The Building Resilient Kids Podcast

Daniel Principe – Youth Advocate, Educator and Author, Helping Young People Build Character, Healthy Relationships and Resilience

"Character Before Culture: Daniel Principe on Raising Good Humans in a Noisy World"   In this thought-provoking episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by Daniel Principe—one of Australia's leading youth advocates, educator, author and speaker, whose work has reached hundreds of thousands of young people, parents and educators across the country. Daniel explores what it means to raise resilient children in an age dominated by social media, comparison, digital distraction and competing cultural influences. Rather than blaming young people, Daniel challenges adults to become more curious, more intentional and more connected. The conversation explores why character matters more than status, why resilience is "caught" as much as it is taught, and why meaningful relationships remain the greatest protective factor for children navigating an increasingly complex world. Daniel also shares insights from his work around respectful relationships and consent education, arguing that consent is only one part of a much bigger conversation about empathy, emotional regulation, communication and becoming a person of good character. Throughout the discussion, Daniel offers practical wisdom for parents, teachers and mentors who want to help young people develop courage, resilience and confidence without losing kindness, humility or curiosity. This episode is a powerful reminder that while the world facing today's children is changing rapidly, the fundamentals of raising good humans remain remarkably timeless. Key Themes and Takeaways * Why curiosity is one of the most important qualities parents and leaders can develop. * How resilience is often "caught" through role models before it is ever taught. * The impact of digital culture, social media and constant comparison on young people's wellbeing. * Why today's children need character formation as much as academic achievement. * Helping young people move from knowing what's right to actually living it. * Why boredom, struggle and discomfort remain essential ingredients for resilience. * The importance of celebrating character rather than simply achievement. * How healthy relationships underpin resilience, confidence and mental wellbeing. * Why consent begins long before discussions about sex—it starts with respect, empathy and healthy communication. * The role adults play in shaping culture, values and expectations for the next generation. * Why boys—and girls—need adults who consistently model courage, kindness, humility and integrity. * The importance of creating intentional family conversations and meaningful rites of passage. More About Daniel Daniel Principe is an Australian youth advocate, educator, author and international speaker who has spent more than a decade working with schools, sporting organisations, parents and communities to help young people thrive. His work focuses on character formation, respectful relationships, masculinity, digital culture, consent education and emotional wellbeing. Daniel is widely recognised for his practical, evidence-informed approach to engaging young people through curiosity rather than judgment, encouraging them to become thoughtful, resilient and compassionate adults. Through keynote presentations, workshops, writing and media appearances, Daniel continues to challenge cultural narratives while equipping families and educators with practical tools to raise young people of strong character in an increasingly complex world. Resources * Daniel Principe — https://www.danielprincipe.com.au [https://www.danielprincipe.com.au/] * Consent Can’t Wait Campaign — https://resilienceshield.com [https://resilienceshield.com/] * Building Resilient Kids — https://resilienceshield.com/kids [https://resilienceshield.com/kids] * The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt — https://www.anxiousgeneration.com [https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/] * The Center for Humane Technology — https://www.humanetech.com [https://www.humanetech.com/] * Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org [https://www.commonsensemedia.org/] (excellent guidance on digital wellbeing and technology for families) Quote of the Episode "You can't be judgmental and curious at the same time—pick one." Another Memorable Quote "Character matters more than status." One More Worth Remembering "Resilience is often caught before it is taught." (resilience is contagious)

Roy Newey – Entrepreneur, Author, Father of 2, Turning Dyslexia into a Superpower

