In this heart-warming and inspiring episode, we revisit the episode when Jane and Liv sat down with Megan Cooper-Colvin — a former Little Voices pupil from 17 years ago, now a business woman following a video that went viral online from her own wedding.

Megan shares her remarkable journey from childhood musical theatre classes to her work with Sky Sports, her time at Loughborough University, and her career in the media industry.

The conversation dives into:

• ​🎤 How Megan’s early love for music & drama at school and Little Voices shaped her life
• ​📺 Behind the scenes of working in media and television
• ​💡 The reality of building a personal brand online
• ​👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood and managing life’s many roles
• ​📲 The pros and pitfalls of social media
• ​🌟 How her sung wedding “thank you” speech performance went viral with 15 million views and kickstarted her online business

Megan’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of authenticity. Whether you're a creative, a parent, or someone navigating your own journey, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

Links & Mentions:🔗 Megan's viral wedding video https://www.youtube.com/c/JamieandMegan🔗 Follow Megan on Instagram: @meganandjamie

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate fudge brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here ….. ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠⁠

**Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at **⁠⁠**mrsjanejames@icloud.com **⁠⁠

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Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to ⁠⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

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Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of ⁠Making Digital Real⁠

Summer Rerun: Suzy Rowntree

For this Summer Rerun, we're heading all the way back to Episode 9 of The School Run Podcast and a conversation that feels just as relevant today.

Jane and Liv are joined by Suzy Rowntree, a senior people leader whose own journey is a brilliant reminder that success rarely follows a neat, predictable path.

Suzy talks openly about struggling at school, failing GCSEs and A-levels, and the end of a promising career in rhythmic gymnastics after reaching national level. What felt like failure at the time, however, became part of a much bigger story.

From studying media and dreaming of becoming a TV presenter to eventually discovering a career centred around people, leadership and culture, Suzy shares what she's learned about finding your strengths, taking opportunities, embracing change and refusing to let academic results define you.

And there's a question running through the whole conversation that remains at the heart of The School Run Podcast:

What if school helped young people understand who they are, not simply what grades they can achieve?

A warm, funny and thought-provoking trip back to one of our earliest episodes, and a conversation well worth hearing again.

SUPPORT THE SCHOOL RUN PODCAST

For us, podcasting has always been about learning, sharing stories and having conversations that matter. Our episodes are completely free to listen to, but there are some small costs involved in creating the podcast.

So, if you fancy buying us a virtual cup of tea, or perhaps Liv’s favourite Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream, while we’re planning future episodes, you can support us here:

⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠

GET IN TOUCH

We genuinely love hearing from you.

You can find us publicly or privately on our socials:

@theschoolrun_official @mrsjanejames on Instagram

Or search for and follow Jane James on Facebook.

If you have a story you think we should hear, please get in touch with us directly at:

⁠mrsjanejames@icloud.com⁠

LITTLE VOICES

For more information about Jane’s company, Little Voices, visit:

⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠

PODCAST PRODUCTION

The School Run Podcast is edited and produced by Mike Roberts from Making Digital Real.

There’s quite a bit of magic that happens behind the scenes before each episode reaches you, from enhancing the audio and editing the conversations to creating the show notes, titles and getting everything ready for release.

We’re incredibly grateful to Mike for being such an important part of The School Run Podcast team.

Find out more about Mike and Making Digital Real:

⁠https://makingdigitalreal.co.uk/⁠

DISCLAIMER

All views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants.

The information, opinions and recommendations presented are for general information only, and any reliance on information provided in the podcast is at your own risk.

We’re simply a mum and daughter sharing our thoughts, experiences and personal stories, while chatting with guests we genuinely respect.

Please seek appropriate professional advice whenever you need it.

In this Summer Re-Run episode, we’re heading back to Episode 46 and our wonderful conversation with the prolific Sharon Cawley.

Sharon is a natural-born teacher whose journey in education spans decades, and we loved sitting down with her to explore just how much education has changed over the years.

