Two Mr Ps in a Pod(Cast)

This week, Lee and Adam are joined by Charlie Burley, better known as the Teachers Health Coach, for an honest and practical conversation about teacher wellbeing, burnout and what schools can do to better support their staff. Charlie shares the personal story that led him from primary teaching into coaching, following his own experience of chronic stress, anxiety and a panic attack in the classroom.

The discussion explores why wellbeing has become such a major issue across education, looking at the biggest contributing factors including workload, increasing pupil needs, funding pressures, parental expectations and the growing demands placed on schools. Charlie also shares the latest findings from his wellbeing white paper and explains why, despite small signs of progress, there is still a long way to go.

Lee and Charlie debate why many school wellbeing initiatives miss the mark, discussing everything from compulsory team-building activities to token gestures such as cakes and "hug in a mug" style initiatives. Instead, they argue that meaningful wellbeing comes from long term cultural change rather than one off events or tick box exercises.

Charlie introduces his practical "Six Cs" framework for improving wellbeing in schools, covering connection, care, capacity, clarity, competency and contribution. They discuss how school leaders can make realistic improvements even within the constraints of funding, staffing and accountability, while also recognising that creating a healthy culture is everyone's responsibility.

The conversation also tackles Ofsted, accountability and the wider education system. Lee and Charlie discuss whether the current inspection model is fundamentally damaging staff wellbeing, why so much teacher workload feels disconnected from improving learning, and what lessons England could learn from education systems around the world.

Finally, Charlie shares practical advice for teachers looking after their own wellbeing outside school. From rebuilding an identity beyond teaching and setting healthier boundaries, to managing social media, slowing down in everyday life and making time for hobbies again, this episode is packed with realistic, actionable ideas for anyone working in education.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*This week, Lee and Adam are joined by Dave Robertson MP, a former physics teacher, trade union activist and now Member of Parliament. Dave shares his journey from the classroom to Westminster, explaining how a career in teaching, followed by years supporting teachers through the union movement, ultimately led him into politics and why he believes more teachers should have a voice in Parliament.*

*The conversation explores what life as an MP is really like*, from the realities of working in Westminster and representing constituents to how the skills developed in teaching have proved invaluable in politics. Dave also explains why teachers often make excellent politicians, thanks to their ability to communicate, adapt quickly and solve problems under pressure.

*Education quickly takes centre stage*, as Lee, Adam and Dave discuss funding pressures, academy trusts and why he believes stronger accountability is needed for multi academy trusts. They debate leadership pay, school budgets, teacher workload and why supporting teachers should remain at the heart of any education reform.

*The trio also tackle some of the biggest challenges facing schools today*, including SEND reform, inclusion, Education, Health and Care Plans, and the ongoing struggle to secure sufficient funding. Dave shares his thoughts on the government's proposed reforms, why inclusion benefits every child, and the importance of ensuring ambition is matched with investment.

*Ofsted and school accountability come under the spotlight*, with an honest discussion about the impact inspections have on teachers, whether the current system is fit for purpose and what meaningful reform could look like. Lee, Adam and Dave debate the balance between supporting school improvement and providing parents with useful information, while reflecting on why so many teachers have lost confidence in the inspection process.

*Finally, the conversation broadens to politics, public debate and the challenges of modern democracy.* Dave reflects on navigating social media, dealing with online abuse, listening to opposing viewpoints and why respectful disagreement is becoming increasingly difficult. He also shares insights into the parliamentary petitions process and why better conversations, rather than louder arguments, are essential if politics is to rebuild trust with the public.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*This week, Lee and Adam are joined by Greg Jenner, public historian, bestselling author and creator of the hit podcast *You're Dead to Me. Greg reflects on his fascinating career, from working behind the scenes on Horrible Histories to becoming one of the UK's best known history communicators, sharing why humour is often the key to helping people genuinely fall in love with history.**

*The trio explore the making of *You're Dead to Me and Horrible Histories,* with Greg revealing just how much research goes into every episode, how comedians are used to bring history to life, and the incredible lengths the team went to ensure every joke was historically accurate while still being genuinely funny. He also shares the story of how he landed his dream job after boldly asking to work on *Horrible Histories.

