Best Tom Swain Podcasts (2025)

1
Glenys Oberg: Trauma-aware practice, compassion fatigue and the cost of not caring. 47:07

13h ago47:07

47:07

Today I’m joined by Glenys Oberg, an author, educator and researcher whose work sits at the crossroads of wellbeing, neuroscience and teaching practice. Glenyce explores how compassion fatigue, moral injury and emotional resilience shape the lives of educators, and how trauma-aware, evidence-informed approaches can create healthier and more sustain…

1
Jeffrey Jordan: Innovation, equity, and the complex work of principals. 50:06

4h ago50:06

50:06

Today we’re joined by Jeffrey Jordan, an inspiring school leader who’s currently in his third year as an elementary school principal. Jeffrey’s career spans classrooms and continents. He’s taught English Language Arts across primary and secondary settings, led as a vice principal for six years at the second-largest English high school in Quebec, an…

1
Amy Green: Wellbeing Leadership: a new approach for school leaders. 50:06

5d ago50:06

50:06

Today, I'm talking about something that sits right at the heart of great leadership - wellbeing. Not as a buzzword or a side project, but as the foundation for how we lead, teach, and thrive together. In her new book Wellbeing Leadership, Amy Green challenges us to rethink what leadership in schools can look like when wellbeing isn’t an afterthough…

1
A conversation with Andrew Cornwell: On teaching, accreditation, and growing together. 47:48

9d ago47:48

47:48

This episode’s a little different. Instead of me asking the questions, I’m the one being interviewed. Highly Accomplished teacher Andrew Cornwall and I sit down to talk about teaching, accreditation, and what it means for all of us to be expert practitioners. We dig into how great teaching grows through shared practice, honest reflection, and the e…

1
Tom Mahoney: Teacher agency, educational ideologies and the power of curiosity. 44:14

19d ago44:14

44:14

What is the purpose of education? It’s one of those questions that sounds simple but cuts right to the heart of what we do as teachers and school leaders. Too often, it’s pushed aside as though it’s already been settled. My guest today, Tom Mahony, doesn’t accept that. He’s a teacher, leader, and educational researcher who believes that revisiting …

1
Cameron Paterson: Harvard's Project Zero, leading learning and reimagining professional growth. 53:38

23d ago53:38

53:38

Every teacher and every school want their students to achieve and thrive. Through his leadership, innovative approaches, and dedication to learning, Cameron Paterson, Director of Learning at Wesley College in Melbourne, is helping students and teachers do exactly that. Cameron Paterson is an educator who has never stopped learning. A History teache…

1
Jen Buchanan: THINK Global School - The World's First Travelling High School. 43:38

1M ago43:38

43:38

Up next is a conversation with Jen Buchanan, the proud Principal of Think Global School, the world's first travelling high school, where students study in eight countries throughout their two years, experiencing truly global, experiential education. With extensive experience leading innovation across international progressive schools and organisati…

1
Amelia Martin: Helping every student feel seen, heard and valued 41:49

1M ago41:49

41:49

By Mathew Green

1
Dr Nathaniel Swain: How do we harness the science of learning? 48:46

1M ago48:46

48:46

Today I’m joined by Dr Nathaniel Swain - a teacher, instructional coach, researcher and writer with a deep passion for language, literacy and learning. Nathaniel is dedicated to helping teachers create effective and engaging learning for every student. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement at La Trobe Univers…

1
Jimmy Kimmel Cries… And? | Ep. 208 23:45

2M ago23:45

23:45

On this FINAL episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom thank all their loyal listeners for sticking with them through over 200 episodes. Their new podcast, “Screenplay to Novel” will be available on all podcast platforms, so please check it out. But, on this last episode of Radioactive Rant, Jimmy Kimmel gets called out for sobbing on TV… again. Q…

