Do you ever feel like you’re just one step away from something big, but something’s holding you back? Is it the city you’re in? The connections you don’t have? Or maybe it's just the feeling that you're not quite being seen?

In this episode of The Knot Pod, we dig into the creative struggles of building something meaningful in a city that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.

Ash (Magzoncam), and Ryan (Espocrespo) reflect on their personal journeys in Stoke—where local pride meets global ambition, but sometimes the lack of money and opportunities create scarcity mindsets that hinder everyone's growth. They share their thoughts on the survivalist mentality of creatives in smaller cities to the transformative power of collaboration and community, this conversation is an honest exploration of what it really takes to stay true to your vision when the path forward isn’t always clear. They talk about what it means to create locally while thinking globally, and how Stoke's creative scene is evolving in ways you may not have expected. 

Ash and Ryan are at the heart of the creative resurgence in Stoke and share hidden gems across Music and Art that you've probably never heard of. 

In this episode, we explore:

• Stoke’s Creative Scene: Is it really dead, or just evolving?
• The Power of Collaboration: Why working together is the key to breaking through.
• Local Pride: How supporting local crafts and businesses is a way to give back and get inspired.
• The Struggle for Expression: Growing up in a place where creative freedom didn’t always seem possible, and how things are changing.
• Breaking Free from the Past: The importance of finding your own voice, even in a city that doesn’t always embrace change.
• Survivalist Mentality: How lack of resources and opportunity can stunt creativity, and how to shift that mindset.
• The Future of Stoke: Why it's crucial to stay and invest in where you’re from—and how doing so can inspire others.

If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling like an outsider or wondered how to make your mark in a place that doesn’t always feel like it’s got room for you, this episode is for you.

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

Can you be creative and entrepreneurial without following a conventional path? Is Staffordshire the best place for big dreams, ambitious projects, and unexpected opportunities?

Craig Wikinson’s story is one of reinvention, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected. From a love of film to starting a business in the world of immersive brand experiences, Craig has forged his own path in a way that’s anything but traditional.

Craig’s journey started growing in Dudley, then travelling the world with film festivals, before a career with immersive events in London and now a life in Staffordshire.

Craig has taken everything he's learned from his decades of experience in film and events and is applying them here in Stoke and Staffordshire through LUNAR at World of Wedgwood and Albert's Cafe in Stafford.

Craig's a true entrepreneur that is bringing great experiences to Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. He's someone that sees the untapped opportunity. 

In this episode of The Knot Pod, we dive into Craig's extraordinary career, including:

• Craig's early life and connections to Staffordshire
• A chance encounter with film industry legend Doug, leading to the creation of the Stratford-upon-Avon Digital Film Festival
• How exploring the world led to discovering a love for event management and brand experiences
• Moving from freelancing to creating his own agency, Coalition Events
• The surprising link between Staffordshire and acting — and how a first audition in Stafford inspired Craig's next chapter
• The challenges and rewards of running creative businesses in a more unconventional location
• The role of Staffordshire in fostering his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit
• Life in London vs Staffordshire — why Craig chose to return home after years of living in the hustle and bustle of the big city
• Insights into how you can follow a creative career in Staffordshire — and why location doesn't always limit your ambition

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity or success — and sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places.

Can you build a successful business while staying true to your roots, even when the world tells you that your background doesn’t fit the mould of a successful entrepreneur? Kirsty Hulse, founder of Confidence Live and expert in digital marketing certainly thinks so. Kirsty has embraced her roots as a superpower that authentically fuels her confidence. 

In this episode, we dive into Kirsty’s journey from her working-class upbringing in Stoke-on-Trent to becoming a trailblazer in the digital marketing world. Growing up in a small city but with big dreams, Kirsty faced the challenges that many people from working class areas face — the stigma of her accent, her background, her life experiences and not fitting in—but she turned these obstacles into fuel for her career.

Kirsty shares how she navigated the journey of building a business while grappling with feelings of imposter syndrome and societal expectations. We discuss her life in London and California. Her search for home. We talk about why she's building Europe's biggest confidence event in Stoke-on-Trent.

In this episode, we explore:

• Kirsty’s personal story of overcoming classism and imposter syndrome
• The challenges of building a business while staying true to your roots
• How embracing your authentic self can become your strongest asset
• Why she believes businesses can thrive outside of major cities like London
• The importance of community and support in a non-urban setting
• How working-class values shaped Kirsty’s business approach and philosophy
• The role of vulnerability and honesty in building a successful brand

If you’ve ever felt like your background or accent held you back from pursuing your dreams, this episode will inspire you to embrace your story and use it to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. Plus, you’ll get practical insights into building a business on your own terms.

Links:

• Confidence Live
• Kirsty Hulse
• The Knot News
• The Knot Life

Can you turn a random idea into a thriving business in a town in Staffordshire? Beth Warren, founder of growing candle brand - The Wandering Bee, proves you can.

