Shows
The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching087 - Danielle Crossland - Classroom to BookkeeperIn this episode, Sharon and Sarah are joined by Danielle Crossland, a former secondary maths teacher whose story offers a refreshingly different perspective on leaving the classroom.Danielle taught for ten years after starting her career in 2012, working in both high schools and sixth-form colleges. Teaching was something she was good at, something she enjoyed at times - but it was never her vocation. And crucially, she knew that early on.In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Danielle talks about recognising her limits, refusing to tie her identity or self-worth to a job...
2025-12-231h 06The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching086 - David Fountain - Classroom To ConsultantToday, Sharon and Sarah sit down with someone many of you already know from the Life After Teaching community - David Fountain, the teacher-turned-educator who has made understanding the Teachers’ Pension Scheme his personal mission.After 27 years in the classroom, teaching maths, science, IT and computer science, David reached a crossroads. Caring responsibilities, exhaustion and the constant reinvention of curricula pushed him to rethink his path. But leaving teaching wasn’t simple - not emotionally and certainly not financially.In this conversation, David breaks down the journey that led him out of s...
2025-12-1646 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching085 - Elaine Mackechnie - Classroom to Maths Tutor & Course CreatorThis 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 classroom has inspired hundreds of teachers to rethink what’s possible.After 26 years in education, spanning roles from Joint Head of MFL to Head of Year, Head of Key Stage and eventually 2nd in Maths, Elaine found herself pushed, pulled and reshaped by a system that never quite knew what to do with someone who could teach anything. What followed is a story of reinvention, grit, humour an...
2025-12-0958 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching083 - Re-Release - David Myers - From Creative Teacher to Breaking Point, Pt 1In 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 maths teacher whose experience captures both the brilliance and the brutality of modern teaching.Part 1 traces David’s journey from a creative, psychology-driven teacher who thrived in supportive, visionary schools, to the moment everything changed. He shares:His early success at High Tunstall - where creativity, curiosity and student-centred thinking were genuinely welcomedThe joy of teaching during lockdown, when technology finally allowed students to explore maths in meaningful, play...
2025-12-021h 06The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching084 - Re-Release - David Myers - Part 2Part 2 of this re-released conversation follows David through the most painful stretch of his journey - and into the life-changing transition that brought him back to himself.In this episode, Sharon and Sarah explore:The collapse of trust in leadership and the moment he was accused of lyingHow long-COVID, brain fog and exhaustion collided with a punitive support planThe emotional punch of being prescribed antidepressants - and the shame teachers so often carryThe union rep who finally said out loud what David couldn’tThe decision to resign, and the power that returned the second he didThe ey...
2025-12-0255 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching082 - Behind the Scenes - Inside the Life After Teaching Facebook GroupThis week, Sharon and Sarah lift the curtain on the community that started it all — Life After Teaching: Exit the Classroom and Thrive, the Facebook group now home to more than 177,000 members.They share what really goes on behind the scenes: how posts are moderated, why certain rules exist, and what it takes to keep such a vast and vulnerable space safe, supportive, and scam-free. From anonymous posting to the rise of MLMs, self-promotion, and the emotional weight carried by moderators, nothing’s off-limits in this honest and heartfelt episode.You’ll hear:How the gr...
2025-11-2546 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching081 - Silenced by Support - The Campaign UpdateIn this powerful update episode, Sarah is joined by campaign co-founder Nick Smart to share the latest progress on Silenced by Support - the national campaign fighting against the misuse of support plans in UK schools.Together, they reflect on how it all began, what’s been achieved so far, and the next steps in taking the movement from the Facebook group into Parliament, the press, and beyond.You’ll hear about:The origins of Silenced by Support and how the report was createdThe growing national database of testimonies and teacher experiencesThe lett...
2025-11-1852 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching080 - Resignation - The Fear, the Finances, and the FreedomIn this special episode, Sharon and Sarah hold space for one of the biggest topics in education - the mystery, the pressure and the fear around teacher resignation dates.Why do teachers only get three windows a year to resign? What happens if you miss the May 31st deadline? And why does this system leave so many feeling trapped, anxious and powerless?From the realities of the Burgundy Book to the emotional and financial toll of leaving a “job for life,” this conversation is honest, supportive and packed with insight. Sharon and Sarah share their own...
2025-11-1147 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching079 - Suspension - Navigating the Hardest Days in EducationIn this powerful new episode, Sharon and Sarah tackle one of the most difficult experiences any teacher can face: suspension from school.They unpack what really happens when you’re suspended, why it is supposed to be a neutral act, and the reality of how it is often handled in schools. With honesty and compassion, they talk through the emotional toll, the fear, and the isolation, and offer practical guidance on what to do next.From understanding ACAS guidance and TRA investigations to managing shame, union support, and how to write your statement using Sharon’s “T...
