviting teachers, parents, and professionals to see play not as a break from learning, but as one of the most powerful ways children learn, regulate, and make sense of their experiences. In this episode, Kate and Megan explore the foundations of play therapy and why play is such an essential part of healthy child development. Kate explains how play therapy draws from a range of experiential therapeutic approaches and how teachers, carers, and other adults can support children through play in everyday environments. They talk about developmentally appropriate learning, the importance of observation and curiosity when engaging with children, and why play is often the most natural language children have to communicate what they are feeling and experiencing. The conversation also explores how our cultural understanding of childhood shapes the opportunities children have to play, and why adults sometimes struggle to interpret or value play in the same way children do. Kate introduces the idea of the “cortical complexity gap” and how this influences the way adults interpret children’s behaviour. Together, Megan and Kate reflect on how play supports emotional regulation, creativity, and problem-solving, and why reclaiming play in both childhood and adulthood is so important for wellbeing. This episode is an invitation to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the power of play. Whether you are an educator, parent, therapist, or simply someone interested in supporting children well, Kate’s insights offer a thoughtful reminder that play is not an extra — it is fundamental to how we grow, learn, and heal. Dr Kate Renshaw's clinical website can be found here. National Institute for Play (US based) https://nifplay.org/ Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Jesse Diggins and Nathan Castle are psychologists and co-founders of Psychs in Schools, an initiative working alongside schools to strengthen mental health support for children and young people. Their work focuses on increasing access to psychological services within educational settings, building strong partnerships with educators, and ensuring that support is relational, practical, and responsive to the realities schools face every day. In this episode, Megan, Jesse, and Nathan explore what it really means to provide meaningful mental health support in schools. They talk about the growing needs of young people, the pressure educators are under, and the importance of collaboration rather than siloed support. Together, they unpack how psychologists can work in partnership with school staff, why connection must sit at the centre of wellbeing work, and how assessment services and timely intervention can make a significant difference for students and families. They also discuss the role of technology in young people’s lives — acknowledging both its risks and its potential — and the need for balanced, thoughtful conversations rather than reactive fear. The episode highlights the importance of sleep, play, and safe relationships, and reminds us that supporting student wellbeing is not the work of one professional alone. It requires shared responsibility, clear communication, and a willingness to work as a team. This conversation offers insight for educators, school leaders, and anyone invested in creating environments where young people can access the right support at the right time. You can find out about Psychs in Schools here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Danielle Murphy is a foster carer, writer, and advocate who has spent the past six years walking alongside children and young people in care. Through her lived experience, Danielle brings an honest and grounded voice to the realities of foster care — the deep love it invites, the uncertainty it holds, and the emotional labour required to keep showing up. She is the author of Hearts in Transition, a book written to reflect the stories so often left untold in foster care and to offer connection and support to other carers navigating similar paths. In this conversation, Danielle and Megan explore what foster care really looks like beyond the surface. They speak candidly about the unpredictability of placements, the emotional toll of constant transitions, and the grief that carers and children carry — even when placements are short. Danielle reflects on how schools often struggle to understand the impact of trauma and transition on children in care, and why trauma-informed approaches are not optional, but essential. Together, they unpack how even a few weeks of safety, consistency, and care can leave a lasting imprint on a child’s life. They also discuss what carers need in order to sustain this work — from genuine support systems and community, to honest recruitment practices and acknowledgment of the financial realities of fostering. Danielle shares why self-care is not a luxury for carers, but a necessity, and how building connection with other foster carers can be a lifeline. This episode is a deeply human conversation about holding love and loss at the same time, and what it truly means to care for children during seasons of transition. You can find Danielle's book here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@wagtailinstitute.com Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Nathan MacArthur is a grief counsellor, researcher, and the founder of Sydney Grief Counselling. His work centres on helping people navigate the many shapes and seasons of grief — from bereavement and relationship loss to the quieter, less spoken-about forms of grief we carry throughout our lives. Nathan’s approach blends clinical insight with deep humanity, offering gentle, evidence-informed support to individuals, families, and carers, including kinship and foster carers who are often holding complex layers of loss in their homes. In this episode, Nathan and Megan explore what grief really is, not just the pain that follows a death, but