What happens when a country decides to rebuild its education system from the ground up and succeeds?

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Gibb, one of the UK's longest-serving schools ministers and co-author of Reforming Lessons. Nick reflects on over a decade of education reform, sharing the story behind some of the most significant shifts in schools.

We explore how focusing on evidence-based teaching, academic rigour, and a knowledge-rich curriculum helped drive England up international education rankings. Nick also discusses why giving teachers more autonomy, setting clearer expectations, and reducing distractions like smartphones can create environments where students thrive.

What You'll Learn

Knowledge-Rich Curriculum: How a renewed focus on core knowledge transformed reading and maths outcomes.

Teaching First: Why empowering teachers and embracing evidence-based methods can change classroom culture.

Raising Expectations: How structure, rigour, and removing barriers like phones can support better learning for all students.

Nick reminds us that meaningful reform isn't about quick fixes - it's about clarity, consistency, and courage to stay the course.

Lou Brown Talks is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if teaching empathy from an early age could transform societies and prevent deep-rooted challenges?

In this episode, Leslee Udwin, founder of Think Equal, a global charity revolutionising education, shares her remarkable journey. From discovering her purpose in Indian prison cells to designing programmes that instil social-emotional skills in young children, Leslee’s mission is to foster kinder, more equitable communities worldwide.

What You'll Learn

- Early Intervention: Why embedding social-emotional learning at ages 3–6 builds lifelong foundations for empathy, compassion, and self-regulation.

- Global Impact: How Think Equal tailors its programs for diverse cultures - from Australia to Nigeria - ensuring universal resonance and reach.

- Evidence-Based Change: Discover how rigorous randomised trials validate the effectiveness of empathy-focused curricula and drive government adoption worldwide.

We explore Think Equal’s transformative 30-lesson curriculum, packed with engaging books, films, and activities, and celebrate its proven success in countries like Lithuania and Spain.

Leslee’s mission is for a world where we prioritise holistic child development over traditional rote learning.

Lou Brown Talks is produced by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode of Lou Brown Talks, I sit down with Naomi Duncan, Chief Executive of Chefs in Schools, to uncover an inspiring movement revolutionising school meals. Naomi shares the remarkable journey of a top chef who transformed school food in Hackney, sparking nationwide programs that make meals nutritious, delicious, and educational for kids.

What You'll Learn

- School Food Revolution: Discover how passionate chefs are recruited to craft fresh, exciting meals that enhance student health and boost learning outcomes.
- Program Support: Explore year-long training and membership schemes offering recipes, procurement strategies, and team-building resources to transform school kitchens.
- Community Impact: Learn how partnerships with local suppliers and educators create fun, inclusive food experiences that engage every pupil.

Naomi shares practical tips, from using seasonal, budget-friendly ingredients to weaving food education into the classroom, and scaling impact from London to Cornwall.

Lou Brown Talks is produced by Urban Podcasts.