PODCAST · education
Edwin Talks
by The Edwin Group
Join Julie Liddell, Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Edwin People and Charnice Scott, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Edwin as they explore the ideas, experiences and challenges helping shape the future of schools and trusts in the UK.Edwin Talks, an education podcast for teachers, leaders and school staff, brings together influential voices from across the sector for honest and thought-provoking conversations about what matters most.From leadership and culture to workforce, wellbeing, policy and innovation, Edwin Talks uncovers fresh perspectives and practical insights from the people who know education best.Learn more about Edwin at edwin.group
Episodes
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Changing the narrative: Why we need to value education with Mary Palmer
In this episode of Edwin Talks, Julie Liddell is joined by Mary Palmer, CEO of the Teaching Awards Trust, to explore why celebrating and recognising the education profession matters, and why changing the narrative around teaching requires more than a single awards ceremony. Mary shares her…
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The power of psychological safety with Laura McPhee
What does it really take to create schools where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas and bring their whole selves to work? In this episode, Julie Liddell is joined by Laura McPhee, Director of Education at University Schools Trust and author of Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools:...
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Gender and Leadership with Dr Alexandra Thorp
Dr Alexandra Thorp, former primary headteacher and executive head, Ofsted HMI and senior HMI for SEND, and now CEO of a Multi Academy Trust, explores the experiences and barriers faced by women in school leadership. In this episode, Alex discusses her doctoral research on the gender identity of...
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Stop Talking About Wellbeing with Kat Howard
Kat Howard, Executive School Improvement Lead at Windsor Academy Trust and CEO of Lit Drive, explores the relationship between workload, school culture and staff wellbeing. In this episode, Kat shares her journey from banking to teaching and explains why she wrote Stop Talking About Wellbeing,...
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Lessons from a Lifetime in Education with Alice Witherow
Alice Witherow, CEO of the Cheviot Learning Trust, shares insights from more than 30 years in education, exploring leadership, collaboration and creating cultures where all school staff can thrive. Recorded shortly before her retirement as CEO, Alice looks back on the mentors, experiences and...
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Kind Leadership with Joanna Povall
Joanna Povall, Principal of the British International School Abu Dhabi, Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS, and author of Kind Leadership, explores how kindness can transform leadership and school culture. In this episode, Joanna reflects on her journey into leadership and explains how her…
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Quiet Leadership with Andrew Marsh
Andrew Marsh, ex-headteacher and author of Quiet Leadership: The Power of Introversion in Schools, explores the strengths and challenges of leading as an introvert in education. In this episode, Andrew reflects on a 46-year career in education and discusses how coaching helped him embrace an...
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Supervision for Leaders with Lisa Lea-Weston
Lisa Lea-Weston, founder and director of Talking Heads Supervision, explores how professional supervision can support wellbeing, leadership and decision-making in education. In this episode, Lisa shares her journey from acting and drama therapy to founding Talking Heads Supervision, and explains...
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The Courage to Talk with Neil Kelders
This episode includes discussion of emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention. Please listen with care if these topics feel sensitive for you. Neil Kelders, speaker, coach, and wellbeing advocate, explores how societal expectations can shape how we express emotions, seek support,...
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Creating The Conditions To Thrive with Dr Catherine Place
Dr Catherine Place, headteacher, researcher and educational leader, shares insights into the relationship between school culture, collaboration and teacher wellbeing. In this episode, Catherine reflects on her journey from psychology student to founding headteacher of Jubilee Park Primary School,...
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Big Education with Sarah Seleznyov
Sarah Seleznyov, strategic lead for learning and development at Big Education Trust and founding headteacher of School 360, explores what a more holistic approach to education could look like in practice. In this episode, Sarah discusses the “head, heart and hand” philosophy behind A Practical...
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Calm Leadership with Patrick Cozier
Patrick Cozier, headteacher of Highgate Wood School and author of Calm Leadership, shares what it means to lead with steadiness, self-awareness and humanity in education. In this episode, Patrick reflects on his journey into headship and explores his four-phase model of calm leadership, from...
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Let’s Talk About Death and Dying with Lucy Green
This episode explores themes of death, grief and loss. Please listen with care if these topics feel sensitive for you. Lucy Green, a psychodynamic therapist with a special interest in grief and loss, explores how we talk about death and support others through bereavement. In this episode, Lucy...
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Staff Wellbeing with Dr Emma Kell
Dr Emma Kell, director of Those That Can, teacher, performance coach and author, shares insights into teacher wellbeing and sustainable careers in education. In this episode, Emma reflects on her journey in and out of the classroom and what she learned from working in challenging school contexts....
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Headteachering with Simon Botten
Simon Botten, executive headteacher in Bristol and author of ‘Headteachering’, shares practical insights into sustainable leadership and staff wellbeing in schools. In this episode, Simon reflects on his journey into headship and explains why he embraces the complexity and uncertainty of...
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'Quality of Life' in WHS Foundation Culture with Sue Ackroyd
Sue Ackroyd, CEO and executive principal of the William Henry Smith Foundation, shares insights from her 37-year career supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. In this episode, Sue discusses trauma-informed leadership, designing curriculum that gives...
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Journey of a Wellbeing Champion with Louise Shields
Louise Shields, School Business Manager and Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead at Beacon of Light Alternative Provision School, shares how schools can build a strong culture of staff wellbeing in demanding environments. In this episode, Louise reflects on 25 years of working across different...
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Menopause at Work with Haley White and Victoria Brookbank
Haley White, founder of Menospace, and Victoria Brookbank, founder of Minds That Work, discuss menopause, mental health and workplace wellbeing. In this episode, Haley shares her experience of perimenopause and how it led her to develop menopause training for organisations, while Victoria…
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Relational Leadership with Helena Marsh
Helena Marsh, experienced school and trust leader and teaching head at Linton Village College, discusses relational leadership, emotional intelligence, and how coaching conversations can help shift school culture away from top-down problem-solving. In this episode, Helena explores collaborative...
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Imperfect Leadership with Steve Munby
Steve Munby, leadership speaker and author of Imperfect Leadership, explores why effective leadership is rooted in self-awareness, humility and collective responsibility. In this episode, Steve reflects on his journey from his first years as a teacher to leading major education organisations, and...
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Courageous Leadership with Diana Osagie
Diana Osagie, secondary school leader and author of Courageous Leadership, shares what it really takes to lead with courage in education. In this episode, Diana reflects on her journey from science teacher to headship and the emotional realities of leadership. She explores resilience,...
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Using Humour and Storytelling to Create Belonging and Psychological Safety with Jason Rawding
Jason Rawding, founder of My Beast, explores how humour and storytelling can strengthen wellbeing, belonging and psychological safety in education. In this episode, Jason shares why laughter matters at work and how intentional humour can build trust, connection and more human teams. He reflects…
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Pay Attention Inside Now with Christina Lord
Christina Lord, founder of Authentic Action Coaching, shares how energy leadership and breath work can support resilience in demanding roles. In this episode, Christina explores managing energy rather than time, the power of the breath, and learning to become your own observer. She introduces the...
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Redefining Success with Tamu Thomas
Tamu Thomas, author, keynote speaker and leadership consultant, explores burnout, toxic productivity and wellbeing at work. In this episode, Tamu draws on her book Women Who Work Too Much to unpack how overwork, pressure and unexamined productivity cultures affect women in education and beyond....
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Progress Not Perfection with Warren Carratt
Warren Carrett, CEO of Nexus Multi-Academy Trust, shares his approach to leadership, kindness and staff wellbeing in education. In this episode, Warren reflects on his varied career across the NHS, local government and schools, and how those experiences shaped his belief in values-led leadership....