the grief tied to identity, missed possibilities, ruptured relationships, and the changes we didn’t choose. Nathan shares his research into adult grief experiences and the ways we can better understand the physical, emotional, and relational impacts of loss. They talk about how grief shows up for children, the importance of clear and honest language, and what adults can do to support the young people in their lives as they make sense of their own losses. This conversation invites us to think about grief as a universal human experience, something we will all encounter, and something we can learn to navigate with more gentleness and courage. Nathan reminds us that grief is not something to fix, but something to honour. Whether you’re supporting others, moving through your own loss, caring for children in complex circumstances, or wanting to feel more confident having conversations about death, grief, and change, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and compassion. You can find more about Nathan and his work here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood violence, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, which may be distressing for some listeners. Support services are listed below. Aaron Stark is a writer, speaker, and mental health advocate best known for his viral TED Talk, “I Was Almost a School Shooter.” His story has reached millions of people around the world, offering a raw, honest look at how pain, neglect, and rejection can push a young person to the edge — and how a simple act of kindness can pull them back. In this episode, Aaron and Megan talk about the early years that shaped his story — growing up surrounded by violence, instability, and homelessness — and the point where he began to lose hope in himself and the world around him. Aaron speaks openly about the moment he planned to commit an act of violence, and the unexpected friendship that changed everything. They discuss what true connection looks like for young people in crisis, the role of compassion in preventing harm, and why we must offer love to those who seem to need it the least. This episode is confronting, moving, and ultimately full of hope. Aaron’s story reminds us that prevention begins with presence, and that a small act of kindness can quite literally save a life. Help and Support: If you or someone you know needs support, here are some resources available in Australia: • 1800RESPECT – 24/7 national support for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence. Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au. • Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. • MensLine Australia – Support for men experiencing or impacted by family violence. Call 1300 789 978 or visit www.mensline.org.au. • Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au. • Kids Helpline – Free, confidential support for young people (ages 5-25). Call 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au. • No to Violence – Support for men who use or are at risk of using family violence. Call 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au. • Blue Knot Foundation – Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma. Call 1300 657 380 or visit www.blueknot.org.au. Please take care while listening, and reach out for support if needed. If you are outside of Australia, please reach out to your local services for support. You can contact Aaron via his email address: aaronstarkauthor@gmail.com Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Benjamin Perks is a global child-rights advocate, educator, and author of Trauma Proof. Working for the UN in New York, he campaigns on human rights and child development and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Jubilee Centre, University of Birmingham, and an associate member of the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford. Today, he joins the podcast in a personal capacity as an author to discuss his research and vision for prevention. In this conversation, Benjamin and Megan unpack what a true public-health approach to trauma prevention looks like. They explore the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the economic and moral arguments for investing early, and why prevention must be treated as a social and policy priority—not an afterthought. Benjamin outlines the layers of prevention—primary, secondary, and tertiary—and shares examples of how communities can be strengthened before harm occurs. He also reflects on his own childhood in care and a powerful realisation at a global conference on attachment theory, where he recognised that the research being discussed was describing his lived experience. Benjamin also speaks about the teacher who changed the trajectory of his life, illustrating how one trusted adult can alter a child’s sense of worth and future. This episode is both systemic and deeply human—a reminder that when societies invest in children, connection, and care, the return is not only economic but generational. You can order your copy of Trauma Proof here. You can follow Benjamin's work on LinkedIn here. Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Wag Tales walkout songs playlist can be found here.