In PlanningxChange Episode 78 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview John Myers (UK) and Michael Hendrix (USA) about the hyper local zoning initiative. John has developed a ‘bottom up’ approach to fixing chronically underperforming housing markets that occur throughout the western world. This consists of citizens within a block or similar smaller area petitioning to up zone their properties to enable greater development opportunities.
'Hyperlocal' can be part of the efforts to fix unresponsive and ‘gummed up’ zoning systems. The negative impacts of this planning failure are profound including the disenfranchisement of vast segments of citizens from the housing market and thereby creating significant layers of inequity and intergenerational conflict. For healthy cities to benefit their citizens, this problem needs to be tackled. Traditional methods of solving housing equity such as inclusive zoning, rent control and the mandatory allocation of social housing in large projects are discussed in the interview and these are found wanting. The critical issue is supply and to allow markets to do what they do best. John and Michael have teamed up to offer a new tool, hyperlocal zoning, for city managers, developers and city planners to increase housing choice and diversity by empowering local residents. Hyperlocal zoning is one of the most innovative theoretical approaches in recent decades to help cities achieve a better and more equitable supply of new housing. The initiative has been embraced across the political spectrum.
John Myers founded London YIMBY and the YIMBY Alliance, which campaign for an end to the housing crisis in the UK. He originally worked as a New York and English litigation and competition lawyer and then as an investment manager. His work has been covered in media including the Australian Financial Review, Bloomberg, CityLab and the Guardian.
Michael Hendrix is director of state and local policy at the Manhattan Institute. Previously, he served as senior director for research and emerging issues at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Hendrix is a frequent public speaker, and his writings have appeared in, among others, National Review, City Journal, and National Affairs.
 This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. This episode was released on 20 May 2021. PlanningxChange is proud to be a member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

130. Hyperlocal zoning reform; fixing broken housing markets globally_PX

In this episode, PlanningxChange delves into the history of heritage conservation in Australia. James Lesh is an urban historian specialising in heritage conservation. He is interested in the potential for history and heritage to enhance cities, places and society.
His latest book is Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia (Routledge, 2022). It synthesises the history of the Australian heritage movement and advocates for innovative modes of heritage practice.
James is a Lecturer in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies at Deakin University in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. He has previously researched and taught at the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and King’s College London.
In podcast extra or culture corner:
James recommends ‘The Lost City Of Melbourne’ documentary, ‘Monkey Grip’ - film, ‘Dogs in Space’ - film. ‘The Bear’ TV show.
Jess recommends ‘King Richard’ film and yoga as an exercise.
Pete recommends ‘The Legend of Ben Hall’ (bushranger movie) and on Youtube ‘The making of The Legend of Ben Hall’. 

PlanningxChange is a proud member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.
Episode released 23 February 2023. Audio production by Jack Bavage.

154. Heritage, thru a looking glass_PX

In PX104, our interview guest is Vanessa Schernickau, the Chief Executive Officer of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC). The GRLC provides library and information services to residents and visitors across the Geelong region on behalf of five local government councils.

The network consists of a central library, 18 community libraries, three mobile libraries and a website. It provides free, universal access to lifelong learning, reading and discovery. 

The Geelong Library began in 1858 as part of the Mechanics Institute.

Vanessa talks about her first library book and her lifetime love affair with libraries. She talks of the dynamic changes that have led to the modern library model. This model has changed with the times and now a substantial component of user requirements are not associated with physical books. 

As the industrialist and great patron of public libraries Andrew Carnegie famously put it more than a century ago, “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.” His words ring true today.

We chose libraries as an interview topic as they represent one of the few public places in our towns and cities. They also provide a good deal of assistance to people navigating government and commercial services and simply as pleasant places to rest and relax.

In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner, Vanessa recommends two books, ‘The Colony’ by Audrey Magee and ’Small things like these’ by Claire Keegan.

Jess recommends ‘The House of Eve’ by Sadeqa Johnson.

Pete recommends ‘100 Poems, 100 Poets (Hyaku-nin isshu).

Audio production by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 1 May 2023.

PlanningxChange is proud to be a member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

156. Libraries forever_PX

In PX117 our guest is Rob Parker, President of Trilith Development, LLC. Rob oversees with a development team the continued growth of the Trilith Township and Film Studios. Trilith is located on the edge of Altana in Fayette County, Georgia. Trilith is in the advance guard of new urbanism practices. Details at https://www.trilith.com

Trilith is a large masterplanned community which seeks to ‘redefine the modern American town’. Based on New Urbanism 2.0++ principles, the town has a vibrant commercial centre, multiple open space places and a diverse range of housing options. It is colocated adjacent the Trilith Film Studios.

Rob describes the passions that drive the Trilith team and the concept of continuous improvement in the creation of new urban spaces. He discusses building for the long term and the high level of detail that goes into making first rate community projects.
Trilith has many unique features. One of the surprising aspects is the popularity of the ‘Trilith Experience’, a tour of not only the film studios but also ‘the intrically designed new urbanist community of the The Town @ Trilth’. Rob reports that many visitors are excited and drawn to the new urbanism built form and layout.

An engaging interview with a professional dedicated to creating better town life experiences. 

In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner Rob recommends ‘Suburban Nation - The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream’ by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk and Jeff Speck https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781429932110/suburbannation  and ‘Walkable City - How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time’ by Jeff Speck https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781429932110/suburbannation
Rob also describes the value of travel and taking in new experiences that can lead to better solutions 'at home'.

