Best Edufuturists Podcasts (2025)

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Edufuturists #310 The Moral Imperative with Gwyn ap Harri 48:57

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2d ago48:57

48:57

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with the wonderful Gwyn ap Harri, the CEO of XP Trust, to explore innovative educational practices and the importance of character building in schools. One of Gwyn's schools, XP Gateshead won Edufuturists Secondary School of the Year 2025. Gwyn discusses the concept of 'crew' as a foundational element of XP T…

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Edufuturists #309 Listen Up To What Students Are Saying with Kathryn McColl and Brogan Pierce (Hark) 56:53

9d ago56:53

56:53

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we talk to Kathryn McColl and Brogan Pierce from Hark about their Listen Up Report, which uncovers why confidence drops during key school transitions, who’s most affected, and what educators and employers can do to close the gap. Nearly 1 in 3 young people in the UK lack confidence - a hidden barrier to …

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Edufuturists #308 The Big Review Part 10 41:24

16d ago41:24

41:24

In this episode, hosts Steve Hope and Ben Whitaker look into the evolving landscape of education. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and diverse learning environments, the role of AI in education, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also touches on the need for a curriculum that adapts to the …

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Edufuturists #307 Why AI Literacy is More Than Promptcraft with Jeremy Samways 55:00

25d ago55:00

55:00

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jeremy Samways, who discusses his journey from marketing to education, focusing on the importance of AI literacy for students. Jeremy is the founder and a trustee of Your Tomorrow, an innovative charity dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligen…

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Edufuturists #306 Why School Doesn't Work for Every Child with Matt Bromley 53:12

1M ago53:12

53:12

In this episode of the podcast, we are delighted to welcome back Matt Bromley, an educational author and advisor, to discuss his latest book, 'Why School Doesn't Work for Every Child.' Matt first joined us in February 2024 with Andy Griffith, the co-author of another, similar book, The Working Classroom, and a friend of Ben's from his formative tea…

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Edufuturists #305 More Than Flags & Rainbows with Ian Timbrell 41:49

1M ago41:49

41:49

In this episode of the podcast, we are super pleased to be able have another thought-provoking conversation, this time with Ian Timbrell, another Crown House Publishing author. Ian has written a brilliant book, More Than Flags and Rainbows, so we sit down to chat about the future of education, focusing on the importance of true inclusion, cultural …

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Edufuturists #304 Attendance ≠ Engagement with Professor Andy Hargreaves 50:04

1M ago50:04

50:04

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Ben's fellow Accringtonian, Professor Andy Hargreaves to discuss the complexities of education, focusing on student engagement, the impact of teachers, and the importance of identity and belonging in the learning process. Andy shares his personal journey from Accrington to Canada, highli…

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Edufuturists #303 - Make It Real with Leonie Briggs 34:49

2M ago34:49

34:49

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome another Crown House Publishing author, Leonie Briggs, the director of Amaze Lab, to discuss the future of education, particularly in the realms of STEM and STEAM. Leonie shares her journey from veterinary practice to education, her passion for creating engaging learning experiences, and her new book, 'Make…

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Edufuturists #302 - Third Space Learning with Tom Hooper 50:48

2M ago50:48

50:48

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tom Hooper, founder of Third Space Learning, to discuss the evolution of tutoring from human-led to AI-driven models. Tom shares insights on the effectiveness of one-to-one tutoring, the importance of equitable access to education, and the role of teachers in integrating AI into learning environments…

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Edufuturists #301 This Much I Know About with John Tomsett 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome John Tomsett, an experienced educator and author. John shares his journey from head teacher to educational consultant, emphasising the importance of understanding teaching through a global lens. The conversation delves into the significance of checking for understanding in the classroom, the challenges of …

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Edufuturists #300 This is Sparta! Trends V3 58:18

2M ago58:18

58:18

In this milestone 300th episode of the podcast, we reflect on the journey, the evolution of education, and the importance of community. We discuss the key trends in education that we shared at Uprising25, the need for a shift in assessment methods, and the concept of agency with guardrails to foster independent thinking in students. The conversatio…

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Edufuturists #299 Better Together with Emma Darcy 58:57

3M ago58:57

58:57

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Emma Darcy, a prominent figure in EdTech, discussing her journey, the importance of community and networking, and the transformative role of AI in education. Emma shares insights on the Apps for Good initiative, emphasising the need for schools to adapt to the changing landscape of tech…

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Episode #298 Building AI Toolkits with Christian Turton 50:38

