Best Historic Built Environment Podcasts (2025)

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How to Transform Prevention and Maintenance into 3 Vital Success Habits

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24h ago

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Join pest control veteran James Geebanks as he reveals how to turn basic prevention and maintenance practices into powerful, revenue-generating habits that will transform your rodent control business. In this episode, you’ll discover three specific routines that not only boost inspection efficiency but also dramatically improve customer retention a…

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Why Proactive Care Today Prevents 5 Major Breakdowns Tomorrow

2d ago

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In this eye-opening episode, pest control veteran James Geebanks reveals how simple preventative measures can protect your home from five devastating rodent-related disasters that often cost thousands in repairs. Drawing from over two decades of field experience, James breaks down the exact warning signs to watch for and shares his proven checklist…

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How to Know When DIY Will Cost You Big Time

3d ago

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Join pest control veteran James Geebanks as he reveals the crucial warning signs that indicate when DIY rodent control attempts could lead to costly damage and bigger infestations. In this eye-opening episode, learn the specific thresholds for when to call a professional, including evidence patterns that suggest a problem is beyond typical homeowne…

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Preserving Joy & Place: A’Lelia Walker’s Harlem Renaissance and the Power of Blackness w/ A’Lelia Bundles 41:59

4d ago41:59

41:59

In this special crossover episode of the Urban Roots podcast and the Columbia GSAPP’s Historic Preservation Podcast, host Deqah Hussein-Wetzel has a Black history and preservation-focused conversation with award-winning journalist and historian A’Lelia Bundles about her newest book Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance. A’Lelia Wal…

1
Why DIY Can Cost You 5x More Than Hiring Pros

4d ago

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In this eye-opening episode, pest control veteran James Geebanks breaks down the hidden costs and common pitfalls of DIY rodent control that can turn a seemingly budget-friendly solution into an expensive nightmare. Through real case studies and professional insights, James reveals why attempting DIY methods often leads to prolonged infestations, p…

1
How to Keep Kids and Pets Safe from 5 Hidden Pest Control Dangers

8d ago

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Join pest control veteran James Geebanks as he reveals critical safety measures to protect your most vulnerable family members from commonly overlooked pest control hazards. In this essential episode, you’ll learn exactly where to check for dangerous bait and trap placements, how to properly store pest control products, and specific steps to create…

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The Metalworker's Journey: How Jorge Fiscal Built Custom Copper and Zinc 11:47

9d ago11:47

11:47

What's Jorge Fiscal's Story? Necessity truly is the mother of invention—and sometimes, the birthplace of extraordinary craftsmanship. Jorge Fiscal never planned to become a master metalworker or business owner. When life dealt him a challenging hand as a single father unable to work traditional hours, he transformed that obstacle into opportunity. …

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How to Keep Kids & Pets Safe From 5 Hidden Poison Risks

9d ago

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In this crucial episode, pest control veteran James Geebanks reveals the five most overlooked poison hazards that could put your children and pets at risk during rodent control treatments. Learn practical, family-safe solutions to protect your loved ones while effectively managing rodent problems, including proper bait station placement and alterna…

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How to Safely Remove Rodent Droppings in 5 Simple Steps

10d ago

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Join pest control veteran James Geebanks as he breaks down the critical safety protocols for handling rodent droppings – a task that’s far more hazardous than most homeowners realize. In this essential episode, you’ll learn a step-by-step process for safely removing rodent droppings while protecting yourself from dangerous airborne diseases, along …

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How to Safely Remove Rodent Waste in 5 Steps – Without Toxins

11d ago

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Join pest control veteran James Geebanks as he breaks down his field-tested, 5-step method for safely removing rodent droppings and contaminated materials without relying on harmful chemicals. In this essential episode, you’ll learn the exact safety equipment needed, proper disposal techniques, and expert sanitization protocols that protect you and…

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Why Rodents in Your Home Could Trigger 5 Deadly Diseases

