
Advertise on podcast: Most Podern Podcast
Rating
5from
This podcast has
77 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Minkoo Kang, Libo Li, and Alex YuenExplicit
No
Date created
2024/01/15
Latest episode
2026/01/21
Average duration
40 min.
Release period
13 days
Description
The podcast about the Built Environment, with the minds shaping it, for the people living in it. Why does the built environment feel broken — and what would it take to fix it? Most Podern is about how the built world really works. We dig into the systems shaping architecture, urbanism, housing, and public spaces, and talk with the people actually building change: architects, planners, developers, and urban thinkers.
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Check latest episodes from Most Podern Podcast podcast
Why 12 Million Tons of Glass Goes to Landfills Every Year (And How We're Stopping It)
2026/01/21
Every year, 12 million tons of architectural glass from skyscrapers and office buildings ends up in landfills. Even though you diligently put your glass bottles in the recycling bin, only 30% of collected glass actually gets recycled back into glass.
Sydney Mainster, VP of Sustainability at The Durst Organization, is on a mission to change that. After watching hundreds of tons of perfectly recyclable glass from a 40-story building go to waste, she pioneered a partnership to recycle skyscraper windows across New York City.
In this episode, Sydney and David Entwistle (Director of Major Projects at Saint-Gobain Glass) reveal:
- Why glass is the ONLY material recyclers lose money on
- The hidden contamination problem that shuts down $40M furnaces
- How "sneaky sustainability" is making glass recycling standard practice
- Why interior office glass is the secret to scaling this solution
- The roadblocks preventing this from going national
Sydney and David are completely reimagining how we handle one of our most valuable building materials.
🔗 Connect with Sydney Mainster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smainster/🔗 Connect with David Entwistle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-entwistle-b51b2531/
Chapters
00:00 Circular Economy in Glass Recycling00:37 Roles and Responsibilities in Sustainability00:54 The Glass Recycling Challenge07:37 Understanding Architectural Glass vs. Container Glass16:15 Origin Stories of Glass Recycling Programs27:03 Collaboration and Learning in the Industry31:30 The Journey of Deconstruction and Sustainability33:37 Overcoming the Status Quo in Construction35:12 Convincing Stakeholders for Sustainable Practices38:40 The Role of Case Studies in Advocacy40:19 Scaling Challenges in Sustainability43:46 Looking Forward: The Future of Sustainability
An Architectural Answer to how Cities can Turn Down the Heat
2025/12/18
What if a powerful climate solution in cities isn’t a new building, but the roof that’s already there? As heat waves intensify across Europe, architect and MIT-trained educator Olivier Faber explains how his firm, Roofscapes is transforming overlooked rooftops into cooling, accessible, green infrastructure. Starting with Paris’s iconic zinc roofs, the conversation unpacks why existing buildings are misaligned with today’s climate, how shading and vegetation can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures without air conditioning, and why renovation and adaptation may matter more than new construction in the decades ahead. Along the way, Olivier reveals the political, technical, and cultural battles behind testing climate solutions in historic cities, and why climate adaptation is about changing how we value the buildings we already have.
Thumbnail Image courtesy of Roofscapes
Subscribe to Most Podern on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern
Keywords
architecture, climate change, renovation, urban design, sustainability, Roofscapes, green roofs, preservation, adaptation, building practices, Paris, urban design, heat island effect
Chapters
00:00 Background and Journey into Architecture
00:51 Exploring Alternative Architecture Practices
03:52 Introducing Roofscapes and Its Mission
06:17 Physical Adaptation: Before and After
07:16 The Challenges of Zinc Roofs in Urban Design
10:29 Innovative Solutions for Urban Heat Management
11:34Pitching Green Roof Solutions to Building Owners
14:08 Navigating the Complexities of Building Regulations
17:14 Measuring the Impact of Climate Adaptation Projects
24:09 Future Directions for Climate Adaptation in Architecture
Links
Olivier Faber - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-faber
Roofscapes - https://www.roofscapes.studio/MITx - https://mitxonline.mit.edu/
A New Era for Sprawl
2025/12/10
The American suburban dream is unsustainable—but we're not giving up on it.
