Reimagining Government
Governments are under increasing pressure to deliver results while maintaining trust and relevance, yet current systems often fail to address complex challenges like pandemics, climate change, and inequality. This podcast from the Centre for Public Impact explores radical new approaches by speaking with public servants and politicians worldwide. It examines how government can work differently to tackle wicked problems and build a better future.
Episodes
![Failure in Government [Rerun]](https://images.pod.co/s61IrX2CyZWXZLVSVE92wHDEsYEAoXRUIrGZLAn5naY/resize:fill:1500:1500/plain/artwork/84945e67-b421-4cc2-ab1f-26bd2c5cb6d6/reimagining-government-1724161853.jpg)
Failure in Government [Rerun]
What happens when governments are too afraid to talk about failure?
In this rerun of Reimagining Government, host Nick Thompson revisits a conversation about why governments need to create more space for honesty, experimentation, and learning when things go wrong.
Guests Carlos Zimbron, Dan Vogel, and Kelly Sifford discuss why public institutions struggle to acknowledge failure and how open
Eleni Myrivili's Vision for Climate-Resilient Cities [Rerun]
How can cities become healthier, safer, and more resilient in a rapidly warming world?
In this rerun of Reimagining Government, host Nick Thompson revisits a conversation with Eleni Myrivili, the United Nations’ Global Chief Heat Officer, about the growing challenge of extreme heat.
As communities around the world face record temperatures, wildfires, and worsening air quality, Eleni shares
A new chapter for Reimagining Government
What if governments could meet this moment—and help shape a better future?
In this special episode of Reimagining Government, new host Nick Thompson, CEO of the Centre for Public Impact, introduces himself and shares what’s ahead for the podcast.
As we look ahead to a brand-new season in 2027, Nick reflects on why reimagining government matters now more than ever and introduces a selection
Why the future belongs to young leaders: Elizabeth Wathuti and Fina Girard on courage and climate action
What happens when young voices refuse to be sidelined in the fight against climate change?
In this season finale of Reimagining Government, hosts Gabrielle Beran and Kandice Louis-Wilson speak with Elizabeth Wathuti, O.G.W, Kenyan climate activist and Founder of the Green Generation Initiative, and Fina Girard, Member of the Grand Council of Basel-Stadt.
Together, they reflect on their jou
Dr Farhana Sultana: Unequal earth, unjust climate
What does justice look like in the face of a global climate crisis shaped by colonialism and inequality?
In this episode of Reimagining Government, hosts Gabrielle Beran and Kandice Louis-Wilson talk with Dr. Farhana Sultana, leading scholar of climate justice and Professor of Geography at Syracuse University.
Farhana unpacks how climate coloniality continues to shape policies and outcomes
Defending the rainforest: Daniela Orofino Poubel's fight for the Amazon and its peoples
What does it take to defend the Amazon, and why does it matter for the whole world?
In this episode of Reimagining Government, hosts Gabrielle Beran and Kandice Louis-Wilson speak with Daniela Orofino Poubel, Director at Amazônia de Pé, a Brazilian grassroots movement uniting over 300 organisations to protect the rainforest and its peoples.
Daniela shares her journey from organising on th
How the City of Oslo plans to cut emissions by 95% with Heidi Sørensen
What does it take for a city to cut nearly all of its emissions in just a few years?
In this episode of Reimagining Government, hosts Gabrielle Beran and Kandice Louis-Wilson speak with Heidi Sørensen, Director of Oslo’s Climate Agency.
Heidi explains how the city’s groundbreaking Climate Budget is turning bold targets into real progress, why public buy-in is just as important as policy,
Kumi Naidoo on activism, human rights, and climate justice
How do we shift power to confront climate change head-on?
In this episode of Reimagining Government, hosts Gabrielle Beran and Kandice Louis-Wilson sit down with Kumi Naidoo, lifelong activist and former head of Greenpeace and Amnesty International.
Kumi reflects on lessons from decades of campaigning for climate justice and human rights, the risks of staying silent in the face of crisis,
From heatwaves to city hall: Eleni Myrivili’s vision for climate-resilient cities
What does it take to make our cities liveable in a world that is rapidly heating?
In this first episode of Reimagining Government's new season, hosts Gabrielle Beran and Kandice Louis-Wilson speak with Eleni Myrivili, the UN's first Chief Heat Officer and former Deputy Mayor of Athens.
Eleni shares how extreme heat exposes deep inequalities, why climate action is inseparable from questions
Season Four Trailer
Season four of Reimagining Government is back on October 9th, 2025, and we ask a bold question: what if tackling climate change starts with rethinking who holds power?
Across six episodes, we spotlight women and gender-diverse leaders who aren’t just responding to climate change — they’re redesigning cities, challenging climate colonialism, defending the Amazon, mobilising global activism, a
Why work in government?
In every podcast episode, we meet people who work in government and public service. We’re always impressed by their passion and commitment. But what drew them to their work, what drives them and why do they keep doing such a tough job?
In this episode, we talk to real public servants about the joys and challenges of their work.
In this episode:
Adrian Brown (host): Centre for Public Impac
Games and government
We all know games are fun, but what if they could help us tackle the very real challenges we face in government?
Our host Adrian Brown talks to Keshav Sahani about how games are being used to change behaviour, build community relationships and improve policies in Brazil and India.