2025-11-041h 02The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching078 - Sarah Grocutt - Classroom to Freelance Email Marketing StrategistAfter twelve years teaching in specialist and alternative education, Sarah Grocutt reached breaking point. What began as a career full of creativity, compassion, and purpose turned into exhaustion, fear, and guilt as she tried to balance motherhood with an unforgiving system.In this candid conversation, Sarah opens up about her powerful decision to walk away from the classroom after an unsafe and unsustainable experience in a new provision. She shares what it took to rebuild her identity, rediscover confidence, and create a new life as an email strategist and copywriter.Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood...
2025-10-281h 09The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching077 - Lisa Mead - Classroom to Online TutorAfter twenty years in primary education, Lisa Mead found herself completely burnt out. The workload, the pressure, the impossible expectations - it all came to a head one morning when she simply couldn’t face going back into the classroom.In this powerful and relatable episode, Lisa opens up about: • Balancing motherhood with teaching and the guilt that comes with both • The culture of overwork and silent expectation in schools • The grief and shock of losing a colleague to suicide • The breaking point that led her to send that one life-changing...
2025-10-211h 11The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching076 - Paula Smith - Classroom to Transformational Coach and TrainerAfter three decades in education, rising to the ranks of headteacher and executive head, Paula Smith found herself at breaking point. In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, Paula opens up about her career, the moment that changed everything on the M25, and how she rebuilt her life from burnout to transformation.Now a Transformational Coach and Trainer, Paula shares how she turned pain into purpose, discovered the importance of choosing herself, and now helps others break free from fear, shame, and self-limiting beliefs.This episode is a story of courage...
2025-10-141h 22The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching075 - Liz Bell - Classroom to Education Recruitment ConsultantIn this emotional and uplifting episode, we meet Liz Bell, who spent 18 years in primary education, rising to deputy head and curriculum lead. Known for her energy, collaboration, and love of working with children who others had given up on, Liz poured herself into teaching - but the system broke her.After moving to Lincolnshire for a fresh start, Liz quickly found herself undermined, exhausted, and battling imposter syndrome. Within weeks she spiralled into illness and breakdown, forced to confront the reality that even her passion and commitment could not protect her from a toxic...
2025-10-071h 51The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching074 - Clare Gregg - Classroom to Entrepreneur and AdvocateIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Clare Gregg, whose journey into teaching was anything but ordinary.Statistically, Clare should never have made it into the classroom. As a child, she was a school refuser, on the child protection register, and at 18 found herself homeless and pregnant. Yet against all odds, she fought her way into education, inspired by the teachers who believed in her.Clare went on to teach Religious Education, working in challenging schools, comprehensives, and even a pupil referral unit. Along the way, she navigated personal health struggles, raising...
2025-09-301h 04The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching073 - Nick Smart - Breaking the Silence on Settlement Agreements in EducationNick 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 individual exit stories and into the heart of a growing campaign.Our guest is Nick Smart, a primary teacher who entered the profession at 42 and is now, at 58, exiting the classroom. But Nick’s story is not just about his own departure - it’s about shining a light on the thousands of teachers who have been forced out under the guise of “support plans.”In...
2025-09-231h 16The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching072 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Amy MeadeIn 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 leadership and eventually deputy and acting headship.Amy loved teaching and wasn’t working in a toxic school, but even after a successful Ofsted she realised the treadmill never stopped. Delaying medical treatment, putting family second, and even looking forward to surgery just to rest, Amy reached her epiphany moment: school could not come before her health and her loved ones.She resigned with nothing to go to, pushed th...
2025-09-161h 12The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching071 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Gareth IsaacIn 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 years he was experiencing disassociation, exhaustion and a sense of living outside his own body.Gareth opens up about how perfectionism and people-pleasing pushed him to burnout, the eerie experience of teaching on autopilot, and the moment he confided in a colleague who urged him to see a doctor. Signed off for stress, anxiety and depression, Gareth’s time in the classroom ended far sooner than he ever expected....
2025-09-091h 05The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching070 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Katie StoneIn this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Katie Stone, a teacher who resisted the profession for years before finally entering via the TA route and discovering a love for the classroom.From her PGCE at Manchester Met to seven years in teaching, Katie describes how the joy of working with children was eroded by pressure, exhaustion and an informal “support plan” that left her anxious, confused and eventually signed off with work-related stress. Pregnant at the time and coping with grief after losing a child, the relentless scrutiny pushed her into...
2025-09-021h 07The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching069 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Paul LennonIn 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 Japan, Italy, Malawi, Moscow and Senegal to his final role in Warsaw, Paul built a life around travel, education and family.But after decades of success and fulfilment, his last school brought him face to face with one of the most toxic leadership cultures we have ever heard described on the podcast. Shouted at in meetings, undermined at every turn and caught in a destructive clash of egos, Paul’s co...