15d ago

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In this eye-opening episode, pest control veteran James Geebanks reveals how common household rodents can transmit five potentially fatal diseases to your family, including hantavirus and leptospirosis. Learn the critical warning signs of rodent-borne illnesses and discover proven prevention strategies to protect your home, as James shares his 20+ …

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Why Rats in Your Home Could Trigger 5 Deadly Diseases

16d ago

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Join renowned pest control expert James Geebanks as he reveals the hidden health dangers lurking in your home when rats take up residence, detailing five potentially lethal diseases that could put your family at risk. In this eye-opening episode, you’ll learn the telltale signs of rat-borne illnesses, crucial prevention strategies, and immediate st…

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BONUS: Bree Jones on Development Without Displacement 1:01:30

1M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

In this bonus episode, Deqah unpacks equitable preservation-based development with Bree Jones, the Founder and CEO of Parity, an equitable development company headquartered in West Baltimore that acquires and rehabilitates abandoned properties by the block to create affordable home ownership opportunities. Bree started Parity in 2020 as a response …

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The Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs – Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts 1:30

1M ago1:30

1:30

We at Urbanist Media (and the Urban Roots podcast) are excited to have, yet again, celebrated Juneteenth with Cincinnati Public Radio. This year, we produced brand new ⁠Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts⁠: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati Black history and African American history. This one is all about the Federati…

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Dr. Lucy Orinthia Oxley – Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts 1:30

2M ago1:30

1:30

We at Urbanist Media (and the Urban Roots podcast) are excited to have, yet again, celebrated Juneteenth with Cincinnati Public Radio. This year, we produced brand new ⁠Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts⁠: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati Black history and African American history. This one is all about Dr. Lucy Ori…

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Jennie Davis Porter – Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts 1:30

2M ago1:30

1:30

We at ⁠Urbanist Media⁠ (and the Urban Roots podcast⁠) are excited to have, yet again, celebrated Juneteenth with Cincinnati Public Radio. This year, we produced brand new ⁠Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts⁠: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati Black history and African American history. This one is all about Jennie Da…

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Robert S. Duncanson - Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts 1:30

2M ago1:30

1:30

We at Urbanist Media⁠ (and the Urban Roots podcast⁠) are excited to have, yet again, celebrated Juneteenth with Cincinnati Public Radio. This year, we produced brand new ⁠Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts⁠: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati Black history and African American history. This first one is all about Robe…

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Shine Today, Verdigris Tomorrow: The Truth About Copper 9:10

3M ago9:10

9:10

Do You Recommend To Apply Clear Coats On Copper And Zinc? Discover the fascinating world of copper patination in this enlightening conversation with a metal expert who shares invaluable insights about how copper transforms over decades. Far from being a defect, the changing colors of copper tell a story of natural protection and evolution – from gl…

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The Long-Term Value of Premium Metal Roofing Materials 9:27

3M ago9:27

9:27

What Are The Most Common Misconceptions About Metal Roofs? Metal roofing represents one of the most significant long-term investments homeowners can make, with premium materials offering extraordinary lifespans few other building products can match. This comprehensive discussion dives deep into the world of high-end metal roofing solutions, reveali…

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The Truth About Keeping Copper Shiny: Environmental Factors & Maintenance Challenges 6:34

5M ago6:34

6:34

Will Copper Stay Shiny For A Long Time? Curious about that gorgeous, shiny copper roof or accent you're considering for your home? Many people fall in love with copper's brilliant luster, only to be surprised when that shine begins to fade. Master craftsman Jorge Fiscal demystifies copper's natural aging process in this enlightening episode, explai…

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The Hidden Rules of Copper and Zinc: Why Professional Installation Matters 9:29

5M ago9:29

9:29

Why Is It Important To Work With Experienced Trained or Certified Installers When Using Primer Metals? The difference between a metal roof that lasts a decade and one that lasts centuries comes down to one crucial factor: proper installation. Jorge Fiscal draws from years of troubleshooting experience to reveal why working with certified profession…

