Hosts: Amanda Marshall and Skye Hughes
Special Guest: Bonnie Ryanro
Length: Full episode
Listen via: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🌟 Intro Summary
This week on Podclass, we’re joined by youth leadership powerhouse Bonnie Ryanro for a rich and energising conversation about storytelling and why it’s so much more than just entertainment. From memory to empathy, classroom culture to connection, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have in youth work and education.
With warmth, laughter and honest reflection, Amanda, Skye and Bonnie explore how educators and facilitators can integrate meaningful, authentic stories into everyday practice – and why doing so builds lasting relationships and opens powerful learning opportunities.
💬 Episode Breakdown
🎤 Storytelling Builds Connection
“There’s no one you can’t love if you know their story.” – Amanda
Bonnie shares how storytelling shifted for her when she moved from acting into facilitation. No longer playing a role, she now tells stories as her true self – and that authenticity builds instant connection and trust with young people.
🧠 Why Stories Stick
“A person is 22 times more likely to remember information when it’s told as a story.”
The hosts unpack how storytelling engages multiple parts of the brain, supporting deeper learning, emotional connection, and long-term memory. It’s not about information overload – it’s about inviting students to feel the learning.
🌍 Empathy Over Assumptions
“We are wired to make assumptions – until we hear the story.”
Amanda reflects on a powerful moment from a trip to Myanmar where knowing someone’s story instantly shattered a judgement she didn’t even realise she had made. The team discusses how stories can dismantle bias and build compassion.
🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators
Create a Story Bank
Like Bonnie, start a document of personal stories you can draw on. Funny, awkward or meaningful – anything that helps students feel seen and engaged.
Play with Delivery
Use sensory language, tone of voice, body movement and playfulness to bring your stories to life. It’s not about being a performer – it’s about making it real.
Invite Stories from Students
Ask questions that open space for young people to share their own stories. This builds classroom trust and gives every student a voice.
Use Stories as Teaching Tools
Instead of just data or slides, find a story – historical, cultural or personal – that brings your content to life. Then let students continue the story or reflect on their own connections.
Notice and Practise
Start paying attention to the stories that move you – whether from friends, books, or media – and practise retelling them in your own voice.
🎓 Final Thoughts
Storytelling is not just a nice-to-have in education – it’s a tool for empathy, memory, connection and healing. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, facilitator or parent, learning to tell stories (and invite them from others) can transform the way you connect with young people.
And remember: you don’t need to be a performer to be a storyteller. You just need to be human.
🔗 Links and More
Listen to more episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
Follow us on Instagram: @podclass.aus
Connect with YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com
Learn more from YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
Hosts: Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, and Will Masara
Length: Full episode
Listen via: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🌱 Intro Summary
In this energising episode of Podclass, the team dives deep into one of the most practical and transformative conversations yet – how to adopt a mentor mindset. Whether you're a teacher, coach, parent or youth worker, understanding how to hold high expectations while offering high support is the key to building trust, resilience and autonomy in young people.
With warmth, humour and personal reflections, Amanda, Skye and Will unpack three core mindsets adults often default to – the Enforcer, the Protector, and the ideal: the Mentor. You'll laugh, nod in recognition, and walk away with a renewed perspective on what it means to walk with young people, not ahead or behind them.
🔍 Episode Breakdown
🛑 The Enforcer: High Expectations, Low Support
“My job is to teach the maths. If you don't get it, that’s your problem.” – Skye
Enforcer mindsets prioritise discipline and standards, but often at the cost of wellbeing and autonomy. The team reflects on how this style can disconnect adults from the emotional realities of young people, even if it comes from a place of care.
🛡️ The Protector: High Support, Low Expectations
“Let me do it for you, darling.” – Amanda
While well-intentioned, protectors often remove challenge and risk in an effort to make life easier for young people. The hosts explore how this mindset can stifle resilience and prevent young people from building confidence in their own capabilities.
🤝 The Mentor Mindset: High Expectations, High Support
“It’s not about walking in front or behind – it’s walking beside.” – Skye
This is the sweet spot. Mentors offer guidance without rescuing, set boundaries without controlling, and always hold the young person as capable. When educators and adults embody this stance, it fosters autonomy, trust and real learning.
🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators
Visualise Your Stance
Reflect on where you typically “stand” with students. Are you ahead, behind, or beside them? Shift your stance with intentionality.
Balance the Equation
Combine warmth with challenge. Check in emotionally and hold the line on expectations. For example, greet a student with care before gently reminding them of the uniform policy.
Name the Mindsets
Use the Enforcer–Protector–Mentor model in staff conversations. It gives teams a shared language to reflect and grow together.
Hold Space for Struggle
Resist the urge to fix everything. Ask questions, offer prompts, and trust in the young person’s ability to problem-solve.
🎓 Final Thoughts
The mentor mindset is not a middle ground. It is a powerful and intentional stance that says: I see your potential, and I’m here to walk with you. When educators embrace this approach, we create relational trust – the foundation of growth, learning and genuine connection.
Let’s grow more mentors.
🔗 Links and More
Listen to more episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
Follow us on Instagram: @podclass.aus
Connect with YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com
Learn more from YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
Hosted by Will Masara, Skye Hughes and Amanda Marshall
Welcome back to Podclass! In Episode 60, we’re diving deep into the almond-shaped part of the brain that controls far more than we often realise – the amygdala.
