Best Pared Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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70. The Anxious Generation: Parenting in the Smartphone Age 56:59

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3d ago56:59

56:59

In this thought-provoking episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, Alex Perrottet, Dean of Warrane College at UNSW sits down with Associate Professor Xavier Simmons, Master of Warrane College and Director of the Plunkett Centre for Ethics at ACU, to unpack the growing anxiety epidemic among young people — and how smartphones, social media, and modern…

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28. How Can We Support Kids in Owning Their Faith? 30:11

24d ago30:11

30:11

In this episode of Growing Hearts, we are joined by Lourdes Mejia, Principal of Montgrove College, to explore how parents can accompany their children through the joys and challenges of growing up — while making their faith truly their own. Drawing on more than a decade of experience, Lourdes shares wisdom on fostering authentic relationships with …

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27. What's the Deeper Purpose of a Catholic Education? 28:38

2M ago28:38

28:38

In this episode of the Growing Hearts podcast, we speak with Matt Aldous, Headmaster of Redfield College, about the deeper purpose of Catholic education. Matt reflects on how schools can be more than places of academic learning—they can become environments where students learn to encounter Christ in the ordinary moments of daily life. Drawing on hi…

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26. How does Confession Turn Guilt into Love? 22:35

2M ago22:35

22:35

In this episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, Lucia Garcia is joined once again by Fr Sam for a deep dive into the sacrament of confession. Building on last episode's discussion on forgiveness, Fr Sam helps us understand why confession is not just about "telling God directly," but about loving Him in the way He asks to be loved. Discussion Points:…

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69. Nurturing Positive Body Image: What Parents Need to Know 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we sit down with dietitian and body image advocate Meg McClintock to discuss how parents and educators can help children develop a healthy, positive relationship with their bodies. From the impact of social media and "selfie culture" to the subtle messages children absorb at home, Meg shares practical …

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[Rebroadcast] Why Do My Kids Want to Hide Their Mistakes? 31:21

3M ago31:21

31:21

In this episode, we are joined by Chehade Richa, a father, mentor, and teacher. Together, we delve into how parental reactions influence children's emotional development and worldview. We discuss the significance of consistency and authenticity in parenting to prevent fostering a 'two-faced' nature in kids. Discover how building trust and open comm…

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25. Can We Really Forgive and Forget? 25:52

4M ago25:52

25:52

In this episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, Father Sam explores the deeply human and deeply divine reality of forgiveness. He talks about why forgiveness is so central to the Christian faith, why it can feel so hard, and how it shapes our relationships — especially in family life. Father Sam shares personal reflections, gospel stories, and pract…

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[Rebroadcast] What Do My Kids Need Most From Me Right Now? 21:44

4M ago21:44

21:44

In this episode, Fr Phil and Fr Paul explore what kids need most from their parents, emphasizing the importance of understanding reality and the imperfect love we receive. We discuss how parents can instil faith, beauty, and hope in their children, and how to be a living example of joy and faith. Learn practical tips on teaching young kids to pray,…

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68. The Parent's Guide to Emotion Coaching 34:48

4M ago34:48

34:48

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, host Lucia Garcia sits down with Manal Azzi, school counsellor at Tangara School for Girls and a therapist with over 15 years of experience. Together, they explore how parents can support their children's emotional development, model emotional regulation, and respond constructively to the emotional cha…

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24. St. Josemaría: Can My Ordinary Life Really Be a Path to God? 24:49

5M ago24:49

24:49

In this heartfelt and lively conversation, Fr. Phil and Fr. Paul dive into the life and message of St. Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, to explore what it truly means to become a saint in everyday life. With wit, honesty, and real-life examples, they dismantle the myth of the saint as a "spiritual superhero" and propose something far mor…

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23. What Makes Sibling Relationships So Important? 40:01

5M ago40:01

40:01

In this heartwarming and laughter-filled episode, Ponch sits down with two sisters, Lucia "Cia" and Anica, to explore the beautiful (and sometimes chaotic!) reality of growing up in a family of four daughters. Together, they reflect on the shared memories, road trips, dinner table conversations, and life lessons that shaped them. From pillow forts …

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67. Netflix's Adolescence: A School Counsellor's Thoughts 23:17

6M ago23:17

23:17

In this episode, we sit down with John Soulemezis, school counsellor at Redfield College, to unpack the Netflix series Adolescence. John shares insights on major themes the series raises around identity, masculinity, the online world, and emotional wellbeing. More importantly, he translates these themes into practical advice for parents, teachers, …

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22. How Can We Help Teenagers Find Their Identity in Christ? 45:48

6M ago45:48

45:48

In this episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, we delve into the challenges and opportunities of nurturing faith during the teenage years. Our special guest, Seb James, shares his personal journey and insights from his extensive experience working with teenagers. Seb, a journalist and director of the Nairana Study Centre, discusses the importance o…

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21. What Strengthens a Mother's Heart? 36:19

