Walk the Mile

It isn’t unusual these days to see a parent dropping off their kids in the morning whilst bringing a furry friend (or a few) along for the ride. Not to mention the copious dog walkers that stroll the local footpaths each day. It is a great way to meet our friendly neighbours! But pets aren’t limited to the canine kind. Pets are common amongst our school community and I am constantly hearing stories about the “other” member of the family. Dr Aimee BOCK (2011) has been working as a vet for the last eight years in Sydney’s Inner West. In this podcast, she talks about why she pursued this career, some of the challenges she faces and what she has learnt. Our conversation also touches on sensitive topics, such as pet bereavement and euthanasia, which may be upsetting for some listeners. 

You might know the old saying “Never discuss politics or religion in polite company.” Albert Einstein once said “Those who believe that politics and religion do not mix, understand neither.” In this conversation, not only do we talk about both, but explore some common threads. Elly Howse (Class of 2005) has had a passion for politics for as long as I have known her. She has worked in a variety of government agencies and has had significant leadership roles throughout her short career. For many people (myself included) politics can be confusing and frustrating. I hope that this discussion might help you to look at it in a different way.

It is not hard to find a story about anyone at anytime about anything. But what does it take to get a story which provides a true and clear insight into a character or event? Tracey Hannaford has had a lifelong career in journalism and is currently working for the 60 Minutes television program. She has had a wide range of experience, reporting from overseas and producing specific reports in a variety of current affairs. In this episode, Tracey talks about her craft, what she is trying to determine from those she interviews and how she creates a story that will not only inform the viewer but also have an impact on their worldview, maybe even themselves. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

The Commonwealth Games finished earlier this month and I did have a casual glance at the results and a few of the sports. Well done Australia!! Whenever they are on, I am always reminded of our own representative at the 2010 games, Samantha Marshall. Not only was she swimming for our country but she was also in Year 12 completing her HSC! In this episode we reminisce about what it was like to be juggling two major events, what motivated her to attempt such a feat and where that experience has influenced what she does now: being a powerful advocate for women in sport. We also talk about ambition, equality and gender roles. I hope you enjoy our conversation.  
This podcast includes discussion of topics that may be sensitive for some members of our community. Listener discretion is advised. If you are concerned by some of the content or would like to talk further, please do reach out to one of the counselling services below or contact me at garryl@sceggs.nsw.edu.au:
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
Parent Line: 1300 1300 52
 

When thinking about the history of your local neighbourhood or noticing the changes in infrastructure, we may wonder who gets to decide as to the nature and character of where we live. It must be a complex task with lots of voices and opinions in the mix, trying to please a wide variety of residents, business owners and other folk. Claire Middleton spent most of her career as a town planner and has had a major influence in the development of a number of suburbs and cities. In this episode, we talk about how she got into this line of work, what are the main factors that need to be considered in designing a town and the importance of listening to the community. I hope you enjoy our conversation. 

Last term I was asked by a parent and SCEGGS Board Director, Ian Narev, if he could interview me on this podcast!! I was surprised by my own reaction as I started to get a bit nervous. Worrying about what I was going to be asked, how would I come across, have I got anything interesting to say. It was a good insight into what its like to be on “the other side”. If you are interested, it’s basically about me: my history, how I came to be doing what I do and the stuff that drives me. And of course, more of those stories which you may or may not have heard before. I hope it’s not too self-indulgent but it was good to stop and think about my life for a moment.  I hope you enjoy our conversation.
 Please do note that some people might find some aspects of this podcast distressing as it discusses sensitive matters . If you are concerned by some of the content or would like to talk further, please do reach out to one of the counselling services below or contact me.
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
Parent Line: 1300 1300 52

I always look forward to a holiday and I reckon I wouldn’t be alone in that pleasure. But what to do with the time off isn’t always straight forward. Do I stay home in my pyjamas or should I venture out to somewhere unseen? Old Girl Lisa Perkovic from the Class of 2005  is a travel writer that has seen a lot of the world and has to write about it for a career. For some people, this sounds like the dream job. In this podcast, Lisa talks about what she has learnt, some of the challenges she has faced and what keeps her passion for travelling alive. It might help if you are lucky enough to be considering your next destination. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Resilience is one of those concepts that we all would like for ourselves or for our children. But it can be hard to teach, to attain or even define. In this podcast, Barry Du Bois speaks about what he has learnt from going through tough times and how it has helped him to work out what is important. Barry is a media personality as well as on the Board of the mental health organisation “R U OK?”. He has a lot of wisdom to share and there is plenty here to keep discussing.  
Please do note that some people might find some aspects of this podcast distressing as it discusses matters including infertility, mental wellbeing, illness and grief. If you are concerned by some of the content or would like to talk further, please do reach out to one of the counselling services below or contact me at garryl@sceggs.nsw.edu.au:
 
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
Parent Line: 1300 1300 52

Walk The Mile has finally returned!! We have a whole new bunch of people having great conversations coming up throughout the rest of the year and I am so excited that our first podcast for this year is with our new and 6th Head of School, Holly Gyton. This podcast was recorded early in Term 1 this year. Find out what makes her tick, where she has come from, what she wants for SCEGGS and how she sees education. I found out a lot about Holly that I never knew (and I have been working with her for a long time) so I hope you do so as well.

It makes sense to think that the teacher’s job is to teach. But what is it they learn along the way — about themselves, about community, about people, about the world? In this episode, I talk to two teachers, Louise Willems and Greg Bass, currently teaching in different environments but with similar backgrounds. They share what they have picked up through their experiences, particularly during the time they have spent in remote Indigenous communities. I found it a fascinating conversation that I could certainly relate to. I hope you enjoy it too.