The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching

060 - Gareth Dale - Classroom to Childrens Author / Private Tutor Part 2

• Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood • Season 1 • Episode 60

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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Gareth Dale continues his story - from barely holding it together in the classroom to discovering his voice as a children’s author and private tutor.

We talk about what happens after the funeral, the long shadow of trauma, and how Mr Dale - the teacher persona - became both a mask and a means of survival. Gareth shares how he began to write feverishly at night, eventually turning his grief into a series of children’s books that now connect with pupils across the UK.

We explore identity loss, the rigid expectations of the education system, and the moment Gareth realised that stepping away wasn’t failure - it was freedom. There are revelations here about purpose, healing, and what it means to truly live after tragedy.

⚠️ Content warning: this episode contains themes of child loss, separation, and emotional trauma.

This one stays with you.


With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites):

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Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

Contributor

Sarah Dunwood

Host
Contributor

Sharon Cawley

Host
Head Shot

Mike Roberts

Editor
Head Shot

Gareth Dale

Guest

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