How England Works - crowdfunder go go go!
The Brighton Paradox
Hello! I need your help with something that is going to be quite a big deal - if you don't mind me asking. I think (hope) it will be something you'll enjoy getting involved in that begins life on February 14th. A mad project Since the first lockdown in 2020 - when all of the most baffling parts of the economy, health, politics, society, science and culture took centre stage - I've been developing the idea for a project. A collaborative project that uses a mix of podcasts, animation and research to explain How England Works. Huh? I mean how the economic /...
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The Brighton Paradox: GROWTH
The Brighton Paradox
Summary: In Growth, the final episode of Series Two, we examine Brighton’s economic and social growth, with contributors reflecting on the city's challenges and opportunities. This episode delves into the debate around what it means to grow in a city known for creativity and activism. Is economic growth compatible with sustainability? Can Brighton thrive without exacerbating inequality? Key questions: How can Brighton foster both economic and social growth without losing its unique identity? What role does the tech sector play in driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the city? Can...
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The Brighton Paradox: RENEWAL
The Brighton Paradox
In this episode, Renewal, we explore how Brighton is navigating the tension between decline and the potential for renewal. As the city grapples with a range of challenges, from the closure of iconic businesses to the need for better infrastructure, contributors share their thoughts on how Brighton can rebuild its social, economic, and cultural identity. Key themes include the importance of collaboration, the tech sector’s role in revitalisation, and the intersection of arts and community renewal. Key questions: What role does leadership play in Brighton & Hove’s renewal? How can...
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The Brighton Paradox: IMPATIENCE
The Brighton Paradox
In this episode, Impatience, the focus shifts to the growing sense of urgency within Brighton’s creative, business, political, and educational communities. As the city grapples with the challenges of economic inequality, educational disparities, and social justice, the episode examines how impatience is driving new initiatives and pushing for change. Contributors discuss the tension between the desire to act quickly and the need for thoughtful collaboration to ensure sustainable progress, all while navigating significant political shifts within the city’s leadership. Key questions: How is...
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The Brighton Paradox: MYCELIUM
The Brighton Paradox
In this episode, host Richard Freeman explores Brighton & Hove as a metaphorical mycelium—an interconnected network of people, ideas, and movements bubbling beneath the surface. As the city grapples with post-pandemic challenges and economic fragility, this episode asks whether Brighton's current actions stem from hope or stress. Through interviews with local visionaries, the episode investigates how new technological, cultural, and community-driven initiatives are trying to address Brighton’s systemic issues, from inequality to economic sustainability. Key questions: How are the new...
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UPDATE
The Brighton Paradox
Hello! A quick note to say that The Brighton Paradox will be back soon! Series 2 will be examining the landscape across the city in 2023 and 2024 - what is changing, and what is building in economics, culture, community and technology. Look out in this feed later this spring. We're also delighted to announce that we are being supported again by who return as brilliant headline sponsors and partners. And the programme also returns as a valuable project partner. In addition - we have two new supporters; the exceptional folk at and the legends at . ...
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The Brighton Paradox: THE CUSP
The Brighton Paradox
This is the final episode. Where this part of the journey ends. These clips are all about what's next for Brighton & Hove. The hopes, fears and dreams for the next decade. In four sections, we have ordered contributors' thoughts into: Keeping Brighton weird? The city as the UK's laboratory and how to grow that philosophy Paying it forward? Making space for young people to shape, lead and disrupt Fixing the ecosystem? Being brave to make long-term change to the city’s infrastructure Community power? Harnessing the energy of everyone, everywhere to shape the future ...
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The Brighton Paradox: LOOK UP!
The Brighton Paradox
In this penultimate episode, we look at how the city wanting to attract big business and London money - is also the city pioneering the weird, small, experimental ideas that are often best scaled-up elsewhere And we try to answer the following questions: Where does leadership come from in Brighton & Hove? What kind of leadership is needed to get things done? Do we need a mayor or stronger networks with teeth to make change? Should Brighton be more of a regional leader as a city? Featured contributors: Ed Chinn () Mat Hunter () Sarah Springford () Ian...
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INTERMISSION 2
The Brighton Paradox
We're taking a short break between episodes 8 and 9/10. We will be organising some follow-up events later this Spring and Summer, to take forward themes and ideas in The Brighton Paradox. Not just more roundtable discussions, but action-led spaces for learning and commitment. But we don't want to own or dictate how these run. We'd like to have a range of people facilitate, and to consider different and engaging formats to usual panel or workshop formats. Can you please head to and answer a few questions? Scroll down below the published episodes and you'll find a button. This...
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The Brighton Paradox: THE LABORATORY
The Brighton Paradox
In this episode, we look at how the city wanting to attract big business and London money - is also the city pioneering the weird, small, experimental ideas that are often best scaled-up elsewhere And we try to answer the following questions: Can Brighton & Hove be comfortable as the UK's ideas lab? What is a laboratory approach to business/tech, social justice, public services and culture/sport? Who is investing in ideas and risk? How important are collaborative spaces? Messy spaces? Interdisciplinary spaces? Featured contributors: Mat Hunter () Jack...
info_outline- Are multiple views and perspectives given the space they need?
- Are narratives about Brighton & Hove ambitious, fair and honest?
- What does it take to be taken seriously?
- Is the People's Republic of Brighton & Hove a genuine force for independent thinking or a smug self-congratulatory forcefield?
- Is Brighton & Hove a racist city?
- Why is community football so powerful?
- Rifa Thorpe Tracey // (https://rifa.co.uk)
- Andy Winter // (https://andywinterbn1.wordpress.com)
- Adam Joolia // (https://audioactive.org.uk/)
- Luke Taylor // (https://https://unitedus.co.uk)
- Carolynn Bain // (https://afroribooks.co.uk)
- Loubna Khamlichi // (https://noraay.com)
- Pam Loch // (https://lochassociates.co.uk)
- Kathy Caton (https://brightongin.com)
- Kevin Miller (https://whitehawkfc.com)
- Simon Fanshawe OBE (https://simonfanshawe.com)
- Barry Joinson (https://barryjoinson.com)