From growing up in the 70s to gaining her GCSEs in 1988, Sharon shares her experiences of education, teaching and the enormous changes she has witnessed along the way.

Together, we talk about what teaching used to look like, why those early experiences inspired Sharon to become a teacher herself, and the idea of having a “job for life”.

We also explore some of the huge milestones and challenges that have shaped modern education, including OFSTED, the National Curriculum and, of course, the extraordinary impact of the lockdown years.

But what about now?

What is it actually like to be a young person learning today?

How have students’ needs and expectations changed?

And where might education be heading next?

This is a fascinating journey through the past, present and future of education, looking at how things have changed for teachers and students alike.

As always, we’re not here pretending to have all the answers. We love having conversations, hearing different experiences and giving you plenty to think about.

So grab a cuppa and TUNE IN!

ABOUT SHARON

To find Sharon, simply Google Sharon Cawley.

You can also find Sharon across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok through Conexus Tuition Franchising.

Email: sharon@conexustuition.co.uk

SUPPORT THE SCHOOL RUN PODCAST

For us, podcasting has always been about learning, sharing stories and having conversations that matter. Our episodes are completely free to listen to, but there are some small costs involved in creating the podcast.

So, if you fancy buying us a virtual cup of tea, or perhaps Liv’s favourite Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream, while we’re planning future episodes, you can support us here:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

GET IN TOUCH

We genuinely love hearing from you.

You can find us publicly or privately on our socials:

@theschoolrun_official
@mrsjanejames on Instagram

Or search for and follow Jane James on Facebook.

If you have a story you think we should hear, please get in touch with us directly at:

mrsjanejames@icloud.com

LITTLE VOICES

For more information about Jane’s company, Little Voices, visit:

http://www.littlevoices.org.uk

PODCAST PRODUCTION

The School Run Podcast is edited and produced by Mike Roberts from Making Digital Real.

There’s quite a bit of magic that happens behind the scenes before each episode reaches you, from enhancing the audio and editing the conversations to creating the show notes, titles and getting everything ready for release.

We’re incredibly grateful to Mike for being such an important part of The School Run Podcast team.

Find out more about Mike and Making Digital Real:

https://makingdigitalreal.co.uk/

DISCLAIMER

All views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants.

The information, opinions and recommendations presented are for general information only, and any reliance on information provided in the podcast is at your own risk.

We’re simply a mum and daughter sharing our thoughts, experiences and personal stories, while chatting with guests we genuinely respect.

Please seek appropriate professional advice whenever you need it.

This week, we re-visit our wonderful episode with Melissa Nicholson, the founder of Kettlewell Colours. This episode is life changing. Melissa is passionate about helping you to discover the power of colour but most importantly to feel empowered, shopping with confidence and looking & feeling great.

You can shop the rainbow of over 300 colours all year round.

Instagram @kettlewellcolours

Facebook www.facebook.com/KettlewellColours

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate fudge brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here ….. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

**Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at ****mrsjanejames@icloud.com **

---

Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk

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This podcast is edited by Mike Roberts from ⁠Making Digital Real⁠

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

In todays Summer Re-Run episode, we re-visit our chat with Lewis Raines who had recently announced his departure from G4, he talks about the amazing journey, his final tour with them, the highlights and life of a performer.

Such an insightful chat!

Follow G4 on social media g4_official

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate fudge brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here ….. ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠

**Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at **⁠**mrsjanejames@icloud.com **⁠

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Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to ⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠

---

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

Summer Re-Run Series

Welcome to another episode in our School Run Podcast Summer Re-Run Series, where I'm revisiting some of our most popular and memorable conversations from the podcast archive.

This week we're joined by Cliff Bashforth, Managing Director of Colour Me Beautiful, who has spent more than 35 years helping thousands of people discover the colours, styles and image choices that help them feel more confident every single day.

This episode is about so much more than fashion.

It's about understanding yourself, building confidence, making great first impressions and learning how small changes to your wardrobe, colour choices and personal style can have a huge impact on how you feel and how others see you.

