Podcast
Resilient Kid: Therapy and tips for raising strong kids and teens
Hosted by Ashley Costello | TEDx Speaker | Author | Psychotherapist | Award Winner · EN
TEDx speaker, author, and award-winning psychotherapist Ashley Costello provides therapy and tips for raising strong kids and teens. As the visionary founder of The Resilient Kid Franchise, Ashley shares professional psychotherapy and support for child mental health. Discover practical parenting strategies for every stage of your child's forming years. Access searchable expert advice for families and educators dedicated to building resilience. This show delivers vital tools for raising strong, capable young people, focusing on mental wellness, professional support, and expert-led tips.
18episodes
Episodes
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S10E9 - The Science of Small Things
2d ago00:25:34Tap to summarize"The small things are not the consolation prize when the big things aren't available. The small things are the thing."It's Mental Health Week, and this episode is not going to tell you to do more.It is not going to give you a seventeen-step programme or add to the already very long list of things you feel like you should be doing and aren't quite managing.Because the science does not point to more as the answer. It points to the breakfast table. The school gate hello. The named feeling. The repair after the hard moment. The predictable ritual before bed.It points to the small, repeated, ordinary interactions between a child and a trusted adult — the things so many parents, teachers and carers are already doing without realising they count.WHAT THIS EPISODE IS ABOUTOne in six children in England aged five to sixteen meets the criteria for a probable mental health condition, and CAMHS waiting lists in many areas continue to stretch far beyond what families need.In response, we often search for bigger solutions: more programmes, more training, more resources, more interventions. And while all of those things can have value, the research has been quietly pointing to something else for decades.The most powerful protective factors for children's mental health are often not clinical, expensive or complicated. They are the everyday moments of safety, warmth, consistency and connection.In this Mental Health Week special, I explore the science behind why those small things matter so much — and why parents and educators may already be doing far more than they know.IN THIS EPISODEWhy we have been looking in the wrong direction when it comes to children's mental healthWhat small moments of connection do inside a child's brain and bodyWhy trusted, consistent adults are such powerful protective factorsThe five small things parents can use every dayHow teachers can create safety and belonging in simple, practical waysTHE FIVE SMALL THINGSThe Twenty Second Hug: Physical warmth helps signal safety to the nervous system.The Transition Check-In: A warm hello at the school gate or when they come home can land deeply.The Named Feeling: Naming what a child feels helps them feel seen and understood.The Predictable Ritual: Bedtime, breakfast, songs, jokes and routines help children feel safe.The Repair: Children do not need perfect adults. They need adults who come back, say sorry and try again.FOR TEACHERSYour small things matter too.Use a child's name warmly.Notice the quiet ones.Regulate yourself first.Acknowledge the hard stuff without needing to fix it.Sometimes, “Looks like today is a tough one. I’ve got you,” is enough.THE BIG MESSAGEThe small things are not a backup plan when the big things are unavailable. The small things are the thing.The breakfast table matters. The school gate matters. The named feeling matters. The repair matters. The twenty-second hug matters.Every ordinary, unremarkable, quietly revolutionary bit of it matters.LISTEN AND FIND THE RESOURCESYou can find the full research references, further reading and supporting resources inside the Listener’s Lounge:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/loungeIF THIS EPISODE RESONATEDPlease share it with a parent, teacher, colleague or anyone working with young people who needs reminding that what they are already doing matters.And if you found it useful, a review means the world. It helps more families and educators find the show.USEFUL LINKSSign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/shareGet “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello
Transcribe →S10E8 - Someone Finally Stayed
1w ago00:24:23Tap to summarize"No one's ever actually said that to me before."People heal when they feel safe enough to be honest. And they feel safe enough to be honest when someone has shown them — consistently, over time — that they are not going anywhere.At The Resilient Kid, everything we do comes back to two things: meeting young people where they are, and wrapping around them 360 degrees. Because a young person doesn’t exist in isolation. They exist in a family, in a school, and in a community.Today, I want to tell you what that looks like in practice. This is Ryan’s story.WHAT THIS EPISODE IS ABOUTRyan was fourteen when he came to us. Hood up, arms folded, absolutely certain this wasn’t going to work. His dad had left when he was seven — not with a dramatic moment, just a slow fade — and for seven years Ryan had been quietly carrying one question: what did I do wrong?His mum was loving, exhausted, and stuck in a cycle she hadn’t chosen. His school described him as fine. And fine, in our experience, is one of the most worrying words there is.This episode is about what happened when we met Ryan where he was, wrapped around his whole world — therapy room, family home, school corridor — and stayed.It’s about why healing never happens in isolation. It happens in relationship.KEY IDEAS IN THIS EPISODEThe relationship is the intervention — young people need to feel seen and safe before they can open up.Meet them where