Welcome to the 43rd edition of the TOTR newsletter.
It's blinking hot at the moment. We'd better get to it.
1. Quote to Think About
Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may be actually falling into place.
- J. Lynn
Many times in life, the things we think hold us back are actually the ones propelling us forward.
The more you push an arrow back on a bow, the farther it sails in the air.
2. An Insight Worth Considering
This Hollywood superstar understands digital consent better than most educators.
Here’s what you need to learn sharpish.
Hollywood superstar Matthew McConaughey has signed a landmark deal to take control of his voice and likeness.
Has invested in and partnered with AI voice company ElevenLabs and holds several patents related to his catchphrases and physical appearance.
Effectively, he’s copywritten himself.
Why is this so important to us humble teachers?
Because digital consent is real.
Over the years, we have done incredible work in our schools on informed consent.
But we really need to step up our game in the digital era.
There are technologies that allow our children to upload pictures of themselves or others and put them in compromising situations. Even worse, predators have access to them too.
We must look at how we talk to our children about protecting their digital likeness and know their rights on digital consent.
It’s a crazy ol’ world out there.
If we do a good job, then the kids will be alright, alright, alright.
It's a fascinating story. Read it here 😎👉🏾 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp87z6vexl3o
3. Resource to Explore
This week I dropped another episode of the Maverick School Podcast, and it's an absolute cracker.
"Society has created such a narrow definition of success that so many people are miserable trying to achieve.”
That was just one of the insights from my conversation with Daniel Alves on this week's Maverick School Podcast.
And what a conversation it was.
Daniel is a Cambridge-educated psychotherapist, content creator, and one of the most thoughtful voices I've come across on the psychology of modern life.
We explored a question that feels more urgent than ever:
Why are so many young people struggling when they've never had more information, more opportunities, or more technology at their fingertips?
What followed was a fascinating deep dive into the hidden forces shaping our lives.
We discussed:
🧠 Why your subconscious mind is running more of your life than you realise
🌑 How confronting your "inner darkness" can become a source of growth rather than fear
💰 Why the relentless pursuit of money often leaves people feeling emptier, not happier
🤝 The friendship green flags that can transform your life trajectory
📱 The uncomfortable truth about social media and what it may be doing to us as human beings
At a time when young people are navigating economic uncertainty, AI disruption, social comparison, and an epidemic of anxiety, this conversation felt incredibly important.
Listen, get your favourite pen and pad, open a fresh page and get ready because Daniel drops 💎💎💎’s
If you're a young professional or simply someone trying to make sense of modern life, this episode is for you.
🎙️ Listen now on your platform of choice.
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep9-weve-defined-success-too-narrowly-and-young/id1881678199?i=1000773752328
Spotify
Podbean
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9ubp2-1af56b0
4. The Small Thing That Helped Me This Fortnight
BBC iPlayer/ITVX player
Guys, is the World Cup on? Need I say more?!? The greatest show on Earth has arrived, and these channels have all the games at your fingertips... Pure bliss.
5. A Question to Sit With
What is taking up your attention that probably doesn't deserve it?
Right now, as I write this newsletter, I have three screens which I'm using simultaneously. Do I need to do that?
No wonder some of us feel so charged all the time... I need to take my own advice.
The next newsletter comes out on Friday, 9th July 2026.
Stay cool!
Karl