⁠⁠ Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Liam Casson is an educator turned wellbeing leader whose work spans schools, sport, and the corporate world. A former Director of Wellbeing in education, he now leads education and wellbeing at Seafeld Investments and serves as CEO of Reset Moves, a gamified movement platform designed to help children and adults reset their bodies and brains. Liam and Megan first met in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Melbourne, and this conversation brings that shared foundation into focus: evidence-informed practice, real-world impact, and deep care for people. In this episode, Liam and Megan explore the story behind Reset Moves and how movement can become an accessible, joyful tool for regulation and learning. They talk about active screen time, co-design with teachers, therapists, and families, and how the platform is being used across classrooms, therapy rooms, and homes to create short, effective “reset” moments. Liam shares practical examples for educators seeking brain breaks and behaviour support, and for parents wanting simple ways to get kids moving. The discussion also widens to wellbeing more broadly: small consistent practices, listening to the body as life changes, modelling healthy routines at home, and making space for connection and family rituals. This conversation is a reminder that change often starts with simple, doable actions. Liam’s work shows how creativity, community, and smart use of technology can open new pathways to engagement and care. Whether you are an educator, a therapist, a parent, or a leader building healthier teams, you will find practical ideas and plenty of heart here. You can find more about Reset Moves here: https://resetmoves.com/ Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠ Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠The Wag Tales walkout songs playlist can be found here.⁠ Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Danielle Mifsud is the Academy Director at Humans of Purpose Academy, a social impact organisation supporting women and non-binary people with lived experience of domestic and family violence. The Academy provides a pathway for survivors to rebuild confidence, develop skills, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. Through community, peer support, and a strengths-focused approach, Danielle and her team are helping participants reconnect with their purpose and agency. In this episode, Danielle and Megan explore what it truly means to empower through community. They discuss the importance of belonging, the transformative role of peer support, and how recovery must be built around strengths, not deficits. Danielle shares her insights on leadership and self-care, the role of mentorship, and how the Academy continues to grow while holding true to its values of safety and connection. Together, they reflect on what it means to thrive — not in comparison to others, but in alignment with one’s own definition of flourishing. This is a powerful conversation about hope, healing, and the strength that comes from being seen and supported. Danielle’s work reminds us that recovery is not a linear path, but a collective journey — one made possible through compassion, courage, and community. You can find out more about the academy here. Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute⁠⁠⁠ Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠⁠⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠⁠⁠ The Wag Tales walkout songs playlist can be found here. Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠⁠⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠⁠⁠

Emma Gentle is an educator, parent, and advocate for reshaping schools through trauma-informed and emotionally intelligent practices. Drawing on her own journey in mainstream education, Emma brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the work of creating classrooms and communities where wellbeing, connection, and authenticity sit at the centre. She is passionate about supporting teachers to understand their nervous systems, regulate themselves, and show up in ways that foster real connection with students. In this episode, Emma and Megan explore the power of trauma-informed practice and emotional intelligence in education, and how these approaches can transform not only teaching, but leadership and parenting too. Together, they have an honest conversation about moral injury — what it looks like in schools, how it impacts teachers’ mental health, and why it is so often overlooked. They reflect on the challenges of working in systems that can pull educators away from their values, and the importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity in navigating these realities. Emma also shares practical strategies for nervous system regulation, the role of co-regulation in both classrooms and families, and how authenticity can ripple through a school culture to strengthen wellbeing for teachers and students alike. This is a conversation about courage, care, and change. Emma’s insights invite us to rethink what it means to be an educator — not just delivering curriculum, but modelling presence, compassion, and humanity. Her work is a reminder that when teachers are supported to thrive, young people and whole communities benefit, too. You can find Emma on Instagram and LinkedIn. Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠⁠Wagtail Institute⁠⁠ Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠⁠ Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠⁠

Matt Pitman is an educator, author, and advocate for rethinking how we build connection in schools. His latest book, The Connection Conundrum, explores why connection is so often overlooked in education and what it takes to make it central to student engagement, wellbeing, and learning. Drawing on years of leadership experience, Matt brings both practical strategies and a deeply human perspective to the challenges school communities face today. In this episode, Matt and Megan dive into the transformative power of connection and how it can reshape whole-school culture. They talk about what happens when behaviour management is treated not as punishment but as an opportunity for relationship, and why vulnerability and authenticity in leadership matter so much. Matt shares insights on how to create norms instead of rules, how to listen with empathy and curiosity, and how connection can ripple across students, staff, and parents to transform the whole community. This is a conversation for educators, leaders, and anyone invested in the future of schools. Matt reminds us that connection is not a soft skill or an add-on, but the foundation of belonging, engagement, and growth. His work offers a roadmap for creating environments where every part of the school community — young people, teachers, and families — can thrive together. You can find out more about Matt's work and his books here. Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠Wagtail Institute⁠ Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠ ⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠ Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠

