In this episode of Hearts and Minds, Steve and Warrick delve into the complex motivations of young people, exploring the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
They discuss the importance of understanding personal drivers, the role of relationships in fostering motivation, and how success can be defined in various ways.
The conversation emphasizes the need for purpose in life and how even small contributions can lead to meaningful impacts.
In this episode of Hearts and Minds, Steve Hart and Dr Warrick Wood discuss the often challenging car ride home for parents and young people.
They explore how to navigate awkward silences, the importance of connecting emotionally, and the role of listening in fostering open communication. The conversation emphasizes the need to shift from a pessimistic to an optimistic perspective, particularly in the context of sports and school experiences.
Practical tips are shared for parents to support their children during these moments, highlighting the significance of being authentic and present.
This week we are joined by Dan Vann from Evolution Performance as we discuss thriving under pressure and how to deal with 'stress'.
Dan also narrates us with how he leaned into discomfort and said yes to anything that would help him grow over the course of a year. Tune in to hear about fear of failure, recognising stress and easy hacks for stress relief. We also discuss the benefits of 'reframing' and the importance of breathing well when the pressure is on. This is a great listen. Share, discuss, engage with us if you enjoy this episode.
Join us for our latest episode as we chat with the wonderful Ezra Neal. An old soul who is an inspiration to many young people through his achievements he joins us to discuss goals, culture, masculinity and how he built his strong sense ofidentity. This is a soothing listen which can inspire us all to reassess our views on the world, where we’re getting our influences from and how we can seek growthevery day.
In this thought-provoking episode, we continue our conversation with the insightful Janelle, who shares her perspectives on the evolving landscape of masculinity. In part two of our discussion, Janelle reflects on the significant shifts she has witnessed over the years, particularly in how gender roles are being redefined by each new generation. This episode delves deep into the nuances of masculinity and its impact on society, family dynamics, and the upbringing of future fathers.
Janelle also discusses her personal experiences as she terms it ‘raising the fathers of her future moko’ (grandchildren). With a focus on cultural values and the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence it’s a great listen.
Additionally, Janelle shares insights from her consultancy business, emphasizing her commitment to preparing the workforce for the generations to come as she aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. Tune in for an engaging discussion that inspires listeners to consider the future they are helping to build for the next generation.
In his second appearance on the podcast, Headmaster Nic Hill returns to the studio, this time alongside Principal Steve Hart, for a rich and honest conversation about the state of boys’ education. With a combined 47 years of experience, Nic and Steve bring deep insight into the evolving challenges and opportunities facing young men today, particularly around identity, belonging, and masculinity.
Together with host Katie Stanton, they explore how schools can create environments where boys thrive, not through outdated notions of toughness, but through meaningful relationships, emotional support, and a culture that encourages authenticity. This follow-up episode builds on previous themes while offering new perspectives on how educators, families, and communities can more effectively champion the growth of young men.
In this enlightening episode, we are joined by the remarkable Janelle Riki-Waaka, a passionate advocate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi education and a self-confessed “Mumma Bear.” Janelle brings her wealth of experience in cultural advisory and education to the table, sharing her insights on navigating the often tumultuous teenage years.
Join us as we explore the critical themes of identity and relationship-building during adolescence. Janelle emphasizes the importance of creating strong, trusting connections with our youth, which is essential for their emotional and social development. We discuss how everything in life moves at the speed of trust and how fostering an environment of openness and support can lead to healthier, happier teenagers.
One of the key topics we delve into is the need for greater community engagement in our schools, particularly for those families who may have been affected by past traumas within the education system. Janelle shares her vision for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to education—one that honors the diverse backgrounds of our students and actively involves their communities.
We also touch on the importance of gratitude in our lives, both personally and within our educational systems. Janelle expresses her hope for our politicians to take a stand on the global stage, showcasing the advancements in education, health outcomes, and economic opportunities for our first people.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that inspires us all to reflect on our roles in supporting our youth and enriching our communities through education. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about cultural advocacy, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
In this enlightening episode, we welcome back Johnny Leo'o, a passionate advocate for Pasifika culture and identity. Join us as we delve into the profound impact that understanding and embracing one's cultural background can have on fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of how understanding and embracing Pasifika heritage can empower individuals to authentically express themselves in their everyday lives.
This episode is particularly special as it coincides with the inaugural Pacific Language Weeks for 2025, kicking off with Rotuman Language Week.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the intricate connection between language and identity, shedding light on how the languages we speak not only reflect our heritage but also strengthen our ties to community.
We explore the role of culture and identity not only in personal life but also within educational institutions and workplaces, shedding light on how inclusivity can lead to a more cohesive and understanding environment.
We discuss practical strategies that can be adopted to foster a more inclusive environment that honours and celebrates cultural diversity.
