Jenna Goodwin, The Red Haired Stokie. "Stoke isn't worse than it was. Stoke is getting better"

What makes a city thrive? Is it the shops we visit, the businesses that are born, or the pride we take in the streets we walk? What if the decline of the high street and the rise of online shopping are all part of a bigger cultural shift we haven't fully understood yet?

In this episode with Jenna Goodwin, The Red Haired Stokie, we dive deep into the changing landscape of Stoke-on-Trent, looking at everything from the fading high street to the opportunities hidden in its past and future.

Jenna reflects on the unique history of Stoke, from the industrial boom to the struggles of its decline. She sheds light on how the pottery industry's fall and the transition to modern-day life have shaped the area, while also exploring why people seem to focus so much on what’s missing, instead of what’s thriving. 

What does it mean to live in a city that is both overlooked and full of untapped potential? Is it the city's infrastructure that needs fixing, or is it the mindset of the people who live there?

This episode explores the intricacies of a city’s evolution, the challenges that come with it, and the power of local pride. Jenna talks about the importance of owning and embracing your community, and how small shifts in attitude can spark big changes. From improving infrastructure to fostering local pride, we discuss how Stoke can leverage its unique position to thrive in ways bigger cities can’t.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The decline of the high street: Is it inevitable or a result of our changing habits?
• Why shopping malls and out-of-town retail parks became the norm—and the impact on local shops.
• The effect of the industrial collapse in Stoke and how it shaped the working-class community.
• The hidden opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent: Why starting a business here might be a smarter move than in bigger cities.
• The issue of litter and public spaces: How personal responsibility and pride could transform communities.
• The importance of local media and why Stoke needs a more balanced narrative.
• The power of nostalgia and how past generations’ views can influence current perceptions.
• Hidden historical gems in Stoke
• Stoke's role in inventing photography

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the challenges, opportunities, and future of Stoke, and learn how even the smallest steps can lead to big changes.

Links:

• The Red Haired Stokie
• The Knot News
• The Knot Life