If we could engineer Brighton & Hove’s future, what would it look like?

100 people gathered on a cold, dark night at the Amex Community Stadium on Thursday 26th January to officially launch The Brighton Paradox – a unique 10-part podcast exploring the challenges and opportunities in the city.

Representatives from business, community projects, culture, local government, sport and education came together to recognise the complexity of economic and social growth in tricky times. But with the acceptance that genuine collaboration, honesty and shared visions could ensure that the next decade is the best ever for the city.

The host and principal investigator for The Brighton Paradox, Richard Freeman, set the scene by highlighting key themes and voices that people can expect to hear. 

Episodes will explore ideas around innovation, inclusion, culture, geography, business investment, wellbeing, education and what is putting Brighton & Hove on the map globally. There are exclusive and candid interviews with over 60 people, including Caroline Lucas, Norman Cook, Paul Barber and Simon Fanshawe.

A panel of local leaders, each bringing different perspectives, then shaped a conversation about accountability and imagination when it comes to Brighton & Hove’s potential. Lynsey Hermann (Albion In The Community), Carolynn Bain (Afrori Books/Brighton Book Festival), Mat Hunter (Plus X), Luke Taylor (UnitedUs), Professor Rusi Jaspal (University of Brighton) and Charlie Symonds (Alirity) considered some key questions.

The event was sponsored by Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and Alirity, and had a spark and energy that demonstrates that people are ready for difficult and inspiring discussion that drives action. 

The Brighton Paradox podcast is a collaboration between always possible, Lo Fi Arts and Plus X – with support from Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, the University of Brighton Help To Grow Programme and UnitedUs plus others. It features original music from FatboySlim, Noraay and Chris Thorpe-Tracey.

Episodes will be released in stages between January and April, and can be found on all major music and podcast streaming platforms. A series of workshops and events will take place in April and May. And an online auction of Brighton & Hove themed experiences is now live, raising money for Rockinghorse and Brighton & Hove Food Partnership.

Information about everything to do with the podcast can be found at alwayspossible.co.uk/paradox