1
Claudia Owad: Solution focused schools, adaptive leadership and coaching in complex times. 55:41

2M ago55:41

55:41

Today, I’m joined by Claudia Owad, Director at Growth Coaching International. With over 30 years of experience across education, corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, Claudia is a Master Practitioner with EMCC Global and has served on the board of the International Coaching Federation Australasia. A former school counsellor, Claudia is …

1
The Fascist Factory | Ep. 207 20:54

2M ago20:54

20:54

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom mock the idiots on the left who love to call everyone a fascist, yet they don’t even know what it means to be a fascist. A Pennsylvania senator (John Fetterman) should run for president… seriously. The Kansas City Chiefs are 0 and 2. Yay! Listen to Podcast Rant where Mark and Tom call out the podcas…

1
Dr Simon Breakspear: Elevated Conversations: Practical Tools to Make Teacher Collaboration Count. 52:54

2M ago52:54

52:54

In today’s episode, we explore Elevated Conversations, Dr Simon Breakspear’s new book that helps educators turn meetings from weary talk into purposeful dialogue. Drawing on years of work with schools worldwide, Simon shares seven practical tools designed to spark fresh thinking, deepen connections, and make the most of limited collaborative time. …

1
Charlie Kirk Blame Game | Ep. 206 22:54

2M ago22:54

22:54

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom are a baffled that some on the left claim Charlie Kirk is responsible for his own murder. Two idiots make fools of themselves in the stands at a baseball game. The out of touch singer of an overrated band shows how stupid he is. Listen to Podcast Rant as Mark and Tom roast the most overrated podcast…

1
Michael O’Keeffe: Lessons from The Arts, leading with purpose and the power of professional learning communities. 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

Today I’m joined by Michael, an experienced educational leader with more than two decades working across the primary, secondary and adult education sectors. His career has been shaped by a passion for coaching, digital technology, and the Performing Arts, where he’s made a real impact on both teaching and leadership. Michael is currently the Deputy…

1
Tattoo Nation | Ep. 205 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom rip into the obsession with covering every square inch of skin in ink. They torch Democrats for pitching a fit over people praying, like it personally offends their delicate sensibilities. And hear them call out Chicago’s so-called leaders for bragging about “low crime” while their citizens keep get…

1
Jamie Gerlach: Deep learning, human agency and the power of play. 42:31

2M ago42:31

42:31

Today I’m joined by Jamie Gerlach, an educator and leader who believes in the power of deep learning to build human agency and sees access to rigorous play as a basic right for all. For over a decade, he has designed and led professional learning in embodied literacy, 4C learning and school transformation, working with teachers and leaders across A…

1
Gen Z: Mommy’s Little Job Hunters | Ep. 204 19:28

2M ago19:28

19:28

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom rip into Gen Z crybabies who can’t face a job interview without dragging mommy and daddy along. JFK’s grandson—an entitled jerk takes shots at Melania Trump after she pleaded for mercy for children. The media keeps hammering Trump over his approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Listen to Podcast…

1
Cry Me A Field Goal | Ep. 203 20:05

3M ago20:05

20:05

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom torch a college football kicker who wept at a presser over missing his family… the same family he ditched for school. Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow shoot a TV commercial, and the takeaway is their facelift fallout. Listen to Podcast Rant, where Mark and Tom wonder out loud why certain podcasts are p…

1
Dr Ange Rogers: PVAT, Building teacher expertise and the power of place value. 44:58

3M ago44:58

44:58

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Ange Rogers, a teacher, numeracy leader, consultant and researcher whose work has helped countless primary teachers feel more confident in the maths classroom. With more than twenty years of experience across teaching, coaching, and research, Ange has a real gift for turning evidence into simple, practical strategi…

1
Mamdani’s Big Red Apple | Ep. 202 23:44

3M ago23:44

23:44

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom are delighted that New York City will get what it deserves with the real possibility that creepy Zohran Mamdani will become their mayor. A late nite “talk show host” interviews another late nite “talk show host” and… well… woof. Listen to Podcast Rant, where Mark and Tom dissect hit podcasts that ma…

1
Brendan Yu: Championing rural and remote schools. 1:12:02

3M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Brendan, a proud public education principal with deep roots in his community. Brendan now leads in the very place he once attended as a student, driven by a passion to expand opportunities for rural and remote students. His journey began early, when he revitalised the Riverina Industrial Arts Network to strengthe…

1
Sydney Sweeney Wears Pants, Internet Explodes | Ep. 201 24:56

3M ago24:56

24:56

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom tear into the people coming for Sydney Sweeney—because yeah, she’s definitely the problem in the world right now. John Harbaugh proves pro football coaches can still think for themselves—and talk back. The left hosts a summit to discuss new ways to pretend they’re listening to young people. Join Mar…

1
Dr Peter Lovatt: How pirouettes can literally change your mind. 46:18

3M ago46:18

46:18

What if the key to thinking more clearly, feeling more connected, and even solving problems... was movement? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Peter Lovatt psychologist, dancer, and founder of the world’s first Dance Psychology Lab, to explore how moving our bodies can transform our minds. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or lifelong learner, th…

1
Kiri Marschall: Strengthening pedagogy, building capacity and the power of connection. 1:01:46

3M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Today on The Art of Teaching podcast, I’m joined by Kiri, an educator who believes learning should be adaptive, reflective, and deeply connected to place. With extensive experience in regional and remote schools, Kirri has seen how education rooted in land, language, and community can transform lives. Kiri’s work focuses on building capacity, stren…

1
The Hunter Biden Crack Chronicles | Ep. 200 25:57

3M ago25:57

25:57

On the 200th episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom share audio of an untethered Hunter Biden being interviewed in someone’s backyard. Stephen Colbert can’t stop auditioning for sainthood. Check out Podcast Rant, where Mark and Tom roast bafflingly popular podcasts and ask, “Wait… this has fans?” Also, play along and try to guess the voices of c…

1
Stephen Colbert: Too Woke To Work | Ep. 199 22:05

4M ago22:05

22:05

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom rejoice in Stephen Colbert getting shit-canned. NPR and PBS get bitched-slapped. Have some weird fun with Chat GPT. Check-out “Podcast Rant” where Mark and Tom scrutinize podcasts that are somehow popular. Also, play along and try to guess the voices of celebrities listeners can’t stand on “Celebrit…

1
Emma Mansfield: Building expertise and excellence in NSW education. 41:50

4M ago41:50

41:50

Today, I'm joined by Emma, Executive Director, Strategic Priorities at the NSW Department of Education and a proudly accredited Lead Teacher. With a career shaped by a deep commitment to educational excellence, Emma has held a range of influential leadership roles at both the school and system levels. She played a key role in founding the HALT Asso…

1
Jeffery Epstein Coverup | Ep. 198 27:01

4M ago27:01

27:01

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom call out the Trump administration for not being transparent with the Jeffery Epstein files they overly promised they would be transparent about (shocker). A national teachers union is f’d in the head. Rosie O’Donnell will not go away. Check-out “Podcast Rant” where Mark and Tom scrutinize podcasts t…

1
Melissa Kennedy: The Sustainable Teacher in a Digital Age. 59:03

4M ago59:03

59:03

Today, I’m joined by Melissa Kennedy - a passionate educator, leader, and storyteller. Melissa is Head of English at her school, a sessional university lecturer, and a presenter who brings depth and clarity to conversations about teaching, leadership, and curriculum. She’s also an accomplished author and was recently recognised as an ACEL New Voice…

1
Big Beautiful Bill Will Kill! | Ep. 197 23:32

4M ago23:32

23:32

On this episode of Radioactive Rant, Mark and Tom discuss the push-back dems have on a budget reconciliation bill. The Supreme Court shows a speck of common sense. An insignificant CNN correspondent thinks rather highly of herself. Check-out “Podcast Rant” where Mark and Tom scrutinize podcasts that are somehow popular. Also, play along and try to …

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