Wag Tales

Danielle Mifsud is the Academy Director at Humans of Purpose Academy, a social impact organisation supporting women and non-binary people with lived experience of domestic and family violence. The Academy provides a pathway for survivors to rebuild confidence, develop skills, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. Through community, peer support, and a strengths-focused approach, Danielle and her team are helping participants reconnect with their purpose and agency.In this episode, Danielle and Megan explore what it truly means to empower through community. They discuss the importance of belonging, the transformative role of peer support, and how recovery must be built around strengths, not deficits. Danielle shares her insights on leadership and self-care, the role of mentorship, and how the Academy continues to grow while holding true to its values of safety and connection. Together, they reflect on what it means to thrive — not in comparison to others, but in alignment with one’s own definition of flourishing.This is a powerful conversation about hope, healing, and the strength that comes from being seen and supported. Danielle’s work reminds us that recovery is not a linear path, but a collective journey — one made possible through compassion, courage, and community.You can find out more about the academy here.Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠⁠⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠⁠⁠The Wag Tales walkout songs playlist can be found here.Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠⁠⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠⁠⁠

Matt Pitman is an educator, author, and advocate for rethinking how we build connection in schools. His latest book, The Connection Conundrum, explores why connection is so often overlooked in education and what it takes to make it central to student engagement, wellbeing, and learning. Drawing on years of leadership experience, Matt brings both practical strategies and a deeply human perspective to the challenges school communities face today.In this episode, Matt and Megan dive into the transformative power of connection and how it can reshape whole-school culture. They talk about what happens when behaviour management is treated not as punishment but as an opportunity for relationship, and why vulnerability and authenticity in leadership matter so much. Matt shares insights on how to create norms instead of rules, how to listen with empathy and curiosity, and how connection can ripple across students, staff, and parents to transform the whole community.This is a conversation for educators, leaders, and anyone invested in the future of schools. Matt reminds us that connection is not a soft skill or an add-on, but the foundation of belonging, engagement, and growth. His work offers a roadmap for creating environments where every part of the school community — young people, teachers, and families — can thrive together.You can find out more about Matt's work and his books here.Host: Megan Corcoran, ⁠Wagtail Institute⁠Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: ⁠megan@megancorcoran.com.au⁠⁠Wagtail Institute on instagram⁠Music by Kabbilistic Village ⁠https://kabbalisticvillage.com/⁠

