Best Inclusive Urban Development Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 20 | Oct 15, 2025 - The Chinese AI and Robotics Surge 29:14

Play Pause

7d ago29:14

29:14

Summary In this episode, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the urgent need for the U.S. to keep pace with advancements in robotics and AI, particularly in light of China's rapid progress. They explore the implications of cultural distrust and political paralysis in the U.S. that hinder innovation, while also emphasizing the importance of bui…

1
Episode 3: The Arts and Crafts Movement and Simple Living. 34:36

8d ago34:36

34:36

The Arts and Crafts Movement had a lasting effect on many aspects of modern life. In this episode we focus on the home, and the garden, of the simple home and how the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement can provide us with inspiration.

1
Fortifying food systems in Lagos 47:49

14d ago47:49

47:49

As in many cities worldwide, food production and management in Lagos is hugely complex – involving many different actors, shaped by various political dynamics and deeply intertwined with many other urban systems. With around 80% of food consumed in Lagos brought in from outside the city, the average household faces numerous challenges to getting fo…

1
Episode 2: Cherry Picking, or Gold Mining? 30:58

26d ago30:58

30:58

To keep you motivated in your aim of a simpler lifestyle, you need to keep yourself provided with inspiration, direction, new ideas, and new ways to live. This episode discusses how to stop cherry picking, and how to start gold mining.

1
Episode 19 | Sept 23, 2025 - AVs & the Visual Vernacular of Streets 27:11

30d ago27:11

27:11

In this episode, Billy Riggs explores the intersection of autonomous vehicles and urban design, questioning whether these vehicles should be context-sensitive to their environments. As he says: "What if AVs weren’t just about moving people, but about placemaking? What if their design reflected the neighborhoods they serve and became part of the vis…

1
Episode 18 | Sept 16, 2025 - Designing Tomorrow: AI & Architecture w/ Stefan Al 34:43

1M ago34:43

34:43

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, host Billy Riggs talks with architect and professor Stefan Al about the intersection of artificial intelligence and architectural design. They explore how the biggest current use case for AI in architecture is conceptual visualization, and "how just one text prompt can replace hours of modeling and ren…

1
Episode 17 | Sept 11, 2025 - Rewiring the Edge So Far: Reflections, Themes & Turning Points 18:30

1M ago18:30

18:30

In this reflective episode, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas review the key themes and insights from their first 16 episodes of 'Rewiring the American Edge.' They discuss the importance of American cities as economic engines, the impact of automation and AI on labor, the concept of universal basic infrastructure, and the need for cities to adapt to globa…

1
Episode 1: Keep on Keeping on! 30:49

1M ago30:49

30:49

I've been away for some time - why?

1
Episode 16 | Sep 2, 2025 - From Blockchain to Mars w/ Justin Hollander 39:28

2M ago39:28

39:28

In this episode, the Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of blockchain technology and urban planning with expert Justin Hollander. They discuss how blockchain can enhance community engagement, streamline public processes, and even influence future city planning on Mars. The conversation delves into the challenges of governance in sp…

1
Episode 15 | Aug 26, 2025 – Building a Smarter Workforce, From Classrooms to Code 28:27

2M ago28:27

28:27

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of education and the necessity of lifelong learning in the context of rapid technological advancements and changing workforce demands. Co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, the potential for decentralization in the workforce,…

1
Episode 14 | Aug 23, 2025 – Rideshare, Robotaxi and Biz Models w/ Henriette Cornet 39:54

2M ago39:54

39:54

In this conversation Henriette Cornet joins co-hosts William Riggs and Vipul Vyas to dive deeper into the evolving autonomous vehicles (AVs) and ride-sharing landscape, focusing on the technological advancements, infrastructure needs, and the importance of public-private partnerships. The experts discuss the shift from personal vehicle ownership to…

1
Episode 13 | Aug 4, 2025 - Inside a Midwest Factory with Parker Huncilman 32:15

3M ago32:15

32:15

In this conversation, co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Parker Huncilman from Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication / Nix Industrial about the evolution of Midwestern manufacturing. Parker discusses, the challenges of the capital environment and how chose to merge with another family business rather than accept a private equity buy-out in a…

1
Episode 12 | July 29, 2025 - AI in Policy with Marci Harris 33:08

3M ago33:08

33:08

In this episode co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas engage in a conversation with Marci Harris, CEO of POPVOX, discussing the intersection of AI and legislation, emphasizing the importance of civic tech in enhancing policy development. She reflects on the evolution of POPVOX, the challenges of keeping democratic institutions aligned with rapidly ad…

