Real Conversations.
Real Change.
Real Schools.
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About Real Schools of Thought
Hosted by Adam Voigt, Real Schools of Thought is a bold, reflective podcast for principals, aspiring school leaders and educators who are ready to rethink the way schools work.
Through raw, story-rich conversations with real changemakers in education, we go beyond policies and programs to explore the personal mindset shifts, leadership moments and cultural decisions that truly shape our schools.
It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being real.
Season 2 - Summer Series
Episode 1 | Professor John Hattie and Adam Voigt
The Hopeful Horizon of Education in Australia
Professor John Hattie explains why great teaching matters more than ever, how culture and instruction intersect, and what teachers must hold onto – and let go of – as AI reshapes classrooms.
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Episode 2 | Nick Dodd and Adam Voigt
Teaching Through Heart and Purpose: Nick Dodd's Story
In this episode, Nick Dodd reveals the leadership moves that transformed Clarence High School – boosting engagement, attendance and achievement while halving suspensions in just one year.
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Episode 3 | Adam Voigt and Adam Voigt
How'd we end up at Real Schools?
Adam Voigt shares the story of how his journey began in Frankston, was shaped by working with Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, and led to principalship and the creation of Real Schools – and why supporting schools at scale became his hardest, but most important, decision.
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Episode 4 | Matt Kenny and Adam Voigt
The Power of a Smile. Matt Kenny's Secret to School Success
In a grounded conversation, Matt Kenny and Adam Voigt explore why relationships, unity in leadership and understanding behaviour are the quiet forces behind successful, sustainable schools.
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Episode 5 | Tina King and Adam Voigt
If We Funded Schools Properly… Here's What Would Actually Change – with Tina King
Tina King, Victorian President of the Australian Principals Federation, makes the case for what would actually change in schools if funding matched reality — and why leadership and collegiality matter more than ever for complex classrooms.
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Episode 6 | Adam Voigt
The Story and Influence of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People on Real Schools
In this solo episode, Adam Voigt reveals how learning alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators, elders and families – from Ali Carung to Elders like Mandawuy Yunupingu – profoundly shaped his restorative approach to culture, language and belonging in schools.
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Season 1
Episode 1 | Martine Gill and Adam Voigt
Empowering Change: Martine Gill's Journey of Leadership and Community
Join us as Martine Gill shares her transformative journey, blending leadership and personal growth to empower communities and redefine education.
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Episode 2 | Claire Toohey, Jade Leggett and Adam Voigt
Leading with Kindness: Claire & Jade's Story at Nepean School
Tune in to hear how Claire and Jade are making a difference at Nepean School, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and learning in a unique educational setting.
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Episode 3 | Zoe McKenzie and Adam Voigt
Navigating the Future of Education
Join Zoe McKenzie as she delves into the transformative power of education, sharing insights from her journey from student to shadow assistant minister, and exploring how we can shape a brighter future for the next generation.
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Episode 4 | Bern Warburton and Adam Voigt
Restorative Practices in Action: A Conversation
How Bern Warburton's innovative leadership and commitment to restorative practices transformed Lake Primary School into a thriving educational community, offering valuable insights for educators and leaders alike.
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Episode 5 | Darren Brailey and Adam Voigt
From Challenges to Change: Darren Brailey's Educational Impact
Discover how Darren Brailey's innovative leadership at Morisset High School is transforming education through restorative practices and community engagement, offering valuable insights for educators and leaders alike.
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About Adam
Adam Voigt, Founder & CEO of Real Schools
Adam is a former school principal who’s spent over 20 years leading real change in real schools. Through his work at Real Schools, he’s helped thousands of educators shift culture, lift engagement, and build schools where both students and staff thrive.
He’s not a theorist – he’s been in the trenches. He started this podcast to share the real, raw, and reflective stories behind school leadership and culture.
He will go beyond strategy and theory to unpack the moments, mindset shifts, and decisions that truly shape our schools, and inspire you to create the changes in our educational landscape that our kids – and our educators – deserve.
Pitch a Guest or Drop Us a Line
Adam is always looking to feature educators, leaders, thinkers and doers who are making waves in schools and beyond.
If you’d like to:
- Nominate a guest (yourself included!)
- Suggest a topic
- Ask a question
- Collaborate or partner with us
… we’d love to hear from you.
Email us at info@realschools.com.au and let’s make it happen!