Two Mr Ps in a Pod(Cast)

*This week, Lee and Adam are joined by Zoe Kalar, founder of We Are 8, for a fascinating conversation about the future of social media and why she believes the internet can be redesigned to put people before profit. Zoe explains the vision behind the platform, why she spent a decade building it, and how its unique model aims to inspire people to spend less time scrolling and more time living.*

*The discussion explores the darker side of today's social media platforms*, from addictive algorithms and online abuse to sextortion, mental health and the impact endless scrolling is having on children and young people. Zoe shares why she believes many of the problems we see online today were avoidable and explains how We Are 8 has been designed with safety at its core through its AI Shield technology.

*Lee and Zoe also discuss the economics of social media*, questioning why billions of pounds generated through advertising end up in the hands of a small number of tech companies rather than being shared with the people who create the value. Zoe explains We Are 8's unique revenue sharing model, where users can earn money by engaging with advertising, while also supporting charities and community projects.

*Teachers are a major focus of the conversation*, with Zoe outlining plans for a dedicated Teachers Fund, creator opportunities for educators and why she believes teachers deserve far greater recognition for the role they play in society. The pair discuss the constant negativity teachers face online and how healthier algorithms could help amplify positive voices instead of outrage and division.

*The interview also tackles anonymity, AI moderation and the future of online conversations.* Zoe explains how We Are 8 aims to encourage honest discussion without tolerating abuse, why accountability matters online and how AI can be used to create safer digital spaces without removing genuine debate.

*Finally, Zoe shares her vision for the future of social media*, discussing whether bans for young people are the answer, how governments could better regulate online platforms, and why she believes technology should inspire connection, creativity and community rather than division. She also explains how listeners can get involved with We Are 8 and help shape a more positive online future.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*This week, Lee is joined by Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, for a wide ranging and honest conversation about the biggest challenges facing education today.* They discuss why every teacher and support staff member should be in a union, the benefits that go far beyond workplace protection, and Daniel shares his own journey from primary teacher and PRU maths teacher to leading Europe's largest education union.

*The conversation tackles the growing funding crisis in schools*, with Daniel explaining why partially funded pay rises are leaving schools facing impossible choices. They debate teacher and support staff pay, redundancies, falling pupil numbers, class sizes and why investment in education should be viewed as an investment in the country's future rather than a cost.

*Lee and Daniel also take a deep dive into Ofsted*, discussing why so many teachers have lost confidence in the inspection system. They explore the impact inspections have on workload, wellbeing and school culture, why reform has failed to win over the profession and what a more supportive accountability system could look like.

*The pair reflect on the first year of the Labour government*, discussing Bridget Phillipson's time as Education Secretary, whether teachers have seen the change they hoped for, and why there remains a growing disconnect between government messaging and the reality experienced by staff working in schools every day.

*Behaviour, SEND and teacher workload are all firmly under the spotlight.* Lee and Daniel share their views on the causes of worsening behaviour, the impact of social media, unmet needs, SEND funding, curriculum pressures and why improving teacher retention starts with making the profession manageable again.

*Finally, Daniel outlines his vision for the future of education*, including smaller class sizes, better funding, greater professional autonomy, more creativity in the curriculum and a profession that once again feels valued. He also explains why union reps remain at the heart of improving schools and encourages more teachers and support staff to get involved in shaping the future of education.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the lads wrap up the final full episode of the school year by reflecting on another academic year in education, thanking listeners for their support and debating the annual calls to shorten the six week summer holidays. They discuss why children and staff desperately need the break, the pressures on working parents and why better holiday provision, rather than less time off, is the real answer.

There's a passionate discussion about Ofsted after schools are still being inspected during the final week of term. Lee shares his frustrations with the inspection system, why he believes it continues to drive teachers out of the profession and explains why meaningful reform will only happen if the culture around inspection changes completely.

The conversation also turns to politics following Bridget Phillipson's departure as Education Secretary. Lee reflects on interviewing her at the Department for Education, responds to criticism he received online and explains the balancing act between holding decision makers to account while still being able to keep teachers' voices in the room.

The lads can't avoid reliving England's heartbreaking World Cup exit either. They analyse where it all went wrong against Argentina, question Thomas Tuchel's tactics, reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of tournament football and discuss the darker side of the game, including the rise in domestic abuse following England defeats.

Away from football, Lee shares some proud family news after attending his children's end of year awards, including one of the triplets being appointed Head Girl. The blind ranking also returns for one last time this season, with the pair deciding the perfect ways for teachers to spend their summer holidays.

Finally, the listener stories provide the perfect end to another school year. There are hilarious tales of bizarre hospital visits, unforgettable end of year gifts, awkward staff celebrations and chaotic nights out featuring everything from giant bags of Hula Hoops and Yorkshire puddings to skinny dipping, karaoke disasters, nightclub encounters with parents and enough staff party confessions to remind everyone why schools are never short of unbelievable stories.

​

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n this special episode, Mr P sits down with the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson.

A few weeks ago I asked you one simple question: if you could ask the Education Secretary anything, what would it be? Over 1000 of you replied. Teachers, TAs, SENCOs, SEND parents, school leaders, the response was overwhelming. So I took your most liked questions directly to Bridget Phillipson. From the vital role of support staff to the ongoing SEND crisis and the recent SATs marking debacle, we tried to cover as many topics in the short time available and reflect on the two years she’s been in the role.

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the lads are counting down the final days until the summer holidays, with another hot week in school and England's World Cup semi final dominating absolutely everything. Adam admits the tournament has been the perfect distraction from a difficult few months at home, while both share their hopes, nerves and excitement ahead of England's biggest match in years.

The conversation also turns to Jude Bellingham, with Lee sharing a message from one of Jude's former primary school teachers that perfectly sums up why he's become such a respected figure on and off the pitch.

There's plenty of light hearted discussion too, including a thread celebrating the tiny everyday moments that somehow make life better. The blind ranking returns with a debate over the best ways to celebrate the end of the school year. From quiz nights and bottomless brunches to Jacob's Tables, themed evenings and simply heading to the pub after school, the lads reveal how they'd rank the perfect staff celebration.

As always, the listener stories don't disappoint. There are tales of disastrous staff parties, drunken mishaps, medieval tunnels, embarrassing job interviews, parents' evening confessions that leave teachers speechless, and enough awkward school moments to make every listener grateful they weren't involved.

Finally, the episode finishes with another collection of wonderfully ridiculous anonymous confessions. From Ofsted style bedroom performance reviews and bizarre acts of revenge over school attendance rewards, to fake DVDs being exposed by the police during a classroom visit, it's another reminder that teachers really do experience situations you simply couldn't make up.

​📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027

14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡

15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️

16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎

17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂

18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹

19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺

20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐

🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live

See you on the road again soon 👏🎤
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices