How Might We

Patrick Scally

East London’s home for big ideas. How Might We is the podcast where we design solutions to solve pressing challenges facing East London today. Hosted by Patrick Scally this podcast brings together people looking to make things & change things for the better here in East London. So, every week Patrick & a specialist guest create actionable steps to big problems facing the world they're directly experiencing using design thinking frameworks. Our neighbourhood is changing fast, our thinking needs to progress just as quickly.

  1. 04/11/2025

    e79: Revolutionising Building Use: The Don't Waste Buildings Movement

    The conversation revolves around the mission of Don't Waste Buildings, a movement aimed at promoting the reuse of existing buildings to combat climate change and reduce embodied carbon. The speakers discuss the challenges and opportunities in the built environment sector, emphasizing the need for policy reform, economic incentives, and community engagement to shift the focus from new builds to retrofitting existing structures. They highlight the importance of collaboration across various stakeholders and the potential for significant social and economic benefits through adaptive reuse of buildings. Find out more about Don't Waste Buildings here 00:00 Introduction to Online Publications and Technical Glitches 00:23 The Importance of Adaptive Reuse 07:14 The Economic and Social Opportunities of Retrofit 10:30 Changing Perspectives on Old Buildings 12:49 The Role of Local Councils and Policy Implementation 15:29 The Future of Building Development and Community Needs 19:23 Lack of Vision in Politics 21:07 Climate Responsibility and Governance 22:17 Decarbonizing Construction 23:26 Collaboration in the Built Environment 29:08 Engaging Communities in Built Environment 32:20 The Art of Persuasion in Climate Action 36:15 Drivers of Change in Policy 37:46 Financial Incentives for Sustainable Development 44:46 Global Examples of Successful Policies

    49 min

  2. 20/10/2025

    e78: how innovation campuses could quietly build cleaner cities w/isaac vale

    this week patrick is joined by Isaac Vale as they delve into the ESG initiatives at Here East, focusing on sustainability, circular economy, and community engagement. discover the challenges and successes of implementing these initiatives and the potential for Here East to become a hub for circular economy experiments. read more about Here East's ESG work here connect with Isaac here

    53 min

  3. 01/10/2025

    e77: Redefining Value: The Quest for Affordable Art Spaces w/Nichole Herbert-Wood

    In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of affordable art spaces with CEO of Second Floor Studios & Arts Nichole Herbert Wood. From her beginnings in business economics to her transformative journey into the arts, Nichole shares her insights on the challenges artists face in securing affordable studio spaces. We explore the concept of "creative destruction" and the importance of long-term decision-making in the arts sector. Nichole also introduces her innovative formula for determining true affordability, emphasising the need for community-driven solutions and policy interventions. Join us as we uncover the complexities of balancing passion and practicality in the art world. Read more about the Herbert Affordability Formula (HAF) here Check out Second Floor Studios & Arts Here Chapters 00:00 Nichole's Journey into the Arts 06:52 The Importance of Long-Term Decision-Making 08:21 The Healing Power of Art 09:55 Addressing the Crisis of Affordability 17:21 Understanding the Economics of Artist Studios 24:31 Defining True Affordability for Artists 29:59 Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Artists 32:06 The Creative Industries vs. Traditional Arts 35:55 The Role of Artists in Society 40:13 Challenges in Acquiring Spaces for Artists 51:41 Alternative Models for Community-Driven Development 59:27 The Herbert Affordability Formula

    1h 5m

  4. 08/09/2025

    e76: 20 Years in Local Government a Reflection w/Councillor Chris Kennedy of Hackney Council

    This week I sit down with Councillor Chris Kennedy (London Borough of Hackney) who reflects on the complexities of working in local government for more than two decades. We cover affordable housing, the impact of global issues on local communities, and the joy found in serving the public. Kennedy emphasises the need for hope and resilience in the face of challenges, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance that includes local organisations and citizens. Chapters 00:00 From Acting to Politics: A Journey 02:29 The Intersection of Acting and Politics 04:46 The Role of a Councillor: Representation and Responsibility 06:46 Engaging with Constituents: Beyond Political Affiliations 10:11 The Burden of Local Politics 15:51 Changes in Local Governance: A Historical Perspective 19:06 Addressing Housing Affordability Challenges 22:33 Global Issues Impacting Local Politics 26:55 Finding Joy in Local Governance 29:44 The Joy of Making a Difference 30:33 Intuition vs. Evidence in Decision Making 34:04 The Complexity of Social Issues 34:56 Government and Responsibility 35:55 Co-production and Community Engagement 38:55 Technology and Local Government 43:15 The Evolution of Hackney Wick 46:16 Changing Demographics and Community Needs 52:33 Building Community Spaces Together 56:52 Navigating Social Friction in a Diverse Community 01:03:00 Complexities and Joy in Local Governance

