
How Might We
East London’s home for big ideas.
How Might We is the podcast where we design solutions to solve pressing challenges facing East London today.
Hosted by Patrick Scally this podcast brings together people looking to make things & change things for the better here in East London. So, every week Patrick & a specialist guest create actionable steps to big problems facing the world they're directly experiencing using design thinking frameworks.
Our neighbourhood is changing fast, our thinking needs to progress just as quickly.
Latest episodes

Jun 16, 2025 • 41min
e74: Ryan Walker from Silo on Culinary Innovation and Zero Waste
This week, Ryan Walker discusses his journey in the culinary world, focusing on the innovative practices at Silo, a zero waste restaurant. He shares insights on balancing roles in the kitchen, the challenges of implementing sustainable practices, and the importance of fermentation in creating flavors while minimising waste. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of food waste management and the need for systemic change in the food industry to address environmental concerns.Find out more about Silo hereChapters00:00 Balancing Roles: Kitchen, Restaurant, and Factory03:49 The Challenge of Zero Waste Cooking09:47 The Journey to Fermentation and Innovation16:51 Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Practices29:08 Transforming Waste into Resources40:06 Building a Community-Centric Industrial Ecosystem

Jun 2, 2025 • 58min
Dr Johnny Drain, Co-Founder WNWN Food Labs | How Might We Interviews
In this week's conversation, Patrick and Dr Johnny Drain discuss the anticipation surrounding Johnny's upcoming book Adventure in Fermentation, the journey of writing and reflection, and the exploration of fermentation as a spiritual and creative process. They delve into the role of serendipity in discovery, the intersection of creativity in science and cooking, and the understanding of microbial intelligence. The conversation also touches on the future of food, sustainability, and the importance of community in driving change.Pre-Order Adventures in Fermentation hereLearn more about WinWin Food Labs hereChapters00:00 Welcome Johnny Drain Author of Adventures in Fermentation07:27 Fermentation: A New Frontier in Food20:28 Understanding Biofilms and Their Impact26:29 The Art of Smen: Aged Butter from North Africa37:39 João Loco: A Journey to Sustainable Farming47:21 Lab-Grown Meat: A New Frontier51:56 Creativity and Nature: Reflections

May 12, 2025 • 40min
e72: How Fibrelab is Making Textile Reuse Work Locally — w/Kaela Katz
In this conversation, Kae & Patrick discusses the challenges and innovations in the textile recycling industry, particularly focusing on Fibrelab's journey in creating sustainable products from textile waste. The discussion covers the importance of community engagement, the recycling process, and the future vision for Fibrelab, emphasising the need for collaboration and support from local businesses and government to drive change in the industry.Find out more about Fibrelab hereChapters00:00 The Evolution of Fibrelab and Paper Text05:25 The Recycling Process and Innovation08:35 Navigating Business Identity and Funding11:19 Community Engagement and Local Impact17:26 Sustainable Business and Policy Landscape24:29 Challenges in Textile Waste Management28:46 The Need for Space in Sustainable Practices33:24 Balancing Revenue and Impact37:24 Vision for the Future of FibreLab

Apr 28, 2025 • 55min
e71: East London Waterworks Park w/Nathan Miller
In this week's conversation, Nathan Miller discusses the ambitious vision for the East London Waterworks Park, a community-led initiative aimed at transforming an underused industrial site into a biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds and outdoor learning spaces. The project emphasises community engagement, co-design, and sustainability, while navigating challenges related to funding and social value. Find out more about East London Waterworks ParkChapters00:00 The Vision for East London Waterworks Park12:37 Community Engagement and Co-Design24:14 Funding Challenges and Future Prospects40:55 Navigating Complexity in Community Engagement51:25 Creating Organic Collaboration in Projects

