There is something special about a conversation.

Every Conversation Has the Power to Change Education. Not the kind squeezed into a meeting agenda or hidden in a long email chain, but the conversations where people share their experiences, challenge ideas, celebrate successes and openly discuss the realities of working in education.

That is exactly why we created the Educational Insights with Paula podcast.

When people ask me what the podcast is about, the answer is actually quite simple.

It’s about people.

Yes, we talk about exams, assessment, access arrangements, leadership, technology, AI, compliance, inclusion and educational innovation. But at the heart of every episode is a person with a story worth telling and experiences that could help someone else.

Every guest brings a different perspective, and every conversation leaves me having learned something new.

Why podcasting?

Education is constantly evolving.

New guidance is introduced. Technology develops. Expectations change. Schools and colleges face new challenges every year.

While articles and reports are valuable, there is something uniquely powerful about hearing someone explain why they do what they do, what they have learned along the way and how they overcame the challenges they faced.

Podcasting gives us the opportunity to have honest conversations.

There are no rushed conference sessions. No presentation slides. No pressure to deliver the “perfect” answer.

Just two people sitting down over a coffee and talking about the things that really matter.

Those conversations often become the ones people remember.

It is not about being famous

One of the biggest misconceptions about appearing on a podcast is that you need to be a recognised name.

You do not.

Some of our most engaging episodes have featured people who simply care deeply about improving education.

Perhaps you have developed a better way of supporting students.

Maybe you have introduced a new process that has transformed your exams office.

Perhaps you are leading innovation within your school, trust or organisation.

You might be researching assessment, developing educational technology or championing inclusion.

Or maybe you have simply learned valuable lessons through experience that could help someone else avoid the same challenges.

Those are exactly the stories we want to hear.

Sharing knowledge strengthens our profession

One of the things I love most about working in education is how willing people are to support one another.

Every day we see professionals sharing advice, solving problems together and helping colleagues across the country.

Our podcast is simply another extension of that community.

Every episode has the potential to spark a new idea, reassure someone facing a similar challenge or encourage a different way of thinking.

Sometimes our guests do not even realise how valuable their experiences are until they start talking about them.

The reality is that someone, somewhere, is facing the same challenge you have already overcome.

Your story could make their journey a little easier.

What is it really like to be a guest?

People often tell us they feel nervous before recording.

That usually disappears within the first few minutes.

Our goal is not to conduct an interview – it is to have a conversation.

Behind every episode is our fantastic team, who carefully plan each recording and make sure our guests feel relaxed, informed and supported throughout the process.

From the first email through to the final recording, we want every guest to enjoy the experience.

As for me?

I am simply fortunate enough to ask the questions.

Some of the conversations we have had have genuinely stayed with me long after the microphones were switched off.

I have laughed, learned, reflected and occasionally been challenged – and that is exactly how it should be.

Who are we looking for?

The simple answer is… people making a difference .Every Conversation Has the Power to Change Education

You might work in:

Schools or colleges
Multi-academy trusts
Awarding organisations
Educational technology
Assessment
SEND and inclusion
Exams management
School leadership
Governance
Further or higher education
Educational consultancy
Research

Or perhaps you are leading an initiative that does not fit neatly into any category but has the potential to improve education.

If you are passionate about what you do, we would love to hear your story.

Why now?

As we begin planning our podcast schedule for the next academic year, we only have a limited number of recording slots remaining.

We are always looking for conversations that educate, inspire and encourage discussion across the education sector.

Whether you are an established voice or someone who has never appeared on a podcast before, we would love to hear from you.

Some of the best conversations begin with someone saying, “I’m not sure if I’d be interesting enough…”

Trust me – you probably are.

Every Conversation Has the Power to Change Education – Join Us For a Conversation

Education is built on collaboration.

The best ideas grow when they are shared.

If you are working on something exciting, challenging existing thinking, improving outcomes for learners or simply have experiences that others could learn from, we would love to invite you onto the podcast.

So, why not join me on the sofa?

We will put the coffee on, have an honest conversation and, together, hopefully inspire others across the education community.

We have a few guest spots available for 2026/27. If you would like to be considered as a guest on Educational Insights with Paula, or know someone whose voice deserves to be heard, please get in touch with our team.