Jess recommends ‘Foul Play’ by Fiona McIntosh https://www.penguin.com.au/books/foul-play-9781761048012. 

Pete recommends ‘I Robot’ by Isaac Asimov https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_Robot.

Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 31 May 2024. PlanningxChange is proud to be part of the Urban Broadcasting Collective.

169. New Urbanism 2.0++ in Georgia, the Trilith Experience

In PX118 our guests are Jonathan O’Brien and Jonathan Nolan of YIMBY Melbourne.
Details of YIMBY Melbourne are at https://www.yimby.melbourne
YIMBY Melbourne seeks a ‘People-led’ ‘Grassroots’ ‘For Housing Abundance.’ 
The YIMBY website states: ‘A better Melbourne is possible. A Melbourne that is affordable, liveable, and sustainable. A city that is walkable, accessible, and which gives everyone access to the amenity-rich areas that make living here so special.
Creating housing abundance will take a lot of work. It will require reform across planning, governance, and taxation. It will force us to take a serious look at how we use, value, and control the use of land in this city.
The two Jonathan’s outline the problems with the current planning system and how this leads to disadvantage, exclusion and a lack of new housing. They propose various measures that can redress the problems. They also call for volunteers to assist the cause.
An engaging interview with dedicated activists who have created a new third party force in the housing / planning policy - public awareness space.
In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner, Jonathan Nolan recommends a website he has created (https://citydensity.com) which looks at the population density of major cities in relation to distance from the CBD.
Jonathan O’Brien recommends ‘Arbitary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and how to fix it’ by M Nolan Gray (https://islandpress.org/books/arbitrary-lines#desc) 
He also recommends ‘The Boat’ by Nam Le (https://www.sbs.com.au/theboat/) and https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-boat-9780143009610
Jess recommends a book ‘What happened to Nina’ by Dervla McTiernan (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171793386-what-happened-to-nina) and a podcast ‘The Imperfect’ (https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/podcasts/).
Pete recommends ‘Climate - the movie (the cold truth)’ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM and the Radio Taiso (also spelt Rajio Taiso which translates to ‘radio exercises’) morning exercise program released by NHK - see YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ZRH9Mraqw
Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 24 June 2024.

PlanningxChange is proud to be a member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

170. YIMBY Melbourne, new solutions to the housing crisis_PX

In PX119 our guests is Kylie Legge of Place Score (https://www.placescore.org/about-place-score/). Kylie is a leading voice in placemaking,  an architecture graduate, planner, place maker, author, facilitator, curator and entrepreneur. She is founding Director of Place Partners, a multidisciplinary placemaking consultancy based in Sydney, Australia and Place Score – the world’s first place experience measurement company.

An engaging interview about new methods to find out what citizens seek in their local area.

In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner, Kylie Legge recommends The National Gallery of Victoria ‘Triennial’, an exhibition featuring 120 artists with contemporary works (see https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/triennial/home/).  J

Jess recommends Turning Point on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81614129)

Pete recommends the WSJ 'Free Expression' Podcast episode - ‘Is Modern Technology Ruining Our Children’ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-modern-technology-ruining-our-children/id1609730284?i=1000651467872
which features Jonathan Haidt author of ‘The Anxious Generation’ - How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing and Epidemic of Mental Illness’. Details at https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book - and he also recommends the Ford Ranger Youtube clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPxo7siqjIo

Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 20 July 2024.

PlanningxChange is proud to be a contributing member of the Urban Broadcasting Collective.

171. New ways of finding out community attitudes_PX

In PX120 our guest is Assistant Professor Akane Bessho, Ph.D of the Housing and Urban Analysis Laboratory, Department of Engineering, The University of Tokyo.  Information about Akane’s work is at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Akane-Bessho-2

and her website is: https://www.akanebessho.com

Akane has a wide range of research projects and field work including schemes that seek to reverse depopulation in Japan’s rural areas, assisting people with disabilities into the agricultural sector (see for example Coco Farm & Winery) (https://cocowine.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cocofaw-pr-eng.pdf), new approaches to food production and creating community gardens and centres specifically designed to aid those with dementia. Her work ranges from densely populated metropolitan centres to small rural towns and villages.

Akane describes her faculty at the the Tokyo University and the excellent work it produces. Details at https://www.due.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/english/

The interview discusses many issues confronting Japanese society. From this we can draw lessons that can be applied to other countries.

An engaging and inspiring interview about new methods to create better societal outcomes.

In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner, Akane has two recommendations, music by Ren (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnbXfRACsVM) and a book The Essence of Language: How Words Were Born and Evolved? (by Mutsumi Imai & Kimi Akita):  https://amzn.asia/d/00SRoMrL

Jess has taken up tennis lessons and recommends this to listeners.

Pete has two recommendations both Japanese; The TV series Golden Kamuy on Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6DmjhcSt8Q

and 'Design X Stories' a program on NHK (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/design_stories/) in p[articular ’Shared Living, Shared Spaces' (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2101025/)

Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 10 August 2024.

PlanningxChange is proud to be a contributing member of the Urban Broadcasting Collective.

