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WizAnn
WizAnn
Author: Dean Warrington
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We all want to know what’s happening in the London Taxi World, but not everyone has the time or patience to read through a bunch of trade articles. Join Dean Warrington and Paul Byron as they recap the most important stories and issues about the Black Cab and Knowledge trade every week. Keep up with current events and get your weekly news in under an hour with focused and curated podcasts.
118 Episodes
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🎙️ Knowledge Boy Chronicles – Episode: Stephen Shine In this episode of The Knowledge Boy Chronicles, we sit down with Stephen Shine, a man whose life story redefines resilience, service, and determination.
Stephen is currently studying The Knowledge, but his journey here has been anything but ordinary. A former bus driver, carer for children with special needs, and British Army veteran, Stephen served in Afghanistan driving a Challenger 2 tank, where he survived being hit by two IEDs. As a result of his service, he lost his leg and lives with PTSD.
Despite already working for Transport for London as a bus driver, Stephen was initially refused entry onto The Knowledge, with TFL stating that this decorated war hero was not a “fit and proper person” to drive a taxi.
With the support of the UCG (United Cabbies Group), that decision was challenged — and overturned.
Now, Stephen begins his journey toward earning the coveted Green Badge, adding it to a lifetime of hard-earned medals and achievements.
This is a conversation about:
Service and sacrifice
Fighting bureaucracy
Mental health and perseverance And what it truly means to never give up
📍 Tune in for an honest, moving, and inspirational episode.
👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support the journey. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
🎙️ Promo Text (YouTube Description / Social Post) This week on the podcast, Dean Warrington, founder of WizAnn Knowledge School, is joined by Paul Byron of HP Taxis for a wide-ranging and honest conversation with Connor Dill. We dive deep into Connor’s views on The Knowledge, unpack Ben Smith’s current journey through it, and talk openly about what it really takes to survive and succeed in the trade today. The conversation also turns to the recent Twitter controversy that’s had everyone talking — the heated spat over claims of earning £500 per day and what those numbers actually mean in the real world. No filters, no hype — just real opinions, real experience, and straight talk from people living it. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
At 39 years old, Craig Fontana is proof that timing matters — and that it’s never too late to commit to something you’ve always known was calling you.A roofer by trade, Craig has spent years grafting, building, and putting responsibility first. The Knowledge was always there in the background — something he tried before, something he respected — but life had other demands. This time is different.In this episode, Craig opens up about returning with real intent, what maturity brings to the process, and why committing now means more than ever. We talk discipline, sacrifice, unfinished business, and the mindset shift that comes with finally giving something your full attention.A powerful conversation about patience, perseverance, and choosing yourself — even later than planned. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
At just 18 years old, Alfie Suksiri is already walking a rare path. Born ¼ Thai, Alfie is a promising footballer and boxer, balancing discipline, physical grit, and identity across two demanding worlds. In this episode, we sit down with Alfie to talk about his journey so far — from sport and heritage to mindset and ambition — and why he’s chosen to step into The Knowledge at such a young age. This isn’t just about talent. It’s about choices, pressure, culture, and figuring out who you are when the stakes are high and the future is wide open. A real conversation with a young athlete who’s building something serious — on and off the pitch. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
🎙️ New Podcast Episode with Phil Leach — aka Mr 970! 🚖💷 In this episode we sit down with Phil Leach, newly crowned with the nickname “Mr 970” after hitting his personal best day’s takings in the cab. He talks us through how that day unfolded and what it really takes to have a monster shift out on the road. We also dive into some important industry topics, including: ⚡ A potential scam involving electric charging points Phil shares his experience with failed charging sessions, missing refunds, and why drivers need to stay alert. 🔌 The struggle to get refunds from charge-point operators We discuss how common the issue is becoming and what drivers can do when the system fails them. 🚕 Buying vs Renting a Taxi Phil explains why he prefers to own his cab rather than rent, and the pros/cons every driver should consider. 📱 Working on the FreeNow App Phil talks about using FreeNow, how well it’s been working for him recently, and why he thinks it's become a strong source of jobs for cab drivers. Packed with honesty, humour and real-world experience, this is a must-watch (or listen) for Knowledge students, cab drivers, and anyone interested in the trade today. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
Join 18-year-old Yassiin Hussein-Rage as he breaks down big ideas, real-life lessons, and the mindset that helps young people level up fast. This podcast is all about learning on the go, taking action, and proving that age doesn’t limit ambition. Whether you’re chasing grades, starting a hustle, or just trying to grow as a person, Yassiin shares the insights and energy to push you forward. If you’re a young mind ready to fly through the knowledge — this is your space to grow. - Please make a youtube thumbnail for this interview Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
🎄 WizAnn Podcast – Christmas Special 🎄 This week we’re wrapping up the year with a festive final episode—and we’ve made it a special one! Host Dean Warrington is joined by not one but two fantastic guests: Tom Hutley (Tom the Taxi Driver) and Aaron Courtnell (The Crazy Ginger Cabbie). In true Christmas-special spirit, we keep things relaxed, friendly, and full of good humour as the three sit down for an open chat about the trade. From day-to-day challenges to the bigger issues facing cabbies, the conversation stays honest, insightful, and grounded in real experience. With Tom’s analytical outlook and Aaron’s no-nonsense energy, it makes for a brilliant blend—and Dean holds it all together with his usual calm and curiosity. It’s the perfect episode to close out the year: warm, genuine, and packed with stories, perspectives, and a bit of festive fun. So grab a mince pie, settle in, and enjoy our Christmas Special—thank you for listening and supporting the WizAnn Podcast throughout the year. Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you in the New Year! 🎅🚕✨ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
Part 2 – In Conversation with Asher Moses (Sherbet Taxis)
In this special two-part podcast, we sit down with Asher Moses, the founder of Sherbet Taxis, to dive deep into the London taxi trade — past, present, and future.