"Bullies, Business and Belief: Roy Newey on Finding Strength in Life's Biggest Setbacks"   Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis sits down with Roy Newey... entrepreneur, business leader, author, father, and self-described "dyslexic who still can't read or write." Roy's story begins with spectacular academic failure. Leaving school without passing a single exam, few would have predicted he would one day build and sell multiple businesses, lead the economic regeneration of Liverpool, chair a bunch of companies, and become an author. Roy reflects on how dyslexia, once viewed as his greatest disadvantage, became his greatest competitive advantage. Unable to rely on written words, he developed extraordinary observational skills, emotional intelligence, memory and an ability to read people—qualities that shaped his success as a leader. The conversation also explores Roy's deeply personal children's novel, Timothy and the Triplets Three. Inspired by his own son's experiences with bullying, the story helps children realise they are not alone while reminding parents, teachers and carers of the profound influence adults have on a child's resilience. Throughout the episode, Roy shares heartfelt stories about humour, confidence, parenting, and why allowing children to experience manageable struggle is one of the greatest gifts adults can give. This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about discovering the strengths that hardship can reveal. Key Themes and Takeaways * How dyslexia became Roy's greatest professional advantage rather than his biggest limitation * Why emotional intelligence often begins with careful observation rather than talking * The hidden strengths many neurodivergent children develop * The lasting impact bullying has on both victims and those who bully * Why isolation is often the bully's greatest weapon—and connection is the antidote * Using humour to diffuse conflict, build relationships and strengthen resilience * The importance of helping children solve their own problems rather than rescuing them * Why overprotecting children can unintentionally weaken confidence and resilience * Encouraging children to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth * The value of mentors and timely words of encouragement throughout life * Why resilience is often built one small challenge at a time—not through avoiding difficulty More About Roy Roy Newey is an entrepreneur, international business adviser, author and speaker who has spent more than three decades helping organisations and communities grow. Despite leaving school without passing a single exam due to dyslexia, Roy went on to build and sell multiple successful businesses, lead the economic regeneration of Liverpool, and chair more than 150 companies across the UK and internationally. Roy is also the author of Timothy and the Triplets Three, a children's novel inspired by his son's experience with bullying. Written to help young readers feel less alone, the book explores friendship, belonging, courage and resilience through humour and adventure. Roy's story is a powerful reminder that the labels placed on us as children need never define our future. Resources * Roy Newey – https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk [https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/] * Made By Dyslexia – https://www.madebydyslexia.org [https://www.madebydyslexia.org/] * The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme – https://antibullyingpro.com [https://antibullyingpro.com/] * The Resilience Shield – https://resilienceshield.com [https://resilienceshield.com/] * Building Resilient Kids – https://resilienceshield.com/kids [https://resilienceshield.com/kids] Quote of the Episode "Being dyslexic became my superpower." Another memorable quote "Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is not rescuing them, but standing beside them while they work out the solution themselves."

Michelle Mitchell – Parenting Educator, Author, Mother of 2, Champion of Teen Connection and Resilience

“Space, Trust and the Roundabout: Michelle Mitchell on What Teens Really Need from Us” In this insightful and deeply practical episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis speaks with Michelle Mitchell—parenting educator, bestselling author, and founder of the Resilient Kids Conference about what it really takes to support teenagers through one of the most complex stages of development. Drawing on decades of experience working with young people and families, Michelle shares a refreshing perspective on resilience, connection, and the evolving role of parents. From her early days working with at-risk youth to raising her own two sons, Michelle’s message is clear: resilience is not built in isolation—it is built in relationship. This episode challenges common parenting narratives and offers grounded, actionable insights into how we can stay connected to our kids while giving them the space they need to grow. Key Themes and Takeaways * Resilience is not a solo effort: Kids don’t need to have all the skills—they need to know where to find them and who to trust * The importance of community and connection as the foundation of resilience * Why letting kids resolve conflict themselves builds stronger social and emotional capability * Rethinking parenting labels like “helicopter” or “bulldozer” and instead focusing on principles over trends * What teens aren’t telling parents: they don’t hate you—they need space to become themselves * The power of trusting your instincts as a parent rather than interrogating for every detail * Understanding the difference between bad behaviour and cognitive overload * Why teenagers live in a near-constant state of dysregulation—and how that shapes their reactions * The importance of staying steady, present, and available rather than forcing conversations * The “roundabout” analogy: teens may appear to move away, but they often come back * Why the car is one of the most powerful environments for connection and regulation * The “Russian doll” concept: building multiple layers of support around a child * Reframing resilience: not bouncing back, but adapting and reshaping through adversity * The importance of helping kids develop their own coping strategies, not just adopting ours More About Michelle Michelle Mitchell is a leading Australian parenting educator, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience supporting young people and families. She began her career as a teacher before founding a youth-focused charity, working extensively with vulnerable and at-risk children. Michelle is widely known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to parenting teens and is the host of the Resilient Kids Conference, bringing together leading experts to support families navigating modern challenges. Resources * Michelle Mitchell – Official Website [https://michellemitchell.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Resilient Kids Conference [https://michellemitchell.org/resilient-kids-conference/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Teens: What They Don’t Tell Their Parents [https://michellemitchell.org/teens-what-they-dont-tell-their-parents/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Youth Excel (Michelle’s original charity work) [https://michellemitchell.org/about/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Book: What Teenage Girls Don’t Tell Their Parents – Michelle Mitchell ******** Get in touch with Tim Curtis at kids@resilienceshield.com [kids@resilienceshield.com] https://resilienceshield.com/kids/ [https://resilienceshield.com/kids/]

Molly Benjamin- Money Smart Kids: Building Financial Resilience from Pocket Money to Property

