Best PICKLED BRAINS Podcasts (2025)

1
Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott 59:28

10h ago59:28

59:28

Last month, Archie Clapcott joined Dale in the studio to share his transition from mainstream to special education. Today, his Mum, Rebecca Clapcott, draws on her extensive experience as the founder of the Awesome Archie nonprofit to discuss how to support neurodiverse students and why schools must embrace change. Rebecca emphasises that many teach…

1
Romy Gill and the Slow Burn Book 46:51

2d ago46:51

46:51

Romy Gill puts in the work — always. Growing up in India, the chef, TV host, and author dreamed of being a cricket player and directed all her effort into that — and into lightly fibbing her way into her neighbors' homes to try different dishes than the ones she ate in her Punjabi household. It's this hunger and curiosity about other people and the…

1
Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston 1:11:26

7d ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Since the 2015 SEN Code of Practice SEN support has been based on a graduate response that includes an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle. Unfortunately, this cycle is becoming fragmented, with each component operating in isolation. Assessments are not being linked to children’s needs or plans to support them. Plans are made but not implemented …

1
Mushy Brains: Discussing the book Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker 57:51

8d ago57:51

57:51

This week, the MennoBrarians chat about Charlos Whittaker's book Reconnected, a memoir about giving up technology and living with Amish for several weeks. We chat about the early days of cell phones, Carlos' experience with the Amish, which bits of his advice we liked, and much more. Carlos Whittaker is a christian social media influencer, speaker,…

1
Vikas Khanna and the Beautiful Lie That Saved His Childhood 49:15

9d ago49:15

49:15

When Vikas Khanna was growing up in a small town in India, the world was stacked against him. He was bullied by other children for wearing braces on his legs and not being able to play like them. But his grandmother and sister saw him for who he truly was: a lion. They brought him into the kitchen, and he roared to life. An extraordinary life at th…

1
Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning 1:00:47

14d ago1:00:47

1:00:47

In this episode of the SENDcast, Dale discusses informal SEND provision in mainstream primary schools with Kate Browning, an experienced SEND consultant. They explore the increasing demand for inclusive education amid a rise in children with complex needs and the challenges schools face in effectively supporting these students. Kate highlights what…

1
Laurie Woolever and the Cone of Silence 57:43

16d ago57:43

57:43

Laurie Woolever has worked for chefs you've definitely heard of, most notably Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali. Those two men are notorious for their outsized appetites, but in her new memoir, "Care and Feeding," Woolever gets raw and real about her own insatiable need for drugs, alcohol, and extramarital affairs while navigating the grossness and…

1
Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin 1:07:52

21d ago1:07:52

1:07:52

I just finished listening to this thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Dr Jamie Galpin and Clare Ward! They join Dale to discuss ‘Universal Approaches to Support in Education’, at a time when we're seeing rising levels of emotion-based school avoidance, teachers struggling with mental health challenges or leaving the profession altogether, a…

1
Raising Sauerkraut: Discussing Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy 44:10

22d ago44:10

44:10

This week the MennoBrarians chat about the TV show Only in America, in which host Larry the Cable Guy visits different parts of the United States to learn about different cultures. We cover episode 18 of season 1, "Larry is Amish" in which Larry visits Milwaukee, WI, Amish Country, and the Houston Art Car parade. It turns out, Larry doesn't actuall…

1
Roy Choi and the Out-of-Body Emeril Experience 1:03:41

23d ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Growing up as an immigrant latchkey kid, Roy Choi spent a lot of time wandering the streets of Los Angeles alone, thinking he'd never fit in anywhere. He had a scar on his face from cleft palate surgery, and he thought of himself as an alley cat, slipping through the world unnoticed and he took in every detail of the way people interacted, especial…

1
How Dealing with Mental Images and ‘re-wiring’ the Brain Can Create Breakthroughs for Dyslexia with Lou Barnes 51:44

28d ago51:44

51:44

In our latest episode, we dive into the challenges faced by children struggling with reading and writing. It's crucial for us as educators to recognise the signs that indicate a child's brain may not be processing text in a way that allows for easy reading and spelling. Dale is joined in our new studio by Lou Barnes, a trainer and founder of Unlock…

1
Byron Gomez and the American Dream 1:01:30

1M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Byron Gomez and his family arrived in the United States from Costa Rica when he was eight years old, and he was in for the shock of his young life. He spoke Spanish at home, he'd never seen snow or even a winter coat, and he had to find his place in a world that didn't always want him there. But at age 15, he found restaurants. He put in the very h…