Host: Adrian Brown, Centre for Public ImpactCo-host: Keshav Sahani, formerly of Centre for Public ImpactTais Co
Does regulation really matter?
Regulation: a word that sends shivers down the spines of many public servants across the globe. But are we looking at it wrong? Can regulation be something that we embrace as a route to innovation in public service?
In this episode, we hear about practical examples of regulation being done differently to achieve real change.
Featured in this episode:
Adrian Brown (host), Centre for Public
Reimagining impact
Impact means different things to different people, depending on things like positions of power, units of measurement, and personal biases. So is impact really the thing we should be striving for, or is there something else we should be considering?
In this episode, we speak to two leaders who are reimagining impact evaluation systems to make them more meaningful and effective.
Featured i
Reimagining funding
Anyone who works in social impact knows how important funding is. But what if we could do things differently? What if, instead of starting with what the funder needs, we put communities in control of how funding works?
Join us to explore two innovative examples of organisations reimagining funding, from supporting sex workers’ rights to tackling climate change.
In this episode:
Adrian B
Government in the year of elections
2024 is a historic year for elections with over 50 countries across the globe going to the polls. Elections shape our political landscape and are a chance for people to have their say. But what does this year of elections mean for democracy? Are there better ways for citizens to shape their cities and countries?
In this very special election year episode of Reimagining Government, we host a
Storytelling and government
Stories can change lives, communities, and systems.
In this episode, we explore how telling and listening to stories can help to reimagine government.
We’ll hear about how one man’s story of caring for his mother ignited a cultural shift in how stories are embedded in Scottish public services, and how a controversial fruit is helping to break down barriers between communities in Indonesia.
Season two wrap-up
What have we learned from season two of Reimagining Government?
Athena Hughes, Naja Nelson, and our host Adrian Brown revisit highlights and delve into the topics we covered. Join us to explore failure, imagination in government, and what on earth a paradigm shift is. Read the blog here.
Read the full written episode transcript here.
Featured in this episode:
Adrian Brown (Host) - E
How do you have difficult conversations?
This episode mentions difficult subject matter including suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Anyone working in government or public services knows that sometimes we must be vulnerable and have difficult conversations.
It can be daunting, but if we ignore challenges, things only get worse. Join us as we explore different ways of approaching these conversations courageously and hear examples of whe
What does imagination have to do with government?
The way government currently operates doesn't support everybody. So what should we do differently?
Imagination is the secret ingredient in most of our best ideas. In this episode, we explore how social imagination could help us find new ways to approach complex challenges. Our guests share examples of imagination in practice, from improving healthcare to commissioning services. Read the blog
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.
Featured in this episod
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.
Featured in this episode:
Adrian Brown (Host) - Executi
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.
Feat
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.
Featured in this episode:
Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Pub
Season one wrap-up
What have we learned from the first six episodes of Reimagining Government? Javiera Godoy, Katie Rose, and our host Adrian Brown revisits highlights, delve into the topics covered, and shares updates from the changemakers of season one.
Global Development
What might it look like to reimagine governance in global development where the Global South and Global North converge? In this episode, we shine a light on the people rethinking practices and challenging power dynamics in global development. Read the blog here.
Learn more about what it could look like to reimagine global development. If you're a public servant or government official, we wan
National government 2.0
What does it look like for national governments to adapt to the modern challenges we face today, and how can leaders share power with those best placed to act?
In this episode, we explore what it takes to rethink government at a national level, and speak to the changemakers who are spearheading efforts around the world. Read the blog here.
Learn more about what a reimagined government could
A more equal government
Once trust is broken, it can be hard to rebuild.
In this episode, we highlight the legitimacy crisis facing government. We examine how government leaders are addressing long-standing barriers to justice and civil rights, and how they are working to rebuild trust with communities that have been excluded by public institutions across the United States. Read the blog here.
Learn more about wh
Health and social care
What might new government approaches to health and social care look like? In this episode, we speak to changemakers who are putting the needs of those they care for first, and look at systems around the world that have transformed care. Read the blog here.
Learn more about what reimagined health and social care services could look like here. If you're a public servant or government official,
Climate action in cities
In this episode, we explore how changemakers in city governments are addressing climate change - the barriers they face, the risks they are taking and how they are finding local solutions to one of the most pervasive challenges of our time. Read the blog here.
Learn more about how cities can lead the charge towards a net zero, resilient future here. If you're a public servant or government o
A new vision for government
In this episode, we lay out a new vision for government - where it needs to be improved, and introduce you to the people who have dedicated their career to enhancing public services for all. Read the blog here.
If you're a public servant or government official, we want to hear your examples of how a new vision for government is working in your city or country. Share your reflections and lear
Season Three Trailer
The Reimagining Government podcast will be back on September 4th, 2024! Our host, Adrian Brown, returns for season three to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing governments today.
Over six episodes, we're featuring insights from global thought leaders and changemakers, exploring topics like funding, impact, and the year of elections.
Listen to the latest episodes on your favo
Trailer: Reimagining Government
Governments are under increasing pressure to bring about the results people expect, while remaining trusted and relevant. And yet, the systems, structures, and processes of government today are often not set up to respond to the complex challenges we face as a society. In recent years, wicked problems such as the global pandemic, climate change, economic hardship, as well as a rise in misinfo
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