Best Home As Backdrop To Life Podcasts (2025)

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Chris Packham on Neurodiversity, Safe Spaces & Finding Solace in Nature 1:32:00

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20h ago1:32:00

1:32:00

Chris Packham has always fascinated me. As a broadcaster, naturalist, and conservationist, he’s helped millions connect with wildlife and the natural world through shows like BBC’s Springwatch – but sitting down with him in his home, I realised how much of his story is about creating refuge, both at home and within himself. In this deeply personal …

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Homing With Matt Gibberd 2:03

14h ago2:03

2:03

The Homing podcast explores the importance of home in shaping who we are. Join Matt Gibberd, author and co-founder of The Modern House, as he takes listeners inside the homes of inspiring guests to examine what really happens inside our walls – how they influence our emotions, creativity and sense of self. Featuring leading voices from art, film, w…

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Surviving Winter with Sunlight – A Conversation on Light, Health, and Infrared Science with Glen Jeffery, Bob Fosbury and Scott Zimmerman 1:24:16

1d ago1:24:16

1:24:16

In this companion episode to the Roger Seheult episode, Dave is joined by three experts—Prof. Glen Jeffery, Scott Zimmerman, and Dr. Bob Fosbury—to explore how sunlight and infrared light influence human health, particularly in the darker months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) becomes more prevalent. Dave opens up about his own experience wi…

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Home By Country: Children’s Bedrooms Around the World - How Design Shapes Calm, Growth, and Better Living Ep #56 36:58

2d ago36:58

36:58

Send us a text In the final episode of the Home by Country series, host Nico Smutylo takes you inside children’s bedrooms around the world to reveal how design can shape calm, growth, and better living. From Denmark’s sense of calm and longevity, to Japan’s adaptable simplicity, to Germany’s structured precision, this episode uncovers how global de…

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Surviving Winter. You don't need to be SAD with Dr Roger Seheult 58:38

9d ago58:38

58:38

As winter approaches in the North, the days get shorter, the skies darker, and for many of us, our energy, mood, and health start to dip. In Part 1 of a 2-part special of Sunlight Matters, Dr Roger Seheult joins Dave and Georg to share science-backed tips to help you stay healthy, energized, and resilient through the long winter nights. From unders…

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Home By Country : Across the Threshold - How the World Designs Entryways Ep #55 49:29

16d ago49:29

49:29

Send us a text Have you ever noticed how stepping through your front door can instantly change how you feel? In this episode of Your Home by Design, Nico explores the psychology of entryways — why this often-overlooked space has such a powerful impact on our stress levels, mindset, and sense of belonging. From Japan’s genkan rituals to the layered …

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Light, Rights & Urban Fights: Daylight in a Densifying World 38:22

22d ago38:22

38:22

In this thought-provoking episode of Sunlight Matters, we travel across Europe to explore how daylight access, sunlight rights, and urban densification intersect—and often clash. Joining us are three brilliant minds working at the forefront of daylight analysis and sunlight legislation: 🌞 Mina Gaarder – A Civil Engineer based in Norway who recently…

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Home By Country : Kitchens of the World. Design, Materials + Mindset. Ep #54 42:43

30d ago42:43

42:43

Send us a text From Japanese kitchens to Tuscan farmhouses, today we step into the world’s kitchens, and the psychology behind how they’re designed. We unpack what Japan’s precision, France’s layered romance, Scandinavia’s light-filled calm, Germany’s engineered order, Italy’s tactile luxury, and North America’s hosting-first mindset can teach you …

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Bethan Laura Wood: the multidisciplinary designer on the need to make and create 1:28:43

1M ago1:28:43

1:28:43

Bethan designs everything from furniture to lighting and textiles, and some of her work is currently on display at the Design Museum in London. She presents herself to the world like a human peacock. She dyes her hair different colours, wears layers of vivid clothing, and puts dots on her cheeks. Her flat in east London isn’t exactly demure either.…

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Fitness, the Sun and Winter Protocols 57:21

