Best Riley Webb Podcasts (2025)

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36. What does literacy utopia look like, and how can we get there? with Jennie Shearer 35:05

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29d ago35:05

35:05

What if every secondary school teacher knew how to teach a child to read? What if we stopped treating literacy as simply spelling and grammar exercises and instead recognised it as the foundation of all learning? In this thought-provoking conversation with English teacher and literacy lead Jennie Shearer, we explore the troubling reality that most …

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35. Breaking literacy barriers with Kaley Macis-Riley and Laura May Rowlands 39:42

1M ago39:42

39:42

Host Andy Sammons welcomes two extraordinary educators who are transforming how schools approach literacy: Kaley Macis-Riley, Senior Lead for Quality of Education, and Laura May Rowlands, Head of English. Both working in schools with high levels of disadvantage, they share candidly about their journey to establish thriving reading cultures in an ag…

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34. The Role of EdTech within Literacy with Jenny Webb 37:01

1M ago37:01

37:01

What happens when we treat reading as a checkbox rather than an ongoing developmental journey? Jenny Webb, Director of English and Literacy at Carlton Academy Trust, pulls back the curtain on the challenging reality of literacy in UK schools today. Despite government claims about improvements in reading standards, educators are experiencing somethi…

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33. Getting implementation right: Upstream, downstream and root causes with Mark Miller 33:50

2M ago33:50

33:50

How do schools successfully implement change that actually sticks? Mark Miller, Director of Bradford Research School, joins us to break down the recent updates to the Education Endowment Foundation's implementation guidance - revealing why the social dimensions of change might be the most critical factor for success. The conversation dives deep int…

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32. Reading is learning: Breaking down the artificial barrier with Natalie Wexler 35:38

3M ago35:38

35:38

Natalie Wexler joins Andy Sammons to tackle one of education's most persistent challenges: the artificial barrier between reading and learning. This eye-opening conversation dives deep into why traditional approaches to reading comprehension don't work - and what cognitive science tells us actually does. Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap and co-a…

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31. Revolutionising Education: Aaron Leary's Journey from Teacher to Innovator 45:43

3M ago45:43

45:43

Aaron Leary's journey - from a student grappling with language to co-founding Bedrock Learning - illustrates the transformative power of literacy in education. This episode explores personal experiences, teaching philosophies, and future aspirations in the PedTech sphere. Literacy, Aaron reveals, is more than just words; it’s a tool that shapes our…

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30. Interdisciplinary approaches to modern education with Carl Gombrich 42:54

4M ago42:54

42:54

Carl Gombrich is the Lead Academic at London Interdisciplinary School and oversees curriculum design, teaching, and learning. He was previously a Professorial Teaching Fellow of Interdisciplinary Education at UCL and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In this episode, prepare to rethink higher education as Carl shares his journe…

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29. The future of English with Elizabeth Draper 35:36

6M ago35:36

35:36

Ever wondered how English education is evolving to meet the demands of our rapidly changing world? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Elizabeth Draper, a trailblazer in the realm of English education, as we uncover the profound shifts shaping this field. With over three decades of experience and her current role as deputy chair of the Engl…

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28. Teaching early years speech and language with Steph Hammond 38:10

7M ago38:10

38:10

Bedrock's Andy and Morgan are joined by Stephanie Hammond, who's a Teaching and Learning Consultant offering bespoke training, auditing and support in pre-phonics skills, early reading, phonics and spelling. As a Primary Teacher with over 20 Years of experience, Stephanie has worked alongside, trained and coached numerous EYFS practitioners, TAs, t…

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27. Implementing a disciplinary literacy strategy with Sophie Prescott 23:40

7M ago23:40

23:40

With 20 years of teaching experience, Sophie Prescott has held various leadership roles across schools in the Midlands. From a background as a science teacher, her current responsibilities now include overseeing Reading and Literacy, supporting disadvantaged students, and contributing to SCITT development. She is passionate about each of these area…

