The Good Student Leaves

The Good Student Leaves

From Mind the Gap by Michael Comyn

April 4, 2026 · 8 min · Season 4 · Episode 12

About this episode

Michael Comyn explores the moment when learning has done its job and the importance of recognizing when to move on from coaching or mentorship.

There’s a railway station in Ireland that exists for one purpose only, not to arrive, not to stay, but to move on. In this episode of Mind the Gap , Michael Comyn explores a moment that many of us recognise but rarely name. The point at which learning has done its job. The point at which guidance, coaching, or even a philosophy has taken us as far as it can. Drawing on the teachings of Epictetus and decades of experience in coaching and leadership development, this episode examines the subtle differences between growth and comfort, loyalty and dependency, and staying because it helps… and staying because it feels safe. It’s a reflection for anyone who has ever asked: Am I still growing here, or am I just comfortable? As Season 4 approaches its close, this episode also marks a quiet shift in direction for the podcast, moving beyond its Stoic foundations while keeping the core question at its heart, the gap between intention and action. In this episode: Why the best students eventually leave The hidden risk of staying too long in coaching or mentorship The difference between support and dependency What Epictetus really expected of his students Recognising when the work is complete…

People in this episode

Host: Michael Comyn

Topics covered

  • learning
  • coaching
  • personal growth
  • mentorship
  • Stoicism
  • comfort vs growth

Keywords

  • learning
  • coaching
  • mentorship
  • Epictetus
  • personal growth
  • comfort
  • dependency

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Ireland

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