We cover everything from:
🚕 Trade challenges and industry changes
📚 Knowledge issues old and new
🔧 How technology is reshaping fleets and rental models
👥 The shortage of taxis and the rise of shared cab scenarios
📖 Personal stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from decades in the business
Asher gives a unique perspective on how Sherbet is pioneering data-driven fleet management, supporting drivers, and adapting to a shifting industry.
Whether you’re a Knowledge student, a cabbie, or just interested in how London’s iconic black cab trade works, this two-part conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and fascinating stories.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on The Knowledge, the cab trade, and the people shaping its future.
Join 18-year-old Ben Smith as he breaks down big ideas, real-life lessons, and the mindset that helps young people level up fast. This podcast is all about learning on the go, taking action, and proving that age doesn’t limit ambition. Whether you’re chasing grades, starting a hustle, or just trying to grow as a person, Ben shares the insights and energy to push you forward and become a London Taxi Driver If you’re a young mind ready to fly through the knowledge — this is your space to grow. Join this channel to get access to perks: / @wizann320
Part 1 wo-part podcast, we sit down with Asher Moses, the founder of Sherbet Taxis, to dive deep into the London taxi trade — past, present, and future.
We cover everything from:
🚕 Trade challenges and industry changes
📚 Knowledge issues old and new
🔧 How technology is reshaping fleets and rental models
👥 The shortage of taxis and the rise of shared cab scenarios
📖 Personal stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from decades in the business
Asher gives a unique perspective on how Sherbet is pioneering data-driven fleet management, supporting drivers, and adapting to a shifting industry.
Whether you’re a Knowledge student, a cabbie, or just interested in how London’s iconic black cab trade works, this two-part conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and fascinating stories.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on The Knowledge, the cab trade, and the people shaping its future.
🎧 Should London Taxis Have Fixed Fares to Heathrow? | London Taxi Podcast In this episode of our London Taxi Podcast, we tackle a big question for the trade: 👉 Should there be fixed fares for London Taxis travelling to and from Heathrow Airport? 💬 The argument for fixed fares: Passengers might be more likely to choose a black cab if they know the price upfront. It could help compete with app-based services like Uber and Bolt. Most other major cities around the world already offer fixed airport fares. ⚠️ The argument against: It could mean losing hotel doormen who earn commission for arranging taxis. Drivers might lose flexibility and earnings potential. It could blur the lines between licensed taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV) in London. Join us as we debate the pros and cons, look at how other cities manage airport fares, and ask what this change could mean for the future of the London Taxi trade. 📍 In this episode: Why fixed fares could attract new passengers The risk of losing hotel partnerships How London compares to other global cities What drivers and passengers really think The future of black cabs in an app-driven market 🎙️ Listen now and have your say in the comments below! #LondonTaxi #BlackCab #HeathrowAirport #TaxiPodcast #FixedFare #TaxiDrivers #LondonCabbie #TransportLondon #PHV #TaxiTrade #TaxiIndustry #HeathrowTaxi #LondonCabs Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
There will always be cynics — and that’s fine. But in this episode, Lorenzo explains why JUMP isn’t just another taxi app — it’s a game-changer for London’s licensed drivers and passengers alike. From fairer fares to driver-first design, Lorenzo breaks down what makes JUMP the best by far, how it’s built with London’s cab trade in mind, and why this platform is setting a new standard for trust, transparency, and opportunity in the industry. If you’ve heard the rumours — good or bad — this is the episode to hear the truth straight from the source. 🚕 Listen now and discover why everyone’s talking about JUMP. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
From Setbacks to Success: The Philip Leach Story
In this episode of the WizAnn Podcast, we talk with Philip Leach, a determined Knowledge student who faced one obstacle after another on his journey to becoming a licensed London taxi driver.
Philip opens up about the bureaucratic red tape, the medical exams he was forced to pass, and the moments when it all seemed impossible. But through persistence, grit, and a love for the job, he made it — and now he’s proudly out on the streets driving a London cab.