*Lee, Adam and Greg also dive into the relationship between history and Hollywood.* From Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and Oppenheimer to Braveheart, Gladiator, Troy and A Knight's Tale, they discuss where filmmakers take creative licence, why historical accuracy isn't always the most important thing, and how great storytelling can inspire audiences to learn more about the past.

*The conversation turns to forgotten figures from history and the stories still waiting to be told.* Greg shares the remarkable life of Bill Richmond, a formerly enslaved man who became one of Britain's first sporting celebrities, and explains why history is full of extraordinary lives that deserve far more attention on our screens than endless remakes and sequels.

*There's also a fascinating discussion about teaching history, as Greg explains why *Horrible Histories has remained so popular with both children and adults. The trio discuss how the team developed an entirely new style of educational television, balancing comedy with rigorous historical accuracy and creating a format that continues to inspire classrooms across the country.

*Finally, Lee, Adam and Greg reflect on why history matters more than ever today.* From helping us understand the present to encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and empathy, Greg explains why great history isn't simply about remembering dates and facts, but about telling compelling human stories that help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*This week, Lee and Adam are joined by Zoe Kalar, founder of We Are 8, for a fascinating conversation about the future of social media and why she believes the internet can be redesigned to put people before profit. Zoe explains the vision behind the platform, why she spent a decade building it, and how its unique model aims to inspire people to spend less time scrolling and more time living.*

*The discussion explores the darker side of today's social media platforms*, from addictive algorithms and online abuse to sextortion, mental health and the impact endless scrolling is having on children and young people. Zoe shares why she believes many of the problems we see online today were avoidable and explains how We Are 8 has been designed with safety at its core through its AI Shield technology.

*Lee and Zoe also discuss the economics of social media*, questioning why billions of pounds generated through advertising end up in the hands of a small number of tech companies rather than being shared with the people who create the value. Zoe explains We Are 8's unique revenue sharing model, where users can earn money by engaging with advertising, while also supporting charities and community projects.

*Teachers are a major focus of the conversation*, with Zoe outlining plans for a dedicated Teachers Fund, creator opportunities for educators and why she believes teachers deserve far greater recognition for the role they play in society. The pair discuss the constant negativity teachers face online and how healthier algorithms could help amplify positive voices instead of outrage and division.

*The interview also tackles anonymity, AI moderation and the future of online conversations.* Zoe explains how We Are 8 aims to encourage honest discussion without tolerating abuse, why accountability matters online and how AI can be used to create safer digital spaces without removing genuine debate.

*Finally, Zoe shares her vision for the future of social media*, discussing whether bans for young people are the answer, how governments could better regulate online platforms, and why she believes technology should inspire connection, creativity and community rather than division. She also explains how listeners can get involved with We Are 8 and help shape a more positive online future.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*This week, Lee is joined by Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, for a wide ranging and honest conversation about the biggest challenges facing education today.* They discuss why every teacher and support staff member should be in a union, the benefits that go far beyond workplace protection, and Daniel shares his own journey from primary teacher and PRU maths teacher to leading Europe's largest education union.

*The conversation tackles the growing funding crisis in schools*, with Daniel explaining why partially funded pay rises are leaving schools facing impossible choices. They debate teacher and support staff pay, redundancies, falling pupil numbers, class sizes and why investment in education should be viewed as an investment in the country's future rather than a cost.

*Lee and Daniel also take a deep dive into Ofsted*, discussing why so many teachers have lost confidence in the inspection system. They explore the impact inspections have on workload, wellbeing and school culture, why reform has failed to win over the profession and what a more supportive accountability system could look like.

*The pair reflect on the first year of the Labour government*, discussing Bridget Phillipson's time as Education Secretary, whether teachers have seen the change they hoped for, and why there remains a growing disconnect between government messaging and the reality experienced by staff working in schools every day.

*Behaviour, SEND and teacher workload are all firmly under the spotlight.* Lee and Daniel share their views on the causes of worsening behaviour, the impact of social media, unmet needs, SEND funding, curriculum pressures and why improving teacher retention starts with making the profession manageable again.

*Finally, Daniel outlines his vision for the future of education*, including smaller class sizes, better funding, greater professional autonomy, more creativity in the curriculum and a profession that once again feels valued. He also explains why union reps remain at the heart of improving schools and encourages more teachers and support staff to get involved in shaping the future of education.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices