THE REASON WHY

“A brilliant podcast series from Seamas Carey exploring so many elements of Cornish identity. Loads of honest, nuanced conversations, brilliant presenting, and excellent music too”

- Gwenno Saunders

The Reason Why is the much talked about, controversial podcast released during the Spring of 2022. It looked at the social issues, hidden history and culture wars of contemporary Cornwall.

The podcast made national newspaper headlines in February 2022, when Tim Smit put his foot in it, by making inflammatory comments about “the Cornish”.

The 10 episode series takes a deep dive look at Cornwall now, as told by the people who live there. Seamas talks identity, rural racism and xenophobia with both household names and historically unheard voices. From second-home owners to Cornish nationalists, Black Voices Cornwall to Cornwall’s transgender community – he asks; what does it mean to belong?

It was also featured in these articles:

What People Said About It

“From gentrification and second-home ownership to nationalism and Cornwall’s cultural heritage, he went on a personal journey through Cornwalls soul”

The Guardian

“A beautifully created, multifaceted conversation about Cornwall”

Annemarie Bala, documentary photographer

“oh my god is it a fantastic exploration of the issues facing Cornwall today. (Also the remix of Trelawny in the intro absolutely slaps!)”

Taran Spalding-Jenkin, writer & poet

“If you've got even the slightest interest in the damage second homes are doing to Cornwall, I urge you to listen to this podcast, which elucidates the issue (and so much else about the realities of 21st-century Cornwall) beautifully”

Charlie Carroll, author of The Lip

“A really important listen, not only for people in Cornwall, but wherever second homes (& importantly second home owners) are. An emotional & emotive topic explored intelligently & beautifully produced”

Celine Elliott, Cornwall Museums Partnership

All episodes are available to listen to now, wherever you get your podcasts

Credits

Written and presented by Seamas Carey

Additional theme tune production by Mr BJ Jackson

Graphic Design by Phyllida Bluemel

Photography by Steve Tanner

Special thanks to all contributors as well as The Holman Climax Male Voice Choir, for the sampling of their 1974 album - The Reason Why

Associate producer: Charlie Bunker

Executive producer: Paul Dodgson

An Impossible Producing and Seamas Carey production,

Funded by Arts Council England