Educating, Informing and Entertaining One ridiculous episode at a time. Interviews with professionals across all equestrian disciplines, insights into careers all over the equestrian industry and episodes keeping you up to date with best practices for all aspects of horse care.
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The Prancing Pony Podcast is a weekly show about the Middle-earth legendarium of J.R.R. Tolkien, hosted - for six seasons - by Alan Sisto and Shawn E. Marchese. Now in its ninth season, Alan is joined by an all-star cast of co-hosts as he explores more of Middle-earth! Alan and all his co-hosts are passionate Tolkien enthusiasts, inviting listeners to enjoy their detailed exploration of Tolkien’s work, with smart but straightforward discussion and a healthy dose of self-effacing humor, pop-c ...
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Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood talk to former teachers about exiting from the classroom and thriving. Don't forget to leave us a VOICEMAIL, quickly and easily at https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Support the podcast by buying us a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub
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Join popstar Princess Pipp Petals and her trusty pony producer Jazz Hooves in the all-new podcast series, My Little Pony: The Podcast. With eight episodes filled with fun life lessons, music and guest appearances from all your mane friends in Equestria, everypony can learn how to make their mark and celebrate what makes them unique! It’s going to be ICONIC! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The world's first podcast to be hosted by a Bored Ape, The Ape and Pony Show. The host of The Ape and Pony Show, Bored Ape #672, more affectionately known as B.P., is owned by the show's creator. B.P. was the 672nd member of the Bored Ape Yacht Club and is looking forward to sharing his journey into NFTs and the BAYC with listeners. This show explores world-class performers in the NFT space. We take deep dives with NFT investors and gamers, project creators, digital artists, founders, builde ...
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363 – Til You Find Your… Ancient & Military Historian?
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2:32:23The Man of the West bids farewell to The Nerd of the Rings, as they welcome everyone’s favorite ancient and military historian back to the PPP: Dr. Bret Devereaux, author of A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry returns to answer an absurd number of questions that Alan and Matt have come up with from their last ten episodes. We get our 40k reference…
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038 - Pit Pony Paul Lennon - Classroom to NHS Health Adviser
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1:25:29In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Paul Lennon, a former teacher with 28 years of experience in secondary schools across the UK and around the world. Paul started his career as a PE teacher, eventually working his way up to head of department, assistant principal, and IB Diploma Coordinator. But his journey took an unexpected…
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The Marshals of the Mark faithfully serve the King by leading their trained Riders in battle; Matt faithfully serves Alan by… well, we’re still figuring that one out. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as they dive into the inner workings of Rohan’s command structure in our final episode on The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfi…
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037 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 2
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1:34:22In this second part to Hollie Jones’ story, we dive deeper into her legal battle for workplace justice, the emotional toll of discrimination, and the life-changing shift that followed. After an appalling "well-being" call that questioned her ADHD diagnosis, Hollie knew she was facing more than ignorance - she was up against systemic failure. With u…
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036 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 1
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1:03:33In this powerful two-part episode, we sit down with Hollie Jones, a former teacher turned neurodiversity practitioner, whose journey out of the classroom is one of resilience, advocacy, and hard-won justice. Hollie always believed teaching was her lifelong career - until she faced systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of understanding about…
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Erkenbrand takes command of the West-mark after the death of Théodred; Matt makes it clear that, in the event of Alan’s death, he wants no such responsibility. Join us as there is a coincidence of calendars in our second episode on The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfinished Tales. Grimbold stands firm by the Fords, Elfhelm is the Admiral Ackb…
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035 - Pit Pony Ruth O'Neill - Classroom to SEND Consultant and Tutor
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1:02:46In today's episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Ruth O’Neill, an educator who spent over 20 years in the classroom before stepping into a new role as a SEND consultant and English tutor. Ruth’s journey took her from teaching in the UK to classrooms in Cairo and Costa Rica, before returning home to take on a challenging SENCO role. Over…
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The Rohirrim are loyal to Théoden, even in his dotage; Matt’s loyalty to Alan is in doubt. Join us as Saruman begins his assault on Rohan with a strategic faux pas in the first of three episodes covering The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfinished Tales. Wormtongue pits brother against brother, Théodred proves to be the Faramir of Rohan, and G…
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034 - Pit Pony Sarah Cowen - Classroom to Head of Domestic Abuse Services
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1:11:03This week’s episode is a powerful one. We sit down with Sarah Cowen, a former drama teacher who never planned to teach—until she fell in love with the profession. But after 18 years, she faced the realisation that her boundaries, well-being, and identity had been eroded over time. Sarah’s story is one of deep reflection, empowerment, and transition…