From teenage decision-making to adult tantrums over shoelaces, this conversation explores how our emotional brain shapes the way we react, relate and respond – especially in schools. Packed with practical takeaways, episode 60 is essential listening for anyone supporting young people to feel safe, seen and understood.
🧠 Segment 1: What is the Amygdala?
“Can you believe something so small could create whole-body responses in a millisecond?” – Amanda
The amygdala sits in the limbic system, acting as our internal alarm bell. It’s wired to scan for threats and rewards – reacting before we even realise it. But that speed comes at a cost: it’s not always accurate.
The team share personal stories and relatable metaphors to help educators understand why students may appear irrational, distracted or overly reactive – and why that doesn’t mean they’re being “difficult.”
💥 Segment 2: Young People, Perceived Risk and Emotional Hypersensitivity
“Teenagers aren’t irrational. Their motivational priorities are just different.” – Skye
In this powerful discussion, the hosts break down the emotional hypersensitivity of adolescence. Teens are biologically wired to seek connection, approval and belonging – and when these feel threatened, the amygdala fires.
The team challenge deficit-based thinking around “undeveloped” brains and instead invite listeners to consider what young people are motivated by, and how educators can respond with empathy and grace.
🧭 Segment 3: Practical Tools for De-escalation and Feedback
“Sometimes all we need is 30 seconds for the prefrontal cortex to catch up.” – Will
From box breathing to wise feedback, the hosts explore tools that can help both young people and adults stay calm, connected and clear-headed – even when emotions run high.
Amanda highlights how tone and body language can trigger a student’s sense of threat, while Skye offers a simple, research-backed structure for delivering feedback in ways that soothe, not stress, the amygdala.
✏️ Practical Strategies for Educators
- Give grace: Assume that students’ emotional responses may be amygdala-driven, not intentional misbehaviour.
- Use “wise feedback”: Frame feedback with belief in the student’s capability to meet expectations.
- Monitor your tone: Delivery matters as much as content. Harsh tone can trigger fight-or-flight.
- Pause before reacting: Let your prefrontal cortex weigh in before responding emotionally.
- Teach co-regulation: Help young people understand their own brains so they can self-regulate over time.
❤️ Final Thought
Understanding the amygdala isn’t just brain science – it’s relational practice. When we recognise the role of perceived threat in student behaviour, we create safer, more emotionally intelligent learning environments.
🎧 Listen now at ylaaus.com/podclass
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @podclass.aus
🌱 Learn more about YEP & YLAA: youthengagementproject.com | ylaaus.com
Hosts: Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Masara
Guest: Dr Adrian Cam – Principal of Westbourne Grammar and 2025 Australian Principal of the Year
What does it really look like to design a school for the future? In this visionary episode, the Podclass team is joined once again by the bold and brilliant Dr Adrian Cam to explore how schools can move beyond traditional models and truly prepare young people for the world they’re inheriting. From AI academies and 3D printers to authentic student voice and leadership, this conversation is packed with ideas to challenge and inspire educators, school leaders, and students alike.
🚀 Segment 1: Rethinking Curriculum as a Platform, Not a Prison
"Curriculum is the floor, not the ceiling." – Dr Adrian Cam
Dr Cam opens up about GEAR.ed, a compulsory middle-years subject at Westbourne where students build not-for-profits, machine learning systems, and even their own 3D printers. At its core? A belief that students can do more than we expect — if we let them.
Rather than viewing curriculum as a constraint, Cam encourages educators to see it as a launchpad for exploration, experimentation, and creativity. Teachers are supported as facilitators, not just instructors, empowered to let go of rigid control and trust the process.
🧠 Segment 2: AI Academy, Real-World Relevance, and Empowering Young Innovators
"If schools aren’t leading the conversation on AI – who is?"
The episode dives into Westbourne’s AI Academy, a nationally recognised initiative launched in response to the rise of tools like ChatGPT. Far beyond basic prompt engineering, students are developing their own AI models, engaging with data architecture, and applying these skills to real-world problems.
Dr Cam shares how the Academy is reframing AI as a creative tool, rather than a shortcut – and how student-led projects (including retro arcade machines and drone programs!) emerge when learning is authentic, experiential, and brave enough to fail forward.
👩🎓 Segment 3: Student Voice in Practice – Not Just Performance
"Nothing about us, without us." – Amanda Marshall
From sitting on leadership interview panels to providing direct feedback to the principal, students at Westbourne are deeply embedded in decision-making. Dr Cam explains how his school fosters psychological safety, critical feedback, and a sense of "becoming" – where students aren’t just learning subjects, but learning to be artists, engineers, and leaders.
By treating young people as capable citizens of the world today, schools can shift away from deficit narratives and build a culture where students speak truth to power – and are heard.
✏️ Practical Strategies for Educators
These insights from Episode 59 are ready to take back to your school community:
- Reframe the curriculum as a creative platform – not a checklist
- Create space for students to grapple with complexity (real projects, real tools, real-world relevance)
- Position teachers as co-learners and facilitators, not just content experts
- Establish systems of feedback that prioritise student voice – including in leadership decisions
- Clarify when and how AI should (and shouldn’t) be used in assessments
- Celebrate student risk-taking and failure as essential learning
🎧 Conclusion
This episode reminds us what education can be: a place of trust, innovation, and transformation. Whether you're a principal, teacher, or student, Episode 59 is a powerful call to never settle – and to believe in the brilliance of young people.
🔗 Links
🎧 Listen to all episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🧑🏫 Explore YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com
🔍 Learn more about YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
📸 Follow the convo on Instagram: @podclass.aus
Hosts: Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall, Will Masara
Guest: Dr Adrian Cam, 2025 Australian Principal of the Year
In this episode of Podclass, we sit down with one of Australia’s most future-focused school leaders, Dr Adrian Cam, Principal of Westbourne Grammar. With a PhD in teacher agency and a national track record in educational innovation, Adrian shares how he’s redesigning school from the inside out — by backing teachers, empowering students, and challenging the status quo.
Whether you're a classroom teacher, a school leader, or just passionate about reimagining education, this episode will leave you inspired to ask: What else could school be?
🚀 Segments & Quotes
1. “Don’t Wait Until You’re Ready”: The Leadership Mindset Shift
Dr Cam speaks candidly about the early mentors and pivotal moments that shaped his leadership.
“I think the day I adopt the mindset that I’ve got it all figured out is the day I need to step away.”
From walking into a classroom with only a textbook and a timetable to redesigning entire systems, Adrian’s journey reminds us that great leadership begins with curiosity, not certainty.
2. Redesigning the System: Teacher Agency, Workload & Culture
Westbourne Grammar has cut face-to-face teaching hours to just 16.7 per week and embedded flexible work practices across the school.
“We asked: what would it look like to build a school where teachers want to stay?”
This shift is more than a workload reduction — it’s a cultural transformation based on trust, wellbeing and autonomy. Amanda calls it “one of the most teacher-affirming conversations we’ve ever had on the show.”
3. Innovation Isn’t Just Top-Down: Building a Culture of ‘Yes, and…’
From a student-led café to AI academies and distributed leadership programs, Adrian explains how innovation is driven across all levels of his school.
“Our default answer is yes. Yes, and how can we support it? Yes, and what does it need to scale?”
By rejecting gatekeeping and embracing grassroots ideas, Westbourne models what it means to lead with trust — and back your people to build something bold.
📘 Practical Strategies for Educators
Empower Early Leadership – Offer opportunities before people feel “ready” to lead
Reduce Admin to Increase Impact – Ask: what gets in the way of great teaching, and how can we remove it?
Build Trust Through Flexibility – Flex isn’t about time off, it’s about treating staff like professionals
Embed Distributed Leadership – Create structures that value input from every role, not just titles
Stay Curious & Cross-Disciplinary – Read beyond education and bring big ideas back to the classroom
🔗 Conclusion & Links
This episode is a must-listen for anyone reimagining what school can be — and how leadership can help us get there. Dr Adrian Cam’s story proves that bold change is possible when you lead with trust, vision, and a little bit of “what if?”
🎧 Listen to more episodes at www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🌱 Learn more about the Youth Engagement Project at youthengagementproject.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @podclass.aus
Hosts: Skye Hughes, Will Masara & Paolo
Guest: Andy Skidmore (CEO, Youth Impact Foundation)
Listen now on: ylaaus.com/podclass
Episode Summary
In Episode 57 of Podclass, we sit down with lifelong social entrepreneur Andy Skidmore for a powerful conversation on vision, trust, and systems change in the youth sector. As CEO and founder of the Youth Impact Foundation, Andy is on a mission to help young people thrive by fostering deep collaboration between youth organisations across Australia and New Zealand.
Whether you're a teacher, facilitator, or youth leader, this episode will challenge how you think about vision—not as a statement on the wall, but as a daily compass for decisions, alignment, and impact.
"Vision shapes your actions and behaviours today. It's what makes purpose personal." – Andy Skidmore
Discussion Segments
From Competition to Collaboration: A New Model for Impact
Andy shares the origin story of the Youth Impact Foundation—born not from ego, but from listening.
“How might we collaborate better together?”
That one question sparked a movement now impacting over 200,000 young people and growing.
He unpacks how collaboration, resource-sharing, and strategic alignment can reduce duplication in the sector and scale support for young people more sustainably.
Vision as Leadership: The Power of Alignment
This episode explores vision as a leadership practice, not a corporate buzzword. Andy challenges us to reflect:
What’s the vision for your classroom, not just your school?
Does your personal ‘why’ align with your organisation’s mission?
How does your leadership model the values you promote?
"Without vision, we run in 35 different directions and never truly arrive anywhere together."
Trust, Culture, and Saying No
Skye, Will, and Paolo reflect on how vision gives permission—to say no, to stay focussed, and to lead with integrity. They explore the link between vision and trust, and how organisations build (or erode) credibility through the consistency of their actions.
“If we’re not living the vision we talk about, we’re out of integrity. And students feel that.”
Practical Strategies for Educators
- Start Small, Go Deep:
If the school's vision feels distant, begin with your classroom. Ask: How do I want students to feel when they leave my room each day?
- Reconnect with Your ‘Why’:
In moments of exhaustion or disengagement, revisit your personal motivation. What part of the school’s vision aligns with your values?
- Lead with Vision, Not Just Tasks:
Whether you're a classroom teacher or school leader, make space for team alignment. Don’t just share the vision—live it.
- Use Vision to Guide Decision-Making:
Let your vision be a filter. If a program, initiative, or idea doesn’t align, say no. Sustainable leadership is strategic leadership.
Conclusion
This episode is a powerful reminder that vision isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. Whether you’re leading a classroom, a team, or an organisation, how you hold and share your vision can transform culture, deepen trust, and shift entire systems for the better.
“The vision is the destination—but how we get there must adapt to the needs of young people.”
🔗 Explore more episodes at: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🌐 Learn more about YEP: youthengagementproject.com
💡 Join the movement at YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
Hosts: Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Masara
Guest: Andy Skidmore – CEO, Youth Impact Foundation
This week, the Podclass team is joined by long-time friend and sector leader, Andy Skidmore, to unpack the story, mission, and impact of the Youth Impact Foundation. From reducing duplication across the charity sector to creating sustainable programs that last beyond their founders, Andy shares how the foundation is reshaping the way we collaborate for young people.
Why the Foundation Exists
Andy takes us back to 2021, when a roundtable of ten youth charities spent a year exploring how to work better together. The outcome? A new model launched in 2022 to address fragmentation, burnout, and resource duplication in the youth sector.
“If we could reduce the duplication that existed between youth charities, we could amplify the impact.” – Andy Skidmore
The Model in Action
The Youth Impact Foundation now houses ten formerly independent youth brands, including Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA) and Youth Engagement Project (YEP). Each keeps its identity, audience, and delivery style – but benefits from shared systems, succession planning, and sustainable back-end support.
Over 160,000 young people reached in 2024
More than 1,000 schools engaged
Nearly 1,000 programs delivered
Breaking Down Barriers to Collaboration
From ego to trust, the team tackles why collaboration can be hard in the charity space – and how the Foundation builds it through relationships, due diligence, and a clear values alignment. The conversation challenges the culture of “gatekeeping” in the youth sector, encouraging open sharing of knowledge and resources for the greater good.
“Trust moves at the speed of relationships.” – Andy Skidmore
Practical Strategies for Educators and Leaders
Look beyond competition – Share resources and ideas with other classrooms or programs to maximise student benefit.
Plan for succession – Build systems so programs continue even if key leaders move on.
Preserve brand trust – Keep consistency in your school programs to build credibility with students.
Embrace diverse approaches – Different programs reach different students; variety strengthens impact.
Be curious, not judgmental – Stay open to new models and methods in education and youth work.
Conclusion
The Youth Impact Foundation is proving that collaboration over competition can transform the youth sector. By uniting diverse programs under one sustainable framework, it’s ensuring that high-quality, evidence-based initiatives reach more young people – for generations to come.
Links:
Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
Youth Impact Foundation: https://www.youthimpactfoundation.org.au
Youth Engagement Project (YEP): https://youthengagementproject.com/
YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
Hosts: Will Masara, Amanda Marshall, and Scott Hughes
In this lively episode, the team dives deep into the often-misunderstood role of a facilitator. Through personal stories, metaphors, and practical tips, they explore how facilitation differs from teaching or presenting, and why it’s a vital skill for anyone working with young people or leading groups. From Wi-Fi routers to orchestras, they paint a clear picture of facilitation as both an art and a responsibility.
Defining the Role
The hosts start by unpacking the word facilitator – from its French roots meaning “to make easier” – and explaining how it applies to learning spaces. Facilitators aren’t the “heroes” of the room; they hold space for others, guide momentum, and amplify the voices around them.
“A facilitator is like a Wi-Fi router. When it’s working well, you don’t even notice it – but when it’s gone, you really feel it.” – Scott
Facilitation vs. Teaching or Presenting
Unlike traditional teaching, which often positions the educator as the sole expert, facilitation is collaborative. The team shares why it’s okay for facilitators not to have all the answers and how embracing curiosity fosters trust and engagement. They emphasise that great facilitators:
Ask powerful, open-ended questions
Listen actively and adapt to the room
Create psychological safety for all voices to be heard
The “Symphony” of Facilitation
Using the metaphor of an orchestra conductor, the hosts describe how facilitators blend voices, ideas, and energy to create a cohesive experience. This involves:
Meeting participants where they’re at
Managing power dynamics so quieter voices are heard
Building trust through empathy and responsiveness
Practical Strategies for Educators and Leaders
Ask better questions – Prepare thoughtful prompts to encourage dialogue rather than monologue.
Detach from rigid plans – Be ready to follow the learning where it naturally flows.
Prioritise psychological safety – Meet needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Seek and act on feedback – Self-reflect and invite input to improve your practice.
Shine the spotlight on others – Shift attention to the learners, not yourself.
Conclusion
Facilitation isn’t just icebreakers and “winging it”. It’s a skilled practice that, when done well, looks effortless but is built on deep preparation, awareness, and care. Whether you’re running a school workshop, leading a staff meeting, or guiding a youth leadership program, facilitation is about making learning easier – and more meaningful – for everyone in the room.
Links:
Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
Youth Engagement Project (YEP): https://youthengagementproject.com/
YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
Hosts: Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, and Will Masara
Topic: How understanding and managing your nervous system transforms the way you lead, teach, and connect with young people.
In this energised and insightful episode, the hosts unpack why your state matters more than your script. From recognising dysregulation to building a personal “toolbelt” of regulatory strategies, this conversation blends science, storytelling, and practical tips for educators, parents, and youth leaders.
Your Nervous System Walks In First
The team kicks off with a powerful reminder:
“Your nervous system walks into the room before you even do.” – Will
They explore how our internal state sets the tone for every interaction, often before a word is spoken. Whether you’re parenting, teaching, or facilitating, your regulation directly shapes how safe and supported young people feel in your presence.
Spotting Dysregulation – In You and Them
Through relatable examples (including speeding up a meditation track… for efficiency), the hosts highlight common signs of dysregulation: racing thoughts, rapid speech, irritability, muscle tension, and shorter patience. They connect this to the overstimulated pace of modern life and the decline of naturally regulatory activities like boredom, creativity, and unstructured outdoor time.
Tools for Regulation – Fast and Personal
The discussion turns practical with strategies you can use before and during high-pressure moments:
Breathwork: Keep the exhale longer than the inhale to calm the system.
Movement: Loosen shoulders, unclench your jaw, and shake out tension.
Micro-pauses: Build in five minutes before class or a presentation to ground yourself.
Mantras: Use simple, soothing self-talk like “You’ve got this.”
Everyday choices: Hydration, nutrition, and rest all influence your state.
The hosts stress that regulation is not about being calm 100% of the time – it’s about presence, awareness, and choosing responses that foster connection.
Practical Strategies for Educators
Lead with state-awareness: Check in with your body before stepping into a room.
Model regulation openly: Narrate your process when you’re re-centering.
Co-regulate with intention: Remember that a dysregulated adult cannot co-regulate with a child.
Assume activation: Even if you feel fine, use your go-to tools before key moments.
Ask two key questions: “What is my body saying right now?” and “What do I want it to say instead?”
Conclusion
Understanding your nervous system is not optional in education – it’s foundational. By regulating yourself, you make space for trust, safety, and learning. As Amanda puts it, “You deserve to feel regulated and not feel frustrated by every tiny little thing.”
Links:
Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
Youth Engagement Project (YEP): https://youthengagementproject.com/
YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
Hosts: Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Masara
Topic: Building Courage, Communication, Clarity, and Connection in young people’s public speaking skills.
Fresh from maternity leave, Skye rejoins the original Podclass line-up to tackle a topic their businesses and classrooms rely on: public speaking. With 75% of people fearing it more than death, the hosts break down where that fear comes from, why it matters more than ever in a digital age, and how their 4 Cs framework can help anyone become a brave communicator.
Finding the Fear – and Facing It
The hosts swap personal stories about stage fright and early public speaking blunders (including a memorable mispronunciation that haunted Skye for years). They explore why school-based “look at the back wall” advice often makes things worse, and why reframing public speaking as speaking with rather than at people changes the game.
“Public speaking is just communication – if we can learn to do it in this way, it becomes an accessible tool anyone can add to their belt.” – Skye
The 4 Cs Framework for Brave Communication
1. Courage – Stepping into fear, not erasing it. Learn to regulate nerves, prepare thoroughly, and normalise imperfection as part of the process.
2. Communication – Mastering the use of voice, breath, and body. Vary tone, pacing, and body language to maintain presence and impact.
3. Clarity – Using vocal image and “word economy” to make ideas land with precision. Shorter, sharper delivery = better retention.
4. Connection – Building common ground and trust through eye contact, storytelling, and authentic engagement.
Why This Matters for Students
Public speaking is a 21st century learning skill linked to confidence, employability, and influence. The hosts stress that by teaching it early – with practical tools, not just theory – educators equip students with a life-long advantage.
“It’s not about becoming a perfect speaker. It’s about becoming a brave communicator.” – Amanda
Practical Strategies for Educators
Embed speaking practice in all subjects – Let students rehearse in low-stakes settings before high-pressure presentations.
Focus feedback beyond the script – Coach delivery, tone, and connection, not just written words.
Normalise imperfection – Encourage students to “show their human” to build relatability and resilience.
Teach the 4 Cs – Integrate courage, communication, clarity, and connection into lesson design.
Conclusion
From sweaty palms to confident keynotes, the path to public speaking success is built through skill, practice, and courage. When educators model and teach these elements, they create classrooms where every voice has the confidence to be heard.
Links:
Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
Youth Engagement Project (YEP): https://youthengagementproject.com/
YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
#52 - The One About Presence
Hosts: Amanda & Will
Length: ~12 mins
Theme: Growth, Feedback Culture, Educator Tools
Welcome back to Podclass! In this episode, Amanda and Will dive deep into the power of feedback – how we give it, receive it, and build a culture where it thrives. Whether you're a teacher, youth leader, or part of a student voice team, this conversation is a practical guide to making feedback feel less scary and more supportive.
This is not another performance review – it’s a mindset shift that centers growth, trust, and courage.
Discussion Segments
1. Why Feedback Still Feels Icky
"The word itself makes most people feel nervous or jittery just at the sound."
Amanda and Will open with a personal story from National Tour 2020, unpacking how clear expectations around feedback changed their team culture. They reflect on why feedback often feels loaded – and what happens when we stop fearing it and start normalising it.
2. Giving Feedback With Permission, Not Power
"Getting feedback is not an option, but how you receive it is."
The team shares practical frameworks for permission-based feedback – from co-designing class norms to using sentence starters like "opportunities for growth." They stress that tone, timing, and care matter as much as the message itself.
3. Receiving Feedback Without the Ego
"Feedback isn’t personal. It’s about enhancing our impact."
Will and Amanda explore how radical responsibility and growth mindset shift the way we take feedback. They advocate for leaders to show their human side by modelling vulnerability and self-reflection.
Practical Strategies for Educators
Co-Design Feedback Norms: Collaborate with students to establish classroom feedback protocols.
Use Sentence Starters: Encourage reflection with prompts like “One thing that could be clearer is…” or “A strength I noticed was…”
Model the Mindset: Share your own growth areas as a teacher to de-stigmatize feedback.
Normalise Feedback Daily: Make it part of your classroom and team routines to build psychological safety.
This episode is a reminder: feedback isn’t a threat – it’s a gift. And done well, it grows teams, classrooms, and communities.
📌 Links:
Learn more at ylaaus.com/podclass
Explore programs at yep.au
#Podclass #YouthLeadership #TeacherGrowth #StudentVoice #FeedbackCulture #EducationalPodcast
The story, structure, and soul behind YLAA’s National Tour – and why it matters.
In this milestone episode, the Podclass crew celebrates 50 episodes by diving into the roots and rise of National Tour – the flagship event of the Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA). From humble beginnings and cold calls to hosting 12,000+ young people each year, this is the story of ambition, access, and youth-powered impact.
Learn more about YLAA National Tour: www.ylaaus.com
Featuring the return of Emma Strudwick (former attendee turned crew member and youth leader), the episode blends behind-the-scenes insight with emotional storytelling about how one idea can shift the leadership landscape across Australia.
🔍 In This Episode
“We convinced four schools to show up – and we’ve never stopped showing up since.”
Will shares the raw, real beginnings of National Tour: calling schools during study periods, borrowing laptops, and launching the first event at 15. Listeners hear how vision, persistence, and showing up—no matter the audience size—led to a nation-wide impact.
“It’s not just about inspiration. It’s what young people do with it that counts.”
Amanda unpacks the secret sauce of National Tour: the blend of keynote energy, facilitation depth, and action-driven frameworks. This isn’t just a feel-good day—it’s a carefully designed springboard for youth-led change.
“It made me feel seen. So I said yes to more—and it changed everything.”
Emma recounts her journey from feeling inspired in the audience to now co-leading and influencing future tours. Her reflection shows how one day can ripple into a new path, a new role, and a new confidence.
🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators
🌐 Stay Connected
Join the movement at YLAA’s National Tour – tickets for 2026 are now on sale! Discover more episodes and classroom-ready insights at Podclass.
Be part of the story of student leadership, everywhere.
#YouthLeadership #NationalTour #Podclass
Hosts: Will Massara & Amanda Marshall
Length: ~15 mins
Topic: Educator accountability, language in classrooms, and the importance of emotional safety for students.
Welcome back to Podclass, where youth voice, educator insight, and honest reflection meet. In Episode 49, Will and Amanda delve into a real-life Reddit post that sparked a spirited discussion: can a teacher playfully say “shut up” to students? And if it slips out—what should happen next?
This isn’t just a conversation about one moment—it’s a bigger reflection on professional responsibility, power, and what it takes to model accountability in a classroom.
🔍 In This Episode
1. Intent vs. Impact: Why “Shut Up” Landed Hard
“We are always on show as teachers. Everything we say is perceived and received.”
The hosts unpack how words—especially emotionally loaded ones like "shut up"—can impact students, even when the intent was playful. They explore how trauma-informed practice centers playfulness but also demands emotional awareness and reflection.
2. The Power of Owning It
“Ego must stay at the door… Our students will respect our humility.”
What should educators do when they slip up? Amanda and Will outline the steps to reclaim trust after a mistake: acknowledge, apologize, and turn it into a teachable moment. They affirm that owning your impact is part of leading with integrity.
3. A Culture of Safety Over Perfection
“Schools are, for many, the safest place they’ll be. That trust matters.”
This episode reminds educators that language shapes culture. Listeners are encouraged to build emotionally safe classrooms where students feel heard, not silenced—and to embrace repair over defensiveness.
🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators
Create a culture of repair: Normalize taking responsibility and model it explicitly.
Use playful tone with care: Make sure jokes land safely and don’t replicate harm.
Ask students for feedback: Talk openly about how language impacts the group.
De-center ego: Mistakes are inevitable—what matters is how we show up after them.
🌐 Stay Connected
Listen to this episode and more at Podclass on YLAA.
Explore YEP for leadership resources and school programs.
Join the community at Youth Leadership Academy Australia.
#EducatorReflection #StudentSafety #TeacherLanguage
Hosts: Will Massara, Amanda Marshall
Guest Host: Emma
🤝 How authentic youth collaboration really happens—and why it matters.
This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a full-circle moment. Will and Amanda are joined again by Emma, a former student leader turned Youth Advisory Board Chair at YLAA. Together, they explore what genuine collaboration with young people looks like—from student councils to national stages.
Whether you're an educator, program designer, or just passionate about youth voice, this is a must-listen on building real partnerships across generations.