David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority and lecturer at Yale, explains why sprawl no longer works as an economic engine and how we can retrofit existing suburbs to be more prosperous, walkable, and sustainable.
In this episode, we explore:✓ Why the suburban development model is fiscally unsustainable✓ How to transform aging strip malls into thriving town centers✓ The art of community engagement that builds consensus (not opposition)✓ Why making car-dependent places walkable has more impact than you think✓ Planning concepts everyone should understand about their built environment
https://www.wearecmda.com/
Chapters
00:00 The Impetus for Urban Planning00:00 Understanding the Role of Municipal Development00:00 Examples of Community Engagement00:00 David Kooris's Background and Insights00:41 The Importance of Long-Term Planning00:41 Retrofitting Suburban Landscapes00:41 Strategies for Community Improvement00:41 Engaging Future Residents in Development Conversations00:41 The Importance of Diverse Stakeholder Engagement00:41 Overcoming Community Resistance to Change00:41 Planning 101: Essential Concepts for Community Engagement00:41 Understanding the Complexities of the Built Environment00:41 Streamlining Community Engagement in Planning00:41 Innovative Approaches to Municipal Development00:41 Reflecting on the Current Era of Urban Planning
Planning Coachella - Reiko Wei
2025/12/03
What hidden design choices make a 125,000-person festival feel effortless—and what happens when being off by just one foot throws everything into chaos? Why do some festivals become cultural icons while others collapse spectacularly? And how did one architect watching the Fyre Festival documentary suddenly realize, “I could do this a million times better”—and then actually go do it?
In this episode, Reiko Wei, design production manager at Goldenvoice (the team behind Coachella & Stagecoach), pulls back the curtain on the invisible systems, political negotiations, spatial puzzles, and human-centered decisions that shape the world’s most iconic music festivals. She reveals how a show built on 1200 acres needs precision down to a single foot, why the fire marshal has the ultimate power, how Gen Z is reshaping festival culture, and why physical spaces for real connection matter more than ever in a post-COVID world.
If you’ve ever wondered how a “giant party” becomes a safe, seamless, deeply human experience—or why these events still matter—this conversation will change how you see every festival you attend.
https://goldenvoice.com/
https://www.coachella.com/
https://www.stagecoachfestival.com/
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Coachella: The Festival Experience03:19 The Role of Logistics in Event Planning06:41 Reiko's Transition from Architecture to Event Planning10:10 Collaboration with Authorities and Stakeholders13:35 The Evolution of Coachella: Adapting to Change17:00 Designing for Experience: The Importance of Flow21:15 The Art of Curation in Festivals25:02 Shifting Audience Dynamics Post-COVID27:11 The Importance of In-Person Connections30:43 Navigating Loneliness and Community31:51 Reflections on the Current Era
America can't Build. Can Modular Construction be the Answer?
2025/11/26
How do we build faster, smarter, and more affordably in a world running out of patience and running short on skilled labor? Tom Hardiman, Executive Director of the Modular Building Institute, joins Alex Yuen and Libo Li to explain how modular construction can reshape the built environment. From cutting construction timelines in half to reducing waste and expanding access to housing, Tom shows why modular is not a trend but a practical tool for a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive future. The conversation unpacks the realities behind factory based building, the politics that slow adoption, and how modular can help cities facing affordability and capacity challenges.
