Best Simon and Tina Podcasts (2025)

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68 In Conversation with Alison from Petes Dragons the suicide and bereavement charity 32:08

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1h ago32:08

32:08

Tina and Alison talk about this UK based charity born from a personal loss. Alison talks about the work the charity does with families and young people and the ways we can all reduce the stigma of talking about death by suicide. Find out Alison's Dragon name and pick up some tips on how to talk to people who are bereaved and where to seek help if n…

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Strategies for new teachers to overcome disillusionment, starring Tina Boogren, Ph.D. 40:43

10d ago40:43

40:43

Tina Boogren, Ph.D., joins Ana Torres, not only to discuss how it’s completely normal for first-year teachers (and even some veterans) to experience disillusionment, but also to offer tactics for overcoming those feelings. Tina and Ana kick off this episode by explaining Ellen Moir's “The Phases of First-Year Teaching," which outlines the emotional…

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67. In Conversation with Josie, CEO of Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide SOB 40:02

9h ago40:02

40:02

With a focus on death by suicide. Tina chats to Josie from the charity Survivors of bereavement by suicide about this topic. What are useful things to say when someone has died by suicide ? What help is on offer ? and so much more Resources Help if you are having suicidal thoughts Samaritans helpline Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide website Get …

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66. Silence at funerals 9:45

14d ago9:45

9:45

This bitesized episode , where Tina and Simon explore the use of silence at funerals and memorials. When might this be useful and why? how long can a silence last How can funeral professionals use silence ? Resources moment of silence article Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondered about …

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Oliver Postgate 27:39

3d ago27:39

27:39

"Postgate's work is deep inside me and I think that's true for so many of my generation...His work represents nothing less than a touchstone for our national imagination and in that sense it's profoundly important" Andrew Davenport, writer, composer, and creator of Teletubbies and In the Night Garden, nominates Oliver Postgate, who, along with his …

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Phone policies and the science of self-control, starring Angela Duckworth, Ph.D. 46:25

24d ago46:25

46:25

Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., the New York Times bestselling author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, joins Ana Torres to discuss school phone policies and what the science of self-control can tell us works. In this episode, Angela highlights the many complexities surrounding student cell phone use in schools and why there is a need to con…

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65 Talking with Brendan about Greener Globe funeral standards 37:18

23d ago37:18

37:18

Brendan from Greener Globe funeral standards talks with Tina about these standards funeral directors can sign up to do in the UK. There is also talk about natural burial grounds, wildflowers, and ways to be green and eco friendly in your own funeral plans. Resources Choosing a natural burial ground the natural death center Greener Globe Funeral sta…

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Sylvia Plath 27:06

10d ago27:06

27:06

Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence, chooses the writer Sylvia Plath. Sylvia Plath was a precocious, prize-winning child,. Her mother had high expectations for her. Her father had died when she was 8 (but could have been saved if only he'd gone to see a doctor). When she was well, Plath was energetic, fun, bright, attractive, funny and incredibly sma…

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64. Kate talks about being an Embalmer 28:46

25d ago28:46

28:46

in this episode We are joined by Kate from Norman Lock and Son who is an Embalmer. Kate chats about how she came to be one, what she finds rewarding about it and some of the myths people have about embalming along the way. Resources The embalming process step by step Kates episode about being a female funeral director Get in Touch, we would love to…

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Elizabeth Day on Hatshepsut 27:40

17d ago27:40

27:40

"One of the things that she claimed was that her mother had been impregnated by the sun god Amon-Ra."Elizabeth Day's interest in the female pharaoh Hatshepsut was sparked by a trip to Egypt less than a year ago. What intrigued her was how this woman survived and thrived as ruler in a traditionally male role. Joining her in discussion is Professor J…

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Learning alongside your multilingual learners, starring Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D. 40:14

1M ago40:14

40:14

Host Ana Torres is joined by Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D., a linguist and speech pathologist known for her work with multilingual learners. In this episode, Elsa focuses on small changes that educators can make to create classrooms that are more inclusive and supportive of multilingual learners. She shares strategies for morphology instruction, learn…

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63 Abi Talks about being a Gravedigger 30:22

28d ago30:22

30:22

Abi from Woven Farewells is also a Gravedigger. We chat about how she came to do this , some of the things involved and where she finds her peaceful moments. Resources Association of Natural Burial grounds link Link to the Trees Episode Link to the Willow coffins episode Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts …

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Comedian Stewart Lee on Derek Bailey 30:43