3M ago50:38

50:38

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Christian Turton, the EdTech Lead at Chiltern Learning Trust. We discuss the evolving role of technology in education, particularly the integration of AI. Christian shares insights on the Department for Education's recent guidance on Generative AI in schools, emphasising the importance of safe and effectiv…

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Edufuturists #297 Open Education with Matt Bowman 54:15

3M ago54:15

54:15

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Matt Bowman, founder of OpenEd, to discuss the evolution of education and the importance of personalised learning. We explore how traditional education systems are failing to meet the needs of diverse learners and the role of technology, particularly AI, in shaping the future of education. Matt talks…

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Edufuturists #296 Finding Ways with Meagan Alfano 53:14

3M ago53:14

53:14

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we chat with the wonderful Meagan Alfano all the way from Edmonton, Canada, who shares her insights on the importance of STEM education, the role of fun and creativity in learning, and innovative teaching practices such as design thinking and the use of micro:bit technology. Meagan discusses her journey …

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Edufuturists #295 Failure & Experience with Louise Jones 49:59

4M ago49:59

49:59

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back Louise Jones, the Chief Community Officer at ThingLink. We discuss her journey in education technology, the significance of multi-modal learning, and the shift from measuring attendance to engagement in educational settings. Louise talks passionately about the importance of accessibility and compassio…

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Edufuturists #294 Becoming Better Humans with Richard Culatta 48:18

4M ago48:18

48:18

In this episode of the podcast, we have the awesome privilege of being joined by none other than Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE and former White House Education Adviser. We discuss the future of education and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences. The conversation explores the importance of thoughtful tech integration (or not integ…

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Edufuturists #293 The Big Review Part 9 37:21

4M ago37:21

37:21

In this episode of the podcast, we review six recent episodes, discussing key themes in education, including the future of EdTech, the importance of community, the role of AI, and the need for change in educational leadership. We reflect on super insightful conversations with various guests, emphasising the need for agency, choice, and responsible …

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Edufuturists #292 Learning as Conversation with Professor Mike Sharples 55:32

4M ago55:32

55:32

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Professor Mike Sharples, an expert in educational technology, to discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly in relation to AI and online learning. Mike is Emeritus Professor of Educational Technology at The Open University. We explore the history and impact of the Open University, the …

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Edufuturists #291 Outstanding with Steve Baker 53:33

5M ago53:33

53:33

In this episode of the podcast, it is just Steve as Ben is away on his jetsetting adventures! But it's not just one Steve; we get a double Steve whammy as he is joined by Steve Baker, a seasoned educator and author. Steve lives in Anglesey, North Wales with his wife Sian. After a long career in education, from which he is semi-retired, he wrote his…

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Edufuturists #290 Asking the Awkward Questions with Al Kingsley 57:22

5M ago57:22

57:22

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back for the FOURTH time, the wonderful, majestic, Al Kingsley MBE, a prominent figure in the EdTech space. Alongside Al's personal challenges, we discuss his multifaceted roles in education, and the importance of supporting startups in the EdTech ecosystem. The conversation delves into the slow evolution …

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Edufuturists #289 Responsible AI with Jamie Smith 52:38

5M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined again by Dr Jamie Smith, Executive Chairman at C-Learning and author of the new book The Responsible AI Revolution. Jamie joins us to discuss the intersection of AI and education, emphasising the need for a responsible approach to AI implementation. Jamie introduces his book, which addresses the potenti…

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Edufuturists #288 The Connected Leader with Lucy & Jonathan Coy 56:28

5M ago56:28

56:28

In this episode of the podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Lucy and Jonathan Coy, experienced educators and founders of the popular online community, HeadteacherChat. They discuss their journey in education, the challenges faced by school leaders, and the importance of building a supportive community. The conversation highlights the need for …

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Edufuturists #287 The Pick 'n' Mix Marketplace with Ben Somers 1:05:07

6M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Benjamin Somers, the founder of Recess, a platform designed to revolutionise education by putting kids in control of their learning. They discuss the vision behind Recess, its marketplace for learning, and the importance of safety and moderation in online education. Benjamin shares his personal journey a…

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Edufuturists #286 The Big Review Part 8 48:03

6M ago48:03

48:03

In this episode of the podcast, we reflect on our recent experiences and interviews, discussing the evolving landscape of education. We explore themes of hope for the future of education, the importance of inclusion and equity, and the role of technology in bridging gaps. The conversation emphasises the need for a collective vision and the importan…

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Edufuturists #285 The Digital Ecosystem with Philippa Wraithmell 53:52