Subscribe to Most Podern on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern
Keywords
modular construction, prefab housing, offsite construction, Modular Building Institute, MBI, Tom Hardiman, affordable housing solutions, housing crisis, construction technology, manufacturing in construction, sustainable building, prefabricated buildings, industrialized construction, factory-built homes, housing innovation, construction efficiency, future of construction, how to build faster, Most Podern podcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Modular Construction
00:53 Defining Modular Construction
02:02 Benefits of Modular Construction
04:59 The Ecosystem of Modular Construction
06:51 Coordination in Modular Projects
08:20 Cost Considerations in Modular Construction
09:53 The Importance of Time in Construction
11:30 Architects and Modular Construction
12:53 Successful Modular Projects
14:38 Addressing Design Concerns in Modular Construction
17:32 Standardization vs. Customization
19:45 Regulatory Challenges in Modular Construction
20:50 Education and Resources for Modular Construction
21:13 The Role of Education in Modular Construction
24:27 Attracting Young Talent to Modular Construction
28:32 Barriers to Adoption of Modular Construction
30:56 Navigating Politics and Labor Relations
34:51 Integrating Traditional and Modular Construction
37:52 The Future of Modular Construction
40:12 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
Links
Tom Hardimanlinkedin.com/in/tomhardiman
Modular Building Institute (MBI)
https://www.modular.org/
World of Modular Conference
https://www.modular.org/wom/
MBI Research and Resources
https://www.modular.org/resources/
Why Affordable Housing Isn’t Affordable
2025/11/11
Why does building “affordable” housing cost so much in the built environment? From land prices to loan rates, construction inflation to endless permitting, Alex and Libo break down the true costs of creating homes and why the system often works against the very people it is meant to help. They unpack how financing, regulation, and risk collide, what makes America’s housing model unique, and what simple reforms could unlock more livable and affordable cities for everyone.
Subscribe to Most Podern on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern
Keywords
affordable housing crisis, built environment, housing policy, real estate development, construction costs, architecture, urban design, cities, zoning reform, housing finance, interest rates, pro forma explained
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Affordable Housing Costs02:29 The Role of Pro Forma in Housing Development05:49 Financing Affordable Housing Projects09:58 Impact of Rising Costs on Housing Development16:18 Government's Role in Affordable Housing20:29 Streamlining the Permitting Process23:13 Changing Perspectives on Housing Development
Design School for The Displaced - With Scott Key
2025/11/04
What happens when you run an architecture studio inside a refugee settlement — and let refugees lead it?
Scott Key (founder/CEO of Every Shelter) is back to break down how a 10-week “design school” in Nakivale turned buzzwords like “co-creation” into actual, working solutions — cow-dung bricks that survive soaking, shelter-wide mosquito netting, and quality water that families can afford.
Why it matters:
Refugees are displaced for 20+ years — which means they need permanent, local, extremely affordable building solutions. This episode shows how design unlocks what’s already on the ground: clay, ag waste, community trust, and good design.
LinksDonate to Support Every Shelter’s WorkEvery Shelter
Our Last Episode with Scott
Youtube*:* https://youtu.be/60d198yrKcY?feature=shared
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iVzLi6aF5SV1K7WaVayT4?si=P2-DFU3_QNKP9c_XFxUEFQ
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designing-dignity-how-scott-key-and-every-shelter-are/id1725756164?i=1000702692254
Chapters
00:00 Running an Architecture Studio in a Refugee Camp02:53 Pitching the Idea to Students and Stakeholders02:53 Introduction to the Program and Partnerships05:13 Setting the Stage: The First Day of Design School07:54 Curriculum and Transformation: Learning by Doing10:20 Innovative Projects: Cow Poop and Mud Bricks12:41 Community Engagement: Addressing Local Needs15:30 Water Quality Solutions: BioSand Filters18:18 Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: Offer Letters and Business Models20:39 Feedback and Iteration: Learning from the Community22:51 The Role of Donors and Future Directions25:08 Looking Ahead: Optimism for Human Connection
The Architect Who Healed NYC After 9/11
2025/09/24
In this conversation, Kevin Kennon, reflects on his experiences surrounding the events of 9/11, particularly his involvement in the Ground Zero viewing platform and the subsequent World Trade Center competition. We discusses the emotional impact of architecture, the importance of community and collaboration in design, and the lessons learned from revitalizing Lower Manhattan. Kennon emphasizes the need for architects to articulate their vision and the role of travel in enhancing one's understanding of the built environment. He concludes with thoughts on the future of architecture and the importance of fostering a sense of hope and connection through design.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/
https://www.kdcaia.com/
Chapters
00:00 Ground Zero: A Catalyst for Change
07:47 The Power of Architecture in Crisis
15:05 Collaboration and Competition: Redesigning the World Trade Center
23:55 Revitalization: Lessons from Lower Manhattan
31:10 The Future of Architecture: Optimism and Collaboration
The Four Horsemen of Urban Decline
2025/09/17
Why do some cities thrive while others slide into decline? Alex Yuen and Libo Li break down the Four Horsemen of Urban Decline - which include the Disease of Me, Construction Constipation, High Capital Contrast, and Identity Crisis. From San Francisco’s stalled growth to Tokyo’s adaptability and New York’s relentless appetite for change, this conversation reveals the hidden dynamics that decide whether a city stagnates or reinvents itself. Clear, provocative, and grounded in real-world examples, it’s a framework for seeing your city with new eyes.
