1. Best thing about teaching?

Brent: Working with the kids in the classroom - sometimes they possess insight, curiosity and wisdom beyond their years, and besides, they make me laugh.

Adam: Helping young people understand the world around them. 

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2. Best city you've ever visited/lived in? 

Brent: Sydney: I lived and worked there in the year 2000 in the Olympic Stadium..

Adam: When I visited Mexico City when I was 21 it was a complete assault on the senses.

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3. A song you listen to when happy/sad? 

Brent: Happy song = Guns n' Roses, Sweet Child O' Mine.  Sad song = the Titanic soundtrack - the bagpipes get me every time.

Adam: Sad song is Blackbird by The Beatles - "take these broken wings and learn to fly" is a perfect pick-me-up.  Happy song is The Beta Band - Dry the Rain.  Just because it's great.

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4. Biggest education inspiration? 

Brent: My primary teacher Vera Fegan who taught me discipline.

Adam: My business studies teacher Mr Hudson.  It was probably a lie but he said he worked with Pulp in Sheffield when they were starting out.  From that point he had my respect.

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5. Describe your TTR shows in one sentence

Brent: Topical, a touch controversial with an occasional rant.

Adam: Thoughtful and challenging/

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6. Favourite TTR guest (on one of your shows)

Brent: My first guest, former NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney.  He was such a gentleman that I promised to keep him for fifteen minutes, yet he was still answering my questions 45 minutes later!

Adam: Karam Bales.

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7. Favourite TTR episode (of yours) so far and why? 

Brent: I am proud of the Ruth Perry inquest show which I was really nervous about since emotions were very raw. It turned out to be over 3 hours and for me was Teachers Talk Radio at its best, giving the profession a voice and a platform to express its views.

Adam: Our show on AI in the classroom: a useful friend or our ultimate replacement?

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8. Your teaching philosophy?

Brent: I am an unapologetic disciple of the Socratic method (Sage on the stage) with a hint of B.F Skinner (old school discipline) and dash of Carol Dweck (there are no limits).

Adam: Contextualise everything. Learning through practical application.

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9. Best bit of advice you ever got?

Brent: “Sir, you need to slow down: we can’t understand you!” My first tutor group were brutally honest about how quickly I used to speak in the classroom.

Adam: What is for you will not pass you.

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10. Dream guest on your TTR show?

Brent: The almighty, controller or person/entity in charge of this planet. I have just a few questions about humanity for they/them.

Adam: Blind Boy Boathouse. He likes to explore mental health issues caused by the education system.

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