In this episode of The Knot Pod, we follow Beth’s unexpected journey from a challenging period of her life in London, to launching her own business in Stone—after childhood dreams of fame and stardom. 

After years of feeling a bit lost in the big city, Beth moved back to her hometown of Stone, seeking comfort, familiarity, and a better environment to raise a family. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Struggling with a boring job as a dental receptionist during the pandemic, Beth found herself at a crossroads. A Google search for “the most profitable small business ideas” led her to candles. Yes, candles.

With no prior experience in candle-making but a burning desire to work for herself, Beth went all-in—ordering wax, fragrance oils, and beer bottles to create something unique. The result, The Wandering Bee, a line of high-quality, beautifully crafted candles that quickly gained popularity. The Wandering Bee has a thriving online retail presence and a foothold on the high street. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Beth left London and returned to Staffordshire after years of chasing a creative career
• The challenges of adjusting to life outside of the city and how she found peace in her hometown
• The pivotal moment that led her to start her candle brand and the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey
• How family life and the desire for a better work-life balance influenced her decision to build a business in Staffordshire
• The role of ADHD and hyper-focus in turning her candle-making hobby into a successful brand

If you’re someone thinking about escaping city life, or just curious about how one person’s leap of faith turned into a successful business, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, get an inside look at the creative, no-holds-barred entrepreneurial spirit that led to Beth’s blossoming candle business.

Links:

• The Wandering Bee
• The Wandering Bee Instagram
• Beth on Instagram
• The Knot News
• The Knot Life

Can you build a successful, creative business outside of the UK’s major cities like London or Manchester? Daniel Moore, founder of Dissident Agency, certainly thinks so.

In this episode of The Knot Pod, we explore Daniel’s journey of establishing a thriving creative agency in Staffordshire—far from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Dissident, known for its cutting-edge design and video production work, attracts clients from all over the globe, with a special focus on delivering high-quality creative content for both national and international brands. But what makes Staffordshire the ideal location for Daniel's business? 

Despite the region’s reputation for industry rather than creativity, Daniel reveals how Staffordshire's central location, its close-knit community, and a growing network of talented individuals make it a hidden gem for creative entrepreneurs and creatives. 

We dig into the challenges and opportunities of running a creative agency in Staffordshire, the benefits of being centrally located in the UK, and why Daniel is determined to recruit talented individuals who want to escape the high-pressure environments of London and Manchester for a more balanced lifestyle in the heart of the country.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Daniel’s journey from self-employment to founding Dissident
• The pros and cons of running a creative agency outside of major cities
• The challenge of finding local creative talent in Staffordshire
• The opportunity for creative businesses to thrive in smaller, overlooked areas
• Why Staffordshire is a great place for work-life balance, family life, and creativity
• The art and creative scene in Staffordshire
• A public call-out for talented videographers looking for creative freedom

If you’re an ambitious creative or business owner considering life outside the big cities, this episode is for you. Plus, if you’re a talented videographer or creative professional check dissident out. 

Links:

• Dissident Agency 
• Dissident Instagram
• Daniel Moore Instagram
• The Knot News
• The Knot Life

Can you be creative in Staffordshire? Can you be yourself? Is Staffordshire or Stoke the best place to be if you're creative, entrepreneurial and ambitious? How does Staffordshire really compare to London and other cities?

George Bettany is the founder of MARA Run Club, based in Lichfield with clubs in Stone and Stoke. MARA's philosophy promotes a way of being that is akin to buddhism and expresses itself through running. George Bettany started MARA in his hometown of Lichfield, now hundreds of runners every week gather on Staffordshire high streets to run mindfully for their physical and mental health.

George grew up in Lichfield, played football across Staffordshire and then went away to cities all over the UK to find himself and pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. Only to be led back to Staffordshire, home, after COVID.

Since then, he's happier, more creative with more friends and better wellbeing. Despite London being a global business hub where he built his last business, he's now choosing Staffordshire as the best place to build MARA.

In this episode of The Knot Pod we dig into:

• George's upbringing
• Travelling to find who you are
• Coming "back" home
• London, Manchester, Sheffield vs Staffordshire
• Mental health and wellbeing in London compared to Lichfield
• The MARA running philosophy
• How you can be creative in Staffordshire
• Opportunities in Staffordshire
• Coffee, food and things to do locally

Links:

• George Bettany on Instagram
• MARA Run Club
• George's Ted Talk at TedxStaffordshireUniversity

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• The Knot Life
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Welcome to The Knot Pod
The Knot is the home of Good News for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire

On the pod, we interview:

• Inspirational creatives
• Successful entrepreneurs
• Brilliant leaders

These people all call Staffordshire "home".

We talk about their journey, their career and life in our region. The ups, downs, things they'd change and things they wouldn't. We're a platform for growth and conversation about everything related to Stoke and Staffordshire.

Join us for Season 1 of The Knot Pod, listen to this trailer and get ready for regular podcasts every other Wednesday.

Join The Knot to get first access to podcasts and interviews.

...and remember, when you see something positive in our region, just think "that's one for The Knot"