Having trained as a Colour Me Beautiful consultant myself many years ago, this conversation is particularly special. Since this episode first aired, we've had listeners book colour consultations, train as consultants themselves and completely transform the way they shop and dress.

In this episode we discuss:

🎨 What colour analysis really is—and why it isn't about being told what you can and can't wear

👗 How understanding your body shape and personal style makes shopping easier and more enjoyable

💄 Why confidence often starts with feeling comfortable in your own skin

🕶️ The psychology of first impressions, colour, image and personal branding

👔 Style advice for both women and men

🌍 Cliff's remarkable journey from leaving school with just a handful of qualifications to leading Colour Me Beautiful across Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Whether you're curious about colour analysis, interested in personal styling, or simply looking to feel more confident in your everyday life, this conversation is packed with practical advice and timeless insights.

I'd love to hear what resonated with you. Have you ever had your colours analysed - or is this the episode that inspires you to finally do it?

Summer Re-Run Series

Welcome to the second episode in our School Run Podcast Summer Re-Run Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most loved conversations from the podcast archive.

This week we're going right back to where it all began.

Originally released in February 2023, this was the very first episode of The School Run Podcast, recorded when Liv was just 15 years old. Listening back now is incredibly special. Today she's 19, navigating adulthood and the world of work, and it's fascinating to hear her hopes, opinions and outlook on life at the very start of our podcast journey.

In this episode, we introduce ourselves, share why we decided to start the podcast, and open up about life as a mother and daughter navigating very different stages of life. We talk about family, school, friendships, business, sport, confidence and the teachers who shaped us, along with the conversations we wish we'd heard when we were younger.

It's an honest, heartfelt and often funny look at where everything started, and a reminder that personal growth is a journey. Listening back today, it's amazing to hear just how wise and insightful Liv already was, and how those qualities have continued to grow over the years.

Whether you're discovering The School Run Podcast for the first time or you've been with us since day one, I hope you enjoy revisiting the episode that started it all.

I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening. What stands out to you now? Has your perspective changed over the years too? Come and let me know.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Welcome to the first episode in our School Run Podcast Summer Re-Run Series, where I'm revisiting some of the most listened-to and most loved conversations from the podcast archive.

Originally released in April 2023, this episode with Chris Markham has remained one of the podcast's most popular episodes—and for good reason.

In this episode we chat to our very good friend, Chris Markham, current Technical Performance Director at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

Previously Head of Performance Analysis at Huddersfield FC followed by several years at the FA as head of Gareth Southgate’s penalty shoot out insights team for our national team.

Chris is a huge family man and all round fabulously wise and intelligent individual; husband to Grace, father to Esme and Eva, son and brother.

It is so apt that we recorded this episode on International Women’s Day with Chris being surrounded by incredible women in his life at work and home as he proudly works as part of Sharon Brittan’s team at Bolton Wanderers.

Like so many young boys his dream was to be a professional footballer. Through his own wisdom, hard work, gritty determination, initiative and ability to build and maintain relationships he as gone on to have 3 dream roles in football, an industry that he is hugely passionate about, and is part of high performing teams despite this not being on the pitch.

He said himself that he has had 3 dream jobs with Huddersfield FC as Head of Performance Analysis, with the FA and

Chris is one of the brains behind successful teams and players in football and as Liv said we sometimes forget the mass of expertise that goes behind a successful winning team on the pitch or in life.

Topics:

-The mentor that has a profound, life long, affect on his life

-The impact of experiences outside of school

-The recipe for success being three things that his dad taught him; Hard work, knowledge and relationships socially

and much more……….

You can follow Chris on LinkedIn or twitter @‌_chrismarkham

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate fudge brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here ….. ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠

**Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at ****mrsjanejames@icloud.com **

Edited with precision by the wonderful Mike Roberts at Making Digital Real

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Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to ⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠

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Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are done so as respectfully as possible and are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.