2025-08-261h 27The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching068 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Sarah CowenIn this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Sarah Cowen, a teacher whose journey through education reveals the toll of relentless pressure, systemic failures and the struggle to protect her own wellbeing.Sarah speaks openly about her early passion for teaching, the moments of joy with her students, and the devastating impact of burnout and anxiety. She describes the reality of trying to hold everything together while her mental health unraveled, and the difficult choice to step away from a profession she once loved.Now carving out a life...
2025-08-191h 11The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching067 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Grant DeckerIn this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Grant Decker, an educator whose career took him from the classroom to unexpected new horizons.Grant speaks candidly about his early years in teaching, the highs of inspiring students, and the increasing pressures that began to chip away at his health and sense of purpose. He shares the moments that forced him to pause, reassess, and ultimately step away from the profession he had once imagined would be his life’s work.From navigating burnout to rediscovering his own identity outside of...
2025-08-121h 11The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching066 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - Hannah JonesIn this powerful reissue from our archive, we revisit the story of Hannah Jones, a history teacher who walked away from education after enduring one of the most dehumanising experiences we have ever heard.From her early passion for teaching to a brutal relocation that left her physically unwell, mentally exhausted and teaching in a condemned classroom, Hannah’s story is one of survival, clarity and courage.She shares what it was like to raise a disabled child in a system with no empathy, how her mental health deteriorated and the moment she walked out ne...
2025-08-051h 19The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching065 - Pit Pony Revisited: The Summer Series - James TerryAs 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, we are joined by James Terry, a former RE teacher who knew from a young age that teaching was his calling. After six joyful years in the classroom, James took a promotion and relocated to a new school. Within four terms, everything changed.He describes the slow unravelling that followed. A creeping sense of disconnection. Burnout. Anxiety. Physical symptoms that went unacknowledged. Eventually, the painful decision...
2025-07-291h 06The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching064 - Pit Pony Kat Philippou-Curtis Part 2 - With Special Guest Cathy TysonKat’s Story, Part 2: Swallow - A Film That Could Change EverythingIn this gripping second half of our conversation with Kat Philippou-Curtis, we’re joined by the legendary Cathy Tyson, who brings Kat’s story to life in the upcoming film Swallow.Together, we explore how a teacher who refused to be gagged transformed personal trauma into a powerful work of art. We talk about non-disclosure agreements, toxic leadership, cultural discrimination, and the quiet scandal of teachers forced out and silenced. Cathy shares her experience stepping into the role, and how the story...
2025-07-2258 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching063 - Pit Pony Kat Philippou-Curtis - Classroom To Film Maker Part 1In this gripping and harrowing episode, we sit down with Kat Philippou-Curtis, a drama specialist, film writer and filmmaker, as she shares the shocking truth behind her exit from further education.Kat was a passionate and dedicated lecturer, loved by many of her students and deeply committed to unlocking creativity through the arts. But what started as a dream job quickly unravelled into a nightmare of bullying, systemic malpractice, safeguarding failures and false allegations.Kat speaks candidly about being ostracised, manipulated and ultimately suspended - following an act of basic human compassion. She was later...
2025-07-1540 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching062 - Pit Pony Jay Dehaan - Classroom to Curriculum Innovation Manager - Part 2In 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 losing a loved one, and the quiet realisation that the system he fought to be part of no longer fit the life he wanted. From pushing for curriculum change to missing out on time with his own children, Jay found himself questioning everything.We talk about the rigid structures of education, the barriers to meaningful change, and how discovering the Life After Teaching group helped him take th...
2025-07-0853 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching061 - Pit Pony Jay Dehaan - Classroom to Curriculum Innovation Manager - Part 1Jay 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 wheelchair as a child due to Perthes disease, and was told by Citizens Advice that his family would be better off if he signed on.But somehow, against the odds, Jay found his way into the classroom.In this episode, Jay shares his early life with brutal honesty. We talk about growing up in chaos, being excluded by the very system he would later work in, and the li...
2025-07-0154 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching060 - Gareth Dale - Classroom to Childrens Author / Private Tutor Part 2In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Gareth Dale continues his story - from barely holding it together in the classroom to discovering his voice as a children’s author and private tutor.We talk about what happens after the funeral, the long shadow of trauma, and how Mr Dale - the teacher persona - became both a mask and a means of survival. Gareth shares how he began to write feverishly at night, eventually turning his grief into a series of children’s books that now connect with pupils across the UK.We explore identity loss...
2025-06-2449 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching059 - Gareth Dale - Classroom to Childrens Author / Private Tutor Part 1In 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 of showing up in school when life is falling apart behind the scenes.Gareth takes us through his early teaching journey, the formative years in tough inner-city schools, and the moment his life changed forever with the birth - and tragic loss - of his newborn daughter, Clara.He opens up about the trauma, the masking, the shock that followed, and the moment writing a school Christmas...