6M ago53:52

53:52

In this episode, we are joined by Philippa Wraithmell to discuss the transformative role of technology in education through Philippa's company, Edruption. We explore her journey from teaching to leading educational change, emphasising the importance of understanding the unique needs of each school. The conversation delves into the four pillars of d…

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Edufuturists #284 Empowering Students Through Technology with Tara Jones 59:34

6M ago59:34

59:34

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the lovely Tara Jones from Clever to discuss the evolving landscape of education technology. We explore the importance of cybersecurity, the disparities in student experiences with technology, and the need for personalised learning. The conversation emphasises the significance of creating a supportiv…

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Edufuturists #283 Addressing the Global Teacher Crisis with Charlie Radman 46:30

7M ago46:30

46:30

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Charlie Radman, the Global Head of Education at HP. We discuss the critical role of technology in education, the importance of partnerships, and the pressing global teacher crisis. Charlie shares insights on HP's commitment to sustainability and digital equity, emphasising the need for critical thinking …

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Edufuturists #282 Equity Centred Design with SL Rao 59:21

7M ago59:21

59:21

In this episode of the podcast, we engage with SL Rao, a design consultant from Optimistic Design. They explore the concept of equity-centred design, emphasising the importance of community involvement in the design process. SL shares their journey from engineering to design, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach in technology and edu…

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Edufuturists #281 Beyond the Classroom - Our Interviews from BETT Day 2 1:32:33

7M ago1:32:33

1:32:33

In this episode, we have a collection of the interviews from across Day 2 of BETT 2025. There is an incredible amount of content here from our conversations, including discussions around sustainability, collaboration, mental health & wellbeing, creativity and gamification, as well as hopes for the future of education. And it's double Ben Whitaker a…

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Edufuturists #280 BETTer Together - Our Interviews from BETT Day 1 and the BETT Awards 1:56:59

7M ago1:56:59

1:56:59

In this episode, we have a collection of the interviews from across Day 1 of BETT 2025, including some of the conversations we had in our tuxedos at BETT Awards! There is a treasure trove of content here from our conversations, including discussions around inclusion, enabling technology, mental health and wellbeing, as well as hopes for the future …

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Edufuturists #279 The Big Review Part 7 39:47

8M ago39:47

39:47

In this episode, Ben and Steve reflect on their experiences at the BETT conference, discussing the importance of community, creativity, and collaboration in education. They also review their guests over the last few weeks, including the episode around Ben's book, exploring the concept of schools as ideas factories rather than exam factories. The co…

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Edufuturists #278 The Wolfpack @ BETT 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

In this special episode, you can see and hear the presentation that we did at Canva HQ for our Wolfpack Community event in partnership with Clever the night before BETT. It was an incredible gathering of people from all around the UK and beyond, including Germany, India, Poland, Indonesia and the US! We presented around the Trends as well as castin…

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Edufuturists #277 Bringing Play Back with Sophie Pickles 42:51

8M ago42:51

42:51

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Sophie Pickles, who Ben met out in Dubai at a gathering curated by the awesome, Simon Blower. Sophie is an educational consultant and author and discusses her journey in education, focusing on child-led learning and the importance of play in early years education. Sophie shares her experiences transitionin…

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Edufuturists #276 Schools as Ideas Factories with Ben Whitaker 50:23

8M ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of the podcast, Steve does a solo interview with Ben about his upcoming book, The Ideas Guy: Unleash Your Inner Genius. They explore the origins of Ben's identity as 'The Ideas Guy', the influences that shaped his thinking, and the importance of authenticity in personal and professional development. The discussion also goes into the…

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Edufuturists #275 Building a Community with Leisa Grace Wilson 1:05:21

9M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

In this episode of the podcast, we engage in a lively conversation with Leisa Grace Wilson, an educator and leader based in Abu Dhabi. We discuss Leisa's journey from the UK to the Middle East, the challenges and opportunities of leading in a culturally diverse environment, and the rapid pace of educational reform in the region. Leisa shares insigh…

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Edufuturists #274 Infinite Education with Dan Fitzpatrick 56:17

9M ago56:17

56:17

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome back Dan Fitzpatrick to discuss the evolving landscape of education in 2025. We explore the challenges and innovations in global education systems, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the need for strategic thinking to prepare students for the future. The conversation goes into the necessity of both…

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Edufuturists #273 The Big Review Part 6 with Ben & Steve 49:28

9M ago49:28

49:28

In this final episode of 2024, we reflect on the year's highlights, discussing significant themes in education, including assessment, innovation, and the role of technology. We review key podcast episodes, including conversations with influential guests and their experiences at events like BETT and the Brilliant Festival. The discussion emphasises …