172. Innovative university and planning programs in Japan (Tokyo U)_PX

In PX121 our guest is Calvin Po (https://www.calvinpo.com). 
Calvin Po is a strategic designer at Dark Matter Labs, co-leading the Radicle Civics portfolio, where he explores institutional and governance systems as sites of design. He has led projects with the Scottish Government’s Land Commission on land governance reform, the Taiwanese Government on decentralised web3 civic infrastructure, and is developing multi-actor governance approaches for river ecosystems, and in FreeHouse, a commons housing model based on ‘self-owning’ houses.

At the Architectural Association School of Architecture, Calvin is a unit master of Diploma 9, ‘Universal Free Housing’, focusing on strategic, policy, and economic pathways for realising housing as a universal human right. He studied architecture at UCL Bartlett, where he graduated top of class as a RIBA Donaldson Medallist, and he was a scholar at the AA, where his Diploma thesis won the Dennis Sharp Prize and was a finalist for RIBA President's Awards for Research 2021.

Calvin is also a writer, publishing most regularly as an architecture critic for The Spectator magazine. His research interests and writing include topics on land, territory, and its political systems.

In podcast extra / culture corner, Calvin Po recommends the movie Tar directed by Todd Field (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tár); Jess recommends the Netflix program ‘Red Eye’ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421239/ and Pete recommends ‘War Gamers’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IikLz4GL8uw and https://www.zdf-studios.com/en/program-catalog/international/unscripted/history-biographies/war-gamers

Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 11 September 2024.

PlanningxChange is proud to be part of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

173. Big leap planning systems and ways of place, Calvin Po_PX

In PX122 our guest is Rafael Mangual a distinguished writer and researcher on crime issues in cities and regions. He is the Nick Ohnell Fellow at the Manhattan Institute (MI), a contributing editor of City Journal, and a member of the Council on Criminal Justice. His first book, Criminal (In)Justice, was released in July 2022. He has authored and coauthored a number of MI reports and op-eds on issues ranging from urban crime and jail violence to broader matters of criminal and civil justice reform. His work has been featured and mentioned in a wide array of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, New York Post, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer and City Journal. He regularly appears on TV and radio.

In a wide ranging interview, Rafael explains various criminology theories about urban environments and how design measures can reduce crime. He talks about how crime reduces urban amenity, the consequences for the most disadvantaged and if unchecked how lax civic and legislative standards create a doom loop.  Rafael presents an inspiring and well thought out approach to addressing a very serious urban issue that rarely receives any attention in urban planning circles.

In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner Rafael recommends Fitness accounts and trackers.
Jess recommends attending professional conferences. Pete recommends ‘The Passage of the Damned’ by Elsbeth Hardie https://scholarly.info/book/the-passage-of-the-damned/’. 
Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 23 October 2024.
PlanningxChange is proud to be part of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

174. Crime + City Planning - what works_PX

In PX123 our guest is Bryan Caplan. Bryan is Professor of Economics at George Mason University and a New York Times Bestselling author. We interview him about his ground breaking graphic novel ‘Build, Baby, Build - The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation’.

The book is described: 'In Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation, economist Bryan Caplan makes the economic and philosophical case for radical deregulation of this massive market―freeing property owners to build as tall and dense as they wish. Not only would the average price of housing be cut in half, but the building boom unleashed by deregulation would simultaneously reduce inequality, increase social mobility, promote economic growth, reduce homelessness, increase birth rates, help the environment, cut crime, and more. Combining stunning homage to classic animation with careful interdisciplinary research, Build, Baby, Build takes readers on a grand tour of a bona fide “panacea policy.” We can start realizing these missed opportunities as soon as we abandon the widespread misconception that housing regulation solves more problems than it causes.’

The book should be a must read for planning undergraduates and all policy makers involved in the housing sector.

Other books he has written include The Myth of the Rational Voter, named "the best political book of the year" by the New York Times, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids, The Case Against Education, Open Borders (co-authored with SMBC's Zach Weinersmith), Labor Econ Versus the World, How Evil Are Politicians?, Don't Be a Feminist, Voters As Mad Scientists, You Will Not Stampede Me, and Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine. He is now writing Unbeatable: The Brutally Honest Case for Free Markets. 

In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner Bryan recommends   ‘The problem with political authority’ by Michael Huemer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Problem_of_Political_Authority). He also recommends the Youtube series 'Ride with Gabi'  https://www.youtube.com/@ridewithgabi 

Jess has gone back to duolingo, learning Italian (https://www.duolingo.com). Pete recommends Netflix K drama ‘Business Proposal’. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Proposal)

Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 12 November 2024.  PlanningxChange is proud to be part of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