1
nasen awards - Clare Brun Teacher of the Year 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

In this final special episode of our nasen award winner series, Clare Brun shares her experiences and insights as the Teacher of the Year, highlighting her work at Holyrood Academy and the transformative impact of their enhanced learning provision. Throughout the discussion, Clare emphasises the importance of support, collaboration, and strong rela…

1
Special Episode Autism Europe International Congress 2025 24:26

1M ago24:26

24:26

We are delighted to welcome the team behind Autism Congress on the SENDcast. In this special episode of the SENDcast, Dale Pickles discusses the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress 11-13th September in Dublin. The event team join Dale including Adam Harris, Peter Vermeulen and Zsuzsanna Szilvasy. They highlight that the Congress aims to c…

1
Awesome Archie's Journey from Mainstream to Specialist Education with Archie Clapcott 35:14

1M ago35:14

35:14

I'm excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring our youngest guest, 16-year-old Archie Clapcott. Archie travelled to our studio to discuss his journey from mainstream education to a specialist setting. As an autistic individual with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, he offers a unique perspective that we can all learn from. I was really taken…

1
Dolphin Telepathy and Mennonite Goths: Snake drafting Christian media from our childhoods 1:10:40

1M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

This week, the Mennobrarians are back with a snake draft! In this snake draft, we choose our favorite Christian media we watched, read, or listened to as kids. Stop reading here if you want our draft picks to be a surprise! Final draft board: Round 1 Abby - I Can Make Peace: Stories and Songs for Children Erin - VeggieTales Tillie - The New Picture…

1
Tinfoil Swans Is Serving Up Season 3: April 8, 2025 2:29

1M ago2:29

2:29

The award-winning Tinfoil Swans podcast from Food & Wine is back on April 8. We're bringing you even more intimate, informative, surprising, and uplifting interviews with the biggest names in the culinary industry and beyond, sharing never-before-heard stories about the successes, struggles, and fork-in-the-road moments that made them who they are …

1
nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year 36:39

1M ago36:39

36:39

Jane Fearnley and Faye Ebbs from the LEAF Centre, discuss their work and recent recognition as winners of the nasen Alternative Provision of the Year award. The Leaf Centre, located within Willow Tree Academy, focuses on providing therapeutic intervention support to improve student attendance, reduce exclusions, and foster early intervention, leadi…

1
Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson 1:09:55

1M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

I am delighted to share the latest episode of our podcast, where Beth Elkins and Ian Thorsteinsson from Gretton School join Dale to explore the relationship dynamics with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Beth is a parent to a young man with PDA and brings a unique perspective that combines both personal and professional insigh…

1
Encore: Kevin Gillespie and the Restaurant of a Lifetime 54:37

1M ago54:37

54:37

There's a good chance you know chef and author Kevin Gillespie from his fan-favorite stint on Season 6 of Top Chef or his return on the All Stars Season 20, but the Georgia native's talent can't be reduced to the small screen. His new Atlanta restaurant, Nàdair, is a full-throated love letter to his Scottish heritage — something Gillespie's family …

1
nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

In this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported. Catherine no…

1
‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion 56:27

2M ago56:27

56:27

Inclusion continues to be a hot topic in education, and while schools have made tremendous strides in fostering inclusivity, several barriers remain, particularly league tables and Ofsted defining school intent. In our latest episode of the SENDcast, Dale speaks with Maria Dawes, CEO of the Schools Alliance for Excellence. Maria shares valuable ins…

1
Celery Fields and Tricycles: An Interview with JB Miller 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

This week, the MennoBrarians chat with JB Miller about Pinecraft, growing up gay in the Conservative Mennnonite Church, orange Jello, the perfect tourist day in Sarasota, and much much more. JB is a life long Mennonite, who grew up in a variety of Conservative Mennonite denominations, and experienced life in the Pinecraft area as both a child and a…

1
Encore: Kylie Kwong and the Five Glass Ghosts 56:26

2M ago56:26

56:26

When chef Kylie Kwong announced that she was going to be shuttering her destination dining spot Lucky Kwong to take on a new role at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, working at the intersection of food, community, and education to honor the people and foods that have made Australian cuisine so distinctive and precious — it made sense. Kwong has alw…

1
nasen awards - Alison Eason, Changemaker of the Year 35:30

2M ago35:30

35:30

Alison Eason discusses her recognition as the Changemaker of the Year at the nasen Awards for her innovative work in using technology to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She emphasises how her computing strategies help students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD, promoting independence and reducing re…

