The School Run

The School Run with Jane & Liv

The School Run Podcast is co- hosted by mum (Jane) and daughter (Liv) we focus on topics which you weren't taught at school e.g. personal development, effective communication, relationships, health, well-being & so many more. We offer insights from two generations, helping you to build your dream life. Each episode provides practical advice and tasks to implement immediately, encouraging growth and self-improvement. The aim is to inspire you to become the best version of yourself, dream big and bet on yourself. Liv was 15 years old when she started the podcast with her mum in 2023.

  1. 5 days ago

    E180: Summer Re-Run | The School Run Podcast | Chris Markham on Resilience, Mentors, Elite Football & Leadership

    Welcome to the first episode in our School Run Podcast Summer Re-Run Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most listened-to and most loved conversations from the podcast archive. Originally released in April 2023, this episode with Chris Markham has remained one of the podcast's most popular episodes—and for good reason. In this episode we chat to our very good friend, Chris Markham, current Technical Performance Director at Bolton Wanderers Football Club. Previously Head of Performance Analysis at Huddersfield FC followed by several years at the FA as head of Gareth Southgate’s penalty shoot out insights team for our national team. Chris is a huge family man and all round fabulously wise and intelligent individual; husband to Grace, father to Esme and Eva, son and brother. It is so apt that we recorded this episode on International Women’s Day with Chris being surrounded by incredible women in his life at work and home as he proudly works as part of Sharon Brittan’s team at Bolton Wanderers. Like so many young boys his dream was to be a professional footballer. Through his own wisdom, hard work, gritty determination, initiative and ability to build and maintain relationships he as gone on to have 3 dream roles in football, an industry that he is hugely passionate about, and is part of high performing teams despite this not being on the pitch. He said himself that he has had 3 dream jobs with Huddersfield FC as Head of Performance Analysis, with the FA and Chris is one of the brains behind successful teams and players in football and as Liv said we sometimes forget the mass of expertise that goes behind a successful winning team on the pitch or in life. Topics: -The mentor that has a profound, life long, affect on his life -The impact of experiences outside of school -The recipe for success being three things that his dad taught him; Hard work, knowledge and relationships socially and much more………. You can follow Chris on LinkedIn or twitter @‌_chrismarkham Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to. We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate fudge brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here ….. ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠ **Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at ****mrsjanejames@icloud.com ** Edited with precision by the wonderful Mike Roberts at Making Digital Real --- Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to ⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠ --- Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are done so as respectfully as possible and are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

  2. 6 Jul

    E179: The School Run Podcast | Jackie Handy on The Matter Model, Belonging, Leadership & Confidence