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Preserving Architectural Heritage: Copper and Zinc in Historic Restoration 6:22

5M ago6:22

6:22

Can Copper And Zinc Be Used In Historic Buildings? Can Copper and Zinc be used in historic buildings? Step into the fascinating intersection of historical preservation and modern craftsmanship as Jorge Fiscal reveals how copper and zinc are revolutionizing restoration projects across America. We unpack the surprising history of these metals—fixture…

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Beyond Beauty: The Surprising Economics of Copper & Zinc Craftsmanship 7:11

5M ago7:11

7:11

How Does Copper And Zinc Compare To Traditional Materials? Discover why copper and zinc stand as timeless champions in the building world, outperforming traditional materials in ways that might surprise you. Jorge Fiscal reveals how these remarkable metals deliver three to four times the lifespan of conventional alternatives while requiring virtual…

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BONUS: Architects Who Opened Doors w/ Michael Burson and David Kirk 58:34

6M ago58:34

58:34

In this episode of the Urban Roots podcast, host Deqah Hussein-Wetzel sits down with two accomplished Cincinnati-based Black architects—David Kirk, President and CEO of DNK Architects, and Michael Burson, a longtime (now retired) architect who has worked extensively with Cincinnati Public Schools, and now serves as an owners representative for loca…

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Metal Mastery: Crafting Timeless Beauty with Jorge Fiscal 7:23

6M ago7:23

7:23

Meet The Host: Jorge Fiscal, Owner Of Custom Copper And Zinc Craftsmanship isn't just about skill—it's about passion, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of quality. Meet Jorge Fiscal, a master metalworker celebrating 25 years in architectural sheet metal who founded Custom Copper and Zinc after discovering traditional seaming techniques that far…

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BONUS: Building Little Saigon w/ Erica Allen-Kim 1:12:57

8M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

In this bonus episode, Deqah and Vanessa have a much-needed conversation with Erica Allen-Kim about her new—must-read—book, Building Little Saigon: Refugee Urbanism in American Cities and Suburbs, about Vietnamese American-built landscapes and cultural heritage. In this interview, Deqah and Vanessa dive deeper into themes from her book to explore t…

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BONUS: Making Noise With No Money: The Decay Devils 48:09

10M ago48:09

48:09

Deqah and Vanessa chat with Lori Gonzalez and Tyrell Anderson from the ⁠Decay Devils⁠, an organization that started as a group of friends in Gary, Indiana who loved playing in abandoned buildings. They then started making some noise—posting on Instagram, starting a nonprofit, organizing community events—and gaining notice from the public and “big m…

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After the Garden Festival, with Lex Lamb, Gordon Barr and Kenny Brophy 1:13:01

1y ago1:13:01

1:13:01

The 1988 Garden Festival changed how the world saw Glasgow, and how it saw itself. It lives on only in people’s memories as the buildings, objects and artworks from this temporary event are gone forever – or are they? Urban Prehistorian Kenny Brophy, Project Leader Lex Lamb, and Holder of the Official Garden Festival Umbrella Gordon Barr for a conv…

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Brutal Glasgow, with Rachel Loughran and Natalie Tweedie 1:19:28

1y ago1:19:28

1:19:28

This week we explore Glasgow's love-hate relationship with brutalism and discuss our upcoming Brutal Glasgow exhibition with digital curator Rachel Loughran and Glasgow based illustrator Nebo Peklo (Natalie Tweedie), who’s work will be displayed in the interactive, multimedia exhibition. The idea for the exhibition arose from Rachel's admiration of…

1
Restoring the Relationship With the Land, with Luna Amanita from The Wash House Garden 50:00

1y ago50:00

50:00

In this episode, Fay meets Luna Amanita, co-director of the Wash House Garden - a groundbreaking community enterprise rejuvenating the land behind the historic Parkhead Wash House. The garden, once a local focal point, continues to prioritise community, seamlessly weaving together the well-being of both people and the environment, cultivating endur…

