The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching
Episodes
087 - Danielle Crossland - Classroom to Bookkeeper
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sharon and Sarah are joined by Danielle Crossland, a former secondary maths teacher whose story offers a refreshingly different persp...
086 - David Fountain - Classroom To Consultant
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Sharon and Sarah sit down with someone many of you already know from the Life After Teaching community - David Fountain, the teacher-turned-edu...
085 - Elaine Mackechnie - Classroom to Maths Tutor & Course Creator
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Sharon and Sarah sit down with the brilliant Elaine Mackechnie, known to many as Maths with Mrs Mack - a tutor whose journey out of the cla...
084 - Re-Release - David Myers - Part 2
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2 of this re-released conversation follows David through the most painful stretch of his journey - and into the life-changing transition that bro...
083 - Re-Release - David Myers - From Creative Teacher to Breaking Point, Pt 1
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful two-part replay, Sharon and Sarah revisit one of the Pit Pony Podcast’s most talked-about episodes - the story of David Myers, a ma...
082 - Behind the Scenes - Inside the Life After Teaching Facebook Group
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Sharon and Sarah lift the curtain on the community that started it all — Life After Teaching: Exit the Classroom and Thrive, the Facebook...
081 - Silenced by Support - The Campaign Update
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful update episode, Sarah is joined by campaign co-founder Nick Smart to share the latest progress on Silenced by Support - the national ...
080 - Resignation - The Fear, the Finances, and the Freedom
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sharon and Sarah hold space for one of the biggest topics in education - the mystery, the pressure and the fear around teache...
079 - Suspension - Navigating the Hardest Days in Education
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful new episode, Sharon and Sarah tackle one of the most difficult experiences any teacher can face: suspension from school.They unpack w...
078 - Sarah Grocutt - Classroom to Freelance Email Marketing Strategist
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After twelve years teaching in specialist and alternative education, Sarah Grocutt reached breaking point. What began as a career full of creativity, ...
077 - Lisa Mead - Classroom to Online Tutor
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After twenty years in primary education, Lisa Mead found herself completely burnt out. The workload, the pressure, the impossible expectations - it al...
076 - Paula Smith - Classroom to Transformational Coach and Trainer
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After three decades in education, rising to the ranks of headteacher and executive head, Paula Smith found herself at breaking point. In this deeply m...
074 - Clare Gregg - Classroom to Entrepreneur and Advocate
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Clare Gregg, whose journey into teaching was anything but ordinary.Statistically, Clare should never have m...
073 - Nick Smart - Breaking the Silence on Settlement Agreements in Education
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Smart: Silenced by Support and the Fight for ChangeWelcome to Season 2 of The Pit Pony Podcast. We begin with an episode that steps beyond indivi...
072 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Amy Meade
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our FINAL Summer Re-Issue episode, we revisit the story of Amy Meade, who spent 14 years in education, moving from secondary English to primary lea...
071 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Gareth Isaac
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply reflective reissue, we revisit the story of Gareth Isaac, who entered teaching through the Teach First route in 2014. Within just a few...
070 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Katie Stone
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Katie Stone, a teacher who resisted the profession for years before finally enterin...
069 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Paul Lennon
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Jap...
068 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Sarah Cowen
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Sarah Cowen, a teacher whose journey through education reveals the toll of relentle...
067 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Grant Decker
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ne...
066 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Hannah Jones
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
065 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - James Terry
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
064 - Pit Pony Kat Philippou-Curtis Part 2 - With Special Guest Cathy Tyson
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kat’s Story, Part 2: Swallow - A Film That Could Change EverythingIn this gripping second half of our conversation with Kat Philippou-Curtis, we’r...
063 - Pit Pony Kat Philippou-Curtis - Classroom To Film Maker Part 1
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this gripping and harrowing episode, we sit down with Kat Philippou-Curtis, a drama specialist, film writer and filmmaker, as she shares the shocki...
062 - Pit Pony Jay Dehaan - Classroom to Curriculum Innovation Manager - Part 2
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
061 - Pit Pony Jay Dehaan - Classroom to Curriculum Innovation Manager - Part 1
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jay Dehaan didn’t grow up wanting to be a teacher. In fact, he hated school. He left education with no qualifications, spent five years in a wheelch...
060 - Gareth Dale - Classroom to Childrens Author / Private Tutor Part 2
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Gareth Dale continues his story - from barely holding it together in the classroom to discovering his voice a...
059 - Gareth Dale - Classroom to Childrens Author / Private Tutor Part 1
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Gareth Dale - a teacher from 2005 to 2023 - to explore a story of love, loss, and the emotional toll...
058 - Pit Pony Giselle Wild - Classroom to Safeguarding Young Lives
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 17 years in the classroom, Giselle Wild left teaching at Christmas 2024. In this episode, she reflects on a career built on creativity, care and...
057 - Pit Pony Emma Harper - Classroom to CEO / Marketing Mentor - Part 2
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Harper Part 2: Finding Freedom After the FallIn the second half of Emma Harper’s story, we follow her journey out of the classroom for good. Af...
