Vacilando is an edup podcast where we journey deeply with school leaders to get to know the reflections, resilience and essence of school and system leadership
Ask questions you already know the answer to with Caitlin Lamont - Vacilando S3 E1 - ACEL National Conference
Vacilando is always about the journey, rather than the destination.
In this episode I am fortunate enough to speak to soon to be Dr Caitlin Lamont, from the University of Melbourne.
We talk about the next steps of the journey for both of us, and look at the power of questions in shaping our direction of travel.
This episode has been presented in partnership with the Australian Council for Educational Leaders at the 2026 National Conference.
3 Feb 2026
The Summit - BARLE Hub Principals
Why would we has become, why not?
The Barossa and Regions Lutheran Education (BARLE) Hub have taken some fantastic, meaningful steps together.
Through an environment of trust, innovation, and shared conceptions of purpose, the leaders take "day hikes" together to ideate and tackle of big challenges in the area.
What they do so well is create really strong foundations for taking purposeful small steps towards a goal, with group norms and structures that promote learning and moving forwards, even when things don't go their way.
Promotional Episode - Out now
Episode 1: The Retreat - Out now
Episode 2: The Summit - Out now
27 Jan 2026
The Retreat - BARLE Hub Principals
The Barossa and Regions Lutheran Education (BARLE) Hub have what have become unmissable meetings. Gone are the days of "I can't take a day off", they've become "I can't afford not to be there".
Enhanced by the deliberate, co-constructed, and distributed leadership across the group, each meeting has become a mini-retreat. The leaders join together in the fellowship of a meal, a spiritual input and devotion that is personal and vulnerable.
The secret as I see it? The hub was formed to be vulnerable, to create experiences that were fulfilling, and to collectively design processes that enhanced their wellbeing.
Promotional Episode - Out now
Episode 1: The Retreat - Out now
Episode 2: The Summit - Out Wednesday Feb 4th
20 Jan 2026
Promotional Episode - BARLE Hub
Principals from the Barossa and Regions Lutheran Education Hub discuss their transition from dysfunction to a thriving network, showcasing the power of collaboration in education; this is not an interview.
27 Oct 2025
Vacilando Episode 15 - Dr Paul Kidson
Host Paul interviews Dr. Paul Kidson about film, theatre, music, and books, offering a fascinating look at humanity and humility.
19 Sept 2025
Vacilando Episode 14 - Jess Chesterfield 3
Principal Jess Chesterfield navigates a staffing crisis and unexpected challenges, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills in a demanding school environment; this is an interview.
5 Sept 2025
Vacilando Episode 13 - Luke Ritchie 3
Principal Luke Ritchie shares his strategies for balancing long-term vision with daily demands during the challenging third term in this interview.
21 Aug 2025
Vacilando Episode 12 - Double Bonus!
Host shares a candid conversation with Dr. Paul Kidson about their "off the reservation" interview and previews their new project, Dear Stardust.
7 Aug 2025
Vacilando Episode 11 - Dr Paul Kidson
Dr. Paul Kidson reflects on the first half of the year and discusses areas where the host has misunderstood key aspects of principalship in this interview episode.
24 Jul 2025
Vacilando Episode 10 - Term 2 Reflections
The host reflects on the multifaceted roles principals play, likening them to family members juggling various personas during the mid-year point of 2025.
11 Jul 2025
Vacilando Episode 9 - Julie Sampson
Julie Sampson, Principal at Tyndale Christian School, discusses the demanding nature of her role and the constant effort required to maintain stability in an interview.
18 Jun 2025
Vacilando Episode 8 - Luke Ritchie
Luke Ritchie discusses his work in shaping St Andrew's School Walkerville, exploring the balance, legacy, and sacrifices inherent in principalship in 2025; this is an interview.
28 May 2025
Vacilando Episode 7 - Jess Chesterfield
Jess Chesterfield, Principal of Yarranlea Primary School, showcases her exceptional growth as a leader while navigating an extraordinary first term, revealing the realities of modern principalship in this interview episode.
14 May 2025
Vacilando Episode 6 - Dr Paul Kidson
Vacilando is a 12-month journey exploring the lives of three principals, who we meet once each term, uncovering the reflections, resilience, and essence of principalship in 2025.
We meet again with Dr Paul Kidson who takes us through the Australian Principal Health and Wellbeing Report, and we talk politics and the breakdown of civil relationships in societies.
2 May 2025
Vacilando Episode 5 - Term 1 Reflections
Vacilando is a 12-month journey exploring the lives of three principals, who we meet once each term, uncovering the reflections, resilience, and essence of principalship in 2025.
In this episode, I share my reflections from term 1, and look forward to the episodes we have in store for term 2.
18 Apr 2025
Vacilando Episode 4 - Julie Sampson
Vacilando is a 12-month journey exploring the lives of three principals, who we meet once each term, uncovering the reflections, resilience, and essence of principalship in 2025.
Join us as we meet our next Principal, Julie Sampson, who is an experienced leader and Principal of Tyndale Christian School - Strathalbyn.
In this episode, we speak to Julie about the transitions of her career that has brought her to the role.
27 Mar 2025
Vacilando Episode 3 - Jess Chesterfield
Vacilando is a 12-month journey exploring the lives of three principals, who we meet once each term, uncovering the reflections, resilience, and essence of principalship in 2025.
Join us as we meet our next Principal, Jess Chesterfield, who is a multi-award winning educator and leader of Yarranlea Primary School. (https://yarranlea.qld.edu.au)
In this episode, we speak to Jess about how she came to buck the traditional hierarchies to become a Principal, getting deep connection with a community, and maintaining your identity as an educator as a leader.
27 Mar 2025
Vacilando Episode 2 - Luke Ritchie
Vacilando is a 12-month journey exploring the lives of three principals, who we meet once each term, uncovering the reflections, resilience, and essence of principalship in 2025.
Join us as we meet our first Principal, Luke Ritchie, who is leading the adventures of St Andrew's School. (https://standrews.sa.edu.au)
In this episode, we speak to Luke about the role of history in school leadership, self-care, and looking at growth of people and a community.
12 Mar 2025
Vacilando Episode 1 - Dr Paul Kidson
Vacilando is a 12-month journey exploring the lives of three principals, who we meet once each term, uncovering the reflections, resilience, and essence of principalship in 2025.
Join us as we pack our bags and get started on our journey with our experienced guide, Dr Paul Kidson.
In this episode, we speak to Paul about authentic care, balancing privilege and isolation, first impressions, purpose, and leadership that is relational, not just operational.
Who has been a guest on Vacilando
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Paul Kidson
Jess Chesterfield
Luke Ritchie
Julie Sampson
Reach and audience
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
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Quality
38
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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