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:
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:
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.
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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:
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:
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.
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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:
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.
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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:
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.
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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:
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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:
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"
