New Beginnings and a New Host: The EdTech Podcast Enters Its Next Chapter

Episode Overview

In this special season-opening episode, The EdTech Podcast returns with founder Sophie Bailey—sharing where she’s been, what she’s built, and why the podcast’s mission matters now more than ever. Sophie also introduces the show’s new host, Philippa Wraithmell, an internationally recognised education strategist and long-time listener of the podcast.

Together, they reflect on the last decade of EdTech evolution—AI breakthroughs, global policy shifts, digital wellbeing concerns, and the changing expectations of schools, teachers, and learners. They also look ahead to the next 10 years, teasing new episodes, global stories, and deeper conversations grounded in ethics, innovation, and impact.

Key Themes in This Episode

• The EdTech Podcast’s journey from 2016 to today
• Why the world still needs clear, human-centred EdTech dialogue
• Sophie’s personal journey from lockdown parent to founder & strategist
• Passing the microphone: why Philippa is the perfect next host
• The next decade of EdTech: AI, digital ethics, regulation & global learning
• How international voices will shape this new chapter
• Returning to regular episodes with fresh stories & diverse perspectives
• Inviting listeners worldwide to contribute insights, questions & voice notes

Why Listen to This Episode?

This is the perfect entry point for new listeners and a warm homecoming for long-time followers. You’ll hear the inside story of why the podcast is relaunching, how the team is evolving, and what conversations will shape the future of the show.

Most importantly, you’ll get a preview of what’s ahead: deeper interviews, global expertise, AI leaders, classroom innovators, policymakers, authors, and educators changing the world of learning right now.

Who This Episode Is For?

This episode is ideal for:

• Anyone curious about the evolving global EdTech landscape
• Long-time listeners returning to the podcast
• New subscribers wanting to understand the show’s mission
• Educators, policymakers & EdTech founders
• Digital learning strategists and AI-minded practitioners

Full Episode Description

A Return After Years of Change

Sophie opens the episode by reintroducing herself after several years away. Since 2020, she became a parent again, launched a new future-of-workspace startup, and stepped back as Professor Rose Luckin carried the podcast forward with a powerful series on AI and education.
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Through global uncertainty, shifting technologies, and new learning models, Sophie remained connected to the community—and now feels the time is right to return as the podcast turns 10 years old in 2026.

Why the Podcast Still Matters

Sophie reflects on the decade since the podcast began:

• the explosion of EdTech investment
• the mainstreaming of AI
• rising concerns about smartphone use and mental health
• geopolitical tensions shaping access to global education

She emphasises that The EdTech Podcast is still needed to bridge “Ed” and “Tech” with clarity, humanity, and real-world impact—something the show has championed since day one.

What’s Coming in the New Season?

Philippa and Sophie preview what listeners can expect:

• regular episodes once again
• interviews with global educators, EdTech thinkers, researchers & innovators
• deep dives into ethics, digital wellbeing, and future skills
• conversations spanning Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia & beyond
• a renewed focus on why EdTech matters—not just how it works

Philippa also shares insights from her recent work in India, where she spent a week supporting students and teachers on design thinking, biodiversity projects, and meaningful technology use. Next week? Romania. Her global perspective will shape much of what’s ahead.

A Call to the Community

Both Sophie and Philippa invite listeners to:

• send voice notes
• suggest topics
• highlight untold stories
• introduce innovations from new regions
• share questions the podcast should explore

The goal is to build a truly global, community-led dialogue for the next decade of EdTech.