Mad Dogs and English Teachers

AI - Taking our jobs?

Join Chris and Rob for another lighthearted look at the trials and tribulations of teaching overseas. This week, the boys are diving deep into the school year's finish line and the looming robotic takeover of the classroom. * The Participation Award Debate: Rob is drowning in a sea of "Phoenix" and "Excelsior" certificates so that every student gets a prize, prompting a chat about whether everyone really deserves a trophy. * Teachers vs. AI: From grading essays in two minutes flat to planning history lessons on the Blitz, discover how Chris and Rob are using AI to slash their workloads—and whether it makes them massive hypocrites. * The Next Generation of Cheating: Chris catches students using suspiciously fancy vocabulary, while Rob details a 10-year-old who effortlessly generated an entire podcast script using AI. * University Confessions: The guys look back at their own hilarious university hacks, including Rob's infamous "white font" word count trick and a legendary story of a student accidentally plagiarizing a professor's own book. * Strange Encounters: Rob kicks off a brand new segment by explaining how he accidentally punched a bat in the face mid-air. * Face-to-Face Summer: Chris shares his plans to head over to Myanmar this July for a long-awaited, in-person podcast meetup. * Facebook: Search for Mad Dogs and English Teachers * Email: maddogsandenglishteachers@proton.me

PD or not PD?

Are you a "tired teacher" in the UK exhausted by the relentless cycle of "new" educational strategies that feel like the same old ideas in a shiny new wrapper? You aren't alone. This week on Mad Dogs and English Teachers, Chris and Rob dive into a listener email that strikes a chord with educators everywhere: the feeling that professional development has become a game of "snake oil" pedagogy. We discuss whether moving to an international school actually solves the problem or if "initiative fatigue" is a global phenomenon. In this episode, we discuss: * The Innovation Cycle: Why so many educational "revolutions" are just foundational theories with a new price tag. * School Accreditation: Rob breaks down the process of getting accredited by the Consortium of International Schools (CIS) in Burma and the "hoops" teachers have to jump through. * Teacher Appraisals & Portfolios: The reality of proving your worth through paperwork and "portfolios of evidence." * AI in the Classroom: How we are using tools like Gemini to streamline end-of-year reports and why prompt engineering might be the next big skill for teachers. Whether you're teaching in the Midlands or Mandalay, join us for a light-hearted look at the trials and tribulations of life in the staffroom. Connect with the show: * Email: maddogsandenglishteachers@proton.me * Facebook: Search "Mad Dogs and English Teachers" Don't forget to follow us on Spotify and leave a review if you're enjoying the pod!

Burma/Myanmar

In this episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers, hosts Chris and Robin dive into the complexities of living and teaching in Myanmar (Burma). The conversation strikes a balance between the lighthearted tone the show is known for and the more cynical realities of working in a region currently facing significant political unrest. * The Naming Debate: Robin and Chris discuss the linguistic and political nuances behind the names Burma and Myanmar, noting how locals often prefer the former despite official changes. * Listener Mail from Halifax: The hosts address an email from Heather, a teacher in Halifax, Canada, who has been offered a position in Myanmar but is terrified by international headlines. * Boots on the Ground Reality: Robin provides a first-hand account from Mandalay, describing a "frozen in time" atmosphere where, despite the presence of soldiers and roadblocks, daily life remains surprisingly "chill" for expats. * The Healthcare Hurdle: Chris reflects on his own time in the country with his family, explaining that the primary reason for his departure was the "dearth of healthcare" rather than direct safety concerns. * The Ethics of Education: A candid discussion on the morality of teaching children of the ruling elite, with the hosts arguing that all children deserve an education regardless of their background. * The Nightclub Lock-in: A look at the unique social scene created by strict curfews, where going out for the night often means being stuck in a venue until the early morning hours. "Whatever is going on in the country, it is not the fault of the children you are teaching, and they deserve the best chance they can have." The episode concludes with a word of encouragement for Heather: while the environment is vastly different from the quiet predictability of Halifax, the professional and personal rewards of teaching in Myanmar often outweigh the risks portrayed in the news.

Surgery overseas

In this episode of Mad Dogs and English Teachers, hosts Chris and Rob dive deep into the often-stressful world of medical emergencies while living and teaching overseas. From high-tech surgeries in China to "field-style" repairs in Korea, the boys share personal stories that highlight the critical importance of having the right health insurance before you pack your bags. * Chris’s Big Week in China: Chris recounts his daughter’s recent 10-hour surgery to correct a 47-degree spinal curvature caused by Scoliosis. He discusses the incredible technology used in the Chinese medical system—including "spider-looking robots"—and why the family chose to have the procedure done in China rather than returning to the UK. * The "Seven-Star" Hospital: Rob shares a story from his time in Brunei, where his infant son was treated in a hospital so luxurious it felt more like a palace than a medical facility. * The "Piece of Leather" Story: On the flip side, Rob tells the harrowing tale of a motorcycle accident in South Korea where, without insurance, he faced an excruciating elbow repositioning with only a piece of leather to bite on for the pain. * The Ukraine Cliffhanger: In perhaps his most dramatic story, Rob describes falling off a cliff in Ukraine while trying to take a selfie, resulting in two broken heels and a month-long stay in a military hospital staffed by landmine-injury specialists. * The Insurance Deep Dive: Don't just take your employer's word for it. Research your policy, understand your "excess" (deductibles), and read real-world reviews on forums like Reddit to see how insurance companies actually handle claims. * The "Bite the Bullet" Decision: Sometimes the best care isn't back home. Chris and Rob discuss the pros and cons of staying in your host country versus returning home for major procedures. * Rob's Golden Rule: "Don’t fall off cliffs". Have a crazy medical story from your time teaching abroad? We want to hear it! * Facebook: Search "Mad Dogs and English Teachers" * Email: maddogsandenglishteachers@proton.me

China Special

In this episode, Chris and Rob dive deep into what it’s really like teaching and living in China after years spent in Southeast Asia. From the high-tech streets of Guangdong to the ancient history of Beijing, the duo compares the "Middle Kingdom" to the more relaxed—but often more challenging—lifestyle of Myanmar and Vietnam. The conversation takes a serious turn as Chris discusses the primary driver for his move: international healthcare. He shares his personal experience navigating major medical procedures for his family and how the Chinese insurance system compares to the "atrocious" healthcare landscape in Myanmar. The boys also tackle the "Nanny State" reputation, the reality of surveillance, the total disappearance of cash in favor of WeChat and Alipay, and why you should never leave a tip at a restaurant in China. Whether you are an expat, a TEFL teacher, or just curious about life behind the Great Firewall, this episode offers a candid, light-hearted look at the pros and cons of life in modern China. * Healthcare & Insurance: Why the move to China was a "medical necessity" and the stark contrast in quality of care between China and Myanmar. * Safety & Surveillance: Debunking the "Big Brother" myths and discussing why China feels like one of the safest places to live. * The Cashless Revolution: The high-stakes reality of living in a society where your entire life—and wallet—is on your smartphone. * Expats & Social Life: Finding community on balconies in Guangdong and the vibrant, cosmopolitan energy of Beijing. * Cultural Faux Pas: Understanding tipping etiquette and why trying to be generous can actually be offensive. * The Food Reality: Moving beyond UK takeaway standards to "hot pot," chicken feet, and the diverse regional flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine. Follow the journey:Find us on Facebook by searching "Mad Dogs and English Teachers" or reach out via email at maddogsandenglishteachers@proton.me. Listen now on Spotify! Key Topics Covered: