EPISODE · Mar 3, 2026 · 39 MIN
#39 Life Is Messy (Part 2): Mike Potter on What It Takes to Build a Safe & Skilled Community
from Resilient Souls · host Stewart Bogle
In Part 1 of this important conversation, Mike Potter shared the deeply personal story behind his book Life Is Messy: Hope in Dark Places.In this second conversation, we widen the lens. How does personal suffering reshape the way we build communities?What does it look like to create environments where people don’t have to pretend to be ok okay?How do we move from good intentions to wise, practical support?Drawing from decades in education leadership, Mike reflects on how his own difficult experiences in life changed the way he leads - and how schools, churches, and communities in general can become places that are not only safe, but skilled.We talk about noticing the person behind the behaviour.We explore systems that support families in crisis.We examine what it means for leaders to say, “I’m not okay,” and how that vulnerability can help shape the culture of a community.Yes, life can be messy. But communities can learn to walk into the uncomfortable spaces, rather than avoid them.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why personal suffering can deepen compassion, if we allow it toHow a policy of 'notice and then act' can change a child’s trajectory and provide much needed supportWhat makes a community not just kind, but genuinely safe and skilledWhy behaviour is often a signal of something deeperHow multidisciplinary support can help families carrying traumaThe importance of leaders modelling vulnerabilityPractical ways teachers, leaders, and community members can create safer spaces..... and much moreAbout the Guest:Mike Potter is a long-time educator and school leader based in Adelaide, South Australia. He is the author of Life Is Messy: Hope in Dark Places, a compassionate and honest exploration of faith, suffering, and resilience. In Part 1, Mike shared his personal breaking point.In Part 2, he reflects on how those experiences reshaped the way he leads and builds community.Mike's book, Life Is Messy: Hope in Dark Places is available from Open Book Howden and Amazon (Kindle)Explore More from Resilient Souls: Resilient Souls WebsiteResilient Souls Podcast or search ‘Resilient Souls’ wherever you get your podcastsResilient Souls Blog on Substack Stewart’s BookFollow Resilient Souls on: Facebook / Instagram / LinkedInGet Involved or Reach Out: Join the CommunityBook Stewart to SpeakSupport the WorkContact UsNeed Help? In Australia or for Overseas
What this episode covers
In Part 1 of this important conversation, Mike Potter shared the deeply personal story behind his book Life Is Messy: Hope in Dark Places.In this second conversation, we widen the lens. How does personal suffering reshape the way we build communities?What does it look like to create environments where people don’t have to pretend to be ok okay?How do we move from good intentions to wise, practical support?Drawing from decades in education leadership, Mike reflects on how his own difficult experiences in life changed the way he leads - and how schools, churches, and communities in general can become places that are not only safe, but skilled.We talk about noticing the person behind the behaviour.We explore systems that support families in crisis.We examine what it means for leaders to say, “I’m not okay,” and how that vulnerability can help shape the culture of a community.Yes, life can be messy. But communities can learn to walk into the uncomfortable spaces, rather than avoid them.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why personal suffering can deepen compassion, if we allow it toHow a policy of 'notice and then act' can change a child’s trajectory and provide much needed supportWhat makes a community not just kind, but genuinely safe and skilledWhy behaviour is often a signal of something deeperHow multidisciplinary support can help families carrying traumaThe importance of leaders modelling vulnerabilityPractical ways teachers, leaders, and community members can create safer spaces..... and much moreAbout the Guest:Mike Potter is a long-time educator and school leader based in Adelaide, South Australia. He is the author of Life Is Messy: Hope in Dark Places, a compassionate and honest exploration of faith, suffering, and resilience. In Part 1, Mike shared his personal breaking point.In Part 2, he reflects on how those experiences reshaped the way he leads and builds community.Mike's book, Life Is Messy: Hope in Dark Places is available from Open Book Howden and Amazon (Kindle)Explore More from Resilient Souls: Resilient Souls WebsiteResilient Souls Podcast or search ‘Resilient Souls’ wherever you get your podcastsResilient Souls Blog on Substack Stewart’s BookFollow Resilient Souls on: Facebook / Instagram / LinkedInGet Involved or Reach Out: Join the CommunityBook Stewart to SpeakSupport the WorkContact UsNeed Help? In Australia or for Overseas
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#39 Life Is Messy (Part 2): Mike Potter on What It Takes to Build a Safe & Skilled Community
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