The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching

In this episode, we sit down with Helen Taylor, a former history teacher whose dedication to education was undeniable. Helen spent 18 years in teaching, finding joy in her students and a deep sense of purpose in the classroom. For years, she believed teaching was her lifelong path, pouring her energy and resources into her role. But after a gruelling stint with new pressures, overwhelming workload...

In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we speak to the inspirational James Terry. James describes himself as “born to teach.” From his first work experience as a teacher in school, he knew it was his calling. For six years, he found joy and purpose in the classroom, creating an environment that felt like home. But after moving to a new school, James lasted only four terms before he handed his re...

In this compelling episode, we meet Vicky Thurkettle, a teacher who found more than a career in the classroom - she found purpose, family, and what she believed was her path for life. Known for her unwavering dedication, Vicky poured her heart into her work, shaping young lives and embracing each day as part of her own. But after returning from maternity leave, everything changed. Within just seve...

In this unexpected, laugh-out-loud bonus episode, we bring you a real-life message exchange from a loyal Pit Pony podcast listener who found herself in the most ridiculous situation - sitting at school pickup, having a peaceful moment with her egg roll, and then—bam!—hit by a car.  You seriously can't make this up.  Listen to the hilarious back-and-forth of Whatsapp messages, full of classic...

Hey everyone! Welcome to our pre, pre, pre-episode of the Pit Pony Podcast! We're sat here, Sunday 20th of October, 2024. So, why are we here today? Well, we’ve been planning The Pit Pony Podcast! We're talking to members of our Life After Teaching group about their incredible journeys out of the classroom, and we were all geared up to post about it... until Facebook threw us in jail. Ye...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Pit Pony Podcast with us, Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our Facebook group Life After Teaching – a space for teachers who’ve said "enough is enough" and are ready to thrive outside the classroom. What We Chat About: How It All Started : Picture this – it’s 2020, we're stuck at home during l...

Hello again! It’s Sharon and Sarah, back with another episode of the Pit Pony Podcast . Today, we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes story of the Pit Pony YouTube video , which somehow got over 100,000 views – despite a few technical hiccups (thanks, tech gods). Spoiler alert: it was almost a total disaster, but we made it through! What We Chat About: Tech Woes and Triumphs : So, picture this – we’r...

Hello and welcome back to the Pit Pony Podcast ! In this episode, we’re bringing you the original audio from the Pit Pony YouTube video recorded back in April 2021. It’s the video that started it all – showing teachers how to break free from the financial and mental traps of teaching. While some things may have aged a bit, the principles still stand strong. What We Talk About: Su’s Exit Story : Ou...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to share Sharon's incredible journey from teacher to seven-figure business owner! 🎉 Sharon opens up about her transition from the classroom, where she once felt trapped as a “pit pony,” to building Conexus Tuition , a thriving business helping students and franchisees all across the UK. We dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between – from those early...

In this episode, we flip the script as Sharon interviews Sarah about her own pit pony journey! Sarah takes us back to her 24-year teaching career, all the ‘heads’ she’s held (literally all of them, except her own sometimes), and what it felt like when that life came to a sudden, brutal stop. We dive into the messy aftermath, from grappling with the financial fallout to Sarah’s "Netflix, crisp...