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Reimagining Government


A podcast shining a light on government changemakers around the world

Governments are under increasing pressure to bring about the results people expect while remaining trusted and relevant. However, they are often not set up to respond to the complex challenges we face as a society.

This podcast explores radical new approaches to addressing global issues. By speaking with public servants and politicians at the heart of government, we’ll shine a light on how to reimagine government so it works for everyone.

Available on your favourite streaming platform. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for the podcast, get in touch or leave us a voice note.

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Season 2 episode 4: Failure in government


Everyone fails occasionally.

But when governments fail, it has an impact on real lives. It’s easy for public servants to shy away from talking about failure.

To learn from our mistakes, we must be open and honest and spend time reflecting on them. Join us to hear real stories about failure in government and some examples of how to move forward. Read the blog here.

A full written episode transcript is available here.

Featured in this episode:

  • Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public Impact

  • Athena Hughes (Host) - Senior Associate, Centre for Public Impact

  • Carlos Zimbron - CEO, F**kup Nights

  • Dan Vogel - CEO, Flourish Fund 

Listen now

Season 2 episode 3: What on earth is a paradigm shift?


In this podcast, we talk a lot about change. 

We don't just want to change policies or attitudes, but the whole paradigm.

But what on earth is a paradigm? Join us to explore what a paradigm is, hear practical examples of paradigm shifts, and try to solve the mystery of how we can shift paradigms in public service. Read the blog here.

A full written episode transcript is available here.

Featured in this episode:

  • Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public Impact

  • Toby Lowe (Host) - Visiting Professor in Public Management, Centre for Public Impact

  • Henk-Jan Dekker - Researcher, International Centre for Environmental Research and Development

  • Jessica Studdert - Deputy Chief Executive, New Local

Listen now

Season 2 episode 2: Long-term thinking


It’s vital that governments think about and plan for the future, but often, our thinking can be limited.

The models we have in our minds about growth, success, and the environment shape how we imagine life and government in the long term.

This episode explores how governments can find new ways to frame our future, including degrowth and seven-generation thinking. Read the blog here.

A full written episode transcript is available here.

Featured in this episode:

  • Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public Impact

  • Javiera Godoy (Host) - Programme Manager, Centre for Public Impact

  • Gabriela Cabaña - Co-founder, Degrowth London

  • Jayne Engle - Mission Co-holder, Dark Matter Labs

Listen now

Season 2 episode 1: Earned legitimacy


For a government to be legitimate, it must have its people's trust. But, many communities across the globe distrust their government.

This episode explores how governments can earn that trust and legitimacy. It is a gradual process that requires time and dedication. So, where do we start? Read the blog here.

A full written episode transcript is available here.

Featured in this episode:

  • Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public Impact

  • Naja Nelson (Host) - Senior Associate, Centre for Public Impact

  • Dr. Oliver Escobar - Professor of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation, The University of Edinburgh

  • Jaime Junior - Advocacy and Community Education Coordinator, Disability Network of Wayne County Detroit

  • Cathie Christenson - Team Lead, City of Calgary

Listen now

Season one


In season one, we lay out a new vision for government and explore radical new approaches to addressing global issues such as the climate crisis, equitable healthcare provision, and rebuilding trust with marginalised communities.

Episodes include:

  • A new vision for government

  • Climate action in cities

  • Health and social care

  • A more equitable government

  • National government 2.0

  • Global development

Listen to season one

Listen on your favourite streaming platform


Reimagining Government explores radical new approaches to addressing global issues such as the climate crisis, equitable healthcare provision, and rebuilding trust with marginalised communities.

By speaking with public servants and politicians at the heart of government, we’ll shine a light on how to reimagine government so it works for everyone.