056 - Pit Pony Emma Harper - Classroom to CEO / Marketing Mentor - Part 1
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Harper Part 1: From Promise to Breaking PointEmma Harper was a dedicated secondary maths teacher from 2011 to 2023. In this episode, she shares t...
055 - Pit Pony Jeanette Thompson-Wessen - Classroom to ADHD Nutritionist - Part 2
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of our conversation with Jeannette Thompson-Wessen, the story turns even darker. After being shouted at while pregnant, ignored during risk...
054 - Pit Pony Jeanette Thompson-Wessen - Classroom to ADHD Nutritionist - Part 1
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful first part of our conversation with Jeannette Thompson-Wessen, we hear how a passionate, dedicated food technology teacher went from ...
052 - Pit Pony David Myers - Classroom to Student Support Officer at Durham University - Part 1
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former maths teacher David Myers joins us for a gripping two-part conversation about his journey in and out of the classroom - and everything in betwe...
053 - Pit Pony David Myers - Classroom to Student Support Officer at Durham University - Part 2
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of our conversation with David Myers, we pick up at the point he finally walks away from teaching - and follow what happens next.From explor...
051 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 8
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In todays bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we bring you another trio of powerful Sliding Doors moments – those life-defining experiences share...
050 - What do I do if I think I'm being bullied
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this vital episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, Sharon and Sarah discuss one of the most common - and distressing - questions that surfaces in the Life...
049 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 7
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Sliding Doors bonus episode, we bring you three more powerful and deeply personal reflections from teachers who’ve exited the classr...
048 - Know Your Rights
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s Pit Pony Podcast is a bit different - it’s just Sharon and Sarah, no guest, but lots of honesty, insight and real talk.We’re kicking...
047 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 6
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this sixth edition of our beloved Sliding Doors Stories, we bring you three powerful moments from guests who, after leaving the classroom, found cl...
046 - Sliding Doors - Sharon’s Story
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we’re turning the spotlight inward. For the first time, co-host Sharon Cawley shares her own powerf...
045 - Pit Pony Ilana King - Classroom to Educational Consultant
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by the unstoppable Ilana King - educational consultant, entrance exam specialist, home educator, and all-round powerho...
044 - Pit Pony Pete Scholes - Classroom to Driving Instructor & Author
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re joined by the brilliant and unassuming Peter Scholes – a man who gave 21 years to the classroom before stepping away when shiftin...
043 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 2
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Rob Newlands takes us through the devastating fallout of his time in headship - and the turning point that ch...
042 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 1
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of this two-part special, we meet Rob Newlands, a former headteacher who climbed the leadership ladder quickly - only to face a stark and...
041 - Pit Pony Kitty White - Classroom to Holiday Cottages Business Manager
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?Buy Us a Coffee ☕️Kitty White never imagined she’d leave teaching - she was in it for life. But after years of batt...
040 - Pit Pony Rachael Daniel - Classroom to Development Officer
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a dedicated teacher realises that the career she once loved is no longer the right fit? In this episode, we sit down with Rachael Da...
039 - Pit Pony Grant Decker - Classroom to Record Store Owner
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Grant Decker – a former teacher whose love for music led him to open his own reco...
038 - Pit Pony Paul Lennon - Classroom to NHS Health Adviser
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Paul Lennon, a former teacher with 28 years of experience in secondary schools across the UK...
037 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 2
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this second part to Hollie Jones’ story, we dive deeper into her legal battle for workplace justice, the emotional toll of discrimination, and th...
036 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 1
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful two-part episode, we sit down with Hollie Jones, a former teacher turned neurodiversity practitioner, whose journey out of the classr...
035 - Pit Pony Ruth O'Neill - Classroom to SEND Consultant and Tutor
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Ruth O’Neill, an educator who spent over 20 years in the classroom before stepping...
034 - Pit Pony Sarah Cowen - Classroom to Head of Domestic Abuse Services
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s episode is a powerful one. We sit down with Sarah Cowen, a former drama teacher who never planned to teach—until she fell in love with...
033 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 5
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible transformations our guests have experienced since leaving th...
032 - Pit Pony Katie Stone - Classroom to Virtual Assistant Agency Owner
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we sit down with Katie Stone, a former primary school teacher who left the classroom after facing work-related stress and the pressures of an i...
031 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 4
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back with another special bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast - Sliding Doors Stories, Part 4!In this episode, we revisit those powerful mom...
030 - Pit Pony Amy MacDonald - From Classroom to Forest School Leader and Curriculum Writer
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we welcome Amy MacDonald, a former primary school teacher who transformed her love for teaching outdoors into a fulfilling new career. Amy’...
029 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 3
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re thrilled to bring you another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode! This special collection features incredible moments from our guests that tr...
028 - Pit Pony Mark Thompson - Classroom to TV & Film Chaperone
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Thompson is a former computing and business studies teacher with over 18 years of experience in education. After leaving the classroom in 2011, ...
