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Every episode is a conversation between two working principals, sometimes with a guest, about what the job is really like and what they have learned along the way.

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From Episode 11

Mistakes new principals make, and what to do instead.

"It's certainly not coming from a deficit model. It's acknowledging that the job is really, really hard." Mitch Bristow

Not investing in culture from day one

"Invest as early as you possibly can in understanding the true culture."

Mitch

Moving too fast

"A mistake that principals I feel can make, and it's probably well intentioned, is moving too fast."

Ben

Trying to be everything to everyone

"You have to be able to look after yourself as well in this job."

Ben

Not knowing your strengths

"There's no principal that I know who has all the answers to every single problem."

Mitch

All episodes

Eleven conversations and counting.

From leading through cyclones to appointing staff, a week in the life of a principal, and guest principals from Katanning, Collie and beyond.

3 Mistakes New Principals Make New

Mitch and Ben discuss three common mistakes new principals make, from their own experience.

26 Aug 2026 · 32 min→ 10

Gratitude with guest Rachel Holdsworth

Rachel, Principal of Holy Spirit Manifold Heights, on her journey into leadership and the privilege of leading a school community.

19 Jul 2026 · 45 min→ 09

Connection with guest Rob La Roche

Rob, a Principal from Collie WA, on the influence that shaped his teaching and building connection skills in students early.

11 Jun 2026 · 43 min→ 08

A week in the life of a Principal

What actually fills the hours, and the moments that matter most.

28 May 2026 · 47 min→ 07

Leading through Crisis

Mitch on the two cyclones that hit Karratha in early 2026, and Ben on Cyclone Seroja in 2021.

22 Apr 2026 · 37 min→ 06

Episode 6 with special guest Brett Wilkie

Brett has led regional schools as a Principal for eight years, most recently in Katanning. Plus some BBQ advice.

29 Jan 2026 · 32 min→ 05

Appointing staff in our schools

A Term 4 check-in and a deep dive into why appointing the right staff matters.

17 Dec 2025 · 31 min→ 04

Episode 4

The successes and challenges of the role, including the Spectrum of Commitment, a way to build self-awareness in any situation.

23 Aug 2025 · 32 min→ 03

Episode 3

The principle Mitch and Ben take into every conversation, interaction and change process.

12 Apr 2025 · 26 min→ 02

Episode 2

Mitch and Ben check in, tackle some big questions and preview what's coming. Bloopers included.

3 Apr 2025 · 32 min→ 01

Episode 1

Who they are, their influences, and the motivations behind their principal journey.

28 Dec 2024 · 35 min→

Your hosts

Two principals, one conversation.

"We're a great pair because we have differences of opinion. But then we also come together." Ben Will

MBPhoto to come

Mitch Bristow

Principal · St Paul's Primary School, Karratha

[FILL IN: short bio from Mitch, 2 to 3 lines]

BWPhoto to come

Ben Will

Principal · Holy Spirit Primary School, City Beach

[FILL IN: short bio from Ben, 2 to 3 lines]

How every episode ends

"What did you have for dinner last night?"

The question listeners actually tune in for. Expect guacamole debates, footy-night fish and chips, and the occasional controversial recipe.

Be a guest

Got a story worth sharing?

We're bringing on more guests from different areas of Western Australia and across the country. If you're a principal or school leader with a story, a lesson or a mistake you learned from, we'd love to hear from you.

Brett Wilkie · Katanning Rob La Roche · Collie Rachel Holdsworth · Holy Spirit Manifold Heights

Get in touch →