Ben Dickenson
@benjitoon.bsky.social
Dad. Hat wearer. Creative type. Lesser half of Nathalie. Grownup who annoys teenage son.
MD @bylinesnetwork.co.uk
Associate @alphabettitheatre.bsky.social
Trustee @bohoarts.bsky.social
Read my “50 by 50” here: https://substack.com/@bendickenson
MD @bylinesnetwork.co.uk
Associate @alphabettitheatre.bsky.social
Trustee @bohoarts.bsky.social
Read my “50 by 50” here: https://substack.com/@bendickenson
What films have you been watching this festive season? If they're present-day Hollywood, they're unlikely to challenge the Trump world order. It wasn't always like this – it doesn't have to be!
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
December 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
What films have you been watching this festive season? If they're present-day Hollywood, they're unlikely to challenge the Trump world order. It wasn't always like this – it doesn't have to be!
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Hanukkah ended yesterday. The Bondi shooting was over a week ago. Unity and connection across cultural divisions feels more immediately relevant than ever.
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
December 23, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Hanukkah ended yesterday. The Bondi shooting was over a week ago. Unity and connection across cultural divisions feels more immediately relevant than ever.
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
"Bondi filled me with fear and darkness. I felt it as a Jew.. But Ahmed’s act illuminated something else. Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans..Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away..Hanukkah doesn’t promise darkness will vanish. It promises light can be carried."
A reflection on what happened in Bondi Beach a week ago, and an appeal - from this Jew - for humanity over hate and persecution of all kinds.
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
50 by 60 #6: Light, After Bondi – fear, humanity, and the bravery to connect
From Bondi Beach to East London, a meditation on murder, memory, Hanukkah, and the bravery to resist hate – not with slogans or purity tests, but humanity, connection, and the light we carry together.
open.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:50 AM
"Bondi filled me with fear and darkness. I felt it as a Jew.. But Ahmed’s act illuminated something else. Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans..Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away..Hanukkah doesn’t promise darkness will vanish. It promises light can be carried."
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
"Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans or policy. Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away. Sometimes it’s reaching across the division to say: We are human"
December 22, 2025 at 12:20 PM
"Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans or policy. Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away. Sometimes it’s reaching across the division to say: We are human"
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Come over to Substack and have a read. Thoughts welcome. Humanity expected.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
December 21, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Come over to Substack and have a read. Thoughts welcome. Humanity expected.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Come over to Substack and have a read. Thoughts welcome. Humanity expected.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
December 21, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Come over to Substack and have a read. Thoughts welcome. Humanity expected.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...
A reflection on what happened in Bondi Beach a week ago, and an appeal - from this Jew - for humanity over hate and persecution of all kinds.
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
50 by 60 #6: Light, After Bondi – fear, humanity, and the bravery to connect
From Bondi Beach to East London, a meditation on murder, memory, Hanukkah, and the bravery to resist hate – not with slogans or purity tests, but humanity, connection, and the light we carry together.
open.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:58 PM
A reflection on what happened in Bondi Beach a week ago, and an appeal - from this Jew - for humanity over hate and persecution of all kinds.
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Moonlighting at Midsommar Bakery.
Today’s workplace is pretty cool. Plenty of writing inspiration to be found amongst those buns, and in conversations with the lovely humans eating them.
Today’s workplace is pretty cool. Plenty of writing inspiration to be found amongst those buns, and in conversations with the lovely humans eating them.
December 13, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Moonlighting at Midsommar Bakery.
Today’s workplace is pretty cool. Plenty of writing inspiration to be found amongst those buns, and in conversations with the lovely humans eating them.
Today’s workplace is pretty cool. Plenty of writing inspiration to be found amongst those buns, and in conversations with the lovely humans eating them.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
After Marcelo Gomes da Silva was arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, he made a promise to the men he shared a cell with: He’d be a voice for immigrants unfairly detained.
He's one of Boston Globe Magazine’s Bostonians of the Year.
trib.al/p9Edy6F
He's one of Boston Globe Magazine’s Bostonians of the Year.
trib.al/p9Edy6F
December 12, 2025 at 8:59 PM
After Marcelo Gomes da Silva was arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, he made a promise to the men he shared a cell with: He’d be a voice for immigrants unfairly detained.
He's one of Boston Globe Magazine’s Bostonians of the Year.
trib.al/p9Edy6F
He's one of Boston Globe Magazine’s Bostonians of the Year.
trib.al/p9Edy6F
@patispaton.com was brilliant on this podcast. George was too, of course.
It was great to have the opportunity to take part in this marvellous conversation on such fundamental issues! Plenty of food for thought! Thank you @georgemonbiot.bsky.social, @benjitoon.bsky.social and @bylinesnetwork.co.uk
In conversation with George Monbiot
EXCLUSIVE: Journalist and activist George Monbiot discusses UK politics, land ownership, food insecurity, democracy, the problem with the media, and more.
substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:24 PM
@patispaton.com was brilliant on this podcast. George was too, of course.
Whatever you make of him, there’s some joy to be had in this clip.
December 12, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Whatever you make of him, there’s some joy to be had in this clip.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
🔥 The “Friends of Bylines Network” scheme…
…and how citizen journalism can break the grip of mainstream media on the news mix we consume.
Community roots go deeper than broadcasters.
Check it out, share & get involved—> bylinesnetwork.co.uk/friends-of-b...
…and how citizen journalism can break the grip of mainstream media on the news mix we consume.
Community roots go deeper than broadcasters.
Check it out, share & get involved—> bylinesnetwork.co.uk/friends-of-b...
December 10, 2025 at 10:29 PM
🔥 The “Friends of Bylines Network” scheme…
…and how citizen journalism can break the grip of mainstream media on the news mix we consume.
Community roots go deeper than broadcasters.
Check it out, share & get involved—> bylinesnetwork.co.uk/friends-of-b...
…and how citizen journalism can break the grip of mainstream media on the news mix we consume.
Community roots go deeper than broadcasters.
Check it out, share & get involved—> bylinesnetwork.co.uk/friends-of-b...
Me and @patispaton.com of @bylines.scot in conversation with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesn...
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesn...
In conversation with George Monbiot
EXCLUSIVE: Journalist and activist George Monbiot discusses UK politics, land ownership, food insecurity, democracy, the problem with the media, and more.
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Me and @patispaton.com of @bylines.scot in conversation with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesn...
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesn...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Believe in the power of writing? Want to champion citizen voices? Passionate about truth and democracy?
Become a friend of Bylines Network 👇
Become a friend of Bylines Network 👇
Friends of Bylines Network - Bylines Network
Stand with us – sign up. now to become a Friend of Bylines Network
bylinesnetwork.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Believe in the power of writing? Want to champion citizen voices? Passionate about truth and democracy?
Become a friend of Bylines Network 👇
Become a friend of Bylines Network 👇
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
🔥 WE’RE changing the media.
Citizen journalism is peer-to-peer news, it’s forging information networks from the grassroots up, sidestepping the top-down mainstream media.
Utterly new and fresh.
Become a friend of the Bylines Network and stand with us as we build media as it should be. 👇👇
Citizen journalism is peer-to-peer news, it’s forging information networks from the grassroots up, sidestepping the top-down mainstream media.
Utterly new and fresh.
Become a friend of the Bylines Network and stand with us as we build media as it should be. 👇👇
Friends of Bylines Network - Bylines Network
Stand with us – sign up. now to become a Friend of Bylines Network
bylinesnetwork.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 4:55 PM
🔥 WE’RE changing the media.
Citizen journalism is peer-to-peer news, it’s forging information networks from the grassroots up, sidestepping the top-down mainstream media.
Utterly new and fresh.
Become a friend of the Bylines Network and stand with us as we build media as it should be. 👇👇
Citizen journalism is peer-to-peer news, it’s forging information networks from the grassroots up, sidestepping the top-down mainstream media.
Utterly new and fresh.
Become a friend of the Bylines Network and stand with us as we build media as it should be. 👇👇
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
2011 - cousin murdered.
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
December 9, 2025 at 7:53 AM
2011 - cousin murdered.
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
2011 - cousin murdered.
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
December 9, 2025 at 7:53 AM
2011 - cousin murdered.
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
2018 - Mum died.
2025 - Dad gets cancer.
2012 - start a theatre company.
2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people.
2026 - Bylines Network and Substack.
Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Resist. Create. Make a better world.
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
50 by 50 #4: The heavy clock – grief, resistance, and the art that saved me
In a decade marked by murder, illness, and family heartbreak, I kept finding myself whispering the words: “I’m sorry.” This is the story of why – of the women who showed me creativity is the answer
bendickenson.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Resist. Create. Make a better world.