Johnny's heartfelt perspective serves as a call to action for listeners to embrace and advocate for their own identities while fostering a sense of belonging for others.
Tune in to the full episode for a heartwarming and thought-provoking discussion
In this insightful episode, host Katie Stanton sits down with seasoned educators Headmaster Nic Hill and Principal Steve Hart to explore the challenges facing boys' education today. With a collective 47 years of experience in boys’ education, Nic and Steve offer invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of masculinity, identity, and belonging for young men.
They discuss how relationships serve as the cornerstone of effective education—especially in helping boys navigate their unique identities. Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into the notion of masculinity and how societal perceptions have shifted over the years. Nic and Steve also share their observations on when boys tend to flourish.
A key theme is the central role of relationships in boys' education. Nic and Steve advocate for a supportive school culture where educators are dedicated to championing their students; essential for fostering growth and confidence.
Join us for this episode as we aim to reframe the narrative around boys’ education, equipping listeners with the knowledge and tools to champion young men in their growth journeys.
Join us to hear the second part of the Hammer and Steve chat as they discuss the wrapping up of Hammer’s playing career and his transition into coaching.
Hammer discusses various influential figures in his life both when he was playing and when he was learning his craft with coaching.
In our latest episode Mark Hammett or more affectionately known as Hammer, joins us to discuss his playing career and what different jerseys meant to him.
If you think it’s just about rugby then think again as Mark opens up about some challenges he faced when out in public after particularly tough games.
This episode is full of stories and throwbacks to playing days as well as reflections on getting some professional support when it’s needed.
He’s back!
Hamish Barclay is back in the hot seat discussing all things sport with Steve Hart in this latest episode. With his younger self a ‘win at all costs’ type of character Hamish now reflects on how difficult situations that arise within a sporting context can actually help our young people to develop resilience and consequently their self esteem.
Tune in and listen as they discuss the character that develops through school sport and the power of sport in providing opportunities for young people.
This is a great episode that is full of rich discussion.
This week we are joined by the incredibly articulate and charismatic Dr Warrick Wood as we delve into what it means for something to be socially expensive, how we can support our young people during times of inevitable disappointment and the all important topic of having ‘tough conversations’.
This is a fantastic episode and the beginning of a mini-series that Warrick will join us for over the next few months.
Listen in and hear about:
-How co-curricular gives young people incredible opportunity to be themselves
-How to support young people when they face disappointment and how we express our unconditional love towards them
-Why failure earlier on in life is beneficial for later life
-Why we shy away from difficult conversations
-The magic dust Warrick would sprinkle on people for successful, fulfilling lives
This promises to be a great episode and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Tag in someone who would benefit from listening to this.
Join us for another great episode as this week we host the inimitable Matafeo Johnny Leo’o.
Colleague, friend, rugby player, coach, husband, dad, teacher and leader within the pasifika community we delve into Johnny’s playing years and the courage it takes to change careers. From Canterbury teams, Crusaders and time with Racing 92 over in France we hear about Johnny’s values, beliefs and what motivated him at different times throughout his career. Johnny opens up about mentors and key people in his life such as his dad, Steve Hansen, Richie McCaw and Fiso John Fiso.
With his mantra of ‘just turn up’ coupled with some decent ball skills he explains how over and over again throughout his life timing has been everything. From driving himself around Paris hospitals at 3am to running beside cars as his training schedule, he entertains us with snippets of his professional life. He’s a great story teller and we can’t wait to share this episode with you.
Join self confessed “League die-hard” Andrew Auimatagi and Steve Hart as they discuss mentoring, developing culture within teams, key aspects of leadership and the co-existence of Rugby League and Rugby Union in schools.
Listen in to discover
-Their thoughts on whether League and Union should be mutually exclusive
-How culture contributes to success
-Why self belief is so important
In this episode, we dive deep into:
💡 " The value of a handshake, the importance of connection, and the courage to ask ‘why’—these are the keys to driving success."
Join us as we explore the critical role of collaboration, the value of connection, and how we, as educators, can ensure our students are equipped for the future.
📢 We’d love to connect with you, share ideas, and learn from one another. Reach out and let’s collaborate!
SHOW NOTES
Hearts & Minds Episode 1-The Power of a Champion.
In this episode of Hearts and Minds, hosts Steve Hart and Hamish Barclay delve into the critical role of champions in education. They discuss why every student needs someone to advocate for them, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships within schools. In a world where media often portrays a negative image of educational institutions, Steve and Hamish remind us that schools are fundamentally human organizations rooted in relational equity. Join them as they explore how fostering meaningful connections can empower students and lead to better outcomes.
Links/Resources/Mentions
John Hattie-Collaborative Expertise
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs