Energetic Radio

This episode is all about making sport, education and community activities more engaging, connected and meaningful. We kick things off by introducing Halftime Oranges (03:15), a platform built to support parent coaches and junior sports teams with everything from drills, warm-ups and fair rotations to leadership activities, team communication and simple ways to keep sport fun. From there, we dig into how parental pressure can weigh on young athletes, including a child’s fear of making mistakes, and why it matters so much to celebrate effort, teamwork and enjoyment over performance (05:18). We also share some practical ideas like equal game time, positive encouragement and the “high five alert,” all designed to shift the focus away from goals and skills and towards connection and contribution (08:34).

We then look at how metaphors can be a powerful way to teach leadership and culture, drawing on Mikel Arteta’s focus and teamwork activities at Arsenal and the All Blacks’ principle of leaving the jersey in a better place than you found it (11:20). A big theme that came through is the need to explicitly teach kids about attention, emotional regulation, pressure and stress, using play-based activities so they can feel these skills in action before reflecting on what they’ve learned (15:53). We also explore how AI could make worksheets and reading materials far more engaging by tailoring them to children’s interests, like turning maths problems into skateboarding stories (19:39).

To round things out, we rank and unpack the six needs for life: connection and love, contribution and meaning, growth, uncertainty, certainty and significance, with a particular look at the value of getting more comfortable with uncertainty (24:45). And finally, we introduce Edithvale Golf Day and Golf Break (30:38), a fun, social twist on the traditional golf event, complete with random club selections, dice-based shots and a bit of Happy Gilmore-style play. Plenty to take away, whether you’re a coach, a parent, an educator or just someone who loves bringing people together.

Check out:
https://halftimeoranges.com.au/
https://edithvalegolfday.com.au/

Ash Manuel returns for his fifth appearance to discuss his new book, Start Where You Are, and why young people don’t need to have their entire future mapped out straight away.

In this episode:

• Why Ash Manuel spent years searching for the right career path before becoming a PE teacher at 25 08:35
• The pressure young people face to choose a career before they’ve had enough experiences to know what they enjoy 04:49
• How self-awareness helps people understand their emotions, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and next steps 11:07
• A simple “rapid response” activity for building self-awareness through quick, honest reflection 14:33
• The impact of social media comparison and why people rarely share their struggles online 18:50
• Taking ownership of your mood, decisions, learning, and direction in life 21:42
• How gratitude helped Ash Manuel through one of the most challenging periods of his life 32:17
• Why celebrating other people’s success can shift your perspective and improve your own wellbeing 28:37
• How parents and teachers can use better questions to help young people understand their whole selves 34:29

Key ideas:

• You don’t need to have everything figured out. Keep actively looking, give different things a go, and learn from what doesn’t fit.
• Self-awareness comes first. It helps you recognise what you’re feeling, what you do well, where you need support, and what you genuinely want.
• Ownership means taking responsibility for improving your situation, including asking for help when you need it.
• Social media shows snapshots, not someone’s complete life. Comparing your everyday reality with someone else’s curated highlights gives you incomplete information.
• Gratitude can put setbacks into perspective, particularly when you notice the people who support you.

Book details:

Start Where You Are is aimed primarily at teenagers and young adults, while remaining relevant for parents, teachers, and adults navigating their own changes. The book includes reflection activities, a student journaling section, and resources for parents and teachers 25:48.

The book is scheduled for release on 21 October and is available for pre-order at startwhereyouare.com.au 38:28.

Memorable moments:

• “Ash Manuel: You don’t have to have things figured out.”
• “Ash Manuel: There’s always a way.”
• “Ash Manuel: No one cares. We really need to take ownership of our own lives.” 21:42
• “Paul Campbell: You’re starting here. And then these are the steps we’re going through.” 41:34

Resources:

• Start Where You Are
• Growing with Gratitude 

Energetic Radio, Episode 381

A candid conversation about rediscovering yourself, the mental health benefits of movement, and finding simple ways to improve your mood, with Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell. 

In this episode:

• Why playing footy brought back a sense of freedom and identity after becoming a parent.
• How a shoulder injury revealed the importance of daily exercise for mood and wellbeing.
• A simple 15-second reset: shift attention from expectations to appreciation, as Paul Campbell explains at 20:01.
• Why running, walking, silence, journaling, and meditation can work differently for different people.
• The value of asking unusual questions, including what statistic people would want hovering above everyone’s head.
• Work experience dreams involving AI companies, construction sites, bridge-building, and busy brunch cafés.
• An update on the Better Us Project, now operating in 62 schools, with over 2,000 daily users, 11,000 acts of kindness, and more than 18,000 wellbeing check-ins. 
• How schools, workplaces, and families can trial the Better Us Project for FREE!

