The Tattooed Teacher

Phil Murdoch
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  • Education

The Tattooed Teacher Podcast is a conversation‑based podcast exploring the person behind the educator. Hosted by a teacher who knows there’s more to life than the classroom, each episode goes beneath the surface on identity, purpose, creativity, educator wellbeing, burnout, growth, and what it really means to show up as yourself in education. You’ll hear honest conversations with teachers and inspiring guests from around the world—sharing real stories and lived experiences that challenge the traditional image of what an educator “should” be.

  1. 6d ago

    Teaching Is a Performance and AI Doesn't Know the Script with Holly Wedd

    On this episode of The Tattooed Teacher Podcast, I chat with Holly Wedd, Head Teacher of Mathematics in Coffs Harbour, to unpack how she's gone from never wanting to set foot in a school again to becoming the 2026 Premier's Teaching Scholarship recipient, a 2025 Schools Plus Teaching Fellow, and the holder of a growing list of awards in just eight years of teaching. Holly shares how a maths teacher why she is trying to change the way people feel about maths — from a subject you "get through" to one that's as creative and engaging as any other. We explore what really matters in the maths classroom: connecting content to real-world application, not just the syllabus the shift from "getting the right answer" to explaining your reasoning the balance between rote learning and spaced retrieval practice building a classroom that's genuinely safe to fail in We also discuss AI in education, including the research on cognitive offloading and what happens to a student's thinking when AI does it for them, and how Holly uses AI tools to differentiate lessons for a full range of abilities in minutes instead of hours — without a single student feeling singled out. A key thread throughout the episode is simple but important: AI can save you time, but it can't read a room, manage a classroom, or replace the relationship you build with your students. This is a thoughtful, energetic, and deeply practical conversation for maths teachers, school leaders, and anyone curious about where AI actually fits in a real classroom. You can find Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-wedd-ohs/ you can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Sponsored byThe BUSY School This episode is brought to you by The BUSY School— a network of special assistance schools for Year 11 and 12 students who've disengaged from mainstream education. Small classes, real industry connections, and completely free for students.  If you know a young person who needs a different kind of school, The BUSY School could be exactly what they're looking for. The BUSY School is part ofThe BUSY Group — an Australian not-for-profit approaching its 50th year, operating across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.  Find out if there's a BUSY School near you at ⁠⁠busyschools.edu.qld.au⁠⁠ Supported by The Design & Technologies Resource Site An Australian platform built to help creators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect with Design & Technologies educators. https://andacod.com.au/ TeacherPD Australia https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's Premier Teacher PD Directory

    55 min

  2. Jun 18

    Teaching, Leadership & AI: What actually matters in schools with Jon Burnett

    On this episode of The Tattooed Teacher Podcast, I chat with Jon Burnett Head of Teaching and Learning Systems and Improvement, to unpack his journey from music graduate to educational leader. Jon shares how stepping into the unknown and often the deep end shaped his career, and why saying “yes” to new challenges helped him grow both as a teacher and a leader.  We explore what really matters in teaching: building strong relationships with students learning through experience (not just theory) the importance of mentorship for new teachers and why you never truly “arrive” in this profession  We also discuss AI in education, looking at how schools can use it in a practical way—saving time, reducing workload, and giving teachers more space to focus on what matters most: people.  A key thread throughout the episode is simple but important: Education is human first—everything else comes second. This is a rich, honest, and deeply practical conversation for classroom teachers, school leaders, and anyone wrestling with what education should look like when AI is already in the room. You can find Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-burnett-sunshine-coast/ you can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Sponsored byThe BUSY School This episode is brought to you by The BUSY School— a network of special assistance schools for Year 11 and 12 students who've disengaged from mainstream education. Small classes, real industry connections, and completely free for students.  If you know a young person who needs a different kind of school, The BUSY School could be exactly what they're looking for. The BUSY School is part ofThe BUSY Group — an Australian not-for-profit approaching its 50th year, operating across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.  Find out if there's a BUSY School near you at ⁠⁠busyschools.edu.qld.au⁠⁠ Supported by The Design & Technologies Resource Site An Australian platform built to help creators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect with Design & Technologies educators. https://andacod.com.au/ TeacherPD Australia https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's Premier Teacher PD Directory

