The Still Human Podcast

The Still Human Podcast is for teachers, leaders and school staff navigating the realities of working in education today. Hosted by Julie Liddell and part of Edwin People's wellbeing and culture offering, this podcast features thoughtful conversations with teachers, principals, psychologists, authors and education leaders exploring what matters most: leadership in schools, staff culture, workload, burnout and sustainability. Each episode focuses on supporting the people behind the roles, because thriving educational communities start with looking after the humans within them. Still Human delivers training, workshops and strategic support for staff wellbeing and thriving cultures. Edwin People provide strategic leadership and HR services that help schools and multi-academy trusts grow confidently with people-centred solutions. Both part of the Edwin group, we work together to positively impact the lives of young people. Learn more at www.stillhuman.co.uk and www.edwinpeople.co.u

The Still Human Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 49 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The Still Human Podcast, a education show with 49 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #1

  The power of psychological safety with Laura McPhee

  Oct 6, 202654 minS3

  What does it really take to create schools where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas and bring their whole selves to work? In this episode, Julie Liddell is joined by Laura McPhee, Director of Education at University Schools Trust and author of Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement . Laura believes psychological safety is far more than a ‘nice to have’, she shares how it can create the conditions for stronger leadership, greater innovation and better outcomes for pupils. Laura also shares her own leadership experiences, including the lessons she learned from trying to conform to the idea of what a leader ‘should’ be, and why belonging, supportive challenge and cognitive diversity matter at every level of a school community. Explore more: Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement. Listen to the Edwin Talks Playlist Learn more about The Edwin Group

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  Episode #26

  Gender and Leadership with Dr Alexandra Thorp

  Sep 22, 202657 minS2

  Dr Alexandra Thorp, former primary headteacher and executive head, Ofsted HMI and senior HMI for SEND, and now CEO of a Multi Academy Trust, explores the experiences and barriers faced by women in school leadership. In this episode, Alex discusses her doctoral research on the gender identity of school leaders and how internalised gender expectations can influence confidence, self-doubt, and leadership identity. She explores the pressure women can feel to adopt traditionally masculine leadership traits, alongside wider structural barriers including bias and motherhood. Alex also shares how leadership training, coaching and workplace culture can help create more equitable opportunities for progression.

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  Episode #25

  Stop Talking About Wellbeing with Kat Howard

  Sep 8, 202658 minS2

  Kat Howard, Executive School Improvement Lead at Windsor Academy Trust and CEO of Lit Drive, explores the relationship between workload, school culture and staff wellbeing. In this episode, Kat shares her journey from banking to teaching and explains why she wrote Stop Talking About Wellbeing , arguing that wellbeing initiatives can feel hollow when policies and expectations create excessive workload. She discusses how miscarriage policies and maternity leave can shape the experience of working in education, and the importance of creating policies that genuinely support staff. Kat offers practical approaches for leaders, including listening to lived experiences, communicating clearly and being disciplined about change and priorities. Explore more: Stop Talking About Wellbeing Symbiosis: The Curriculum and the Classroom Reviving Rhetoric Across the Curriculum: A Guide for Teachers and School Leaders Lit Drive MTPT Project

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  Episode #24

  Lessons from a Lifetime in Education with Alice Witherow

  Jul 14, 20261h 1mS2

  Alice Witherow, CEO of the Cheviot Learning Trust, shares insights from more than 30 years in education, exploring leadership, collaboration and creating cultures where all school staff can thrive. Recorded shortly before her retirement as CEO, Alice looks back on the mentors, experiences and values that shaped her belief that supporting staff is essential to supporting children. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of leadership, the importance of keeping children at the heart of decision-making, and why collaboration, shared vision and relationships are critical to school success.

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  Episode #22

  Quiet Leadership with Andrew Marsh

  Jul 2, 202644 minS2

  Andrew Marsh, ex-headteacher and author of Quiet Leadership: The Power of Introversion in Schools , explores the strengths and challenges of leading as an introvert in education. In this episode, Andrew reflects on a 46-year career in education and discusses how coaching helped him embrace an authentic leadership style rather than trying to fit extroverted expectations. He explores common misconceptions about introversion, explains how it differs from shyness and anxiety, and shares why school cultures and recruitment processes can sometimes overlook quiet leadership qualities. Explore more: Quiet Leadership: The Power of Introversion in Schools Andrew Marsh's Substack

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