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:

• How collaboration and competition drive better outcomes.
• Redefining success—what does it really look and feel like?
• The importance of creating environments that foster connection and relationships.
• Why schools must prioritize time for students to build meaningful connections and develop the skills to thrive beyond the classroom.
• The power of shared practices and the courage to reflect critically on what we do as educators.

💡 " 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