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Fear Tells Lies with Lee Pace & David Anderson aka Pep the Poet
Lee Pace, Deputy Head Teacher at James Bateman Middle School, and Dave Anderson, aka Pep the Poet, explore emotional resilience, imposter syndrome and wellbeing in education. In this episode, Lee and David draw on their forthcoming book Fear Tells Lies to unpack how fear, self-sabotaging thoughts...
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Small Steps, Big Change with Adrian Bethune
Adrian Bethune shares his wellbeing journey, from burnout and 'Angry Adrian' to championing purpose, self-care and small steps towards change in schools. In this episode, Adrian reflects on his journey from the music industry into teaching and explains why a manageable workload, being a “good...
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Creating Intentional Culture with Nick Osborne
Nick Osborne, CEO and founder of Maritime Academy Trust, shares his approach to building positive, creative and sustainable school cultures. In this episode, Nick explores leadership grounded in trust, humour and collaboration, and explains why staff wellbeing sits at the heart of effective...
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Nature, Wellbeing and Wild Swimming with Pete Kelly
Author, swim guide, and lifelong outdoorsman Pete Kelly explores how time spent outdoors can transform wellbeing, resilience, and perspective. In this episode, Pete shares his journey of pioneering adventure swimming through Swim the Lakes and explains the mental and physical benefits of wild...
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The Slow Work of Real Change with Tina Farr
Tina Farr, headteacher of St. Ebb’s Primary School in Oxford, shares how joy, connection and trust shape the culture of her school. In this episode, Tina draws on three decades of experience to discuss embedding psychological safety, supporting staff wellbeing, and giving teachers greater…
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Rethinking Banter and Behaviour with Andrew Hampton
Andrew Hampton, former headteacher and founder of the Girls on Board, shares insights into empathy, relationships, and emotionally healthy school cultures. In this episode, Andrew discusses empowering young people to manage friendships, building empathetic school environments, and the role of...
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Values in Action with Dave Whitaker
Dave Whitaker, CEO of Wellspring Academy Trust and author of The Kindness Principle, shares insights into relational leadership and the role of kindness in education. In this episode, Dave reflects on his journey from mainstream secondary education to leading special and alternative provision...
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Culture and Community with Richard Kielty
Richard Kielty, senior school improvement officer for Education North Tyneside, shares how character, care and community shape the culture of his schools. In this episode, Richard draws on his extensive experience in education to discuss reducing staff turnover, recognising burnout, and the role…
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Joy in Education with Maria Roberts
Psychotherapist and former teacher Maria Roberts discusses the power of joy in our lives, our classrooms, and our leadership. In this episode, Maria reflects on her journey from classroom teaching into counselling and research, and discusses the barriers that prevent educators from experiencing…
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Leading with Heart and Flexibility with Debra Rutley
Debra Rutley, part-time CEO of Aspire Schools, shares how flexible working, values-led leadership, and human-centred approaches can support staff wellbeing in education. In this episode, Debra reflects on her experiences of part-time leadership and explains her philosophy of leading with love,...
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Compassion and Psychological Safety with Simon Richardson
Simon Richardson, director of Golden Tree CIC, shares how compassion, psychological safety and transactional analysis can shape healthier, more human workplaces in education. In this episode, Simon explores the drivers of stress in schools and discusses practical ways individuals and…
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Teaching with Joy and 'Botherdness' with Hywel Roberts
Hywel Roberts, experienced teacher and author, shares insights into teaching, school culture, and supporting staff in education. In this episode, Hywel discusses the importance of storytelling, relationships, and compassion in teaching, drawing on ideas from his books, ‘Oops! Helping Children…
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Leading From Your 'Why' with Keziah Featherstone
Keziah Featherstone, executive headteacher at The Mercian Trust and author of Punk Leadership, shares insights into values-led leadership and school culture. In this episode, Keziah reflects on her unconventional route into teaching and discusses the importance of leading with values…
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Discussing Menopause with Amanda Thebe
Fitness and women’s health expert, Amanda Thebe, discusses menopause and its impact on wellbeing, especially in the workplace. In this episode, Amanda shares her personal journey through menopause and depression and highlights the importance of education and support for women during this phase.…
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Resilience and Mental Health with Anthony Hutton
Former Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton opens up about his experiences, breaking stigma around men’s mental health, and why speaking up is a strength. In this episode, Anthony discusses his personal experiences with depression, substance abuse and financial hardship, and how he rebuilt his life...