Apr 14, 2025 • 57min
e70:Bridging the Gap: Skills, Identity, and Employment for Youth w/Deji Adeoshun & David Kingsley
This week we explore the challenges and opportunities faced by young people in accessing career paths, particularly in the creative and community sectors. Deji and David share insights from their experiences with Changing Youth and Ronald McDonald House Charities, discussing the importance of mentorship, identity, and the barriers that prevent young people from thriving in the workforce. Find out more about Change In YouthFollow Deji AdeoshunFollow David KingsleyChapters00:00 Introductions08:43 Navigating Career Paths in the Charity Sector21:02 The Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace30:59 The Importance of Identity in Career Development37:01 The Power of Proximity in Mentorship42:21 Understanding Systemic Barriers to Employment45:51 Making Every Contact Count: Practical Frameworks51:50 Aiming for Tangible Change in the Community

Mar 31, 2025 • 58min
e69: Exploring the Citizen Prosperity Index w/Saffron Woodcraft
This conversation explores the Citizen Prosperity Index methodology and its application in various local contexts, emphasising the importance of community-led interventions and the diverse definitions of prosperity across cultures. The discussion highlights the challenges of urban regeneration, the need for interventions to ensure benefits reach long-term residents, and the role of citizen scientists in shaping urban policy.Find out more about UCL's Citizen Prosperity Index hereFollow Saffron hereChapters00:00 Understanding Citizen Prosperity Index Methodology05:24 Defining Prosperity Across Different Cultures10:36 Rethinking Economic Growth and Prosperity15:44 The Effectiveness of Regeneration in East London23:54 The Role of Citizen Science in Urban Planning38:41 Empowering Communities through Citizen Participation51:35 Radical Shifts in Community Empowerment

Mar 18, 2025 • 58min
e68: The Evolution of Founderhood w/Christina Richardson
In this conversation, Patrick and ChristIna explore the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship, focusing on the evolution of foundership, the importance of mental fitness, and the need for resilience in the startup ecosystem. Find out more about Foundology Follow Christina on LinkedinChapters00:00 The Journey of Foundership: A Personal Reflection08:14 The Importance of Personal Development in Startups18:23 Balancing Growth and Well-being in Startups31:54 The Physiology of Stress and Performance42:53 The Paradox of Entrepreneurship

Mar 3, 2025 • 54min
e67: could co-living & community ownership be a blueprint for the future? w/Halcyon
In this conversation, Patrick, Harry, and James discuss the innovative approach of Halcyon in developing co-living spaces in Hackney Wick. They explore the importance of community engagement, the challenges developers face, and the long-term vision for sustainable housing. The discussion highlights the unique partnership with the Community Development Trust (CDT) and the impact of community-focused development on local economies. They also touch on the evolution of co-living as a viable housing solution and the future aspirations for their projects.Find out more about Halycon DP hereChapters00:00 Introduction to Halcyon and Co-Living05:50 Team Structure and Expertise at Halcyon11:23 The Importance of Local Partnerships19:48 Planning Challenges and Opportunities30:24 Integrating Community and Commercial Spaces32:22 Diversity in Business Models34:05 Community Engagement and Long-term Sustainability37:28 The Role of Developers in Local Economies39:48 Collaborative Decision-Making in Development42:32 Long-term Aspirations for Hackney Wick46:08 The Future of Co-living47:11 Looking Ahead: Exciting Developments

Feb 17, 2025 • 57min
e66: is capitalism ruining creativity w/james song
today patrick and james explore the intersection of venture capital and fine art, discussing the challenges and rewards of navigating dual identities. discover james' art heresign-up to james' newsletter hereChapters00:00 Dual Identities: Venture Capital and Fine Art12:34 The Role of Money in Creative Pursuits19:50 The Evolution of Venture Capital in Creative Industries35:25 Characteristics of Successful Artists and Founders48:08 The Influence of Personal Experiences on Creativity

Feb 2, 2025 • 1h 11min
e65: Making sustainability fun again w/Tom Tobia
This week Patrick sits down with Tom Tobia discuss how make sustainability fun.
Tom Tobia is the Founder of Makerversity & A New Field.
They explore the challenges and opportunities in making sustainability engaging and fun, emphasising the importance of storytelling in driving change. The discussion also highlights the significance of community involvement in the circular economy and the future of craft kits that promote outdoor activities and creativity.
Discover more about A New Field