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26. Impactful trust-wide digital transformation with Richard Anderton 30:59

8M ago30:59

30:59

Prepare to transform your approach to education technology with insights from Richard Anderton, the Digital Transformation Lead at the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP). Richard joins us to unpack his extensive role, focusing on how ATLP's digital strategies extend beyond simply handing out devices to students. Learn about the critical eleme…

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25. Death by PowerPoint: Improving CPD at Trust Level with Mike Gardner 34:40

9M ago34:40

34:40

How can you transform your teaching practices to be more engaging and effective? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Gardner, the Teaching and Learning Lead for Maritime Academy Trust, to explore his successful strategies for enhancing education across 13 primary schools in southeast London and Kent. From his innovative start-up, The Oracy Shift…

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24. Innovation in Further Education with Holly Barnes-Lomax 34:28

10M ago34:28

34:28

Discover the hidden gems of Further Education (FE) as Holly Barnes-Lomax joins Bedrock Talks. Holly is the Teaching, Learning and Quality Lead at an FE college in Chesterfield. She takes us behind the scenes to explore the variety of courses, from vocational training to adult education, and the specialised support provided to SEND students. With he…

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23. Need for (more than) speed: fluency and oracy with Sarah Davies 36:39

10M ago36:39

36:39

Sarah Davies is the author of Talking about Oracy which focuses on the development of effective communication beyond the parameters of the classroom. She is currently an Assistant Head Teacher at a secondary academy in the north-west of England. Alongside her teaching, she has also written articles for SecEd, The Headteacher and the Teaching Times,…

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22. Going from teacher to school leader with Dani Walley 36:50

10M ago36:50

36:50

After so many comments, thoughts and requests from the first episode, Dani Walley returns to Bedrock Talks to discuss leadership and teacher development. Dani is an Assistant Principal leading on teaching, learning and curriculum in a large secondary school. Previously a Director of Humanities, Dani is passionate about empowering staff and students…

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21. Implementing a disciplinary literacy solution in secondary school with Katie Chanter 34:34

11M ago34:34

34:34

Katie Chanter is a literacy leader for a large secondary comprehensive school, and has extensive experience of teaching English- including language development in early years. She has successfully implemented Bedrock, both tier 2 and 3 vocabulary, in her school. In this podcast, she discusses her gradual approach to a successful implementation, and…

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20. Literacy in the library: innovative reading strategies with Val Dewhurst 22:26

11M ago22:26

22:26

Discover how to ignite a passion for reading and learning in your students with insights from Val Dewhurst, the dynamic Head of Library and joint Bedrock Learning lead at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (Quags). In our latest episode, Val speak to us about the library as the centrepiece of literacy in a school, as well as a place of safety and celeb…

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19. Waltz with the machines: Navigating ChatGPT as a teacher 34:22

12M ago34:22

34:22

Ever wondered how AI can revolutionise education? Get ready to meet Patrick Hickey, the AI Teaching Guru, who turned traditional teaching on its head by embracing cutting-edge technology. This episode features Patrick’s remarkable journey into the world of artificial intelligence, starting with his creative experiment of generating a prequel to the…

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18: Navigating dyslexia: A parent's guide - with Sally Collard 37:00

12M ago37:00

37:00

What if understanding dyslexia could transform your child's reading experience? Join us as we sit down with dyslexia specialist Sally Raymond, who shares her heartfelt journey into the field, driven by her daughter's struggles with reading. Discover the crucial role parents play in offering unconditional reading support, highlighting how such suppo…

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17. Persistent and Consistent with Dani Walley: Aligning behaviour and pedagogy 32:18

12M ago32:18

32:18

Ever wondered what it takes to transform behaviour culture in schools, especially in a post-pandemic world? In our latest podcast, we sit down with Dani Walley to discuss how the pandemic and social media have reshaped student behaviour, leading to challenges like shortened attention spans and reduced socialisation. Discover the groundbreaking conc…

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16. Exploring transformative alternative provision with Richard Duffy 32:10