1
#31 Can designers anticipate our emotional needs? 29:53

3M ago29:53

29:53

#31 Can designers anticipate our emotional needs? by UNS talksBy UNS talks

1
Episode 11 | Jul 22, 2025 - Tariffs & Competing for the AI Future 30:09

3M ago30:09

30:09

In this episode co-hosts Dr. Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the complex dynamics of global shifts, focusing on tariffs, trade, and the impact of US policies on innovation and talent. They discuss the implications of isolationism, the role of Europe and China in shaping the future of automation, and the political dysfunction that hinders progres…

1
Episode 10 | July 15, 2025 - Climate and Community with John Gilderbloom 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

In this episode, host Billy Riggs talks with Dr. John (Hans) Gilderbloom who shares his personal journey and insights on housing policy, community engagement, and the health impacts of pollution, along with his wife Carla Snyder who talks about their forthcoming documentary Climate of Hope. The conversation explores the intersection of climate chan…

1
Episode 9 | July 8, 2025 - Outpacing the Chaos 26:54

4M ago26:54

26:54

In this episode, the hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk shop with special guest Lee Riggs and discuss the intersection of innovation, automation, and education in the context of the American economy. They explore the challenges posed by uncertainty and chaos, the role of technology in education, and the need for cities to remain competitive. The…

1
Episode 8 | July 3, 2025 - Land Use and the Curb 42:51

4M ago42:51

42:51

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of automation, urban policy, and the future of cities. They discuss the intrinsic value of streets and urban spaces, the need for transformative land use, and the challenges facing public transportation systems. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of adapting to technologi…

1
Episode 7 | Jun 30, 2025 - Automation Accelerates 46:39

4M ago46:39

46:39

In this episode hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Dr. Henriette Cornet (Autonomous Vehicles & the City co-director and founder of Urban Innovate) about autonomous vehicles and sustainability, highlighting the importance of innovation in public transport. The discussion covers the differences between the US and Europe in terms of investment…

1
Episode 6 | Jun 9, 2025 - Workforce Evolution 47:34

4M ago47:34

47:34

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with special guest Ruth Whittaker Director of Civic Innovation Policy at the Chamber of Program discussing the future of labor in the context of automation and autonomous vehicles. They explore the potential for job creation, the importance of middle-skilled labor,…

1
Episode 5 | Jun 3, 2025 - Guarding the Gates 31:48

5M ago31:48

31:48

In this conversation, Vipul Vyas and Billy Riggs discuss the erosion of trust in global institutions, particularly focusing on the implications of foreign affiliations and national security concerns. They explore the challenges faced by U.S. institutions like Harvard in navigating these issues, the impact of foreign student policies on academic fre…

1
Episode 4 | May 28, 2025 - Are Cities Future Ready? 1:06:27

5M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the future of cities in the context of automation and innovation. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the importance of education and critical thinking, and the need for bold leadership to prepare for a rapidly changing world. Special …

1
Episode 3 | May 20, 2025 - Redundancy and Resilience 15:35

5M ago15:35

15:35

In this conversation, Billy Riggs discusses the impact of automation on the economy, emphasizing the importance of redundancy in technology for resilience. He explores the concept of coopetition among tech companies and highlights the challenges and opportunities in public transportation, particularly regarding last mile solutions. Takeaways Automa…

1
Understanding urban property tax with Samuel B Biitir 31:06

5M ago31:06

31:06

As urbanisation accelerates across Africa, cities are under growing pressure to deliver essential infrastructure and public services – such as water, sanitation, drainage and electricity. Yet this expanding responsibility is unfolding in a context where sustainable funding and reliable financing mechanisms remain limited or entirely absent, leaving…

1
Episode 2 | May 6, 2025 - Unpacking Labor 34:25

6M ago34:25

34:25

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore various themes related to management strategies, the importance of having clear goals in leadership, the impact of automation and innovation on society, and the future of work. Billy also forgets the show name and calls it "Reimagining the American Dream". They discuss the need for infrastruc…

1
Episode 1 | May 1, 2025 - The Great Rewiring 33:00

6M ago33:00

33:00

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the new economy. They discuss the need for urban innovation, the importance of setting clear goals, and the role of competition in driving progress. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of rewiring our thinking and strategies to adapt to rapi…

