In today's podcast I am talking to Francis Michael Eliot about the boarding school Eton.

We talk about what his experience were of Eton and how it impacted him. He also shares some insights into how he feels Eton might have impacted the current leaders in the UK by their boarding school education. 

Here are some of the questions that I ask him (he doesn't answer all in depth):

1. I would love you to share a little about your own boarding school journey. How was it for you?
2. Could you speak about class, prejudice, and 'what it was like to be an Etonian out in the world'
3. Three people I know thought the education was good but were all very unhappy. Was he unhappy? If so why? What would have made it better?
4. Or was he happy? What made him happy?
5. What was best, what was worst about it?
6. Did having his own room from the beginning (as I think they do) mean he had his own space? Or was it invaded?
7. 'Boarding school survivors have lived a life very detached from that which most people call 'real life'. Is it possible for the leaders of today, coming from this damaged background, to even understand the society and people they stand for? Should they be required to undergo mental health/therapeutic screening, as the clergy are required to, prior to taking up public office?'
8. Did his father go to Eton? Did his father go to public school? Did his mother go to boarding school? Does Eton enculture a sense of superior entitlement?
9. Is Johnson a typical product?
10. Was he bullied?
11. Was there discrimination by staff or boys on the basis of race, sexual orientation, wealth or class?
12. Was there fagging while you were there? If so how do you feel it impacted the younger boys?
13. Did he find it hard to make relationships afterwards or not? With - anyone, his own gender, the opposite gender?
14. Has he sent a son there? If he can’t afford it, would he send a son there if he could? If so, why, if not, why not?
15. Did he attend a boarding prep before Eton? What age did he go, if so?
16. What has Eton given him? What are the downsides?
17. Did he feel supported there? Ie, was there someone he could go to in distress? If so, would he be believed?
18. Who held the power there? Was it used wisely ?
19. If he could change one thing about the school, what would it be?

Francis Eliot is a 5Rhythms movement meditation teacher, a non-duality facilitator, and an active father to his two school age sons. He also facilitates deep process men's work. Along with his partner he's recently acquired the historic old ashram in Glastonbury where they will soon be establishing a centre for healing through the creative arts. He's spent decades in the spiritual arena studying with various teachers, and offers us an interesting and inspiring perspective on his life as an Old Etonian.

For more information about his work: http://awakenedpresence.org/

And for his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQMz...

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An Evolving Man (AEM) Podcast is for men (and women) who want to grow, evolve and want support in learning how to do this.

On a regular basis there will be an interview around men's topics ranging from self-development, relationships, spirituality, archetypes, trauma, boarding school and men's work featuring authors and leaders in this field.

The sense with these interviews is to support men during these times of change. What are the teachings, tools and practices that you can use to help you through these turbulent times?