Changing Conversations

In this episode we chat with Rachel from the Menopause Cafe. Menopause affects half the population and yet there are still huge inequalities and we don't often talk about it. Rachel wants to change that and so do we, particularly in the world of education.

Here are some links for more information on menopause cafe, symptoms and #flushfest22

Common Menopause symptoms https://www.menopausenow.com/articles/list-menopause-symptoms

Find your nearest menopause specialist: https://thebms.org.uk/find-a-menopause-specialist/

Useful Menopause Links: https://www.menopausecafe.net/useful-links

Menopause cafe website - https://www.menopausecafe.net/

FlushFest 2022 - https://www.menopausecafe.net/menopause-festival-2022-flushfest2022/

NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/the-menopause

Sarah and Billy reconnect with Professor Alan Daly from University of California, San Diego, and are also joined by his friend and colleague Professor Chris Chapman from University of Glasgow. Both are interested in how networks and connections can improve the education system for all, and this is a timely conversation in the context of current education;reform in Scotland. With some messages of hope for a fatigued profession, their focus on the science behind compassion, empathy and connection will be a welcome message for many.

Clare Willetts founded Not Only Pink and Blue to challenge stereotypes surrounding boys and girls, the most common or familiar being the colours of pink and blue. Clare shares her mission and we explore some of the key issues that we can all help to challenge, outlining her belief that children should not be pigeonholed or labelled from an early stage and that the clothes, toys and books we give them should be based on interest not gender. www.notonlypinkandblue.com

In this episode Billy chats with with author, journalist and college lecturer James McEnany. James talks about the concepts outlined in his book ‘Class Rules’ and shares his frustrations with the school system and its role in ensuring the status quo of social class. A provocative discussion to generate debate at a time of potential reform in Scotland’s education system. Share your views with us on Twitter and connect with James @MrMcEnany

Gavin Oattes is an author, business owner and keynote speaker who started out as a primary teacher. In this episode Gavin shares his fears and gratitude as he recounts how he worked for the survival of his business during the pandemic, reflecting on the need for creativity in how we work. He describes how the values of the organisation drive them forward through good times and tough ones. And he discusses his experience with worry and anxiety and how he tries to overcome this in all aspects of his life. GFollow Gavin on Twitter @gavinoattes

Amanda Corrigan is deputy head of the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde. She is passionate about developing the best teachers to support Scotland’s children and young people. She chats with Sarah and Billy about what really matters in becoming a great teacher, and they all share advice for teachers new to the profession and those further into their career. Amanda tweets @ajcorrigan

Ali MacLachlan is CEO of The Wood Foundation, a charity aiming to help enable and empower social and economic change in Scotland and Africa. This conversation is about Generation Change - our young people, our future. Ali is passionate about active citizenship and inspiring a love of learning in our children and young people, and discusses how wellbeing and purpose are core to this and to how she works. Follow Ali on Twitter @ AliEliMac

There is a window for positive change in education at the moment and connections lie at the heart of it. In this conversation, Sarah and Billy hear from Professor Alan Daly, author of 'Social Network Theory and Educational Change.' Alan's enthusiasm is infectious and he is passionate about how formal and informal networks can be a driving force for school improvement. Find out more about Alan here: https://eds.ucsd.edu/discover/people/faculty/daly.html

Graeme Armstrong is best-selling author of 'The Young Team', a book set around gang culture in Airdrie in the west of Scotland. The novel mirrors many of Graeme’s own experiences growing up involved with drugs, drink and violence. in this conversation he openly shares his views on his motivation and hopes for the book, reflections on his educational experiences and his hopes for a better future for vulnerable young people. 

Follow Graeme on Twitter @Graem_Armstrong21

David Price OBE is a bestselling author, speaker and international expert on how organisations learn, innovate and make themselves fit for the future. In this episode David delves into various themes from his most recent book 'The Power of Us' and challenges us to think differently to innovate, collaborate and cooperate. Sarah, Billy and David also discuss what the future could look like for the education of young people. Find out more about David: https://www.davidpriceobe.com

As ever please share your reflections with us via twitter @Changingconver1