The ExeL Podcast (The Exel Podcast)
Explore every episode of The ExeL Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Apr 2024 | Laura Morris and Go(ing) Green! | 00:38:30 | |
The sudden and tragic loss of Lou Walsh hit many people within the driver training industry very hard, none ,ore so of course than Lou's husband Blaine. Both Lou and Blaine, togtrher with Laura Morris, had been the architects of a totally new way of approaching driving instructor training and their Go Green course has proved extremely popular. As in everything, time moves on and so it has proved with Go Green. The team have certainly not rested on what they had already achieved and the whole Go Green programme has received a makeover with several new elements added very recently. Apart from the full Parts 1,2 and 3 training course there are now clourses available just concentrating on Part 3, a shorter Part3 rescue training course and one for ADIs looking to prepare for their Standards Check. And all of them are available on a monthly subscription as well as the option to pay for a lifetime membership. Take a look at their website or Facebook page for more information https://www.gogreendrivinginstructortraining.co.uk/ | |||
| 08 Mar 2024 | Lee Jowett - the KIT man! | 00:42:56 | |
Lee is one part of Knowledgeablee Instructor Training, who with Mick Knowles, is a partner with this award winning training company. You can find out more about their training options at https://www.adikit.co.uk/ | |||
| 22 Mar 2024 | Neil Wightman - self confessed CPD junkie! | 00:55:36 | |
Neil is the author of 'Untwisting the Road to Success'. This book is designed to help you with either your Part 3 test or Standards Check. It is full of extremely helpful advice and supporting videos which you can access via QR codes in the text. Neil is a great advocate for CPD and, by his own admission, is a 'CPD junkie'. He is a member of the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving (IMTD). If anyone is interested in the IMTD CPD sessions then please email Neil at cpdevents@imtd.org.uk with the following information: Name, Email address, Postcode, Mobile number. The sessions are held on the first Sunday morning each month from 10-11. The next one is on April 7th. You can find more general information about the IMTD on their website https://imtd.org.uk/ | |||
| 08 Jun 2024 | Part 3 and SC - Back to 60 minutes? The KIT submission to DVSA | 01:06:17 | |
Lee and Mick from Knowledgeablee Instructor Training (K.I.T.) joined me to elaborate on their submission to the DVSA regarding the restoration of the Part 3 and Standards Check to the full pre-Covid 60 minutes. How aware are you of the DVSA's document the National Standard For Driver and Rider Training? In particular: Element 6.3.1: Create a climate that promotes learning Element 6.3.2 Explain and demonstrate skills and techniques Element 6.3.3 Coach They reason that it is very difficult - if not impossible - for the DVSA examiners to assess all of these elements adequately within 40 minutes. Yet these are the very criteria that the DVSA wants us to work to achieve! As with any test-based assessment, people will generally 'teach to the test'. So where is the opportunity for developing the deeper coaching questions, integrating elements of the GDE Matrix and generally exploring beliefs, opinions, fears and anything else that is clearly related to driving behaviour when the examiners are tapping you on the shoulder and asking you to get the car moving again when you stop for a couple of minutes to help your learner reflect on their performance? Lee and Mick are NOT arguing for the return of the 10 minute briefing at the start of the Part 3 or Standards Check! They are looking to improve the quality of how we help learners become better, thinking, responsible drivers and, hence, improve road safety. Rather than me try and explain what they are asking for - inadequately - listen to what they have to say. Hopefully you will agree with them. If you do please add your weight to their submission and write to Loveday Ryder. To find out more about all the courses and videos Lee and Mick have on offer visit their website - www.adikit.co.uk | |||
| 20 Jul 2024 | Claire Cross - perseverance personified - with some HRT too! | 00:38:44 | |
Claire was one of our PDIs at Training Wheelz who (finally) qualified in June 2024 after almost two years. I am sure her story will resonate with many of you who are grappling with the process of becoming an ADI as well as being a remonder of how hard it was for many who are now qualified. Claire used two unsuccessful part 3 tests as learning opportunities but she didn't stop there. As well as the Go Green support material we use in our training, she went out of hr way to get help elsewhere. For her, Phil Cowley and Diana Todd at Inspire Instructor Training and Ray Seagrave provided support that worked for her. HRT - this was a first for me on the podcast! Claire knew something. wasn't right and went to her doctor regarding her anxiety and was prescribed HRT - it worked! If ever anyone personifies the grit and determination to succeed it is Claire. She never sat back and waited for things to happen and now is enjoying her new career. I have. no doubt she will go on to greater things. | |||