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Isildur counsels his successors to bring their heirs to the Hill of Awe to reveal the secrets of the realm; Alan and Matt wonder if there’s a Gondorian equivalent to Area 51. Join us as we step back in time to the establishment of the Tradition of Isildur in our final episode on Cirion & Eorl. Isildur gets out a map and points to the middle (like p…
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Welcome to another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible transformations our guests have experienced since leaving the classroom. In this episode, we hear from: ✨ Leanne Herring – from teacher to voice artist & content creator. ✨ Mark Thompson – from teacher to TV & film chaperone. ✨ Amy MacDonald – from teacher to …
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032 - Pit Pony Katie Stone - Classroom to Virtual Assistant Agency Owner
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1:06:20Today, we sit down with Katie Stone, a former primary school teacher who left the classroom after facing work-related stress and the pressures of an informal support plan. Katie opens up about the emotional toll of teaching, the challenges of leaving, and how she found a new path that gave her both freedom and fulfilment. Now the owner of a success…
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The Steward of Gondor and the Lord of the Éothéod swear oaths to one another; Alan and Matt simply try not to swear at one another. Join us as Eorl knows it’s time to ‘show the way and leave today’ in the fifth of our six episodes covering Cirion & Eorl. The Prince of Dol Amroth discovers the reason for the awe on the Hill of Awe, Eorl swears such …
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We’re back with another special bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast - Sliding Doors Stories, Part 4! In this episode, we revisit those powerful moments when our guests reflect on the incredible experiences they’ve had since leaving the classroom. This week, we hear from: 🎨 Jane Lloyd – From classroom teacher to artist, embracing a life filled wit…
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030 - Pit Pony Amy MacDonald - From Classroom to Forest School Leader and Curriculum Writer
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1:08:05This week, we welcome Amy MacDonald, a former primary school teacher who transformed her love for teaching outdoors into a fulfilling new career. Amy’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and inspiration, showing us that life after teaching can be rich with opportunities. In this episode, Amy shares: 🌿 Her journey through challenging scho…
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Come on, you had to know it was coming. Everyone wonders how Cirion will reward Eorl; nobody wonders how Alan will reward Matt. Join us as Cirion and Eorl rise above the noise and confusion atop the Halifirien in our fourth of six episode covering Cirion & Eorl. Tolkien keeps hyping up the secret on top of the mountain, Cirion gives an amazing gift…
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We’re thrilled to bring you another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode! This special collection features incredible moments from our guests that truly capture the magic of life after teaching. In this episode, we revisit the inspiring reflections of: ✨ Rae Dillon – From classroom teacher to copywriter. Celebrating her dream wedding in Bora Bora - …
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028 - Pit Pony Mark Thompson - Classroom to TV & Film Chaperone
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39:43Mark Thompson is a former computing and business studies teacher with over 18 years of experience in education. After leaving the classroom in 2011, Mark transitioned into a unique and fulfilling career as a tutor and chaperone for children working on TV and film sets, including his work on CBBC. His role combines education with safeguarding, ensur…
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Cirion uses his Phone-a-Friend lifeline and, fortunately, Eorl picks up; Alan uses his Phone-a-friend lifeline and… Matt picks up. Join us as Cirion sees that the end of Gondor is “closer than you think and you’re standing on the brink” in our third of six episodes on Cirion & Eorl. The Northmen contribute blood to Gondor, Borondir becomes a legend…
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We’re excited to share the second in our series of brand-new bonus episodes of the Pit Pony Podcast - a heartfelt collection of our guests’ incredible sliding doors moments. These powerful and inspiring stories celebrate the magic of life after teaching and the joy that comes from embracing new opportunities. In this episode, you'll hear from: ✨ Ro…
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025 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 1
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49:35In the first part of this fantastic two-part episode, we introduce Leanne Herring, a passionate teacher whose love for education began as a six-year-old teaching her teddies. Spanning a decade-long teaching career across four schools, Leanne’s story unfolds with both moments of joy and deep challenges. Leanne reflects on her first school, where cre…
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026 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 2
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41:53In the second part of Leanne Herring’s inspiring story, we delve into her journey beyond the classroom and explore the incredible life she’s built since leaving teaching. From pursuing a master's degree in psycholinguistics to discovering her passion for voiceover artistry, Leanne shares how she turned creativity and resilience into a thriving care…
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Ondoher learns that battlefield intelligence is crucial to survival; Alan and Matt learn that bad dad jokes are crucial to this podcast. Join us as King Ondoher closes his eyes, only for a moment, and the moment’s gone, in our second of six episodes on Cirion & Eorl. The Gondorian army remains in column formation too long, the vanguard of the Wainr…
