Learn & Experience enter the podcasting world to explore and make sense of the world we live in through Adventure, Life Skills and Language!
The Learn and Experience Podcast
The Learn and Experience Podcast has been at the top of the L&E wish-list for a very long time now. On a wintery day in late 2019 three colleagues and friends came together to discuss what an L&E podcast would look like, sound like, be called and who the audience would be. We knew one thing for certain – it would be centred around young people.
We wanted do a few things, firstly we wanted to create a platform for young people to voice their opinions on subjects that are important to them. Secondly, we wanted to hear stories about and from talented and inspirational young people. The overall aim was to instil aspiration, curiosity and a sense of ownership among young people which we feel is void in Podcast-land right now.
The hosts are Sam, Director of L&E, Julie, Operations Manager of L&E and Mike, Language Coordinator of L&E. We are friends and colleagues who are passionate about giving young people a voice.
Sam R
L&E Founder & Director
Sam R
L&E Founder & Director
Sam Ridgway has worked in education for the past two decades. Having grown up in Yorkshire he started his teaching career at Marlborough College (Wiltshire, UK) before moving to Forres Sandle Manor Preparatory School (The New Forest, UK) as a History, Sports and House Master for 6 years. In 2009 he founded Learn & Experience with the idea of creating opportunities for young people (8-17) from different backgrounds and cultures to grow with a sense of adventure, curiosity and empathy.
He moved to Vancouver in 2017 with his wife (Randa) and two children (Maddie and Dottie) to enjoy all that British Columbia has to offer. However, he is still fully involved
- What did you want to be when you grew up? A pro-footballer for Manchester United but soon realised that being Man United’s physio was more realistic or the kit man! Then it was a teacher!
- Favourite L&E activity? I love campfire nights at our camps. It’s where you really see everyone in a different light. It’s where the real friendships are formed and there’s always at least one campfire performance that really wows you.
- Favourite L&E memory? There are so many! And every year a hundred more are formed. We did a Harry Potter Theme Night in 2012 and as a finale we released dozens of sky lanterns which was so magical. Also, I loved driving Lenny the L&E Landrover around Ampleforth’s grounds looking for dinosaurs in our Jurassic Park Theme Night!
- Best thing about L&E? Meeting young people from so many different backgrounds and cultures and seeing them interact and ultimately forming lifelong friendships is such a privilege to see in action. There isn’t an hour that goes by during one of our programmes when I don’t see something remarkable. Whether it’s an amazing talent, something joyously happy/funny or just an act of kindness…
- Fun fact about yourself! I’m a qualified ski instructor and I have a collection of Cricket Almanacs that date back to the 1880s 🤓
Julie Mac
Director of Teen Travel
Julie Mac
Director of Teen Travel
- What did you want to be when you grew up? I loved photography and dancing so a breakdancing photographer! I always knew I wanted to work with people and as time went on and I started to volunteer and work with children I knew if I could find a job that entailed working with both adults and children then that would be perfect.
- Favourite place visited on L&E Travel? Liverpool and Amsterdam!
- Favourite L&E World Camp activity? The evening activities are the best part of the day for me. The children and the staff all together having a ball! Theme nights are always special, the staff put so much work into planning them and the children make it all worthwhile by completely immersing themselves in the chosen theme.
- Favourite L&E memory? There was one epic water fight back in 2014 which was my first year working at L&E. It started off as an afternoon activity and everyone was having so much fun it carried on way past the end of the session…I think we almost missed dinner. That is what camp is all about – just losing yourself in the fun.
- Best thing about L&E? Memories. So many of my favourite memories happened at L&E, there are just too many to name. Seeing the children come back year after year and greeting you with a massive smile is just priceless. The bonds that you make are so strong, the children leave with so many new friends, as do the staff.
- Fun fact about yourself! I love a good fad and my most recent is Olympic Weightlifting….watch this space!
Mike D
Director of Languages
Mike D
Director of Languages
Mike has been involved with L&E since 2014. With a background in international education, Mike teaches ESOL in London and online to students around the world.
- What did you want to be when you grew up? One of those dudes at the airport with glow in the dark sticks to guide the aeroplanes to their resting place
- Favourite L&E activity? Water fights
- Favourite L&E memory? Taking kids around Madrid who’d never left London before!
- Best thing about L&E? Watching kids discover things about themselves, what they’re capable of doing & fun they have along the way.
- Fun fact about yourself! I learned how to bake a cake aged 40. Proof that it’s never too late to discover new joys in life!
Learn & Experience bring the world’s youth together through Adventure, Life-Skills and Language and they are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year!
You can find this podcast on our website, Spotify, iTunes, Google Play and all the other usual places. Subscribe and get your bi-weekly fix of youth related chit chat.