    What if school had taught us that everyone wants to feel like they matter and that confidence often comes from trusting yourself, embracing vulnerability and understanding that life rarely follows a straight path? In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane chats with Jackie Handy — leadership and culture specialist, speaker, soon-to-be published author of The Matter Model, and founder of Runway Global. Jackie shares her journey from wanting to become a German teacher, to working in freight forwarding, recruitment and learning and development, before creating a business dedicated to helping people feel safe, valued and understood at work. Together, Jane and Jackie explore belonging, confidence, identity, leadership and purpose. Jackie also shares deeply personal moments from her own life, including coming out as gay as a teenager, the unwavering love and support of her parents, and how these experiences shaped her passion for creating happier, healthier and more human cultures. They discuss why everyone wants to answer two important questions — Do I matter here? and Does what I do here matter? — and how small, intentional actions can create million-dollar moments that transform relationships and workplace cultures. This conversation is full of wisdom for parents, young people, leaders and anyone navigating change, searching for purpose or wanting to build stronger connections with the people around them. Highlights ● Why life and careers are rarely linear ● Trusting the process, even when life feels uncertain ● Understanding your strengths and recognising what gets in your way ● The power of love, acceptance and belonging ● Jackie’s personal journey of identity and coming out as a teenager ● Why everyone wants to feel that they matter ● The two questions at the heart of The Matter Model ● Creating happier, healthier workplace cultures ● The importance of psychological safety and vulnerability ● How small actions can create million-dollar moments ● Why confidence is really about self-trust ● Lessons learned from walking the Camino de Santiago ● Finding purpose through challenge and adversity ● The advice Jackie would give to her younger self ● Why some of our most valuable memories are made on the school run Guest Links Find out more about Jackie Handy and Runway Global:
https://jackiehandy.com/ Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiehandy/ Listen to Jackie’s podcast, Manage What Matters:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/manage-what-matters/id1876890920
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHj13oHq3adRaoPLqUanl?si=8d3def1ae64246f6 Find out more about Jackie’s forthcoming book, The Matter Model: How Great Leaders Build Belonging, Strengthen Purpose and Drive Engagement at Work:
https://www.routledge.com/ Keep an eye on Jackie’s website for updates and book information:
https://jackiehandy.com/ The School Run Podcast If you’ve loved this episode and would like to support the podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here:
www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun It helps us keep bringing these uplifting, honest and inspiring conversations about confidence, belonging, leadership and life to more people. Instagram: @theschoolrun_official
Follow Jane: @mrsjanejames
Email Jane: jane@littlevoices.org.uk This podcast is brought to you by Little Voices, where we nurture confidence and big futures through drama and singing. Find out more about our classes, school partnerships and franchise opportunities at:
www.littlevoices.org.uk Disclaimer The conversations shared on The School Run Podcast are based on personal stories, experiences and opinions. They are intended to inspire, encourage and open up meaningful conversations, but they should not replace professional advice where needed. Editing Credit This episode was edited and produced by Mike Roberts from Making Digital Real. We are so lucky and privileged to work with Mike and highly recommend him.

  3. 29 Jun

    E178: Jack Mellor | DBS Checking, Hiring, Leadership, Confidence, Communication & Parenting Insights

    What if school had taught us that confidence isn’t about having all the answers, but about finding your voice, staying curious and having the courage to do what feels right? In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane chats with Jack Mellor — CEO of Personnel Checks (PC Group), parent to a two-year-old, and someone she has worked alongside through Little Voices for many years. Jack shares his journey from wanting to become a chef, to studying French, living and working in Paris, and eventually returning home to lead the family business. Together, Jane and Jack explore confidence, communication, leadership, parenting and why life rarely follows the path we imagine at sixteen. They also discuss the importance of recognition, building a positive workplace culture, learning through practical experiences and how becoming a parent has given Jack a fresh perspective on curiosity, communication and lifelong learning. This conversation is full of wisdom for parents, young people, business owners and anyone who has ever wondered whether they really have it all figured out. Episode Highlights: Confidence, Leadership, Communication and Curiosity ● Why life and careers are rarely linear ● Following what genuinely interests and excites you ● The value of learning languages and embracing new experiences ● Returning to lead a family business ● Building a positive workplace culture through recognition ● What confidence really means in leadership ● Why communication is such an important life skill ● The importance of curiosity and lifelong learning ● Why practical experiences can help learning stick ● Finding your voice and having the courage to speak up ● Reflections on parenting a two-year-old and seeing the world through a child’s eyes ● The lessons Jack would share with his younger self ● Why some of our most valuable memories are made on the school run Favourite Quotes “Confidence is having the courage to do what you know is right.” “I was never chasing a particular job. I was just chasing the skill of learning to speak French.” “You can teach yourself so much today if you stay curious.” Guest Links Connect with Jack Mellor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmellor/ Find out more about Personnel Checks (PC Group) at:https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/ Marketing@personnelchecks.co.uk Listen to Jane’s guest appearance on Jack’s podcast through the links in the show notes. Support The School Run Podcast If you’ve loved this episode and would like to support the podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here:www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun It helps us keep bringing these uplifting, honest and inspiring conversations about confidence, leadership, communication and parenting to life. Connect With Us Follow the podcast on Instagram: @theschoolrun_officialFollow Jane: @mrsjanejamesEmail Jane: jane@littlevoices.org.uk About Little Voices This podcast is brought to you by Little Voices, where we nurture confidence and big futures through drama and singing. Find out more about our classes, school partnerships and franchise opportunities at:www.littlevoices.org.uk Disclaimer The conversations shared on The School Run Podcast are based on personal stories, experiences and opinions. They are intended to inspire, encourage and open up meaningful conversations, but they should not replace professional advice where needed. Editing Credit This episode was edited and produced by Mike Roberts from Making Digital Real. We are so lucky and privileged to work with Mike and highly recommend him.