Luke Anderson is the founder of Fair Threads, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting families of incarcerated individuals and creating pathways for those reintegrating into the community after prison. With lived experience of incarceration himself, Luke brings a raw honesty and deep commitment to making practical change. In this episode, Luke and Megan explore the story behind Fair Threads, a business that streamlines the process of sending approved items into prisons while also creating transitional employment opportunities for people leaving custody. Luke reflects on his own childhood and the risk factors that led to his incarceration, including trauma, instability, and a lack of supportive systems. They discuss the importance of offering real support to parents who are struggling, and the need to shift our thinking when it comes to young people at risk. This is a conversation about second chances, structural change, and the power of showing up for others and for ourselves. You can find out more about Fair Threads here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Corey Keyes is a sociologist and psychologist best known for developing the dual continuum model of mental health and for coining the term languishing, a word that gave language to the emptiness so many felt during the pandemic. His new book, Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down, offers both research and reflection on how we move from surviving to thriving, not just individually, but collectively. Megan has been following Corey's work since early in her career and felt incredibly honoured to sit down for this conversation. In this episode, Corey and Megan delve into the heart of his research, exploring the distinction between mental illness and mental health, and how they coexist. They also share personal stories about the people who changed the course of their lives. Corey speaks openly about his childhood and the moment everything shifted when he went to live with his grandparents, his “earth angels,” who gave him the love and stability to thrive. Megan reflects on her own grandparents and the story behind naming Wagtail Institute in their honour. This conversation is a deeply human reflection on suffering, healing, and what it means to build a life of meaning. Together, Corey and Megan explore why wellbeing science must stay anchored in reducing suffering, not just chasing happiness, and how focusing on quality over quantity in how we live, connect, and care for one another might just change everything. You can purchase a copy of the book, Languishing, here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Ahmed Sulaiman is a language teacher, entrepreneur, and one of the kindest, most generous people I know. We first met nine years ago when I moved to Nablus in the West Bank to volunteer as an English teacher and study Arabic. What started as a professional connection quickly became a friendship that has remained across distance, years, and the ever-changing reality of life in Palestine. In this episode, Ahmed and I reflect on our shared memories of Nablus and the ways the city has changed over the past decade, from the tightening of checkpoints to increased water restrictions, growing economic challenges, and daily life under occupation. We also talk about what hasn't changed: the warmth of the people, the power of community, and the deep connection to food, land, and culture. Ahmed shares the story of Tabouli Language School, the new business he and his wife, Bianca, have built together, offering online Arabic lessons, Palestinian cooking classes, and language cafés that bring people together across borders. This conversation is about friendship, resistance, and building joy in the face of difficulty. It's a love letter to Palestine, its food, its people, its mountains and stories, and a reminder of how deeply we're shaped by the communities we become part of. Ahmed and Bianca's website will be live VERY SOON. If you are interested in language or cooking classes, stay tuned; these show notes will include the update. If you want to schedule something sooner, please feel free to email Megan! Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Jaime de Loma-Osorio Ricon is a long-time advocate for equity and inclusion in education and community work. As Deputy CEO of Banksia Gardens Community Services and Director of the Northern Centre for Excellence in School Engagement, Jaime has helped shape one of Victoria's most respected models of school–community partnership. With over 20 years of experience in Broadmeadows, Jaime brings both deep local knowledge and a bold systems-thinking lens to the work of supporting vulnerable young people. In this episode, Megan and Jaime explore the powerful model behind Project REAL, a flexible, trauma-informed program supporting students who are disengaged or excluded from school. Jaime shares how his team works across 16 partner schools to build capacity, offer coaching and mentoring, and implement a responsive, evidence-based framework called Building Blocks for Engagement. They unpack the difference between supporting behaviour through skill, not will, and explore both the power and complexity of applying radical inclusion in practice, especially in under-resourced settings. Jaime also reflects on how zero-tolerance policies, exclusionary practices, and binary thinking continue to harm our most vulnerable young people. This