175. Market solutions to the housing crisis / factoring in the burdens of regulation_PX

Katherine is a social planning practitioner with over 14 years’ experience working for a range of government and non-government organisations in Australia and the Pacific. Katherine has considerable experience in developing and implementing community plans, programs and policy to improve social inclusion and participation. Katherine was awarded the 2018 Rodney Warmington Churchill Fellowship to increase inclusion and accessibility in public toilets by researching taboos, design, policy and legal barriers. The Churchill Fellowship consolidated previous work with planners, institutions and community members identifying public toilets as essential to support the participation of a wide section of our communities. Photos of many toilets Katherine has visited are documented via Instagram @Public_Toilets_Anonymous. Katherine appears on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh7UQziutv8 talking about her work. 
Discussion mentions the film ‘Perfect Days’ which is set amongst Tokyo’s public ‘art’ toilets (https://www.archdaily.com/1018293/perfect-days-an-ode-to-tokyos-public-toilets). Mention is also made about Singapores ‘Happy Toilet Program’ (https://www.toilet.org.sg/docs/HTPBrochure.pdf)
For podcast extra / culture corner, Katherine recommendations ‘Birnam Wood’ by Eleanor Catton https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784757-birnam-wood. She also recommends the ‘Public Toilet’ app. Jess recommends outsourcing at home in times of stress relying upon the ‘diner lady’. Pete recommends the ‘Transit maps’ app, and secondly, YouTube Premium.
Audio production by Jack Bavage. Podcast released on 7 December 2024. PlanningxChange is proud to be a member of the Urban Broadcasting Collective.

176. Creating great public toilets (new research)_PX

In this episode, Jess and Pete reflect on the tenth anniversary of the PlanningxChange podcast. This discussion occurs before an Ai review of the planningxchange podcast series. A rather indulgent episode to mark the anniversary!
For podcast extra / culture corner, Jess recommends making pizzas at home with the family. Her New Year resolution is to have more interesting podcast extra recommendations.  Pete recommends doing background research about books you like. He also discusses film locations and the potential for cultural tourism. On YouTube there are various films about film locations. The film Pete mentions is Mad Max.
There are now transcripts for the episodes. These will progressively be included for previous editions. The transcripts generally reflect what is said in the episode (they are altered to improve grammar etc).
Audio production by Jack Bavage. Podcast released on 27 December 2024.
PlanningxChange is proud to be a member of the Urban Broadcast collective.

177. Ten years of PlanningxChange, Ai review

Our guest is Sara Bronin a Mexican-American architect and attorney whose interdisciplinary research focuses on how law and policy can foster more equitable, sustainable, well-designed, and connected places. She is the author of 'Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World', and she founded and directs the National Zoning Atlas, which aims to digitize, demystify, and democratize information about zoning in the United States. She has advised the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Sustainable Development Code, has served on the board of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, and founded Desegregate Connecticut. Previously, she led the award-winning, unanimously adopted overhaul of the zoning code and city plan of Hartford, Connecticut. Bronin holds a juris doctor from Yale Law School, a master of science from the University of Oxford (Rhodes Scholar), as well as a B.Arch. and B.A. from the University of Texas–Austin.
In the interview Sara outlines her experiences including being a Commissioner at the City of Hartford which helped shape the book and the array of issues covered in ‘Key to the City’. 

In podcast extra / culture corner Sara recommends ‘Climate Change and Historic Preservation 
‘ (Sept 2024) https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/llglrd/2024555212/2024555212.pdf. Jess recommends the Martha Stewart documentary on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81479059) and Pete recommends two books and making omelettes. Episode released 19 January 2025.

PX is proud to be part of the Urban Broadcasting Collective.

178. Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes the World: Sara Bronin

In PX127 our guest is architect, former academic and author Dr Derham Groves. 

He studied architecture at Deakin University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and art history at the University of Minnesota. He taught architecture at RMIT from 1985 to 1997 and the University of Melbourne from 1999 to 2019 and was a Senior Fellow in the Faculty of Architecture, Building, and Planning at the University of Melbourne from 2020 to 2024. Derham is the author of many articles and books about popular culture, architecture, and design, including, Feng-Shui and Western Building Ceremonies (1991), You Bastard Moriarty (1996), Mail Art: The D-I-Y Letterbox from Workshop to Gatepost (1998), TV Houses: Television’s Influence On the Australian Home (2004), Mask: Pro Hart’s Frankenstein Monsters (2006), There’s No Place Like Holmes: Exploring Sense of Place Through Crime Fiction (2008), Victims and Villains: Barbie and Ken Meet Sherlock Holmes (2009), Anna May Wong’s Lucky Shoes: 1939 Australia Through the Eyes of an Art Deco Diva (2011), Out of the Ordinary: Popular Art, Architecture and Design (2012), Hopalong Cassidy: A Horse Opera (2017), Monkeemania in Australia: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Monkees’ Australian Tour in 1968 (2019), Arthur Purnell’s “Forgotten” Architecture: Canton and Cars (2020), Sherlock in the Seventies: A Wild Decade of Sherlock Holmes Films (2021), Australian Westerns in the Fifties: Kangaroo, Hopalong Cassidy on Tour, and Whiplash (2022), and Homicide on Hydra: George Johnston’s Crime Novels (2023). His latest book, Walt Disney’s Forgotten Australia: From Mickey’s Kangaroo to Outback At Ya! has been released in February 2025. Derham agrees with the Austrian architect Hans Hollein that ‘Everything is architecture,’ and the American designer Charles Eames who said, ‘Eventually everything connects—people, ideas, objects.’ 

Episode released 10 February 2025. PX is proud to be a contributor to the UBC.

179. Sherlock Holmes, City Making + Popular Culture_PX

In PX128 our guest is architect and author Jorge Almazan. Jorge is a Tokyo-based architect and associate professor at Keio University. He holds a degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and a PhD from the Tokyo Institute of Technology. His practice focuses on ecologically responsible and socially inclusive design, ranging from urban to interior projects. His built work has earned significant recognition in Japan, including the Ota City Urban Landscape First Prize (2019) and selections by the Japan Institute of Architects (2018, 2022) and the Architectural Institute of Japan (2023). Almazán's research on Tokyo has been published in numerous academic journals, and his book, Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City (Oro Editions, 2021), was a finalist for the 2023 Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award.

