The PGN Podcast

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka has a conversation with Ned Gatenby, the Community Client Fund Senior Lead for Business in the Community (BITC). During this episode, Ned discusses the importance of community action and engagement for better climate resilience. This conversation also stresses the need for accessible funding,  less jargon and an extroverted approach to enhance co...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka sits down with James Hitching, an experienced expert in flood risk management, to discuss the vital role Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) play in supporting more climate resilience communities. During this episode, James and Meshi explore how SuDS can help to mitigate flood risks, enhance local biodiversity, address and resolve poor water qual...

In this very special episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka sits down with students from North Durham Academy to discuss the innovative sustainable house prototype they worked together to build. The students Jade, Evie, Tilly and Elma discuss the process and inspiration behind their design, as well as their future career aspirations in the arts, STEM and education.  Key Points Covered: The Su...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka is joined by Sophie Dawson, a Technical Coordinator for Project Groundwater Northumbria, to discuss key insights from a  quiz conducted at the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival. The purpose of this quiz was to engage people on topics related to groundwater, flooding and mining. This episode helps to emphasise the importance of raising awaren...

In this special episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka is joined by Lynn Thompson, (PGN STE(A)M Lead), to discuss insights from the Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival, where they engaged with attendees about their experiences and knowledge of flooding. In this episode, we cover various personal stories and expert opinions on the impacts of flooding, the importance of emergency planning...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka delves into a thought provoking conversation with leading experts. As communities around the world continue to face the effects of climate change, this discussion centres on the importance of understanding what is happening below ground in order to create a more climate resilient future above ground. Guests Tim Kearsley, Holger Kessler and Rhiann...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka sits down with Dr. Olli Jones, the Associate Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Cundall. Their conversation explores both the challenges and opportunities that come with exploring and implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on the importance of community action and long term planning in order to achieve those...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka reconnects with Carl Hodgson from Newcastle City Council, previously co-host of Season 1 and now Project Manager of Blue Green Newcastle. Carl discusses the Blue Green Newcastle (BGN) project, an initiative that combines flood management with blue and green infrastructure to build a more resilient and sustainable urban landscape in Newcastle upon...

In this unique episode of The PGN Podcast, host Meshi Taka has a fascinating conversation with Anna Hastings, Project Manager for the Blue Heart Project. Anna shares the story behind the innovative LEGO Flood House, a LEGO model which aims to engage and teach communities, predominantly children, about flood resilience, through the creativity of LEGO. Key Points Covered: The Lego Flood House: A dee...

Season 2 of The PGN Podcast is coming soon. Join host Meshi Taka as she continues to dive into all things groundwater with all new (and familiar) guests on the podcast. From those building houses out of lego, to talking to young people about their innovative ideas for the future, explore the groundwater, flooding and its impacts like never before.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please like, subscri...

In the season one finale of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson are joined by Jess Cook, the Net Zero Programme Manager at North of Tyne Combined Authority (recorded before 2 May elections). In this episode, they explore how the Net Zero North East England partnership is catalysing the region's transition to net zero. Beyond merely mitigating climate impacts, they uncover how th...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Carl Hodgson and Meshi Taka, accompanied by guest speaker Alex Fraser, Natural Flood Management Specialist for Mott MacDonald, delve into the realm of nature-based solutions for flood management. Alex elaborates on the concept of nature-based solutions, advocating for a nature-positive and nature-first approach to address flooding issues. Emphasis is also...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson explore the concept of nature-based solutions to leverage the natural environment and address environmental changes, particularly concerning climate change. Guest Hellen Hornby, Programme Development Manager for Groundworks North East and Cumbria shares her expertise in environmental conservation and the implementation of nature...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson delve into the need for accelerated action in flood management strategies amidst the growing frequency of intense rainfall due to climate change. Joined by guests Kate Lloyd, Regional Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers (North East and Yorkshire and Humber). Also Andy Mace, Director and Senior Sustainability Manager a...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Carl Hodgson and Meshi Taka explore the often overlooked topic of the mental health impacts of flooding. Joined by Jed Ramsay, the Project Leader for Project Groundwater, Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs, the discussion sheds light on the unseen repercussions of flooding and the need for a more comprehensive approach to flood management. Key Points Cover...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson discuss the importance of normalising the conversation around flooding and increasing resilience to it. They are joined by guests Karen Daglish, Stronger Shores Delivery Manager at South Tyneside Council and Andrew Tweddle, Lead Principal Engineer at ESH Stantec. Key Points Covered: Understanding Flood Impacts: The hosts and gue...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson are joined by a special guest, Andrew Eden ,Flood & Coastal Risk Manager: Adaptation & Resilience. The focus of the discussion revolves around the national strategy on flood and coastal erosion risk management in England. Key Points Covered: National Strategy Overview: Andrew provides some insights into the national stra...

In this bonus episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Carl Hodgson and Meshi Taka explore the importance of diversifying the industry and attracting a broader spectrum of talent to careers in flood and water management. Joined by Chartered Water and Environment Manager and host of Planet Possible podcast, Niki Roach, the discussion delves into the necessity for a diverse range of skills within the secto...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson, accompanied again by Richard Woodhouse, the Sustainable Drainage Manager from Northumbrian Water, discuss the complexities of flood management in England. They delve into the complexities of flood management, discussing the intricate maze of rules and procedures involved, specifically the Flood and Water Management Act of 2010....

In this bonus episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Carl Hodgson and Meshi Taka delve into the often-overlooked issue of groundwater flooding, shedding light on its complexities and discussing the urgent need for better understanding and management strategies. They are joined by Jed Ramsay, project lead for Project Groundwater Buckinghamshire, who shares insights into the challenges and objectives of...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson, along with experts Paul Hodgson, a planning engineer, and Rhiannon Marchi-Smith, a hydrogeologist, delve into the pressing issue of groundwater flooding and its intricate connection to the mining legacy in the North East region of England. The conversation navigates through the impacts of coal mining on groundwater, potential f...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson dive into the complexities of flooding, as well as going back to the basics, to shed light on the importance of understanding these intricacies for effective long-term flood management.  They are joined by Richard Woodhouse, the Sustainable Drainage Manager from Northumbrian Water, who brings over three decades of experience in...

In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson lead a crucial conversation on normalising discussions about flooding and equipping individuals and communities to confront such emergencies. Joined by guests Lynn Chapman and Alex Scaife, the discussion delves into the profound impact of flooding on communities, emphasising the pivotal role of public awareness, engagement, and...

Summary: In this episode of The PGN Podcast, hosts Meshi Taka and Carl Hodgson join experts Elaine and Nick to delve into the complexities of flood management. Together, they navigate the challenges, strategies, and impacts of flood management, shedding light on the collaborative efforts required to investigate and manage flood risk.  The discussion encompasses the citizen's perspective, risk...

PGN stands for Project Groundwater Northumbria and in this podcast we're looking to normalise the conversation around flooding; what happens behind the scenes, lifting the curtains and the mystery that can sometimes come into play when you're either involved with flooding or trying to protect your home. In Season One, Meet at the Roundtable, we'll talk to experts in the industry and re...