What's Their Why? The Podcast

In this episode I finally meet face to face with Erika Sandström. Erika is a Digital Learning Coach & Digital Media Teacher in the US. She is also a Mindfulness Enthusiast & Speaker, was featured on cover EdTech K12 Magazine and is otherwise known as @GreenScreenGal

In the latest episode of the What's Their Why? Podcast I got to sit down with the UK Ambassador for Happiness, Action Jackson to talk mental health, motivation and ladders. We had a blast and hope you get as much out of it as we did. #motivation #happiness #podcast #mentalhealth

In this episode I meet with Jodie Campbell who is a Senior Education Community Manager at Apps for Good , an education technology charity, proud to partner with schools and brands. We talk pupil projects, innovation, climate and social action as well as the dawn of AI for pupils and future entrepreneurs.

In this episode I talk with Al Kingsley , who has many hats as discussed in the episode but has been described as “ a pioneer in transforming school learning", "a champion of the small fish with a huge global impact" and quite simply " The nicest man in EdTech.” which must be why he's the first guest to make a second appearance on my podcasts. We talk experiences, edtech, g...

In this episode I meet and chat with Rachel Arthur. Rachel is the Head of Computing, Programme Design at Teach First, where she is responsible for leading all computing programmes across the UK. We talk about motivation and engagement, neurodivergent learner & teachers, teacher training and AI amongst other things.

In this episode I chat with Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith, a renowned  Strategic Education Consultant, Lecturer/Researcher, Award winning Teacher & Leader & Director of One Life Learning. We discuss our recent experiences from a great LGFL Conference and Fiona enlightens us on her own education and career path, what motivates and engages her, how pedagogical beliefs and stances can affect pup...

In this episode I chat with educational thought leader, former teaching award winner and founder & CEO of the Global Equality Collective, Nic Ponsford. We talk about our own career experiences, the world of diversity and inclusion and the future of technology in education, as well as the future of teaching itself.  There's even talk of daredevils and pompoms!!  Check out the Global E...

In this first episode of the new series I speak to Emma Darcy, Director of Technology for Learning at Denbigh High School & Chiltern Learning Trust. Emma was named in the #Edtech50 and is part of the Bett Show Advisory Board as well as Pearson Teaching Award winner with a history of transformation and a wealth of experience as an Edtech Demonstrator.  We discuss technology, motivation, fu...

In this episode we talk to Al Kingsley ( alkingsley.com ) Al is Chair of a number of Multi Academy Trusts, sits on the Regional Schools Commissioners HeadTeacher Board, Forbes Technology Council Member and is the proud Group CEO of NetSupport. Al also sits on a Combined Authority Business Board, is a proactive Apprenticeship Ambassador for the east of england, Author, Speaker and a positive #EdTec...

In this episode we meet Matthew Jessop, Headteacher of Crosthwaite C of E Primary in Cumbria as we talk social distancing, Google Reference Schools, using edtech with littles and underperforming alpacas. Check out Crosthwaite on twitter here: https://twitter.com/CrosthwaiteSch

In this episode we meet #DigiDom Dom Traynor - EduEvangelist for Adobe. We talk all aspects of creativity, developing skills and inspiring others.  You can follow Dom on twitter at https://twitter.com/dom_traynor

Balli Dail is a Deputy leader of KS5 T&L, Leader of Psychology, examiner, Microsoft Innovator, Literacy leader, coach, careers champion, mindfulness trained, amazing apprenticeship champion, Psychology ambassador, and CPD presenter from the West Midlands in the UK In this episode we talk Key Stage 5, Microsoft Teams and Teacher Training 

Bukky Yusuf is a Senior Leader, Secondary Science Teacher, Consultant and Qualified DfE Coach from the Edith Kay Independent School in Brent Bukky has worked in education for over two decades and teaches secondary sciences to A level. She has undertaken a number of leadership roles within mainstream and special schools, centring around professional development programmes, quality first teaching an...

In this episode we meet the 3 Caffeinated Coaches, Shannon Moore, Becky Lim & Georgina Dean. With a wealth of experience these formidable women celebrate, coach and connect with educators all around the world. Here we talk coffee (obviously), tapioca, our greatest challenges, book studies and who would play us in a film of 2020-2021. Just don't ask Shannon to eat beans on toast or sloppy food....

In this episode we talk to Ben Rouse, a former Maths teacher and now UK Director of Appsevents (Google PD Partner) as well as being a co-host of his own podcast What Do They Do? with Dean Stokes. Here we talk about Design Thinking, Bootcamp style training and being a MAMIL. 

In this episode we talk to Laura White @thinkteachtech , a renowned Digital Learning Consultant, Trainer and self-confessed Teaching & Learning geek. Laura has 2 masters degrees and is currently completing an EdD alongside her many other exploits which include leading the first UK cohorts of the Google Certified Coach program with Canopy.  In this episode Laura also gives a shout out to d...

In this final episode we meet Clare Pirie. Clare is an educator, blogger and Google Certified Innovator, who having changed careers, is passionate about Teaching and Learning.  Clare is the founder of @ConnectrioEd, aiming to share successful strategies for parental engagement. We also find out the final entry in the #lunchboxlegend world cup. 

In this episode Daren speaks with Ryan Evans, founder of IncludEDU.online .  Ryan is a former ICT teacher and now Inclusion Technologist from Carmarthen in Wales. Ryan is a Google Certified Innovator, Apple Professional Learning Specialist and Microsoft Certified Educator and his #VIA20 project reflects his passion for inclusivity in learning. 

In this episode we're joined by Zaitoon Bukhari , SLE in Integrated Technology, Edtech Teaching & Learning Lead at Witton Park Academy, Google Innovator & Trainer. Zaitoon is passionate about delivering relevant PD opportunities to staff in order to empower colleagues and improve life chances for students. Here she talks about her own experiences of training quality, diversity and innovati...

In this episode we talk to the A-B-I and the D, Abid Patel, IT Director at Leading Learning Trust, Edufuturist Network Manager of the Year 2020, #Edtech50 one to watch. Abid is also a co-founder of Global GEG and leader of GEG UK.  We talk about digital strategy, eradicating the 'them and us' culture, staff development, 10X thinking and more. 

In this episode we meet Ben Moore , the world's youngest Google Certified Trainer and lead member of GEG UK and Global GEG. Even though he is only 20, Ben has already held a number of roles in education and is a pioneer in terms of supporting staff development with technology for his schools and the Academies Enterprise Trust as an InnovAETor.  Ben talks openly about his rapid rise to Google...

In this episode Daren chats with Andy Caffrey - @MrCaffrey - the highly respected CEO of @CanopyCIC , Google Innovator Program legend and former teacher with a love of technology. Andy has been instrumental in helping thousands of teachers improve their tech skills and continues to do so through Canopy 's latest release Google Workspace Skills .  Andy talks honestly about rejection, resilienc...

In this episode Daren talks to Louise Jones, former educator, Googler and current Director of Education, Community & Partnerships At Thinglink about her varied career, accessibility for all, the future of education and of course, what Thinglink has to offer not just educators but any user across the globe. Follow Louise @Scotlandlouise Click here to view an example Thinglink edtech tube map &n...

In this episode we talk to Emma Baker, Principal of Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham, Essex, England. Emma has been a Headteacher for 6 years and was instrumental in developing teaching and learning at her previous school, Maltings Academy and has since introduced Google for Education at her current school.

In this episode we talk with Jon Neale, a highly respected Google Certified Trainer and Innovator and Digital Learning Lead at Halcyon London International School about the purpose of education, how things have changed and how they might move forward into the future to the benefit of our young people and our staff. @JNealeUK