‘Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City’ was mentioned in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about visiting Tokyo on a budget, using the book as a guide
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/how-far-does-1-000-take-you-on-a-trip-to-tokyo-we-found-out-dd76a5af?st=TeyNL7&reflink=article_copyURL_share

In podcast extra / culture corner, Jorge recommends two Netflix programs that feature Tokyo. These are ‘Midnight Diner’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Diner_(Japanese_TV_series) and ’Tokyo Swindlers’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Swindlers.

Jess recommends getting back into tennis as she returns to the court. Pete recommends the ‘New Books’ podcast series https://newbooksnetwork.com.

PX is proud to be a contributor to the UBC. Episode PX128 was released on 3 March 2025.

180. Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City (author Jorge Almazan)_PX

In PX129 our guest is Jeffrey Mason of the Charter Cities Institute. Jeffrey joined CCI as a Researcher in 2019. His research interests include urban economics, structural transformation, special economic zones, and technology ecosystems. He has worked on policy advisory projects in Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, and Honduras, among other countries. Prior to joining the Charter Cities Institute, Jeffrey worked as an MA Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He holds a BA in economics from the University of Maryland and an MA in economics from George Mason University. His writing has been featured in publications including City Journal, Works in Progress, Investment Monitor, Quartz Africa, and The American Mind. The Charter Cities Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to creating the ecosystem for charter cities, founded on the idea that a fresh approach was necessary to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges, such as global poverty, climate change and rapid urbanisation.
CCI believe charter cities—new cities granted a special jurisdiction to create a new governance system—are that solution. By improving governance through deep regulatory and administrative reforms, charter cities can help accelerate economic growth in developing countries and lift tens of millions of people out of poverty. Details at https://chartercitiesinstitute.org

In podcast extra / culture corner, Jeff recommends the book ‘Outsourcing Empire: How Company-States Made the Modern World' by Andrew Phillips and JC Sharman https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691203515/outsourcing-empire
Jess recommends the TV series Ted Lasso https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso Pete recommends the book ‘The Diaries of Fred Williams 1963 - 1970’ https://www.amazon.com.au/Diaries-Fred-Williams-1963-1970/dp/0522871208
Episode PX129 was released on 31 March 2025. PX is proud to be a member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

181. Charter Cities, new approach to city making in the Developing World_PX

In PX130 our guest is Max Shifman, Chief Executive Officer of Intrapac Property, one of Australia's most respected private developers. Max brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, having worked across master-planned communities, regional housing projects, and complex urban redevelopments mainly along Australia’s eastern seaboard. His background in engineering and law, combined with hands-on experience in the development sector, gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
In this episode, we explore what motivates developers, how public misconceptions impact the industry, the growing burden of red and green tape, and how political and media narratives shape outcomes on the ground. Max shares candid insights into the development process, the importance of long-term thinking, and the need for a more collaborative approach between planners, developers, and regulators. We also discuss innovation, housing affordability, the tension between idealism and pragmatism in city-making, and why Australia needs to rediscover its ambition for building new cities.
In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner:
* Max recommends the Netflix series Drive to Survive https://www.netflix.com/au/title/80204890, a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Formula One racing.
* Cam reflects on the power and abundance of Australia's natural coastal landscapes.
* Pete recommends the play Victory Over the Sun, a landmark 1913 Russian Futurist work that pushed the boundaries of theatre and art. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_over_the_Sun
Episode PX130 was released on 26 April 2025. PX is proud to be a member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

182. Inside the Mind of a Developer: A Conversation with Max Shifman_PX

In this episode of PlanningXchange, we speak with Professor Alfonso Morales and Edna Ely-Ledesma of the University of Wisconsin-Madson about the unique and often overlooked role of public markets in shaping vibrant, inclusive urban environments. Drawing on their research and on-the-ground experience, they share insights into how markets serve not just as commercial spaces, but as critical infrastructure for food access, social connection, and local economic resilience.
We explore the history and diversity of market types across different regions, the policy frameworks that support or hinder their success, and the role markets play in community-building and placemaking. Alfonso and Edna also discuss the innovative Farm 2 Facts toolkit—a software platform they developed to help market managers collect, analyze, and visualize data on their operations. This decision-support tool empowers cities and market operators to better understand food distribution, ecosystem services, and community impact in real time icicle.osu.edudpla.wisc.edu.
For more information and to explore the toolkit, visit farm2facts.org icicle.osu.edu
In Podcast Extra, Alfonso recommends ‘The Cadfael Chronicles’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cadfael_Chronicles. Edna recommends ‘Conclave’ the film https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conclave_(film)
Jess recommends ‘Alone Australia’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alone_Australia. 
Pete recommends ‘Bullet Train Explosion’ https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81629968
Podcast episode released 26 May 2025.

