The ExeL Podcast

19/08/2024

And just like buses, another episode comes along! This one was with Alison Harper who is our social media manager. She has just launched a new venture - an online subscription for anyone who wants to manage their own social media. It is a series of videos that guide you through the maze of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. And she has a special offer available during August!
Available on all the usual podcast platforms!
https://the-exel-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/alison-harper-diy-social-media/

19/08/2024

For some reason the original post for this episode was rejected as FB seemed to think I was spamming! So - fingers crossed - I hope this attempt doesn't fall foul as well. Natalie Warr from Vision Zero South West joined me to discuss the very laudable objective of reducing road deaths and serious injuries in Devon and Cornwall by 50% by 2030.
Listen to this on You Tube or any of the usual podcast channels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoVLiU9RfIQ

20/07/2024

Claire Cross tells her story of how she overcame the adversity of two Part 3 failures and how she learnt from these and came back stronger - with some help from HRT! Claire was very pro-active getting additional support from well respected trainers. For her it was Ray Seagrave as well Phil and Diana at Inspire Instructor Training. An inspiration to anyone struggling to qualify.
"It's all about the learner"

Available from 5pm on Saturday 20th July

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5a06da3e-548e-4380-9b1b-9e5ea00bd918/

07/06/2024

***UPDATE - AVAILABLE FROM 10AM SATURDAY JUNE 8TH***
I have to apologise to those of you expecting this to be available from last night. And a special apology to both Lee and Mick. The gremlins have been sorted and all appears to be ok now!🤞 I am sure you will find this episode interesting and hopefully it will stimulate your thoughts around the Part 3 test and Standards Check and why there are compelling reasons to return to a 60 minute assessment.

Lee and Mick 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.

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/372208f3-2723-4552-8753-88efbac974c3

The episode is available on Spotify and Apple podcasts

06/06/2024

We are back with a bang this week with a second episode! After Becky Seaton's excellent contribution this is now followed by a thought-provoking visit from Lee Jowett and Mick Knowles from Knowledgeablee Instructor Training (K.I.T.).

You may be aware of their letter to the DVSA setting out their reasons for the return of the Part 3 and Standards Checks to the full 60 minutes that it was pre-Covid. Listen to them giving their reasons for this.

Surely everyone will have an opinion on this? If you are new to the profession you may have only ever experienced the 45 minute 'wheels moving' scenario. Along with Lee and Mick I believe there are very compelling reasons for the return to 60 minutes.

The podcast episode releases at 5pm tomorrow, Friday June 7th.

04/06/2024

After a 2 month break the podcast is back with Becky Seaton from Empathetic Instructor Training (www.beckyseaton.co.uk). Becky's enthusiasm has seen her establish herself as a leading provider of high quality training opportunities in just a few short months this year. Not only this but she also has a page for PDIs and ADIs alike where they can feel safe about asking questions without being made to feel inadequate as does tend to happen on some sites.

Listen to Becky and I'm sure you will agree with me - but don't take my word for it - listen and make your own mind up!

https://the-exel-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/becky-seaton-empathetic-instructor-training

03/06/2024

Almost ready to go with this episode, just a bit of editing to do. Just a few months since launching Empathetic Imstructor Training, Becky has already established herself as a person whose Facebook group provides a safe haven for PDIs and ADIs alike. She also gives some great advice and has some impressive CPD training on offer!

01/06/2024

Do you subscribe to KIT Mag? FREE CPD every month - and the added bonus this month of having a familiar face in the ‘meet the instructor’ slot!😂

KIT MAG is your monthly CPD, you can read it absolutely anywhere, but it is packed with amazing content, not just from Mick and Lee but some awesome, inspiring guests as well. Such as Julia Malkin and Diane Hall.

01/06/2024

A great interview yesterday with Becky Seaton from Empathetic Driver Training (www.beckyseaton.co.uk). Her enthusiasm and depth of knowledge belies the fact she’s only been qualified a couple of years. A emerging talent on the driver training scene for certain! The recording will be available very soon.

Driving instructor training and coaching

30/05/2024

Where has the podcast been for the last two months? Just after publishing the episode with Laura Morris I contracted the awful coughing and sneezing bug that so many have suffered from. I had one full week off work but even when I went back by the evening I was completely drained and my voice took ages to recover properly, to the point where I didn't trust it to hold up for any recordings. It still doesn't sound right to me but I now feel able to get back to recording.
So the podcast is returning with some exciting episodes. Becky Seaton from Empathetic Instructor Training will be up very soon as well as the double act of Lee Jowett and Mick Knowles.

