Case Study: Getting youth on the board & cutting digital emissions
Services: Visual & Audio branding, Remote Recording, Editing, Social Media Edits, Guest Booking & Management, Hosting & Distribution
That was the vision Gillian Burke, a renowned TV presenter, brought to us—an idea she’d been nurturing for five years. Gillian wanted to break free from the constraints of traditional broadcast media, where depth and nuance often take a back seat. She dreamed of exploring the systems that underpin our world, spotlighting transformative solutions, and inspiring real change by speaking with today’s most impactful change-makers.
But Gillian faced a challenge: how much impact could just 10 podcast episodes really create?
“I want to make a 10-episode podcast about system change”
Challenge 1: 10 episodes limit growth and impact.
Podcasting is a long game. While 10 episodes might showcase an idea, we knew it wouldn’t allow enough time to build momentum or a loyal audience, nor to attract the kind of results Gillian was hoping for.
Challenge 2: Securing sponsorship for a bigger vision.
Gillian originally saw 10 episodes as a pilot to attract sponsors. We explained that this short-term approach could undermine the very goal she had: to inspire real change. A sponsor would achieve far more—both in visibility and impact—by committing to a year-long partnership.
After multiple conversations, we secured a 12-month sponsorship with Triodos Bank, the UK’s leading ethical bank. This agreement gave Gillian’s show the runway it needed to grow into a platform for real change.
Our Approach:
A bi-weekly release schedule to maintain consistency and build a sustained audience over time.
A global guest list, representing diverse perspectives on the systems shaping our world.
Remote recordings to balance financial and environmental costs, while equipping Gillian with a home setup to ensure high-quality audio and visuals.
Challenges & approach
Execution: Bringing the Vision to Life
We worked with Gillian to develop a compelling 12-month plan that focused on three key elements:
Curated Content: Guests were carefully selected to bring depth, diversity, and practical solutions to topics like youth empowerment, environmental systems, digital emissions, and indigenous rights.
Seamless Production: Leveraging our streamlined systems, we enabled Gillian to focus on hosting while we handled the technical and creative execution.
Audience Action: Episodes were optimised to respect attention. The aim was to inspire action, not just engagement, with clear takeaways and invitations to go out and make a difference before listening to another episode.
This podcast is proof that impact doesn’t need to be measured in downloads alone. Here’s how Gillian’s show moved people to action:
Community Roots Farm, Cornwall
After listening to episodes on youth empowerment and digital emissions, Community Roots:Promoted a young member to their advisory board to give youth a voice in decision-making.
Overhauled their data storage systems to reduce carbon emissions.
Gwent Wildlife Trust Campaign
The show brought national awareness to the legal dispute over a solar farm installation on the Gwent Levels SSSI.The trust saw a notable increase in petition signatures following the episode’s release.
Higher Education Impact
Content from several episodes is now being taught by Professor Laura Jane Martin at Williams College's Center for Environmental Studies, inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.Driving Ethical Finance
Audience members and guests were inspired to take tangible action, including opening new bank accounts with Triodos Bank, aligning their finances with their values.
Results: Real-World Change. Not Just Downloads
Gillian’s podcast wasn’t just a series of conversations. It was everything we believe a podcast can be; a catalyst for change. From empowering young voices to advancing environmental campaigns and shifting financial choices, the real-world outcomes demonstrate the transformative power of purpose-driven podcasting.
By extending the vision beyond a 10-episode limit, we helped Gillian create not just a show, but a community—proving that when content prioritises impact over numbers, the results can truly ripple through communities, institutions, and individuals worldwide.