Mad Dogs and English Teachers

Re-watching the 1969 British classic Kes got Chris and Rob thinking about their own school days in the 1970s and 80s—and just how wildly unhinged education felt back then compared to the international classrooms they teach in today. From bizarre uniform requirements to classroom discipline that would never fly in the modern era, the lads take a nostalgic, laugh-out-loud trip down memory lane. In t...

From breathtaking summer steppes to winter air so thick with coal smoke you can taste it—what happens when teaching overseas means taking on the local climate at its absolute worst? This week, Chris and Rob tackle a letter from Dominic, an expat teacher in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, who loves the country but dreads the onset of toxic winter smog. That kicks off a whirlwind tour of the extreme climates...

What happens when you blag your way through an interview at an elite international school, only to find yourself completely drowning in ManageBac, 8-point rubrics, and learner profiles? In this episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers , Chris and Robin tackle an urgent SOS email from a listener facing professional ruin in Casablanca after jumping from Cambridge into the deep end of the Internation...

AI. It's not just a greeting where Rob comes from; it'ssomething that is changing the whole world, and the classroom is no exception. This week on Mad Dogs and English Teachers , Chris and Rob dive into the brave new world of Artificial Intelligence in the overseas classroom. We look at how we’re actually using AI in our day-to-day teaching, the good and bad of its impact on our students,...

Got a one-way ticket in your hand and a massive case of imposter syndrome setting in? You're not alone. This week on Mad Dogs and English Teachers , Chris and Robin answer an SOS email from listener Daniel as he packs his bags for his first international teaching post in Kuala Lumpur. From surviving endless induction PowerPoints and navigating staffroom cliques to avoiding drunken catastrophes...

In this milestone 20th episode, Chris and Rob celebrate reaching their "porcelain anniversary" of podcasting. They look back on their journey since launching in February, reflect on returning to school for the new academic year, discuss the evolving role of AI in education, and outline where they want to take the show next. Milestone Celebration: The hosts mark Episode 20 with their sign...

Back to School Dread, Body Clocks & Cairo Heat Summer is almost over, and the dreaded "back to school" blues are officially creeping in! This week on Mad Dogs and English Teachers , Chris and Rob tackle the universal plight of educators everywhere: trading tropical freedom for lesson plans, admin meetings, and alarm clocks. Rob is counting down the days until his return—complete with...

In this episode, Chris and Rob respond to an emotional listener email from John—a teacher who recently returned to quiet, expensive suburban Canada after two incredible years teaching in Thailand. Is going home ever as good as you remember, or does living abroad change you forever? The "Homecoming Slump": Why returning to your home country often feels jarring, mundane, and alienating. Th...

The boys are back in Burma! After a year away from Myanmar, Chris flies in from China to reunite with Rob in the stunning, rural setting of Mandalay. Recording in a roof-top bar overlooking paddy fields and distant mountains, the duo contrasts the upbeat, effervescent local culture with the tech-obsessed, screen-staring realities of modern school life. There is a very strange interlude in this one...

The holidays have finally begun, and Rob is officially in full standby mode! In this episode, Chris and Rob look back at how a trip to the 2002 World Cup completely changed the game and kicked off a massive teaching adventure in South Korea. From the electric energy of 1.5 million football fans flooding the streets of Seoul to navigating life in a smaller historic town where nobody spoke a word of...

In this very special, light-hearted episode, Chris and Rob are joined by a legendary guest of honor— Rob’s mom! For the first time, we get a parent’s perspective on what it’s really like when your children pack up and move across the world. From the initial worries of sending her kids abroad to becoming an international traveler herself, she shares her heartwarming and candid reflections on her ch...

Cruising from the Pitch to the Classroom with Aaron Leaver With the World Cup finally kicked off, Chris and Rob are diving into that strange, post-exam twilight zone of the school year—you know, the two weeks where there's nothing left to do but we all still have to show up! But the real treat this week is our very first guest, Aaron Leaver . Aaron didn't take the traditional path into ove...