Becky is a new name to me so I am looking forward to finding. out more about her and the exciting things she has to offer PDIs and ADIs alike.

Lee and Mick have recently submitted a document to the DVSA about restoring the Part 3 test/SC to the hour that it used to be pre-Covid. An issue that has provoked some debate so I am really looking forward to talking to them about this.

05/04/2024

Live from 5pm today, April 5th 2024!
A nasty throat infection and hacking cough has delayed a few recordings but here is the lovely Laura Morris from Go Green with an update on the latest exciting offerings.
With the tragic loss of Lou Walsh last August it is encouraging to see the Go Green team moving forwards with lots of new ideas. I have absolutely no doubt this is what Lou would have wanted!

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/12e6cf9f-c2bd-4ced-8a56-8e5c48de74bd

22/03/2024

Neil Wightman this week! Author of 'Untwisting the Road to Success' discusses the book and talks about his passion for CPD, especially the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving (IMTD).

Quickly and easily listen to The ExeL Podcast for free!

15/03/2024

Here is the latest episode with the lovely San Harper!
More information on San and links to her website and FB page are in the notes.
Also available on Apple, Amazon, Google and Spotify podcasts.

Quickly and easily listen to The ExeL Podcast for free!

14/03/2024

I was delighted to welcome San Harper to the podcast. Her episode publishes at 5pm Friday March 15th! San is an internationally recognised authority on the topic of Mindfulness. In this episode we just dip our toes into this vast topic.

10/03/2024

We are back with the first episode of Season 4! Kicking off with Lee Jowett from the award winning Knowledgeablee Instructor Training. Lee tells us all about the opportunities that K.I.T. brings to the instructor training world. Well worth a listen!

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/28e9bba0-56a2-4d69-945a-099d4b11f453

08/12/2023

GOING LIVE AT 8AM SUNDAY DECEMBER 10TH!

Having a lie in this Sunday? How about spending it listening to the next episode of the ExeL Podcast when I chat with Stewart Lochrie, the founder of Bright Coaching.

Hear about their brand new coaching qualification, the only accredited coaching qualification in the UK. Stewart also talks about their link with The Honest Truth - Olly Tayler from THT was a podcast guest a couple of weeks ago - and the ways in which The Honest Truth complements the work they are doing targetting behaviours and beliefs at the higher levels of the GDE Matrix.

Stewart is a passionate advocate for CPD and is continually looking to develop his own learning and has recently completed a qualification with Dr Lisa Dorn, a world renowned expert in driver behaviour.

It was fascinating listening to Stewart describe this new course so I hope you will find it equally interesting.

If you enjoy the show please follow and like our page!

01/12/2023

Fresh from her successful Part 3 test listen to Carrie tell of her trials and tribulations on the road to becoming a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

Available on Spotify (my favourite platform), Google and Amazon podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/show/32yx4MUcLnq5zB8BVA5cnc

29/11/2023

Coming very soon! Fresh from her success in her Part 3 qualifying test I thought I would catch up with Carrie while she is still on Cloud 9! Training to become a driving instructor can be a hard road to travel - and it certainly wasn't a bed of roses for Carrie. Many of us will be able to empathise with Carrie as she tells about her route to becoming an ADI.

Watch this space for publication details.

24/11/2023

Live now on Apple, Google and Spotify podcasts.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-exel-podcast/id1636298922?i=1000636441708

24/11/2023

It's been a while but we are back very soon!

For various reasons I needed to take a break from recording but the next episode will appear very soon! I recorded yesterday with the wonderful Olly Tayler. Many of you will know Olly from his days as a serving road traffic police officer and his support for the Big Learner Relay. He has always been passionate about road safety and he has been involved in The Honest Truth from it's earliest days. He is now an ambassador for the campaign in its new form. THT has gone through a complete re-brand and Olly talks about this. There are potentially exciting opportunities for ADIs in Devon coming very soon. Definitely a 'not to be missed' episode!

13/10/2023

***UPDATE*** GOING LIVE AT 7PM TONIGHT!!

Where has the ExeL Podcast gone I hear you all say! Well if you all shout louder I might hear you!😂
We had a hitch last week when the intended guest had to pull out at short notice due to receiving some distressing news. This week I am back to the podcast roots in Devon with the lovely Claire Hancock. Claire and I don't meet up anywhere near enough as we would like to - it's ages since we had a coffee and cake meet up and I couldn't even see her on the podcast as her camera was playing up! As with most people Claire was worried she wouldn't have much to say - but I know Claire well enough to be aware that once she starts it's hard to stop her!😮 The result is a very interesting chat and Claire showing how passionate she is about road safety as well as how the situation is improving for females in the industry.
Catch it from tomorrow evening once I have edited the episode.

19/09/2023

Season 3 - who'd have thought we'd get this far. Not me for one! A delayed return this month. The sad loss of Lou Walsh and a much needed break in rural France meant I was not ready for a start at the beginning of the month but we are back now. And I start off with a very interesting discussion with Alison Harper on the use of social media. Alison is a social media consultant who is based in North Yorkshire (she tells me the North is very important!). She runs the social media for Mick Knowles's driving school (Xpert Driver Training), Knowledgablee Instructor Training, Diane Hall's L of a Way to Pass - and for Christie and myself at Training Wheelz! She is a mine of information when it comes to social media so I hope you find this episode interesting.

Coming next - Chris Allsopp on 'Mental Health' prior to him and Diane coming to Exeter on October 5th.
After that Annie Winterburn will be talking about her online theory test courses. To give some local flavour Claire Hancock will be joining me and more personalities are in the pipeline!

15/09/2023

A delayed return but we are back next week!
Season 3 starts on Friday September 22nd
Bringing you the usual mix of national and local personalities. Combining the big issues with ideas for growing your business and just general chit chat. Every guest brings something different so if I ask you to join me please don’t say ‘nobody will want to listen to me’. I can assure you they will! 😀

24/08/2023

LOU WALSH
Season 3 of the ExeL Podcast is about to start next month and I was really excited about the list of people lined up to join me - but then the awful news about Lou Walsh hit hard today and my enthusiasm has waned for the moment. Fortunately one of my earliest guests is Jodie Johnston who epitomised everything the Big Learner Relay is/was about.
Jodie and I are recording tomorrow morning (August 25th) around 11.15. If anyone is free and would like to join us to give your tribute to Lou then I think both of us would be grateful for some support as it could be quite emotional.
If you are free and would like to join us please let me know and I will send you the link. I can accommodate up to 9 people. Thank you.

27/06/2023

I feel this is most definitely punching way above my weight and completely out of my league but, hey, you have to be in it to win it! If anyone feels like voting for my little podcast it would be great to at least get it recognised - thank you if you do!

You have until Tuesday 05 September cast your vote in this year's Listeners' Choice Award. The winner will be announced at the British Podcast Awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September at HERE at Outernet London – award night tickets will be available for purchase soon! 

23/06/2023

The final episode of Season 2 is now available and contains a load of information on resources available for PDIs, ADIs and learners. Thank you to Phil Cowley for joining me to discuss what is out there for you!
The Exel Podcast will be back in September. Enjoy the summer, remember all past episodes are available to listen to and if you enjoy listening please 'like' this page or, even better, leave a review!

A discussion with Phil Cowley

17/06/2023

A 'technical hitch' prevented publishing on Friday. Or, more accurately, one of my interviewees was using her phone and, unbeknown to either of us, someone called her and she answered it which stopped her recording! Fortunately we were near the end but we are going to re-record this part on Monday so - fingers crossed - all will be back to normal on Monday evening. My apologies if anyone was 'eagerly' 🤔 awaiting for the episode at 5pm on Friday!

13/06/2023

This episode could be quite lively! They say never work with children and animals but I might be adding 'Vickys' to the list! These two almost certainly occupied the back row in the classroom. Training has at times been a bit anarchic to say the least. Hopefully you will get a flavour of what their training has been like and how they feel about the whole process. They have come from very different directions to get where they are today and will also be taking different routes once they qualify. We are recording on Friday afternoon - eekk!! No room for error so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I can meet the 5pm deadline!

09/06/2023

Latest episode now available! Ross Kernick, one of the creators of the pupil management system Total Drive talks about its origins, rationale and all the many features that make it such a great package.

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 tho…

06/06/2023

Most driving instructors are aware of the pupil management systems that are available but not everyone is fully aware of their capabilities. Total Drive is probably the market leader with around 6000 UK instructors using the system. This means that there are still lots not using any of the apps currently available. If you are someone who has been considering this but has yet to 'take the plunge' then this episode with Ross Kernick, one of the creators of Total Drive, should give you a much greater insight into what is possible. It is so much more than just a pupil diary!
At Training Wheelz we have been using Total Drive for more than 4 years and it has revolutionised how we record and track our learners. THis podcast is well worth an hour of your time!