What happens when confidence becomes a mask for survival?

In this powerful episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Wilfred Webster for one of the rawest conversations we’ve had yet.

Wilfred opens up about growing up in hostels, hiding the reality of poverty during school, the embarrassment of free school meals, family struggles, and how trauma can shape behaviour, identity and confidence.

This isn’t just a conversation about education. It’s a conversation about what young people are really carrying behind the scenes.

A huge episode for anyone working with teenagers, schools, behaviour, mental health or youth support.

Topics include:

💔 Poverty and childhood trauma

🍽️ Free school meals & stigma in schools

⚠️ Behaviour and attention seeking

👊 Masculinity & emotions

🏫 School culture and relationships

🧠 Mental health and survival mode

🎭 Why young people wear masks

💭 The reality behind confidence

HUGE thank you to our sponsor Nisai Learning, an online school in the UK and worldwide providing flexible, accredited education: https://www.nisai.com

This episode is brought to you by Cameron Parker (UK’s #1 Motivational Speaker for Secondary Schools) and Education Media.

If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to like, comment and subscribe to The School Podcast for more conversations on education, leadership and youth development.

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