Best Tom McDowall Podcasts (2025)

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The Girl Can't Help It (1956) Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, & Little Richard! 56:44

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18h ago56:44

56:44

Book Vs. Movie: “The Girl Can’t Help It” The Garson Kanin Play Vs. the Jayne Mansfield Movie The 1956 Technicolor film The Girl Can’t Help It is often remembered for Jayne Mansfield’s curves and Little Richard’s title song, but it originated from Garson Kanin's short story Do Re Mi. This satirical piece critiques the music industry and the manufact…

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Ep. 23: Rediscovering Curiosity and Connection in Learning with Goutham Yegappan 1:06:48

7d ago1:06:48

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In this episode of Learning+, Vidya speaks with Goutham Yegappan - educator, data scientist, and question-asker - about reimagining education beyond systems, silos, and standardization. They explore why curiosity fades, how the teacher-student divide holds us back, and why passion isn’t something to find, but a way of seeing. This isn’t a conversat…

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Alice's Restaurant (1969) Arlo Guthrie, Arthur Penn, Pat Quinn, & James Broderick 1:10:55

13d ago1:10:55

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Book Vs. Movie: “Alice’s Restaurant” Arlo Guthrie’s 1967 18-minute Song Vs the 1969 Movie Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant” is an 18-minute satirical folk monologue and song that became an anthem for the 1960s counterculture. Officially titled “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” it was released in 1967 on his debut album. The piece tells a true, albe…

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S2 Ep6: Janene Pretorius explains how one of the most prestigious restaurant groups in the country has opened its doors to offer jobs to people facing homelessness and experiencing other barriers to employment ... 25:55

13d ago25:55

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Janene is Group Director of People & Culture at The Wolseley Hospitality Group - a family of individual restaurants whose ethos is focused around creating places where people feel they belong. She spoke to our Founder & CEO Greg Mangham about some of the many Only a Pavement Away Members who have gone from homelessness to developing successful care…

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Ep. 22: Behavior, Motivation, and the Role of Learning with Julie Dirksen 1:17:15

21d ago1:17:15

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Why doesn’t learning always lead to action? In this episode, Vidya sits down with Julie Dirksen - author, designer, and one of the clearest thinkers on behavior change in L&D. They explore why systems thinking can sometimes overwhelm us, how to design for motivation dips, what to do when learners don’t see themselves as part of the problem, and why…

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"Pride and Prejudice" & 2022's "Fire Island" Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho & Jane Austen 1:23:59

22d ago1:23:59

1:23:59

Book Vs. Movie: For Pride Month 1813’s “Pride and Prejudice” Vs. 2022's "Fire Island" June is Pride Month worldwide, and the Margos are excited to celebrate with some of the best LGBTQIA-centric books and movies. One highlight is the 2022 film *Fire Island*, directed by Andrew Ahn and written by Joel Kim Booster. This clever and heartfelt adaptatio…

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"Breakfast with Scot" (2007) Michael Downing, Tom Cavanagh, Ben Shenkman, & Noah Bernett 1:08:37

29d ago1:08:37

1:08:37

Book Vs. Movie: Breakfast with Scot The 1999 Novel Vs the 2007 Movie Michael Downing’s 1999 novel Breakfast with Scot and the 2007 film adaptation of the same name both follow the story of a gay couple who unexpectedly become the guardians of a precocious and flamboyant eleven-year-old boy named Scot. But while they share a common setup, the tone, …

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Ep. 21: The Quiet Power of Community with Erin Chancellor 1:06:37

1M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

What does it really take to build a thriving learning community - one where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow? In this episode, Erin Chancellor joins Vidya to share how she co-manages the Useful L&D Community with care, clarity, and intentional structure. They explore what “lurker love” looks like in action, why creating space matte…

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S2 Ep5: David McDowall reflects on what it’s like to run the largest pub company in the UK and the role pubs play in communities far and wide. 21:54

1M ago21:54

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David is CEO at Stonegate Group, the largest pub company in the UK. He spoke to Marie Ingrao, Head of Marketing & Partnerships at Only A Pavement Away, about the challenges of building a positive work culture across such a large organisation and why pubs are so important for our high streets and communities. Each month, Serving Success: The Only A …

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The Mirror Crack'd (1980) Agatha Christie, Miss Marple, Angela Lansbury, Elizabeth Taylor & Rock Hudson 1:27:07

1M ago1:27:07

1:27:07

Book Vs. Movie: The Mirror Crack’d The 1962 Agatha Christie Novel Vs the 1980 Movie When Agatha Christie published The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side in 1962, it was a haunting tale of guilt, glamour, and murder set in the seemingly quiet village of St. Mary Mead. Nearly two decades later, Hollywood brought the story to life with an all-star cast…

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Ep. 20: Experiment First, Design Later with Tom McDowall 1:12:30

2M ago1:12:30

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In this episode, Tom McDowall joins us for a deep dive into learner autonomy, performance-focused design, and the real role of L&D in a fast-changing world. We unpack what it means to give learners control, how to balance autonomy with compliance, and why experimentation - not training - is often the better answer. From Dungeons & Dragons to chatbo…