2025-06-1758 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching058 - Pit Pony Giselle Wild - Classroom to Safeguarding Young LivesAfter 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 connection - and the unraveling that began after the traumatic birth of her son.From art rooms to leadership roles, Giselle gave everything to her students. But delayed PTSD, sleepless years, and a system that demanded more than she could give eventually led to a complete breakdown.Now working for the Breck Foundation, Giselle supports young people to stay safe online - bringing her deep empathy and experience into a new...
2025-06-101h 13The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching056 - Pit Pony Emma Harper - Classroom to CEO / Marketing Mentor - Part 1Emma Harper Part 1: From Promise to Breaking PointEmma Harper was a dedicated secondary maths teacher from 2011 to 2023. In this episode, she shares the first half of her powerful story, covering three very different schools, early career promise, and a series of personal and professional challenges that pushed her to the edge.We talk about international teaching experiences, burnout, student behaviour, toxic leadership, and the silent, slow build-up of trauma. Emma opens up about multiple breakdowns, the culture shifts that blindsided her, and how teaching ultimately became the background to deep emotional pain...
2025-06-0342 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching057 - Pit Pony Emma Harper - Classroom to CEO / Marketing Mentor - Part 2Emma 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. After a final crisis point left her broken and exhausted, Emma made the decision to leave teaching in December 2023. What followed was not just survival, but transformation.Emma shares how tutoring became a vital part of her healing, how she built Core Plus Tuition, and why creating a safe space for both students and tutors has become her mission. We also explore how her business grew, le...
2025-06-0346 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching055 - Pit Pony Jeanette Thompson-Wessen - Classroom to ADHD Nutritionist - Part 2In Part 2 of our conversation with Jeannette Thompson-Wessen, the story turns even darker. After being shouted at while pregnant, ignored during risk assessments, and breaking down in front of students, Jeannette was left utterly broken. She describes a period of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and the moment a school chose to send a parental complaint - on the very day she’d shared her mental health crisis.But this episode is also about survival and the long road to recovery. Jeannette opens up about rebuilding her life, her family’s support, and the power of leavi...
2025-05-2759 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching054 - Pit Pony Jeanette Thompson-Wessen - Classroom to ADHD Nutritionist - Part 1In this powerful first part of our conversation with Jeannette Thompson-Wessen, we hear how a passionate, dedicated food technology teacher went from being earmarked for leadership to being bullied, ignored and broken. After returning from maternity leave, the praise disappeared, the support vanished, and the treatment became so toxic it pushed her to the brink.Jeannette shares her early love of teaching, her impact on students in a deprived area, and how it all began to unravel – from sudden hostility to being shouted at while heavily pregnant. This episode is a raw and unfiltered look at what ha...
2025-05-2745 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching052 - Pit Pony David Myers - Classroom to Student Support Officer at Durham University - Part 1Former maths teacher David Myers joins us for a gripping two-part conversation about his journey in and out of the classroom - and everything in between.In this first episode, we follow David from the early days of creative teaching and academic passion, through a toxic shift in school culture, the loss of professional autonomy, and the impact of long COVID on his well-being. From being told that “90% of teaching is marking” to experiencing mandated scripts, meaningless targets, and metacognition gone mad, David opens up about the moments that pushed him out of the profession he once love...
2025-05-201h 08The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching053 - Pit Pony David Myers - Classroom to Student Support Officer at Durham University - Part 2In 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 exploring tutoring, supply work and student support roles, to landing a new job at Durham University (in the castle, no less), David reflects on rebuilding his confidence, recovering from burnout, and rediscovering joy in his work. He shares what true leadership and professionalism really look like, and how one compassionate team changed everything.We also get that Sliding Doors moment – a beautiful story involving a formal di...
2025-05-2056 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching051 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 8In todays bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we bring you another trio of powerful Sliding Doors moments – those life-defining experiences shared by our guests since leaving the classroom.🎙️ Rachael Daniel reflects on an event, that reminded her not all schools are toxic, and some can still feel like home.🎙️ Kitty White shares how the simple act of walking through the woods in the morning – free from a timetable – helped her reconnect with nature, memory, and peace after personal loss.🎙️ Rob Newland describes the sheer joy of walking his excita...
2025-05-1607 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching050 - What do I do if I think I'm being bulliedIn 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 After Teaching community: What do I do if I think I’m being bullied?Drawing on hundreds of real teacher experiences, they unpack the early warning signs, the subtle shifts in communication and behaviour, and the emotional toll that workplace bullying can take. You’ll learn:How to spot the red flags (even the ‘low-level’ ones)The difference between a bad day and a toxic patternWhy you must trust yo...
2025-05-1350 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching049 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 7In this special Sliding Doors bonus episode, we bring you three more powerful and deeply personal reflections from teachers who’ve exited the classroom and discovered unexpected joy, freedom, and purpose on the other side.🎙 Hollie Jones shares the life-saving impact of leaving teaching - how being able to drop everything for her son’s emergency surgery reminded her what true flexibility looks like. 🎙 Paul Lennon reflects on how time - the real kind, not just school holidays - allowed him to reconnect with old friends, including a deeply emotional day kayakin...