24d ago30:43

30:43

"The area I mostly work in is generally known as free - the free music area. And free is one of those four letter words, like rock or jazz or punk maybe. It started out meaning something." Derek Bailey Born in 1930 in Sheffield, Bailey worked as a session musician in dance bands and orchestras before turning his back on that world. Free improvisati…

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62 Funerals and the weather 12:04

1M ago12:04

12:04

By Simon and Tina

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Jock Stein, first British football manager to win the European Cup 27:41

1M ago27:41

27:41

Jock Stein, first British football manager to win the European Cup, picked by composer Sir James MacMillan and aided by Jock Stein’s biographer, Archie MacPherson. Jock Stein was manager of Celtic FC when they won the European Cup in Lisbon in 1967. He later died while managing Scotland in a world cup qualifier against Wales – the date, September 1…

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The right questions for the “wrong” answers, starring Dan Meyer, Ph.D. 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

On this episode of Beyond My Years, host Ana Torres is joined by Dan Meyer, Ph.D., Vice President of User Growth at Amplify and former Chief Academic Officer at Desmos. Dan’s journey in education began much like that of many other teachers—with a love of his content area. But entering the classroom proved difficult as he struggled to engage student…

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61 Guest David talks about Ashes in Blooms, Seedballs, Rabbits and more. 41:45

2M ago41:45

41:45

Daavid joins Tina to talk about his Ashes to Blooms work, which featured as a finalist in the recent green funeral awards. How he came to have the idea, how to make your own Ashes and Blooms seedball and how it helps to remember our people and pets through growing seeds alongside ashes We talk about rabbits, containers, green-washing, pot noodles a…

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Benjamin Franklin 26:59

1M ago26:59

26:59

Matthew Parris heads to the house where Benjamin Franklin lived for almost 17 years to meet banker and philanthropist John Studzinski. Franklin was born in Boston when it was still a part of the British empire, ran away to Philadelphia and lodged near Charing Cross at 36 Craven Street in London for over a decade. He was an agent for the Pennsylvani…

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60 The Wake. What is it & do you need one ? 14:59

2M ago14:59

14:59

What is a Wake? why is it called that. Do you need to have one and what might you do at one? Why has Tina been to one with bright pink salmon sandwiches ? Tina and Sy discuss all this and more Resources Check list for a wake Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondered about what happens at fu…

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Miles Jupp on JL Carr, author of A Month in the Country 27:28

1M ago27:28

27:28

"I find his novels extraordinarily beautiful .. and they're an excellent length." Miles Jupp picks an author he loves, but knows little about. JL Carr was born in Yorkshire and was a teacher, mapmaker, and an eccentric. Joining the comedian in studio to discuss Carr is a man who knew him well - DJ Taylor - who paints a picture of a man who hated Lo…

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The science behind a joyful classroom, starring Tracey Severns, Ed.D. 40:30

2M ago40:30

40:30

Host Ana Torres welcomes former NJDOE Chief Academic Officer Tracey Severns, Ed.D., to discuss not just how to bring more joy to the classroom but how joy and laughter can draw in even the most vulnerable students. Tracey outlines the current research on what humor can do in the classroom and shares her own observational research in a case study sc…

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59 The words we use about death 15:47

2M ago15:47

15:47

What words do we use when describing death, dying and dead? Does it matter if we use these words or others? Sy and Tina explore this topic. Lets us know your thoughts and any colloquialisms you have come across Resources A guide to talking about death, St Clares Hospice Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts p…

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Helen Castor on Richard II 27:37

2M ago27:37

27:37

Today's great life is possibly more famous as a Shakespearean character - King Richard II who was deposed by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke in 1399. He's been chosen by historian Helen Castor, author of The Eagle and the Hart, who shines a light on what really happened towards the end of his reign. Also helping is Professor Emma Smith who explains wh…

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58 Richard from Scattering Ashes in a discussion about the many choices we have for ashes. 37:33

2M ago37:33

37:33

Richard Martin from Scattering Ashes, talks with Tina about the many choices that accompany dealing with Ashes. What do we need to think about in relation to the environment? What emotions might we be feeling? What are our choices? How can the free Ashes Register help? What might communities do with the many uncollected ashes at funeral directors a…

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DJ Deb Grant on John Prine 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

DJ Deb Grant picks US mailman turned country-folk singer John Prine, whose beautiful songs captured the world in which he lived. Bob Harris, who first met him on the Old Grey Whistle Test, adds to the conversation. "I came to know him through him speaking about his own music - it's his character, his personality and his attitude that I fell for," s…

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57 Guest Philip from New wood Trees joins us. How can we use Trees to remember and celebrate our people? 37:31

3M ago37:31

37:31

Philip Nieuwoudt from Artisan Nursery New Wood Trees in Devon in the UK joins us on the podcast to talk about Trees and how we can use them in remembrance and memorialising. How can we use them to reflect the character of our person? Which ones are good in which situations? Which might grow to big? What is it useful to think about when planting Tre…

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Beyond My Years is back: Season 2 trailer 2:09

3M ago2:09

2:09

Ana Torres and Eric Cross give you the first look at Season 2 of Beyond My Years, launching September 17, 2025. This trailer highlights what’s coming this season including shorter episodes and takeaways from our Classroom Insider. Season 2 focuses on common classroom challenges, looking to the experts and to the research to get you answers. We'll d…

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56. Standards in the Funeral Sector. What are these and why do they matter ? 20:50

3M ago20:50

20:50

Join us in a conversation about Sys, recent National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) inspection. why he believes standards are important for all the clients who make their way to him. Tina talks about the Funeral Celebrant Accord and the Association of Independent Celebrants and standards in her profession. We chat about recent developments…

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55 In conversation with Isabel from The Good Funeral Guide 43:51

3M ago43:51

43:51

Isabel Russo, from The Good Funeral Guide joins as a guest to talk about the resources abvailabke for informed choices when we are preparing for death and funerals or celebrations of life. We cover talking about death, the place ceremony has in our lives and the impact of direct cremation. Listeners are invited to share their experiences of direct …

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Everything is literacy, starring Susan Lambert, Ed.D. 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

Today on Beyond My Years, host Ana Torres is joined by Science of Reading: The Podcast host Susan Lambert, Ed.D., who’s here to make the case for all educators investing in student literacy development, regardless of the content domain they teach. Throughout the conversation, they discuss how all teachers are literacy teachers and share four simple…

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54 Burials on private land 10:27

3M ago10:27

10:27

Burials on private land is discussed, what are the rules? What do we need to be thinking of ? Tina and Sy discuss the ins and outs of this interesting topic Links Natural Death Center guidance Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondered about what happens at funerals? Have any questions now t…

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53. Kate, Funeral Director from Norman Lock and Son joins us in conversation 27:14

4M ago27:14

27:14

Kate a Funeral Director and embalmer in a family business in Devon in the UK joins us to talk about being a woman in the industry. We chat a little about embalming, life work balance and the rewards of the work. Resources Norman Lock & Son Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondered about wha…

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52. Burial at Sea in the UK, bitesized episode 9:12

4M ago9:12

9:12

This episode is about Burials at Sea in the Uk The rules that apply in the united kingdom are chatted about and the things you have to think about. Links and resources Burial at Sea Navy video Government information about burials at sea Ashes episode Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondere…

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51. All about Willow Coffins from Sophia 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

Sophia from wovenfarewells an award winning Willow coffin maker in the UK, joins Tina and Sys, podcast to talk about Willow coffins, how they are made, the way family can get involved. the sustainable story of willow and so much more Resources click here for a link to wovenfarewells click here for Willow Tree mythology click here for Willow Tree sy…

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50 Pallbearers a bite sized episode 9:38

4M ago9:38

9:38

What are Pallbearers? How did the name come about ? Can family members be pallbearers? What needs to be considered? Sy and Tina discuss all these points in this informative bite sized episode Links and resources. all about being a pallbearer Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondered about w…

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49 Having your loved ones body at home 9:16

4M ago9:16

9:16

Sy and Tina talk about having your loved ones body at home for a while. A tradition in some cultures. There are some things to think about in relation to looking after the body and ensuring it is ok to be visited. Links and more information Poppys blog some tips for keeping people at home Go with Graces Tips for keeping a body at home Practical Tip…

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48 Family Led Funerals. A bitesized chat 11:09

5M ago11:09

11:09

In this episode we chat about family led funerals which are not led by officiants or ministers. What do you need to think about if this is something you are interest in ? Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondered about what happens at funerals? Have any questions now that you find you have …

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Sir Seretse Khama, first president of Botswana 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

Seretse Khama was born in 1921 in Bechuanaland when it was still a British Protectorate. In 1966 he became Botswana's first president. In between he married a white Londoner, Ruth Williamson, was exiled by the British, and made to renounce his interest in succeeding as head of the Bangwato. It's an extraordinary and notable life, and he's been nomi…

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47 When we can't be there at the end. A chat with Sally Reynolds soul midwife 34:00