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Sliding Doors Moments: From Chocolate to Celebrancy and Safari Dreams 🎙️ Welcome to our first special bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible "sliding doors" moments from our guests - those life-defining events that remind us why stepping out of the classroom can lead to extraordinary experiences. This week, we revisit the heartfelt storie…
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023 - Pit Pony Lee Springett - Classroom to Barnardos Project Manager
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1:08:42In todays episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Lee Springett, a former secondary school teacher who made the leap from the classroom into the charity sector. After 12 years in teaching, Lee didn’t leave because of burnout or a critical incident - he left because of a gut feeling and a reflective process that changed his perspective on …
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The story of Cirion and Eorl begins with an introduction to the Northmen; the story of Alan and Matt begins with Matt having to pronounce hard words. Join us as the Northmen have nothing to lose ‘cause it’s already lost, as we begin our six-episode sidebar on Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan — can we just call it Cirion & Eorl…
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022 - Pit Pony Gareth Isaac - Classroom to Mindfulness Teacher
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1:03:27In this deeply introspective episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, Sharon and Sarah sit down with Gareth Isaac, a former sociology teacher who left the classroom after 4 years - overwhelmed by exhaustion, stress, and a profound sense of disconnection. Gareth candidly shares how he navigated the physical and emotional toll of burnout, his struggle to rec…
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Gondor and Rohan honestly believed in Saruman, while Alan and Matt aren’t sure what to believe anymore. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as we look at all the Kings of Rohan, and Matt gives Alan his new nickname. Saruman’s gets the keys to his new place, Aldor the Old is what it says on the tin, and no one has anything good to say…
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021 - Pit Pony Jane Lloyd - Classroom to Artist
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43:26In this final episode of 2024, we welcome Jane Lloyd—a former teacher of 14 years who traded in the classroom for a paintbrush and a new lease on life. Jane’s story is a perfect way to close out the year: a tale of transformation, resilience, and the power of pursuing what truly lights you up. After years of dedicating herself to teaching art in sc…
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016 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 1 - The Teacher Who Dreamed Big
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26:12Welcome to a very special Christmas special 5 part episode of the Pit Pony Podcast. In this first chapter of Jonny Millard’s compelling story, we meet an ambitious young history teacher from the Midlands. With dreams of becoming a headteacher, Jonny entered the profession full of passion, eager to make a difference and climb the ranks of leadership…
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017 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 2 - A Rapid Decline
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25:20In Chapter 2 of Jonny Millard's story, we follow his move to a new school with high hopes and ambition. However, unforeseen changes in leadership and department dynamics quickly create a challenging environment. Jonny shares how the arrival of a new head of history marked the beginning of a steady decline in his motivation and mental health. Throug…
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018 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 3 - Reaching Out For Help
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21:38In Chapter 3, Jonny Millard takes a courageous step as he reaches out for help, sharing his growing struggles with colleagues and leadership. Determined to salvage the passion he once had for teaching, Jonny recounts his desperate attempts to address the toxic environment that was taking a toll on his mental health. As the story unfolds, Jonny pain…
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019 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 4 - Breaking Free, The Struggle for a New Beginning
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18:48In Chapter 4 of Jonny Millard’s story, we delve into one of the most harrowing aspects of his teaching career: the systemic barriers preventing him from leaving a toxic work environment. As Jonny recounts, the reliance on references and the coercive control exerted by his academy left him feeling trapped, unable to secure a fresh start despite his …
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020 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 5 - From The Shadows To Success
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51:51In this final chapter of Jonny Millard’s gripping story, we witness his extraordinary transformation from being trapped in a toxic work environment to thriving as a successful entrepreneur. Jonny shares how he found freedom after leaving teaching, rediscovering his purpose and channeling his drive into building a thriving business. Through sheer de…
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015 - Hannah Jones - Classroom to Head of Prison Education England & Wales
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1:20:18In this heart-wrenching yet uplifting episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Jones, a former teacher whose passion for education carried her from the classroom to an extraordinary role as Head of Prison Education for England and Wales. Hannah’s story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. With a family background…
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Felaróf pays Eorl back by surrendering his freedom, while Matt pays Alan back with poetic body shaming. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as we meet the first King of the Mark, and flashback to his naming of Felaróf, in our first of two episodes on Appendix A II - The House of Eorl. Fram kills Scatha, but earns the enmity of the Dw…
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014 - Pit Pony Rae Dillon - Classroom to Copywriter
