Andrew Fuller: Neuroadvantage & The Strengths-Based Approach To Neurodivergence | Episode 154
“Turn learning from shame making into thrill seeking.” - Andrew Fuller
Andrew Fuller, Clinical psychologist joins Meg Durham to reframe neurodivergence through a strengths based lens.
We explore why labels alone are not enough, how teachers can think like coaches, and practical ways to change the neurochemistry of a room on purpose.
Andrew explains myelination and unique strengths, shows how language shifts like today’s challenge lift engagement, and walks through the Attach Approach so we can move students from agitation to connection.
We talk school culture that connects, protects and respects, sensory aware classrooms, after lunch resets, and partnering with parents around a student’s strengths.
The goal is simple and profound: help young people feel valued for who they are and set them up for success in school and beyond.
----
Chapter markers:
00:20 Welcome back Andrew and why this book
02:00 What neuroadvantage means and why strengths matter
04:45 Teacher as coach building bridges from strengths
07:19 Music and maths the brain bridge we often miss
10:43 How recognising strengths changes learning
12:20 School culture CPR connect protect respect
14:33 Simple classroom tweaks that help every brain
16:48 Language shift from learning objectives to today’s challenge
21:59 The Attach Approach activate agitate avoid attack attach
25:36 Dance rhythm puzzles and the dopamine lift
33:33 Physical environment and sensory experience
35:27 Designing varied break time options to reduce friction
36:59 After lunch strategies that change the mix in the room
43:31 Partnering with parents using a strengths profile
46:24 Calming strategies and learning each child
50:03 Joy the future and being a catalyst
----
Deliberate Actions:
Open each lesson with a short challenge on the board to boost motivation quickly.
Give every major instruction both verbally and visually so more students can follow along.
Use quick fast thinking bursts followed by slow reflection to balance energy and focus.
Replace learning objective with today’s challenge in your lesson language for one week.
Introduce a three minute movement or music routine to start or reset a class.
Identify one calming strategy for each focus student and practise it before you need it.
----
Episode 154 Shownotes - Click here.
----
Andrew Fuller Website | LinkedIn | Books | My Learning Strengths
----
Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here
Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation.
----
** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **
--------
44:37
--------
44:37
Tracey Ezard: What We Bring & The Tone We Set | Episode 153
"When we're self-reflective, we bring our better self.” - Tracey Ezard
Ever noticed how one person can shift the energy in a room?
In this episode of The School of Wellbeing, Meg Durham is joined by leadership expert, keynote speaker and educator Tracey Ezard to explore how our presence, mindset and emotional tone influence school culture, team dynamics and professional relationships.
Together, they unpack what it means to lead with authenticity, how self-awareness supports growth, and why the tone we set matters in every interaction.
Whether you are in the classroom, on a leadership team or supporting others in education, this is a powerful reminder that who we are is just as important as what we do.
In this episode, you will learn
How our presence shapes school culture, connection and trust.
Why authentic leadership builds stronger teams.
When strengths become blind spots without reflection.
What self-awareness and emotional intelligence make possible.
Can honest conversation build more trust and clarity.
This conversation is ideal for educators, school leaders and anyone passionate about teacher wellbeing, educational leadership and creating healthy, high-performing learning environments.
Episode 153 Shownotes - Click here.
----
Tracey Ezard Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Books
----
Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here
Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation.
----
** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **
--------
35:35
--------
35:35
Dr Tom Brunzell: The Next Chapter & How Trauma-Informed Practice Is Transforming Education | Episode 152
“I want new teachers to be teachers for a long time.” - Tom Brunzell
Education is always evolving, and one of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the rise of trauma-informed practice and wellbeing in schools.
In this episode of The School of Wellbeing podcast, Meg Durham speaks with Dr Tom Brunzell, Director of Education at Berry Street and co-author of Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms. Together they explore how the field is maturing, why our understanding is deepening, and what the next chapter of education looks like.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How trauma-informed education has evolved over the past 20 years
Why intersectionality is central to supporting diverse learners
The role of allied health professionals in building thriving school communities
How policy and resources can drive systemic change
Why trauma-informed practice is becoming the foundation of education
What gives Tom hope for the future of schools and wellbeing
This is a conversation about hope, possibility, and the future of education where both staff and students can feel good, function well and thrive together.
Episode 152 Shownotes - Click here.
----
Dr Tom Brunzell – LinkedIn | Berry Street | Book | Berry Street Education Model | Research
----
Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here
Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation.
----
** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **
--------
43:16
--------
43:16
Amy Green: Rethinking Workload & Role Clarity In Education | Episode 151
“Let's recognise the autonomy and the power and the control we have to make schools great workplaces for educators.” Amy Green
Workload in education is one of the biggest challenges facing schools today. It shapes the way teachers teach, the way school leaders lead, and the way students learn.
In this episode, host Meg Durham speaks with Amy Green, educator, leader, and author of Teacher Wellbeing and Leading Wellbeing.
Together they explore the reality of workload in schools, why clear processes matter for students and teachers, and how schools can create the conditions for deep work, clarity, and purpose.
By tuning in, you will learn:
How to manage teacher workload more effectively.
Why perfectionism adds to the pressure.
The importance of autonomy and competence for educators.
Practical ways to protect staff time, energy, and focus
This conversation will leave you with greater clarity, practical strategies for teacher wellbeing, and the encouragement to rethink not just how much work we do in schools, but why we do it and whether it is still fit for purpose.
Episode 151 Shownotes - Click here.
----
Amy Green – Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Books
----
Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here
Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation.
----
** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **
“Language heavily impacts our psychological realities.” - Lindsay G Oades PhD
In schools, we often hear the terms mental health, wellbeing and flourishing, but are we clear on what they really mean?
In this practical and thought-provoking conversation, Meg Durham is joined by internationally acclaimed wellbeing scientist, educator and author Professor Lindsay G. Oades. Together, they explore the power of language and why it matters in how we care for ourselves and others in school communities.
You’ll learn about the difference between mental health and wellbeing, the concept of wellbeing literacy, and the emotional labour involved in working in schools. Lindsay shares insights on how teachers can support student wellbeing while protecting their own, and why setting clear boundaries is essential to sustaining our care over time.
This episode will help you move beyond buzzwords and towards a deeper, more sustainable way of supporting wellbeing in your school.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between mental health, wellbeing and flourishing.
What wellbeing literacy is and why it matters.
How to stay compassionate without taking it all on.
The role of schools in promoting flourishing, not just achievement.
Episode 150 Shownotes - Click here.
----
Prof Lindsay Oades PhD - LinkedIn | Research
----
Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe here
Speaker Request - Complete the booking form to start the conversation.
----
** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **
This podcast is for teachers and school leaders who are ready to move beyond survival and thrive by design. Join wellbeing speaker and teacher wellbeing specialist Meg Durham for real and heartfelt conversations with experienced educators and wellbeing thought leaders. Discover practical ways to navigate the relentless demands of school life and move forward with more courage, compassion and confidence.
Ireland