| 28 Oct 2022 | Emma Hallett | 00:25:46 | |
Listen to Emma talking about her path to becoming an ADI and her involvement with disability driving and car adaptations. This episode was recorded in August 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 31 Oct 2022 | Emma Hallett - the correctly edited version! | 00:25:23 | |
Following some gremlins with the intended broadcast date on Friday October 28th, this is now the correct version of a very interesting discussion with Emma Hallett with an emphasis on adapted cars. It is difficult getting Spotify, etc to remove individual episodes so please ignore the original attempt! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Nov 2022 | Alyx Parker and Gabi Humphries | 00:33:18 | |
| 25 Nov 2022 | Hazel Jarrett- SEO+ | 00:23:34 | |
Hazel Jarrett is a locally based expert in everything to do with SEO - search engine optimisation. If you are responsible for running your web site or are someone who is thinking of going independent and looking to get your website started then you should listen to Hazel as she demystifies the world of SEO. Find out how getting your website properly optimised will help you rise up the ranking in Google searches without spending a fortune on Facebook and Google adverts. You can find more about Hazel and the courses she offers on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SEOplus or her website https://www.seo-plus.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Mar 2023 | Standards Check and Part 3 discussion forum | 01:07:34 | |
In this first episode of Season 2 I am joined by three instrcutor trainers - Pennie Hughes, Ella Burnett and Phil Cowley to discuss a number of aspects of the Standards Check and Part 3 test and answer questions that have been put forward by members of the EXE ADIs instructor Facebook group. Just two days before this episode aired for the first time, th DVSA sent out an email asking for opinions on the possible raising of the pass mark from 31 to 33. This recording was made prior to this so we were not able to discuss this but there is plenty of very interesting content to help anyone with a Standards Check or Part 3 test coming up. If you have not heard of the Gibb's reflective cycle before there are many examples of it and how to apply it available on the internet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 17 Mar 2023 | Bob Morton | 00:39:43 | |
Bob Morton is one of the most recognisable volce and face in the driver training industry. In this podcast he delivers some great advice on a range of issues:
We also hear about some of Bob's outside interests - his involvement in brass bands and his passion for motor bikes with some interesting stuff for the bikers out there. Bob has a wealth of material online - take a look at his website https://clientcentredlearning.co.uk/ . Bob has some masterclasses 'Being Better with Bob' available https://clientcentredlearning.co.uk/courses/being-better-with-bob/ Wherever you are coming from as a PDI, ADI/trainer, there is some great info in this podcast. Thank you Bob! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 31 Mar 2023 | Kevin Raven | 00:30:34 | |
Kevin Raven is a driving instructor who lives in Tiverton in Mid-Devon. He tells about how he chose to train after taking redundancy from his previous work place. He talks about the struggle he had to pass his Part 3 - which he managed on his third attempt! He can certainly empathise with anyone who is finding it hard to qualify. However he has since gone on not just to qualify but to sail through his last Standards Check and is now the co-owner of a local driving school and starting to train instructors of his own. I also discuss with him one of his passions outside of work - Tae Kwon-Do Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Apr 2023 | DVSA 'consultation'? A take on their proposals | 00:36:10 | |
A bonus episode! The DVSA has created quite a storm this week with its proposals for reducing the wait time for driving tests - and a few other things! Phil Cowley joins me to discuss these. Hope fully some of you will agree with us but I guess some might not?! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 15 Apr 2023 | The view from the learner's seat! | 00:50:57 | |
