Exeter Stories

Paul Batterham
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Exeter Stories showcases the changemakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders transforming Exeter and the Exe Valley. Host Paul Batterham interviews local heroes building a better future across health, culture, business, and social innovation. Discover inspiring stories from brilliant people doing brilliant things right on your doorstep. From a multi-agency support model, to a volunteer-run theatres, to a vision of the city as a place for everyone, each fortnightly episode showcases the positive impact happening across our region. Perfect for residents, business leaders, and anyone interested in community development, local innovation, and grassroots changemaking in Devon. New episodes every other Wednesday on all major platforms. ====== This podcast has been made possible by the support of the University of Exeter's Innovation team, and the Arts & Culture team. The idea grew out of civic innovation workshops led by Julie McLaren and Kate Jago in early 2024. Without their work bringing together Exeter's movers and shakers, this podcast wouldn’t exist. Thanks also go to Adrian Webb at Outcome Path for marketing support and for encouraging me to think bigger and bolder. And finally, to all of the interviewees: thank you for being candid, funny, serious, passionate, and for all the brilliant things you do.

  1. Lightbear Lane: Building Culture and Community Across Exeter's Streets and Stories

    APR 8

    Lightbear Lane: Building Culture and Community Across Exeter's Streets and Stories

    Dr Sarah Spencer and Dr Judith Morgane, the partnership behind arts and heritage organisation Lightbear Lane, share how they are using community film, creative mapping, Shakespeare and asset-based development to help Exeter find its identity, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Founded in 2023, Lightbear Lane takes a deliberately inside-out approach: rather than parachuting in with solutions, they ask communities what they already have. That philosophy produced the Proud to Be film project in Mincinglake and Whipton: a co-created portrait of a neighbourhood that generated a wassail song still sung every January, film-making skills workshops, and a set of resources now available for other communities to use. From those roots, the organisation has grown with work ranging from heritage consultancy at St Nicholas Priory to touring theatre across the South West. Now they are launching the South West Shakespeare Festival, a three-day programme across Exeter's historic venues that draws in the Cathedral Archives, the Devon and Exeter Institution, the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum and a Young Poets competition, to prove, as Judith puts it, that you do not need to go to London for world-class culture. They also discuss Lit Lab, their monthly creative gathering for professionals and curious minds, and an as-yet-unannounced publishing venture illustrated by Sarah and written by Judith. Get Involved Lightbear Lane website – https://lightbearlane.orgSouth West Shakespeare Festival – full programme and ticketsProud to Be — film and community resourcesLightbear Lane on TicketSource — book eventsSign up to the Lightbear Lane newsletter via the website to hear about Lit Lab and upcoming workshops

    43 min
  2. The Modern Earl: Heritage, Innovation and the Future of Exeter

    FEB 4

    The Modern Earl: Heritage, Innovation and the Future of Exeter

    Recorded live at the Devon & Exeter Institution, this episode features Charlie Courtenay, the 19th Earl of Devon, as he reflects on heritage, stewardship, and the future of Exeter. We explore: What it means to “inherit” a story and reshape it for the modern world.How the historic Earldom and the city of Exeter remain intertwined, from medieval trade to modern innovation.His dual life as a barrister in technology and intellectual property law and a custodian of Powderham Castle, balancing tradition and sustainability.Insights from his work with the Exeter Place Partnership, uniting city and rural Devon around shared environmental and economic challenges.Powderham’s approach to sustainability, land management, and cultural preservation as a model for intergenerational stewardship. Resources & Links Powderham Castle https://www.powderham.co.ukExeter Place Partnership https://placeexeter.co.ukHouse of Lords Members Profile: Earl of Devon https://members.parliament.uk/member/4744