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Supporting SEND Staff Wellbeing with Claire Dorer
What does it take to build a truly supportive culture in special schools? Claire Dora OBE, Chief Executive of the National Association of Special Schools (NAS), shares insights into staff wellbeing and leadership in special education. In this episode, Claire discusses the pressures facing staff…
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Why School Culture Matters More Than Ever with Jonny Uttely
What does it really mean to put staff first? Jonny Uttley, CEO of TEAL, shares insights on workload, leadership, and practical ways to make teaching a sustainable profession. In this episode, Johnny reflects on his journey into education and discusses the challenges of leading a trust, including...
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Finding Sleep and Recharging with Dr Nerina Ramlakhan
Exhausted but unable to switch off? Physiologist, sleep expert and author, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, joins us to explain why insomnia is on the rise among education staff. In this episode, Nerina discusses the importance of regulating energy throughout the day and five practical steps to help reset…
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The Pressures of School Leadership with Dr Helen Kelly
Dr Helen Kelly, former international school principal and expert in educator wellbeing, shares insights into the causes of stress and burnout for staff and leaders working in schools. In this episode, Helen reflects on her journey from law into education and discusses the factors that contribute…
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Music for Wellbeing with Mark Deeks
Musician Mark Deeks uses music to reduce stress and improve mental health, and explains how even listening to heavy metal can have health benefits. In this episode, Mark discusses how music can support emotional wellbeing through active engagement and through more intentional listening. He shares...
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Developing a Culture of Kindness with Simon Hart
Simon Hart, principal of Springwest Academy in West London, explains how fostering a culture of kindness and gratitude has transformed his school. In this episode, Simon discusses leadership approaches influenced by Buddhist principles, balancing kindness with discipline to create supportive...
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Extraordinary Challenges with Steve Hill MBE
Adventurer and teacher Steve Hill, MBE, discusses how his adventures – through jungle, desert and arctic wasteland – have fuelled his passion for education. In this episode, Steve reflects on his journey from an unfulfilled career to becoming a teacher who inspires students through extraordinary...
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Parenthood and Sustainable Teaching with Emma Sheppard
Emma Shepherd, founder of the MTPT Project, shares insights into the experiences of teacher-parents and the impact of the “motherhood penalty” in education. In this episode, Emma draws on her research and the MTPT Project's work to explore the challenges facing teachers who are parents, including...
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The Importance of Rest with Suzy Reading
Psychologist, yoga teacher and health and fitness coach Suzy Reading explains why rest is essential for educators and how it supports sustainable working in schools. In this episode, Susie shares her framework of the eight pillars of rest and offers practical strategies for building moments of…
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Clarity, Connection & Belonging with Darren Hankey
Darren Hankey, principal and chief executive of Hartlepool College of Further Education, talks about how to foster staff wellbeing and a sense of belonging. In this episode, Darren discusses creating a culture of clarity, autonomy, and belonging, and shares practical strategies for maintaining...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Julie Liddell, Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Edwin People and Charnice Scott, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Edwin as they explore the ideas, experiences and challenges helping shape the future of schools and trusts in the UK.Edwin Talks, an education podcast for teachers, leaders and school staff, brings together influential voices from across the sector for honest and thought-provoking conversations about what matters most.From leadership and culture to workforce, wellbeing, policy and innovation, Edwin Talks uncovers fresh perspectives and practical insights from the people who know education best.Learn more about Edwin at edwin.group
HOSTED BY
The Edwin Group
CATEGORIES
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