183. Designing for Exchange: Public Markets and Civic Life_PX

In this episode of PlanningXchange, we speak with Scott Matheson, Head of Planning at MyLot, an Australian AI technology company focused on simplifying the planning process for councils and communities. With a background in statutory planning across local government, consultancies, and the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, Scott brings both practical experience and a forward-thinking approach to the role of technology in urban planning.
We explore Scott’s journey from traditional regulatory planning into the dynamic world of AI, discussing how MyLot is transforming development assessments with automated tools and data-driven insights. Scott shares examples of how AI can enhance transparency, reduce processing times, and better engage citizens—while still respecting the role of professional judgment and community context.
We also discuss the broader implications of AI on the planning profession, potential ethical concerns, broader strategic analysis, impacts on employment and how planners can position themselves to work with emerging technologies rather than against them.
 In Culture Corner / Podcast Extra,  Scott shares a light-hearted story about using AI to open up relationship discussions.
Jess recommends the Netflix documentary Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster, which examines the events leading up to the 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible during a deep-sea expedition to the Titanic wreck site. https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81712178
Pete recommends investing in a pair of Stihl chainsaw chaps for serious chainsaw safety.https://shop.stihl.com.au/function-core-270-chaps

PlanningxChange is proud to be a member of the UBC.

Podcast released 26 June 2025

184. AI enters city planning, everything changes_PX

In this episode of PlanningXchange, we speak with Peter O’Leary, whose planning career spans an impressive five decades.
Peter began his journey in the mid-1970s as a cadet in local government, rising through the ranks to senior management. He later moved into the private sector before serving over 11 years as a Tribunal Member at VCAT, where he presided over a broad range of planning matters. Following his time on the bench, Peter returned to consultancy, specialising in mediation and dispute resolution.
We explore each phase of his remarkable career, drawing on his insights into what makes an effective advocate, a fair and capable decision-maker, and a resilient professional. Peter offers thoughtful guidance for planners at every stage—whether just starting out, navigating mid-career, or reflecting on a lifetime of service.
Few reach the milestone of 50 years in the profession—fewer still with such breadth of experience. This is a generous and candid conversation with a true planner’s planner.
In Culture Corner / Podcast Extra:
* Peter recommends The Incredible Life of Hubert Wilkins: Australia’s Greatest Explorer – Wikipedia – and the documentary Maya and the Wave – mayaandthewave.com.
* Jess suggests attending professional conferences for inspiration and renewal.
* Pete offers a couple of classic comforts: hot water bottles on cold nights and the contemplative beauty of Evensong at Church.
Podcast released 26 July 2025. PlanningxChange is proud to be a contributor to the Urban Broadcast Collective.

185. Five Decades a City Planner_PX

In this episode of PlanningxChange (PX134), we sit down with Dr Cameron McAuliffe, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography & Urban Studies at Western Sydney University. Cameron has written widely on the cultural politics of graffiti and street art, and has advised public authorities on how cities can approach the governance of these highly visible—and often contested—forms of expression.
Our conversation explores:
* The social meaning of graffiti in contemporary cities
* How governments attempt to balance regulation, creativity, and community values
* The role of planning and urban management in shaping the street art landscape
* International perspectives on graffiti and what Sydney’s experience can teach other cities
Cameron offers both scholarly insight and practical reflections from his advisory work with councils and state agencies. For planners, urban designers, and anyone interested in the cultural life of cities, this episode sheds light on a subject that provokes strong reactions but also opens up new ways of thinking about public space.

In Podcast extra / Culture corner Cameron recommends the Vivid Festival in Sydney, a celebration of light, music, and creative culture that transforms the city each year. Jess is diving into the global hit Squid Game, reflecting on its social themes and powerful storytelling; whilst Pete recommends George Orwell’s Coming Up for Air, available as audiobook on YouTube or in book form

Podcast released: 18 August 2025 
PlanningXchange is proud to be a contributor to the Urban Broadcast Collective.

186. Graffiti, Governance and the City: A Conversation with Dr Cameron McAuliffe_PX

In this episode of Planningxchange, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell are joined by Stephen Turner, founder of TS Japan Rail a well respected commentator on Japanese rail travel.
Stephen has lived in Japan since the early 1990s and has featured on NHK World’s Japan Railway Journal and Japanology Plus. Through his work, he helps visitors craft memorable journeys across both Japan’s famous Shinkansen network and its lesser-known regional lines.
Together we explore:
* Why Japan’s railways are unique – from punctuality down to the second to a culture of courtesy and order onboard.
* The role of private rail companies such as Tokyu and Hankyu in shaping entire suburbs through transit-oriented development.
* Rail etiquette and staff culture – women-only carriages, the quiet of commuter trains, and the formality of conductors bowing to passengers.
* Railway fandom and culture – from timetable collectors to station melody enthusiasts, and even mention of the the 1900’s Railway Songs by Owada Takeki (tetsudo shoka).
* Rural and third-sector lines – the challenges of depopulation, the fight to sustain local connections, and the role of tourism in keeping them alive.
* What the future holds – labour shortages, financial pressures, and whether Japan’s model can inspire other countries.
Stephen’s insights open a window onto railways as more than just transport—they are a cultural institution, an engine of urban form, and a source of national pride.
Tune in to hear how the Japanese system blends planning, culture, and innovation, and what lessons it might hold for cities and regions across the world. 
In Podcast Extra/Culture Corner Stephen recommends travelling the rural train lines of Japan. Jess notes the relaxing nature of gardening and the book ‘Abundance’ by. Ezra Klein. Pete recommends the book ‘I Want Everything’ by Dominic Amerena. Podcast episode released on 14 September 2025.

