Edwin Talks

Andrew Hampton, former headteacher and founder of the Girls on Board, shares insights into empathy, relationships, and emotionally healthy school cultures.

In this episode, Andrew discusses empowering young people to manage friendships, building empathetic school environments, and the role of positive emotions in learning and wellbeing.

He explores how school leaders can model empathy and create psychologically safe spaces for both students and staff.

Dave Whitaker, CEO of Wellspring Academy Trust and author of The Kindness Principle, shares insights into relational leadership and the role of kindness in education.

In this episode, Dave reflects on his journey from mainstream secondary education to leading special and alternative provision academies.

He discusses relational behaviour management, unconditional positive regard, and the importance of empathy and strong relationships in schools.

Dave explores practical ways leaders can promote staff wellbeing and create positive school cultures, drawing on the principles that have influenced schools across the country.

Richard Kielty, senior school improvement officer for Education North Tyneside, shares how character, care and community shape the culture of his schools.

In this episode, Richard draws on his extensive experience in education to discuss reducing staff turnover, recognising burnout, and the role of emotional intelligence in school leadership.

He also explores the challenges faced by female educators during menopause and the importance of inclusive, supportive practices.

Richard reflects on why leaders modelling self-care and empathy play a crucial role in creating schools where people feel supported and able to do their best work.

Psychotherapist and former teacher Maria Roberts discusses the power of joy in our lives, our classrooms, and our leadership.

In this episode, Maria reflects on her journey from classroom teaching into counselling and research, and discusses the barriers that prevent educators from experiencing joy in their work.

She draws on positive psychology to share practical ways to notice, cultivate and protect joy, both personally and within school environments.

Debra Rutley, part-time CEO of Aspire Schools, shares how flexible working, values-led leadership, and human-centred approaches can support staff wellbeing in education.

In this episode, Debra reflects on her experiences of part-time leadership and explains her philosophy of leading with love, embedding gratitude, forgiveness, and intentional behaviours across her trust.

She shares practical strategies for supporting staff, including end-of-day gratitude practices and dedicated offsite time for leadership.

Simon Richardson, director of Golden Tree CIC, shares how compassion, psychological safety and transactional analysis can shape healthier, more human workplaces in education.

In this episode, Simon explores the drivers of stress in schools and discusses practical ways individuals and organisations can create blame-free environments.

He reflects on the role of mindfulness in communication, the importance of self-compassion, and how laughter and humour can support wellbeing at work.

Simon offers accessible, actionable strategies to help education staff build more supportive, sustainable working cultures.

Hywel Roberts, experienced teacher and author, shares insights into teaching, school culture, and supporting staff in education.

In this episode, Hywel discusses the importance of storytelling, relationships, and compassion in teaching, drawing on ideas from his books, ‘Oops! Helping Children Learn Accidentally’ and ‘Botheredness’.

He explores how professional imagination, intellectual curiosity, and self-care help teachers sustain their work.

Hywel reflects on the impact of leadership on school culture and explains why supportive environments are essential for both staff and students to thrive.

Keziah Featherstone, executive headteacher at The Mercian Trust and author of Punk Leadership, shares insights into values-led leadership and school culture.

In this episode, Keziah reflects on her unconventional route into teaching and discusses the importance of leading with values, understanding your “why”, and building strong, positive cultures in schools.

She explores leadership approaches that support staff wellbeing, managing mistakes, and maintaining balance in demanding roles.

Keziah offers thoughtful perspectives on sustainable leadership and the everyday practices that help schools and the people within them thrive.

Fitness and women’s health expert, Amanda Thebe, discusses menopause and its impact on wellbeing, especially in the workplace.

In this episode, Amanda shares her personal journey through menopause and depression and highlights the importance of education and support for women during this phase.

She explores common misconceptions about menopause, the benefits of strength training, and the role of lifestyle changes in managing symptoms.

Amanda offers practical insights into managing menopause and supporting others through the transition, with a focus on realistic, sustainable wellbeing practices.

Former Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton opens up about his experiences, breaking stigma around men’s mental health, and why speaking up is a strength.

In this episode, Anthony discusses his personal experiences with depression, substance abuse and financial hardship, and how he rebuilt his life through openness, connection, and purpose.

He discusses the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, the importance of talking openly, and how activities like cold water swimming, exercise, and community support can improve wellbeing.

Anthony also explains how his work as a barber and his retreats provide safe spaces for men to connect, heal and feel supported.