conversation invites us to think differently about education, accountability, and care. Jaime's work challenges the assumption that compassion and high expectations can't coexist, and reminds us that real change comes through relationships, context, and deep respect for community. Whether you work in education, community work, youth services, or policy, this episode is for you. You can find out more about the Northern Centre for Excellence in School Engagement here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Kerry Hinsby is a clinical psychologist with a background in forensic mental health and the clinical lead of the West Yorkshire Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (Hub), a groundbreaking, trauma-informed initiative supporting health and care workers across the region. Megan first met Kerry in Leeds after multiple professionals insisted she meet her and hear about the work happening at the Hub. She found a model of care that centres relationships, community, and proactive support for those who support others. In this episode, Kerry and Megan explore what makes the West Yorkshire Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Service unique, and why regional, relational models of staff wellbeing are essential, not optional. They dive deep into Schwartz Rounds and what happens when we make space for reflective conversations that go beyond clinical tasks. Kerry also shares her knowledge around critical incident responses, from immediate defusing to longer-term debriefing, and how we can move away from reactive, individualised models to those that are preventative, team-based, and grounded in care. Kerry's work offers a powerful example of what is possible when we truly commit to looking after our people. This episode is for anyone working in health, education, or any caregiving role, and for anyone reimagining how we support staff in the face of trauma, complexity, and exhaustion. You can contact Kerry via email: k.hinsby@nhs.net You can find out more about Schwartz Rounds here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Michelle McQuaid is an author, workplace wellbeing strategist, and founder of The Good Girl Changemakers. With a PhD in Appreciative Inquiry and years of experience working at the intersection of wellbeing, leadership, and psychological safety, Michelle is shifting the conversation around how we care for ourselves and each other in professional spaces. Her work weaves together evidence-based wellbeing science with deeply human insight, helping individuals and organisations create cultures that are braver, kinder, and more sustainable. In this conversation, Michelle and Megan explore the “good girl” conditioning many of us carry, the people-pleasing, perfectionism, and performance that can become deeply embedded in our sense of identity. Michelle shares how her curiosity in workplace wellbeing led her to recognise gendered patterns of resistance to change and why dismantling these internalised beliefs is crucial for personal and systemic transformation. Together, they explore the power of self-compassion, the importance of unlearning, and how our schools and workplaces consider ways to enhance belonging. Michelle shares reflections from her own upbringing, how early messages about who she was “supposed to be” shaped her internal world, and what it has taken to return to her authentic self. This episode is a gentle yet powerful invitation to reflect on the invisible rules we've been following and how these can limit our ability to show up fully for ourselves and for the young people in our lives. Michelle offers a compassionate, practical roadmap for parents, teachers, youth workers, and leaders who want to create more human-centred environments, where wellbeing is embedded in the culture. If we want young people to feel safe, seen, and supported, we need to start by doing that work within ourselves. You can find Michelle's work on the Good Girl Changemakers here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Margaret Thorsborne is a leading figure in restorative practices, dedicated to transforming the way communities address conflict and harm. As the Managing Director of Transformative Justice Australia and Thorsborne and Associates, she has pioneered the implementation of restorative justice methods in schools, workplaces, and communities worldwide. Margaret co-founded Restorative Practices International, the first global membership organization for restorative practitioners, and has authored several influential books, including Becoming a Trauma Informed Restorative Educator (with Joe Brummer). In this episode, Margaret and Megan delve into the essence of restorative practices and their pivotal role in healing and repairing relationships. Margaret shares insights from her extensive experience, discussing the importance of focusing on healing rather than punishment when addressing harm. She opens up about her personal encounters with harm and reflects on supporting her own children through their mistakes, emphasising the value of empathy and understanding in fostering growth. The conversation also addresses systemic issues, highlighting how schools can better implement restorative approaches to create supportive environments. Margaret critiques current political frameworks, pointing out how they often fail vulnerable populations, and advocates for policies that prioritise healing and community well-being over retribution. Margaret's dedication to restorative practices has reshaped how institutions handle conflict, promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual respect. Her insights offer valuable guidance for educators, parents, policymakers, and anyone interested in building more compassionate and effective systems for addressing harm. More on Marg's work can be found here. Check out the Resorative Practices International website. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/