2025-05-0909 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching048 - Know Your RightsThis 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 off a three-part mini-series by tackling one of the biggest foundations of protecting yourself at work: knowing your rights.From understanding the Burgundy Book and STPCD (NB Sarah had a little moment and forgot that the ‘S’ stands for ‘School’!), to decoding part-time contracts, directed hours, capability procedures, and those "informal support plans" (spoiler: they're not really a thing) - we’re arming you with the knowledge yo...
2025-05-0649 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching047 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 6In this sixth edition of our beloved Sliding Doors Stories, we bring you three powerful moments from guests who, after leaving the classroom, found clarity, connection and joy in unexpected places.✨ Katie Stone shares how her relationship with her daughter transformed – and how a trip to New Zealand gave her children a once-in-a-lifetime experience (and a new dream for Archie!). 💖 Sarah Cowan reflects on how one spontaneous weekend with her niece became a treasured memory – something she never could have said yes to while teaching.🌱 Ruth O’Neill shows us how the relationships she’s now able...
2025-05-0209 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching046 - Sliding Doors - Sharon’s StoryIn 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 powerful and deeply personal sliding doors story.More than just about leaving teaching, it’s about the moment Sharon reclaimed control of her life and showed what’s possible when we choose presence over pressure. Sharon reflects on how life outside of the classroom gave her the time, space and freedom to show up when it mattered most.Today, Sharon and Sarah explore the power of gratitude, glimmers, and choosing to liv...
2025-04-2933 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching045 - Pit Pony Ilana King - Classroom to Educational ConsultantIn this episode, we’re joined by the unstoppable Ilana King - educational consultant, entrance exam specialist, home educator, and all-round powerhouse.Ilana’s journey is far from typical. After just two years in the classroom, she knew it wasn’t the right fit - and rather than settle, she built something new. Literally. She created her own nursery from the ground up (on land she negotiated with a secondary school), ran it successfully, then sold it and pivoted again. She home educated her three children for 20 years and now sits at the heart of the tuition commun...
2025-04-221h 09The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching044 - Pit Pony Pete Scholes - Classroom to Driving Instructor & AuthorThis week, we’re joined by the brilliant and unassuming Peter Scholes – a man who gave 21 years to the classroom before stepping away when shifting leadership turned a once-thriving school culture into something unrecognisable.In this heartfelt episode, Pete shares how the sudden departure of a beloved headteacher triggered a school-wide unraveling, leading to mass staff turnover, a loss of trust, and ultimately, his own departure. Now a successful driving instructor and published author, Pete talks openly about depression, rediscovering confidence, and the transferable skills that still shape his life today.✨ It’s a powerful reminder...
2025-04-1543 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching042 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 1In 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 painful reality at the top.At just 30 years old, Rob stepped into a headship in Cornwall, full of energy, purpose, and a belief that he could make a difference. But what awaited him was far from the job he signed up for. From day one, Rob was met with missing policies, no induction, and the expectation to lead full-time while also teaching full-time… and that was just the start....
2025-04-0851 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching043 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 2In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Rob Newlands takes us through the devastating fallout of his time in headship - and the turning point that changed everything.After months of isolation, impossible expectations, and systemic failure, Rob faced a brutal mocksted that delivered the final blow. What followed was a silent breakdown behind closed doors, a desperate call to his GP, and the realisation that he had to leave the profession to survive.Rob shares the raw truth about what it feels like to hit rock bottom - the shame, the self-doubt, and the guilt...
2025-04-081h 29The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching041 - Pit Pony Kitty White - Classroom to Holiday Cottages Business ManagerLoving 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 battling anxiety, disillusionment, and a crushing sense of being lost, she made a brave leap out of the classroom and into something completely different. In this powerful episode, Kitty reflects on the emotional toll teaching took on her, how she slowly rebuilt herself, and how she found new purpose (and peace) as the Business Development Manager of Cozy Holiday Cottages in the York...
2025-04-0155 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching040 - Pit Pony Rachael Daniel - Classroom to Development OfficerWhat 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 Daniel, who made the bold decision to step away from teaching and carve out a new path.Rachael takes us through the highs and lows of her transition - from the moment she knew she had to leave, to the doubts that nearly held her back, and the surprising opportunities that opened up once she took the leap. She shares how she navigated financial fears, rediscovered her confidence...
2025-03-251h 10The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching039 - Pit Pony Grant Decker - Classroom to Record Store OwnerThis 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 record shop. After years in the classroom, supporting students with complex needs, Grant realised it was time for a change.In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey from education to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing work and family, and how he built a thriving business from his passion for vinyl.Thinking about your own exit strategy? Grant’s story is proof that it can be do...
2025-03-181h 10The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching038 - Pit Pony Paul Lennon - Classroom to NHS Health AdviserIn 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...
