Best Architects Journal Podcasts (2025)

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Leadership Is a Mindset: Five Proven Strategies to Lead With Intention 14:11

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1d ago14:11

14:11

Leadership is a mindset you practice and nurture every day. In this episode, I share the five points of leadership that matter most and how intention shapes your influence. In this episode: How self-leadership sets the foundation for everything else Ways to strengthen credibility and communication in relationships How to scale culture and decision-…

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Tips for Tough Times in Business and Life | 099 10:40

6d ago10:40

10:40

Jon shares practical advice on how to manage when life throws unexpected challenges your way. He discusses the importance of prioritising essential tasks, surrounding yourself with positive people, celebrating small wins, and the value of taking a break when needed. Throughout the episode, Jon draws on his recent personal experiences and offers tip…

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A new housing secretary, the RIBA prize shortlist and the UK's first "super-university" 30:39

6d ago30:39

30:39

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by architecture and design writer and features editor at STIR. Anmol Ahuja. Together they discuss: Can the new housing secretary deliver on the government’s 1.5 million homes pledge? // The shortlist for this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize is revealed // Greenwich and Kent merger to create the UK’s first ‘s…

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Be the Architect and Anchor: Leading Through Transformation Without a Playbook 8:46

8d ago8:46

8:46

When the playbook is unclear, leaders must be both architects of change and anchors of stability. Discover how to stay relevant, lead through uncertainty, and shape your professional identity during transformation. This episode covers: The dual role of architect and anchor in leadership How to create certainty when the ground keeps shifting Questio…

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Gina Chang, AIA, EDAC; Principal, CO Architects 30:30

12d ago30:30

30:30

Gina Chang, AIA, EDAC, is a Principal at CO Architects, based in Los Angeles. A healthcare architect and medical planner who has successfully led large teams through ambitious project goals for more than 20 years, Gina believes that a deep understanding of the client’s mission and culture is the key for successful healthcare facilities. She is an a…

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How One Bold Move Transformed My Architecture Practice with Carl Turner | 098 35:21

13d ago35:21

35:21

From Award-Winning Homes to Transformative Community Projects - Jon continues his chat with Carl Turner about his journey from traditional residential projects to pioneering public and community-focused developments. Carl shares the pivotal moment of selling his award-winning home to fund Pop Brixton, a transformative community workspace made from …

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Deconstructed: Carlton Cinema — Islington at the Pictures 32:43

13d ago32:43

32:43

In this episode Matthew Lloyd Roberts was joined by Nigel Smith, who runs ‘Memory Palaces’, a website and programme of walking tours to explore the history of London’s cinemas. They discussed the Carlton Cinema on Essex Road, Islington, which first opened to the public in a grand ceremony in 1930, and represents the changing fashions and fate for c…

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Liberty as Independence: Disha Karnad Jani Interviews Quentin Skinner 43:07

14d ago43:07

43:07

Disha Karnad Jani interviews Quentin Skinner on his new book Liberty as Independence: The Making and Unmaking of a Political Ideal (Cambridge University Press, 2025). In this book, Skinner traces how liberty as a political ideal became tied to independence and the absence of coercion through the political upheavals of early modern England, debates …

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Building Trust After Team Restructuring: A Leader's Guide 15:54

16d ago15:54

15:54

Trust is the currency of leadership. Learn how to rebuild it after layoffs or transitions, spot early warning signs of erosion, and apply feedback framework to strengthen team connection and performance. In this episode I discuss A real story of transforming a fractured high-performing team The feedback framework for trust-centered feedback Subtle …

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Hands-On Construction To House of the Year with Carl Turner | 097 32:59

20d ago32:59

32:59

Jon chats with award-winning architect Carl Turner, founder of Turner.Works. Carl shares the first part of his career journey. From his beginnings as a mature student to building an amazing reputation for residential projects. He won a string of prestigious awards along the way. Several of Carl’s projects have featured on TV shows like George Clark…

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UK House Prices Fall, Open House Festival 2025 & Trump's 'Make America Beautiful Again' Campaign 30:32

20d ago30:32

30:32

In this episode, host Fran Williams is joined by Open House Festival Director Celia Mead. Celia is a management consultant who has run major organisations and cultural heritage festivals to discuss: Less than ten days until Open House Festival 2025 // Environmental concerns over plans to redevelop Liverpool Street Station // An unexpected fall in U…

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How to Build Confidence and Your Professional Brand with Intentionality 10:16

22d ago10:16

10:16

We are back from break next week. Please enjoy this episode in the mean time. Greatest Hits: Build Confidence Through Intentionality Confidence isn’t something you wait to feel—it’s something you build through intentional choices. In this episode, I dive into how mindset, clarity, and consistent action shape your professional brand and career direc…