6M ago36:19

36:19

In this special May episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, Ponch Sahagun is joined by mum, mentor, and Tangara alumni Tamara El-Rahi for a heartfelt conversation on motherhood. From the unexpected shifts that come with becoming a mum, to the quiet strength and inspiration we can draw from Our Lady, this episode dives deep into the emotional, spirit…

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20. What's It Like to Discover Catholicism for the First Time? 31:27

7M ago31:27

31:27

In this episode, we welcome Matt Unicomb to share his powerful conversion story. From growing up in a secular household to discovering the Catholic faith, Matt takes us through the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Christianity. Through intellectual exploration, deep personal reflection, and the influence of his wife, family, and mentors, Mat…

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19. Fr. Paul & Fr Phil: What Do You Hope For? 24:02

7M ago24:02

24:02

In this episode of Growing Hearts, Fr. Paul and Fr. Phil explore the deep connection between a child's relationship with their parents and their understanding of God. They discuss the weight of expectations—how children internalise them, how they shape their sense of self-worth, and how parents can navigate them in a healthy way. At te heart of the…

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18. Fr. Paul & Fr. Phil: What's in the Core of Your Heart? 29:20

8M ago29:20

29:20

In this episode, Father Paul and Father Phil dive into a profound and often misunderstood topic—the heart. Drawing from Pope Francis' letter Dilexit nos, they explore what it truly means to have a heart, why it's central to our faith, and how we can help form the hearts of our children. With humour, personal stories, and deep theological insights, …

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66. How Educators Inspire Students to Grow 28:27

8M ago28:27

28:27

In this episode, we welcome Katrina Alvir, an experienced teacher and expert in character education. With years of experience in classical education, Katrina shares valuable insights on how parents and educators can inspire children in developing virtues and forming good habits. She discusses the power of real-life role models, consistent example a…

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17. Fr. Paul & Fr. Phil: What's the Deal With Lent? 23:23

8M ago23:23

23:23

In this episode, Father Phil Elias, Chaplain of Redfield College, is joined by Father Paul Muller from Tangara. Together, they dive into the season of Lent, exploring its meaning and how we can prepare our hearts for a deeper encounter with Jesus. They discuss common ideas like give up or offering up things for Lent and how this seasons isn't just …

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16. Why is Baptism More Than Just a Tradition? 23:20

9M ago23:20

23:20

In this episode, we welcome Dr Andy Mullins to explore the profound meaning of Baptism and its impact on our lives as Christians. Dr Mullins shares his insights on why Baptism is the foundation of our faith journey, the responsibilities it entails for parents, and how we can foster a deeper appreciation of this sacrament in our families. Whether yo…

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65. Diligence & Heart: Raising Kids Who Thrive & Give 23:37

9M ago23:37

23:37

In this episode, host Isabelle Thomas sits down with Dr Andy Mullins, an experienced educator and author, to discuss how parents can help their children develop strong character, resilience, and a solid work ethic. Drawing from his years working with families and schools like Redfield and Wollemi College in Sydney, Dr Mullins shares key insights on…

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15. Can This New Year Be the Start of Truly Knowing God? 33:20

9M ago33:20

33:20

As we begin a new year, many of us take time to reflect on what lies ahead. How can we live this year with intention, deepen our faith, and embrace the opportunities God places before us? In this episode, we welcome Jessica Doherty, a wife, mother of six, primary school teacher, and host of the Universal Sisterhood podcast. Jessica shares her perso…

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14. How Can We Find Peace and Joy in the Hustle of Christmas? 29:09

11M ago29:09

29:09

In this episode of Growing Hearts, Claire and John Wall join us to share their experiences, favorite traditions, and insights on keeping Christ at the center of Christmas while managing the busyness of family life with young children. They offer practical tips for blending Catholic traditions with family celebrations, emphasizing ways to encourage …

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13. How Can We Celebrate Advent Together as a Family? 23:18

12M ago23:18

23:18

In today's episode, we dive into Advent—a season of hope, preparation, and anticipation as we await Christmas. We'll uncover the deeper meaning behind Advent traditions, explore ways to bring them into family life, and discuss how Advent serves as a reminder of the joy and peace that Christ brings. Our guests, Fr. Felix and Fr. Anthony, provide ins…

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12. What's the Secret to Raising Selfless Kids? 36:48

12M ago36:48

36:48

In today's episode, we dive into the powerful theme of service and generosity, exploring what it truly means to go beyond ourselves and why this selflessness is crucial for young people. Joined by Bernie James, a dedicated teacher, community service leader, husband, and father, and Seb Burfitt, a tax advisor, father, and husband, we discuss how enc…

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63. Parent Partnership Part 1: Why Schools Should Let Parents In 19:01

1y ago19:01

19:01

In this episode we welcome Mary Broadsmith, Principal of Harkaway Hills College in Melbourne, to discuss the role of parent engagement in schools. As the primary educators of their children, parents have a significant impact on their child's education. Mary discusses how research consistently shows that active parental involvement boosts student fl…

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64. Parent Partnership Part 2: Building a Culture of Trust 23:25