2025-03-111h 25The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching036 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 1In 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...
2025-03-041h 03The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching037 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 2In 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...
2025-03-041h 34The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching035 - Pit Pony Ruth O'Neill - Classroom to SEND Consultant and TutorIn 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...
2025-02-251h 02The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching034 - Pit Pony Sarah Cowen - Classroom to Head of Domestic Abuse ServicesThis 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 relations...
2025-02-181h 11The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching033 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 5Welcome to another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible transformations our guests have experienced since leaving the classroom.In this episode, we hear from:✨ Leanne Herring – from teacher to voice artist & content creator.✨ Mark Thompson – from teacher to TV & film chaperone.✨ Amy MacDonald – from teacher to forest school leader & content creator.Each of these stories is a powerful reminder that life after teaching can be filled with joy, fulfillment, and unexpected opportunities.☕ Support the podcast! If you love these stories, help...
2025-02-1408 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching032 - Pit Pony Katie Stone - Classroom to Virtual Assistant Agency OwnerToday, 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 informal support plan. Katie opens up about the emotional toll of teaching, the challenges of leaving, and how she found a new path that gave her both freedom and fulfilment.Now the owner of a successful virtual assistant agency, Katie shares how she turned her organisational skills, multitasking abilities, and work ethic - honed in teaching - into a thriving business supporting education professionals. From dealing with rejection sensitivity to embracing entrepreneurship...
2025-02-111h 06The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching031 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 4We’re back with another special bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast - Sliding Doors Stories, Part 4!In this episode, we revisit those powerful moments when our guests reflect on the incredible experiences they’ve had since leaving the classroom. This week, we hear from:🎨 Jane Lloyd – From classroom teacher to artist, embracing a life filled with creativity, fresh air, and even a pet sheep!🧘 Gareth Isaacs – Now a mindfulness teacher, discovering the joy of truly living in the moment.👨👦 Lee Springett – From teaching to project...
2025-02-0707 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching030 - Pit Pony Amy MacDonald - From Classroom to Forest School Leader and Curriculum WriterThis week, we welcome Amy MacDonald, a former primary school teacher who transformed her love for teaching outdoors into a fulfilling new career. Amy’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and inspiration, showing us that life after teaching can be rich with opportunities.In this episode, Amy shares:🌿 Her journey through challenging school environments, including part-time battles and chronic unkindness.🌟 How she found her passion for forest schools and outdoor learning.💪 The powerful moment she realised her family’s pride in her new career.💼 Tips on making the leap into a more...
2025-02-041h 08The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching029 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 3We’re thrilled to bring you another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode! This special collection features incredible moments from our guests that truly capture the magic of life after teaching.In this episode, we revisit the inspiring reflections of:✨ Rae Dillon – From classroom teacher to copywriter.Celebrating her dream wedding in Bora Bora - something teaching would never have allowed.✨ Hannah Jones – Former teacher turned Head of Prison Education.Sharing an emotional and deeply personal story about resilience, family, and how leaving teaching s...
2025-01-3119 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching028 - Pit Pony Mark Thompson - Classroom to TV & Film ChaperoneMark Thompson is a former computing and business studies teacher with over 18 years of experience in education. After leaving the classroom in 2011, Mark transitioned into a unique and fulfilling career as a tutor and chaperone for children working on TV and film sets, including his work on CBBC. His role combines education with safeguarding, ensuring young actors meet their academic goals and thrive in a professional environment. Mark’s inspiring story highlights the power of resilience, adaptability, and rediscovering joy in education beyond the traditional classroom.Follow us on
2025-01-2839 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching027 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 2We’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’ incredible sliding doors moments. These powerful and inspiring stories celebrate the magic of life after teaching and the joy that comes from embracing new opportunities.In this episode, you'll hear from:✨ Rowena Hicks: From Classroom to AuthorRowena reflects on a transformative moment of self-worth and freedom, showing her the power of taking control and valuing her own happiness.✨ Amy Meade
2025-01-2406 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching025 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 1In 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-old teaching her teddies. Spanning a decade-long teaching career across four schools, Leanne’s story unfolds with both moments of joy and deep challenges.Leanne reflects on her first school, where creativity flourished and she thrived, only to move to a second school where a toxic "mean girl" culture took its toll. From being excluded in staffrooms to enduring relentless microaggressions, Leanne recounts the pivotal moment when a confidential grievance letter she submitted was di...
2025-01-2149 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching026 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 2In 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 since leaving teaching. From pursuing a master's degree in psycholinguistics to discovering her passion for voiceover artistry, Leanne shares how she turned creativity and resilience into a thriving career.Hear about the challenges she overcame, including financial worries and post-teaching anxieties, and how she embraced opportunities in content creation and freelancing. Discover how her passion for phonics led her to develop an exciting new project and how leaving the profession allowed her...