they are — not where we need them to be, or where the system expects them to be.Behaviour is communication — our job is to understand the need underneath it.The 360 Wrap matters — family, school, and professionals working together creates real change.Repair builds trust — staying through the difficult moments can be part of the healing.THE 360 WRAP IN PRACTICEIn Ryan’s story, the work wasn’t just happening in one session a week. It was happening through conversations with Mum, check-ins with school, and shared understanding between the adults around him.When the same language is spoken at home, in school, and in the therapy room, a young person begins to feel held. They begin to believe the adults around them are working together — and that they are not alone.A NOTE ON THE STORYRyan is a fictionalised composite, created to protect client confidentiality while honouring the truth of the work. He is not one specific young person — but he represents many real ones. Every detail has been changed. The emotional truth has not.TIME STAMPS00:00 — Intro: The heart of The Resilient Kid02:00 — Ryan’s Story, Part One07:00 — Why the relationship is the intervention12:00 — The 360 Wrap in practice15:00 — Ryan’s Story, Part Two19:00 — Youth mental health and the gap22:00 — For parents, teachers, and young people24:00 — OutroFIND THE RESOURCES IN OUR LISTENERS’ LOUNGEYou can find more information, links, research, and resources inside our Listeners’ Lounge:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/loungeJOIN THE CONVERSATIONDid this episode resonate? Are you a parent in the cycle, a teacher with a Ryan in your class, or someone who was once that young person carrying something too heavy alone?Share your thoughts using #TheResilientKid #SomeoneFinallyStayedIF THIS EPISODE MOVED YOUPlease consider leaving a review, sharing the episode with a parent, teacher, or professional, or passing it on to anyone working with young people who needs to be reminded that the relationship is the intervention.USEFUL LINKSIf you'd like to know more about how we work with young people, families, and schools together — or if you have a young person in your life who needs support — we'd love to hear from you.Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
Transcribe →S10E7 - The Place I Finally Fit
2w ago00:26:28Tap to summarize"You made this place look like somewhere worth being."Can I ask you something personal?When did you first feel like you truly belonged somewhere?Not tolerated. Not managed. Not just allowed to exist in the room. But wanted. Expected. Like the space would feel different if you weren’t there.For some of you, that feeling came early — a family dinner table, a school team, a bedroom that felt like the whole world.But for many, it didn’t.And when it did arrive, it often came from somewhere unexpected.Not a system. Not a programme.A person.One adult who decided — without being asked, without it being written into a job description, without any guarantee it would work — that this child was worth showing up for.This episode is about those people.The youth workers. The support workers. The ones sitting in community centres, church halls, and temporary spaces — who quietly change the direction of young lives.WHAT THIS EPISODE IS ABOUTKezia is thirteen.She has been to four schools in five years. She eats lunch in the library. She draws entire cities in the margins of her notebooks — detailed worlds she has been building quietly for two years — and she has never shown anyone.Then one Thursday afternoon, she ends up at a youth centre she doesn’t want to be in.A youth worker called Marcus asks her one question about her drawing.A question no one has ever asked before.This is the story of what happens next.And why one consistent, caring adult — in an underfunded room with a broken table tennis table — can change the trajectory of a child’s life.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit anywhere.And for every youth worker, support worker, and community professional who shows up anyway — week after week — even when no one seems to be watching.KEY IDEASBelonging uncertaintyFor children who’ve experienced instability or rejection, there’s often a quiet question running in the background: “Do I belong here?”That question takes up space, making it harder to connect and engage.Even small moments of genuine recognition can begin to settle that uncertainty.Fitting in vs belongingFitting in is becoming who you think you need to be to be accepted.Belonging is being accepted as you are.The power of one stable adultFor children experiencing instability, the most protective factor isn’t a programme — it’s one consistent adult who shows up.The youth work gapYouth services have been reduced, yet their impact remains profound.When young people lose access, they don’t just lose activities — they lose relationships, safety, and belonging.FIVE WAYS TO CREATE BELONGINGStart with their interests, not their historyReward presence, not disclosureBe consistentLet them contributeSay it out loud: “This place is better when you’re here.”LISTENERS LOUNGEFor all research, references, and deeper reading:👉 https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/loungeUSEFUL LINKSSign up to our newsletter:https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/shareGet A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidPinterest:https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademyYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Spotify:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costelloWebsite:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.ukTeacher guide waitlist:ashley@theresilientkid.co.ukA NOTE ON THE STORYKezia and Marcus are composite characters, built from real experiences and stories shared by young people and youth workers.If you see yourself in Kezia, that’s intentional.You were never too much.You just needed someone to notice your city.
