Best Pit Pony Podcasts (2025)

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057 - Pit Pony Emma Harper - Classroom to CEO / Marketing Mentor - Part 2 46:16

3h ago46:16

46:16

Emma Harper Part 2: Finding Freedom After the Fall In 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 beca…

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056 - Pit Pony Emma Harper - Classroom to CEO / Marketing Mentor - Part 1 42:40

3h ago42:40

42:40

Emma Harper Part 1: From Promise to Breaking Point Emma 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 inter…

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055 - Pit Pony Jeanette Thompson-Wessen - Classroom to ADHD Nutritionist - Part 2 59:17

7d ago59:17

59:17

In 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…

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054 - Pit Pony Jeanette Thompson-Wessen - Classroom to ADHD Nutritionist - Part 1 45:44

7d ago45:44

45:44

In 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…

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S2E9: GenX - No Retirement, No Supervision, No Ponies 48:57

10d ago48:57

48:57

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when a birthday party meant friends, pizza, and a Mylar balloon that floated in your house for months? When financial advice was more reassuring than "we just don't know"? When the sound of race cars echoed through an entire city on Memorial Day weekend? In this episode, Megan and Lesley dive into the uniq…

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053 - Pit Pony David Myers - Classroom to Student Support Officer at Durham University - Part 2 56:01

14d ago56:01

56:01

In 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 redi…

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052 - Pit Pony David Myers - Classroom to Student Support Officer at Durham University - Part 1 1:08:10

14d ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Former 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 …

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051 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 8 7:54

18d ago7:54

7:54

In 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 …

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050 - What do I do if I think I'm being bullied 50:40

21d ago50:40

50:40

In 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 behav…

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S2E8: Is Kermit a Zaddy? Could Kurt Loder be my Dad? Who's old? Not us! 51:44

24d ago51:44

51:44

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Megan and Lesley dive into the surprising disconnect between celebrity ages and our mental images of them, sparked by discovering Kurt Loder recently turned 80 years old. • Lesley shares her harrowing experience with a stomach virus that left her with a "puke baby" • Discussion of the new American Pope Leo XIV, his…

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049 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 7 9:52

25d ago9:52

9:52

In 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 su…

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048 - Know Your Rights 49:36

28d ago49:36

49:36

This 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 an…

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047 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 6 9:52

1M ago9:52

9:52

In 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 experienc…

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046 - Sliding Doors - Sharon’s Story 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

In 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 pres…

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S2E7: Friday Night Was for More than Videos! 52:35

1M ago52:35

52:35

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when Friday nights didn't require checking your phone every five minutes? When plans were made in person at school and then you just showed up somewhere? Megan and Lesley take us back to their teenage weekend rituals in the 1980s and early '90s, and the nostalgia hits like a caffeine rush from those bottom…

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045 - Pit Pony Ilana King - Classroom to Educational Consultant 1:09:40

1M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

In 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 nurser…

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044 - Pit Pony Pete Scholes - Classroom to Driving Instructor & Author 43:57

2M ago43:57

43:57

This 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 unravelin…

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S2E6: We Were Promised Robot Maids and Underwater Cities, But All We Got Was This Lousy Smartphone 1:02:23

2M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! We reflect on what we thought the future would be like when we were kids, compared to the reality of our current world. • Tribute to Val Kilmer, discussing his iconic roles from Real Genius to Tombstone • Expectations vs reality of technology—where are our flying cars and robot maids? • Childhood predictions about …

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043 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 2 1:29:35

2M ago1:29:35

1:29:35

In 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 close…

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042 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 1 51:54

2M ago51:54

51:54

In 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…

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041 - Pit Pony Kitty White - Classroom to Holiday Cottages Business Manager 55:49

2M ago55:49

55:49

Loving 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 emotio…

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S2E5:Puppies, Periods, and Pac-Man Cereal: An After School Special 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! What do breakfast cereals, women's health concerns, and government overreach have in common? They're all part of the rich tapestry of Gen X experiences that Megan and Lesley explore in this wide-ranging, authentic conversation. The episode opens with exciting puppy news as Megan introduces her new emotional support…