1y ago32:10

32:10

In this episode we are joined by Richard Duffy, Assistant Principal for the ARC at Trinity Academy in Halifax. We explore Richard's diverse experiences, including working with NEETs and managing behaviour in school settings, and how these shaped his unique approach to supporting vulnerable learners. We discuss how the transition from traditional te…

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15. Exploring the Reading for Pleasure agenda with Sarah Green 52:24

1y ago52:24

52:24

Unlock the secrets to fostering literacy and promoting a love for reading in your classroom with our special guest, literacy specialist Sarah Green. Sarah, who boasts over 20 years in literacy education, shares her compelling journey from an English teacher to the Trust Director of Literacy for Prosperity Learning Trust. Discover the transformative…

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14. Navigating the Heart and Soul of School Improvement with Paul Ainsworth 36:41

1y ago36:41

36:41

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of education with Paul Ainsworth, Education Director at Infinity Academies Trust and author of "No Silver Bullets 2.0: The Heart and Soul of School Improvement." Paul shares insights from his extensive career, which spans from teaching math to leading secondary school improvements. We discuss his a…

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13. Unlocking Learner Potential: Inclusive & Tech-Enhanced Learning with Dr Alix Hibble 28:12

1y ago28:12

28:12

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Alex Hibble from EdProof, who draws on her psychology expertise from the University of Oxford and her experience with innovative educational practices. We delve into the integration of technologies like ChatGPT in schools and discuss how EdProof helps measure key aspects of student well-being and engagement. Alex …

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12. Mapper Success: Innovative Strategies at St. Thomas More Catholic Academy 27:47

1y ago27:47

27:47

In this episode, Sarah and Megan from St. Thomas More Catholic Academy discuss their experiences with implementing Bedrock Mapper, our subject specific tier 3 vocabulary solution, across the school. They share how Mapper is making strides in addressing literacy gaps and increasing learner engagement, highlighting both the successes and obstacles en…

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Trials to Triumphs Special: Healing the Next Generation 36:50

1y ago36:50

36:50

In this anthology episode, Trials to Triumphs host Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins revisits key insights from this season on generational healing. ABFJ looks back at how actress, comedian, and social justice advocate Amanda Seales learned to set healthy boundaries with her mother and what radical acceptance taught best-selling author Ashley C. For…

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11. Creating Young Readers: The Joy of Reading with Literacy Expert Teresa Cremin 30:54

1y ago30:54

30:54

In this episode of Literacy Works with Bedrock Learning, Teresa Cremin, a leading figure in literacy research and education, shares insights from her career - from classroom teaching to research. The conversation focuses on how meaningful discussions can shape literary identities and extend literacy's influence beyond traditional subjects into dail…

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Bresha Webb Knows Her Rainbow Is Coming 42:14

1y ago42:14

42:14

Actress Bresha Webb sees God’s hand in all things. She talks to Ashley about moving through grief with resilience and hope. Two years ago, Bresha lost her father in the midst of filming her hit show, Run the World. Despite the pain of that season, she pushed through believing that goodness would find her on the other side of her grief. Speaking can…

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10. Leadership and Literacy: Pillars of Transformative Education with Lekha Sharma 31:34

1y ago31:34

31:34

We are joined by Lekha Sharma, School Improvement Lead for Curriculum and Assessment at the Avanti Schools Trust. Lekha navigates the complexities of weaving together curriculum and assessment across the trust, while maintaining and cherishing the unique identity of each individual school. Lekha shares her wisdom on crafting a high-quality, equitab…

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Trials to Triumphs Special: ABFJ and Friends on the Blessing of Sisterhood 46:41

1y ago46:41

46:41

Trials to Triumphs host Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins is joined by three of her best friends: Angelique, Crystel, and Madison for a special conversation on growth and the beauty of sisterhood. Reflecting on the genesis of their friendships (meeting Crystel in middle school and later, Angelique and Madison at Howard University), the group shares …