PlanningxChange is proud to be a contributor to the Urban Broadcast Collective.

187. Japan’s Railways: Culture, Planning, and Precision_PX

In this episode of PlanningxChange, Jess and Pete speak with Daniel Gannon, Executive Director of the Retirement Living Council of Australia.  Daniel brings nearly two decades of experience across advocacy, public policy, and media, including eight years leading the Property Council in South Australia, where he played a key role in landmark tax reforms that strengthened the state’s investment landscape.
Now at the helm of the Retirement Living Council, Daniel is championing policies to meet the needs of Australia’s rapidly ageing population and to promote age-friendly communities across the nation. He shares his insights into the future of retirement living—from debunking common misconceptions to exploring design, affordability, and the social and health benefits of village life.
The conversation also tackles industry challenges: regulatory complexity, barriers to new supply, and how governments can better support this essential housing sector. Daniel discusses global and local innovations shaping the next decade of retirement living, the “silver tsunami” of demographic change, and why the right kind of housing can unlock new opportunities across Australia’s property market.
In the Podcast Extra / Culture Corner, Daniel recommends ‘Your exceptional life’ by Marcus Pearce https://marcuspearce.com.au.
Jess recommends a podcast ‘Dr Emily - The Risk of Avoiding Risk’ by the Imperfects’ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dr-emily-the-risk-of-avoiding-risk/id1476501557?i=1000656075537

Pete flags a forthcoming book he has co-authored and will publish ‘Kaizo at Dog Beach’ for 3 - 7 year olds.

Episode released 14 October 2025. (Japan National Train Day & Izzy’s birthday)

188. Retirement Living + Good Life with Daniel Gannon_PX

In this episode, PlanningxChange travels to Vietnam to speak with Olivier Souquet, French architect and co-founder of DE-SO Asia, a Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)-based design studio renowned for projects that weave together climate, culture, and poetic sensibility.
Since establishing DE-SO Asia in 2016, Olivier has guided a diverse body of work across Vietnam—from rural schools and urban housing to major civic and cultural landmarks, including the new City Planning Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh City. His practice embraces both rigorous environmental awareness and a deep respect for local materials, topography, and traditions.
Olivier discusses his architectural philosophy—shaped by influences such as Édouard Glissant’s call to “act in your place, think with the world”—and the realities of designing in Vietnam’s tropical context, where rain, heat, and humidity shape the rhythm of daily work.
He reflects on building responsibly in a time of ecological change, how poetic gestures sustain creativity, and why uncertainty (“Au Vietnam, rien n’est jamais sûr”) is part of the country’s charm and challenge.
This is a conversation about architecture as adaptation, empathy, and imagination—rooted in place yet globally aware.

Key Topics
* Origins and philosophy of DE-SO Asia
* Practicing architecture across French and Vietnamese cultures
* The Family Garden studio: daily rituals, nature, and community
* Designing the Ho Chi Minh City Planning Exhibition Center
* Balancing civic responsibility with poetic intent
* Advice for young architects and reflections on VietnamDE-DE-SO)’s creative energy

About DE-SO Asia
Founded in 2016 by Olivier Souquet, DE-SO Asia is a Vietnamese architectural and planning firm working at all scales—from regional masterplans to public buildings and landscapes. The firm collaborates with public authorities, private investors, and international partners, and is recognised for its environmentally conscious, site-responsive designs grounded in local knowledge and craftsmanship. 🌐 de-so.asia

Culture Corner/Podcast Extra
Olivier recommends the 1961 French classic film ‘Last Year at Marienbad’ directed by Alain Resnais (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Year_at_Marienbad) and the works of Ridley Scott in particular Blade Runner and Inception and the music of Hans Zimmer www.Hans-zimmer.com. Jess talks of returning to play the violin; Pete talks of a 4000km round road trip travelling through rural Australia and the delights of the countryside, small towns and farming districts. PX is proud to be a contributor to the Urban Broadcast Collective. Episode released 5 November 2025. 

189. Designing with Climate and Culture: A Vietnamese Journey with Olivier Souquet_PX

In this episode of PlanningxChange, Jess and Peter speak with Mary Reilly, a planner and educator with deep experience in rural land-use issues. Mary helps us unpack the widely discussed Old Mission case from Michigan - a dispute between wineries and a township over land-use controls that resulted in a major federal damages award (approx $50m US). The discussion does not explore the legal merits or the ongoing appeal; instead, it uses the case to illuminate broader lessons for planners everywhere.
Mary reflects on how agricultural areas are changing, how councils manage risk, and how planning systems can better balance rural preservation with economic adaptation. She also draws on her teaching experience to explain how real cases help future planners understand complexity, conflict, and the value of clear decision-making.
Five Key Themes We Explore
1. What the Old Mission case reveals about zoning and regulation
Mary outlines how restrictive controls can create tension when agricultural enterprises diversify into tastings, events, weddings and food service — activities that increasingly blur the line between “farm” and “commercial.”
2. Balancing preservation with economic survival
Many farms depend on supplementary income. Mary discusses how planners can support this economic reality while still protecting landscape character, amenity and long-standing rural values.
3. Managing risk for councils and planners
A large damages award raises questions about insurance coverage and liability. Mary talks about how planners can help councils navigate uncertainty through clearer drafting, transparent process and sound policy grounding.
4. The unique pressures on small rural municipalities
Old Mission, like many small townships, has limited planning resources. Mary explores how smaller councils can respond to complex disputes and why early community engagement can prevent escalation.
5. Lessons for planning education and practice
Drawing on her academic work, Mary explains how real planning conflicts — like Old Mission — help students and practitioners think critically about regulation, equity, and the evolving expectations placed on rural land.
Podcast Extra / Culture Corner
Mary recommends Zoned in the USA by Sonia Hirt (https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9780801479878/zoned-in-the-usa/#bookTabs=1) and ‘Paris Tea’. Jess recommends going off-line and embracing being bored. Pete recommends furniture beeswax (https://gillysaustralia.com.au) and maintaining the things around you. Episode released 27 November 2025. PX is proud to be a contributor to the Urban Broadcast Collective.