Check out Alex's full article here:https://www.dusttodensity.com/p/the-four-horsemen-of-urban-decline
Subscribe to Most Podern on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Four Horsemen of Urban Decline
04:10 San Francisco: A Case Study of Urban Decline
09:39 Mismanagement and Its Impact on Urban Environments
12:29 Cities That Are Thriving: Lessons from Asia
14:41 Empowering Citizens to Improve Their Cities
18:29 The Role of Leadership in Urban Identity
20:27 Applying the Framework Beyond Urban Areas
21:41 The Dangers of Overbuilding: Lessons from China
23:06 Recommendations for New Urban Leaders
25:54 Optimism for the Future of Cities
27:08 The Digital vs. Physical Urban Experience
29:10 The Future of Urban Decline: A Historical Perspective
Keywords
urban decline, Four Horsemen of Urban Decline, San Francisco urban crisis, why cities fail, construction delays, permitting reform, housing crisis, inequality in cities, capital contrast, city identity crisis, urban design podcast, built environment, urban development, architecture and cities, density and growth, future of cities, urban policy, city planning challenges, how to fix cities, urban renewal, Most Podern Podcast
How Building Codes Shape American Urbanism - Type V City Part II
2025/09/03
Why do American neighborhoods so often look the same, filled with “five-over-one” apartments or endless rows of wood-framed houses? In Part II of our conversation, architect Jeana Ripple—author of The Type V City and Chair of Architecture at the University of Virginia—explains how Type V construction and building codes interact with zoning, finance, and policy to shape entire cities. From Chicago’s fire-driven codes to Seattle’s tolerance of replacement, Ripple shows how materials influence affordability, aesthetics, politics, and even community health. This conversation reveals how hidden regulations quietly dictate the look, feel, and risks of American urban life.Jeana Ripple is the Chair of the Department of Architecture and the Vincent and Eleanor Shea Professor at the University of Virginia. A registered architect, she is principal and co-founder of the collaborative architecture firm, Mir Collective.LinksJeana Ripple - https://www.arch.virginia.edu/people/jeana-rippleMir Collective - https://mircollective.com/Purchase the BookUT Press: The Type V City: Codifying Material Inequity in Urban America - https://utpress.utexas.edu/9781477331620/Amazon: The Type V City: Codifying Material Inequity in Urban America - https://a.co/d/cUzKkySSubscribe to Most Podern on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podernKeywordsType V construction, The Type V City, Jeana Ripple, American housing, Why U.S. cities look the same, Five over one buildings, Wood frame construction, U.S. building codes, Zoning vs building code, Architecture podcast, Housing affordability, Sustainable building materials, Urban design and policy, Multifamily housing design, Mid-rise apartment design, Housing crisis America, Cookie cutter housing, Mass timber construction, History of U.S. housing, Building codes explained, Real estate development podcast, Neighborhood design patterns, Wood vs concrete housing, Urban resilience, Affordable housing policy, City planning podcastChapters00:00 Introduction to Type 5 Construction00:37 Future Directions for Type 5 Construction06:32 Understanding Community Engagement and Zoning10:00 The Impact of Building Codes on Urban Development14:37 The Relationship Between Building Codes and Zoning17:20 Global Perspectives on Building Materials and Practices20:13 Sustainability and Materiality in Housing Policy25:07 Aesthetics and Cultural Preferences in Urban Design29:36 Challenges in Affordable Housing Development33:32 The Role of Community in Shaping Building Regulations38:10 Future Perspectives on Building Codes and Community Needs
Why U.S. Homes Are All Built the Same Way - Type V City Part I
2025/09/03
Why are nearly all American homes built out of wood when most of the world uses brick, steel, or concrete? In Part I of our conversation Architect Jeana Ripple, author of The Type V City, explains how the U.S.’s reliance on light wood framing—known as Type V construction—became the national default. She breaks down the benefits (affordability, flexibility, sustainability) and the hidden risks (mold, storm damage, limited adaptability) that slowly shape the country’s homes, neighborhoods, cities, and built environment. This conversation reveals how building codes and materials influence urban life far more than most of us realize.