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Literacy Works Mini-sode: Exploring An Inspector Calls with Haili Hughes 29:35

1y ago29:35

29:35

It's a Mini-sode! Always under 30 minutes, these shorter episodes are a perfect lunchtime listen. In the first of our Mapper deep dive episodes, Haili Hughes takes us through her top 10 keywords/concepts that are essential for your learners to understand when studying An Inspector Calls. From 'dramatic irony' to 'squiffy', and from 'bourgeoisie' to…

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9. The AI Educator: The future of AI in education with Dan Fitzpatrick 43:51

1y ago43:51

43:51

Explore the future of education through the eyes of Dan Fitzpatrick, a trailblazer for AI in education and former secondary school teacher and SLT member. Our conversation with Dan traverses seismic shifts in teaching methods, highlighting how grassroots efforts with AI and technology within schools can lead to significant time-saving, and engaging…

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How Dr. Anita Phillips Cultivates “The Garden Within” 45:07

1y ago45:07

45:07

Trauma therapist, life coach, and minister Dr. Anita Phillips believes embracing our emotions with authenticity is crucial to leading a powerful life. She talks to Ashley about the connection between our emotional well-being and our spiritual and physical health. Drawing from her New York Times best-selling book, "The Garden Within," Dr. Anita reve…

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8. From EdTech to PedTech: Exploring technology and pedagogy with Peter Twining and Olivia Sumpter 1:03:41

1y ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Dive into educational technology with Peter Twining as we unravel the complexities of edtech's role in our classrooms. Peter, a seasoned expert in education and pedagogy, joins Olivia, the Director of Education at Bedrock Learning, and our usual host, Andy Sammons, to offer a nuanced perspective on the challenges and promises of integrating technol…

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Franchesca Ramsey on Moving Forward With Ease 45:11

1y ago45:11

45:11

Actor, writer, and speaker Franchesca Ramsey no longer believes in forcing opportunities. Franchesca talks to Ashley about the importance of pursuing alignment and ease in her career. Franchesca describes how the support she received from her parents as a child nurturing multiple creative passions continues to serve her today. She opens up about ho…

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7. Teachappy: Nurturing Wellbeing in Education with Adrian Bethune 33:59

1y ago33:59

33:59

Adrian Bethune, a beacon of hope in the world of education, joins us on this episode of Literacy Works podcast, taking us through his life experiences, from the music industry to primary school teaching and how his own personal challenges with mental health led him to champion the teaching of wellbeing in schools. His journey is an inspiration, und…

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Honesty Is Amanda Seales’ Superpower 44:27

1y ago44:27

44:27

Actress, comedian, and social justice advocate Amanda Seales has never been afraid of speaking the truth. In this candid conversation, Amanda talks to Ashley about the cost of being honest. Recalling a classroom experience in which she corrected her teacher, Amanda reveals she learned early that speaking up for what she believed in can sometimes ma…

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Hannah Fallis Bronfman Dreams Without Limits 44:34

1+ y ago44:34

44:34

Wellness entrepreneur and angel investor Hannah Fallis Bronfman has never “lived in a box.” Hannah talks to Ashley about harnessing her potential and allowing herself to expand beyond her wildest dreams. As a young girl growing up biracial in New York City, Hannah’s parents taught her there were no limitations on what she could do or dream and that…

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Charity Lawson on the Magic of Opportunity 44:24

1+ y ago44:24

44:24

Dancing with the Stars finalist and star of the Bachelorette Charity Lawson is living out her wildest dreams. Charity talks to Ashley about creating a vision board full of future goals. While Charity had bold dreams in mind, she never could’ve imagined the year she eventually experienced. After being nominated to compete on The Bachelor by a close …

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How Lena Waithe’s Dreams Made Room For Her 40:24

1+ y ago40:24

40:24

Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actor Lena Waithe has always relentlessly pursued her dreams. Ashley and Lena talk about meeting over a decade ago and the growth they’ve experienced in their friendship since their early days in Los Angeles. While Lena initially desired to pursue a career in television writing, the opportunity to star in Netflix’…

