We Built This City: Greater Manchester

What does it take to power a greener future for Manchester?

Amer Gaffar is the Director of the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University,  a research hub developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, which will support Greater Manchester's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.

Lisa and Amer discuss exactly what a ‘fuel cell’ is and how hydrogen can power Manchester's next revolution; a gre...

In this special episode, Lisa Morton revisits one of the most powerful conversations from the podcast to date — her 2022 interview with Figen Murray OBE.

Figen practises kindness and teaches resilience in an effort to build a safer, more united society — one rooted in trust, respect, and compassion. After losing her son Martyn Hett in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, she gave up her career as a therapist to study counter-terror...

"Peace is an ongoing journey; it never ends."

What motivates somebody to tackle Manchester’s biggest problems?

Professor Erinma Bell MBE joins host Lisa Morton to share what drove her to create change at a time when the city region was being called ‘Gunchester’ and the values that have kept her on that mission for the past 25 years.

Erinma is a peace activist, community leader, and councillor for Manchester City Council.

In the late 19...

"If you want something, you can't sit there and wait for someone to put it in your hand for you."

In this episode, Lisa sat down with Victoria Braddock, the Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, Lisa heard how she and her team are putting Manchester’s brand on the global stage. 

Victoria shares what it was like growing up in Manchester, offering ‘backies’ into town on her brother's bike as a kid, her career journey fro...

"We always look out for each other in Manchester,  no matter what."

Five years ago Lisa Morton launched the ‘We Built This City’ podcast in an aim to connect with born, bred and adopted Mancunians who have helped to shape this city region, not just with bricks and mortar but with their impact too.

It’s impossible to reflect back on that time without acknowledging the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on Greater Manchester and the w...

"Legacy isn't about monuments or headlines. It's about impact."

Join Lisa Morton in a reflective episode of "We Built This City" as she delves into the themes of values and legacy.

This special episode revisits conversations with some of the guests who have joined Lisa on  “We Built This City” over the past year, including Gethen Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh. Learn how Manchester's unique character shapes their sense of purpose...

Gethin Jones shares his morning with the nation right from Manchester City centre. 

In this episode, you’ll hear how Gethin’s Welsh roots have been entwined with Manchester since the late 90’s first coming here as a student.

You’ll learn how Gethin has been immersing himself in the community here for the past few years through his work both on-screen and off, as he’s settled in Greater Manchester.

Lisa and Gethin discuss his ...

“Everything we do is all about relationships”

We Built This City host Lisa Morton isn't the one asking the questions this week, she shares with you her conversation on the  3:00AM Conversations podcast from international Law firm Hill Dickinson.

Hosts Peter Jackson and Anjon Mallik hear how Lisa made her way as a young female entrepreneur in the 1990’s, to become a leader in communications in Manchester.  They uncover how, ...

Remembering the legacy left by Sir Howard Bernstein

This week Lisa attended the memorial for Sir Howard Bernstein, impacted by the emotions, tributes shared and lasting values. She wanted to re-share with you their conversation on the podcast. 

As the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council for nearly 20 years, Sir Howard was instrumental in getting the city back on its feet after the IRA bomb in 1996. He then carried on his ...

"Manchester is just a place of opportunity, whatever it is that you do."

Nicola Marsh is a born and bred Salfordian and Managing Director of Essence Mediacom North.

Nicola created a career for herself in digital advertising in the early days of the internet, you’ll hear about how she continues to navigate this constantly evolving media landscape, and her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion at Essence Mediacom.

In this epis...

"The whole point about building a city is it isn’t one person’s project.”

Colin Shenton is the founder and CEO of Shenton Group, a property company he started in Manchester in the late 1980s, when the city looked and worked very differently. 

You’ll hear about the deal Colin made the very beginning of his career, and how he handled the restoration of a heritage building aged just 21.

Colin shares with Lisa his passion for revital...

“This is my city now till I die. I absolutely love it."

You will probably know Julie Hesmondhalgh as the legendary actor who took on the much-loved role of trans character Hayley Cropper on ITV’s Coronation Street. 

Julie and host Lisa Morton discuss everything from Julie’s beginnings in Accrington; how she became one of the UK's most cherished performers and how Manchester has now become ‘her city’. You’ll hear about Julie’s de...

"There's a culture of creativity in our city”

Dave Moutrey has been an integral part of Manchester’s arts and cultural scene since the 1980’s. He sits down with host Lisa Morton to discuss his journey to becoming a cornerstone of creativity in the city.  

Lisa hears about Dave’s formative years, where the sparks of his passion for the arts were ignited during memorable trips to London. It was punk that inspired Dave to move...

"What ​I ​love ​about ​Manchester, is ​it's ​constantly ​evolving”

Seema Malhotra combines glitz, glamour and proper manc graft.

On this episode of ‘We Built This City’ host Lisa Morton is joined by the co-founder of fashion brand ‘Forever Unique’ and star of the reality show ‘The Real Housewives of Cheshire’. 

Seema candidly shares her experiences of juggling cultural and family expectations whilst trying to find her own identit...

‘Girls ​like ​me, ​​they ​just ​don't ​do ​history.’

Dr Michala Hulme is a genealogist and broadcaster connecting people with their family history. In this episode, you’ll learn about the real people from Greater Manchester’s past and how they lived their lives.

Michala has an incredible talent for uncovering family trees, and her mission is to make history accessible and engaging for everyone. 

Host Lisa Morton chats to Michala...

"The whole city centre's my playground."

Take a stroll through Manchester's rich history and it’s vibrant present with Jonathan Schofield, a born and bred Mancunian. From its industrial roots to its modern-day resurgence, Jonathan shares intriguing stories and quotes that capture the essence of Greater Manchester's spirit.

Tour Guide and Editor-at-large of ‘Manchester Confidentials’ Jonathan Schofield uncovers forgotten facts of Gre...

Matty is a long-time Manchester resident with an intriguing journey, over his 25 years in the city region he’s become a well-known figure in Manchester's food and drink scene, you may have seen his videos with Manchester’s Finest exploring some of Mnachester’s best food and drink venues.

In this episode hear how Maty went from bartending across Manchester to broadcasting to the region, and what it was like to take on the role of liv...

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Greater Manchester with Lisa Morton as she explores the enduring values that make Mancunians remarkable. This episode of 'We Built This City' brings together stories from past guests like Sharon Latham, Siobhan Johnston and Anna Jameson and others who embody the city's spirit of connectivity, generosity, and resilience.

You’ll hear stories of unexpected friendships and connections, career pivots and...

Dive into the vibrant world of punk rock, DIY ethos, and the transformative power of music with John Robb an adopted Mancunian who has built a life in the beats and bars of Manchester.

John is a prolific writer who was the first to write books on the likes of the Stone Roses and The Charlatans Discover the untold stories behind the city's gritty rise to musical fame and how John's relentless creativity continues to shape its future.

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