WizAnn

Dean Warrington

We all want to know what’s happening in the London Taxi World, but not everyone has the time or patience to read through a bunch of trade articles. Join Dean Warrington as he recap the most important stories and issues about the Black Cab and Knowledge trade every week. Keep up with current events and get your weekly news in under an hour with focused and curated podcasts.

  1. 6D AGO

    From Lorry Driver to London Cabbie: The John ‘Ronseal’ Kendall Story🎙️

    🎙️ Podcast Intro Script Welcome back to the podcast — today we’ve got a brilliant and inspiring guest with us… John Kendall, better known by many in the trade as “Ronseal” — and if you’ve ever seen his famously permanent brown tan, you’ll understand exactly why that nickname stuck. 😄 John’s story is a proper one. Before completing the Knowledge of London, he was already out there working the streets as a Yellow Badge driver, and before that he spent years behind the wheel of a lorry, so driving has always been in his blood. But John’s journey hasn’t just been about learning runs and calling points. He’s also overcome some serious personal challenges along the way. John has a stammer, which meant he was given additional time in his Knowledge appearances — but he still stood there, did the work, and got it done. And if that wasn’t enough, he also made a huge life change for his health. John travelled to Turkey to have surgery that removed most of his stomach in order to lose weight. The transformation has been incredible — going from a super-large bloke to a normal-sized man, completely changing his lifestyle in the process. So today we’re going to talk about the Knowledge, determination, setbacks, health changes, life on the road, and what it really takes to keep pushing forward when things aren’t easy. This is the story of John “Ronseal” Kendall — and trust me, this one’s worth listening to. Let’s get into it. 🎧 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join

    25 min

  2. FEB 25

    Double the Challenge: University, The Knowledge and Autism – Rhys Williams’ Story

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Rhys Williams, who is taking on the extraordinary challenge of studying for a university degree while simultaneously doing the Knowledge of London — all while being diagnosed as Autistic. Rhys shares his personal journey, the realities of balancing two highly demanding disciplines, and the unique challenges he faces along the way. We discuss the pressures, the learning processes, and whether trying to tackle both at the same time is truly realistic or sustainable. This is an honest, insightful and thought-provoking conversation about ambition, resilience, neurodiversity, and the realities of studying the Knowledge. Whether you’re considering starting the Knowledge, currently on the journey, or just interested in different learning experiences, this episode offers a fascinating perspective.

    22 min

  3. FEB 18

    Changing Lanes: Why PHV Driving Isn’t Ideal for Studying the Knowledge

    In this episode, Dean sits down with Daniel Bowry for a candid and insightful conversation about his journey into the world of the Knowledge of London. Daniel opens up about his decision to leave a career as a professional chef and make the bold switch to becoming a cab driver, sharing the challenges, motivations, and realities behind such a major life change. He discusses his experience working as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver, explaining why, in his view, it isn’t the ideal position when trying to study and complete the Knowledge — from time pressures to distractions and the practical difficulties of balancing work and study. Daniel also reflects on the powerful influence of his late grandfather, who was a London cabbie, and how his legacy played a key role in inspiring Daniel to pursue and ultimately complete the Knowledge himself. A thoughtful, honest, and inspiring conversation for anyone interested in the Knowledge, career change, or the traditions of London’s taxi trade. Join this channel to get access to perks:

    27 min

  4. FEB 11

    He Tried at 20 — Now He’s Back in His 50s | Paul Drinkwater’s Knowledge Journey

    “Some journeys aren’t straight lines — they circle back, years later, with more experience, perspective, and determination.   In this video, we follow Paul Drinkwater — a former professional in banking and leasing — as he returns to one of London’s most demanding challenges: The Knowledge of London.   Paul first attempted The Knowledge in his early 20s, balancing ambition with inexperience. Now, in his 50s, he’s back — wiser, more disciplined, and with a very different mindset. So what’s it like to take on The Knowledge decades later? Has time made it harder… or has life experience made him better equipped than ever? Let’s take a closer look at Paul’s journey — past, present, and what lies ahead on the long road to becoming a London taxi driver.”* Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join