5M ago34:00

34:00

Sometimes we don't make it to the bedside at the end of someones life. We can feel a certain way about being there or not. Sally , a social worker, Soul midwife and celebrant who works with grief and loss chats with Tina about this and how we can feel as loved ones, carers, family and friends after the event. link to Sally link to grief chat link t…

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Emily Williamson, co-founder of the RSPB 27:32

5M ago27:32

27:32

For over a hundred years no one thought too much about the origins of the RSPB, but among its founders was a woman in Didsbury opposed to the use of feathers in fashionable hats. Emily Williamson was outraged by the widespread slaughter of egrets and the crested grebe. She had tried to join the all-male British Ornithological Union, and when that f…

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46 Bequeathing your body to medical science 13:13

5M ago13:13

13:13

Whats involved in bequeathing your body to medical science in the UK? What should you think about if this interests you or a fmaily member has this wish? Is it the same as organ donation? All these questions and a few more are covered in this sensitive conversation with Sy and Tina Resources A love of Humanity information about body donation Royal …

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Tina Turner 27:43

5M ago27:43

27:43

Rock Icon Tina Turner proposed by the actress and author Rebecca Humphries. Tina Turner began life as Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, joining Ike Turner's band in St Louis at the age of 17. Her presence, her performances and her voice captivated audiences, but this is really a story of triumph over abuse. After she left Ike Turner with noth…

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45 Green, Natural and Eco funerals a bitesized chat 10:51

5M ago10:51

10:51

Tina and Sy discuss what these sort of funerals involve. if there a difference? Can you include some Green and Ecologically positive aspects in every funeral? listen in for an interesting update Resources The Green Burial Council Bereavement Advice Center , Green Funerals Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts…

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Raymond Blanc on Professor Nicholas Kurti 27:39

5M ago27:39

27:39

The chef Raymond Blanc nominates his mentor and friend, the physicist Professor Nicholas Kurti.Kurti was born in Hungary but fled to Oxford when Hitler came to power. Pushing the frontiers of low-temperature physics during his career, he went on to create‘molecular gastronomy’ in retirement. Raymond Blanc approached Kurti after a lecture the profes…

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44. Organ Donation in the UK, a chat with Kathryn Somers a specialist nurse 29:38

6M ago29:38

29:38

Today's episode is about Organ donation, listen in to Tina and Nurse Specialist Kathryn Somers from Devon in the UK talk about this. Kat explores how to indicate you wish to be a donor, the criteria considered for organ donation, the number of people who can benefit and so much more. Resources St Johns medal Registering an organ donation decision, …

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Dervla Murphy, author of the classic Full Tilt 27:38

5M ago27:38

27:38

At the age of 10 Dervla Murphy was given an atlas and a bicycle, and so began an adventurous life. Her account of a journey to India became a classic called Full Tilt but she also went to Cuba, Ethiopia and the Andes where our guest first met her in a doss house. Hilary Bradt is the founder of the Bradt Travel Guides and is picking Dervla Murphy as…

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Springing forward and looking back, with Ana and Eric 30:39

6M ago30:39

30:39

Today on Beyond My Years, host Ana Torres and Classroom Insider Eric Cross reconnect with three past guests—Fawn Nguyen, Rebecka Peterson, and Simone McQuaige—to explore key challenges from their early teaching days: classroom management, decentering oneself, and time management. Ana and Eric share their own experiences with these common hurdles, t…

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43. Transport to the Funeral 11:53

6M ago11:53

11:53

This bitesized episode is all about funeral transport. What can you have to take the deceased to the funeral ceremony? and what about the guests. Listen in for an informative chat about all things funeral transport Get in Touch, we would love to hear from you The Good Goobyes , funeral facts podcast. Ever wondered about what happens at funerals? Ha…

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Ned Ludd mythical leader of the Luddites 27:43

5M ago27:43

27:43

We don't even know if Ned Ludd was real, but perhaps that was the point. "You could say he was everyone and no one - and that's what made him so terrifying for the authorities." Leader of the Luddites, who often signed letters and proclamations Ned Ludd, he is shown in one engraving wearing mismatched shoes and a blue polka dot dress, suggesting a …

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42. Imran, "conversations with my dad", and developing carer resources 42:24

6M ago42:24

42:24

Imran Nazerali joins the podcast to talk about the work he is doing with Imperial College London around Mental Health at end of life, where he is working with others to help shape meaningful improvements in end of life care. As well as his personal experiences around the time of his fathers death. We have some heartfelt chats about how it feels to …

Simon And Tina Podcasts