The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching

Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood
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Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood talk to former teachers about exiting from the classroom and thriving.Don't forget to leave us a VOICEMAIL, quickly and easily at https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastSupport the podcast by buying us a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

  1. 6D AGO

    069 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Paul Lennon

    In this powerful Summer Re-Issue, we revisit the story of Paul Lennon, a teacher whose career spanned 28 years and took him across the globe. From Japan, Italy, Malawi, Moscow and Senegal to his final role in Warsaw, Paul built a life around travel, education and family. But after decades of success and fulfilment, his last school brought him face to face with one of the most toxic leadership cultures we have ever heard described on the podcast. Shouted at in meetings, undermined at every turn and caught in a destructive clash of egos, Paul’s confidence and mental health began to unravel. He speaks openly about the panic attack that stopped him at the school gate, the therapy that helped him rebuild, and how he has since found a new chapter of purpose working with the NHS in the UK. Paul’s story is one of resilience, clarity and proof that there is life after teaching — even when the exit is forced by circumstances beyond your control. With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition Little Voices LS25 Web Design Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    1h 27m

  2. AUG 19

    068 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Sarah Cowen

    In this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Sarah Cowen, a teacher whose journey through education reveals the toll of relentless pressure, systemic failures and the struggle to protect her own wellbeing. Sarah speaks openly about her early passion for teaching, the moments of joy with her students, and the devastating impact of burnout and anxiety. She describes the reality of trying to hold everything together while her mental health unraveled, and the difficult choice to step away from a profession she once loved. Now carving out a life beyond the classroom, Sarah’s story is one of honesty, bravery and resilience. It is a reminder that leaving teaching is not the end of your story, but the beginning of a new one. If you are feeling overwhelmed, disillusioned, or at a crossroads in education, this episode will speak directly to you. With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition Little Voices LS25 Web Design Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    1h 12m

  3. AUG 12

    067 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Grant Decker

    In this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Grant Decker, an educator whose career took him from the classroom to unexpected new horizons. Grant speaks candidly about his early years in teaching, the highs of inspiring students, and the increasing pressures that began to chip away at his health and sense of purpose. He shares the moments that forced him to pause, reassess, and ultimately step away from the profession he had once imagined would be his life’s work. From navigating burnout to rediscovering his own identity outside of teaching, Grant’s journey is an honest exploration of resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to start again. If you have ever felt the weight of the job pressing too heavily on your shoulders, or wondered what comes next beyond the classroom, this is one to listen to. With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition Little Voices LS25 Web Design Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    1h 11m

  4. AUG 5

    066 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Hannah Jones

    In this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Hannah Jones, a history teacher who walked away from education after enduring one of the most dehumanising experiences we have ever heard. From her early passion for teaching to a brutal relocation that left her physically unwell, mentally exhausted and teaching in a condemned classroom, Hannah’s story is one of survival, clarity and courage. She shares what it was like to raise a disabled child in a system with no empathy, how her mental health deteriorated and the moment she walked out never to return. Now Head of Prison Education for England and Wales, Hannah’s story is a testament to what is possible on the other side of teaching. This is one of our most impactful episodes. If you are in the thick of it, this one is for you. With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition  Little Voices Mark Rickard - Author: Teach, Survive, Repeat  Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    1h 20m

  5. JUL 29

    065 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - James Terry

    As part of our Summer 2025 Rewind Series, we are revisiting one of the most heartfelt and compelling conversations we have ever shared. In this reissue, we are joined by James Terry, a former RE teacher who knew from a young age that teaching was his calling. After six joyful years in the classroom, James took a promotion and relocated to a new school. Within four terms, everything changed. He describes the slow unravelling that followed. A creeping sense of disconnection. Burnout. Anxiety. Physical symptoms that went unacknowledged. Eventually, the painful decision to walk away from the career he had once loved. But this is not a story of failure. It is a story of transformation. From a short-lived plan to become a bus driver, to years of supply teaching, and finally retraining as a civil celebrant, James found a new way to make a lasting impact. Today, he supports hundreds of families through the most important and emotional moments of their lives, bringing presence, compassion and deep humanity to everything he does. This revisited episode is for anyone seeking clarity, courage or simply the reassurance that purpose can be rediscovered in the most unexpected places. Originally aired: November 2024 | Reissued: Summer 2025 With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition  Little Voices Mark Rickard - Author: Teach, Survive, Repeat  Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    1h 6m

