In this must-listen episode, we're joined by family psychologist Steve Biddulph AM, one of the world’s best-known parenting educators and authors. He shares insights on the importance of role models in a child’s development and education journey, and the traits that set young people up for a good life.

Steve also reflects on the mental health crisis affecting young people today, describing anxiety as "the second-biggest problem on the planet". He reveals what the latest brain science tells us about the best way to manage anxiety and how we can use this to help young people thrive.

CREDITS

Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family

Guest: Steve Biddulph AM, family psychologist, parent educator and author

Audio production: Mylk Media

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Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au

Connect with us on:

Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia

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LinkedIn @the-smith-family

The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking conversation, we're joined by Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood and one of Australia’s leading advocates for children, parents, carers and families. She makes a powerful case for why every child should have access to high-quality, affordable early learning and care, and how failing to provide that risks entrenching disadvantage from the very beginning.

Doug and Georgie discuss Australia’s ‘childcare deserts’ and other barriers to early learning, what recent reforms mean for families, and how Gonski-style funding could transform early childhood education and make it accessible and affordable for all.

CREDITS

Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family

Guest: Georgie Dent, CEO, The Parenthood

Audio production: Mylk Media

GET IN TOUCH

Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au

Connect with us on:

Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia

Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus

LinkedIn @the-smith-family

The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first conversation of 2025, Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, sits down with David Gonski AC, the driving force behind Australia’s landmark school funding reforms, to explore the current state of education and what’s needed to ensure every child – no matter their background – has the opportunity to succeed.

They discuss the legacy of the Gonski Report and the recent agreement to lift public school funding to the full amount recommended by the review. David also shares his views on what it takes to help young people thrive in tertiary education and the role of philanthropy in shaping better futures.

CREDITS

Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family

Guest: David Gonski AC, business leader, philanthropist and Chancellor, University of New South Wales

Audio production: Mylk Media

GET IN TOUCH

Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au

Connect with us on:

Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia

Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus

LinkedIn @the-smith-family

The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.