    1h 1m

  3. Jun 11

    From Kansas to Korea: The Accidental Global Educator with Nick Steffen

    On this episode of The Tattoo Teacher Podcast, I chat with Nick Steffen — EdTech innovator, design teacher, tech coach, stand-up comedian, and one of the most adventurous educators you'll ever meet. Born and raised in Kansas, Nick has built maker programmes from scratch in China, trained engineers in Ohio, and is currently coaching teachers and students in South Korea — with Munich, Germany up next. Together, we explore hands-on learning, maker education, AI in the classroom, stand-up comedy as teacher professional development, neurodiversity in STEM, and the power of saying "Yes, And" to every student idea — asking the questions educators everywhere are wrestling with right now: How do we teach students to think when AI can do the thinking for them? How do we build maker culture with no space, no budget, and no shop? And what happens when you stop being the expert in the room and start being the best learner in it? This is a practical, funny, and genuinely inspiring conversation for design teachers, tech coaches, school leaders, and anyone who believes the best classroom moments happen when something doesn't go to plan. You can find Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-steffen-a02a63188/ https://www.instagram.com/nicksteffencomedy/ you can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Sponsored byThe BUSY School This episode is brought to you by The BUSY School— a network of special assistance schools for Year 11 and 12 students who've disengaged from mainstream education. Small classes, real industry connections, and completely free for students.  If you know a young person who needs a different kind of school, The BUSY School could be exactly what they're looking for. The BUSY School is part ofThe BUSY Group — an Australian not-for-profit approaching its 50th year, operating across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.  Find out if there's a BUSY School near you at ⁠busyschools.edu.qld.au⁠ Supported by The Design & Technologies Resource Site An Australian platform built to help creators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect with Design & Technologies educators. https://andacod.com.au/ TeacherPD Australia https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's Premier Teacher PD Directory

    53 min

  4. Jun 4

    From Disengaged to Employed: How BUSY Schools Work for Young People with Paul Miles

    On this the 60th episode of The Tattoo Teacher Podcast, I chat with Paul Miles, CEO of The BUSY Group, about the gap between traditional education and real-world outcomes and what can be done to help close it. Paul shares how BUSY schools support disengaged students through the mix of education, vocational training, and strong relationships—helping young people finish school and move into work or apprenticeships. We cover some big questions: • Why so many students disengage from school • The growing importance of trades and apprenticeships • What employers say is missing from school leavers • Why relationships matter more than content • How AI and changing work will shape education Paul also challenges the idea that school is only about learning content, arguing that education needs to focus just as much on preparing young people for life and work. You can find Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdmiles/ https://busyschools.qld.edu.au/? https://www.busyatwork.com.au/about-busy/busy-group/ you can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Sponsored byThe BUSY School This episode is brought to you by The BUSY School— a network of special assistance schools for Year 11 and 12 students who've disengaged from mainstream education. Small classes, real industry connections, and completely free for students.  If you know a young person who needs a differentkind of school, The BUSY School could be exactly what they're looking for. The BUSY School is part ofThe BUSY Group — an Australian not-for-profit approaching its 50th year, operating across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.  Find out if there's a BUSY School near youat busyschools.edu.qld.au Supported by The Design & Technologies Resource Site An Australian platform built to help creators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect with Design & Technologies educators. https://andacod.com.au/ TeacherPD Australia https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's Premier Teacher PD Directory

    56 min

  5. May 21

    Teaching & TEDx: Building Community, Sharing Ideas, Staying Curious with Will Berry

    On this episode of The Tattoo Teacher Podcast, Will Berry shares his journey into education and what’s helped himstay in the profession. Along the way, Will shares what keeps early‑career teachers in the profession, the importance of school culture, and why simply checking in can make a difference. We also cover leadership, community, and howeducation might need to shift as the world around it changes. Will also shares insights from running TEDxNewy and how community and new ideas are shaping the future of education. You can find Will: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-berry/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tedxnewy/ https://tedxnewy.com.au https://www.instagram.com/tedxnewy/   you can find me onLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Supported by The Design & Technologies Resource Site An Australian platform built to helpcreators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect withDesign & Technologies educators. https://andacod.com.au/ TeacherPD Australia https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's PremierTeacher PD Directory

