Headteachering with Simon Botten

The Courage to Talk with Neil Kelders

This episode includes discussion of emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention. Please listen with care if these topics feel sensitive for you. Neil Kelders, speaker, coach, and wellbeing advocate, explores how societal expectations can shape how we express emotions, seek support, and connect with others. In this episode, Neil discusses the pressure many people feel to appear strong, cope alone and avoid vulnerability. He reflects on how emotions can surface in unhelpful ways when they are ignored, and why emotionally safe environments are essential for honest conversations and healthy relationships. Neil explores how families, schools and workplaces can create cultures where people feel able to speak openly about challenges, and shares practical insights on modelling vulnerability, building connection and supporting wellbeing. Explore more: Neil Kelders’ website [https://www.neilkelders.com/] Support resources: Papyrus HOPELINEUK (under 35s): 0800 068 4141 or text 07786 209 697 Samaritans: 116 123 Shout: text SHOUT to 85258 NHS Mental Health Services: 111

Creating The Conditions To Thrive with Dr Catherine Place

Dr Catherine Place, headteacher, researcher and educational leader, shares insights into the relationship between school culture, collaboration and teacher wellbeing. In this episode, Catherine reflects on her journey from psychology student to founding headteacher of Jubilee Park Primary School, and discusses the experiences that led her to research educator wellbeing at a doctoral level. Drawing on her thesis, she explores how trust, agency, relationships and organisational culture influence whether teachers simply cope or truly thrive. Read Catherine’s doctoral thesis [https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/4155/]

Big Education with Sarah Seleznyov

Sarah Seleznyov, strategic lead for learning and development at Big Education Trust and founding headteacher of School 360, explores what a more holistic approach to education could look like in practice. In this episode, Sarah discusses the “head, heart and hand” philosophy behind A Practical Guide to a Big Education and reflects on the importance of balancing academic achievement with wellbeing, creativity, relationships and future-ready skills. She explores design thinking, teacher agency, play-based learning and broader approaches to evidence and assessment. Sarah also shares examples from School 360, including family-style dining and interdisciplinary learning, and explains how psychologically safe cultures and supportive professional development can strengthen both staff wellbeing and innovation in schools. Explore more here: A Practical Guide to a Big Education [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/practical-guide-to-a-big-education-9781801997928/] Big Education Trust [https://bigeducation.org/]

Calm Leadership with Patrick Cozier

Patrick Cozier, headteacher of Highgate Wood School and author of Calm Leadership, shares what it means to lead with steadiness, self-awareness and humanity in education. In this episode, Patrick reflects on his journey into headship and explores his four-phase model of calm leadership, from confronting imposter feelings to developing self-awareness and aligning with core values. Patrick also shares practical approaches to managing stress, maintaining perspective and leading with authenticity, alongside reflections on identity and the importance of being unapologetically yourself. Explore more: Calm Leadership by Patrick Cozier [https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/calm-leadership?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Let’s Talk About Death and Dying with Lucy Green

This episode explores themes of death, grief and loss. Please listen with care if these topics feel sensitive for you. Lucy Green, a psychodynamic therapist with a special interest in grief and loss, explores how we talk about death and support others through bereavement. In this episode, Lucy discusses why death can feel difficult to talk about, including fear, lack of control and the way it is often medicalised or avoided in everyday language. Lucy shares practical guidance for supporting grieving colleagues, including the importance of honest language, avoiding clichés, and approaching conversations with compassion. Resources mentioned: Death Cafe - https://deathcafe.com/ [https://deathcafe.com/] Cruse Bereavement Care - https://www.cruse.org.uk/ [https://www.cruse.org.uk/] Child Bereavement UK - https://www.childbereavementuk.org/ [https://www.childbereavementuk.org/] Dual Process Model of Grief -https://whatsyourgrief.com/dual-process-model-of-grief/ [https://whatsyourgrief.com/dual-process-model-of-grief/]