    1h 4m

  5. 28/07/2025

    e75: how might we shift landowners from protecting to imagining w/tom lewith founder of new works

    In this conversation, Tom Lewith discusses the evolution of his architectural practice from TDO to New Works, emphasising a collaborative approach that prioritises mental health and creativity. He introduces the concept of 'Field Work', a new initiative aimed at engaging landowners in a way that aligns their values with community development. The discussion explores the challenges of the construction industry, the importance of trust in relationships, and the potential for generational thinking to foster resilience in communities. Lewith advocates for a shift in focus from short-term profits to long-term community benefits, highlighting the need for innovation and collaboration in architecture. Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes where we continue to explore the intersection of profit and purpose in various industries. Find out more about New Works Chapters 00:00 The New Works Model: A Shift in Architecture Practice 14:05 Field Work: Collaborating with Landowners for Community Benefit 21:12 Aligning Interests: Landowners and Developers 27:38 Creating Community Value Over Profit 32:56 Building Trust in Development 37:22 Generational Thinking and Resilience 41:39 The Future of Development: Collaboration and Change

    47 min

  6. 16/06/2025

    e74: Ryan Walker from Silo on Culinary Innovation and Zero Waste

    This week, Ryan Walker discusses his journey in the culinary world, focusing on the innovative practices at Silo, a zero waste restaurant. He shares insights on balancing roles in the kitchen, the challenges of implementing sustainable practices, and the importance of fermentation in creating flavors while minimising waste. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of food waste management and the need for systemic change in the food industry to address environmental concerns. Find out more about Silo here Chapters 00:00 Balancing Roles: Kitchen, Restaurant, and Factory 03:49 The Challenge of Zero Waste Cooking 09:47 The Journey to Fermentation and Innovation 16:51 Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Practices 29:08 Transforming Waste into Resources 40:06 Building a Community-Centric Industrial Ecosystem

    41 min

  7. 02/06/2025

    Dr Johnny Drain, Co-Founder WNWN Food Labs | How Might We Interviews

    In this week's conversation, Patrick and Dr Johnny Drain discuss the anticipation surrounding Johnny's upcoming book Adventure in Fermentation, the journey of writing and reflection, and the exploration of fermentation as a spiritual and creative process. They delve into the role of serendipity in discovery, the intersection of creativity in science and cooking, and the understanding of microbial intelligence. The conversation also touches on the future of food, sustainability, and the importance of community in driving change. Pre-Order Adventures in Fermentation here Learn more about WinWin Food Labs here Chapters 00:00 Welcome Johnny Drain Author of Adventures in Fermentation 07:27 Fermentation: A New Frontier in Food 20:28 Understanding Biofilms and Their Impact 26:29 The Art of Smen: Aged Butter from North Africa 37:39 João Loco: A Journey to Sustainable Farming 47:21 Lab-Grown Meat: A New Frontier 51:56 Creativity and Nature: Reflections

    58 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    e72: How Fibrelab is Making Textile Reuse Work Locally — w/Kaela Katz

    In this conversation, Kae & Patrick discusses the challenges and innovations in the textile recycling industry, particularly focusing on Fibrelab's journey in creating sustainable products from textile waste. The discussion covers the importance of community engagement, the recycling process, and the future vision for Fibrelab, emphasising the need for collaboration and support from local businesses and government to drive change in the industry. Find out more about Fibrelab here Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Fibrelab and Paper Text 05:25 The Recycling Process and Innovation 08:35 Navigating Business Identity and Funding 11:19 Community Engagement and Local Impact 17:26 Sustainable Business and Policy Landscape 24:29 Challenges in Textile Waste Management 28:46 The Need for Space in Sustainable Practices 33:24 Balancing Revenue and Impact 37:24 Vision for the Future of FibreLab

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

East London’s home for big ideas. How Might We is the podcast where we design solutions to solve pressing challenges facing East London today. Hosted by Patrick Scally this podcast brings together people looking to make things & change things for the better here in East London. So, every week Patrick & a specialist guest create actionable steps to big problems facing the world they're directly experiencing using design thinking frameworks. Our neighbourhood is changing fast, our thinking needs to progress just as quickly.

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Scally
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Patrick Scally
  • Show Website
    How Might We