    22 min
  3. CoLab Women: Compassion, Connection and Recovery

    JAN 21

    CoLab Women: Compassion, Connection and Recovery

    Jeanie Lynch, Head of Service for CoLab Women, reflects on decades of community work and what it means to build trust, safety, and hope in Exeter. We discuss: Her early activism in the 1980s Exeter women’s movement and her journey back to the city.The origins of CoLab Exeter and how it evolved into a multi-agency support hub.Founding Resilient Women, now CoLab Women, a programme helping women rebuild their lives after trauma, homelessness, or the justice system.A relationship-based model focused on “what’s strong, not what’s wrong.”The new Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance and innovative recovery programmes tailored to each woman’s pace.How creativity, art, and belonging underpin recovery. Resources & Links CoLab ExeterDevon Domestic Abuse AllianceJulian House Devon & Cornwall

    37 min
  4. Making Change by Hand: Craft, Community and Circular Economy

    JAN 7

    Making Change by Hand: Craft, Community and Circular Economy

    We sit down at Exeter’s quayside with Tim Stares of CoCreate CIC, a creative social enterprise turning waste timber into purpose and connection. You’ll hear about: How CoCreate combines sustainable design, mental health, and skills training.Their four pillars: Community, Collections, Courses, and Commissions.Projects like Boatyard Bikes, Women in the Workshop, Chop & Chat, and Holy Fool Coffee barista training.Building partnerships with local groups such as Hospiscare, CoLab, and Ride On Exeter to create a circular, inclusive local economy.The joy and power of “making things together” as a route to wellbeing and belonging. Resources & Links CoCreate CIC https://www.cocreatexeter.co.ukHospiscare Exeter https://www.hospiscare.co.ukHoly Fool Coffee https://www.holyfoolcoffee.comRide On Cycling Exeter https://rideoncycling.org

    29 min
  5. One Human Family: Activism, Respect, and Belonging in Exeter

    12/24/2025

    One Human Family: Activism, Respect, and Belonging in Exeter

    In this deeply moving conversation, Dr Suaad Genem, founder of the Exeter Respect Festival and former Exeter councillor, shares her remarkable journey from Haifa to Exeter. We discuss: Her belief in universalism: “every piece of land is my land, every human my family.”The founding of Exeter Respect Festival, celebrating diversity, equality, and community spirit for over 25 years.Experiences as a human rights campaigner, Sufi-inspired activist, and one of Exeter’s first women of colour elected to office.The power of joy, music, and storytelling in breaking down prejudice and building unity.What “Respect” truly means for a city, and how Exeter can continue to grow as an inclusive, compassionate community. Resources & Links Exeter Respect FestivalDevon United Women FCSt Sidwell’s Community Centre

    36 min
  6. Mischief and Magic: Imagining the World of Tomorrow

    12/10/2025

    Mischief and Magic: Imagining the World of Tomorrow

    Director, writer and performer Katie Villa of Quirk Theatre talks about imagination as activism, and how Theatre can help us imagine better futures. In this joyful, reflective chat we cover: Katie’s creative roots and her discovery of Exeter’s vibrant arts scene.The evolution of Quirk Theatre, renowned for inventive family productions blending playfulness and purpose.Creating Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow — a show co-designed with Exeter’s children and climate scientists to explore optimistic futures.The process of turning big global challenges into accessible, funny, and emotionally resonant stories.Why “mischief and love” are at the heart of every Quirk show. Resources & Links Quirk Theatre https://www.quirktheatre.co.ukThe Bike Shed Theatre (Archive) https://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.ukExeter Phoenix https://www.exeterphoenix.org.ukTheatre Alibi https://www.theatrealibi.co.uk

