Journey With Purpose

How do you redesign one of the most beloved streets in television history—without losing its soul? Scenic designer David Gallo takes us behind the scenes of his work refreshing Sesame Street, balancing history with modern storytelling.

Imagine a city where kids play safely in lush courtyards, neighbors bond over shared spaces, and errands are just a step away. Courtyard urbanist Alicia Pederson shares how this European housing model could transform American cities for families.

Imagine a world where your job, school, coffee shop, and parks are all within a 15-minute walk. Writer Addison Del Mastro joins us to discuss his passion for the 15-Minute City, while seeking more straightforward and accessible ways to define it for the public, policymakers, and urban designers.

Maps are more than tools—they’re stories. In this episode, Andrew Lynch takes us on a journey through the subway systems of New York and Washington, revealing the secrets of abandoned lines, unrealized designs, and the choices that shape how we move through cities.

Garrett Corcoran shows us how design can be a bridge between the past and the future. Taking on the challenge of extending wayfinding to digital screens for the Washington Metro, Garrett shares what it’s like working with historical design legacies and figuring out how to make screens feel as natural as those mid-century hexagon tiles.

The Washington Metro is more than just a transit system; it’s a statement about government’s role in public life. We chat with Professor Zachary Schrag about the Washington Metro’s history, its stunning brutalist design, and the larger ideals it represents.

NYC's subway map isn't an accident, but a century of contentious argument about more than just wayfinding.

Architectural history meets family road trips! Amy Talkington recalls her mother’s mission to protect historic neighborhoods and the creation of the iconic A Field Guide to American Houses.

Discover how cities can become more affordable, diverse, and walkable. In this episode, urban planner David White breaks down the impact of middle housing, zoning laws, and car dependency on urban development—and what we can do to create people-friendly neighborhoods.

Are cities failing our kids? Listen to experts discuss how urban design impacts children's mobility and what makes a neighborhood truly child-friendly.