1y ago23:25

23:25

In this episode, we explore the role of teachers in building a culture of collaboration with parents. Mary Broadsmith shares her insights and practical tips on fostering open communication, building trust, and engaging parents as active partners in their child's learning journey. Mary also emphasizes the importance of virtue education and the respo…

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10. What Are You Using Your Freedom For? 35:23

1y ago35:23

35:23

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of freedom and its importance in shaping our lives, our children's lives, and their faith journeys. Freedom is often portrayed as the ability to do whatever we want, but true freedom is about making the best choices, using our freedom for good, and navigating the limits and responsibilities that come w…

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9. How Do Stories Shape Our Children's Hearts? 25:54

1y ago25:54

25:54

In this episode, Clare Horsfall shares how stories and books can be powerful tools in helping children develop virtues, values, and an understanding of the world beyond themselves. We explore how books help children process emotions, build imagination, and introduce them to beauty, truth, and goodness. This episode is packed with actionable tips fo…

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8. What's the Key to Raising Kids with a Secure Identity? 29:09

1y ago29:09

29:09

In this episode, we dive deep into the core of personal identity and how faith can be the bedrock of self-worth, purpose, and authenticity. Join us as Caitlin West shares insights on building an identity rooted in being daughters and sons of God. We explore how parents can model unconditional love and support their children in cultivating a strong …

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7. What's Inside the Golden Box? The Mystery of the Eucharist 33:42

1y ago33:42

33:42

In this episode, we delve into the heart of the Catholic faith—the Eucharist. For Catholics, the Eucharist is a profound and central mystery, yet it can be challenging to understand its depth and significance. We'll start with the basics, using real-life stories and questions to explore the beauty and miracle of the Eucharist. Join us as we uncover…

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6. How Do We Weave Faith into Our Family Life? 25:39

1y ago25:39

25:39

In this episode, we explore practical ways for parents to integrate faith into their family's daily life. We discuss leading by example, creating a joyful and authentic faith environment, and allowing children the freedom to explore their relationship with God. Our guests share insights from their own journeys and how they've managed to weave faith…

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5. Why Do My Kids Want to Hide Their Mistakes? 31:21

1+ y ago31:21

31:21

In this episode, we are joined by Chehade Richa, a father, mentor, and teacher. Together, we delve into how parental reactions influence children's emotional development and worldview. We discuss the significance of consistency and authenticity in parenting to prevent fostering a 'two-faced' nature in kids. Discover how building trust and open comm…

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4. How Can My Family Build Hope During Difficult Times? 21:27

1+ y ago21:27

21:27

This episode discusses how families can maintain a positive outlook and see life as an adventure, even in the face of challenges and suffering in the world: The Chaplains explore how the Catholic faith can help families navigate these issues, drawing on biblical stories and the example of Jesus Christ. They discuss the importance of trusting in God…

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3. Heart-to-Heart with God: Learning the Language of Prayer 23:12

1+ y ago23:12

23:12

In this episode, Fr Paul & Fr Phil discuss how we can relate to God as a loving Father and find ways to talk to Him and develop a personal friendship. You can hear examples and anecdotes about: humans' innate desire for a Father, how to begin a relationship with God, starting with knowing ourselves the importance of self-acceptance within our relat…

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2. What Do My Kids Need Most From Me Right Now? 21:44

1+ y ago21:44

21:44

In this episode, we dive deep into what kids need most from their parents, emphasizing the importance of understanding reality and the imperfect love we receive. We discuss how parents can instil faith, beauty, and hope in their children, and how to be a living example of joy and faith. Learn practical tips on teaching young kids to pray, create fa…

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1. Family Faith Adventures: Your Journey Begins Here 18:15

1+ y ago18:15

18:15

Fr Phil and Fr Paul are school Chaplains for Tangara School for Girls and Redfield College. In this first episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, Fr Phil and Fr Paul join us to discuss what lies in store for families starting out on their family's faith adventure. Whether they're primary-school age or teenagers, our guests explore: Natural and enric…

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62. How To Improve Your Childs Reading And Writing Skills 22:49

3y ago22:49

22:49

In this episode, we welcome Anthony O'Shea, the Year 3 teacher at Lysterfield Lake College. Anthony is a father of 4 and has many years of experience in Primary education. In this podcast episode, he speaks about the benefits of learning to read and write at a young age, and how to encourage children to love reading and writing.…

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61. Is Your Child Ready For School? 17:52

3y ago17:52

17:52

Have you ever been worried about when the right time to enrol your child into school is? Meet Catherine Tilley, a mother and teacher who has taught in several school settings. After working n Science, she discovered her passion for early Primary education and has been in the classroom for over 8 years. In this episode, she discusses topics around s…

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60. Keys To A Successful Family 13:52

3y ago13:52

13:52

In this episode, we welcome Kate Mathai. Kate is a mother with 6 children and 1 grandson. Kate has extensive experience in counselling and presenting various programs for high school students, married couples and young parents. She speaks about topics like the importance of adapting your parenting approach over time as your family evolves, how to r…