2025-01-2141 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching024 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 1Sliding Doors Moments: From Chocolate to Celebrancy and Safari Dreams 🎙️Welcome to our first special bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible "sliding doors" moments from our guests - those life-defining events that remind us why stepping out of the classroom can lead to extraordinary experiences.This week, we revisit the heartfelt stories of:🍫 Vicky Thurkettle, who shares how her leap from teaching to chocolatier gave her the gift of witnessing her daughter’s miraculous first steps.🏆 James Terry, whose journey to becoming a celebrant has already earned him a nationa...
2025-01-1709 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching023 - Pit Pony Lee Springett - Classroom to Barnardos Project ManagerIn 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 the charity sector. After 12 years in teaching, Lee didn’t leave because of burnout or a critical incident - he left because of a gut feeling and a reflective process that changed his perspective on what the next 20 years could look like.Lee takes us through the creation of his “list of non-negotiables,” his year-long exit strategy, and the 75 applications that ultimately landed him a fulfilling role as a Project Manage...
2025-01-141h 08The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching022 - Pit Pony Gareth Isaac - Classroom to Mindfulness TeacherIn this deeply introspective episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, Sharon and Sarah sit down with Gareth Isaac, a former sociology teacher who left the classroom after 4 years - overwhelmed by exhaustion, stress, and a profound sense of disconnection. Gareth candidly shares how he navigated the physical and emotional toll of burnout, his struggle to recognise what was happening to him, and the journey that followed his decision to leave teaching.Now a mindfulness teacher, Gareth explains how mindfulness became his anchor, helping him reconnect with himself and redefine what it means to live in the present...
2025-01-071h 03The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching021 - Pit Pony Jane Lloyd - Classroom to ArtistIn 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 life. Jane’s story is a perfect way to close out the year: a tale of transformation, resilience, and the power of pursuing what truly lights you up.After years of dedicating herself to teaching art in schools, Jane decided she was done with the stress and exhaustion that teaching brought into her life. In July 2024, she stepped away from her vocation to embrace her passion as a full-time artist—and ha...
2024-12-3143 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching020 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 5 - From The Shadows To SuccessIn this final chapter of Jonny Millard’s gripping story, we witness his extraordinary transformation from being trapped in a toxic work environment to thriving as a successful entrepreneur. Jonny shares how he found freedom after leaving teaching, rediscovering his purpose and channeling his drive into building a thriving business.Through sheer determination and resilience, Jonny turned his skills as a teacher and leader into the foundation of a highly profitable and impactful fire safety company. Now, as a managing director on track to expand his business internationally, Jonny reflects on the lessons learned and the remarkable op...
2024-12-2451 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching019 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 4 - Breaking Free, The Struggle for a New BeginningIn 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 from leaving a toxic work environment. As Jonny recounts, the reliance on references and the coercive control exerted by his academy left him feeling trapped, unable to secure a fresh start despite his best efforts.With incredible vulnerability, Jonny shares the devastating loss of his grandfather and the emotional turmoil of navigating a job interview just one day later. His resilience shines through as he reveals the profound challenges of balancing personal gr...
2024-12-2418 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching018 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 3 - Reaching Out For HelpIn Chapter 3, Jonny Millard takes a courageous step as he reaches out for help, sharing his growing struggles with colleagues and leadership. Determined to salvage the passion he once had for teaching, Jonny recounts his desperate attempts to address the toxic environment that was taking a toll on his mental health.As the story unfolds, Jonny paints a vivid picture of his internal battle, the systemic issues within his school, and the harsh realities of a profession that often fails to support its own. This chapter is a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the l...
2024-12-2421 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching017 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 2 - A Rapid DeclineIn 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 and department dynamics quickly create a challenging environment.Jonny shares how the arrival of a new head of history marked the beginning of a steady decline in his motivation and mental health. Through microaggressions, a lack of support, and poor management, his workplace became increasingly toxic, leaving him questioning his abilities and self-worth.As he begins to open up about his struggles, we see a vulnerable and deeply personal account of...
2024-12-2425 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching016 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 1 - The Teacher Who Dreamed BigWelcome 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 meet an ambitious young history teacher from the Midlands. With dreams of becoming a headteacher, Jonny entered the profession full of passion, eager to make a difference and climb the ranks of leadership. But by 2019, his journey had taken an unexpected turn.Through this introduction to Jonny’s career, we uncover the early years of his teaching path, his rise within the classroom, and the cracks that began to form. A si...
2024-12-2426 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching015 - Hannah Jones - Classroom to Head of Prison Education England & WalesIn this heart-wrenching yet uplifting episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Jones, a former teacher whose passion for education carried her from the classroom to an extraordinary role as Head of Prison Education for England and Wales.Hannah’s story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. With a family background rooted in education and years of teaching both abroad and in the UK, Hannah believed her future lay firmly in the classroom. However, a series of personal and professional challenges - ranging from teaching in a windowless classroom to facing heartbreaking ob...
