Report season is here – and we’re not doing it the hard way.

In this episode, Dan and Martin dive into the chaotic world of school reports: recycled comments, comma queens, clip art disasters, scented buff paper, and the unspoken truth that no one’s reading all four pages anyway.

We talk about how AI can (and should) save teachers HOURS, the madness of being told you’ve “printed too much,” and how to word a glowing report for a child who once threatened to dig your grave.

Also inside:
📝 The report that got pink-highlighted for plagiarism
👀 How to write something nice about a child who swore at you
😂 “You used to be fat” – and other brutally honest moments from the classroom
🧠 Why no one should be spending a week writing reports
🎶 Plus a very serious debate about who the best Spice Girl is

If you’re drowning in deadlines and tired of pretending that “focused” needs two S’s… this one’s for you.

In this raw and honest episode, Martin and Dan dive headfirst into the burnout that nearly broke them — and the slow, messy, powerful journey of pulling themselves out.

They talk about what burnout really looks like in teaching (spoiler: it’s not just being tired), how COVID reshaped classrooms and pushed teachers to the brink, and why so many of us don’t realise we’re burnt out until everything starts to fall apart — health, happiness, relationships, even our sense of self.

From wet play horror stories and toxic appraisal culture to Night Nurse sleep hacks and triple XL shame, this one covers it all — with laughter, truth, and a lot of love for every teacher still in the trenches.

Whether you’re deep in burnout or just starting to feel the edges fray, this episode might be the one that helps you finally go: “Yeah. That’s me. And I need to do something.”

Takeaways

• Most podcasts quit after four episodes; they are at eight.
• Classroom dynamics have changed significantly post-COVID.
• Teacher burnout is a serious issue, with many educators feeling overwhelmed.
• Burnout can take away joy and motivation from teaching.
• Teachers often make over 1500 decisions a day, leading to mental exhaustion.
• Administrative tasks contribute significantly to teacher burnout.
• Emotional attachment to students adds to the stress teachers face.
• Recognizing burnout early is crucial for mental health.
• Hydration and self-care are essential for teachers.
• Teachers often feel they must sacrifice their well-being for their students. The environment in which teachers work significantly affects their mental health.
• Recognizing personal burnout is crucial for teachers.
• Creating supportive work environments can alleviate stress.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining work-life balance.
• Engaging in activities outside of teaching can provide necessary relief.
• Personal growth and self-care are vital for teachers.
• Accountability can help teachers manage their workload effectively.
• Finding a supportive community can combat feelings of isolation.
• Teachers should prioritize their well-being to avoid burnout.
• It's important to remember that recovery from burnout is a journey.

In this episode of Say You Look Tired, Martin and Dan dive deep into the sleep-deprived, caffeine-fuelled world of teaching - from dragging marking to the pub to running on Red Bull and resentment.

They unpack why teachers can’t switch off, how poor sleep wrecks your mood (and your classroom management), and what lockdown forced them to face about their own wellbeing. Dan shares how staying up till 1am “for me time” nearly broke him, and Martin reveals the bedtime routine that Seamus the dog now enforces.

Expect real talk, belly laughs, and some questionable sleep stats - plus the hard truth: you deserve more than just getting by.

From phantom Ofsted visits to soggy chicken tikka sandwiches - anxiety in teaching shows up in ways you’d never expect. In this episode, Martin and Dan get real about the hidden stress of classroom life: the panic before lesson observations, the pressure to be perfect, and the guilt that creeps in when you lose your temper.

They share their own stories of burnout, snack drawer coping mechanisms, and the small habits that made a massive difference - from planning clothes to prepping lunch like it’s a Michelin-starred dish.

Expect humour, honesty, and more than one moment that’ll make you go: “Yep, that’s me.”

Whether you’ve ever cried on a Sunday night, lost your mind over a broken whiteboard pen, or just want to feel a bit more seen - this one’s for you.

Takeaways

• 45% of education staff reported experiencing anxiety in the past year.
• Anxiety in teaching often goes unrecognized until it becomes severe.
• Personal experiences of anxiety can lead to burnout.
• The pressure of lesson observations can exacerbate anxiety.
• Teachers often feel under constant scrutiny in their roles.
• Coping mechanisms, like snacks, are common among teachers.
• The teaching environment can significantly impact mental health.
• Anxiety can affect interactions with students, leading to frustration.
• Recognizing mental health issues is crucial for effective teaching.
• Creating a supportive environment can improve teacher wellbeing. Lesson observations can induce significant anxiety for teachers.
• Book scrutinies often lack meaningful impact on teaching practices.
• Effective planning can alleviate anxiety and improve teaching performance.
• Journaling serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and stress management.
• Creating positive habits can lead to a more productive day.
• Removing oneself from negative environments is crucial for mental health.
• Over-planning lessons can lead to increased anxiety and stress.
• Meal prep can enhance well-being and excitement for the day ahead.
• Delegation is essential for effective teaching and reducing workload.
• Recognizing and addressing perfectionism can help mitigate anxiety. Anxiety is a common experience for educators.
• Self-care practices are essential for managing stress.
• Establishing routines can significantly reduce anxiety.
• Panic attacks can be debilitating but are manageable.
• Creative teaching methods can engage students and alleviate stress.
• Experience in teaching helps in reducing anxiety over time.
• Open communication about struggles can foster a supportive environment.
• Journaling can be a beneficial but challenging practice.
• Understanding that anxiety is prevalent among teachers is important.
• Controlling what you can is key to managing stress.

Martin and Dan dig into the quiet, creeping burnout that hits teachers before their careers have even started properly. It’s not the kids — it’s the crushing weight of school politics, policies, and pressure.