027 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 2
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited to share the second in our series of brand-new bonus episodes of the Pit Pony Podcast - a heartfelt collection of our guests’ incred...
025 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 1
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first part of this fantastic two-part episode, we introduce Leanne Herring, a passionate teacher whose love for education began as a six-year-o...
026 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 2
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of Leanne Herring’s inspiring story, we delve into her journey beyond the classroom and explore the incredible life she’s built...
024 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 1
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sliding Doors Moments: From Chocolate to Celebrancy and Safari Dreams 🎙️Welcome to our first special bonus episode, where we celebrate the incred...
023 - Pit Pony Lee Springett - Classroom to Barnardos Project Manager
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In todays episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Lee Springett, a former secondary school teacher who made the leap from the classroom into...
022 - Pit Pony Gareth Isaac - Classroom to Mindfulness Teacher
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply introspective episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, Sharon and Sarah sit down with Gareth Isaac, a former sociology teacher who left the cla...
021 - Pit Pony Jane Lloyd - Classroom to Artist
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this final episode of 2024, we welcome Jane Lloyd—a former teacher of 14 years who traded in the classroom for a paintbrush and a new lease on li...
020 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 5 - From The Shadows To Success
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this final chapter of Jonny Millard’s gripping story, we witness his extraordinary transformation from being trapped in a toxic work environment ...
019 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 4 - Breaking Free, The Struggle for a New Beginning
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Chapter 4 of Jonny Millard’s story, we delve into one of the most harrowing aspects of his teaching career: the systemic barriers preventing him ...
018 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 3 - Reaching Out For Help
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Chapter 3, Jonny Millard takes a courageous step as he reaches out for help, sharing his growing struggles with colleagues and leadership. Determin...
017 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 2 - A Rapid Decline
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Chapter 2 of Jonny Millard's story, we follow his move to a new school with high hopes and ambition. However, unforeseen changes in leadership...
016 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 1 - The Teacher Who Dreamed Big
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a very special Christmas special 5 part episode of the Pit Pony Podcast.In this first chapter of Jonny Millard’s compelling story, we mee...
015 - Hannah Jones - Classroom to Head of Prison Education England & Wales
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heart-wrenching yet uplifting episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Jones, a former teacher whose passion for education car...
014 - Pit Pony Rae Dillon - Classroom to Copywriter
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After 17 years in education, Rae Dillon made a bold decision to leave the classroom and step into a whole new world. In this episode, Rae shares her f...
013 - Pit Pony Nicole Bateman - Classroom to SEND Advisor & Sensory Expert
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After 11 years in the classroom, Nicole Bateman left teaching in 2021, seeking a new way to align her career with her family's needs and her pers...
012 - Pit Pony Amy Meade - Classroom to Learning & Development Manager
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After 14 years in teaching, from secondary English to primary leadership roles, Amy Meade’s journey out of the classroom is remarkable. Amy candidl...
011 - Pit Pony Rowena Hicks - Classroom to Author
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re joined by Rowena Hicks, who dedicated over 30 years to her role as a Deputy Head Teacher and SENCO in the London-Kent area. Teaching wa...
010 - Pit Pony Helen Taylor - Classroom to Cabin Crew
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Helen Taylor, a former history teacher whose dedication to education was undeniable. Helen spent 18 years in teachin...
009 - Pit Pony James Terry - Classroom to Civil Celebrant
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we speak to the inspirational James Terry.James describes himself as “born to teach.” From his first work...
008 - Pit Pony Vicky Thurkettle - Classroom to Chocolatier
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this compelling episode, we meet Vicky Thurkettle, a teacher who found more than a career in the classroom - she found purpose, family, and what sh...
007 - Egg Rolls and Near-Misses - A Bonus Whatsapp Message Special
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this unexpected, laugh-out-loud bonus episode, we bring you a real-life message exchange from a loyal Pit Pony podcast listener who found herself i...
006 - Bonus Episode - Facebook Jail Edition
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hey everyone! Welcome to our pre, pre, pre-episode of the Pit Pony Podcast! We're sat here, Sunday 20th of October, 2024.So, why are we here toda...
004 - Pit Pony Sharon Cawley: From Teacher to CEO
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re thrilled to share Sharon's incredible journey from teacher to seven-figure business owner! 🎉 Sharon opens up about he...
003 - The Pit Pony Teaching Video: Where it all began (FULL Original Audio)
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hello and welcome back to the Pit Pony Podcast! In this episode, we’re bringing you the original audio from the Pit Pony YouTube video recorded back...
002 - The Life After Teaching Pit Pony YouTube Video Explained
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hello again! It’s Sharon and Sarah, back with another episode of the Pit Pony Podcast. Today, we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes story of the Pit...
001 - The Life After Teaching Facebook Group Explained
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the very first episode of the Pit Pony Podcast with us, Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of ...
005 - Pit Pony Sarah Dunwood: From Teacher to COO
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we flip the script as Sharon interviews Sarah about her own pit pony journey! Sarah takes us back to her 24-year teaching career, all...