He shares what life is really like after getting the badge — the freedom, the earnings, and the satisfaction of doing a job he truly loves. Plus, he reveals his plans for the future and why every bit of struggle was worth it.
If you’re studying The Knowledge or thinking about starting, Philip’s story is proof that perseverance pays off.
👊 WizAnn – Helping Knowledge students become London’s taxi drivers.
#LondonTaxi #TheKnowledge #WizAnn #TaxiDriver #LondonCabbie #TFL #TaxiLife #Motivation #Podcast #PhilipLeach Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
🎧 Episode Title: “Caught on Camera: Michael Partridge’s Story – From Revoked Licence to Redemption” 📄 Description: In this episode of the WizAnn Podcast, we sit down with London taxi driver Michael Partridge, who shares his real-life story of being filmed by a vigilante cyclist and facing the full force of TFL’s disciplinary system. Michael opens up about what happened, how it felt to lose — and then win back — his taxi licence, and the lessons every driver can learn from his experience. It’s an honest, insightful, and important conversation for anyone on The Knowledge or working in the London taxi trade. We also celebrate a milestone — WizAnn has been listed at #79 on Feedspot’s Top London Podcasts! A big thank you to all our listeners for your continued support. 🙏 🎙 Topics covered: What really happened the day Michael was filmed Dealing with TFL and the appeal process The importance of trade organisation support Lessons for Knowledge students and working drivers Our recognition as one of London’s top podcasts 🔗 Check out Feedspot’s full list here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/london_podcasts/ 👊 WizAnn – Helping Knowledge students become London’s taxi drivers. #LondonTaxi #TheKnowledge #WizAnn #TaxiDriver #Podcast #Feedspot #LondonPodcasts #TFL #TaxiLife Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC92MPgJX5sUON85DjKLrpA/join
Alex White is a remarkable software and database developer whose journey is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and belief in possibility. Despite being diagnosed with ME and later with Autism and ADHD, Alex took on one of the toughest intellectual challenges imaginable — The Knowledge. Driven not by ego but by curiosity and determination, Alex discovered early on that The Knowledge isn’t about being the smartest person in the room — it’s about getting on with it. As he often reflected, “the smarter people tended to overthink it. Time on the bike, time in front of the map — that’s what really counts. Calling runs builds fluency, revising points keeps the information fresh. Everything else is just a distraction.” That grounded wisdom became the foundation of something extraordinary. While studying, Alex and I worked closely to reimagine how The Knowledge could be learned. Together, we built WizApps — a pioneering app-based learning system that revolutionised the way students study. By blending technology with the hard-earned insights of real experience, we created tools that helped thousands of learners stay focused, motivated, and better equipped to tackle the journey ahead. Through his resilience and vision, Alex didn’t just transform his own learning experience — he changed the landscape of The Knowledge for everyone who followed. His story reminds us that innovation is born not only from brilliance, but from persistence, humility, and the courage to keep moving forward when the road seems impossibly long.
🎓💼 Is a University Degree Really Worth It? 🚕💭
In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Dominic Dispirato (Artist) and Henry Wentworth (Filmmaker) to explore whether pursuing a university degree is still the best path in today’s world.
What if there was a smarter way — where you could gain real-world knowledge, secure lifelong job stability, and still have the freedom to chase your creative dreams?
We break down how becoming a London cab driver can offer surprising advantages:
✅ Financial security and independence
✅ Flexible hours to create, study, and grow
✅ The freedom to fund your passions — including a degree later, if you choose
This isn’t your typical debate about education — it’s a real, grounded discussion about freedom, creativity, and smarter life choices in 2025 and beyond.
🎥 Featuring:
Dominic Dispirato — Artist & creative thinker
Henry Wentworth — Filmmaker & storyteller
Hosted by [Your Name]
👉 Watch till the end for powerful insights on how you can build both a career and creative future — without being trapped by student debt.
#UniversityDebate #CareerAdvice #LondonCabDriver #CreativeCareers #LifeChoices #FinancialFreedom
Follow your Dreams and become a London Cab Driver, You will experience a freedom that is really hard to find or match in any other career
Here Dean and Dave have a light discussion about the new 6000 set list of points released by TFL for Londons aspiring taxi drivers to learn before getting their green badge
There are many unwritten rules when driving a taxi in London, but whose rules are the right rules. In Tom Hutleys new survey he attempts to get some consensus on the best practise and most courteous way to deal with the grey areas regarding the day to day competition between Londons Taxi Drivers To take the survey here is the link This is where I’m at with the etiquette survey - Tom Hutley https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1H-bb... Join this channel to get access to perks: / @wizann320
A general chat about the Insurance in the Taxi Trade













Why did he not just renew his license after once he'd walked away just in case he ever wanted to come back into the trade which he did! Doesn't make sense to me as I'd be fucked I'd let my badge slip away after everything I went through to get it in the first place!!