190. Zoning, Wineries and Rural Change: What Old Mission Teaches Us_PX

This must be the place on everything I needed to know about life I learned from an old British comic strip. Actually it’s an interview by David Nichols in Helsinki at the International Conference on Urban History with Lucie Glasheen, a PhD student at the School of Geography, Queen Mary University at London. Lucie’s research looks at the representation of children in urban environments in British children’s comics of the 1930s. The episode also features an intro with Elizabeth discussing, with her sister Sarah Taylor, what was to be learned from an early over-exposure to British comic strips like Dandy and Beano.

26. Life in an old British comic strip_TMBTP

In this episode of Radio Reversal, Nat, Amelia & Hannah explore new, messy imaginaries of what it means to be human and more-than-human in the Anthropocene and beyond. We tackle human exceptionalism, monism and vibrant matter, posthumanism, transhumanism, the Capitalocene and the Chthulucene and we try our hand (tentacles?) at what it would mean to Stay with the Trouble, as Donna Haraway implores. We consider what kinds of theories, politics, and practices are necessary for ethical lifeways when we’re no longer (if we ever were) simple, contained individual humans - but instead an entangled, composting, messy cyborgian assemblage in a precarious world. 
@RadioReversal @DrNatOsborne @AmeliaHine

Urban Broadcast Collective

35. Anthropocene, Posthumanism, Chthulucene_RR

In this episode, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell of PlanningxChange interview Jacob Martin (Yarra CC), Calum Douglas and Nicole Neame both working at Baw Baw Shire. The three planners are relatively new to planning and have worked in local government for approximately two years. Nicole had worked in community engagement previously. We ask them about the transition from university into the 'real world', what has surprised them and to reflect on their experiences. They comment on the usefulness of what they learnt studying and how this informs their approach to work. This period of transition is unique in our working lives and we hope listeners will consider their own early years of work. The trio indicate the transition is helped by good mentoring. There is also the importance of sections and protocols just as there is the lived experience of dealing with developers, fellow staff and the broader community. The views expressed by the trio are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of the organisations where they are employed.
Podcast produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 4 May 2020. The interview was recorded just prior to the Government enforced lockdowns associated with Covid - 19.

114. New planners reflect on uni/employment transition & job life as a newbie_PX

In PlanningxChange Episode 64, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Tim Biles from Ratio Consultants. Tim has had a long and distinguished career as a lecturer, consultant, advisor and 'creator' of several planning consultancies. We thought Tim would be an excellent commentator on the impacts of Covid 19 and Government retrictions on city life. So many predictions made during the pandemic have turned out in error sometimes of a massive magnitude causing huge dislocation to city life and citzens. The interview considers the concept of 'safeism' and the impact this will have on buildings, personal interaction, general levels of health, economic wellbeing and city living. Will the changes be permanent or soon forgotten? The interview was recorded using Zoom, we apologise for the less than optimal audio quality. We are working on methods to improve the listening experience. Podcast produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 11 June 2020.

116. Lockdown, liberty and city revival_PX

In PlanningxChange Episode 73, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Elizabeth (Liz) Hui, an acoustic engineer with over 25 years experience. Liz started working in the acoustic engineering field in the pre internet age, spending over 20 years as a consultant at Marshall Day Acoustics before retiring early in 2013. During that time, Liz regularly presented expert evidence at both VCAT at Panels. In 2016 Liz joined Planning Panels Victoria as a sessional member and discovered what it was like to sit on the other side of the table. She now spends her time between the occasional Panel hearing, a few special projects at Marshall Day Acoustics and tending a vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula. The interview covers a broad range of 'noise in the city' issues. From interface and conflict issues between different land use categories, to the design of apartment standards. Amongst many other matters, Liz explains basic noise measurement testing and how noise tolerance to some extent is relative. The interview provides great information into what is an often misunderstood science from one of the best in the field.
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 22 December 2020.

125. 'Noise in the city' acoustics - best in class_PX

Welcome to the Urban Broadcast Collective. 

We are a curated network of podcast and radio shows on everything urban. And our goal is simple – to bring together all the amazing urban focused podcasts on one site. 

If you would like to get involved in the Urban Broadcast Collective, please contact one of our podcast producers: Natalie Osborne from Griffith University; Elizabeth Taylor from RMIT; Tony Matthews from Griffith University; Paul Maginn from the University of Western Australia; Jason Byrne from the University of Tasmania; or Dallas Rogers from the University of Sydney.

So sit back and enjoy some fascinating discussions about cities and urbanism.

Urban Broadcast Collective

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