1
Action research spotlight: Healthy school meals in Nairobi 31:58

7M ago31:58

31:58

School feeding programmes are a vital safety net for vulnerable children, providing them with healthy and nutritious meals that they might otherwise miss out on. Such initiatives are not new and have run in Kenya in different forms for decades; in Nairobi, for example, the county government has an existing school feeding programme in public schools…

1
The Truth About Modern Motherhood 53:51

9M ago53:51

53:51

Are you a parent navigating the overwhelming world of modern motherhood and parenting myths? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to explore the cultural narratives shaping our ideas about motherhood, parenting, and family life. Nancy dives into the history and science behin…

1
Why do land brokers matter in African cities? 52:17

10M ago52:17

52:17

Recently published ACRC research, exploring land and connectivity in African cities, found “land brokers” to be significant players within urban land markets. In Mogadishu, Somalia and Kampala, Uganda in particular, the research found that brokers play a prominent role in influencing land dynamics in the cities – acting as intermediaries in transac…

1
#30 End of Year Conversation with Ben van Berkel 12:43

10M ago12:43

12:43

In this special episode, host Josine Hendriksen sits down with Ben van Berkel to reflect on an extraordinary year for UNStudio. From groundbreaking projects to exciting product launches, 2024 has been a year of milestones. Together, Josine and Ben discuss the highlights, including the competition win for the Kyklos building in Luxembourg, the unvei…

1
Stop Chasing Success—Find Fulfillment Instead 58:56

11M ago58:56

58:56

Have you ever felt successful on the outside but empty on the inside? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Dr. Nethra Samarawickrema about the struggles of modern work-life, the tension between authenticity and belonging, and why many of us feel disconnected from our careers. Dr. Nethra shares actionable insights on ho…

1
Urban Visionary: We Need to Redesign Our Cities 55:41

11M ago55:41

55:41

How do our physical spaces shape the way we live, connect, and thrive? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into how design and the built environment impact today’s biggest challenges—climate change and social division. Featuring Vishaan Chakrabarti, architect and author of The Architecture of Urbanity, we explore how rethinking our spaces…

1
4th Generation Farmer: 45,000 Farms Vanish Every Year, But We Can Change That 1:15:59

11M ago1:15:59

1:15:59

How are America’s family farms disappearing at such a rapid rate, and what does this mean for the future of our food, families, and rural identity? In this episode of This Anthro Life, Adam Gamwell sits down with Brian Reisinger, author, journalist, and fourth-generation Wisconsin farmer, to explore the hidden struggles of rural America. Together, …

1
Transform Your Life by Asking Better Questions 1:01:10

11M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Have you ever thought about the power of questions in shaping your relationships? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore how Emmy-winning filmmaker Topaz Adizes uses questions to create connection, trust, and clarity in relationships. From reframing daily thoughts to navigating life’s challenges, learn how asking better questions can trans…

1
#23 Looking Back on 2023: A Conversation with Ben van Berkel 27:58

11M ago27:58

27:58

In this very special episode, Machteld Kors, Director Strategic Development, is sitting down with UNStudio founder and principal architect, Ben van Berkel to discuss what has happened at the studio over this past year and what observations he has made regarding architecture and design and the profession in general.Don't forget to follow UNStudio on…

1
#22 UNStudio Celebrates Global Collaboration 1:00:22

11M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

#22 UNStudio Celebrates Global Collaboration by UNS talksBy UNS talks

1
#29 Green Spaces, Open Minds 54:59

11M ago54:59

54:59

In this episode of UNS Talks, we dive into the transformative power of reimagining city spaces through greenery. Join us as Ruth van Dijken, Director of The Green Mile project and Co-founder of Blending Bricks, and Misja van Veen, Senior Project Director and Urban Designer at UNStudio, share insights on The Green Mile, an ambitious initiative to re…

1
#28 A Global Perspective: UNStudio on Designing for Hospitality 1:01:39

11M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

As part of our campaign exploring some of the key factors that are enabling the hospitality industry to improve the guest experience, we sat down with our colleagues from Amsterdam, Austin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Melbourne, and Shanghai to provide a broader perspective of what is changing globally in the world of hospitality – and what we exp…