  6. JUL 22

    064 - Pit Pony Kat Philippou-Curtis Part 2 - With Special Guest Cathy Tyson

    Kat’s Story, Part 2: Swallow - A Film That Could Change Everything In this gripping second half of our conversation with Kat Philippou-Curtis, we’re joined by the legendary Cathy Tyson, who brings Kat’s story to life in the upcoming film Swallow. Together, we explore how a teacher who refused to be gagged transformed personal trauma into a powerful work of art. We talk about non-disclosure agreements, toxic leadership, cultural discrimination, and the quiet scandal of teachers forced out and silenced. Cathy shares her experience stepping into the role, and how the story struck a deep chord with her own values and background. This episode is not just about one film. It’s about the thousands of stories hidden behind closed doors. It’s about truth, courage, and the potential for a Me Too moment in education. If you've ever said, “Someone should make a film about this”… you're going to want to listen. With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition  Little Voices Mark Rickard - Author: Teach, Survive, Repeat  Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    59 min

  7. JUL 15

    063 - Pit Pony Kat Philippou-Curtis - Classroom To Film Maker Part 1

    In this gripping and harrowing episode, we sit down with Kat Philippou-Curtis, a drama specialist, film writer and filmmaker, as she shares the shocking truth behind her exit from further education. Kat was a passionate and dedicated lecturer, loved by many of her students and deeply committed to unlocking creativity through the arts. But what started as a dream job quickly unravelled into a nightmare of bullying, systemic malpractice, safeguarding failures and false allegations. Kat speaks candidly about being ostracised, manipulated and ultimately suspended - following an act of basic human compassion. She was later accused of misconduct and subjected to a biased investigation that stripped away her reputation, mental health and trust in the system. But that was just the beginning. This is a raw, brave and unfiltered account of what can happen when power is abused and whistleblowers are silenced. It’s also a testament to resilience, truth-telling and the power of storytelling - as Kat turns her lived experience into a powerful independent film called Swallow. Part 2 continues with the extraordinary story behind the making of the film - and a very special guest joins us. Connect with Kat: 🎬 Website: www.inventome.com 📸 Instagram: @cubbie3110 📘 Facebook: Katerina Philippou-Curtis Trigger warning - This episode includes discussion of bullying, discrimination, safeguarding failures, and mental health struggles. With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition  Little Voices Mark Rickard - Author: Teach, Survive, Repeat  Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    41 min

  8. JUL 8

    062 - Pit Pony Jay Dehaan - Classroom to Curriculum Innovation Manager - Part 2

    In Part 2 of Jay Dehaan’s story, we hear what happened after he made it into the classroom. Jay shares the emotional toll of leadership, the grief of losing a loved one, and the quiet realisation that the system he fought to be part of no longer fit the life he wanted. From pushing for curriculum change to missing out on time with his own children, Jay found himself questioning everything. We talk about the rigid structures of education, the barriers to meaningful change, and how discovering the Life After Teaching group helped him take the leap into further education. Now working as a Curriculum Innovation Manager for a remote apprenticeship provider, Jay is more present for his family and finally doing work that feels right. This is a powerful reflection on identity, resilience, and the courage to choose a new path. With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites): Conexus Tuition  Little Voices Mark Rickard - Author: Teach, Survive, Repeat  Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏 Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...

    53 min
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About

Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood talk to former teachers about exiting from the classroom and thriving.Don't forget to leave us a VOICEMAIL, quickly and easily at https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastSupport the podcast by buying us a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

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