1
Кукла колдуна v2 3:55

2M ago3:55

3:55

…By Pickled Brains

1
Why We Need More Support For Neurodivergent Teachers with Catrina Lowri 1:08:33

2M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

We typically discuss how to support neurodivergent children, but what about teachers? Today, Dale and Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, discuss the need for increased support for neurodivergent teachers and support staff. Catrina shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent educator with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, dyslexia and ADHD.…

1
nasen awards - Michelle Madziak, Teacher of the Year 25:46

2M ago25:46

25:46

In this special episode, Michelle Madziak discusses her recognition as a joint winner of the Teacher of the Year award at the nasen Awards. She emphasises her passion for empowering students and the transformative impact of her work in a special needs setting. Michelle highlights her innovative use of communication tools like tactile signing and iP…

1
The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles 49:49

2M ago49:49

49:49

In today’s episode, ‘The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL Learners’, Chantal Bryan and Sarah Giles from the charity Teach Us Too join Dale for an engaging discussion. The conversation centres around Chantal’s son, Jonathan, who faces significant challenges due to his complex physical disabilities. I was inspired by his incredible journey to…

1
Only Whole Yoders: Discussing Rosanna of the Amish 1:15:27

2M ago1:15:27

1:15:27

This week, the MennoBrarians discuss Rosanna of the Amish, a semi-biographical book in which the author Joseph W. Yoder tells the story of his mother’s life. We chat corn husking parties, Amish propaganda, and how this book compares to other early Amish fiction we've covered on the podcast. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at…

1
nasen awards - Chapman Shum, Young Advocate of the Year 40:18

2M ago40:18

40:18

The podcast features Chapman Shum, the nasen Young Advocate of the Year 2024 winner, discussing his journey as a visually impaired musician. Chapman, who was born blind and has learning difficulties, shares how music has been a powerful tool for connection and expression. He emphasises that challenges can be overcome and aims to inspire others faci…

1
Structured Teaching, Pre-empting Barriers and Developing Curriculum Pathways with Tanya Lefort 1:32:32

2M ago1:32:32

1:32:32

As the number of children with SEND in mainstream schools continues to rise, coupled with limited spaces in specialist settings, the demand for effective and inclusive support is huge. More children are entering classrooms with complex needs, placing pressure on mainstream schools to meet those needs. But how can schools do this? This week, Tanya L…

1
nasen awards - Dale Pickles, Resource for SEND 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

In this podcast episode, Dale Pickles takes a step back from hosting duties where his colleague Jon asks the questions. They discuss the success of the SENDcast podcast, which won the Resource for SEND at the nasen awards 2024. Dale reflects on the podcast’s journey over four years, highlighting its reach of over 350,000 listens and contributions f…

1
Foundations of Early Literacy – What Are the Building Blocks? with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman 1:00:40

3M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

This week Dale is joined by Dr Sarah Moseley, Educational Consultant, and SENCO of four schools, Ginny Bootman to discuss ‘Foundations of early literacy – what are the building blocks?’ This is the first episode in a series exploring the foundational components of early literacy, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice. T…

1
The Anabaptist Power Couple: Discussing The Radicals 48:40

3M ago48:40

48:40

This week, the MennoBrarians return to discuss the 1989 movie, The Radicals. The Radicals tells the story of Michael and Margaretha Sattler, starting with their departure from the Catholic church and ending with each of them dying as martyrs for their Anabaptist beliefs. We chat about our experiences with this film growing up, characters we found i…

1
nasen awards - Karen McGuigan, Highly commended Resource for SEND 44:21

3M ago44:21

44:21

In this special podcast episode, Karen McGuigan discusses her work with the ‘Maths for Life’ program, which was highly commended in the resource for SEND category by nasen. Karen explains that ‘Maths for Life’ is designed to help students build foundational mathematical skills, particularly for those who struggle with the national curriculum. Karen…

1
Supporting Colour Blindness with Marie Difolco 1:10:09

3M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Did you know that 300 million people worldwide live with colour blindness, including 3 million in the UK and around 450,000 of those are children? Unfortunately, many of these children are being let down by the education system, as colour blindness often goes unrecognised - meaning there’s likely one child in every classroom facing this challenge. …

1
nasen awards - Maxine O'Neill, Specialist provision of the year 38:13

3M ago38:13

38:13

Maxine O'Neill discusses Hope School, which won the Specialist Provision of the Year award. She highlights the school's commitment to a trauma-informed approach, serving 68 students and working with 32 schools across Liverpool through their HEARTS program. This program emphasises holistic thinking, empowerment, trust, and safety within the school c…