From Fan to Facilitator: Emma’s Leadership Journey
“I went from watching the conference in the crowd... to chairing the board that shapes it.” – Emma
Emma recounts her journey from a high school student sneaking into a YLAA event, to designing leadership summits at her school, to now speaking on stage and advising YLAA strategy. This episode traces the ripple effect of one opportunity—and what happens when youth voice is truly welcomed.
Youth Voice Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational
“Young people need a space to be their authentic selves. That’s where voice can grow.” – Amanda
The team unpacks what it takes to actually amplify youth voice: safe environments, mission-driven leadership, and educators willing to listen to understand. Emma shares real-life examples of leadership spaces where students were heard—and those where they weren’t.
What Real Collaboration Looks Like
“Done is better than perfect—especially when it’s built together.” – Will
The episode closes with a discussion on cross-generational collaboration: how teachers and students can partner effectively. The hosts name core principles—connection, co-design, and shared purpose—and challenge adult allies to let go of control in favor of collective ownership.
Practical Strategies for Educators
Build With, Not For: Involve students from the ideation phase—not just execution.
Co-Design Spaces: Create environments where students can show up fully, not just conform.
Connect Deeply: Prioritise teacher-student relationships as the foundation of any collaboration.
Support Action: Back student-led projects, even small ones. Confidence grows through doing.
Let Go of “Perfect”: Focus on authentic participation over polished outcomes.
Conclusion
Episode 48 reminds us: youth voice isn’t a checkbox—it’s a compass. True collaboration means making space for young people to lead, even if the process is messy. Emma’s story proves what’s possible when adults believe, support, and walk alongside young leaders.
🎧 Listen to all episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
📣 Learn more: Youth Engagement Project | YLAA
📸 IG: @podclass.aus
#47 - The One About Supporting Year 12s Through Exams
In this powerful episode of Podclass, hosts Sky Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Masara welcome back the renowned educational researcher Professor John Hattie. This time, the discussion centres on teaching culture—how it shapes student learning, impacts teacher wellbeing, and fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. With Professor Hattie’s groundbreaking insights, this episode dives deep into creating thriving school cultures and solving the pressing challenges faced by educators today.
Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
IG: https://www.instagram.com/podclass.aus
Creating Inviting Spaces for LearningProfessor Hattie argues that school culture should be the starting point, not achievement. Positive school cultures foster a sense of belonging for students and create an environment where they feel motivated to learn.
"Achievement is the outcome, not the input. Start with culture, and the learning will follow." – John Hattie
Tackling the Relentlessness ProblemA central theme of the episode is the relentlessness educators face post-Covid. John challenges the notion that workload is the primary issue and instead focuses on creating space for reflection and collaboration.
"The problem isn't workload; it's the relentlessness. Teachers need space to think, reflect, and collaborate." – John Hattie
The Role of Leadership in Building TrustThe conversation highlights how school leaders can cultivate trust among staff, enabling teachers to collaborate and share without fear of judgment. Trust is foundational to improving teaching practices and ultimately benefits student outcomes.
"High-impact education happens when teachers feel safe to evaluate their impact and work together." – John Hattie
Redefining Career StructuresThe episode delves into the need for a clear career trajectory for educators, allowing teachers to stay in the classroom and continue growing without feeling the pressure to leave for leadership roles.
"We need a career structure that esteems and rewards the expertise of teachers beyond 10 years." – John Hattie
Addressing Burnout and Valuing ExpertiseThe hosts and John discuss the challenges of teacher burnout and the lack of recognition for exceptional educators. Shifting the narrative to celebrate teachers’ impact is essential for the profession’s sustainability.
"We must shift the conversation to celebrate teachers' incredible coping strategies and profound impact." – John Hattie
Leveraging Technology to Reduce PressureProfessor Hattie explores the potential of AI tools like ChatGPT to reduce teachers’ workloads, giving them more time to focus on meaningful collaboration and reflection.
"AI can reduce teacher workloads faster than it will impact students—let’s use it to alleviate pressure." – John Hattie
Understanding School Culture and Its ImpactEvolving the Teaching ProfessionIn Episode 25, Podclass unpacks how building a positive teaching culture starts with trust, collaboration, and focusing on what truly matters: creating spaces for learning and professional growth. From rethinking the teacher career path to addressing the relentlessness problem, this episode offers educators actionable strategies to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Our OrganisationsYEP: https://youthengagementproject.com/YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
In this episode of Podclass, Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Massara welcome Lael Stone, a leading educator and speaker focused on children's emotional well-being. They discuss the importance of connecting with students by meeting them “where they’re at” rather than where we might expect them to be. Drawing on her experience as a school founder, doula, and trauma counsellor, Lael shares actionable advice on how educators and parents can support students' emotional needs, encourage autonomy, and foster environments where children feel seen and valued.
Understanding “Meeting Students Where They Are At”
Lael highlights how critical it is to consider students' emotional and physical states, recognising that young people often need space and support before diving into learning. By meeting students as they are, rather than expecting immediate compliance, educators can build trust and facilitate a positive learning environment.
Encouraging Autonomy and Respecting Boundaries
The episode touches on practical approaches for giving students autonomy in the classroom without losing structure. Lael explains that autonomy does not mean complete freedom; rather, it’s about respecting students' need for agency and recognising the ways they naturally learn best.
Key Takeaways:
Building a trusting, empathetic relationship with students is essential for creating a supportive learning environment.
