Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood talk to former teachers about exiting from the classroom and thriving.Don't forget to leave us a VOICEMAIL, quickly and easily a...
038 - Pit Pony Paul Lennon - Classroom to NHS Health Adviser
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 and around the world. Paul started his career as a PE teacher, eventually working his way up to head of department, assistant principal, and IB Diploma Coordinator.But his journey took an unexpected and deeply challenging turn when he found himself in a toxic school environment that left him battling anxiety, self-doubt, and ultimately a panic attack that forced him to walk away.Paul shares: · His fascinating globetrotting teaching career, from Japan to Africa to Russia and beyond · The power struggles and bullying culture that made his final school unbearable · The moment he physically couldn’t enter the building—and the turning point that followed · How leaving education led him to a new career in the NHS, where he’s found professional fulfilment and purposeThis is an eye-opening conversation about resilience, leadership, and what happens when great teachers are pushed out by toxic cultures. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job that no longer aligns with your values, Paul’s story will resonate deeply.🎧 Listen now and discover how he rebuilt his life after teaching.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real
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037 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 2
In this second part to Hollie Jones’ story, we dive deeper into her legal battle for workplace justice, the emotional toll of discrimination, and the life-changing shift that followed.After an appalling "well-being" call that questioned her ADHD diagnosis, Hollie knew she was facing more than ignorance - she was up against systemic failure. With unwavering determination, she documented every step, stood her ground, and ultimately forced those in power to reckon with their treatment of neurodivergent staff.In this episode, Hollie shares:How she fought back through grievance procedures and legal action.The psychological impact of being gaslit and sidelined by leadership.The power of a paper trail—and why every neurodivergent employee should keep one.How she found a fulfilling new career advocating for neurodiversity in schools.Hollie's is a story of demanding change, knowing your worth, and proving that neurodivergent professionals belong in every workplace.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real
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036 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 1
In this powerful two-part episode, we sit down with Hollie Jones, a former teacher turned neurodiversity practitioner, whose journey out of the classroom is one of resilience, advocacy, and hard-won justice.Hollie always believed teaching was her lifelong career - until she faced systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of understanding about neurodivergent needs in the workplace. What started as a request for simple, reasonable adjustments quickly spiralled into a legal battle for her rights.In this first part of her story, Hollie opens up about:The reality of masking in education and the impact of undiagnosed ADHD.The subtle and overt ways workplace discrimination manifests.The breaking point that forced her to step away from the profession she loved.Hollie's journey is one about standing up, speaking out, and setting a precedent for others facing similar challenges.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real
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035 - Pit Pony Ruth O'Neill - Classroom to SEND Consultant and Tutor
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 into a new role as a SEND consultant and English tutor. Ruth’s journey took her from teaching in the UK to classrooms in Cairo and Costa Rica, before returning home to take on a challenging SENCO role. Over time, the pressures of the role, increasing workload, and systemic challenges pushed her to breaking point.Ruth opens up about the realities of working in SEND, the emotional and professional toll of the job, and how she ultimately found a new, fulfilling way to use her expertise outside of traditional education. Now, she supports families navigating the SEND system, helps children access the right support, and provides English tuition—all on her own terms.If you’ve ever wondered what life after teaching could look like, or if you’re a SENCO questioning your next steps, this episode is for you.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real
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034 - Pit Pony Sarah Cowen - Classroom to Head of Domestic Abuse Services
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 the profession. But after 18 years, she faced the realisation that her boundaries, well-being, and identity had been eroded over time.Sarah’s story is one of deep reflection, empowerment, and transition. Now working as Head of Domestic Abuse Services, she shares:✨ How she went from ‘accidental teacher’ to Mary Poppins of education, parachuting into struggling departments and making them thrive.✨ The toxic relationship parallels between teaching and her work in domestic abuse advocacy.✨ The exact moment she decided to leave—triggered by the now-famous Pit Pony video.⏳ Why she once fantasised about being hospitalised for six months just to escape work.This conversation is raw, honest, and so relatable for anyone who has ever normalised the unacceptable in teaching.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real
Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood talk to former teachers about exiting from the classroom and thriving.Don't forget to leave us a VOICEMAIL, quickly and easily at https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastSupport the podcast by buying us a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub
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