1
Mexica Cry 3:28

3M ago3:28

3:28

…By Pickled Brains

1
Life's Ups and Downs of Having or Not Having a Special Needs Assessment with Dr Susie Nyman 1:14:31

3M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

In recent years, we have seen increasing requests for diagnoses related to autism, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse conditions. Often parents may feel that having a diagnosis is a golden ticket to access support, but this is merely a step in a long journey of understanding and support. Dr Susie Nyman joins Dale in the studio to discuss ‘Life's ups …

1
Salty, Sweet, and A Few Pickles: A Snacky Snake Draft and Season 7 Intro 47:41

3M ago47:41

47:41

We are back! In our season 7 opener we chat about our favorite snacks (snake draft style) and share some recent reads / media that we've enjoyed. Content we chat about (that isn't snacks), in the order discussed: Zelda, Breath of the Wild (yes, this came up a 2nd time!) for Nintendo Switch Steve! The Steve Martin documentary, available on Apple TV …

1
nasen awards - Eugene Dwaah, Highly commended changemaker of the year 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

The podcast features Eugene Dwaah, who was highly commended for his work in the ‘Change Maker of the Year’ category. He discusses his innovative approach to education, focusing on holistic development through sports and addressing social inequality and youth violence. Eugene emphasises the importance of engagement and belonging for young people, pa…

1
The Power of Language with our SEND Kids with Ali Fanshawe 1:03:30

3M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

“CALM DOWN!” “I’ve already asked you THREE times to put your shoes on!” “How dare you talk to me like that!” Do you ever find yourself standing at the bottom of the stairs, hollering at your child? Or perhaps you’re dealing with a child who is sobbing hysterically while you're racing against the clock for work. We all carry 'core scripts' learned d…

1
nasen awards - Adam Millichip, Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion 32:24

3M ago32:24

32:24

In this podcast, Adam Millichip discusses Tettenhall Wood School’s achievement of winning the Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion award. The school's podcasting initiative aims to teach communication, social skills, and computing while promoting acceptance and awareness among autistic students. Since its launch in May 2021, the podcast …

1
Sleep Neurodiversity and Learning Disability with Dr Jill McGarry 59:06

4M ago59:06

59:06

Getting to sleep can be challenging for some, often leading to hours spent trying to unwind before finally drifting off. Improving sleep is crucial – not just for children and young people, but also for their parents, families, friends, classmates, teachers, and communities as a whole. Dr Jill McGarry, consultant clinical psychologist and sleep exp…

1
SENsible25 conference preview with Abigail Hawkins 22:02

4M ago22:02

22:02

The SENsible SENCO, Abigail Hawkins joins Dale for a podcast special episode highlighting what’s on at the SENsible25 SENCO conference on 14th February in Nottingham - and why you should be there! Abigail shares details on her second annual conference dedicated to helping SENCOs including; a conference overview, networking opportunities, speaker li…

1
nasen awards - Paul Willis, Secondary Provision of the Year 26:22

4M ago26:22

26:22

In this special episode, Paul Willis discusses All Saints Catholic School in Essex, which recently won the Secondary Provision of the Year award at the nasen awards. The school is recognised for its commitment to inclusive education and its "No Child Left Behind" philosophy, ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, hav…

1
Creating an SEMH Inclusive School with Clare Williams 55:59

4M ago55:59

55:59

The social and emotional development, mental health, and wellbeing of children have become critical issues, with a crisis now widely recognised. NHS Digital reports that 1 in 5 children face mental health challenges, and we continue to see alarming rates of exclusions and suspensions, even in primary schools. It’s clear that a strategic approach to…

1
nasen awards - Natalie Hay, Highly commended changemaker of the year 29:56

4M ago29:56

29:56

In this special episode, Natalie Hay discusses her recognition as a highly commended change maker for her advocacy in changing the UK government's free school meals policy. Over three years, she raised £8,000 for her campaign, which aimed to make the policy inclusive for children receiving education other than at school (EOTAS), aligning with the E…

1
Effectively Assessing Progress in the Classroom with Jordan 1:03:22

4M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Many schools face challenges in demonstrating progress for pupils with SEND, and I know assessment can often feel a bit mundane. However, it’s a crucial aspect of our educational practice, especially as it will remain a key element of Ofsted requirements for the foreseeable. In our latest episode, I’m joined by Jordan, an experienced special needs …

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