What happens when a group of frustrated and ambitious residents take over their town council and begin running things in a radically different way? What kinds of new economics and politics begin to emerge? And what happens to those who feel like they don’t belong to this new movement? What are the scars left from thirty years of closing factories and cutting services? How do these scars reveal themselves in our hearts and in our communities? Is it possible to bridge the economic, social, and psychological divides that carve up our societies? If it’s possible, then how do we do it?

The Upstream Podcast team has spent the summer in Frome – a small town in the sleepy western countryside of England. They came here to explore one story, but soon discovered that there was another bursting at the seams. It wasn’t long before they realized that this fiercely independent and historic town was a microcosm of a much larger phenomenon taking place in towns and cities all over the world. They argue that to understand Trump, we must understand Frome. To understand Brexit, we must understand Frome. And if it’s possible to live in a different world – one that values people and planet over profit – we must start in Frome.

Upstream tells this story of revolution, division, and happiness in a three-part radio documentary series called .

This is what the New Economy looks like

In the first episode, “This is what the New Economy looks Like,” they explore the “Flatpack Democracy” movement in Frome and the new economics initiatives it has sparked. What is a “share shop”? How about a community fridge? What happens when a town council creates a position designed to address climate change? Listen to find out and to enjoy some great music along the way. upstreampodcast.org/frome

More about the other two episodes coming soon.

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Photo by andypowe11