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Why Gail Bean Counts Her Blessings 44:37

1+ y ago44:37

44:37

Actress Gail Bean is trading frustration for gratitude. Gail talks to Ashley about the challenge of navigating 2023. After enduring the actor’s strike, a breakup, and saying goodbye to her hit show Snowfall, Gail found herself walking through a dark valley of uncertainty. It was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel in the face of so …

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How Melanie Liburd Makes Herself Proud 44:46

1+ y ago44:46

44:46

Actress Melanie Liburd knows how to fight for what she needs. She tells Ashley taking her craft into her own hands as a budding actress was one of her greatest acts of self-care. In the early stages of her career, Melanie struggled to juggle multiple auditions during Hollywood’s ‘pilot season hustle.’ Having recently moved from London to Los Angele…

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What Teyonah Parris Understands About the Magnitude of a Miracle 44:53

1+ y ago44:53

44:53

Actress Teyonah Parris knows the power of co-creating with God. In this heartfelt conversation, she talks to Ashley about the process of nurturing a God-given dream. Comparing the experience of believing before seeing to walking through a pregnancy, Teyonah shares how she learned to activate her faith and remain expectant. She also discusses the im…

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April Ryan Made History Asking the Right Questions 39:46

1+ y ago39:46

39:46

White House correspondent and author April Ryan has always used her voice for good. April talks to Ashley about discovering her purpose in one of America’s most prestigious political institutions. As a young girl from Baltimore, Maryland, April constantly fought to overcome adversity and being underestimated. Reflecting on her early days at the Whi…

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Karen Pittman Aligns Herself With Abundance 44:04

1+ y ago44:04

44:04

Actress Karen Pittman no longer subscribes to a scarcity mindset. The Nashville native talks to Ashley about learning to align herself with abundance and claiming what was rightfully hers. Karen describes the major transitions of her life including shifting from the cutthroat financial world to attending NYU’s prestigious acting program...while pre…

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Brandi Sellerz-Jackson Thrives in Community 42:34

1+ y ago42:34

42:34

Doula and author Brandi Sellerz-Jackson understands the power of sharing our stories in community. She talks to Ashley about growing up in Alabama and functioning in survival mode. When she found the courage to revisit her childhood trauma in therapy later in life, Brandi discovered that healing happens in community. Brandi also discusses her work …

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6. Choice, Context and Disciplinary Literacy: In Conversation with Marcello Giovanelli 38:33

1+ y ago38:33

38:33

Join us on a linguistic journey with Marcello Giovanelli, a renowned expert in literary linguistics from Aston University, as he shares a wealth of insights that will transform your understanding of language, literacy and beyond. In this episode, we delve into Marcello's latest book, written with Jennifer Webb, Essential Grammar (Routledge), a pivo…

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Wendy Raquel Robinson is “Dreaming Awake” 44:02

1+ y ago44:02

44:02

Award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson has learned how to sit in her dreams. The South-Central LA native talks to Ashley about the defining moments in her life and career; from her early days taking the stage at Howard University to starring in the long-running hit series, The Game. No stranger to the grind of the entertainment business, Wendy…

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Why Samara Joy Embraces a Rhythm of Rest 44:04

1+ y ago44:04

44:04

Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Samara Joy accomplished a major feat when she was awarded Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammys. But just two months later, she realized her newfound success came with new challenges. Samara talks to Ashley about prioritizing rest in the midst of walking in her purpose. She also shares the importance of taking breaks …

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5. It's Understanding, Not Knowledge: In Conversation with Lucie Turner 29:31

1+ y ago29:31

29:31

Ever wish you could unlock the true potential of your students? Today, we're joined by Lucie Turner, a dedicated history teacher from St. Anselm's Catholic School, who reveals her strategies for success with Bedrock Mapper's disciplinary literacy curriculum. Lucie highlights the transformative power of this program, guiding us through her hands-on …