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Be the Difference

Be the Difference

By: Mike Shepherd
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About this listen

'Be The Difference' is the official podcast of Redlands College, embodying our vision of Curious Minds, Serving Hands, Loving Hearts, and Purposeful Lives. Produced by our community, this termly podcast stitches together diverse segments that reflect the ingenuity and compassion of our school's culture. Engage with the College as we navigate through topics that ignite curiosity, showcase service, unfold purpose, and express the warmth of community. Tune in to celebrate and be inspired by the difference our students are making, one story at a time.Mike Shepherd
Episodes
  • New Beginnings, Muddy Moments and Meaningful Goodbyes
    Apr 1 2026

    This episode reflects on the end of Term One, 2026, highlighting new beginnings across the College, including the opening of a new junior school block and the joy of the Teddy Bears Picnic. We celebrate student success with Asher’s journey on Australian Idol, honour the contribution of departing chaplain Mr Connor McGaha, and explore themes of resilience and community, alongside some light-hearted mud crab facts.


    Timestamps

    00:00 Podcast Introduction

    01:29 Reflecting on the Term

    04:03 Celebrating Muddy the Mascot

    06:38 Teddy Bears Picnic Highlights

    09:06 A Rising Star on Australian Idol

    18:11 Farewell to Mr Connor

    22:19 Resources for Building Resilience

    23:30 Purposeful Lives Segment Introduction (Alumni)

    25:46 Curious Minds Segment

    28:50 Closing Remarks


    Brief Summary

    In this episode, we reflect on the close of Term One, 2026, and the many moments that have shaped life at Redlands College. From the anticipation of a new junior school block to the delight of the Teddy Bears Picnic, we see how small traditions help build strong communities. We celebrate Asher’s journey on Australian Idol and the way his story has inspired students across the College. We also take time to honour Mr Connor McGaha as he concludes his time as chaplain in residence, recognising the impact he has had on students and staff. The episode includes a helpful resource on building resilience for families, before finishing with a light-hearted Curious Minds segment exploring the surprising world of mud crabs. Together, these stories reflect a community marked by growth, gratitude and connection.


    Footnotes:

    1. Editing via auphonic.com
    2. Music courtesy of Pixabay.com
    3. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDrLQ0yk-1S7tBDwmc1AFAA (Asher I)
    4. https://happyfamilies.com.au/
    5. Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as endorsements by Redlands College.
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    30 mins
  • Wrapping Up the Year: Community, Celebration and Christmas Traditions
    Dec 10 2025

    Be the Difference - Redlands College Podcast for Term Four 2025

    Wrapping Up the Year: Community, Celebration and Christmas Traditions

    This episode looks back on the school year, touching on major moments from the swimming carnival and award nights to Year 12 graduation and emerging traditions. We also explore insights from the recent exchange program and share some light-hearted curiosities around Christmas customs and community life.


    Timestamps

    00:00 Podcast Introduction

    01:30 Reflecting on the Term

    05:13 Celebrating Achievements

    06:09 Year 12 Celebrations

    10:41 Exchange Program Insights

    13:14 Alumni Engagement

    16:12 Curious Minds Segment

    23:47 Closing Remarks


    Brief Summary

    In this end-of-year episode, we reflect on key moments that shaped our school community, including the swimming carnival and award nights that highlight student growth, contribution and spirit. We discuss Year 12 celebrations and evolving family engagement traditions that invite parents and carers more fully into the milestone moments of school life. The conversation also touches on the exchange program with Friendship Christian School in Tennessee and how cross-cultural experiences shape our students' perspectives and connections. We finish with a light segment on Christmas traditions, celebrating community, curiosity and togetherness as we look forward to new opportunities and partnerships in the year ahead.


    Footnotes:

    1. Editing via auphonic.com
    2. Music courtesy of Pixabay.com
    3. https://www.dallaschristian.com/
    4. https://www.friendshipchristian.org/
    5. https://glchs.ca/
    6. https://www.lipscombacademy.org/
    7. Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as endorsements by Redlands College.
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    25 mins
  • Global Journeys & A Legacy of Faith
    Sep 16 2025
    • 🎙️ Be The Difference – Season 2, Episode 3

      Term 3 Highlights, Global Journeys & A Legacy of Faith

    • ✨ Episode Summary In this Term 3 edition of Be The Difference, we cover the stories, voices, and moments that shaped the Redlands College community this past season. From the joy of Seussical to the heartfelt reflections on our reunion day, from international ministry and service trips to the much-anticipated Matt Stanley Rugby Match, this episode captures both the laughter and the laments of our shared journey.

    • We hear from Christine Palacios, the Pepperdine student and Next Generation Preacher Search winner who spent ten days on our campus, from students in the cast of Seussical, and from those who travelled to the USA and Vanuatu. We pause to honour the life of James Newton, a much-loved colleague, alumnus, and friend whose smile and faith left a lasting impact.

    • Along the way, Curious Minds takes us sailing through the Greek Islands, alumni share stories from reunions, and students reflect on discovering their God-given potential.

    • 🗂️ Chapters ⁠

      (0:00) Be the Difference

      (0:24) Welcome to Term 3 wrap-up

      (0:42) Christine Palacios interview (NGPS & Pepperdine)

      (3:59) Seussical student reflections

      (5:58) Alumni reunions (1995, 2005, 2015)

      (8:16) Global journeys: USA & Vanuatu trips

      (11:55) York University & PLI reflections

      (12:55) Matt Stanley Rugby Game recap

      (13:20) Curious Minds: Greek islands trivia

      (17:12) Remembering James Newton

      (20:09) Closing reflections and thanks

      (20:39) Christine Palacios Interview (full)


    • 🎧 Tags Redlands College Term 3 Seussical Alumni Reunion Christine Palacios Next Generation Preacher Search Pepperdine University USA Ministry Trip Vanuatu Service Trip York University Presidential Leadership Institute Matt Stanley Rugby Curious Minds James Newton

      • 💬 Call to Action Thank you for listening to this episode of Be The Difference. Please share it with a friend, leave a review, or message us with your reflections. If you’d like to support James Newton’s legacy, consider a donation to Scripture Union. Stay connected, stay curious, and remember—you too can be the difference.

      • 🔗 Footnotes & Resources Mentioned

        Editing via auphonic.com

        Music courtesy of Pixabay.com

        Context for the Matt Stanley Rugby Game

        Courier Mail article on James Newton’s faith

        Scripture Union donation link

        Pepperdine University – NGPS, Christine Palacios

        York University – Presidential Leadership Institute

        Redlands College Alumni


      Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this content are solely those of the individual contributors and do not represent the official policies or positions of Redlands College. Furthermore, any external links provided within this content are for informational purposes only and should not be seen as endorsements by Redlands College.


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    31 mins
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