    37 min
  7. From Protest to Place: Building the Exeter Community Alliance

    11/26/2025

    From Protest to Place: Building the Exeter Community Alliance

    Chris Wood, organiser with Exeter Community Alliance (ECA), a city-wide umbrella network helping nearly 100 local groups collaborate, share space, and engage the public. We talk about moving “beyond protest” to long-term, community-led action; why shared high-street space matters; and how ECA is weaving climate, social justice, culture and civic groups into a practical, supportive network.  In this episode: How XR activism led to forming Exeter Community Alliance and a public-facing hub model. Why the original charity was called Climate Action Hub Exeter and why it now trades as Pulse (to reflect broader crises beyond climate). The “movement of movements” idea: coordinating newsletters, events, and joint actions across ~100 groups. Making empty shops work for people: using the Climate Emergency Centres model and new High Street Rental Auctions powers. Practical examples: People’s Assemblies, the Climate Fresk workshop, an ECA city-wide events calendar, and public drop-ins.  Resources & Links Mentioned Exeter Community Alliance (ECA) – umbrella network & hub info: https://www.exetercommunityalliance.net Pulse (formerly Climate Action Hub Exeter) – charity/home of the hub (20 Queen St): https://climateactionhubexeter.net Climate Emergency Centres (CEC) – the “use empty shops as community hubs” model: https://climateemergencycentre.co.uk Exeter Community Energy (ECoE) – community-owned renewables / energy advice: https://www.ecoe.org.uk 

    19 min
  8. The Future Is Local: How Two Exeter Scientists Are Reimagining Discovery for Devon

    11/12/2025

    The Future Is Local: How Two Exeter Scientists Are Reimagining Discovery for Devon

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Alice Mills and Dr Natalie Whitehead, co-founders of the Exeter Science Centre, to explore how two physicists turned their passion for public engagement into a grassroots movement for science, sustainability, and community connection in the South West. Together, we talk about: How a chance conversation between two physicists sparked the idea for a new kind of science centre.Why hands-on discovery and local relevance matter for tackling global challenges like climate change.The innovative Living Wall project in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, and what it’s teaching us about biodiversity, wellbeing, and urban cooling.Citizen-science projects including the Citizen Phage Library and Freshwater Watch, empowering schools and local communities to monitor water quality and discover new bacteriophages.The vision for future Exeter Science Centres as cultural and scientific hubs: spaces where art, science, and community come together to imagine a better future.And their hopes for a greener, more connected Exeter that leads the way in climate action and public engagement with science.Resources & Links Mentioned Exeter Science Centre – official site, newsletter signup, and volunteer opportunities https://www.exetersciencecentre.orgAssociation for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) – UK network of 50+ science centres https://www.sciencecentres.org.ukCitizen Phage Library – information on phage discovery and antibiotic-resistance research https://www.citizenphagelab.comFreshwater Watch – global citizen-science programme monitoring water quality https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.orgPositive Tipping Points Research (University of Exeter) – studies on how collective actions create systemic change https://positivetippingpoints.comUniversity of Plymouth – Living Wall Research https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/livingwallsFollow Exeter Science Centre on Instagram: @ExeterScienceCentreX / Twitter: @ExeterSciCentre

    36 min
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About

Exeter Stories showcases the changemakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders transforming Exeter and the Exe Valley. Host Paul Batterham interviews local heroes building a better future across health, culture, business, and social innovation. Discover inspiring stories from brilliant people doing brilliant things right on your doorstep. From a multi-agency support model, to a volunteer-run theatres, to a vision of the city as a place for everyone, each fortnightly episode showcases the positive impact happening across our region. Perfect for residents, business leaders, and anyone interested in community development, local innovation, and grassroots changemaking in Devon. New episodes every other Wednesday on all major platforms. ====== This podcast has been made possible by the support of the University of Exeter's Innovation team, and the Arts & Culture team. The idea grew out of civic innovation workshops led by Julie McLaren and Kate Jago in early 2024. Without their work bringing together Exeter's movers and shakers, this podcast wouldn’t exist. Thanks also go to Adrian Webb at Outcome Path for marketing support and for encouraging me to think bigger and bolder. And finally, to all of the interviewees: thank you for being candid, funny, serious, passionate, and for all the brilliant things you do.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Batterham
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Batterham 2025
  • Show Website
    Exeter Stories

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