We talk:
– Why 57% of teachers have thought about leaving
– How early-career burnout is becoming the norm
– That moment you realise you’re showing up… but you’re not really there
– The hidden damage done by toxic leadership, guilt, and impossible standards
– And the absolute power of setting boundaries, knowing your rights, and finding joy again

From book scrutinies on policies that didn’t exist, to headteachers using spirit levels on displays, this is a deep dive into how the job we love ends up draining the life out of us — and what we can do about it.

Because if you’re not okay, your classroom won’t be either.

In this powerful episode, Martin Malone shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to face an Ofsted inspection.

From the mounting anticipation to the emotional and physical toll inspections can take, Martin opens up about the myths, pressures, and realities teachers face in the current system.

You’ll hear relatable anecdotes, raw reflections, and practical strategies to help teachers protect their wellbeing during one of the most stressful parts of school life.

The episode also shines a light on the deeper issues within the inspection system—and why trust, not fear, should be at the heart of education reform.

Whether you’ve been through an inspection recently or are anxiously awaiting one, this episode is a survival guide packed with empathy, insight, and hope.

Takeaways

• The anticipation of Ofsted inspections can be overwhelming for teachers.
• Many teachers spend significant time preparing for inspections, often leading to stress.
• Ofsted inspections can feel predetermined and not reflective of actual teaching quality.
• Teachers often feel scrutinized over minor details rather than the overall educational experience.
• Coping strategies, such as maintaining a work-life balance, are crucial during inspection periods.
• The aftermath of an Ofsted inspection can leave teachers feeling drained and in need of recovery time.
• There is a need for a more supportive and trusting approach to school inspections.
• Teachers should focus on their authentic teaching practices rather than trying to 'game' the system for inspections.
• The current Ofsted system can be seen as broken and in need of reform.
• Trusting teachers to do their jobs without excessive scrutiny could lead to better educational outcomes.

In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the critical role of boundaries in teaching and personal wellbeing.

They share their contrasting experiences with boundaries, the influence of school culture, and the importance of leadership in setting examples. The conversation also delves into effective planning and the philosophy of continuous improvement, emphasizing that small changes can lead to significant benefits in work-life balance and overall happiness.

In this conversation, they discusses the critical importance of establishing boundaries in the teaching profession. They emphasises the need for educators to prioritise their well-being and create a balanced work-life dynamic. They share personal experiences and practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress, and enhancing productivity in the classroom. They advocates for self-permission to lead a fulfilling life outside of teaching, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both teachers and students.

Takeaways

• Boundaries are essential for maintaining mental health in teaching.
• Setting boundaries can be intentional or accidental, but both are important.
• School culture significantly impacts teachers' ability to maintain boundaries.
• Leaders must model work-life balance to influence their teams positively.
• Effective planning can reduce workload and stress for teachers.
• Small improvements can lead to significant changes in teaching practices.
• Teachers often struggle with people-pleasing tendencies that affect their boundaries.
• Creating a supportive environment encourages teachers to take necessary breaks.
• Communication about boundaries is crucial for a healthy work culture.
• Continuous reflection on practices can lead to better efficiency and wellbeing. Establishing boundaries is essential for teacher well-being.
• Self-permission is crucial for maintaining a work-life balance.
• Planning and delegation can significantly reduce stress.
• Teachers should focus on what they want to achieve outside of work.
• Creating a structured plan helps in managing time effectively.
• It's important to prioritize personal activities and interests.
• Teachers should not let their job define their entire identity.
• Building a support system can help in maintaining boundaries.
• Simplifying lesson plans can lead to better teaching outcomes.
• Teachers need to recognize that their well-being impacts their students.

In this honest and relatable conversation, Dan and Martin open up about the true realities of being a teacher — the exhaustion, the burnout, and the constant feeling of being stretched too thin. They share personal stories about long days, skipped lunch breaks, and the pressure to do it all, both inside and outside the classroom.

Together, they explore the emotional toll of report writing and the awkwardness of parent evenings, questioning whether the traditional approach still serves anyone. They talk about the need for clearer communication within schools, better systems to manage workload, and the importance of setting firm boundaries to protect mental health.

The episode isn’t just about what’s going wrong — it’s packed with practical strategies to help teachers take back control: from meal prepping and taking proper breaks, to rethinking marking and making wellbeing a priority, not a luxury.

Above all, Dan and Martin aim to remind every listener of this: you are not alone in feeling tired, overwhelmed, or done in. There’s a whole community out there that gets it — and it starts with conversations like this.

Takeaways

• Teaching can lead to significant fatigue and burnout.
• Catch-up sleep can be beneficial for teachers.
• Teachers often feel the pressure of being both employed and self-employed.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining work-life balance.
• Innovative teaching strategies can alleviate some workload stress.
• Communication within schools can improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary tasks.
• Teachers should prioritize their mental health and well-being.
• Lunch breaks are essential for teachers, yet often neglected.
• Rethinking traditional marking practices can save time.
• Creating a supportive school environment is vital for teacher retention. Reports can be overwhelming and time-consuming for teachers.
• Positive communication with parents is crucial during meetings.
• Rethinking the necessity of reports could alleviate stress.
• Taking breaks and getting fresh air can improve teacher wellbeing.
• Meal prepping can save time and reduce decision fatigue.
• Teachers often feel isolated in their struggles with burnout.
• Implementing small changes can lead to significant improvements in wellbeing.
• It's important to recognize the collective experience of teachers.
• Creating systems can help manage workload effectively.
• Teachers should prioritize their mental health and self-care.