  4. 22 Jun

    E177: Overcoming Maths Anxiety, Building Confidence and Why Learning Isn’t Linear with Arthur Moore

    What if school had taught us that life, learning and careers don’t have to follow a straight line? In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane chats with Arthur Moore — award-winning professional maths tutor, qualified secondary school teacher and founder of an online tutoring business. Arthur shares his journey from school, to Microsoft, to Teach First, to teaching in the UK and Thailand, and eventually into tutoring. Together, Jane and Arthur explore what education really means, why so many young people feel pressure to have everything figured out, and why confidence is built through both support and challenge. They also talk about maths anxiety, why “I’m bad at maths” can become a damaging story, and how adding the word “yet” can change everything. This conversation is full of wisdom for parents, teachers, tutors, young people and anyone who has ever wondered whether it’s too late to change direction. In this episode, we talk about: ● Why careers and life paths are rarely linear ● The pressure young people feel to make big decisions early ● Why schools are brilliant and challenging places ● The importance of supporting and challenging young people ● What maths anxiety really is ● Why confidence is about making decisions for yourself ● How teachers can make learning “stick” ● Why progress matters more than perfection ● Arthur’s advice for teachers thinking about life beyond the classroom ● The power of asking for help and finding mentors ● Arthur’s own podcast with his children about Formula One Favourite Moments “Learning is hard — and if you’re finding something challenging, you’re probably in the right place.” “Confidence is making a decision because you believe it is the right decision, not because you need someone else to approve it.” “It’s not that you can’t do maths. It might just be that you can’t do it yet.” Guest Links Find Arthur Moore on LinkedIn by searching Arthur Moore Tutor. https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-moore/ Arthur’s Formula One podcast with his children is called A Little Moore Formula One Chat. Support The School Run Podcast If you’ve loved this episode and would like to support the podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here:www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun It helps us keep bringing these uplifting, honest and inspiring conversations to life. Connect With Us Follow the podcast on Instagram: @theschoolrun_officialFollow Jane: @mrsjanejamesEmail Jane: jane@littlevoices.org.uk About Little Voices This podcast is brought to you by Little Voices, where we nurture confidence and big futures through drama and singing. Find out more about our classes, school partnerships and franchise opportunities at:www.littlevoices.org.uk Disclaimer The conversations shared on The School Run Podcast are based on personal stories, experiences and opinions. They are intended to inspire, encourage and open up meaningful conversations, but they should not replace professional advice where needed. Editing Credit This episode was edited and produced by Mike Roberts from Making Digital Real. We are so lucky and privileged to work with Mike and highly recommend him.