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Michelle May, former family physician and a recovered yo-yo dieter 36:55

26d ago36:55

36:55

Dr. Michelle May is a former family physician and a recovered yo-yo dieter. Like many people in our current food-abundant, diet-obsessed culture, Michelle struggled with disordered eating and body image. From middle school to medical school, her unhealthy relationship with food was her secret, but in her medical practice, she discovered she wasn’t …

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Why You Need Better Systems (Not More Tools!) with Layla Pomper | 096 38:03

27d ago38:03

38:03

Only 17% of small teams write down what they do. Most just try to remember everything, which leads to stress and feeling overwhelmed. Layla Pomper, CEO of ProcessDriven and a systems expert, talks about how to build strong systems in your business. She shares her own journey from running a carpentry business with her husband to helping over 2,100 c…

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Buzzwords: Care with Jasmina Cibic 29:03

27d ago29:03

29:03

Buzzwords is a new pilot podcast from Open City, produced in collaboration with the arts and culture podcast EMPIRE LINES. The podcast unpacks words and phrases often overused in the fields of art and architecture. Produced by curator, writer, and researcher Jelena Sofronijevic, each episode invites artists, curators, architects, and academics to c…

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Why Thank-You Notes Still Matter: Boost Your Professional Brand and Stand Out in the Job Search 25:24

30d ago25:24

25:24

We are still on our summer break so we are dropping this episode: Greatest Hits: The Thank-You Note Advantage In a digital world, a thank-you note still stands out. In this episode, Kristian Schwartz, founder of The Montgomery Group, shares why this simple gesture can elevate your professional brand and help you leave a lasting impression—especiall…

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How to Declutter Your Busy Brain with Bullet Journalling | 095 22:53

1M ago22:53

22:53

Declutter Your Mind with Bullet Journaling! Jon shares how bullet journalling can help you reduce mental clutter and focus on what’s important. John, who has been using the bullet journal method for over a year, explains how it works and debunks common myths about it needing to be artistic. He highlights the ease and flexibility of this analogue me…

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Job Interview Strategies That Work: How to Prepare, Stand Out, and Land the Role 15:27

1M ago15:27

15:27

We are still on our summer break so we are dropping this episode: Greatest Hits: Interview Smarter, Not Harder A job interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about telling the right story, at the right time, with the right impact. In this episode, I share strategies to help you stand out with clarity, confidence, and preparation. You’ll …

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Avoiding The Biggest Marketing Timewasters with Susie Lober | 094 51:18

1M ago51:18

51:18

Jon chats with Susie Lober, a marketing expert with over 20 years of experience working with architects. Jon and Susie discuss the pressures and challenges of modern marketing for architecture practices. They highlight the importance of focusing on quality over quantity and avoiding common marketing time wasters like chasing trends, fixating on soc…

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Dangerously hot homes, the Oxford Street redesign and the UK's first Museum of Brutalist Architecture 30:28

1M ago30:28

30:28

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the Head of Climate Action and Public Health at Love Design Studio and Shade the UK, Polly Turton. Together, they discuss the biggest stories this week in architecture and planning news: Warnings over dangerously hot UK homes amid a fourth heatwave this year // The search begins for design teams to …

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How Anxiety Impacts Your Leadership—and What to Do About It 19:01

1M ago19:01

19:01

We are still on our summer break so we are dropping this greatest hits episode, where we unpack how anxiety influences your leadership style, decisions, and team dynamics. Discover simple mindset shifts and practical tools to lead with clarity, calm, and collaboration. Key Takeaways: Spot anxiety-driven patterns in your leadership Use tools like pa…

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How To Use Written Content to Become a Thought Leader with Antoinette Chappell | 093 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

Jon is joined by Antoinette Chappell, an expert in executive thought leadership and content creation. They discuss the importance of standing out with original insights and effective content implementation. Antoinette shares her journey from translation to copywriting, and the necessity of strategic, long-form content to build authority in your fie…

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Deconstructed: London County Hall – A Palace for Municipal Government 30:19

2M ago30:19

30:19

In this episode, the second of a trilogy to mark 60 years since the end of the London County Council, Matthew Lloyd Roberts was joined by Dr Ruth Lang. They discussed London County Hall, the purpose-built home of the London County Council which sits on the south bank of the Thames at Westminster. It was designed by Ralph Knott and built from 1911–1…

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Trust Your Gut: 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Inner Voice and Navigate Career Decisions 19:10