Jeana Ripple is the Chair of the Department of Architecture and the Vincent and Eleanor Shea Professor at the University of Virginia. A registered architect, she is principal and co-founder of the collaborative architecture firm, Mir Collective.
LinksJeana Ripple - https://www.arch.virginia.edu/people/jeana-ripple
Mir Collective - https://mircollective.com/
Purchase the BookUT Press: The Type V City: Codifying Material Inequity in Urban America - https://utpress.utexas.edu/9781477331620/
Amazon: The Type V City: Codifying Material Inequity in Urban America - https://a.co/d/cUzKkyS
Subscribe to Most Podern on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern
Keywords
Type V construction, The Type V City, Jeana Ripple, American housing, Wood frame construction, U.S. building codes, Urban design, Architecture podcast, Why U.S. houses are wood, Building codes explained, Wood vs concrete housing, Mass timber, Multifamily housing design, Housing crisis America, Home maintenance mold, Sustainable building materials
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Type 5 Construction
01:32 Understanding Type 5 and Its Global Context
05:11 The Dominance of Type 5 in the U.S.
07:58 The Evolution of Wood Frame Construction
11:41 Maintenance and Vulnerabilities of Type 5 Buildings
15:44 Consumer Awareness and Decision-Making
19:10 The Role of Policy in Building Codes
22:43 The Impact of Interest Groups on Building Regulations
25:59 Future Directions for Type 5 Construction
Why Architects Should Code - With Alex and Libo
2025/08/20
In this conversation, Alex Yuen and Libo discuss the importance of architects learning to code, exploring how coding can enhance creativity, efficiency, and control in architectural design. They delve into Libo's personal journey into coding, the impact of technology on architectural practice, and the future implications for the built environment. The discussion emphasizes the need for architects to embrace technology to improve their work and the overall quality of architecture.
Takeaways
Architects need to learn coding to enhance design capabilities.Current architectural outputs are often unsatisfactory due to a lack of software proficiency.Mastery of technology allows architects to control design outcomes better.The transition from manual to automated processes can significantly increase efficiency.Learning to code can help architects manage complex projects more effectively.Embracing discomfort in learning new skills is essential for growth.AI and coding can streamline repetitive tasks in architecture.Architects should leverage coding to improve project management and communication.The architectural industry must adapt to technological advancements to retain talent.Future architects should be trained in coding to remain competitive.
Chapters:
00:00 The Need for Architects to Learn Coding
09:45 Personal Journey into Coding
19:13 The Impact of Coding on Architectural Practice
24:09 Future of Architecture and Technology
Designing With Intimacy - Dong-Ping Wong
2025/08/13
What if a pool could clean a river—and a building could rewrite culture? Would you swim in the East River? What does “local” look like when it doesn’t mimic the block around it?
Architect Dong-Ping Wang (FOOD Architects)—who’s collaborated with Kanye West and Virgil Abloh—breaks down architecture as a cultural engine, from hyperlocal listening to rapid, messy sketching that invites feedback fast. He shares a Barbados culinary design studio with Pierre Seurat (Ghetto Gastro), why WhatsApp-level intimacy with clients beats sterile presentations, and how a tiny 6–8 person team caps projects to stay deeply hands-on.
We dive into PLUS POOL: the plus-shaped, river-filtering pool that turned a single rendering, a patent, and a site into a movement—and why the biggest risk isn’t tech, it’s convincing New Yorkers to jump in. DPW also opens up about shaping an Asian-American architectural language, rethinking practice as an “architectural production studio,” and the simplest way to read a space: look up at the ceiling.