1M ago57:21

57:21

In this episode, we are joined by David Herrera, better known online as The Solar Athlete, who brings a unique blend of engineering, biology, and real-world coaching to the conversation. From his backyard in high-altitude Wyoming, David shares the incredible journey that took him from world-class powerlifter and oilfield technician to a leading voi…

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Sunlit Computers with Peter Veto and Liliana Lettier of Pixun 49:24

1M ago49:24

49:24

What if your computer screen could heal you instead of harming you? In this episode of Sunlight Matters, we’re joined by Dr Peter Veto and Liliana Lettieri, the visionary team behind Pixun — a company pioneering solar-powered, full-spectrum displays that use real sunlight instead of artificial backlighting. Peter and Liliana share their personal jo…

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Lakwena Maciver: the renowned artist on colour, creativity, criticism and connection 54:50

1M ago54:50

54:50

Today's guest is the wonderful Lakwena Maciver. Lakwena is an artist whose work has exploded out of the Instagram generation. She uses bright colours and patterns inspired by her African heritage and bold written slogans. Given that her work is so positive and uplifting, I was really interested to find out that she's a natural pessimist with a very…

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Home by Country - Through the Window: How Cultures Design Window Treatments & Frame the Light Ep #53 33:06

1M ago33:06

33:06

Send us a text Windows are more than openings—they’re design tools that shape light, mood, and connection. In this episode of Your Home by Design, Nico explores how different cultures approach window treatments and what that reveals about design psychology. From Japan’s poetic minimalism and its seamless connection to nature, to France’s dramatic, …

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Home By Country: How the World Dines Ep #52 42:53

2M ago42:53

42:53

Send us a text What if you could design your table the way you design your home? In this episode of yourHOME by Design, we tour dining cultures - from Spain’s late-night sobremesa and Japan’s washoku rituals to France’s layered elegance, India’s abundant thali, and Scandinavia’s light-filled simplicity and translate them into practical choices for …

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How My Garden Grows: A pint-sized coastal plot thickly cloaked in climbers 27:42

2M ago27:42

27:42

Welcome to the first instalment of our new gardening series, How My Garden Grows, hosted by lifelong gardener and journalist Francine Raymond. "I have visited hundreds of gardens, some for work and others for pleasure, but what excites me most about gardens is their atmosphere and the stories they tell," she says. "In this series of garden get-toge…

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From Riot Police to Sunlight Healer: Theresa Bug on Trauma, Circadian Health & Natural Living.. Alles Wird Gut! 1:17:34

2M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Dave speaks with Theresa Bug, a former German police officer turned online health coach, holistic nutritionist, and advocate for natural light, grounding, and mitochondrial health. 🌿 Theresa shares her inspiring journey from a high-stress career in law enforcement—across Paris, London, Israel, and Africa—to…

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Designing with Sunlight: Viktoria Neumueller on Energy-Efficient Homes and Solar-Oriented Planningsode 30:08

2M ago30:08

30:08

In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Austrian engineer Viktoria Neumueller, a passionate advocate for sunlight-optimized architecture and energy-efficient building design. With a background in planning heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, Viktoria brings rare insight into how thoughtful building orientation and solar exposure can dra…

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Home by Country: How the World Sleeps Ep #51 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

Send us a text Ever wondered why people in Japan sleep on futons, why Germans swear by two duvets, or why the French infuse elegance and scent into their bedrooms? In this first episode of Home by Country: How the World Sleeps, we explore global sleep traditions and what they teach us about design, wellness, and creating a restful bedroom. From his…

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5 Hidden Design Mistakes Secretly Stressing You Out - And How to Fix Them Ep #50 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

Send us a text Is your home quietly working against you? In this 50th episode of YourHome by Design, Nico uncovers five common design mistakes that are secretly causing stress- from visual clutter to poor furniture placement. Learn how to spot them, why they affect your well-being, and what small changes can make a big impact. Based in neuroaesthet…

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The Light Prescription: Sunlight, Infrared, Mitochondria, and Your Health with Prof Glen Jeffery 41:07

3M ago41:07

41:07

In this episode, Dave chats with Professor Glen Jeffery, a neuroscientist at University College London’s Institute of Ophthalmology, whose research investigates how light, particularly long-wavelength red and infrared, influences human health, metabolism, and ageing. Glen Jeffery is recognised as one of the world's leading researchers in exploring …

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The Life-Changing Power of Sunlight: Light as Nutrition, Near-Infrared Science & Human Health 47:43

3M ago47:43

47:43

Dave speaks with Dr. Nicholas Witton, a sleep medicine and light researcher, about the critical role of natural light, especially near-infrared (NIR) light, in human health. Nicholas explains how we've shifted from living outdoors to spending over 90% of our time indoors under artificial light, particularly LEDs, which emit mainly blue light and la…

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The Hidden Reason Your Home Feels Off (And What to Do About It) Ep #49 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

Send us a text Is your home starting to feel a little “off”- even if it looks beautiful? You might be experiencing design stagnation, and it could be quietly draining your energy, clarity, and motivation. In this episode of yourHOME by Design, recorded on a forest walk, Nico explores the concept of habituation - how our brains stop noticing what su…

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Built to Thrive: Light, Health & the Future of Architecture 38:22

4M ago38:22

38:22

What if your home or office is silently shaping your health, your mood, and even your future? In this eye-opening episode, Dave sits down with Dr. Mandana Khanie, Lecturer in Health and Wellbeing in Sustainable Buildings at UCL and Deputy Director of the Light and Lighting MSc Program. Together, they explore how the architecture of our indoor lives…

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Hidden Storage and Concealed Rooms: Design Tricks That Create Calm, Order, and Impact Ep #48 34:46

4M ago34:46

34:46

Send us a text What if your clutter problem isn’t about too much stuff - but not enough smart design? In this episode of YourHome by Design, we explore how hidden storage and concealed rooms can create calm, support better daily rhythms, and reduce the friction you feel at home. From recessed bathroom mirrors to secret doors and cleverly disguised …

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People, Buildings and Light 37:16

4M ago37:16

37:16

In this illuminating episode of Sunlight Matters, David Wallace is joined by Niko Gentile and Agnieszka Czachura from Lund University’s Energy and Building Design group. Together, they explore the science, perception, and policy around sunlight and daylight, and why we need to care more than ever. From the overlooked distinction between daylight an…

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Why You Should Start Thrifting for Your Home - And How to Do It Like a Designer Ep #47 41:23

4M ago41:23

41:23

Send us a text Do you ever wonder how people find those one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that instantly elevate a space? In this episode of Your Home by Design, I’m sharing the art of the hunt- why secondhand and vintage decor isn’t just about style, but about soul. You’ll hear a story from my teenage years about a painted peace-sign table that transfo…

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The Sofa Dilemma: Designing Around the Comfiest Piece in the Room Ep #46 31:33

5M ago31:33

31:33

Send us a text You might think a sofa is just a place to sit-but it's so much more than that. In this episode of Your Home by Design, we're diving deep into the art (and science) of sofa selection. Whether you’re designing a room around a brand new piece or making your current couch work better in your space, this episode will help you avoid common…

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Layering: The Secret Design Tool to Make Your Space Look Effortlessly Polished #45 36:40

5M ago36:40

36:40

Send us a text In this episode of Your Home by Design, we dive deep into the transformative power of intentional layering in interior design. Discover how to build your room’s story through carefully selected materials, textures, and shapes that speak to your lifestyle and wellbeing. From choosing the right wood tones and ceramics to playing with c…

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Avoid the Sourcing Trap: The Key Steps Before You Start Buying Ep #44 39:24

6M ago39:24

39:24

Send us a text Are you jumping straight into sourcing furniture and finishes for your home without a clear plan in place? It might be time to pause. In this episode, we tackle one of the most common pitfalls in interior design: sourcing before you’ve done the necessary groundwork. Before you start picking out that perfect sofa or those stylish ligh…

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Buildings and Light with Paul Rogers 42:08

6M ago42:08

42:08

In this episode of Sunlight Matters, Dave welcomes daylight and lighting expert Paul Rogers of ACC Glass and Facade Consultants. Broadcasting from Stockholm and the UK, they explore the profound impact of sunlight and daylight on architecture, urban planning, and human well-being. From the technical distinctions between daylight and direct sunlight…

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Not Just a Bathroom: Transform Yours Into a Daily Spa Retreat Ep #43 28:34

6M ago28:34

28:34

Send us a text After hosting a houseful of guests and doing a much-needed deep clean, I had a moment in my bathroom that sparked this entire episode. It reminded me just how powerful our spaces can be—especially the ones we often overlook, like the bathroom. In this episode, I’m talking about how to move your bathroom from a purely functional space…

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Sunlight and health in our modern lives with Arne Lowden 47:05

6M ago47:05

47:05

In this episode of Sunlight Matters, hosts Dave and Georg welcome Swedish sleep and light researcher Arne Lowden for a fascinating conversation about the science of light, circadian rhythms, and how our bodies and minds are profoundly shaped by solar exposure. Dr. Lowden, author of the book Survive the Winter, shares powerful insights into how lack…

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Afraid of Looking Dated? How to Blend Old and New in Your Home Ep #42 27:05

7M ago27:05

27:05

Send us a text Ever feel like something’s missing in a room that’s all new? Like it’s technically right—but it doesn’t feel quite alive? In this episode of YourHome by Design, we’re talking about the magic that antiques and vintage pieces bring into a home—not just visually, but emotionally and energetically. I’ll share why old things matter in a w…

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Sir Christopher Le Brun: The leading painter on the homes that have shaped him 1:19:52

7M ago1:19:52

1:19:52

Christopher was President of the Royal Academy for eight years and given a knighthood in 2021. I first met him a few years ago, when The Modern House was selling his beautiful home in Camberwell. Shortly after that, he had a joint exhibition in Los Angeles with my wife, Faye Toogood, so I got to know him better during the week we were out there tog…

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Designing for a Deeper Sense of Home: Memory, Emotion, and the Doorway Effect. Ep #41 24:19

7M ago24:19

24:19

Send us a text In this episode, we unpack the deeper meaning of home and how it profoundly impacts our well-being. I share a personal story about my own journey of finding home, from unexpected challenges in a competitive housing market to the realization that home is more than just a place—it’s an emotional anchor. We also explore the psychology b…

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Masterkey with Giulio Colleluori 23:55

7M ago23:55

23:55

Welcome to the second episode of Sunlight Matters. In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between real estate, artificial intelligence, and the importance of sunlight with Giulio, the founder of Masterkey. Masterkey is revolutionizing the home buying experience by giving buyers the tools to make more informed decisions through AI-po…

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The Art of Rest: Designing a Bedroom for Deep, Restorative Sleep. Ep #40 37:24

8M ago37:24

37:24

Send us a text We all want to wake up feeling refreshed and energized, yet so often, we brush off poor sleep as just another restless night. But what if we could do more than just “get through” the night? What if we could create an environment that sets us up for deep, restorative sleep—every night? In this episode, we’re diving into the science of…

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Dame Zandra Rhodes: the fashion legend on living a life in Technicolor 52:17

8M ago52:17

52:17

Zandra's home is one of the most colourful, cluttered and downright bonkers living spaces I've ever been in. We recorded this podcast just before Christmas, so there was an extra layer of sparkle on top of the kaleidoscope. Zandra walked me through her incredible life story... from being born during an air raid in 1940, to being discovered by Ameri…

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Colour Confidence: 5 Steps to a Palette That Flows. Ep #39 21:54

8M ago21:54

21:54

Send us a text Choosing colors for your home can feel like impossible. Maybe you’ve picked a paint color that looked perfect in the store but felt completely wrong on your walls. Or you’ve brought home a piece of furniture, only to realize it clashes with everything else. Color has the power to bring harmony and personality to a space—but when it’s…

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Shadowmap with Georg Molzer 25:07

8M ago25:07

25:07

In this episode of Sunlight Matters, host David Wallace interviews Georg, the founder and CEO of Shadowmap, a platform designed to visualize sunlight and its effects on various environments. Georg shares his personal journey, the technological innovations behind Shadowmap, and its applications in real estate and health. The conversation emphasizes …