In this episode I talk with two of my own past learners about their experience learning to drive. Georgia came to Devon from her home in Kent to take a job at a local hotel having taken lessons with an instructor at home. Georgia's lessons were interrupted by the last of the Covid lock downs but she passed at the first attempt on the second day of tests resuming in April 2021. Abbey lives a stones throw from my house and started lessons with me at the ripe old age of 28 (!). She explains why she left it so long after having had a try 10 years earlier. Abbey was extremely nervous but was determined to get her full licence which she achieved in September 2022. With both of them I finish by discussing what they have done post-test. In Georgia's case there hasn't been a lot of driving due to the wonderful opportunity she has given herself working on yachts in some exotic places whilst Abbey tells me of some of the journeys she is now doin g alone, something that she could only dream of before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 28 Apr 2023 | Advanced Driving | 00:45:24 | |
In order to qualify as an approved driving instructor (ADI) we all need to pass a driving test at a higher standard than a learner test. But how many of us take a further advanced driving test to ensure our driving is still at the highest standard possible? I talk with two members of the Exeter and East Devon Advanced Drivers and Riders RoSPA group about the demands of the RoSPA advanced driving test. Ian Pruce is the group's membership secretary and Jo Gifford is a committee member who is keen to see more women involved in the group. As well as discussing the merits and demands of advanced driving we also talk about the acvtivities of the group. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Ian at secretary@exeteradvanceddrivers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 05 May 2023 | Diane Hall - Driving Test Nerves | 00:57:59 | |
Diane Hall and Chris Allsopp from 'L Of A Way 2 Pass' are coming to Devon in October with their fabulous Driving Test Nerves Specialist workshop. The workshop will help you understand how your learners are thinking, why they act the way they do - and some strategies to deal with this. The course helps you to become the 'go to' specialist, giving you techniques to combat anxiety when driving, driving test nerves (for learners AND ADIs and PDIs for their Standards Check or Part 3 test). And, of course, the 10 second tapping technique to prevent getting lefts and rights mixed up! This link will take you to the workshops, including the ones in Exeter and Cornwall: www.testbuddy.app/instructor. It also gives you an insight into the course content and all the other relevant stuff Diane and Chris have to offer. This next link takes you to the Tappy Hand Dance! https://youtu.be/xk9RiKHP0nw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 12 May 2023 | Mick Knowles - The KIT Man! | 01:04:16 | |
Mick Knowles is the author of the KIT Podcast (https://pod.co/kit-podcast) and, together with Lee Jowett, they produce the KIT Mag (https://www.facebook.com/groups/694453705007069/). KIT stands for Knowledgeablee Instructor Training - no, that's not a spelling mistake, it is a combination of parts Mick and Lee's names. KIT Instructor Training holds Standards Check training sessions around the country and within the KIT Podcast and KIT Mag there is a wealth of FREE CPD. Mick is also the owner of Xpert Driver Training in North Yorkshire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 May 2023 | Chris Bensted | 00:51:50 | |
Chris Bensted is the epitome of someone who has a thirst for knowledge and self-improvement. He has a passion for giving other ADIs the opportunities to gain knowledge and experience to help them also become better at their work. Preparation for the theory test is something many of us leave to our learners with little meaningful input. `This means those who really struggle with the language and prose used in the questions can find it extremely difficult to pass and take multiple attempts in order to do so. Chris has established Theory Test Explained to help those who have an issue with the theory test. He, along with his business partner Ian Brett, is also responsible for the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. This link will take you to a video clip where Chris explains the rationale of the DITC . There is a wealth of resources within the DITC web site - it is well worth a visit - and for only £6 a month to become a member it is a steal for the wealth of information it contains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 26 May 2023 | Janie Whittemore - Reiki and Havening® | 00:37:18 | |