Memorable moments:

• Five hours of driving in silence became a chance for reflection and creative thinking for Paul Campbell at 05:23.
• Exercise was described as something that improves how people show up across every area of life at 17:05.
• A 30-minute walk, a balanced diet, and consistency can matter more than extreme programs at 28:51.

Try this:

Ask yourself: “What am I doing each day that makes me a better person?”

The Better Us Project - https://thebetterusproject.com/

On this episode of Energetic Radio, Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell return with a creative burst, diving into the innovative ways they’re bringing more play and connection into everyday life. From candidly discussing the ups and downs of balancing podcasting with busy lives, to exploring new digital tools designed to foster relationships, they share stories and strategies sure to inspire joy at home and beyond.

Listen in as Dale Sidebottom puts Paul Campbell through their new couples’ play app revealing what it really takes to strengthen bonds through intentional activities and playful challenges. The duo also opens up about practical solutions for families with neurodiverse children, transforming stressful moments like dinnertime and bedtime into opportunities for fun and connection. Plus, get a sneak peek into the passion projects and future ideas that are keeping their creative fires burning.

Whether you’re seeking simple ways to connect with loved ones or curious about infusing more play into your routines, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and real-life insights from two self-proclaimed “Playboys” on a mission to make life more joyful for everyone.

Check out Couples Playbook: Date Night app here and take advantage of the one time lifetime offer - https://theschoolofplay.co/couples-playbook

Co-hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell welcome Shepparton’s own Timmy Arnold for a heartfelt, laughter-filled episode all about leadership, growth, and making an impact. Together, they explore the journey from humble beginnings to successful business ownership, unpacking the lessons learned along the way. Timmy Arnold shares his “Bush to Boardroom” analogies using lessons from life on the land to inspire great leadership, workplace culture, and personal reflection.

Highlights include:

• Why giving beats getting, and the power of the “go-giver” mindset
• Lessons from the land: leadership analogies from gates, fences, gum trees, and wattles
• The importance of consistency over intensity as a leader
• Honest reflections on personal growth, especially from their younger days
• The critical role of mentors, friendship, and gratitude on the journey to success
• Real talk about launching new ventures: big-picture thinking, selflessness, and relentless hard work
• Shout-outs to supportive organisations like RB Sellers and their new venture, the Better Us Project

This episode is packed with practical advice, candid stories, and genuine appreciation for the people who shape us. Whether you’re a teacher, business owner, leader, or just trying to grow as a person, you’ll find inspiration and plenty of laughs in this down-to-earth conversation.

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! After a six-month hiatus, Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell are back in a brand-new, custom-built studio complete with its own golf simulator. In this episode, they reflect on the break, sharing how time away has brought new inspiration, sharpened their focus on family, and provided some unforgettable “pinch me” and full-circle moments. 

From presenting at international conferences and revamping their original ClassBreak app, to meaningful moments with their kids both on and off the football field, they dive into the significance of appreciating success, taking risks, and creating lasting bonds. Plus, there’s a sneak peek at their upcoming book, “Wolf Logic Leadership,” and candid discussions about leadership, motivation, and the power of pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Wolf Logic Book Pre-Order - https://ambapress.com.au/collections/coming-soon/products/wolf-logic-play-based-leadership

ClassBreak (Our first ever app that started everything) - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/classbreak/id577991380

In this high energy, end of year wrap-up, Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell reflect on an incredible year at Energetic Radio and The  School of Play. Together, they share personal highlights, lessons learned, hilarious parent moments, and powerful insights from their global adventures and educational workshops.

Welcome back to Energetic Radio! In this inspiring episode, Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell dive into the simple rituals that spark joy, learning, and genuine connection, all amid the holiday season.

You'll hear stories about cricket, golf, and the infectious anticipation of Christmas. More importantly, our hosts share practical strategies on:

• The power of play to regulate emotions, especially for kids (and grown-ups!).
• The transformational effects of "microplay" and why you should never label activities (hint: it works wonders in classrooms and family rooms).
• Real-life experiments with gratitude games that reframe challenging moments into laughter and connection.
• Advent calendars with a twist: moving from chocolate to kindness challenges, and how your family can build this habit year-round.

Plus, there's honest advice on starting passion projects or businesses, why the safest route is to build while still working, and how to carve out time even in a busy life realistically.

You'll discover:

• How regulated brains are ready brains, and why play is the secret sauce for everyone, including neurodiverse learners.
• Simple mindfulness and meditation studies (science-backed!) prove you can improve your memory, sleep, and mood with daily practice.
• The surprising benefits of reducing screen time, embracing creativity, and starting each morning with intention.

