BONUS BACK TO SCHOOL EPISODE: Young Minds, Enduring Wisdom

What can children teach us about confidence that even the most successful adults often forget?

Many wise people throughout history have recognised the deep insight and perspective of children and young people and this episode is a beautiful reminder of just how true that is. 

In this conversation, I sit down with my six nieces and nephews (aged between 9 and 18, and living in both Ireland and the US) to talk about confidence. We explore the challenges facing their peers today, from public speaking nerves to academic self-doubt and body image to social anxiety, and they share what helps them and what doesn’t. They also offer thoughtful, generous advice for parents and adults who want to support young people as they grow in confidence.

This is a warm, funny, and moving conversation full of honesty and wisdom. We talk about how confidence is shaped by the people around us, the stories we tell ourselves, and the small actions that help us feel braver, stronger, and more ourselves.

Key takeaways:

• Confidence often starts with comfort and grows with practice.
• Public speaking is a huge one and most of us feel the fear!
• Childhood labels (even the jokey ones) can linger long after they’re said.
• Talking to someone you trust can make a big difference.
• Being around people who let you be your full self helps confidence grow.
• Arguing with friends doesn’t mean the friendship is over. Real confidence includes repair.
• Sometimes, the best way to feel confident is to do something small you know you’re good at — first.
• Parents can help most by listening without fixing, showing trust, and encouraging effort over outcomes.

About the guests:

This episode features my nieces (Keelin and Jessie) and nephews (Tom, Ben, Charlie and Dylan) a brilliant, thoughtful, funny, and wise bunch, ranging in age from 9 to 18. Some live in Ireland, some in the US, and all of them brought honesty, insight, and humour to this episode. I’m so grateful to each of them for sharing so openly.

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