Ivor Goodson: A Life in Narrative

This chapter is a transcript of an interview with Ivor Goodson with colleague and friend, Stephen O'Brien. The title is, we think, apt, as Ivor has spent over four decades of his illustrious career exploring people's professional lives and narrative histories. In this interview, Ivor reflects on his own intellectual journey, including powerful moments from his life story that led him from a working-class background (which stays with him) to a life in education. Ivor keenly talks about holistic pedagogy and other traditional ideas and values that fundamentally underpin adult education. He offers critical insights into the current socio-cultural and political climate and what this means for educators and learners. ‘How we keep a meaning-full narrative going throughout our lives’ has always been a core theme of Ivor's work. The interview is peppered with stories, literary references, and warm exchanges making for an engaging and illuminating read.