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When Minimalism Becomes a Burden: Breaking Free from Perfection. Ep #38 26:37

8M ago26:37

26:37

Send us a text Does minimalism feel more like a burden than a breath of fresh air? In this episode of YourHome by Design, we’re challenging the stereotypes of minimalism as a flawless, picture-perfect look. Discover why chasing this ideal can lead to stress and frustration, and learn how to embrace a minimalist lifestyle without losing personality …

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From Boring to Beautiful: How to Start Personalizing Your Blank Space. Ep #37 35:12

9M ago35:12

35:12

Send us a text If a stranger walked through your home, would they be able to tell who lives there? Would they see hints of your travels, your hobbies, the music you love, or the coffee ritual you can’t live without? Many homes lack personality—not because their owners don’t have a story to tell, but because they don’t know how to translate it into …

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Too Much or Not Enough? Solve Your Room’s Biggest Style Struggles. Ep # 36 26:56

9M ago26:56

26:56

Send us a text Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed when it comes to designing your home? Struggling to figure out what’s missing or how to bring your space together in a way that feels balanced and intentional? In Episode 36, we tackle this head-on with design tips you can’t afford to miss. I share practical strategies to help you move past indec…

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Designing Away Decision Fatigue: How to Declutter and Simplify Your Home. Ep #35 27:51

10M ago27:51

27:51

Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and endless choices in your home? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re exploring how decision fatigue affects our ability to design and organize our spaces. Learn why too many options can lead to paralysis, how clutter impacts your mental clarity, and the steps you can take to simplify choices and a…

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Are You Talking Yourself Out of Loving Your Home? #34 12:40

10M ago12:40

12:40

Send us a text Did you know that the words you use to describe your home can impact your mindset, stress levels, and overall well-being? In this episode of yourHome by design, I share how speaking negatively about your home—whether casually in conversation or internally to yourself—can disconnect you from the joy your space is meant to bring. Drawi…

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Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers: The Science Behind Hosting. Ep #33 28:45

11M ago28:45

28:45

Send us a text Why does hosting a gathering spark joy for some but anxiety for others? In this episode, we unpack the fascinating psychology and science behind hosting. Discover how breaking bread with others improves your mental health, boosts oxytocin, and strengthens relationships. Travel through time as we explore hosting trends from the roarin…

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Clearing the Air: Tackling Hidden Toxins in Your Home. Ep #32 26:50

11M ago26:50

26:50

Send us a text Can the design of your home impact your health in ways you don’t see? In this episode, we’re exploring the hidden side of interior design—the materials, products, and air quality that may be quietly influencing your well-being. As someone who blends neuroaesthetics with interior design, I believe that the spaces we create should supp…

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Your Space, Reimagined: How Observation Can Transform Your Home. Ep #31 24:02

12M ago24:02

24:02

Send us a text Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nico.smu/ Episode Description Today, we're uncovering one of the most overlooked tools in home design—observation. Often, we arrange a room, step back, and call it done, but there's so much more beneath the surface. Our spaces impact our mood, productivity, and well-being in ways we migh…

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Nigel Slater: the food writer opens the door to his fascinating home life 1:32:27

12M ago1:32:27

1:32:27

Nigel is the first podcast guest ever to make me cry. I'm a big fan of his writing, and suspected he'd be a kindred spirit, but spending the day with him in his house was an overwhelming experience I wasn't prepared for. He lives around the corner from where I grew up, in a pared-back way that feels very familiar. In this remarkably honest conversa…

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From Hammams to Home Spas: Embracing Ancient Rituals in Modern Wellness. Ep #30 31:59

1y ago31:59

31:59

Send us a text Ready to create a personal wellness retreat inspired by ancient rituals? In this episode, I’ll share stories from my Moroccan hammam experience and show you how timeless practices like saunas and steam rooms are evolving into home must-haves. We’ll explore the design essentials for bringing these luxurious, wellness-focused spaces in…