The Still Human Podcast

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 positive emotions in learning and wellbeing. He explores how school leaders can model empathy and create p...

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 academies. He discusses relational behaviour management, unconditional positive regard, and the importanc...

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 of emotional intelligence in school leadership. He also explores the challenges faced by female educato...

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 joy in their work. She draws on positive psychology to share practical ways to notice, cultivate and pro...

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, embedding gratitude, forgiveness, and intentional behaviours across her trust. She shares practical strat...

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 organisations can create blame-free environments. He reflects on the role of mindfulness in communication, the impo...

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 Learn Accidentally’ and ‘ Botheredness’ . He explores how professional imagination, intellectual curiosit...

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, understanding your “why”, and building strong, positive cultures in schools. She explores leadership approaches t...

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. She explores common misconceptions about menopause, the benefits of strength training, and the role of l...

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 through openness, connection, and purpose. He discusses the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, the...

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 in special schools, including stress management, neurodiversity, and the importance of self-reflection f...

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 managing workload, pupil behaviour, and creating positive working environments. He explores the importa...

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 the nervous system for better sleep. She also shares the idea of inner safety and why it plays a crucial...

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 to workload pressure and burnout in schools. She explores practical strategies for managing workload, b...

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 his personal relationship with music, including the creation of a melody in memory of his daughter and...

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 environments for both staff and students. He explores practical ways to improve staff retention, build mean...

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 challenges, including endurance events in extreme conditions and the creation of a charitable trust. He...

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 retention and attrition, as well as the need for more family-friendly policies in schools. Emma highli...

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 rest into the school day. She discusses how rest supports emotional wellbeing, the role of school leaders...

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 wellbeing, including sleep, diet, exercise, and expressing gratitude. Darren highlights the powerful impa...

Curriculum expert, author and former headteacher John Tomsett explains the benefits of values-based leadership in education. In this episode, John discusses value-based leadership, building psychological safety, creating cultures of trust, and reducing unnecessary workload. You’ll hear practical ways leaders can support staff wellbeing, strengthen school culture, and build sustainable leadership....