2M ago19:10

19:10

We are still on our summer break so we are dropping this Greatest Hits episode. In a world flooded with opinions, losing your inner voice is easy, resulting in overwhelm and confusion. In this episode, I share why this happens and Why our brains love certainty How to shut out the noise of other people’s opinions When we are most susceptible to othe…

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How to Position Yourself as the Go-To Choice with Susanna Reay | 092 36:20

2M ago36:20

36:20

Jon welcomes Susanna Reay, the UK's authority architect and creator of the Spark process. They discuss the importance of building authority over visibility for sustainable business growth in architecture. Susanna shares her expertise on how architectural firms can effectively position themselves as the go-to experts in their field by focusing on th…

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Kew's Carbon Garden, Selkirk's Brutalist Gem & Relief for Bexhill's De La Warr Pavillion 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the architecture journalist and co-host of The Brief Fran Williams. Together, they discuss the biggest stories this week in architecture and planning news: Kew Gardens opens a brand new carbon garden and pavilion // Conservation groups unite to rescue a Brutalist gem in the Scottish borders // Resto…

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Connection as Medicine: Breaking the Cycles of Workplace Isolation with Lucy Rose, Founder of The Cost of Loneliness Project 34:19

2M ago34:19

34:19

Loneliness is more than a feeling, it’s a public health crisis. In this episode, Jill talks with Lucy Rose about what leaders need to know, why connection drives performance, and how to spot and solve loneliness in today’s workplace. The hidden cost of loneliness Leadership’s role in fostering connection Small actions that build belonging Show Gues…

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The Internal Colony: Disha Karnad Jani interviews Sam Klug 1:08:05

2M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

In this latest episode of In Theory, Disha Karnad Jani interviews Sam Klug about his new book The Internal Colony: Race and the American Politics of Global Decolonization (University of Chicago Press, 2025). In this book, Klug explores how the process of decolonization in the 1940s–70s transformed US debates about the role of race in American life,…

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Dr. Gary Sprouse, Retired physican and author of Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress. 43:47

2M ago43:47

43:47

Dr. Gary Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. He is committed to helping people improve their mental health. He has taken everything he has learned about stress reduction and crafted his …

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Balancing Work and Family - Tips for Working From Home During School Holidays | 091 16:18

2M ago16:18

16:18

Jon shares practical tips for managing work and family life during the school holidays. Jon offers advice on how to maintain productivity by designing flexible routines, prioritising essential tasks, batching work, and using technology. He shares the importance of setting expectations with clients, involving children in planning, and taking care of…

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InterCities: Taipei with Brian Hioe 29:26

2M ago29:26

29:26

InterCities is a six-part podcast series from Open City. In it, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes. In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by Brian Hioe, a Taiwanese-American writer …

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Listener Q&A: Leading Teams, Inspiring Growth, and Handling Emotional Hijacking at Work 19:59

2M ago19:59

19:59

In this listener-submitted Q&A, we share strategies and insights on leading in today’s workplace. Get answers on how to: Inspire and engage younger team members in a hybrid setting Keep new employees connected to purpose and growth Avoid getting emotionally hijacked when fairness gets weaponized Support the show Jill Griffin, host of The Career Ref…

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Organizational Agility and Digital Readiness: A Holistic Transformation (Season 1 Episode 9) 35:05

2M ago35:05

35:05

Does it feel like your organization is constantly trying to hit a moving target? You're not alone. The modern business world is defined by profound, relentless change, often described as a VUCA environment—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. This isn't just a phase; it's our new, persistent reality. And the traditional management mo…

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People Analytics: Strategic Workforce Decisions (Season 1 Episode 6) 23:51

2M ago23:51

23:51

Are you ready to transform HR from a reactive support function into a proactive, strategic powerhouse? In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of People Analytics, revealing how it's fundamentally reshaping human capital management and equipping HR leaders like you with the evidence to drive critical business outcomes. Forget the ol…

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HR: Driving Business Model Innovation (Season 1 Episode 4) 36:56

2M ago36:56

36:56

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, simply having great products or optimized processes isn't enough to stay ahead. The real competition has shifted to the very core of how companies operate: the business model itself. And here's the powerful insight: your Human Resources function is uniquely positioned to be the key catalyst for this f…

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Strategic Workforce Planning in the Post-Digital Era (Season 1 Episode 3) 1:06:24

2M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Welcome to an essential conversation for every HR leader navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. We're diving deep into the "post-digital" era, where simply adopting technology is no longer enough. The real challenge, and the ultimate competitive edge, lies in mastering workforce transformation. Forget everything you thought you kne…

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Human Cloud: Workforce Transformation Guide (Season 1 Episode 11) 1:24:33

2M ago1:24:33

1:24:33

Get ready to redefine everything you thought you knew about your workforce. The Human Cloud is here, and it’s far more than just a fancy term for the gig economy. It's a profound paradigm shift in how organizations access, manage, and leverage talent, moving us towards a truly liquid, on-demand workforce of knowledge professionals. For Chief Human …

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Building Workforce Resilience: A Comprehensive Guide (Season 1 Episode 2) 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

Is your organization ready for what's next? In today's VUCA world—that's Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—perpetual disruption isn't just a buzzword, it's our new reality. The days of simply reacting to change are over. For HR leaders like you, the question isn't if disruption will hit, but how your workforce will withstand it, re…

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The Vitality Blueprint: Human-Centered Organizational Design (Season 1 Episode 8) 36:08

2M ago36:08

36:08

The world of work is rapidly evolving, and traditional playbooks are no longer enough. Are you ready for the new mandate that's redefining organizational success? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of organizational vitality, revealing how it moves beyond productivity metrics to create sustained energy and growth. We explore its four in…

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From HR Business Partner to Workforce Architect (Season 1 Episode 5) 27:01

2M ago27:01

27:01

Is your HR Business Partner model still stuck in yesterday? For over two decades, the HRBP has been our strategic go-to, but today's world of digital transformation, the rise of artificial intelligence, hybrid work, agile organizational models, and profoundly changing talent dynamics demands more than just a partner. It demands an architect. Welcom…

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The Skills-First Organization: Strategy, Operations, Technology (Season 1 Episode 7) 30:14

2M ago30:14

30:14

Are you feeling the pressure of a rapidly transforming economy? The old ways of managing talent, built on rigid job descriptions and traditional credentials, are no longer just outdated – they’re a liability. In this compelling episode, we unpack the Skills-First Organization: a game-changing approach that puts what your people can do, and their po…

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HR in Mergers & Acquisitions: A Playbook (Season 1 Episode 12) 45:17

2M ago45:17

45:17

Have you ever wondered why a staggering 70% to 90% of mergers and acquisitions fail to deliver on their grand promises? The surprising truth is, it's rarely just about the financial models. More often than not, the corporate landscape is littered with deals that crumbled due to the mismanagement of people and culture. For too long, Human Resources …

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Sustainable HR: Integrating Talent Strategy with ESG Imperatives (Season 1 Episode 10) 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

The corporate world is undergoing a seismic shift, and Human Resources is at the very heart of it. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are no longer just buzzwords on the periphery; they've moved to the core of business strategy, investor analysis, and regulatory scrutiny. But what does this profound transformation truly mean for H…

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The Evolving CHRO: Architecting the Future Workforce (Season 1 Episode 1) 38:17

2M ago38:17

38:17

The way organizations manage their most valuable asset – people – has changed dramatically. The role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) has undergone a profound metamorphosis, evolving from a primarily administrative and compliance-oriented leader to a strategic enterprise leader integral to business success. This isn't just a small update…

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Capturing You: Personal Brand Photography in Architecture with Catherine Turner | 090 45:14

2M ago45:14

45:14

Jon is joined by brand photographer Catherine Turner to discuss the vital role personal brand photography can play for architecture firms. They explore how showcasing the people behind the designs can build trust and differentiate firms in a competitive market. Catherine shares her insights on effectively using these photos beyond just the about pa…

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The Open House Festival catalogue is live, pedestrianising the West End and can office skyscrapers save nightlife? 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha will be joined by guest Mike Althorpe, an architectural researcher at Karakusevic Carson Architects and the mastermind behind The London Ambler tours. They will be discussing: The programme for this year’s Open House Festival goes live // Bold plans to pedestrianise London’s West End revealed // A last chance to …

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Using AI to Upskill, Stand Out, and Stay Relevant in Your Career 18:39

2M ago18:39

18:39

AI isn’t just for tech roles or automation; it’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to grow, pivot, or future-proof their career. In this episode, Jill discusses using AI to enhance strategic thinking, prep for interviews, and strengthen your job search. You’ll learn: How to use AI to identify transferable skills and tailor your resume Why most peo…

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Keeping Your Architecture Website Fresh (Like A Magazine!) with Rachel Extance | 089 44:27

3M ago44:27

44:27

Jon is joined by the acclaimed writer Rachel Extance to discuss how architects can keep their practice websites engaging even between projects. They explore the concept of treating your website like a magazine, sharing six key blog ideas that can maintain interest and boost search engine rankings. Topics covered include case studies, unpacking key …