Feb 14, 2025
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 / social structures and systems around
us work. The things that we all take for granted, but probably
don't fully understand.
Things like Police & Crime Commissioners, apprenticeships,
startup business incubators, national parks, NHS trusts, the
British music industry, universities and loads more.
I keep finding smart professionals working at the top of their
field confessing that they don't know how some of
these work. How they are actually funded, and
who is accountable for them? What are the measures of
success?
English policy, politics and funding aways seems to be more
complicated than most other countries.
Even than in other parts of the UK.
But we've ended up with a narrative that nothing
works.
What if...?
The How England Works project is an
attempt to cut through the noise, and find some clarity.
To look at the facts behind the opinion, in a clear, fun and
accessible way. Short, useful explainers.
If it's OK, I need your help with a short crowdfunder that is
being launched on 14th February.
always possible will cover half of the production and
marketing costs. But we want to open up opportunities for
partnership and collaboration on this project in new ways. We think
the sky is the limit for a project like this.
And so we're looking to crowdsource the rest of the funding
that we need for the first series.
We're looking to initially produce:
- 12 short (20 minute) podcast episodes
- a whole series of 2-3 minute animations
- a website with accessible and searchable summaries and resources
Your help
If you previously enjoyed my podcasts The
Possibility Club or The
Brighton Paradox*, then this will be the best bits of those -
but with bells on. I've you've never heard of me before, then, oh,
such a treat in store! And I'm sorry to have sent you this
email!
The same creative and technical team is in place, and we have
already recorded some interviews with leading figures from
business, academia and public services to help humanise and
simplify some key topics.. But now we're also working with a
fantastic group of student animators and designers who are helping
to visualise it.
On 14th February we'll go live with a
crowdfunder packed full of rewards for individuals and businesses
that share our curiosity and want to be part of making sense of all
of this.
Whether you are able to put in a few quid and be part of the
journey, or you could share with your network and colleagues. Or
perhaps you run an organisation for which this could be an amazing
value brand partnership opportunity?
Crowdfunders are only successful when there is momentum from
day one.
Thank you so much!
All help is appreciated.
Richard and the always possible / How England Works / Brighton
Paradox team
*What people said about The Brighton
Paradox
That is great great story telling and I can’t wait for the
next install. This was a podcast that needed to be made.
Brilliant.
I really hope this get shared and listened to by people in
the city because if the rest of it is anything like the first
episode - we all have A LOT to learn and benefit from reflecting on
the ideas you are opening up here.
This is the podcast about Brighton that I never realised I
needed. In awe of how much work has gone into it! So
good.
Informative, insightful, inspiring, entertaining and
thought provoking. I've learnt so much about the details and big
themes of what makes Brighton & Hove special.
The Brighton Paradox podcast has been so important to me.
It’s more than just a series of conversations, it’s a deep
exploration of the contradictions and complexities that make
Brighton what it is.
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Richard Freeman and the always possible team for pouring so much passion into this project. What they’ve created isn’t just a podcast, it’s a platform for real reflection and growth. It’s about understanding the challenges we face as a community and using those insights to build a better, brighter future.
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Richard Freeman and the always possible team for pouring so much passion into this project. What they’ve created isn’t just a podcast, it’s a platform for real reflection and growth. It’s about understanding the challenges we face as a community and using those insights to build a better, brighter future.
The contributors range from the most influential
politicians, global stars, regional moguls and everyday citizens,
just looking to help shape a city that we can all be proud
of.
The podcast itself is exceptional. But the insight it helps shed is priceless. The fact that something so powerful and relevant exists in such a small place, while also being known by such a small percentage of the residents is telling.
The podcast itself is exceptional. But the insight it helps shed is priceless. The fact that something so powerful and relevant exists in such a small place, while also being known by such a small percentage of the residents is telling.