1
A Place for Stories with Bash Khan 1:01:52

1y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Filmmaker and visual artist, Bash Khan has been working across Glasgow for over 15 years. Growing up in the city he developed a love for the buildings surrounding him, but more importantly he developed a love for the people and communities that used these spaces. In this episode, Bash talks to Niall and Fay about how he came to be interested in pho…

1
Voices of Experience: Women in Architecture 53:05

1y ago53:05

53:05

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk, what would they say about the female architects that have worked in the industry in the city? This is something that Jude Barber, Nicola McLachlan and Suzanne Ewing have been focussing on since establishing Voices of Experience. After noticing how male dominated the industry is they worked to start pairing younger fem…

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Empower Women for Change: Navigating Glasgow as New Scots with Layla Sadr Hashemi and Ume Chauhdry 45:22

1y ago45:22

45:22

In today's episode, Fay introduces Layla Sadr Hashemi and Ume Chauhdry, who share their experiences with the project Thistles and Dandelions, designed to connect ethnic minority women with Glasgow’s cultural heritage. This initiative by Empower Women for Change has been transformative, fostering a sense of belonging among participants. Layla, origi…

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Rediscovering Mackintosh: A Decade After the Glasgow School of Art Fire, with Dr Robyne Calvert 56:19

1y ago56:19

56:19

This episode promises a heartfelt and insightful exploration of Glasgow’s architectural heritage and the enduring legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as Niall welcomes cultural historian Dr Robyne Calvert, a leading expert on Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald. Robyne shares her journey to Glasgow in 2007, inspired by Mackintosh's wor…

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The Tenementals: A History of Glasgow In Song with Professor David Archibald 55:32

1y ago55:32

55:32

Can a band tell the history of a city? And if so, what would that look and sound like? That’s what Professor David Archibald and his band, The Tenementals, are setting out to do. In this episode David, a Professor of Film & TV at the University of Glasgow, discusses with Niall and Fay the innovative project which aims to make and tell history throu…

1
Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names with Dr Alasdair Whyte 59:26

1y ago59:26

59:26

In episode two, Dr Alasdair Whyte, a Gaelic singer, writer, and Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, joins Fay to explore the medieval Gaelic roots of Glasgow through its place-names. Alasdair's research takes us into parts of Glasgow where Gaelic was spoken a thousand years ago. In this green landscape where cattle grazed, we even catch a…

1
Carolyn Cortner Smith 28:00

1y ago28:00

28:00

Throughout its history, Decatur, Alabama has produced a number of unapologetically bold, creative, and “difficult” women who weren’t afraid to break the mold. In this episode, we’ll tell you the story of one of them: Carolyn Cortner Smith, believed to be the first licensed female architect in the state of Alabama. Carolyn was born at a time when So…

1
Hidden Stories of Glasgow Central Station with Jackie Ogilvie 1:18:45

1y ago1:18:45

1:18:45

How often do you rush through Glasgow Central Station without a second glance? Never again! Join us on a live, on-location tour with guide Jackie Ogilvie. Discover the station's fascinating history, hidden architectural details and a behind-the-scenes look at the successful Glasgow Central Station tours. Plus, learn about Jackie's exciting museum p…

1
First Missionary Baptist Church 39:23

1y ago39:23

39:23

The city of Decatur, Alabama is home to many historic Black churches, including one with a particularly rich history: First Missionary Baptist Church, in Old Town, the city’s predominantly Black neighborhood. Designed by one of the first African American architects, Wallace Rayfield, the church has — from its post-Civil War beginnings — been a corn…

1
Ohio River to Freedom: New Richmond 23:49

1y ago23:49

23:49

Today New Richmond is a charming town along the Ohio River with a relatively tiny Black population. But for a moment in time in the 19th century, it was not only a hotspot of abolitionist activity, it was also home to a vibrant Black community. How did that happen? And why are there so few Black families left today? In this episode, part two of the…