    28 min

  5. FEB 2

    From Albania to London Cabbies 🇬🇧🚖 | Husband & Wife Conquer The Knowledge

    From Albania to the streets of London 🇬🇧🚖🐝 Meet Lendi and Penesta – husband and wife, parents of three, beekeepers, and now fully qualified London cab drivers. After moving to the UK from Albania, they took on one of the toughest challenges in the world: The Knowledge of London. Studying side by side, supporting each other through early mornings, late nights, setbacks and successes, they both qualified and now proudly drive London black cabs. But their story doesn’t stop there. At home, they’re raising three children and keeping bees – producing their own honey through dedication and hard work, just like they did with The Knowledge. 🍯 This is a story about resilience, partnership, family values and building a new life in the UK. If you’ve ever doubted what’s possible with determination and teamwork, this one’s for you. 👇 • What it’s really like doing The Knowledge as a couple • Balancing family life with one of the world’s hardest exams • Starting over in a new country • Life now as licensed London cab drivers Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more real stories from the Knowledge community. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join

    43 min

  6. JAN 28

    “Not Fit and Proper” — The War Hero Who Took on TFL and Won

    🎙️ Knowledge Boy Chronicles – Episode: Stephen Shine In this episode of The Knowledge Boy Chronicles, we sit down with Stephen Shine, a man whose life story redefines resilience, service, and determination. Stephen is currently studying The Knowledge, but his journey here has been anything but ordinary. A former bus driver, carer for children with special needs, and British Army veteran, Stephen served in Afghanistan driving a Challenger 2 tank, where he survived being hit by two IEDs. As a result of his service, he lost his leg and lives with PTSD.   Despite already working for Transport for London as a bus driver, Stephen was initially refused entry onto The Knowledge, with TFL stating that this decorated war hero was not a “fit and proper person” to drive a taxi.   With the support of the UCG (United Cabbies Group), that decision was challenged — and overturned.   Now, Stephen begins his journey toward earning the coveted Green Badge, adding it to a lifetime of hard-earned medals and achievements. This is a conversation about: Service and sacrifice Fighting bureaucracy Mental health and perseverance And what it truly means to never give up   📍 Tune in for an honest, moving, and inspirational episode.   👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support the journey. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join

    36 min

  7. JAN 25

    £500 a Day? The Truth About Earnings, The Knowledge & the Trade

    🎙️ Promo Text (YouTube Description / Social Post) This week on the podcast, Dean Warrington, founder of WizAnn Knowledge School, is joined by Paul Byron of HP Taxis for a wide-ranging and honest conversation with Connor Dill. We dive deep into Connor’s views on The Knowledge, unpack Ben Smith’s current journey through it, and talk openly about what it really takes to survive and succeed in the trade today. The conversation also turns to the recent Twitter controversy that’s had everyone talking — the heated spat over claims of earning £500 per day and what those numbers actually mean in the real world. No filters, no hype — just real opinions, real experience, and straight talk from people living it. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join

    38 min

  8. JAN 21

    This Time It’s Different: Craig Fontana on The Knowledge

    At 39 years old, Craig Fontana is proof that timing matters — and that it’s never too late to commit to something you’ve always known was calling you.A roofer by trade, Craig has spent years grafting, building, and putting responsibility first. The Knowledge was always there in the background — something he tried before, something he respected — but life had other demands. This time is different.In this episode, Craig opens up about returning with real intent, what maturity brings to the process, and why committing now means more than ever. We talk discipline, sacrifice, unfinished business, and the mindset shift that comes with finally giving something your full attention.A powerful conversation about patience, perseverance, and choosing yourself — even later than planned. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join

    30 min
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About

We all want to know what’s happening in the London Taxi World, but not everyone has the time or patience to read through a bunch of trade articles. Join Dean Warrington as he recap the most important stories and issues about the Black Cab and Knowledge trade every week. Keep up with current events and get your weekly news in under an hour with focused and curated podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Dean Warrington
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    WizAnn

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