Whilst the emphasis of this podcast is intended initially for the driving instructor community, this episode undoubtedly has an appeal well beyond this. If you know anyone with a phobia, high anxiety or just generally stressed I strongly recommend listening to Janie! Do you have a learner with high anxiety levels? Maybe something in their past is really blocking their progress? Are you an ADI or PDI heading for your Standards Check or Part 3, especially if you are on your last attempt and feeling the pressure? If so I fully recommend you listen to the wonderful Janie Whittemore and find out more about Reiki and Havening® and how these can help you. Janie has a voice that I could listen to for hours! If this episode sparks and interest then you can find out more about what Janie can offer you by going to her website. Her Havening® page has an excellent short video demonstrating the technique and how it can help you. Why not get in touch with her for an initial, no obligation, free consultation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 02 Jun 2023 | Terry Cook - The Instructor Podcast | 01:06:17 | |
Listen to the ultimate instructor podcaster! Terry Cook is the host and creator of The Instructor Podcast. He has grown and developed this into one of the most comprehensive sources of CPD available to driving instructors. It was a delight to have him as my guest and to hear his views on the role of a podcast for driving in structors - but also how he has diversified with a wealth of interviewees from a range of different perspectives. Once you have listened to him I am sure you will want to look more into The Instructor Podcast and the range of material that is on offer there. I should admit that, around 15 minutes and 30 seconds there was an embarrassing hitch when I realised that I had accidentally switched off recording! What great timing when you have one of the best instructor podcasters! Anyway, by some strange quick, the hiatus does not appear anywhere near as bad as I thought it would and if I hand't admitted to this you probably wouldn't notice? Terry was very gracious and we re-recorded that section and it (almost) appears seamless on here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 09 Jun 2023 | Ross Kernick - Total Drive | 00:57:44 | |
Total Drive is so much more than just a diary for your lessons. It is a complete pupil management system designed to free you from pen and paper. For those not convinced then come and listen to Ross Kernick, one of the partners at Total Drive and find out just what it can do for you and your learners. At Training Wheelz we have been using it for over 4 years and it saves us so much time. Ross talks about how the system came into being from its origins as an app for hair salons and GPs and how Covid made them re-assess where it was going and started focussing much more of the driver training industry. But rather than me tell you about come and listen to this episode! And you get a FREE 30 day trial so what have you got to lose?! You can find out much more at https://totaldrive.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Jun 2023 | Training to be an instructor | 00:51:41 | |
We finally got there! After a blip on the first recording when one of my interviewees disappeared for the last 15 minutes they both very kindly agreed to come back and re-record the last part. Vicky Bourne and Vicky Henwood are training with me. The purpose of this is not to push our driver training but is designed to give an insight into what is involved in the training. They have both come to us from different directions - one Vicky has been an ADI (briefly) many years ago and the other decided to pursue this after being made redundant from her previous job. One (Vicky B) is not on a trainee licence (for reasons she explains) while the other (Vicky H) is about to go on a trainee licence the week after this recording is published. We talk about the highs and lows, what I could have done better and the relative merits of leasing or buying a car. The over-riding message to me in all of this is to do your research and, even if you know you made the wrong decision, change it before it is too late! Training with both of them has never been anything other than very enjoyable, even to the point of anarchy at times - including losing Vicky B on the first attempt and her wandering around the garage she and her husband own to find decent coverage! The Go Green training materials referred to in the episode can be found here: https://www.gogreendrivinginstructortraining.co.uk/ If you find the episode interesting please give a 'like' on our facebook page - or, even better, leave a comment or review. Thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 23 Jun 2023 | Resources for PDIs, ADIs and Learners | 00:48:36 | |