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Edufuturists #272 Contextualise Your AI with Matthew Wemyss 52:38

9M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode, we chat with 2024 Edufuturists' AI Pioneer of the Year, Matthew Wemyss, about the sensible integration of AI in education, the importance of community building, and the challenges of personalisation and equity in learning. Matthew shares his journey in education, his role in a British overseas school in Romania, and how he utilises…

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Edufuturists #270 Brilliant Snippets of the Future of Education 1:09:59

9M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

In this episode of the podcast, it's a mashup of our conversations from the Brilliant Festival in Liverpool back in October. Our live interview on the main stage with Nachelle Crowther, Hugh Viney and Tom Rogerson has already gone out (check that out here). This one is from our little booth at the show where we got to chat with some incredible gues…

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Edufuturists #271 Unfinished Business with Mick Waters & David Cameron 55:02

9M ago55:02

55:02

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by David Cameron and Mick Waters to discuss the legacy of Sir Tim Brighouse, a significant figure in UK education. They explore Tim's influence, personal stories, and the concept of 'unfinished business' in education, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement and community engagement. The con…

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Edufuturists #269 Make The Most Out of BETT with Duncan Verry & Neelam Parmar 46:49

10M ago46:49

46:49

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Neelam Parmar and Duncan Verry to discuss the upcoming BETT UK event, its significance in the education technology landscape, and the importance of community engagement. Duncan Verry is the Portfolio Director for BETT and Dr Neelam Parmar is Director of Professional Learning and Online Education at A…

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Edufuturists #268 Applying Knowledge Not Rote Memorisation with Louise Attwood 54:13

10M ago54:13

54:13

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Louise Attwood, the subject lead for design technology and computer science at AQA. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of education, particularly in the areas of curriculum development and assessment. Louise shares her journey from being a design and technology teacher to her current ro…

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Edufuturists #267 The Big Review Part 5 with Ben & Steve 36:42

10M ago36:42

36:42

In this episode, Ben and Steve recap the past TEN episodes and discuss the exciting future of education around some of the themes they have discussed with their guests. They cover a range of topics, including the role of AI in education, digital transformation, the importance of human connection, botheredness, a curriculum fit for purpose and the n…

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Edufuturists #266 The Future of Education: Weak Signals for What's Coming - A Brilliant Conversation 30:49

11M ago30:49

30:49

In this episode of the podcast, which is audio only, we showcase the incredible panel from Brilliant Festival in Liverpool on 15th October 2024. Ben & Steve are joined by Hugh Viney, Founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, Nachelle Crowther, Founder of Evolve Generation and Tom Rogerson, Headmaster of Cottesmore School on the keynote stage at B…

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Edufuturists #265 Engineering Education - Beyond the Factory with Dr Hilary Leevers 45:19

11M ago45:19

45:19

In this episode of the podcast, Ben speaks with Dr Hilary Leevers, CEO of Engineering UK, about the future of engineering education and the importance of diversity in the field. We discuss the challenges young people face in pursuing engineering careers, the need for practical experience in STEM education, and the significance of role models in ins…

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Edufuturists #264 Creating a Culture of Innovation with Jo Hardy 55:01

11M ago55:01

55:01

In this episode of the podcast, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Jo Hardy, Director of Innovation at TTS (formerly RM). We explore the evolving landscape of education, emphasising the importance of innovation, the need for a supportive culture, and the role of technology in modern learning. Jo shares her insights on the challenges face…

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Episode #263 Why Mindset Matters with Martin Griffin 58:29

12M ago58:29

58:29

In this episode, we get to engage with Martin Griffin, an experienced educator and author, to discuss the critical role of mindset in education. We explore the psychological components of learning, the importance of resilience, and the VESPA framework (Vision, Effort, Systems, Practice, Attitude) that can help students succeed. The conversation dig…

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Edufuturists #262 Botheredness with Hywel Roberts 51:28

12M ago51:28

51:28

In this episode of the podcast, we speak with Hywel Roberts about his journey as an educator and the themes explored in his new book, 'Botheredness.' We discuss the importance of nurturing practice in teaching, the need for passion and compassion in education, and the role of creativity and context in engaging students. Hywel, in his inimitable and…

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Edufuturists #261 Why We All Need Digital Champions with Gemma Gwilliam 52:24

12M ago52:24

52:24

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Gemma Gwilliam, Head of Digital Learning, Education and Innovation in Portsmouth. We discuss the impact of technology on education, the importance of personalisation and accessibility, and Gemma's journey through various educational roles. The conversation highlights the need for collabo…