Exeter student’s inclusive education podcast hits 50th episode

Goal 4: Education for All is a platform for those that work in the field of education – and particularly for those interested in issues around the inclusion of marginalised learners – to share their knowledge and expertise. The target audience is professionals working in this field, but also interested third parties, researchers, and the general public. Each week, I speak with education experts and researchers, staff at international institutions such as UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Bank, MoE staff, NGO staff, staff at organisations of persons with disabilities, authors, and teachers from all over the world who work in very different roles and in very different contexts. The show reaches thousands of stakeholders (including key decision makers in ministries and at the UN), along with interested parties, in over 80 countries. 

I love listening to podcasts – and do so whenever I am driving, doing chores, drinking coffee, and even sleeping. Having not been able to find one that satisfied my thirst in the field of inclusive education, I decided to set one up.

I secured SWDTP impact funding to buy a microphone and to sign up to an online hosting platform. After that, it was just a case of finding willing participants to give up their time. Having previously had a foot in the waters of international education development, and having dived straight into the world of academia, I was able to invite some very interesting people to come on the show from all over the world. It was heartening to see that almost everyone invited responded positively, and were willing to give up their time. (From a selfish point of view, it has been a great way to network and to meet new people: “Hi, I love your work – would you like to come on my podcast…”)

I have just recorded my 50^th episode and have had the pleasure of interviewing Ministry of Education staff from many countries; NGO staff; UN and World Bank decision makers; teachers; parents; researchers; and best-selling authors. You can find a full list of episodes here: 

Spotify: https://rb.gy/squc35

Apple podcasts: https://rb.gy/zaf1jh

Web player: https://rb.gy/ny1zl1

Recently, I was asked to give the closing/summary talks at two high-profile UNESCO events in Paris. While I was there, I recorded a ‘UNESCO Special’ series for the podcast; a selection of shorter episodes with event attendees, either recorded live on location, or online following the event.

The future of the show looks exciting, too. As I write these words, I have just come off a call with somebody at UNESCO’s education in crises department who has asked me to set up and record a series of episodes centred on refugee education, and schools in conflict zones. I might even be able to travel to affected areas with my microphone. I am also preparing a series where I’ll interview UNESCO’s girls’ education prize laureates.

I would thoroughly recommend starting up a podcast, or something similar, to anyone that has had an inkling to do so. It is ridiculously easy to do (which is perhaps why almost everyone has a show these days!) and very cheap to set up. It’s a great way to meet new people and to spread the message about your work. It’s also pretty good fun.

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