1
Ohio River to Freedom: Ripley 27:31

1y ago27:31

27:31

Black Underground Railroad agents lived perilous lives. Because they could be killed or jailed for their work, they hid any and all evidence of their activities. So, today, historical records of their efforts are rare. Luckily, however, historians in the town of Ripley, Ohio have not only uncovered the stories of their local Black Underground Railr…

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BONUS: Preservation for the People w/ Dr. Kwesi Daniels 56:24

1+ y ago56:24

56:24

HAPPY PRESERVATION MONTH! To celebrate, we wanted to share with you a new podcast that we think you’ll love: Preservation for the People brought to you by The Black Art Conservators (BAC) and produced by Urbanist Media! In their first episode, Kayla Henry-Griffin and Nylah Byrd talk to Dr. Kwesi Daniels (Head of the Architecture Department at Tuske…

1
BONUS: Justin Garrett Moore on Humanities in Place 1:21:12

1+ y ago1:21:12

1:21:12

EXCITING NEWS…Season 3 is coming soon! If you’re not subscribed to our podcast or our newsletter, please do so now! You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. That way, you’ll know immediately when a new episode drops. Today we have a high-energy conversation with Justin Garrett Moore, program director for the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities …

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BONUS: Moving at the Speed of Trust (w/ Zahra Ebrahim) 1:11:51

1+ y ago1:11:51

1:11:51

Housekeeping first! Please give to our GoFundMe Campaign – we need your help to earn $5,000 by December 31: https://www.gofundme.com/f/urbanistmedia We’re also up for an Anthem Community Voice Award! Vote for us (Sign in and click “Celebrate”) by December 21! Now our amazing guest: Zahra Ebrahim, the co-founder of Monumental, a social purpose busin…

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BONUS: Rukaiyah Adams on Reimagining Community Wealth 1:29:43

2y ago1:29:43

1:29:43

Today, pod squad, you’re in for a treat: Rukaiyah Adams is one of our favorite, most inspiring people on the planet. Rukaiyah had a long, successful career in investment banking before she moved back home to Portland, Oregon and joined the board of the Albina Vision Trust, an organization dedicated to restoring the historic Black neighborhood of Al…

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Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: Marian Spencer 1:29

2y ago1:29

1:29

To celebrate Juneteenth, Urbanist Media's Urban Roots podcast has partnered with Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU)⁠ to bring you Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati’s African American history. Today, for our last short, we feature Marian Spencer, the civil rights activist and Cincinnati…

1
Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: Union Baptist Cemetery 1:28

2y ago1:28

1:28

To celebrate Juneteenth, Urbanist Media's Urban Roots podcast has partnered with Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU)⁠ to bring you Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati’s African American history. Today, we’re highlighting Union Baptist Cemetery, one of Cincinnati’s oldest African American …

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Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: Sarah Fossett 1:29

2y ago1:29

1:29

To celebrate Juneteenth, Urbanist Media's Urban Roots podcast has partnered with Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU)⁠ to bring you Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati’s African American history. Today, we’re highlighting Sarah Fossett, the hair stylist and Underground Railroad conductor w…

1
Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: Intersectionality at the Cotton Club 1:29

2y ago1:29

1:29

To celebrate Juneteenth, Urbanist Media's Urban Roots podcast has partnered with Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU)⁠ to bring you Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: weekly, 90-second tributes to people and places important to Cincinnati’s African American history. Today, we’re highlighting the Cotton Club in the West End’s Hotel Sterling. It was not only a …

1
Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts: Regal Theatre 1:29

2+ y ago1:29

1:29

This year, Urbanist Media's Urban Roots podcast partnered with Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU)⁠ to celebrate Juneteenth! Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts are weekly, 90 second tributes to people and places important in our region’s African American history. This first one is all about the historic Regal Theatre, located in the West End. Find each episod…