Episodes

  • The Impact of AI on Teaching: Friend or Foe? | Sir, You Look Tired
    Nov 26 2025

    In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired, we discusses the potential impact of AI and tools like ChatGPT on the teaching profession. The conversation touches on how AI can both alleviate and create workloads for educators, the importance of human oversight in using AI-generated content, and the existing challenges faced by teachers.

    https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plansCode: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:17 Balancing Teaching and Personal Life01:19 Impact of AI on Teaching02:35 Challenges and Opportunities with AI05:55 Using AI for Personalized Learning06:36 Debate on AI Usage in Schools09:47 AI as a Teaching Assistant14:40 Delegation and AI in Teaching16:51 Future of AI in Education24:16 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

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    26 mins
  • Setting Boundaries and Priorities in Teaching | Sir, You Look Tired
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode of 'Sir, You Look Tired,' Martin and Claire dive deep into the importance of putting yourself first as a teacher or business owner. They discuss strategies like effective planning, setting boundaries, and the bravery required to say 'no.' The conversation also touches upon the significance of knowing yourself, maintaining a healthy diet, and how critical self-awareness is for sustainable success. Tune in to discover actionable tips for balancing your professional and personal life.


    https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plans

    Code: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.


    Timestamps & chapters below 👇

    00:00 Introduction

    00:27 The Importance of Putting Yourself First

    01:30 Challenges and Strategies for Teachers

    03:28 The Role of Bravery in Teaching

    05:42 Balancing Work and Personal Life

    15:54 Health and Nutrition Insights

    26:13 Meal Planning and Cooking Strategies

    29:54 Managing Work and Personal Time

    32:10 Effective Time Management for Teachers

    35:15 Setting Boundaries and Prioritising Tasks

    40:10 Trust and Communication in the Workplace

    45:48 Health and Well-being: Setting Boundaries

    47:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    48 mins
  • Innovating Education: The Growth of Classroom Secrets | Sir, You Look Tired
    Nov 12 2025

    In this episode of 'You Look Tired,' host Martin is joined by the co-founder of Classroom Secrets, who shares her journey from being a teacher to building a successful educational business. Discover the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and how she transformed her small idea into a well-known brand that serves thousands of schools. Whether you're an educator or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of educational resources and business growth.


    https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plans

    Code: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.


    Timestamps & chapters below 👇

    00:00 Introduction

    01:39 From Teacher to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins

    05:53 The Birth of Classroom Secrets

    08:34 Challenges and Reflections on Differentiation

    13:04 Building the Business and Overcoming Doubts

    17:22 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

    23:21 The Role of Team and Technology in Growth

    32:11 Navigating Compliments and AI Conversations

    33:04 The Evolution of Chatbots

    34:36 Building a Productive Team

    35:43 Research-Backed Educational Resources

    37:20 Challenges in Teaching and Resource Development

    43:10 The Journey of Classroom Secrets

    49:59 Adapting to Remote Work

    52:27 The Growth and Impact of Classroom Secrets

    01:00:13 Reflecting on Success and Future Plans

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Journey from Teacher to Entrepreneur | Sir, You Look Tired
    Nov 5 2025

    Join Martin on this episode of 'Sir, You Look Tired' as he welcomes Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets. With Dan away, Martin dives into a candid conversation with Claire about the challenges and joys of teaching, her transition from secondary to primary education, and the personal reflections brought on by the impending arrival of his baby. They discuss the struggles of work-life balance for teachers, managing expectations, and Claire's own journey from teaching to founding a successful educational business. Tune in for an insightful discussion about the realities teachers face both in and out of the classroom.


    https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plans

    Code: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.


    Timestamps & chapters below 👇

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

    00:25 Guest Introduction: Claire Riley

    01:53 Balancing Teaching and Parenthood

    04:06 Challenges and Reflections on Teaching

    12:40 Transitioning from Secondary to Primary Teaching

    25:37 Navigating School Interviews

    25:55 Red Flags in Interviews

    28:07 Supply Teaching Insights

    31:28 Challenges in Teaching Management

    35:38 Balancing Work and Personal Life

    39:17 The Importance of Boundaries

    47:42 Reflecting on Teaching Experiences

    48:09 Conclusion and Next Steps



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    48 mins
  • Recharge and Revive: A Teacher's Guide to Self-Care | Sir, You Look Tired
    Oct 29 2025

    In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the challenges and experiences of their teaching careers. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout, the impact of habitual behaviour on well-being, and their preferences for avoiding takeaways in favour of dining out. They also delve into the educational system's flaws, the importance of teacher well-being for student success, and share anecdotes from their own classroom experiences. Their conversation aims to provide insights and encouragement for teachers striving to find a healthier work-life balance.