Episode 13: The Light at the End of the Tunnel? Are long terms wearing you down, or are you just desperately counting down the days until the final school bell rings? This week on Mad Dogs and English Teachers , Chris and Rob are diving headfirst into the chaotic "limbo period" of the international school year. As exam season winds down, they navigate the bizarre world of shifting schedu...

Join Chris and Rob for another lighthearted look at the trials and tribulations of teaching overseas. This week, the boys are diving deep into the school year's finish line and the looming robotic takeover of the classroom. The Participation Award Debate: Rob is drowning in a sea of "Phoenix" and "Excelsior" certificates so that every student gets a prize, prompting a chat...

Are you a "tired teacher" in the UK exhausted by the relentless cycle of "new" educational strategies that feel like the same old ideas in a shiny new wrapper? You aren't alone. This week on Mad Dogs and English Teachers , Chris and Rob dive into a listener email that strikes a chord with educators everywhere: the feeling that professional development has become a game of &...

In this episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers , hosts Chris and Robin dive into the complexities of living and teaching in Myanmar (Burma). The conversation strikes a balance between the lighthearted tone the show is known for and the more cynical realities of working in a region currently facing significant political unrest. The Naming Debate: Robin and Chris discuss the linguistic and politic...

In this episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers , hosts Chris and Rob dive deep into the often-stressful world of medical emergencies while living and teaching overseas. From high-tech surgeries in China to "field-style" repairs in Korea, the boys share personal stories that highlight the critical importance of having the right health insurance before you pack your bags. Chris’s Big Wee...

In this episode, Chris and Rob dive deep into what it’s really like teaching and living in China after years spent in Southeast Asia. From the high-tech streets of Guangdong to the ancient history of Beijing, the duo compares the "Middle Kingdom" to the more relaxed—but often more challenging—lifestyle of Myanmar and Vietnam. The conversation takes a serious turn as Chris discusses the p...

This episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers takes us on a journey through the "Stans" as Rob shares his lighthearted (and often frozen) experiences living and teaching in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan . From the sweltering heat of Mandalay to the humid soup of Southern China , hosts Chris and Rob catch up after a short break to dive deep into the realities of life in Central Asia. Rob reco...

Episode 6: The Tax-Free Life—Teaching in Brunei In this episode, Chris and Rob dive deep into their shared history of teaching in the Sultanate of Brunei . From the "tax-free" dream to the reality of living under Sharia law, the boys break down what it’s actually like to live in the "Abode of Peace". The Brunei Deep-Dive: Chris shares his experience of seven years in the countr...

This episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers takes a deep dive into the culinary highs and lows of living and teaching overseas. From the "hidden wheat" of Southeast Asia to the "dinosaur steaks" of Central Asia, Chris and Rob explore how our stomachs often dictate our expat experiences. Rain and Ramadan: Rob reports on the first rain in Myanmar since November, while the duo r...

Join hosts Chris and Rob for a lighthearted, authentic look at the highs and lows of living and teaching overseas. Whether you're navigating the classroom in Vietnam , surviving the air pollution in Myanmar , or dodging bureaucratic hurdles in Hungary , this podcast is your companion for the global expat journey. In each episode, we dive into the real-life "trials and tribulations" t...

This third episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers is the perfect listen for anyone considering a leap into international education. Hosts Chris and Rob tackle the "jitters" of moving abroad while highlighting why the pros far outweigh the cons. Addressing Sam’s Indonesia Jitters: The hosts respond to a listener’s concerns about moving to Indonesia, offering a grounded and positive pers...

Episode 2: The Recruiter's Toolkit – Navigating the Wild West of International Teaching Thinking about packing your bags and teaching English abroad? In this episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers , Chris and Robin dive deep into the murky waters of international recruitment. Whether you're a seasoned expat or a first-timer, this guide is essential for navigating the hurdles of global te...

👋 Welcome to the Mad Dogs and English Teachers Podcast! Join Chris and Rob as they dive into the trials, tribulations, and hilarious highlights of teaching and living overseas. From the bustling streets of Myanmar 🇲🇲 to the tower blocks of China 🇨🇳, our hosts share their firsthand experiences navigating the complexities of international education. In this episode, we're discussing: Week Witho...