Transcribe →The Teacher Who Saw Me
3w ago00:18:20Tap to summarizeWhat This Episode Is AboutHave you ever had a teacher who truly saw you — not your grades, not your reputation, not your behaviour record, but you?In this episode, we tell the story of Jamie — a child labelled, managed, and quietly written off — and the teacher who refused to go along with the script. Ms. Okafor didn't have a magic wand. She had something more powerful: curiosity, consistency, and the decision to make deposits when everyone else had been withdrawing.Along the way, we dig into the real science behind why one relationship can change the entire trajectory of a child's life — and we give you five practical tools to start building that kind of connection today.Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a youth worker, or someone who was once a Jamie yourself — this one's for you.Time Stamps:00:00 Remember That Teacher01:09 Meet Jamie03:09 Mrs Smith Sees Him04:34 Why Mattering Works08:14 Make Emotional Deposits10:34 A Turning Point Plan12:47 Labels And Expectations14:37 Message To Teachers16:30 Closing And Book WaitlistFind all the resources in our Listeners Lounge:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge Useful LinksSign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/shareGet “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costelloWebsite: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.ukIf you want to get on the waitlist for the Teachers guide book then please email - ashley@theresilientkid.co.uk
Transcribe →S10E5 - The One that Believed First
Apr 1000:32:16Tap to summarizeThis season, we’re exploring one powerful question:Who made a difference in your life?In this heartfelt episode, Ashley sits down with Sarah Hughes, co-organiser of Womanifest, mum of four, and business owner, to explore the impact of one person who changed everything for her.From self-doubt and feeling stuck… to building a business, stepping into leadership, and helping run a transformational festival for women and teen girls—Sarah shares the story of how one person’s belief helped her begin to believe in herself.This conversation is a powerful reminder that it’s not always the big moments that shape us…it’s the people who see us, support us, and stay.What You’ll Hear in This Episode The one person who made a life-changing difference for Sarah How belief from others can unlock confidence within us The impact of having someone who doesn’t let you give up on yourself Overcoming self-doubt, fear, and feeling “not good enough” The ripple effect of growth—how it influences the next generation Why you might already be that person for someone elseKey TakeawayIt doesn’t take perfection or having all the answers to change someone’s life.Sometimes it’s simply: Showing up Listening Holding space Believing in someone… before they believe in themselvesAbout Sara HughesSara is a mum of four, business owner, and co-organiser of Womanifest—a powerful festival designed to inspire, educate, and empower women and teen girls.She also runs the Teen Tent at Womanifest, creating a safe, inspiring space where young people can explore confidence, identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.Join Us at WomanifestAshley and The Resilient Kid team will be hosting the Teen Tent at Womanifest—a space dedicated to supporting teen girls with: Confidence-building Understanding emotions Healthy relationships Anxiety support Creative workshops and connectionCome and experience it for yourselfMeet the teamSee the impact up closeA Final ThoughtAs you listen, you might find yourself thinking about your person…Or maybe realising something even more powerful:You might be that person for someone else.And that’s where change begins.One moment.One conversation.One person.Time Stamps:00:00 One Person Who Changed You00:36 Meet Sarah Hughes01:14 What One Manifest Is04:19 Teen Tent Highlights07:05 Who Made The Difference07:56 How Sarah Met Lisa10:57 First One Manifest Experience12:18 Rock Bottom To Breakthrough16:23 Launching The Crystal Business18:23 Taking Over The Teen Area20:43 Belief That Builds Resilience25:27 Passing Confidence To Caden30:10 Thank You Lisa30:49 Final Reflection And InvitationFind all the resources in our Listeners Lounge:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/loungeYoutube Link:Spotify Link:Sara Hughes Website: www.womanifest.co.uk Instagram: @the_crystal_fairy_godmother Facebook Group: View Facebook Group Useful Links Sign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/share Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
Transcribe →The One Where I Felt Seen
Mar 2700:37:08Tap to summarizeThis month on The Resilient Kid Podcast, we’re exploring a powerful theme: one person who made a difference in your life.In this episode, Ashley is joined by friend of the show, Sarah Vogel, for a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation about the person who changed the direction of Sarah’s life — a colleague and dear friend, Dr Elaine Swan.What started as one simple comment in a London department store in the late 1980s became the first domino in a chain of events that shaped Sarah’s future. From seeing herself differently, to going to university as a mature student, to building a life and career that has impacted so many others, Sarah reflects on the incredible ripple effect of being truly seen by someone.In this episode, we cover:The person who made a lasting difference in Sarah’s lifeHow one comment planted the seed for university and a completely different futureWhy being seen by another person can change how we see ourselvesThe ripple effect of confidence and encouragementHow Sarah now helps others see strengths they may not yet recognise in themselvesWhy young people need real-life opportunities to build confidenceThe importance of conversations, risk-taking, and resilience in growing upHow small moments of belief can create lifelong impactAbout Sarah VogelSarah Vogel is a coach, facilitator, mediator, and leadership expert who helps people and organisations have better, braver, and more effective conversations. Through her work with PDA, she supports leaders to build confidence, influence, accountability, and stronger relationships at work.Sarah is also passionate about helping young people develop confidence, communication skills, and resilience early in life — so they can step into the world feeling more grounded, capable, and connected.A note for parents and professionalsThis episode is a reminder that you may never fully know the impact you are having on a child or young person.A conversation.A vote of confidence.A moment of encouragement.A belief they borrow before they can find their own.It all matters.And often, the things that feel small to us are the very things they remember for years to come.Connect and shareIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who has made a difference in your life — or with someone who may need the reminder that their presence matters more than they know.And as you listen, maybe ask yourself:Who was that one person for you?And perhaps even more importantly…Who might you be that person for now?Teen Event MentionTeen tickets are now on sale for Womanifest, where Ashley and Sarah will be hosting dedicated teen sessions focused on confidence, body positivity, resilience, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. - https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Crewe/Delamere-Events-Ltd/Womanifest-2026/41123458/It will be a space for teens to feel supported, inspired, and equipped with tools they can take into everyday life.We are building a community of people who want to be that person for more children, in more places. So if something in this episode has resonated with you, and you have ever felt that pull to make a difference not only in your own family but in your wider community too, that is exactly why we created our franchise - https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/franchise LinksWebsite: www.contactpda.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContactPDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/contactpdaSign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/shareGet “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costelloWebsite: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
Transcribe →The Mother's Day Edition
Mar 1900:14:32Tap to summarizeMother’s Day can look like breakfast in bed, family roasts, and a full, noisy house…But for many, it’s also a day that brings mixed emotions — grief, distance, complicated relationships, or quiet reflection.In this episode, I share a personal story about my mum — not for the everyday things we often associate with motherhood, but for something deeper.Her courage.At just 22, she emigrated to South Africa on a one-way ticket, building a life from scratch. But when her marriage broke down, she made a decision that would shape everything that came after…She came home.As a single mum.To a small town.To judgement.To starting again.And it got me thinking…It only takes one person.One person to make a different choice.One person to choose happiness over what looks easier.One person to change the direction of a child’s life.In this episode, we explore:Why Mother’s Day can feel joyful and heavyThe unseen courage behind parenting decisionsHow one brave choice can shape generationsReflecting on “what if?” — and how different life could have beenThe idea that we can be that one person for our childrenThis is a gentle, honest episode — whether you’re celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between.A gentle reminderIf Mother’s Day feels hard for you, you’re not alone.Your experience is valid — whether it’s shaped by loss, distance, or a relationship that isn’t what you hoped it would be.And if today brings gratitude, love, and connection — hold onto that too.There’s space for all of it.Want to be that one person for more children?If this episode resonated with you and you feel called to support children in building confidence, emotional resilience, and stronger futures…You can find out more about becoming part of The Resilient Kid community here:👉 https://www.theresilientkid.co.uk/franchiseOur franchise opportunity is designed for people who want to make a real difference — working with children, families, and schools to create lasting change.Because it really does only take one person… to change everything.📩 Stay connectedFollow along for more parenting insights and supportShare this episode with someone who might need to hear it todayJoin our community for practical tools and real conversationsTime Stamps:00:00 Mothers Day Morning00:40 Family Feast Reflections01:36 It Only Takes One02:02 Leap to South Africa03:09 Building a New Life04:54 Coming Home Alone05:21 Small Town Judgment07:11 Debt and Starting Over08:24 Raised by Community10:58 One Choice Changed Everything11:29 Quiet Bravery of Moms12:26 Your One Person Story13:14 Series Mission and Invitation14:17 Final Thanks and CallFind all the resources in our Listeners Lounge:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/loungeYoutube Link: Spotify Link: Useful LinksSign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/shareGet “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costelloWebsite: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