Following on from the previous episode with two trainees talking about their training, I realised that they are not really aware of the range of resources that are available. Phil Cowley very kindly agreed to join me to discuss a whole range of resources and I think we have covered a large peroportion of the most popular or most well-known of these. The list is by no means exhaustive but we did include the following in the podcast; Lou and Blaine Walsh https://www.gogreendrivinginstructortraining.co.uk/ Diane Hall https://www.lofaway2pass.com/product/driving-test-nerves-specialist-workshop/ Bob Morton https://clientcentredlearning.co.uk/ Chris Bensted https://www.theorytestexplained.co.uk/ Terry Cook https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/ Mick Knowles https://www.adikit.co.uk/podcast/ Kev and Tracey Field https://www.confidentdrivers.co.uk/the-driving-confidence-podcast Mindnode https://www.mindnode.com/ Canva https://www.canva.com/online-whiteboard/ Fionadrive https://fionadrive.com/ The Honest Truth https://thehonesttruth.co.uk/ Who'In The Driving Seat https://gedandclaire.com/driving-instructor-book/ I am sure I have missed some out so go Google anything I have forgotten and if you can't find it let me as I'm sure I can find someone who does know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 22 Sep 2023 | Alison Harper - Social Media Consultant | 00:57:04 | |
For the first episode of Season 3 Alison Harper gives some advice on how to utilise social media to maximum effect. She manages the social media for Knowledgable Instrucotr Training (KIT), The KIT Podcast, Xpert Driver Training, Diane Hall's L of a Way to Pass as well as Training Wheelz for myself and Christie. In this episode we only really scratch the surface of this topic. Alison is a regular monthly contributor to the KIT Podcast and you can. find out lots more there. Find out more on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alisonharpersocialmediaconsultant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 29 Sep 2023 | Chris Allsopp - Psycho............therapist! | 01:06:42 | |
I was delighted to get Chris Allsopp on my podcast just before he and his partner Diane Hall came to Exeter to deliver their excellent 'Driving Test Nerves' course. Diane came on in Season 2 and talked about the content of their course and suggested then that I get Chris on to talk in more depth about the mental well-being (or not) of our young people after everything that has gone on over the last few years with Covid and the missing education years. He gives a passionate account of how generations in society have changed their behaviour which accounts very much for how young people (in general) are how they are now., Snowflakes? A word Chris dislikes with a passion and he tells us why. I just sat back and listened in the most part to someone who is a leader in his field and speaks with great authority. I hope you njoy listening to him as much as I did! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Oct 2023 | Claire Hancock | 01:03:05 | |
We are back in our Devon roots for this episode with Claire Hancock. Claire is a active member of her local RoSPA group and a passionate campaigner for raod safety and her connections to Vision Zero, The Honest Truth and Learn2Live. She also talks about her preference for being part of a team of instructors rather than going independent and we talk about the ways in which things have improved for women in the driving industry. And for those of you who have taught a son or daughter you will recognise th trials and tribulations of Claire teaching her daughter Ella! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Nov 2023 | Olly Tayler - The Honest Truth | 00:55:23 | |
Join me as I chat with Olly Tayler, the face of The Honest Truth. We start off with our own tribute to Lou Walsh who tragically died suddenly in August. Olly and I first met many years ago at Westpoint on one of the legs of the relay so it was Lou who actually facilitated us getting to know each other. Olly has always been passionate about road safety from his days as a serving road traffic police officer. Now having retired from the force he is able to devote his time to road safety and particularly The Honest Truth. THT has undergone a complete re-vamp since Covid. It is now under the aegis of James Enan's First Car group and there is a brand new app and lots of other resources for ADIs. This is a must listen episode - who in the driver training industry isn't committed to road safety?! Visit The Honest Truth website to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Dec 2023 | Carrie Barker ADI! | 00:40:45 | |
Carrie passed her Part 3 just two days before we recorded this episode. She talks about her experience of the qualifying process and the pressure of having to go to a third attempt to pass her Part 3 test. She also tells of the reasons why she chose to become a driving instructor and the support materials that were used (Go Green). Modesty forbids me to say who her trainer was but maybe having to go to a third attempt isn't the greatest advert?! Anyway I am sure a lot of people will empathise with Carrie when it comes to the trials and tribulations of the whole qualifying process. I hope you enjoy this episode - if you do please give it a 'like'! . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 10 Dec 2023 | Stewart Lochrie - Bright Coaching | 00:52:24 | |