From piggy banks to pay gaps, Molly Benjamin shares practical ways to raise financially confident kids in a cashless, complex world.   Molly Benjamin is on a mission to make financial literacy accessible, practical, and empowering—especially for women and now, kids. After transforming her own “hot financial mess” into a thriving movement that’s educated 70,000+ Australian women, Molly is bringing the conversation to the next generation. As a spokesperson for Spriggy, she has deep insights into how kids earn, save, spend, and give—and how parents can raise resilient, financially confident children who are ready to thrive.   In This Episode Money Mindset Starts Young Molly explains how kids form their attitudes toward money by age seven—and how adult behaviours code that mindset. She shares why normalising conversations around spending, saving, and giving early matters, especially in a cashless society. “It’s not just what we say, it’s what we do around money. Kids are watching.” The Three Piggy Bank Rule Molly outlines her favourite financial framework for children—Spend, Save, Share—and explains how to use tools like Spriggy or Monopoly money to reinforce tangible learning about financial priorities and delayed gratification. Girls Out-Earning Boys? The FY25 Spriggy Kids Economy Report reveals that girls are earning $1.03 for every $1.00 boys earn—flipping the adult gender pay gap. What can this tell us about confidence, motivation, and resilience in young people? Money Mistakes Parents Make From over-rewarding chores to avoiding money conversations, Molly highlights the unconscious habits that may undermine a child’s financial resilience. “Money shouldn't be a taboo or secret. If they don’t learn it from us, they’re learning it somewhere else.” Financial Stress & The Future With house prices now 8–14 times the average wage, Molly discusses how we can prepare our kids for lifelong affordability pressures—through saving, investing, and open dialogue. “Even if you’ve never invested before, go on the journey with your child. Learn together.” Practical Tools to Build Confidence From setting savings goals to explaining superannuation and tax to teens, Molly shares strategies to raise informed, confident kids who won’t panic the first time they fail—or the first time they look at a budget.   Takeaways * Financial resilience isn’t just about money—it’s about mindset. * Teach saving before spending. Help kids delay gratification. * Make chores part of life, not always tied to payment. * Involve kids in financial conversations early and often. * Model what you want to teach—especially around budgeting, insurance, super, and investing. * Support teens to understand taxes, super, and compound interest when they get their first job.   Resources Mentioned * Ladies Finance Club [https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/] * Spriggy Kids Economy Report [https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/blog/raising-money-confident-kids-what-spriggy-s-623m-economy-report-reveals-about-the-next-generation] * Spriggy App [https://www.spriggy.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Money Smart Tools (ASIC) [https://moneysmart.gov.au/] * Book:Raising Money Confident Kids (Molly Benjamin, 2025) * Tool: “Super Detective” retirement checker * See also research: Harvard, La Trobe, Spriggy, Stoicism, and Bobo Doll Experiments

Dr Louise Mansell – Clinical Psychologist, Innovator, Mum of Two Boys (and a Teddy Bear)

Episode Subtitle: “Emotions, TED Talks & Teddies: Louise Mansell’s Mission to Build Brave Kids”   In this episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by Dr Louise Mansell, a clinical psychologist and founder of Tedology. Originally from the UK and now based in Perth, Louise brings a wealth of experience working with vulnerable children in care systems and mainstream settings. Louise shares insights into her personal upbringing, how her mother’s anxiety shaped her sense of responsibility and empathy, and what inspired her journey into psychology. She discusses the need for a whole-system approach to child development, the importance of working with schools and families, and how trauma-informed, compassionate care can change the course of a young life. The heart of the episode is Louise’s innovative creation: TED (Teddy for Emotional Development) – a science-based, sensory teddy bear that helps children regulate emotions, build resilience, and develop emotional literacy through play. From weighted limbs and textured paws to guided voice prompts based on proven psychological tools like CBT and DDP, TED is a cuddly co-regulator for kids. Louise reflects on parenting, teaching, and the daily challenge of applying psychology at home, candidly admitting her own occasional “screen bans” as a mother. Her honesty and evidence-based practice make this a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone committed to raising emotionally resilient kids.   Highlights * Louise’s early family life and how helping her mum manage anxiety set the foundations for her career * Her work in the UK’s social enterprise sector, supporting children in the care system * The biopsychosocial ecological model simplified for everyday parenting and teaching * The development of TED: a sensory, talking teddy designed to build emotional skills and resilience * Why kids need to feel seen, heard, and held in mind—and how a teddy bear can help * Practical strategies for teachers to emotionally coach children without needing all the answers * The power of emotional literacy and expression as central to long-term resilience * The science behind TED’s features (fidget-friendly paws, crinkle ears, soothing voice prompts) * Louise’s commitment to play-based learning and co-design with children * Honest parenting moments: “If I shout about screen bans, it doesn’t count.”   Learn More * Dr Louise Mansell's work: https://www.minimindshealth.com.au/louise-mansell [https://www.minimindshealth.com.au/louise-mansell] * Tedology (TED - Teddy for Emotional Development): https://tedology.com.au [https://tedology.com.au/] * The ACEs Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) – CDC Resource [https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html] * Tina Payne Bryson’s "Whole Brain Child" approach (Refer to books by Siegel & Bryson) * Theraplay & DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) – therapeutic models that Louise references as cornerstones in her clinical approach. https://ddpnetwork.org [https://ddpnetwork.org/] Quote of the Episode “Resilience isn’t about just coping. It’s about being brave enough to express yourself—and knowing someone will listen.” – Dr Louise Mansell