Jase Williams is a trauma educator, speaker, and author whose work explores the profound impact of trauma on our relationships, our nervous systems, and the way we move through the world. Drawing on both lived experience and trauma-informed practice, Jase works alongside schools, families, and young men to create environments where healing, connection, and emotional safety can flourish.

In this conversation, Jase and Megan explore what it means to live and lead through a trauma-informed lens. Together, they unpack the role of our nervous systems in shaping behaviour, the importance of relationships in healing, and how schools, families, and communities can create the conditions for people to feel safe, seen, and supported. They also discuss modern masculinity, the impact of shame and disconnection, and why modelling emotional intelligence and healthy relationships is one of the greatest gifts we can offer the next generation.

At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful message: healing happens in relationship. Jase shares why unconditional love, presence, and genuine human connection are some of the strongest protective factors we have, not only for boys and young men, but for all of us. It's an honest, hopeful conversation about breaking cycles of trauma, strengthening communities, and choosing connection over judgement.

Resources:

• Jase Williams' website.

• Megan Corcoran's book, Beyond Survival Mode: Thriving as a Trauma-Informed Professional

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.

Website: https://wagtailinstitute.com

Music by Kabbilistic Village: https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Lori Desautels is an educator, author, and assistant professor whose work in applied educational neuroscience has influenced schools and educators around the world. Through decades of teaching, research, and professional learning, Lori has helped shift the conversation from managing behaviour to understanding the nervous system, relationships, and the conditions that allow both children and adults to flourish.

In this conversation, Lori and Megan explore what it truly means to embody trauma-responsive practice. They discuss the difference between understanding the science and living it, why awareness alone isn't enough, and how educators can build the capacity to regulate themselves before supporting others. Together, they unpack the role of multi-tiered systems of support, the importance of co-regulation, and why sustainable change happens when we care for the wellbeing of the adults alongside the young people they support.

This is a thoughtful and hopeful conversation about the future of education. Lori reminds us that trauma-responsive practice isn't another initiative to implement, but a way of being that begins with our own nervous systems, relationships, and daily interactions. Whether you're an educator, leader, parent, or practitioner, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating environments where both adults and young people can thrive.

Resources:

• Revelations in Education

• Beyond Survival Mode

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.

Website: https://wagtailinstitute.com

Music by Kabbilistic Village: https://kabbalisticvillage.com/

Dr Michael Gerlich is a researcher, sociologist, educator, and author of The Convenience Trap, a book exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think, learn, connect, and make decisions. With a background spanning technology, business, and human behaviour, Michael is interested not just in what AI can do, but what its growing presence means for us as humans.

In this conversation, Michael and Megan explore the opportunities and challenges that come with living in an increasingly AI-driven world. They discuss the concept of cognitive offloading, the tendency to outsource thinking to technology, and what this might mean for critical thinking, creativity, learning, and problem-solving. Together, they unpack the importance of friction, effort, and curiosity in a world where convenience is becoming the default.

This is a thoughtful and balanced conversation about how we can embrace new technologies without losing the very skills that help us thrive. From education and parenting to relationships and wellbeing, Michael invites us to think more deeply about how we use AI—and how we can ensure it remains a tool that supports human flourishing rather than replacing it.

Resources:

• The Convenience Trap: What happens when AI Becomes the Mind Behind Our Lives
• Dr. Michael Gerlich's Profile
• Swiss Business School
  

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.

Website: https://wagtailinstitute.com

Music by Kabbilistic Village: https://kabbalisticvillage.com/