https://food-arch.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dongpingwong/
https://pluspool.com/
https://www.instagram.com/foodmahjongclub/
00:00 The Importance of Local Culture in Architecture02:02 Navigating Client Relationships and Intimacy05:27 Architecture as a Cultural Vehicle06:49 Fluidity in Architectural Practice09:09 Working with Creative Clients10:21 Scaling Intimacy in Architecture12:28 The Architectural Production Studio Model16:04 The Plus Pool Project: Origins and Development24:25 The Power of Packaging in Architecture27:40 Local Context and Cultural Identity30:34 Post-Occupancy Analysis and Success Metrics32:58 Exploring Scales of Architectural Practice37:02 Cultural Identity and Architectural Expression39:43 Lessons from Other Creative Fields45:36 Cultural Shifts and Future Perspectives
How Suburbs Are Fueling America’s Wildfire Crisis
2025/08/07
What happens when cities expand into fire-prone landscapes—and what can we do about it? Jonah Susskind, Director of Climate Strategy at SWA, unpacks the overlooked realities of wildfire risk, why most modern cities are spreading in all the wrong directions, and how smart design can turn parks, neighborhoods, and planning policies into climate-resilient systems. From the “wildland-urban interface” to shelter-in-place strategies, this conversation blends environmental science, urban planning, and design thinking to illuminate the future of where and how we live.
Subscribe to Most Podern on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern
Links & References
Jonah Susskind - https://www.swagroup.com/principals/jonah-susskind/SWA Group - https://www.swagroup.com/Playbook for the Pyroscene (Free PDF) - https://www.swagroup.com/ideas/playbook-for-the-pyroscene
Chapters
0:00 – Intro: Urban Futures in a Burning World
2:11 – What Is a Landscape Urbanist?
5:24 – Why “Natural Disasters” Aren’t Natural Anymore
8:16 – What Is Wildfire, Really?13:20 – Smoke, Soil, and the Carbon Cost
13:44 – Designing for Fire: Myths and Realities
16:10 – Lessons from Australia and the U.S.18:26 – Who’s Responsible at the Edge?
19:30 – What Homeowners Need to Know
21:54 – Policy, Enforcement, and the Zone Zero Debate
25:36 – Why We Need Local, Nuanced Research30:56 – Rethinking the Wildland-Urban Interface
33:10 – The WUI: Conflict, Desire, and Inequality
37:12 – Building Pragmatic, Resilient Communities
39:07 – Why East Coast Listeners Should Care Too
42:35 – This Moment: On the Precipice
44:12 – Where to Learn More
Keywords
wildfire resilience, built environment, suburbanization, urbanism, architecture, landscape architecture, design, urban planning, climate adaptation, landscape urbanism, wildland-urban interface, Jonah Susskind, SWA Group, climate strategy, suburban development, wildfire design, zone California, fireproof cities, smoke exposure effects, urban development
Live Near Friends. Be 40% Happier.
2025/07/29
What if the secret to a better life wasn’t a bigger house or higher salary, but simply living closer to your friends? Phil Levin, co-founder of Live Near Friends, reveals how proximity can drastically increase happiness, cut housing costs, and reshape how we think about community. From building a 10-home campus in Oakland to redefining what “neighbor” really means, we explore how small shifts in where—and who—you live near can change everything.
Subscribe to Most Podern on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern
Keywords
community, co-living, housing, quality of life, social connections, urban living, real estate, friendship, shared spaces, neighborhood design, built environment
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Crocs Distance and Its Importance00:40 Building a Community: Life at Radish01:56 The Cadence of Living Near Friends04:03 The Science of Happiness and Friendship06:33 The Pandemic's Impact on Co-Living Trends08:58 Barriers to Living Near Friends11:07 Live Near Friends: The Enterprise13:29 Target Demographics for Co-Living15:48 The Difference Between Co-Living and Living Near Friends18:19 Cultural Context of Living Near Friends20:32 Sharing Spaces: What Works and What Doesn't22:14 The Joy of Shared Living24:28 Navigating the Home Search Process27:26 Flexibility in Living Arrangements28:18 Rethinking Urban Design for Community39:32 The Dizziness of Freedom and Community Anchors
Links
Phil Levin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillevin/
Live Near Friends – https://www.livenearfriends.com
Radish – https://radishoakland.com/
Supernuclear (Blog + Substack) – https://supernuclear.substack.com
Framingham Heart Study – https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org
Culdesac (Car-Free Community) – https://culdesac.com
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