The 4theRegion Podcast

About The 4theRegion Podcast

How do we build a thriving, connected and sustainable region where people, places and the planet can flourish? The 4theRegion Podcast explores that question through real conversations with the people who are shaping the future of South West Wales. 4theRegion is a cross-sector movement bringing together businesses, community leaders, organisations, educators and residents who care about the wellbeing of our communities and want to create positive change. Through our events, projects and partnerships, we create space for collaboration, honest discussion and shared action. This podcast is a way to stay connected to the wide range of voices, ideas and initiatives emerging across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. You’ll hear from people working on everything from wellbeing economics to local food, renewable energy, community wealth building, youth empowerment, regional identity and the green economy. Our goal is simple: strengthen connection across the region so that everyone feels more informed, more inspired and more able to contribute to a happier, healthier and more resilient future. There is so much happening here, so many reasons to feel hopeful, and so many people trying to make a difference. South West Wales is an incredible place to live and work. By tuning in, we hope you’ll discover ideas, insights and a renewed sense of possibility — because the future of our region really is in our hands.

Publisher

4theRegion cic

Category

business · government · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Jun 2020

Latest episode

19 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

78 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Dec 2025

   79. Where's all the money? Discussing Wellbeing Economics with Mary Sherwood

   In this episode of the 4theRegion podcast, Dawn is joined by Mary Sherwood for a frank, eye-opening conversation about poverty, inequality and the urgent need for a wellbeing economy. Mary brings deep expertise from her work with Swansea Council for Voluntary Service, Fairer Future, Gower Power, and years of experience amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of poverty. Together, Dawn and Mary reflect on conversations sparked at the recent Wellbeing Economy Festival of Ideas and ask a deceptively simple but vital question: If the UK is a wealthy country — where is all the money actually going? In this episode, they explore: Why poverty in Wales is not about “bad choices”, but about income and inequality How expectations of a decent life have quietly been lowered over time Why holidays, hobbies and social connection are not luxuries, but essentials for wellbeing The myth that “there isn’t enough money” — and the reality of extreme wealth concentration How billionaires, tech monopolies and extractive systems drain money from communities Why taxing wealth is not punishment, but investment in shared wellbeing What community wealth building, co-operatives and local procurement can do differently How collective solutions — from warm spaces to shared transport — rebuild resilience Why tackling poverty means redesigning the economy, not just managing its consequences This is a powerful, accessible conversation that challenges stigma, reframes poverty as a justice issue, and makes the case for a different economic story — one rooted in fairness, dignity and collective wellbeing. If you’ve ever wondered why public services feel stretched, why inequality keeps growing, or why so many people are working hard and still struggling, this episode is essential listening. Find out more about Mary’s work:FairerFuture.org.uk

2. 

   12 Dec 2025

   78. Land, Power and Hope: A new vision for Welsh communities with Leanne Wood, Ken Moon and James Hitchcock

   In this episode of the 4theRegion podcast, Dawn brings together a powerful conversation on one of the biggest, least-talked-about questions shaping Wales’ future: who controls our land, and how can communities reclaim it? Fresh from the Wellbeing Economy Festival of Ideas, Dawn is joined by: Ken Moon from Tir Pontypridd Leanne Wood from Community Energy Wales James Hitchcock from Rewilding Britain Together they make the case that real change in Wales — real resilience, real community power, real wellbeing — depends on enabling communities to access, own and steward their land. In this wide-ranging and inspiring conversation, they explore: Why land reform is the missing foundation of a wellbeing economy How community ownership can transform food, energy, housing, nature and local democracy Lessons from Scotland’s community right-to-buy movement Real stories of communities already doing it against the odds The future of farming, growing and biodiversity What a resilient local place could look like if people had access to the land around them The mindset shift we need in Wales — from dependency to community self-determination This is a hopeful, challenging and deeply motivating discussion about what’s possible when communities have the tools to shape their own future. If you care about the future of Wales, the wellbeing of our communities, or how we build a fairer, more resilient economy, this episode is essential listening.

3. 

   5 Dec 2025

   77. The radical power of The Swansea Positive with Jon Franklin

   This week on the 4theRegion podcast, Dawn Lyle speaks with friend and collaborator Jon Franklin, founder of The Swansea Positive — the beautiful, print-only newspaper dedicated to uplifting stories from across the city. What starts as a chat about a volunteer-run local paper becomes a powerful conversation about hope, community, and why sharing positive stories is actually a radical act. Jon talks about: ✨ The origins of The Swansea Positive and why he launched a printed publication in a digital world✨ How negativity in mainstream news shapes our worldview — and how local storytelling can shift it✨ The slow-life joy of holding a real paper and reading good news from down the road✨ Why positive local media is political, counter-cultural, and essential for community wellbeing✨ The serious democratic, mental health, and long-term benefits of shining a light on what’s going right✨ The growing movement of people who want to amplify hope rather than fear Jon also shares brilliant stories from readers, contributors and organisations who’ve been lifted, inspired, and even funded thanks to the paper — and what Issue 5 has in store as it lands across Swansea. If you care about community, connection, or changing the narrative about where we live, this episode will stay with you. It’s one of our most heartfelt conversations yet. Find The Swansea Positive at: SwanseaPositive.wales

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

19,690

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

30