There's lots of laughter and rapid-fire trivia along the way, including memorable failures (Uranus, really?) and random sports knowledge.

As we wrap up the year, Dale and Paul challenge you: What's something you want to learn in 2026? How will you use play and mindfulness to regulate, grow, and create meaning in your life, long after the holidays are over?

Don't miss these practical tips, real talk, and a healthy dose of encouragement to keep you energised into the new year.

Topics covered:

• The joy and value of sporting traditions
• Using play to manage emotions in children and adults
• Kindness advent calendars and gamified daily challenges
• Starting a business: The practical path vs. passion pitfalls
• Mindfulness and meditation for everyday Aussies
• The importance of reducing screen time
• Book recommendations and the power of nightly reading
• Setting intentional goals for personal growth

Links & Resources:

• The School of Play Daily Mission Cards
• Kindness advent calendar creators
• Memory coach Tanzel Ali's podcast episodes
• Phil Jackson's book on leadership

Listen in, take action, and let's energise life together, because there's always something new to create, learn, and celebrate.

Welcome back to the Energetic Radio Podcast episode 375! Hosts Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell dive deep into the power of vulnerability, authentic leadership, and the importance of play in life and business.

Episode Highlights:

• Raw and Real Vulnerability: Dale shares the overwhelming response to his emotional openness in last week's episode, discussing how being vulnerable sparked meaningful conversations and helped listeners feel less alone.
• Mental Health and Societal Pressure: Open discussion around "dad guilt", societal taboos, and why sharing our struggles can liberate not just ourselves but those around us.
• Letting Go of Perceptions: The hosts reflect on valuing reality over perception. Paul explores how people often maintain a facade, and the freedom that comes with dropping it.
• Play-Based Leadership in Action: Dale and Paul recap a surprising and energising corporate workshop with 240 electricians, illustrating how connection and gratitude can thrive in any setting.
• Grit Stories: A nod to ultra-athletes and Aussie legend Cliff Young, celebrating perseverance, grit, and the attitude that power extraordinary achievements.
• Mindset Matters: Thought-provoking banter on what’s more important: having more positive thoughts, or fewer negative ones? The hosts lean into neuroscience and personal experience, sharing strategies for cultivating presence and reducing negativity.
• Family Traditions: Delightful exchange about memorable family moments, from musical car rides to tickle fights and holiday adventures, underscoring the significance of simple rituals.
• Exciting Announcements: The launch of the Play-Based Leadership platform and the upcoming School of Play Academy are revealed, including details on their new leadership book co-authored by Nick Haywood.
• Looking Ahead & Gratitude: The hosts share what they’re most looking forward to this summer, from personal holidays to industry keynotes and meaningful breaks.

Resources & Mentions:

• Play-Based Leadership Website now live: playbasedleadership.com
• The School of Play Academy Coming in 2026!
• "Play Profile" Quiz, Find out your leadership style and practical ways to improve - https://playbasedleadership.com/play-profiles

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability is contagious and healing, share your truth!
• Presence is a gift: stop focusing on the negative, and live in the moment.
• Leadership is for everyone, and it can be fun, find your play profile.
• Cherish the small family traditions, they matter more than you think.

In Episode 374 of the Energetic Radio podcast, hosts Dale Sidebottom and co-host Paul Campbell return after a busy fortnight, sharing heartfelt stories and powerful lessons learned from their recent experiences. The duo opens up about the emotional impact of running a workshop for Very Special Kids, a Melbourne-based organisation supporting children in palliative care and their families. Both hosts discuss the transformative effect this experience had on their perspectives, especially as parents, and the importance of cherishing everyday moments with loved ones.

The conversation dives deep into personal growth, with Dale reflecting on his journey of self-discovery around ADHD and the determination to become a better parent and person. Paul shares practical strategies for supporting children's emotional well-being, including actionable advice for parents to help kids handle nerves and build healthy emotional habits.

The episode also features insights from their recent international trip to Singapore, where Dale headlined the PHASE Asia Conference attended by delegates from 42 countries. Both hosts celebrate the power of global connection, community, and professional growth, while also spotlighting the simple joys and quirky adventures of travel.

Key themes include:

• The importance of emotional regulation and education
• Creating supportive home environments for children
• Honest communication in friendships and families
• Alarming statistics on screen time and children's health
• Easy, actionable tips for parents to improve connection and well-being (like the "phone-in-the-drawer" challenge)
• Inspiration from Scandinavian teaching methods and why emotional education matters for lifelong resilience

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply seeking practical wisdom on happiness and well-being, this episode delivers a mix of laughs, real talk, and strategies you can apply right away.