Allowing students some control over their learning helps them engage more deeply and reduces behavioural challenges.
Educators can promote resilience and self-awareness in students by allowing them space to express their feelings and be understood without judgment.
Special Guest: Lael Stone
Website: Lael Stone
Links and Resources:
We're looking back at our favourite episodes from 2024!
Welcome back to Podclass, the insightful podcast tailored for teachers, educators, and anyone invested in enriching educational environments. In this episode, hosts Amanda and Skye, co-founders of the Youth Engagement Project, along with Will Massara, founder of Youth Leadership Academy Australia, delve into the crucial topic of student engagement. They explore strategies to captivate and maintain students' attention, crucial in today's fast-paced and distraction-filled educational settings.Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclassIG: https://www.instagram.com/podclass.ausUnderstanding Student EngagementThe episode kicks off with a discussion on what student engagement truly entails and why it's a perennial topic in educational discussions."Student engagement is a vital indicator of educational success and involves keeping students absorbed in learning for extended periods." - SkyeChallenges in Achieving Student EngagementThe hosts discuss the increasing challenge of capturing students' attention, noting the natural decrease in attention spans across generations, not just among students."Our young people's attention span is naturally decreasing over time, which is a challenge we must adapt to." - AmandaThe Role of Teacher-Student Relationships in EngagementWil shares personal experiences from his school days, emphasising that building relationships and rapport within the classroom was key to his engagement."The only thing that got me excited about school was having some sort of relationship or rapport with the teacher." - WilStrategies for Enhancing Student EngagementAmanda and Skye highlight the importance of building rapport and relationships as foundational strategies for increasing student engagement."Building rapport is huge and can transform a student's engagement level in the classroom." - AmandaExploring Self-Determination TheoryThe discussion pivots to a deep dive into Self-Determination Theory, which posits that meeting three core psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—is essential for fostering intrinsic motivation and engagement."Self-Determination Theory shows us that autonomy, competence, and relatedness need to be fostered to enhance engagement." - SkyeImplementing Practical Engagement StrategiesThe hosts discuss practical methods to implement the principles of Self-Determination Theory in everyday teaching practices without overwhelming the educators."We can integrate engagement strategies into our teaching by focusing on autonomy, providing optimal challenges, and ensuring students feel connected." - AmandaConclusion: Building a Supportive Learning EnvironmentThe episode wraps up with a call to action for educators to make incremental changes that foster a supportive and engaging learning environment, emphasizing the importance of teacher presence and attitude in influencing student engagement.Join us next week on Podclass as we continue to explore impactful strategies and insights for educators looking to make a real difference in their classrooms.Our OrganisationsYEP: https://youthengagementproject.com/YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
Welcome to the first episode of Podclass, a vibrant and enlightening podcast aimed at teachers, educators, and anyone seeking inspiration in the educational sphere. In this episode, we dive deep with Wil Massara, CEO of Youth Leadership Academy Australia, and Skye Hughes and Amanda Marshall, the founders of the Youth Engagement Project. Together, they explore the concepts of student leadership, voice, and agency within schools, offering practical advice and innovative ideas to redefine leadership in education.Empowering Young Leaders in EducationIn a stimulating conversation with Wil, Skye, and Amanda discuss the impact of empowering young leaders in schools. They highlight the importance of recognising and nurturing different forms of leadership that go beyond traditional roles."Leadership isn't just about the badge; it's about empowering young people to lead from wherever they are." – WilRedefining Student LeadershipThe trio discusses how redefining leadership within educational settings can lead to positive changes in school culture and student engagement. They emphasise the need for a broader recognition of leadership roles, whether from the front, side or behind, to foster a supportive and inclusive environment."True leadership starts with standing in your true self and empowering others to do the same." – AmandaBuilding Leadership Skills Beyond TitlesWil shares his experiences and insights on the essence of leadership, stressing that it is not confined to those with titles. The conversation shifts towards practical strategies for teachers to implement that encourage all students to develop leadership skills."Every student can develop leadership skills; it’s about fostering those skills without needing a badge." – SkyeThe Impact of Authentic Leadership on School CultureDiscussing the annual National youth leadership conference tour, the hosts share how these events shape young leaders and prepare them for future challenges by focusing on authenticity and self-leadership."Leadership begins with self-leadership, knowing who you are and leading from that place of authenticity." – WilPractical Steps for Teachers to Foster LeadershipThe episode also covers practical advice for educators on how to integrate leadership development into their daily curriculum without adding to their workload, focusing on small, incremental changes that make a big difference."It's the small 1% shifts that help build a culture of leadership within classrooms and schools." – AmandaConclusion: Leadership Is for EveryoneAs the episode wraps up, the speakers reflect on the universal nature of leadership. They encourage educators to recognise and nurture the leadership potential in every student, emphasising that effective leadership can come from anyone, regardless of their role or title.This episode of Pod Class not only inspires but also provides actionable insights for educators looking to cultivate an environment where every student feels empowered to lead. Join us to explore how subtle changes in approach can lead to significant outcomes in student leadership and participation.Pod Class Links🌏 Website: www.ylaaus.com/podclass📸 Instagram: @podclass.ausOur Organisations:🌟 Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA): www.ylaaus.com💡 Youth Engagement Project (YEP): www.youthengagementproject.com