In this special episode for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Terry Cook is joined by returning guest Jono Poon for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about the struggles many men face.

They discuss why so many men find it hard to open up, the impact of cultural expectations, and how loneliness and comparison affect mental wellbeing. Jono shares personal stories and insights from his work with the Man Cave, offering practical tools for managing mental health and building real connections.

Whether you’re struggling or supporting someone who is, this episode is a powerful reminder: you’re not alone.

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More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

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The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

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In this powerful Short Lesson, we revisit a conversation from April 2022 with the inspiring Jono Poon.

This bite-sized episode dives into the all-too-common fear of other people’s opinions, and how that fear can hold us back from living the life we actually want. Jono shares blunt but uplifting truths about why you don’t need anyone’s validation to chase your goals, try new things, or simply do what makes you happy.

Whether you’re a driving instructor questioning your career path or someone afraid to step outside the box, this episode will challenge your mindset in the best way. Because, as Jono puts it, other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills. Hit play, get inspired, and then go do your thing.

Full episode link

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If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you.

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More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every Episode

When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference.

Sign up for The Instructor email

📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp

Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com

The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

In this Green Room episode, Terry Cook is joined by Chris Benstead and Stewart Lochrie for a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the latest developments in the driver training world.

They reflect on upcoming events like the Intelligent Instructor Expo and the Meginar, before diving into the DVSA’s recent consultation on test booking changes - a topic that’s sparked plenty of debate. Chris and Stewart share differing views but demonstrate how disagreement can be handled with respect and honesty.

The conversation also explores the pressures of social media, the challenges of being visible in the industry, and the importance of supporting one another. Whether you’re fully engaged in the industry or just watching from the sidelines, this episode offers plenty to reflect on — and a reminder that how we talk is just as important as what we say.

🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership

If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you.

👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every Episode

When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference.

Sign up for The Instructor email

📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp

Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com

The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

In this episode of The Instructor Podcast, host Terry Cook kicks off the brand new monthly format with a powerful and timely discussion. He’s joined by Debbie Beadle, CEO of Fear Free, to explore the urgent need for safeguarding in the driver training industry.

Debbie shares the story behind the “Emergency Stop” campaign, which calls for driving instructors to be legally recognised as being in a position of trust under the Sexual Offences Act. They discuss why this matters, what safeguarding really involves, and how instructors can protect both their learners and themselves.

Later in the episode, Terry speaks with James Luckhurst from Project EDWARD about the Blue Light Aware campaign. They cover how instructors can prepare learners to deal with emergency vehicles safely and why those conversations could be life-saving.

This is the first episode in a new monthly format designed to go deeper into important topics affecting driving instructors. It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to raise standards, build trust, and create safer roads.

Links from the episode

• NSPCC
• Fear Free
• Project EDWARD
• Blue Light Aware

🔥 Get More Than Just Test Passes – Join the Premium Membership

If you're a driving instructor who wants to teach better, earn more, and stand out from the crowd, the Premium membership is where it happens. With exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else — from expert sessions to confidence coaching, business building, and beyond — this is the stuff no one else is giving you.

👉 Start your free 7-day trial now: Sign up here

More from The Instructor Podcast

Hosted by Terry Cook, this show is all about helping driving instructors grow their business, sharpen their skills, and look after their wellbeing.

🔗 Browse all episodes and extras: The Home of The Instructor Podcast

Get the Workbook for Every Episode

When you join the email list, you’ll get a custom workbook to help you reflect, take action, and apply each episode’s message to your real-world lessons. Plus, weekly tips that actually make a difference.

Sign up for The Instructor email

📲 Stay Connected via WhatsApp

Quick insights, new content, and useful updates direct from Terry.

Join the channel: whatsapp-link.com

The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn

The Instructor Podcast is getting an overhaul, and Terry explains why and how in this episode.

For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/

For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to check out our Premium subscription - Here you'll find lots of extra content, including:

• Episodes on the Standards check and how to break down each individual competency so you're fully aware of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to perform.
• Exclusive shows with industry leaders including Bob Morton, San Harper, and Kev & Tracey Field.
• Live 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts.
• As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers.

The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube
• And be sure to check out the DITC

For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/

For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to check out our Premium subscription - Here you'll find lots of extra content, including:

• Episodes on the Standards check and how to break down each individual competency so you're fully aware of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to perform.
• Exclusive shows with industry leaders including Bob Morton, San Harper, and Kev & Tracey Field.
• Live 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts.
• As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers.

The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube
• And be sure to check out the DITC

Takeaways:

• The podcast celebrates its 50th episode, reflecting on four years of insightful discussions and industry changes.
• The introduction of new driving test trials by the DVSA aims to reduce stress during tests, but raises concerns about standards.
• The panel discusses how social media influences perceptions and the importance of constructive conversations in the driving instructor community.
• Emphasis on collaboration in the industry is growing, with many instructors supporting each other's professional development and training programs.

Today’s guest is Ray Seagrave, and we’re diving deep into his brand new book, "The Driving Instructor's Ultimate Guide to Client Centred Lessons." This episode is all about how to elevate your game as a driving instructor by focusing on client-centred learning and the importance of understanding your pupils as individuals. Ray shares how he’s crafted this book as a companion for both newly qualified and experienced instructors, ensuring they have the tools they need for continuous personal development. Plus, we’ve got a fun giveaway at the end, where you could snag a free copy of Ray's book! So buckle up, because we’re about to hit the road to better teaching strategies and insights that could change the way you instruct!

For more information on The Instructor Podcast visit https://www.theinstructorpodcast.com/

Buy Ray's book here

For additional content and exclusive discounts, be sure to check out our Premium subscription - Here you'll find lots of extra content, including:

• Episodes on the Standards check and how to break down each individual competency so you're fully aware of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to perform.
• Exclusive shows with industry leaders including Bob Morton, San Harper, and Kev & Tracey Field.
• Live 'Expert Sessions' on industry-specific topics including; How to teach roundabouts.
• As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts for GoRoadie Pro, Client Centred learning training, The ADI/PDI Doctor, and The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers.

The Instructor Podcast uses a variety of social media channels, including a Facebook group. You can join the group or follow us on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube
• And be sure to check out the DITC

Takeaways:

• Ray Seagrave's new book is a comprehensive guide designed to support driving instructors in their professional development.
• Client-centered learning is essential for engaging pupils and fostering a deeper understanding of driving safety.
• The book emphasizes the importance of reflection, encouraging instructors to help students think critically about their driving experiences.
• Understanding a pupil's individual background and emotional state can greatly enhance their learning experience in the car.
• Each chapter in the book includes reflective questions to promote ongoing self-assessment and growth for driving instructors.
• The conversation highlights the shift in the industry towards more holistic teaching methods, moving...