1
#27 Establishing Social Value in Hospitality Design 47:32

11M ago47:32

47:32

In this episode of UNS talks, we explore the innovative approaches UNStudio is bringing to architectural design in the hospitality sector. We have expanded the conversation to include experts from various fields who are transforming how we experience both familiar and unfamiliar cities.Discover how travel and exploration, while exciting, also bring…

1
#26 How Cultural Understanding Fosters a More Inclusive Built Environment 29:59

11M ago29:59

29:59

Host Liva Sadovska sits down with our colleagues Marianthi Tatari and Sugandha Gupta do discuss how they experience design in the world, from early on in the bid process to seeing a design become reality.In this episode, they also get into how UNStudio takes a human-centric approach to its designs and the importance of representation in architectur…

1
#25 The Carbon Builder: Giving UNStudio Designers Full Control of Embodied Carbon Impacts 36:29

11M ago36:29

36:29

Cristóbal Burgos (Architect) sits down with Arjan Dingsté (Partner / Senior Architect) to discuss UNStudio’s latest software development that's transforming the way our architects and designers approach their projects —the Carbon Builder. This tool allows our teams to analyse and compare numerous design options, guiding them towards choices that si…

1
#24 Cognitive Experience Design in Future Projects 39:51

11M ago39:51

39:51

To start off the new year we sat down with Frans van Vuure , a Director at UNStudio and Benjamin Davey, a researcher and consultant for the UNS Futures team. In this episode they discuss this missing layer of cognitive experience design in architecture projects, and future applications of this research - enjoy!Host. Lucie PresslFilmed and Edited. T…

1
Stop Chasing Goals – Do THIS Instead 49:45

12M ago49:45

49:45

Hey everyone! In this episode of This Anthro Life, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, founder of Nest Labs, and author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World. We dive into why our approach to goals is broken, how procrastination might actually be trying to help us, and the surprising pow…

1
Lessons in resilience from the Maiduguri floods 21:47

1y ago21:47

21:47

On Tuesday 10 September 2024, Maiduguri city residents woke up to an unparalleled natural disaster: flooding that severely damaged over half of the city and resulted in the significant loss of lives. The five bridges that connect the city’s two sides overflowed, dividing it into two blocs that were unable to reach out to each other. Almost the enti…

1
This Queer Universe with Irving Gold-Shapiro 58:00

1y ago58:00

58:00

Send us a text This Queer Universe with Ozzy Irving Gold-Shapiro 🎙️ Welcome back to Queer for Cities! Episode 6—we made it!! We’re back with a captivating conversation with Ozzy Irving Gold-Shapiro, “a curious historian, Yiddishist, cultural worker, and raconteur living on Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and Nonotuck land in so-called western Massachusetts.” Jos…

1
Politics and progress in Accra with Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai 41:35

1y ago41:35

41:35

Accra is home to around 5 million people and plays a crucial role in Ghana’s national political landscape. Located on the coast of West Africa, development trajectories of the city are significantly influenced by national and global events. More than two thirds of the population are estimated to reside in informal settlements, with a great diversit…

1
Design for the Future: Ethics, Evolution, and Anthropology with Michael Leube 1:11:19

1y ago1:11:19

1:11:19

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist and design educator Michael Leube about how design, ethics, and anthropology intersect to shape the future of human behavior and culture. They dive deep into how design influences human decision-making, the role of evolutionary theory in design thinking, and the ethica…

1
Best of Cultural Capitalist series 8:34

1y ago8:34

8:34

Today, we’re excited to bring you something a little different. Recently, we've been sharing a lot of episodes and shorts inspired by the work I’ve been doing alongside my colleague, Phil Searles, for Cultural Capitalist. In this special episode, we’ve compiled a "best of" collection, featuring full episode highlights and impactful quotes that have…

1
How AI and Technology Are Redefining Work in the Post-Pandemic World with Claudia Strauss 1:09:27

1y ago1:09:27

1:09:27

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist Claudia Strauss about how #AI, #technology, and the #postpandemic world are reshaping the nature of work in America. They explore crucial topics such as the impact of declining birth rates, an aging population, and restrictive immigration policies on labor markets. Dra…

1
The Value of Anthropology to Tech Investors 5:35

1y ago5:35

5:35

In this episode of This Anthro Life, we’ll dive into how anthropology is reshaping tech investment by examining human culture and its influence on innovation. You'll discover how the deep study of culture helps forecast market trends, understand AI (artificial intelligence) and its cultural implications, and inform smarter investment decisions. We’…