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"See How They Run" (2002) Agatha Christie, "The Mousetrap", Sam Rockwell & Saoirse Ronan 1:21:56

2M ago1:21:56

1:21:56

Book Vs. Movie: See How They Run The 1947 Agatha Christie Play (Three Blind Mice) Vs the 2022 Sam Rockwell Film Agatha Christie’s radio play Three Blind Mice was introduced in 1947 and was the basis for 1952’s The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in theater history. See How They Run (2022) is a clever, stylish murder mystery set in 1950s London.…

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Harper Valley PTA (1978) Barbara Eden, Ronny Cox, Nanette Fabray, Tom T. Hall & Jeannie C. Riley 55:46

2M ago55:46

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Book Vs Movie: “Harper Valley PTA" The 1968 Song Vs the 1978 Movie (really!) (It's one of our favorite episodes from the past!) The song was written by Tom T. Hall and performed by country singer Jeannie C. Riley in 1968. The story about a “widowed bride” who is slut-shamed by her daughter’s junior high school PTA (Parents Teachers Advisory) and gi…

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Ep. 19: Improving Value, Not Just Proving It with Michelle Ockers 1:12:32

2M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

What does it really take to build a learning strategy that sticks? In this episode, Michelle Ockers helps unpack the difference between tactical execution and strategic clarity. From shifting the conversation from skills to capability, to evaluating learning as a tool for improvement, and not just as proof, Michelle shares practical, grounded advic…

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Death on the Nile (2022) Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Tom Bateman, and Agatha Christie 1:21:04

2M ago1:21:04

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Book Vs. Movie: Death on the Nile The 1937 Agatha Christie Novel Vs the 2022 Kenneth Branagh film. Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile has long been a fan favorite, combining romance, betrayal, and murder aboard a glamorous steamer cruising the Nile River. In 2022, director Kenneth Branagh brought the classic mystery back to the big screen with an …

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S2 Ep4: Katy Moses and our very own CEO discuss how hospitality can help people rebuild their lives, and share the latest insights on how Gen Z perceives the sector. 34:06

2M ago34:06

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Greg Mangham, Founder & CEO of Only a Pavement Away, catches up with Katy Moses, founder & MD of KAM, a hospitality insight consultancy, to discuss misconceptions about the sector and what we know about Gen Z as customers and team members. Each month, Serving Success: The Only A Pavement Away Podcast, shines a spotlight on purpose and positive chan…

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Agatha Christie's "Evil Under the Sun" (1981) Maggie Smith, Peter Ustinov, Diana Rigg & Roddy McDowall 1:16:49

2M ago1:16:49

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Book Vs. Movie: Evil Under the Sun The Agatha Christie Novel Vs the 1982 Film Agatha Christie's Evil Under the Sun (1941) is a masterclass in misdirection and suspense. The 1982 film adaptation, directed by Guy Hamilton and featuring Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot, transforms the story into a glamorous whodunit set in a sun-soaked Mediterranean lo…

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Ep. 18: Building Service Cultures That Power Organizations with Ron Kaufman 53:12

3M ago53:12

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What if service wasn’t just a department, but a way of thinking across your entire organization? In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Ron Kaufman - global expert on service culture and best-selling author of Uplifting Service - joins us to break down what it really takes to build a culture of continuous service improvement. We explore why mind…

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Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann, Ray Milland, Eddie Albert, & Alexander H. Key 1:05:53

3M ago1:05:53

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Book Vs. Movie: Escape to Witch Mountain The 1968 Children’s Sci-Fi Novel Vs the 1975 Disney Classic If you grew up watching Disney movies or browsing old-school sci-fi paperbacks, chances are Escape to Witch Mountain is somewhere in your memory. But did you know the 1975 Disney movie is very different from the 1968 novel it’s based on? Let’s take …

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Ep. 17: Creating Impactful Practice Scenarios 9:26

3M ago9:26

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In this solo episode, Srividya Kumar explores the power of practice in learning and why it's a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of effective training. She discusses how focusing too much on theory can hinder learners from applying their knowledge. Drawing on real-world examples, Srividya shares how practice scenarios can help learners gain confi…

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10 Things I Hate About You (1999) William Shakespeare, Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, & Letters to Cleo! 1:06:40

3M ago1:06:40

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Book Vs. Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You The Taming of the Shrew & the 1999 Heath Ledger Film 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, reimagining the story in a high school setting. In both works, the plot revolves around two sisters—one desirable and another perceived as problema…

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S2 Ep3: Baton Berisha talks us through his journey from coming to the UK in the 90s as an unaccompanied minor, to running one of the most prestigious restaurant groups in the country. 33:33

3M ago33:33

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Our host Mark Stretton catches up with Baton Berisha, CEO of Rare Restaurants, the parent company of Gaucho and M, and former CEO of the Wolseley Hospitality Group. His impressive career has evolved from humble beginnings; he shares what he has learned on the path to success. Each month, Serving Success: The Only A Pavement Away Podcast, will shine…

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The Asphalt Jungle (1950) WR Burnett, John Huston, Sterling Hayden, James Whitmore, & Marilyn Monroe 1:34:46

4M ago1:34:46

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Book Vs. Movie: The Asphalt Jungle The W.R. Burnett Novel & the 1950 John Huston Film W.R. Burnett’s 1949 novel The Asphalt Jungle is a compelling crime story that explores the minds, motivations, and downfalls of professional criminals. Set in a Midwestern city, it offers a multi-perspective narrative that vividly portrays the underworld. John Hus…

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Ep. 16: The Ripple Effect of Learning with Dr. Nigel Paine 42:50

4M ago42:50

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In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Dr. Nigel Paine explores what it truly means to build a learning culture. He challenges the obsession with perfect courses, emphasizing the need to focus on impact instead. From the power of psychological safety to the role of leadership vulnerability, Nigel shares how organizations can create lasting chang…

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Mamma Mia (2008) ABBA, Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Amanda Seyfried, & Julie Walters 1:28:25

4M ago1:28:25

1:28:25

Book Vs. Movie: Mamma Mia ABBA Gold Vs. Mamma Mia “Musicals in March!” Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical that features the songs of ABBA, the Swedish pop group composed of Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The musical was created by British playwright Catherine Johnson, with music by Andersson and Ulvaeus, and …

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Ep. 15: Unlocking Motivation in Leadership and Learning with Matthew Richter 1:01:09

4M ago1:01:09

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In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Matthew Richter joins host Srividya Kumar to explore the powerful connection between motivation, leadership, and learning. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, Matthew discusses how fulfilling core psychological needs - competence, autonomy, and relatedness - is key to fostering lasting motivation. He shar…

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Billy Elliot (2000) Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, & the 2014 Musical Elton John & Lee Hall 1:30:14

4M ago1:30:14

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Book Vs. Movie: Billy Elliot The 2000 Film Vs the 2014 Musical Live “Musicals in March!” The Margos continue “Musicals in March” with the film & stage show of Billy Elliot. Both tell the inspiring story of a working-class boy in 1980s northern England who discovers a passion for ballet during the UK miners' strike, but they differ in tone and prese…

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Gypsy (1962) Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, Ethel Merman, Natalie Wood, & Rosalind Russell 1:41:13

4M ago1:41:13

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Book Vs. Movie: Gypsy The 1957 Memoir Vs. the 1962 Movie “Musicals in March!” The Margos celebrate another “Musicals in March” episode with Gypsy. Gypsy Rose Lee’s 1957 memoir tells her real-life story of growing up in vaudeville and burlesque under the domineering influence of her mother, Rose Hovick. It paints a detailed picture of her childhood …

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S2 Ep2: Lorraine Copes explains how the hospitality industry has an equity and inclusion issue, rather than a diversity issue, and highlights what can be done to fix it 37:57

4M ago37:57

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Our host Mark Stretton catches up with Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, a social enterprise and a not-for-profit organisation with an overarching mission to advance racial equity within the hospitality, food and drink industries. Each month, Serving Success: The Only A Pavement Away Podcast, will shine a spotlight on purpose and…

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Wicked (2024) Gregory Maguire, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, & Michelle Yeoh 1:24:45

4M ago1:24:45

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Book Vs. Movie: Wicked The 2004 Musical Vs. the 2024 Movie "Musicals in March" The "Wicked" movie is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West; the book (for the play) was written by Winnie Holzman, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The show had its initial tryout in San Francisco in 2003 b…

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Ep. 14: Bridging Neuroscience and AI for Better Learning with Margie Meacham 1:07:53

4M ago1:07:53

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Margie Meacham, the “Brain Lady,” has dedicated her career to understanding how our brains learn and how that knowledge can shape more effective training. A pioneer in integrating neuroscience with learning design, she’s also been a trailblazer in using AI to create personalized learning experiences. In this episode, Margie shares how neuroscience …

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The Piano Lesson (2024) August Wilson, Denzel Washington, Malcolm Washington, & John David Washington 1:25:56

5M ago1:25:56

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Book Vs. Movie: The Piano Lesson The 1987 August Wilson Play Vs. the 2024 Netflix AdaptationAugust Wilson's *The Piano Lesson*, first staged in 1987 and winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990, centers on siblings Berniece and Boy Willie as they clash over a family heirloom—the intricately carved piano symbolizing their ancestors' struggles. S…

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The Hate U Give (2018) Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Sabrina Carpenter, & Anthony Mackie 1:28:25

5M ago1:28:25

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Book Vs. Movie: The Hate U Give The 2017 Book by Angie Thomas & the 2018 Film The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas and adapted into a 2018 film directed by George Tillman Jr., presents a powerful narrative about race, identity, and activism. While the book and the movie follow the same core story—Starr Carter witnessing the police shooting of h…