In this episode I chat with Stewart Lochrie the founder of Bright Coaching. This is a newly created training company aimed at driving instructors offering the only accredited qualification in coaching in the UK. The course specifically aims at exploring challenging and changing behaviours in drivers and explores driver psychology. To find out more visit the Bright Coaching web site. Bright Coaching works closely with The Honest Truth which was a very recent subject of my podcast when I spoke with Olly Tayler. Stewart speaks very stringly about the links between the two and how The Honest Truth complements the work of Bright Coaching. Stewart is a firm advocate of CPD and has recently completed a quailfication with Dr Lisa Dorn who is one the world's leading experts in driver behaviour. If you enjoy the show pleas give it a like - thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 02 Sep 2022 | Pennie Hughes - Driving instructor and trainer | 00:19:29 | |
The very first episode of the ExeL Podcast! As this podcast is initially aimed at informing members of the Exeter and Newton Abbot instructor facebook groups in Devon, I have chosen one of the admins of the EXE ADIs group to start everything off. Pennie Hughes is one of the most respected instructors and trainers in the area. We find out about her journey to where she is now with her company Trident Driver Trading, her love of painting and how Copper Frog Distilling company got started selling high quality gin, rum and vodka. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Aug 2024 | Alison Harper - DIY social media management | 00:44:16 | |
Alison is our social media consultant at Training Wheelz and returns in this podcast episode to talk about her recently launched project. This gives you the opportunity to develop ypour own social media marketing at an affordable cost if you feel unable to hire a manager yo do this for you - or of you like the idea of doing this for yourself. The link to Alison's course is https://alison-harper-s-school.teachable.com/p/boostyourbusinessonsocialmedia There is a special offer if you sign up for the course by the end of August! *Warning notice! This episode was quite a challenge to edit as the internet dropped several times during the recording so there are a few places where there is a bit of a gap between one of us speaking and the other replying. Hopefully it does not detract from the overall flow of the conversation. | |||
| 15 Mar 2024 | San Harper - Mindfulness | 00:49:28 | |
San Harper is an internationally renowned authority on the subject of mindfulness. It is a great privilege to have her as a guest on the podcast. In this episode we just dip our toes into the ocean of mindfulness. For those of you who find this topic either useful or interesting - hopefully both! - you can take this further as San is the creator of her own website www.thecalmside.com as well as a Facebook group The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers. She hosts regular online courses and more details can be found on her website. San is also an approved driving instructor (ADI) and so is uniquely placed to impart her knowledge and experience to driving instructors. There is a wealth of information within the episode. One reference San mentions is 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle which is available in hard copy and as an audio book. San is a regular contributor to the KIT MAG, a great FREE resource of CPD to the driving instructor community. Towards the end of the podcast San gives a tip to help with stressful situations S.T.O.P. You can read more about it here and in the links section: https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-mental-trick-you-can-use-to-get-through-any-stressful-situation | |||
| 14 Oct 2022 | Kay Tomlin - Itinerant Instructor! | 00:25:48 | |
Hear about how Kay trained with a national company, then joined a local driving school before moving to Kent just as Covid happened! Find out why she decided to move back to Devon, how she re-established herself and what her plans are for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | Becky Seaton - Empathetic Instructor Training | 00:56:44 | |
Becky has made quite an impact since launching Empathetic Instructor Training. She has made it her aim to provide a safe space for PDIs and ADIs alike and she also has an impressive array of training courses available. Why not take a look at the web site - www.beckyseaton.co.uk | |||
| 05 Sep 2022 | Lou Walsh and the Big Learner Relay for Children in Need 2022 | 00:14:44 | |
The Big Learner Relay returns in its full form this year for the first time since 2019. I talk to Lou Walsh, the driving force behind the relay, about its origins, what it involves, how you can get involved and raise funds for Children in Need. More information is available on the website www.biglearnerrelay.co.uk and the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thebiglearnerrelay Listen and if you are enthused to join in Lou will be thrilled to see you at some point on the route! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30 Sep 2022 | Phil Cowley - Driving school owner | 00:25:00 | |
Phil Cowley is the owner of Cowley's Driving School based in Newton Abbot. Listen to how Phil became an ADI and how he has developed his driving school and keeps everyone happy! One thing he is aiming to do is have some salaried franchisees so I was interested to probe into this a bit more. Also find out what Phil's suggestion is for improving things at the DVSA! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 08 Aug 2024 | Vision Zero South West with Natalie Warr | 00:32:17 | |
In this episode I was joined by Natalie Warr who is the partnership manager for Vision Zero South West. We discuss the vision of reducing the numbers of people seriously injured or killed on the roads in the South West. The initial aim is to reduce these numbers by 50% by 2030 and eventually down to zero. 47 people were killed on the roads in Devon and Cornwall in 2022 and 741 seriously injured. There is a wealth of information on their website https://visionzerosouthwest.co.uk/ covering a range of areas from motor cyclists, business and older drivers, horse riders, cyclists, pedestrians and learners. Among the issues discussed is Operation Snap where dashcam evidence of poor driving can be submitted - the website is https://operationsnap.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ Natalie and I were due to be joined by two of her partnership colleagues from Devon and Somerset Fire service but the gremlins got in the way soo I am arranging to speak with them at a later date, probably in September. | |||
| 25 Jul 2022 | The ExeL Podcast - what is it? | 00:02:49 | |
This podcast is primarily aimed at driving instructors in the Exeter and Newton Abbot areas. It will consist of fortnightly interviews with member of the group to find out more about them, not just their work with learners and PDIs but also what interests they have outside of work. Hopefully some of this will be of interest to other members of the group. Episodes will last around 20-30 minutes and will be available on Spotify, Google, Apple and other podcast apps. There is also a Facebook page and web site where you will be able to access each episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 16 Sep 2022 | Ella Burnett - Instructor, trainer, home business owner, social media guru, mother, wife - Superwoman?! | 00:33:49 | |
Listen to Ella describing how she became a driving instructor. I describe her in this episode as a bit of a trailblazer - she was the first person I can remember to admit in the EXE ADIs Facebook group that she had failed her Standards Check. She posted because she wanted to get better. Ella also started her own home business during lockdown in 2020 - and she also finds time to be a fab wife and mother! Oh yes and she also appears with great regularity on social media so she's become quite an expert there too! El is one of the instructors I know better than many and this episode did over-run the sort of time limit I had set myself for these podcasts - but what Ella has to say is too interesting for me to edit any out. Oh yes - and you will love her description of hot yoga! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | A Tale of Two Vickys/Vickis! | 00:51:15 | |
Every now and then you hear that a previous unheard episode of a radio or tv show has lain undiscovered for a long time - well I have realised that a recording from over 3 months ago has been dormant in my archives! This recording was taken back at the start of March 2024 with two of our own PDIs at our driving school (Training Wheelz) and gives the background to how they made their training choice. They are both named Vicky (or Vicki)! One of them (Vicki) has the email address including gthe term 'madvic' but it is the other (Vicky) who is the real mad one out of them! The initial recording suffered from mad Vicky using her phone and the first attempt suffering from none of us realising her contribution wasn't recording after she took a call on her phone! They both very kindly came back a few days later to complete the recording. Even so there were a few gremlins from mad Vicky's internet connection. I have edited out some of the gaps and interference but so hopefully the recording does run reasonably smoothly. My a;pologies idf there are still a couple of hiccups within the recording. (Mad) Vicky was an ADI many years ago and started her training with us whereas Vicki started with a national company and fairly soon realised this was not really working for her. As her eldest daughter had learned with me I was delighted when she asked if she could complete her training with us. I am delighted to say Vicki has since qualified - she will be giving her account of her Part 3 soon - it was fairly eventful with her learner having a complete meltdown on the test! | |||