LO: To know things were so much better in the early 2000s

Recorded as the slog towards Easter starts to bite, Episode 243 begins with the lads reflecting on that very familiar point in the term where teacher tiredness properly kicks in. There’s talk of spring optimism (or the lack of it), stress breakouts making a comeback, and the general feeling of clawing your way towards the next holiday while pretending you’re holding it together. The episode kicks off with a nostalgic thread about things from early 2000s Britain people didn’t realise they’d miss so much. From nights out that only required twenty quid and cheap Bacardi Breezers, to bus tickets with McDonald’s vouchers on the back, HMV album hunting, and the days when everyone watched the same TV shows at the same time, it turns into a proper trip down memory lane. The conversation drifts into how technology, phones and streaming have changed the way people experience music, films and nights out, with a discussion about whether unlimited content has actually made things feel less special. There’s also a deeper conversation around social media algorithms and the rise of controversial influencers, sparked by a recent documentary that left the lads equally fascinated and frustrated. They talk about how online platforms amplify extreme voices, the impact this has on young people, and the importance of helping the next generation understand what genuine confidence and respect actually look like. The middle of the episode delivers two classic Two Mr Ps blind rankings. First, a chaotic and slightly ridiculous ranking of infamous film parody titles purely based on wordplay, which quickly descends into uncontrollable laughter. A slightly more sensible blind ranking follows with classroom stationery, where the lads attempt to rank essential classroom items, although the results are somewhat questionable. As always, the second half of the episode is packed with listener stories from schools. There are staffroom oversharing disasters, awkward home visit moments, and one unforgettable nativity-era confession involving a mysterious bright green incident in the staff toilet that led to posters on toilet etiquette appearing around school. There’s also discussion about the most germ-ridden objects in primary schools and the strange realities of working in early years, where absolutely anything can happen. The episode wraps up with a brilliant run of “teacher tired” moments, from accidentally drinking sandpit tea made by reception children to falling asleep in meetings. ​📬 Want your story featured on the pod? Submit it here: 👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16 Here’s where you can catch the show 👇 ​🎭 May 2026 22nd May - Salford, Lowry 🎨 🎭 October 2026 25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰 26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤 27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳 28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊 29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺 30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓ 31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶 🎭 February 2027 14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡 15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️ 16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎 17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂 18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹 19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺 20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐 ​ 🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live See you on the road again soon 👏🎤 Head to neu.org.uk/abolish-ofsted to find the Ofterd risk assessment guide from the NEU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices