In this episode, James interviews Jonny Goode - Communications Manager at Blast Theory and winner of the Digital Ambassador award at the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. Jonny shares their journey from joining the organisation in 2021 to leading a transformative approach to digital communications, data strategy, and audience engagement.

They reflect on the development of Blast Theory’s comms strategy, the impact of AI-driven project Cat Royale, and the importance of transparency and knowledge-sharing in the arts.

James and Jonny discuss:

• How using automated data dashboards to streamline reporting can free up time for strategic thinking and creative planning.
• What Blast Theory’s shift to behind-the-scenes, artist-led content revealed about audience engagement and storytelling online.
• Why advocating for digital tools and sharing knowledge and personal insights has helped Jonny support better digital practice across the arts.

Links and resources discussed in this episode:

• Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)
• Explore Jonny’s Digital Culture Award win
• Learn more about Blast Theory’s Cat Royale project
• Check out some of Blast Theory’s useful resources & templates shared in the episode

Jonny Goode won the Digital Ambassador category in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Zak Mensah - Co-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust.

Music by ⁠⁠SHAR