Transcribe →The One Who Found Her Voice
Mar 1200:31:34Tap to summarizeWith Ruby O’BrienIn this episode of The Resilient Kid Podcast, Ashley speaks with an inspiring young leader, Ruby O'Brien and winner of the Womanifest Future Voice Award.Ruby perfectly represents the heart of this podcast series, Only Takes One Person — because behind her journey is a youth worker who asked two powerful words that changed everything:“Why not?”As a young carer growing up in Knowsley, Ruby carried significant responsibility at home and struggled to trust people after a difficult experience in her family. But when a youth worker named Jack encouraged her to step into a youth group and later apply for Youth Parliament, Ruby began to realise something powerful:Her voice mattered.Today, Ruby has spent two years representing young people in her role as Youth MP, including speaking in the House of Commons and championing issues that matter to young people, including mental health, education, and community empowerment.In this conversation, Ruby shares how one person believing in her helped her find the confidence to step forward — and how she now hopes to be that person for other young people.She also talks about her latest campaign to raise £20,000 for an accessible lift at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool, after witnessing wheelchair users unable to access the stage at a youth event.For Ruby, the message is simple:Accessibility is a right, not an option.This episode is a powerful reminder that when young people feel heard, supported, and believed in, incredible things can happen.And sometimes… it only takes one person.In this episodeRuby’s journey to becoming Knowsley’s Youth MPHow a youth worker helped her believe in herselfThe experience of growing up as a young carerFinding confidence and using your voiceRuby’s campaign for accessibility at the Epstein TheatreWhy young people must be heard in decision-makingRuby’s message to young people“If you’ve got a dream, go for it. If you fail, that’s not failure — it means you tried.”A reflection for listenersWho was the person who believed in you?The teacher, youth worker, coach, parent, or mentor who saw something in you before you saw it yourself.Because resilience isn’t built alone.And sometimes… it only takes one person.Time Stamps:00:00 One Person Matters01:03 Meet Ruby OBrien02:30 Youth Parliament Mission04:38 Finding Her Voice05:38 Jack The Turning Point08:16 From Fear To Leadership13:09 Confidence And Purpose15:37 Accessibility Lift Campaign20:10 How Adults Can Help23:50 Whats Next For Ruby28:31 Gratitude And ClosingFind all the resources in our Listeners Lounge:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/loungeYoutube Link: https://youtu.be/Mfoof6Spxck Spotify Link:Ruby's LinksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruby_knowsleymyp LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-o-brien-22a157335Campaign Link- https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ruby-obrien-1 Useful LinksSign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/shareGet “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costelloWebsite: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
Transcribe →The One Who Advocated
Mar 500:16:10Tap to summarizeWe often hear the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child.” And while community matters, research consistently shows something powerful: the single greatest protective factor in a child’s life is one stable, supportive adult.One person who believes in them.One person who advocates for them.One person who stays steady when life feels uncertain.This episode launches a brand-new series on The Resilient Kid Podcast called Only Takes One Person.Fresh off the stage after winning the Heart of the Community Award, Ashley reflects on the power of advocacy, connection, and the ripple effect one person can have on a life.In this opening episode, Ashley shares a deeply personal story about her Auntie Vera (Vee) — the woman who stepped in and advocated for her when she was just 21 years old.After finishing her psychology degree, Ashley had applied for a counselling course, only to be told she was too young to be accepted. While Ashley was travelling in South America, her Auntie Vee received the call from the course professor.Rather than accepting the decision quietly, Vee stood up for her niece.She explained the experiences Ashley had already navigated in life — growing up in a multi-generational family, supporting grandparents, and