    1h 3m

  6. May 13

    How Digital Pedagogy Transforms Education: Insights from Matt Jensen

    On this episode of The Tattoo Teacher Podcast, I chat with Matt Jensen. He shares practical insights from his work in digital pedagogy and coaching, focusing on how technology can support—not replace—great teaching. The conversation also dives into AI in education—including the risks of automated “feedback loops,” the importance of using AI as a thinking partner, and practical ways it can save teachers time so they can reinvest it into relationships and learning design. Matt also shares how Kahoot has evolved beyond quizzes into more open, creative learning experiences, and finishes with a challenge for educators: share what you’re learning to strengthen professional community and reduce the isolation many teachers feel. You can find Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjensenedu/ https://mattjensenedu.com/ you can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Supported by The Design & Technologies Resource Site An Australian platform built to help creators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect with Design & Technologies educators. https://andacod.com.au/ TeacherPD Australia https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's Premier Teacher PD Directory

    57 min

  7. May 6

    Re‑Imagining School Without Walls: Virtual Learning Community & the Future of Education with Danni Foster Brown

    On this episode of The Tattoo Teacher Podcast, I chat with Danni Foster Brown, an experienced educator, educational leader, and Head of the Virtual Learning Community on the Gold Coast who is redefining what school can look like. Together, we explore educational technology, AI, transdisciplinary learning, virtual schooling, personalised learning, wellbeing, and community, asking the big questions schools need to be grappling with right now: How do we prepare students for an uncertain future? How do we use technology without losing humanity? And what does real community look like in an online school? This is an honest, hopeful, and deeply practical conversation for teachers, school leaders, parents, and anyone interested in the future of learning. You can find Danni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danni-foster-brown-5690771b/ you can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Supported by https://andacod.com.au/ An Australian platform built to help creators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect with Design & Technologies educators. https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's Premier Teacher PD Directory

    51 min

  8. Apr 23

    AI, Design Thinking & Student Agency with Ryan Noonan

    On this episode of The Tattoo Teacher Podcast I chat with Ryan Noonan, Leader of Digital Technology and Innovation at Chevalier College (NSW), to explore what meaningful innovation in schools looks like. Ryan’s journey starts in a low-SES community where education wasn’t seen as the obvious path, until sport and coaching sparked a love of teaching and leadership. Together, we unpack the leadership shift from “hearing” to truly “listening,” the role of humility in supporting teachers, and why relationships remain the foundation of learning in the age of AI. We explore student agency, design thinking, and the power of failing forward including the incredible example of Chevalier students designing a glove that translates sign language into speech, opening doors to innovation conferences in Australia and even NASA-related opportunities. Ryan also shares his early experimentation with generative AI—from creative writing and publishing an AI-assisted children’s book, to practical classroom use cases like supporting diverse learners and helping students build interactive experiences with Canva Code. The discussion also covers challenges such as cognitive offloading, assessment redesign, and the uncomfortable truth that what industry calls “efficiency,” education often labels “cheating.” Ryan issues a call-to-action for big tech and major companies to move beyond screens and invest on the ground in rural and regional communities, where access and support are needed most. You can find Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryannoonan5/ you can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE Follow DJ Fruit Salad: https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/ Supported by https://andacod.com.au/ An Australian platform built to help creators, educators, and podcasters increase their visibility and connect with Design & Technologies educators. https://teacherpd.com.au/ Australia's PremierTeacher PD Directory

    1h 3m
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About

The Tattooed Teacher Podcast is a conversation‑based podcast exploring the person behind the educator. Hosted by a teacher who knows there’s more to life than the classroom, each episode goes beneath the surface on identity, purpose, creativity, educator wellbeing, burnout, growth, and what it really means to show up as yourself in education. You’ll hear honest conversations with teachers and inspiring guests from around the world—sharing real stories and lived experiences that challenge the traditional image of what an educator “should” be.

Information

  • Creator
    Phil Murdoch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Phil Murdoch
  • Show Website
    The Tattooed Teacher

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