    Timestamps & chapters below 👇

    00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

    00:59 Takeaway vs. Dining Out

    04:19 The Importance of Teachers

    05:40 Challenges in the Education System

    08:44 Parent Interactions and School Events

    16:38 Staff Meetings and School Policies

    18:30 Nostalgic School Memories

    19:26 Classroom Chaos and Management

    22:04 Teacher Well-being and Boundaries

    25:12 Making Small Changes for Big Impact

    33:52 Engaging with the Podcast Community

    34:58 Conclusion and Farewell

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    41 mins
  • Behind the Classroom Door: The Real Stress of Teaching | Sir, You Look Tired
    Oct 22 2025

    Join Martin and Dan as they dive into an important and emotional topic that affects many educators: the intense stress and burnout associated with teaching. Discussing personal experiences and eye-opening statistics, they explore how the pressures of the teaching profession have led to significant mental health issues, including burnout and even self-harm. They share poignant stories, including Dan's struggle with mental health and weight, offering a raw and honest insight into the challenges educators face.This episode urges teachers to prioritise their well-being and seek support, while also calling attention to the systemic issues within the education system. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your teaching job, or if you're looking for ways to cope and recover, this episode is for you.

    Timestamps & chapters below 👇

    00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

    00:23 The Stress of Teaching: Statistics and Personal Experiences

    05:34 The Turning Point: Seeking Change

    12:39 The Broader Issue: Teacher Workload and Public Perception

    25:53 Teacher Well-being and Self-care

    26:42 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

    31:37 Support Systems and Asking for Help

    35:58 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

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    45 mins
  • From Graveyards to Great Teachers: SEN Struggles & Why Fun Matters | Sir, You Look Tired
    Oct 15 2025

    In this episode of "Sir, You Look Tired," Martin and Dan take you on a nostalgic and honest journey through their school days - from Halloween debates and graveyard shortcuts to the teachers who changed their lives. They open up about growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, the challenges of being diagnosed, and how small moments of support made all the difference.


    The conversation dives deep into the realities of teaching today: the burnout, the paperwork, and the pressure to tick boxes - contrasted with the joy of making memories, building relationships, and letting kids be kids. They question the value of early assessments, share hilarious and heartfelt classroom stories, and offer a rallying cry for teachers to focus on what really matters.


    Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just love a good school story, this episode is packed with laughter, insight, and a reminder that sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the lesson plan.


    Timestamps & chapters below 👇

    00:00 Welcome Back

    04:48 The Impact of Teachers

    08:25 Personal Struggles and Triumphs

    13:36 The Power of a Good Teacher

    19:44 The Importance of Fun in Education

    20:05 Creative Teaching Methods

    21:34 Rethinking the Curriculum

    23:51 The Impact of Assessments

    30:31 Teacher Burnout and Well-being

    35:32 The Changing Landscape of Teaching

    37:08 Final Thoughts

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    38 mins
  • Surviving and Reflecting on Ofsted | Sir, You Look Tired
    Oct 8 2025

    Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired" with Martin and Dan! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Ofsted inspections, the realities of school grading, and the impact on teachers and students. From hilarious stories about purple pens and marking policies to honest conversations about burnout, stress, and what really matters in education, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and a few rants.


    We also share personal experiences, discuss the ever-changing landscape of school inspections, and imagine what schools could be like if we scrapped Ofsted altogether. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or just curious about the world behind the classroom door, this one's for you.


    Timestamps & chapters below 👇

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings

    00:27 Personal Experiences with Inspectors

    03:52 The Role and Pay of Inspectors

    06:19 New Policies and Changes in School Evaluations

    12:19 The Impact of School Ratings

    17:05 Marking Policies and Teacher Stress

    21:57 Mock Inspections and Their Implications

    23:39 Final Thoughts on School Evaluations

    29:15 Celebrating Success and Reflecting on Change

    30:47 Critique of Ofsted and Education Policies

    50:38 Summer Camp Stories and Final Thoughts

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    55 mins