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35:56After 17 years in education, Rae Dillon made a bold decision to leave the classroom and step into a whole new world. In this episode, Rae shares her fascinating journey from teaching in the UK and China to becoming a successful copywriter, editor, and proofreader with her own business. Discover how teaching abroad gave Rae a unique perspective on e…
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Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as we answer listener questions once again in our 29th Questions After Nightfall! From Nazgûl backstories to chess in Middle-earth, from fantastic Middle-earth insults to the meaning of ‘crownless’, our listeners once again challenge us with unexpected questions. Alan helps Matt with some music his…
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013 - Pit Pony Nicole Bateman - Classroom to SEND Advisor & Sensory Expert
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1:01:10After 11 years in the classroom, Nicole Bateman left teaching in 2021, seeking a new way to align her career with her family's needs and her personal passions. Today, she’s thriving as the Friendly SEND Advisor, making children’s activities more inclusive for those with special educational needs. Nicole shares her powerful journey, including the li…
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012 - Pit Pony Amy Meade - Classroom to Learning & Development Manager
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1:10:41After 14 years in teaching, from secondary English to primary leadership roles, Amy Meade’s journey out of the classroom is remarkable. Amy candidly shares the burnout that came with Ofsted pressures, the life-changing realisation that school didn’t have to own her, and how she stepped into a new career as a Learning and Development Manager. Throug…
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The Stewardship of Gondor became hereditary as a kingship; should the PPP co-hosts follow suit? Join The Man of the West and The Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy on his last episode this season as the Stewards of Gondor harden their hearts against the return of a king, any king. Cirion looks for an answer, and decides to phone a friend; the Stew…
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011 - Pit Pony Rowena Hicks - Classroom to Author
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49:11Today, we’re joined by Rowena Hicks, who dedicated over 30 years to her role as a Deputy Head Teacher and SENCO in the London-Kent area. Teaching was Rowena's life - it was her passion, her calling, and she gave it her all, right up until the moment her own health signalled it was time to step back. Rowena opens up about the physical and emotional …
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The Wainriders strike Gondor, leaving them without a king for a time, while Don’s old jokes leave Alan to cry a thousand rivers. Join The Man of the West and the Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy as the arrival of the Wainriders triggers a series of Unfortunate Events. Eärnil saves the day for Gondor, but not for Arthedain, Malbeth has some impor…
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010 - Pit Pony Helen Taylor - Classroom to Cabin Crew
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56:23In this episode, we sit down with Helen Taylor, a former history teacher whose dedication to education was undeniable. Helen spent 18 years in teaching, finding joy in her students and a deep sense of purpose in the classroom. For years, she believed teaching was her lifelong path, pouring her energy and resources into her role. But after a gruelli…
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The waning of Gondor had already begun in Atanatar’s day; let’s hope Don brings better luck for the PPP. Join us as Gondor reaches the summit of its power in the first of two episodes on the Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion in Appendix A. Lazy kings and racist Gondorians lead to a civil war, Eldacar is shot through the heart and Castamir’s to blame,…
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009 - Pit Pony James Terry - Classroom to Civil Celebrant
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1:03:10In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we speak to the inspirational James Terry. James describes himself as “born to teach.” From his first work experience as a teacher in school, he knew it was his calling. For six years, he found joy and purpose in the classroom, creating an environment that felt like home. But after moving to a new school, Ja…
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Arvedui offers the Lossoth jewels they don’t want; Alan and Don offer bad puns you don’t want. Join us as evil comes to Arnor as we continue our time in Appendix A, this time on Arnor and the Heirs of Isildur. Rhudaur goes bad, the Barrow-downs get new residents, and Arvedui finds he’s not even halfway there. We speculate on the reason for Arnor’s …
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008 - Pit Pony Vicky Thurkettle - Classroom to Chocolatier
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48:44In this compelling episode, we meet Vicky Thurkettle, a teacher who found more than a career in the classroom - she found purpose, family, and what she believed was her path for life. Known for her unwavering dedication, Vicky poured her heart into her work, shaping young lives and embracing each day as part of her own. But after returning from mat…
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Tolkien gives us 3400 years of Númenórean history in just a few pages; Alan and Don make those few pages *feel* like a 3400-year long episode. Join The Man of the West and The Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts guy as we walk through the line of Kings and Queens of Númenor in our second episode on Appendix A I (i) on Númenor. We wonder what would have…
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007 - Egg Rolls and Near-Misses - A Bonus Whatsapp Message Special
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6:23In this unexpected, laugh-out-loud bonus episode, we bring you a real-life message exchange from a loyal Pit Pony podcast listener who found herself in the most ridiculous situation - sitting at school pickup, having a peaceful moment with her egg roll, and then—bam!—hit by a car. You seriously can't make this up. Listen to the hilarious back-and-f…
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