Dr Corey Keyes is a sociologist and psychologist best known for developing the dual continuum model of mental health and for coining the term languishing, a word that gave language to the emptiness so many felt during the pandemic. His new book, Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down, offers both research and reflection on how we move from surviving to thriving, not just individually, but collectively. Megan has been following Corey's work since early in her career and felt incredibly honoured to sit down for this conversation. In this episode, Corey and Megan delve into the heart of his research, exploring the distinction between mental illness and mental health, and how they coexist. They also share personal stories about the people who changed the course of their lives. Corey speaks openly about his childhood and the moment everything shifted when he went to live with his grandparents, his “earth angels,” who gave him the love and stability to thrive. Megan reflects on her own grandparents and the story behind naming Wagtail Institute in their honour. This conversation is a deeply human reflection on suffering, healing, and what it means to build a life of meaning. Together, Corey and Megan explore why wellbeing science must stay anchored in reducing suffering, not just chasing happiness, and how focusing on quality over quantity in how we live, connect, and care for one another might just change everything. You can purchase a copy of the book, Languishing, here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Jaime de Loma-Osorio Ricon is a long-time advocate for equity and inclusion in education and community work. As Deputy CEO of Banksia Gardens Community Services and Director of the Northern Centre for Excellence in School Engagement, Jaime has helped shape one of Victoria's most respected models of school–community partnership. With over 20 years of experience in Broadmeadows, Jaime brings both deep local knowledge and a bold systems-thinking lens to the work of supporting vulnerable young people. In this episode, Megan and Jaime explore the powerful model behind Project REAL, a flexible, trauma-informed program supporting students who are disengaged or excluded from school. Jaime shares how his team works across 16 partner schools to build capacity, offer coaching and mentoring, and implement a responsive, evidence-based framework called Building Blocks for Engagement. They unpack the difference between supporting behaviour through skill, not will, and explore both the power and complexity of applying radical inclusion in practice, especially in under-resourced settings. Jaime also reflects on how zero-tolerance policies, exclusionary practices, and binary thinking continue to harm our most vulnerable young people. This conversation invites us to think differently about education, accountability, and care. Jaime's work challenges the assumption that compassion and high expectations can't coexist, and reminds us that real change comes through relationships, context, and deep respect for community. Whether you work in education, community work, youth services, or policy, this episode is for you. You can find out more about the Northern Centre for Excellence in School Engagement here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Michelle McQuaid is an author, workplace wellbeing strategist, and founder of The Good Girl Changemakers. With a PhD in Appreciative Inquiry and years of experience working at the intersection of wellbeing, leadership, and psychological safety, Michelle is shifting the conversation around how we care for ourselves and each other in professional spaces. Her work weaves together evidence-based wellbeing science with deeply human insight, helping individuals and organisations create cultures that are braver, kinder, and more sustainable. In this conversation, Michelle and Megan explore the “good girl” conditioning many of us carry, the people-pleasing, perfectionism, and performance that can become deeply embedded in our sense of identity. Michelle shares how her curiosity in workplace wellbeing led her to recognise gendered patterns of resistance to change and why dismantling these internalised beliefs is crucial for personal and systemic transformation. Together, they explore the power of self-compassion, the importance of unlearning, and how our schools and workplaces consider ways to enhance belonging. Michelle shares reflections from her own upbringing, how early messages about who she was “supposed to be” shaped her internal world, and what it has taken to return to her authentic self. This episode is a gentle yet powerful invitation to reflect on the invisible rules we've been following and how these can limit our ability to show up fully for ourselves and for the young people in our lives. Michelle offers a compassionate, practical roadmap for parents, teachers, youth workers, and leaders who want to create more human-centred environments, where wellbeing is embedded in the culture. If we want young people to feel safe, seen, and supported, we need to start by doing that work within ourselves. You can find Michelle's work on the Good Girl Changemakers here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Richard Rose is a leading expert in therapeutic life story work, a consultant, trainer, author, and international speaker dedicated to improving the lives of children who have experienced trauma. With decades of experience in child protection, social work, and therapeutic practice, Richard has worked extensively with children in out-of-home care, helping them make sense of their histories and find a sense of belonging. As the Director of Therapeutic Life Story Work International (TLSWi), he trains professionals worldwide to use structured storytelling as a tool for healing. Approximately 15 years ago, Megan had the privilege of attending a training delivered by Richard, which greatly influenced how she navigated the relational aspects of teaching young people growing up in out-of-home care. In this episode, Richard and Megan explore the profound impact of life story work, discussing how it helps young people process trauma, relieve guilt, and understand the circumstances that led them into care. Richard shares powerful case studies that highlight the long-term impact of this work and the importance of ensuring children have the opportunity to know and own their own stories. Richard reflects on his commitment to giving back, recognising the ethical responsibility of those who make a living from trauma-related work. His latest initiative, funding THEiA training for thousands of carers over the next decade—including here in Australia—is part of his mission to create lasting change in the sector. This conversation is essential for all carers and anyone working in child protection, social work, or trauma recovery. Richard's insights remind us that storytelling isn't just about the past—it's about shaping a more connected and hopeful future.THEiA is theTrauma, Health and Education International Academy. Check for upcoming dates here. More on Therapeutic Life Story Work can be found here. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Content Warning:This episode discusses domestic homicide, family violence, and trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. Support services are listed below. Ashton Kline is a survivor, advocate, and ambassador for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. After losing his mother to domestic homicide as a teenager, Ashton's life was thrown into upheaval—navigating the foster care system, taking on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother, and facing the shortcomings of a child protection system that was not trauma-informed. Despite these immense challenges, Ashton has rebuilt his life with purpose, becoming a university lecturer and dedicating his work to preventing violence and supporting vulnerable children. In this conversation, Ashton and Megan explore the complexities of growing up with domestic violence, the gaps in the systems meant to protect children, and the resilience it takes to break the cycle. Ashton shares his personal healing journey and how he takes care of his wellbeing while doing this important work. He speaks openly about the experience of moving between shelters as a child, the moment his life changed forever with the loss of his mother, and what it was like to be placed in the foster care system at such a critical time. Taking on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother added another layer to the challenges he faced, and he reflects on the ways the system failed to provide the support they both needed. Now, Ashton is committed to changing the conversation around trauma and violence prevention. His work challenges the way society responds to children in crisis, advocating for approaches that centre safety, healing, and long-term support. This conversation is raw, confronting, and deeply important. Ashton's story is one of survival, strength, and the urgent need for systemic change.Help and Support:If you or someone you know needs support, here are some resources available in Australia: 1800RESPECT – 24/7 national support for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence. Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au. Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. MensLine Australia – Support for men experiencing or impacted by family violence. Call 1300 789 978 or visit www.mensline.org.au. Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au. Kids Helpline – Free, confidential support for young people (ages 5-25). Call 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au. No to Violence – Support for men who use or are at risk of using family violence. Call 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au. Blue Knot Foundation – Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma. Call 1300 657 380 or visit www.blueknot.org.au. Please take care while listening, and reach out for support if needed. If you are outside of Australia, please reach out to your local services for support. Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au Is your wellbeing impacted by caring for others? Are you exposed to the stress and trauma of those you work with? Whether you're a teacher, caregiver, or practitioner, the emotional weight of supporting others can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Wagtail Institue has created a 39 page guide (in the form of eBook) on trauma-informed wellbeing for practitioners. You can find out more and grab your guide here. Wagtail Institute on instagram Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/