Mayors, Motherhood and the West of England: A Conversation with Helen Godwin

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Planning After Dark, Catrina Riddell, Jackie Sadek and Alex Notay are joined by Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England.Helen shares the story behind her journey into politics – from writing letters to MPs as a teenager to leading one of the UK’s most economically dynamic regions. The conversation explores the realities of political leadership, balancing family life with public service, and what the mayoral model can achieve for places like Bristol, Bath and the wider West of England.The discussion covers:The evolving role of metro mayors in EnglandDevolution and the opportunities for the West of EnglandTransport, growth and unlocking developmentWomen in politics and leadershipWhy storytelling matters in civic leadershipAlong the way there’s also talk of karaoke, social media, and the realities of navigating the planning and development world.A lively, thoughtful and occasionally chaotic conversation about place, politics and the people shaping the future of our cities.Get in touch! Message us at [email protected] After Dark is the bold and insightful podcast where three powerhouse women in planning and development - Alex Notay, Catriona Riddell, and Jackie Sadek - shine a light on the industry’s biggest challenges, trends, and, yes, even a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip.From navigating the complexities of development to debating the future of our cities, Planning After Dark is the no-holds-barred discussion you won’t want to miss.Powered by Cratus Group, new episodes drop monthly on all major streaming platforms.