witnessing her father’s mental health struggles — and why those experiences had shaped her desire to help others.That moment of advocacy changed everything.Ashley became the youngest person ever accepted onto the course, beginning a journey that has now spanned 30 years of supporting children, families and schools.But this episode isn’t just about one phone call.It’s about the profound impact one person can have on a young life.Whether that person is a parent, teacher, mentor, coach or relative — a single relationship can change a child’s sense of safety, belief, and possibility.Through The Resilient Kid programme, Ashley and her team hope to be that person for many of the children and families they support.Because sometimes, the biggest changes begin with the smallest moments of belief.In this episode, we explore:Why one supportive adult is the strongest protective factor for childrenA personal story about advocacy and opportunityHow belief from others shapes confidence and resilienceWhy the work of supporting children is often about showing up consistentlyThe ripple effect one person can create across a lifetimeA reflection for listenersWho was the person who believed in you?A parent, teacher, coach, mentor, grandparent or friend who saw something in you before you fully saw it yourself?We would love to hear your story.Because resilience isn’t built in isolation.It’s built in connection.And sometimes… it only takes one person.Coming up nextIn the next episode of the series, Ashley will be joined by a special guest who will share the story of their one person and the impact that relationship had on their life.Time Stamps:00:00 One Person Matters01:00 Series Kickoff01:13 Heart of Community Night02:34 Why This Series Exists03:29 Auntie V Advocates06:22 Bread as Currency08:28 Coaches and Teachers10:16 Advocacy in Schools12:36 Parents Need Allies14:17 Your Person Reflection15:44 Closing and Call InFind all the resources in our Listeners Lounge:https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/loungeUseful LinksSign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/shareGet “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkidukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkidPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costelloWebsite: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
Transcribe →Dads Club with Rob Garner
Feb 2500:36:39Tap to summarizeThe Power of Dads, Community & ConnectionWith Rob from Davenham & Macclesfield Dads ClubWhat does it really mean to be a dad in 2026?In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I’m joined by Rob, founder of Davenham Dads Club and Macclesfield Dads Club, to talk about modern fatherhood, male mental health, and why community matters more than ever.This isn’t about criticising schools, families, or men.It’s about recognising the quiet pressure many fathers carry — and why safe spaces to talk are no longer optional. They’re essential.Drawing from lived experience, community work, and honest conversation, we explore what resilience really looks like for dads — and why confident, regulated adults raise confident, regulated children.In this episode, we explore:The quiet loneliness many dads carryThe stigma around men talking about emotionsMiscarriage and dads being “left behind” in griefWhy boys need love, time, and strong role modelsThe power of roughhousing, play, and presenceHow dads build confidence differentlyWhy regulated adults raise regulated childrenHow a simple “safe space to talk” is quietly changing livesKey Takeaway:Resilience isn’t built in isolation.It’s built in community.And sometimes it starts with two hours, once a month.Who This Episode Is For:Dads feeling isolated or overwhelmedPartners who want fathers to feel supportedParents raising boys who need emotionally healthy male role modelsSchool leaders thinking about community wellbeingAnyone who believes children deserve emotionally regulated adults around themIf This Episode ResonatedPlease consider sharing this episode.Your shares help these conversations reach the dads who may never ask for help — but deeply need it.🎧 Share this episode with someone who quietly carries more than they show.Spotify – Listen here YouTube – Watch here Time Stamps:00:00 What does it mean to be a dad in 2026?00:58 Meet Rob & The Dads Club Story02:35 The Soup Pitch & Why Humility Matters04:12 How Dads Club Started06:20 The Safe Space in the Pub08:45 Building a Support Network11:30 Why Dads Stay Silent14:02 Miscarriage, Grief & Men Being Left Behind17:10 Rebuilding Community for Men19:42 WhatsApp Community Wins22:05 What Dads Bring to Confidence Building25:30 Roughhousing, Feral Play & Boundaries28:40 What Boys Need Most From Dads32:55 What Rob Hopes His Sons Will Say One Day35:10 Where to Find Dads Club37:00 Final ReflectionsFind all the resources in our Listeners Lounge: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge Rob’s LinksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586925473953 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davenham_dads_club/ Email: robertvgarner@hotmail.com Useful LinksSign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/share Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
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