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
Resist. Create. Make a better world.
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
50 by 50 #4: The heavy clock – grief, resistance, and the art that saved me
In a decade marked by murder, illness, and family heartbreak, I kept finding myself whispering the words: “I’m sorry.” This is the story of why – of the women who showed me creativity is the answer
bendickenson.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Resist. Create. Make a better world.
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
This is the legacy of my mum, cousin and sister. Two were tragically, brutally taken from us. One is still here, just. Grief is a viscous beast - the social power of art is answer.
So why do I find myself saying sorry?
bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Zia Yusuf - the unelected multimillionaire policy chief of Reform - makes his fourth Question Time appearance tonight.
The party has five MPs
The party has five MPs
December 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Zia Yusuf - the unelected multimillionaire policy chief of Reform - makes his fourth Question Time appearance tonight.
The party has five MPs
The party has five MPs
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Bannon Comes Clean and Reveals His Alliance with Putin’s Fake Holy Russia
The cat is out of the bag. Now Bannon’s proximity to Epstein and his plans for European subversion are exposed, he doubles down on his support for Putin and Dugin
open.substack.com/pub/pdjukes/...
The cat is out of the bag. Now Bannon’s proximity to Epstein and his plans for European subversion are exposed, he doubles down on his support for Putin and Dugin
open.substack.com/pub/pdjukes/...
Bannon Comes Clean and Reveals His Alliance with Putin’s Fake Holy Russia
The cat is out of the bag. Now Bannon’s proximity to Epstein and his plans for European subversion are exposed, the Cambridge Analytica co-founder doubles down on his support for Putin and Dugin
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Bannon Comes Clean and Reveals His Alliance with Putin’s Fake Holy Russia
The cat is out of the bag. Now Bannon’s proximity to Epstein and his plans for European subversion are exposed, he doubles down on his support for Putin and Dugin
open.substack.com/pub/pdjukes/...
The cat is out of the bag. Now Bannon’s proximity to Epstein and his plans for European subversion are exposed, he doubles down on his support for Putin and Dugin
open.substack.com/pub/pdjukes/...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
A: Who gives a fuck apart from racists?
B: His figure is wrong. 71.2% of Glaswegian children speak English as their first language.
C: So that's 28.8% who speak it as a second and I'll bet you they speak brilliant English and that it's much better than most Reform voters I've met online.
B: His figure is wrong. 71.2% of Glaswegian children speak English as their first language.
C: So that's 28.8% who speak it as a second and I'll bet you they speak brilliant English and that it's much better than most Reform voters I've met online.
December 3, 2025 at 10:43 PM
A: Who gives a fuck apart from racists?
B: His figure is wrong. 71.2% of Glaswegian children speak English as their first language.
C: So that's 28.8% who speak it as a second and I'll bet you they speak brilliant English and that it's much better than most Reform voters I've met online.
B: His figure is wrong. 71.2% of Glaswegian children speak English as their first language.
C: So that's 28.8% who speak it as a second and I'll bet you they speak brilliant English and that it's much better than most Reform voters I've met online.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
🔴 BREAKING: Our fake Chinese AI investor bought access to 10+ Labour MPs and minister
Brand new investigation by Democracy for Sale and Led By Donkeys.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
Brand new investigation by Democracy for Sale and Led By Donkeys.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
BREAKING: Our fake Chinese AI investor bought access into heart of Labour government
Ex-Tory MP facilitated meetings with 10+ Labour MPs and met ministers in “cash-for-access operation”
democracyforsale.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:48 PM
🔴 BREAKING: Our fake Chinese AI investor bought access to 10+ Labour MPs and minister
Brand new investigation by Democracy for Sale and Led By Donkeys.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
Brand new investigation by Democracy for Sale and Led By Donkeys.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
We’re relying on foodbanks to fill the gaps left by a shrinking welfare state. This article by Community Organisers CEO Nick Gardham explains why that risks normalising deprivation.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @nickgardham.bsky.social
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @nickgardham.bsky.social
Normalising deprivation – when charity is the default response to poverty
The rise of foodbanks shows how charity has filled the gaps of a failing system and now risks normalising hardship
eastangliabylines.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
We’re relying on foodbanks to fill the gaps left by a shrinking welfare state. This article by Community Organisers CEO Nick Gardham explains why that risks normalising deprivation.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @nickgardham.bsky.social
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @nickgardham.bsky.social