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040 - Pit Pony Rachael Daniel - Classroom to Development Officer 1:10:51

2M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

What 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 …

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039 - Pit Pony Grant Decker - Classroom to Record Store Owner 1:10:40

3M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

This 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 entrepreneurshi…

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S2E4:We are Super Sick of This Shit - Let's Go to Casa Bonita! 1:05:43

3M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Ever wondered why those kitschy themed restaurants of the 80s and 90s still hold such a special place in our hearts? That yearning for escape isn't just nostalgia—it's a lifeline for the sandwich generation.Between advocating for our own health and caring for everyone else, Gen X women are desperately seeki…

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038 - Pit Pony Paul Lennon - Classroom to NHS Health Adviser 1:25:29

3M ago1:25:29

1:25:29

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…

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037 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 2 1:34:22

3M ago1:34:22

1:34:22

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 u…

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036 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 1 1:03:33

3M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

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…

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S2E3: Clash of the Dragon Jellies, Release the Sex Drive 50:07

3M ago50:07

50:07

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Join us as we explore the nostalgia of 80s escapism through films, cartoons and personal stories. We laugh about our memories of past fantasy films, how they helped us survive adolescence and how they can bring us joy and hope now. • Discuss the re-release of 'Purple Rain' March 5th • Share thoughts on the current …

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035 - Pit Pony Ruth O'Neill - Classroom to SEND Consultant and Tutor 1:02:46

3M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

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…

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034 - Pit Pony Sarah Cowen - Classroom to Head of Domestic Abuse Services 1:11:03

4M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

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…

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S2E2: Love in the 80s, Romance Scams & Gamer Girls Gone Mildly Wild 1:15:21

4M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! LOVE! What is it good for? Gossip and a billion dollar scam industry. Get Megan and Lesley's GenX take on lots of vital (hyper-specific to our own experience) nonsense including the following: Cursing Groundhog Day (fucking winter) BS and Hot Gos: Gossip about 80s celebrity couples and their influences Whose dead N…

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033 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 5 8:18

4M ago8:18

8:18

Welcome 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 …

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032 - Pit Pony Katie Stone - Classroom to Virtual Assistant Agency Owner 1:06:20

4M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Today, 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 success…

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031 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 4 7:02

4M ago7:02

7:02

We’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 wit…

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030 - Pit Pony Amy MacDonald - From Classroom to Forest School Leader and Curriculum Writer 1:08:05

4M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

This 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 scho…

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Season TWO! Episode ONE! "Where's the Bean?" Will you be my GenX Valentine? 1:07:26

4M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Megan and Lesley here, back from a holiday break and feelin' spunky. We have made no improvements or changes to this podcast during our time away. We defied capitalism and rested. So, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." It's cold as fuck and our streets look like Hoth but we made it to the studio just…

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029 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 3 19:37

4M ago19:37

19:37

We’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 - …

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028 - Pit Pony Mark Thompson - Classroom to TV & Film Chaperone 39:43

4M ago39:43

39:43

Mark 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, ensur…

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027 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 2 6:13

4M ago6:13

6:13

We’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: ✨ Ro…

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026 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 2 41:53

4M ago41:53

41:53

In 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 care…

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025 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 1 49:35

4M ago49:35

49:35

In 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 cre…

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024 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 1 9:24

5M ago9:24

9:24

Sliding 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 storie…

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023 - Pit Pony Lee Springett - Classroom to Barnardos Project Manager 1:08:42

5M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

In 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 …

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022 - Pit Pony Gareth Isaac - Classroom to Mindfulness Teacher 1:03:27

5M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

In 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 rec…

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021 - Pit Pony Jane Lloyd - Classroom to Artist 43:26

5M ago43:26

43:26

In 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 sc…

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020 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 5 - From The Shadows To Success 51:51

5M ago51:51

51:51

In 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 de…

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019 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 4 - Breaking Free, The Struggle for a New Beginning 18:48

5M ago18:48

18:48

In 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 …

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018 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 3 - Reaching Out For Help 21:38

5M ago21:38

21:38

In 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 pain…

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017 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 2 - A Rapid Decline 25:20

5M ago25:20

25:20

In 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. Throug…

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