Surgeons’ roles are diverse, with many demands placed on their time and attention. Supervising Trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) can be challenging. This podcast is designed to assist Supervisors by providing tips and strategies to make it easier to deal with the ‘common and curly’ problems faced by surgical supervisors and increase their sense of satisfaction with this aspect of their work. This series of podcasts is designed to specifically address the needs of Supervisors and Trainers in surgical education. We have invited a number of experienced supervisors and surgical education experts to share their wisdom on a range of topics related to surgical supervision. We believe that having a sound knowledge of the core principles that underpin medical education, as well as and skills in teaching and coaching, will make surgical supervision easier and hopefully more rewarding. The relationships developed between Supervisors, Trainees, (and SIMGs), can be some of the most rewarding experiences of one’s professional life. Watching a Trainee, (or SIMG), grow and develop into a talented surgeon, and colleague, is something very special and is also a great contribution to one’s specialty.