  5. 15 Jun

    E176: What Confidence Really Means: Gina Cole on Theatre, NLP and Inner Strength

    From Shy Girl to Leadership Coach: Gina Cole on Confidence, NLP & Finding Your Voice What does confidence really mean? And what do you wish school had taught you about emotions, self-belief, vulnerability and finding your own voice? In this inspiring episode of The School Run Podcast: Little Voices, Big Stories, Jane is joined by Gina Cole, strategic organisational development consultant, founder of Goal Centred Development and NLP trainer. Gina has over 20 years of experience in learning, development, leadership and organisational culture. But her own journey began with a shy little girl who found her voice through singing, theatre and performance. From classical singing lessons at the age of eight, to playing Maria in West Side Story, to later helping women, leaders and organisations understand themselves more deeply, Gina’s story beautifully connects the dots between the arts, confidence, personal growth and leadership. This episode also dives into Gina’s journey through sociology, psychology, childcare, Sure Start, children’s centres, organisational development and neuro-linguistic programming, also known as NLP. It is a powerful conversation about learning, self-awareness, vulnerability, women’s leadership, emotional wellbeing and why our own story is always worth sharing. About Gina Cole Gina Cole is a strategic organisational development consultant with over 20 years of experience in learning, development, leadership and organisational culture. She is the founder of Goal Centred Development and works with individuals, women, leaders, coaches, teams and organisations to support growth, confidence, connection and compassionate leadership. Gina’s work includes coaching, coach training, coach supervision, NLP, mental fitness, leadership development and organisational culture work. Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to. We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a coffee….. ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠⁠ Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We’d love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at liv@schoolrunpodcast.com ⸻ Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to ⁠⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠ ⸻ Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it. This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of [⁠Making Digital Real⁠](https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/

  6. 8 Jun

    E175: From Schoolgirl to Police Superintendent: Andrea Quinton on Leadership & Confidence

    From Schoolgirl to Police Superintendent: Andrea Quinton on Leadership, Confidence & Unexpected Career Paths What did you think you’d be when you left school? And what happens when life takes you somewhere completely different? In this inspiring episode of The School Run Podcast: Little Voices, Big Stories, Jane is joined by Andrea Quinton, former Police Superintendent, leadership coach and founder of Together She Thrives. Andrea spent 34 years serving in policing, leading teams through critical incidents, organisational change, major investigations and some of the most challenging moments imaginable. Yet at 16, none of that was part of the plan. She wanted to be a teacher. Instead, a chance decision, a voluntary role in the Special Constabulary and a willingness to keep taking the next step led her on an extraordinary career journey that saw her rise through the ranks to become a senior leader in North West Armed Policing. Together, Jane and Andrea explore confidence, career choices, leadership, motherhood, resilience and why so many young people feel pressure to have their entire future mapped out before they’ve even discovered who they are. This is a powerful reminder that there is no single route to success—and sometimes the path you never planned becomes the one you’re meant to follow. In this episode, we discuss: ⭐ Why Andrea originally planned to become a teacher ⭐ Leaving school and taking an unexpected career path ⭐ How volunteering as a Special Constable changed everything ⭐ Working in policing for 34 years ⭐ Rising from Police Constable to Superintendent ⭐ Leadership lessons from high-pressure environments ⭐ What young people really need to know about careers ⭐ Confidence, resilience and personal growth ⭐ Balancing motherhood and leadership ⭐ Why your first job doesn’t have to define your future ⭐ Learning through experience, mistakes and challenges ⭐ The importance of empathy in leadership ⭐ Why nobody truly has life figured out at 16 About Andrea Quinton Andrea Quinton spent 34 years serving in policing, finishing her career as Superintendent in North West Armed Policing and Collaboration. Throughout her career she led high-performing teams through critical incidents, operational policing, organisational change and personal challenges, developing a leadership style rooted in empathy, clarity and helping people thrive. Today Andrea is the founder of Together She Thrives, supporting individuals and organisations to build confidence, develop leadership skills and achieve their potential. Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to. We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here ….. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @theschoolrun_official / @mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We’d love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at liv@schoolrunpodcast.com ⸻ Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk ⸻ Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it. This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real.

  7. 1 Jun

    E174: Helping Every Child Learn Their Way: Kelly Cox on Neurodiversity, Confidence & EdTech

