In this conversation, John Hendry OAM reveals his journey from a stammering child to a decorated educator who spent decades teaching others about forgiveness, relationships and hope.

From his earliest days at school, John discovered that the people who looked beyond his challenges changed everything. But the moment that became the blueprint for his entire life came through tragedy. On his seventeenth birthday, after tragically losing his younger brother, John witnessed his father choose forgiveness in the darkest moment imaginable. That choice shaped everything that followed.

Built on one principle, forgiveness is not weakness, it's the most enabling tool we possess. John shares how he learned to navigate life non-adversarially, speak to himself with compassion, and build quality relationships as the foundation of resilience.

Explore how one man's commitment to forgiveness rippled outward to transform generations.

About Our Guest

John Hendry OAM, has taught in schools for over 50 years. He is a Life Member of Career Development Association of Australia and consultant to UNESCO in Bullying and School Violence. An ongoing “advisor” to Parents Victoria since 2017 and Active Education Australia. Formerly the Director of Student Welfare at Geelong Grammar School, John is a man of many talents and has received an OAM (Education) and an OAM (Cricket).

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e8

00:00 Overcoming Stammering: A Journey Begins

02:32 The Role of Relationships in Managing Fear

06:29 The Impact of School on Self-Perception

08:12 Finding Self-Worth Through Sports

10:55 The Importance of Hope and Trust in Education

13:35 Forgiveness: A Key to Resilience

17:41 Navigating Forgiveness and Relationships

19:13 The Power of Non-Adversarial Relationships

23:40 Understanding Inhibiting Factors in Performance

28:04 The Role of Forgiveness in Personal Growth

32:38 Managing Fear and Emotional Responses

40:29 It's A Wrap

In this conversation, Sue Carr takes us back to a suburban dinner table in the 1970s, where a 17-year-old girl sat silently carrying a secret she had kept to herself for three months. Pregnant, terrified and frozen by fear, Sue describes waiting, hoping each day might somehow be different, until her mother asked one quiet question that changed everything.

Sue shares how the unconditional love of her parents became the foundation for a life she never planned but built with quiet courage and determination. A life of marriage, five children, a return to study at 39, and a career as a primary school principal.

This is a conversation about what happens when fear meets love, and love wins. About the power of sharing your burden. About showing up anyway. And about why it is never too late to take the next step.

About Our Guest

Principal, coach and author Sue Carr redefines strength, arguing that maintaining a “strong” facade often leads to burnout, isolation, and a neglect of one’s own needs. Her work advocates for a shift toward self-leadership, encouraging individuals to set firm boundaries and actively reclaim their energy and purpose.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e7

00:00 Facing Fear: A Life-Changing Moment

04:26 The Power of Sharing Burdens

08:18 Self-Perception and Growth

12:08 Building Confidence and Resilience

16:07 Daily Rituals for Empowerment

20:02 Navigating Life's Challenges

20:51 Navigating Early Parenthood

25:46 Building Confidence Through Support

29:32 Embracing Opportunities for Growth

32:48 Defining Success and Personal Growth

37:02 The Greatest Gifts of Life

39:27 Key Takeaways for Life's Journey

40:50 It's A Wrap

When Justin Robinson's 11-year-old son Sam was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2012, Sam spent 250 nights in hospital and the family faced a constantly unpredictable path forward. Despite being planners who valued control, Justin learned three pieces of wisdom that became lifelines: "Don't plan," "Don't Google," and always say yes when people offer help.

Through vulnerability and honesty, Justin reveals how fear was distributed across many shoulders and how accepting support held their entire family. This is a story about discovering that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply say yes to the help that surrounds us.

About Our Guest

Justin Robinson is the co-founder of The Wellbeing Distillery, which supports hundreds of schools across Australia and internationally to embed wellbeing into education. The former founding Director of the Institute of Positive Education at Geelong Grammar School and author of My Manifesto, he is recognised for his warmth, deep listening, and practical wisdom in helping individuals and communities to thrive. Justin is an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne and a leading voice in the global positive education movement.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e6

00:00 Introduction and Early Life Influences

00:38 The Health Challenge of Sam

03:29 Navigating the Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

07:00 Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems

10:17 Lessons Learned from the Journey

14:06 Reflections on Fear and Gratitude

15:54 The Positive Outcomes and Future Aspirations

18:42 The Unexpected Connection

21:05 Navigating Fear and Community Support

24:12 The Role of Communication in Healing

29:27 Embracing Emotions and Vulnerability

33:16 Resilience Through Challenges

38:15 The Gifts of Adversity

39:47 Practical Tips for Coping

42:06 It's A Wrap