Creating Content That Matters for the Local Government Sector.

Creating Content That Matters for the Local Government Sector.

Author: Matt Masters September 13, 2026 Duration: 17:17

Local government has never had more access to content, research, podcasts, reports and thought leadership. Yet with leaders under immense pressure and time constraints, how do we ensure the content being produced actually helps drive innovation, challenge thinking and improve services?

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matt Masters is joined by Ian Mensah-Stapleton, Founder of the Public Finance Podcast, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of creating genuinely valuable content for the local government sector. Together they explore what separates meaningful insight from noise, why authentic practitioner-led content matters, and how thought leadership can support better decision-making across public services.


Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at your city hall or county office? Truth about Local Government pulls back the curtain, offering a clear-eyed look at the systems and people that manage our communities every single day. Hosted by seasoned professional Matt Masters, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the practical, often unspoken realities of public service. Each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by those in the trenches, from budgeting and infrastructure to community engagement and policy implementation. It’s a space dedicated to the growth and development of local government professionals, but it’s equally valuable for any curious citizen who wants to understand how their neighborhood actually functions. You’ll hear candid conversations that blend experience with actionable insights, all aimed at fostering better leadership and more effective governance. Tune in for a straightforward discussion that replaces jargon with clarity and passion, revealing the human impact of decisions made close to home. This is where the abstract becomes concrete, and where dedicated public servants find a resource for honest reflection and professional development.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Truth about Local Government
Podcast Episodes
Building Inclusive Growth: Inside Newham’s Strategic Place Vision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:50
In this episode of Truth About Local Government, we dive into how the London Borough of Newham is turning its Growth Plan into reality. With a strong focus on inclusive economy, community wealth building, and strategic i…
The Legacy Coach: Rewriting Your Next Chapter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:20
In this episode of Truth About Local Government, I sit down with Averil Price author of The Legacy Coach: Your Next Chapter, Your Legacy, Your Way, available on Amazon. After more than two decades as a Local Authority Di…
Why Transformation Often Fails Within Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
Transformation is often seen as the fix for inefficiencies and budget pressures in local government, but many programmes fail to deliver lasting change. In this episode, Claire Symonds, Ashley Roper, and Meena Kishinani…
Unlocking the Hidden Value: Rethinking Data in Social Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:54
In this episode we sit down with Alexander Mileman, Founder of Achieving for Action to explore the transformative potential of the Social Care Value Index project. They discuss how local authorities are sitting on a gold…