    In this inspiring episode of The School Run with Jane, Jane chats with Kelly Cox, Head of School Partnerships at Wavelength, an education technology platform helping young people access maths in a more personalised, confidence-building way. Kelly’s story is anything but ordinary. After attending 15 different schools, moving across the UK and beyond, becoming the first in her family to go to university, travelling the world for almost a decade, accidentally discovering teaching in South Korea, and later working in UK schools, Kelly has built a life shaped by resilience, curiosity and service. Together, Jane and Kelly explore what school teaches us — and what it often doesn’t. They talk about friendship, confidence, belonging, career choices, travel, neurodiversity, maths anxiety, teaching, faith, transferable skills, and why every young person deserves to feel understood. Kelly also shares how Wavelength supports schools, teachers, SENCOs, parents and young people by helping pupils learn in a way that works for their brain — especially those who may be neurodiverse, disengaged, anxious, or struggling to access maths in a traditional classroom. This is a warm, thoughtful and uplifting conversation about finding your path, learning differently, and remembering that confidence often grows when we feel truly seen. In this episode, we talk about: * What it was like attending 15 different schools * Being the first in the family to go to university * Why transferable skills matter so much * How travel can shape confidence and independence * Teaching in South Korea and discovering a passion for education * Supporting young people with additional needs * Neurodiversity, maths confidence and personalised learning * Why teachers need tools that help them understand the whole child * How Wavelength supports schools across the UK * Confidence as something others may see before we feel it ourselves * Friendship, belonging and choosing your circle wisely * What school should teach young people about life and themselves Guest Kelly Cox https://www.wavelength.org/ kelly@wavelength.org Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to. We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate fudge brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here …..[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠⁠ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at liv@schoolrunpodcast.com mrsjanejames@icloud.com Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to* http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠ http://www.littlevoices.org.uk **Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.** This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real⁠ https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/

  8. 25 May

    E173: Anne-Marie Martin: Diddi Dance Founder, CAA CEO & Building Confidence in Children

    In this episode of The School Run Podcast: Little Voices, Big Stories, Jane chats with Anne-Marie Martin; founder and franchisor of Diddi Dance, newly appointed CEO of the Children’s Activities Association, marathon finisher, charity fundraiser and passionate advocate for collaboration, inclusion and raising standards across the children’s activity sector. Anne-Marie shares her inspiring journey from a little girl in Derby who fell in love with dance at just three years old, to training professionally, performing commercially, launching Diddi Dance, building a successful franchise network and now leading the CAA into its next exciting chapter. Together, Jane and Anne-Marie talk openly and honestly about confidence, rejection, resilience, perfectionism, motherhood, leadership during lockdown and the reality that none of us have all the answers. This episode is packed with warmth, humour, honesty and inspiration and is a powerful reminder that finding your calling can happen at any stage of life. In this episode, we discuss: * Anne-Marie’s journey into dance and performing arts * How Diddi Dance began and grew into a franchise network * What the Children’s Activities Association (CAA) does and why it matters * Raising standards in the children’s activities sector * The importance of safeguarding, compliance and external validation * Why helping children find “their thing” matters so much * Confidence, resilience and dealing with rejection * The realities of entrepreneurship and franchising * Leadership, collaboration and community in business * Motherhood, perfectionism and personal growth * Running the London Marathon for Caudwell Children * TikTok, visibility and stepping outside your comfort zone * What Anne-Marie would tell her younger self About Anne-Marie Martin Anne-Marie Martin is the founder and franchisor of Diddi Dance, a preschool dance franchise helping children discover movement, music and confidence through fun and engaging classes across the UK. She is also the newly appointed CEO of the Children’s Activities Association (CAA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising standards, supporting providers and promoting safety and best practice across the children’s activity sector. Alongside her work in business, Anne-Marie is a passionate advocate for collaboration, inclusion and creating opportunities for children and families through movement and creativity. Guest Links Find out more about Diddi Dance and the Children’s Activities Association online, and follow Anne-Marie on Instagram and TikTok as @OriginalDiddiDancer. Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to. We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠ @littlevoiceslimited You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse www.theolivejar.online ‌ Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it. This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

4.9
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

The School Run Podcast is co- hosted by mum (Jane) and daughter (Liv) we focus on topics which you weren't taught at school e.g. personal development, effective communication, relationships, health, well-being & so many more. We offer insights from two generations, helping you to build your dream life. Each episode provides practical advice and tasks to implement immediately, encouraging growth and self-improvement. The aim is to inspire you to become the best version of yourself, dream big and bet on yourself. Liv was 15 years old when she started the podcast with her mum in 2023.