2024-12-171h 20The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching014 - Pit Pony Rae Dillon - Classroom to CopywriterAfter 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 fascinating journey from teaching in the UK and China to becoming a successful copywriter, editor, and proofreader with her own business.Discover how teaching abroad gave Rae a unique perspective on education, why two and a half days of supply teaching confirmed her decision to leave the UK system, and how she transformed her love of writing into a thriving career.Plus, Rae reveals how she built resilience...
2024-12-1035 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching013 - Pit Pony Nicole Bateman - Classroom to SEND Advisor & Sensory ExpertAfter 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 personal passions. Today, she’s thriving as the Friendly SEND Advisor, making children’s activities more inclusive for those with special educational needs.Nicole shares her powerful journey, including the life-altering incident that shook her confidence, her struggles with balancing work and family, and how she transformed adversity into opportunity. Discover how Nicole used her experience as a teacher and a parent of a neurodivergent child to forge a new path—one where she ch...
2024-12-031h 01The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching012 - Pit Pony Amy Meade - Classroom to Learning & Development ManagerAfter 14 years in teaching, from secondary English to primary leadership roles, Amy Meade’s journey out of the classroom is remarkable. Amy candidly shares the burnout that came with Ofsted pressures, the life-changing realisation that school didn’t have to own her, and how she stepped into a new career as a Learning and Development Manager. Through over 400 job applications, Amy’s resilience and adaptability are an inspiration to anyone contemplating a leap into life after teaching. This episode is packed with advice, heart, and a beautiful Sliding Doors moment that reminds us of the pr...
2024-11-261h 10The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching011 - Pit Pony Rowena Hicks - Classroom to AuthorToday, 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 was Rowena's life - it was her passion, her calling, and she gave it her all, right up until the moment her own health signalled it was time to step back.Rowena opens up about the physical and emotional toll of being a people-pleaser in the world of education. From pushing through chronic stress to the realisation that her relentless work ethic was costing her health, Rowena shares her journey of se...
2024-11-1949 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching010 - Pit Pony Helen Taylor - Classroom to Cabin CrewIn this episode, we sit down with Helen Taylor, a former history teacher whose dedication to education was undeniable. Helen spent 18 years in teaching, finding joy in her students and a deep sense of purpose in the classroom. For years, she believed teaching was her lifelong path, pouring her energy and resources into her role.But after a gruelling stint with new pressures, overwhelming workloads, and the unrelenting demands of a system that left her burned out, Helen made the life-changing decision to leave the profession she loved. Helen takes us through her turbulent decision t...
2024-11-1256 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching009 - Pit Pony James Terry - Classroom to Civil CelebrantIn 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 experience as a teacher in school, he knew it was his calling. For six years, he found joy and purpose in the classroom, creating an environment that felt like home. But after moving to a new school, James lasted only four terms before he handed his resignation to the head’s PA, never looking back.Join us as we follow James’s journey through the next eight years, facing life out...
2024-11-051h 03The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching008 - Pit Pony Vicky Thurkettle - Classroom to ChocolatierIn this compelling episode, we meet Vicky Thurkettle, a teacher who found more than a career in the classroom - she found purpose, family, and what she believed was her path for life. Known for her unwavering dedication, Vicky poured her heart into her work, shaping young lives and embracing each day as part of her own.But after returning from maternity leave, everything changed. Within just seven weeks, she made the unimaginable decision to leave the career she thought she’d never step away from. In this episode, Vicky opens up about her journey, the challenges sh...
2024-10-2948 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching007 - Egg Rolls and Near-Misses - A Bonus Whatsapp Message SpecialIn 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 in the most ridiculous situation - sitting at school pickup, having a peaceful moment with her egg roll, and then—bam!—hit by a car. You seriously can't make this up. Listen to the hilarious back-and-forth of Whatsapp messages, full of classic Pit Pony encouragement, a few teary moments, and the ultimate "you had to be there" twist. This one is short but sweet - but absolutely worth a listen! 😅Fo...
2024-10-2706 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching006 - Bonus Episode - Facebook Jail EditionHey 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 today? Well, we’ve been planning The Pit Pony Podcast! We're talking to members of our Life After Teaching group about their incredible journeys out of the classroom, and we were all geared up to post about it... until Facebook threw us in jail. Yep, we’ve been “restricted” and can’t even post in our own group!But here’s the thing – we’re launching our podcast this week anyway. Jail or...
2024-10-2613 minThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching005 - Pit Pony Sarah Dunwood: From Teacher to COOIn 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 the ‘heads’ she’s held (literally all of them, except her own sometimes), and what it felt like when that life came to a sudden, brutal stop. We dive into the messy aftermath, from grappling with the financial fallout to Sarah’s "Netflix, crisps, and sofa phase." And yes, her son had to adult her for a bit. Spoiler: it involves writing lists and a lot of tea.We also get into...
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