Martin Swithenbank, an Outdoor Instructor and climber based in the Yorkshire Pennines, shares his journey from working in art studios and formal education to becoming an outdoor educator.
Initially hesitant to apply for the job at an outdoor centre, Martin has found a new calling working with 10 and 11-year-olds, using outdoor activities to engage and inspire them. During the COVID pandemic, a stint working with at-risk children ignited his passion for making a positive impact outside traditional school settings. Encouraged by his friends and partner, Martin made a significant career shift by apprenticing at an outdoor centre. He reflects on overcoming self-doubt, embracing new opportunities, and the transformative power of outdoor education for both himself and the children he works with.
Conversation topics include challenges in mainstream education, gaining confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome, believing in your abilities, embracing failure as growth and the power of human connection.
Listen all of the way to the end so that Martin can ask you a question that may help you to think about your own potential career change.
Recording information
This interview was recorded in Edale on 17th December 2025.
References
Carl Rogers
A Mug of Life on Instagram
Final notes
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Podcast music is by Tsarzi and artwork by Tiffany-Francis Baker.
Thanks for listening!
