Delaney Hall

Delaney Hall, a producer with a knack for weaving narratives, joins Marcia van Putten, an activist from the Dutch cycling movement. They dive into the transformative journey of the Netherlands from car-centric chaos in the 70s to a bicycling paradise today. Marcia shares her childhood fears of urban danger, sparking a movement for safer streets. The discussion highlights how passionate activism, including protests after tragic accidents, reshaped urban planning and embedded cycling deeply into Dutch culture.

Chris Berube, a producer known for his storytelling, reveals the intriguing origins of the NBA logo and its cultural impact. Mary Roach, a popular science writer, shares humorous footnotes and anecdotes from her book "Fuzz," touching on the quirks of Canada geese. Kirk Holstead dives into the forgotten world of arts competitions in the Olympics, blending athletic and artistic achievements. Delaney Hall presents the architectural legacy of the London Zoo's penguin pool, where design meets ethical challenges in animal welfare.

Delaney Hall, executive producer and guest host, welcomes Ed Roberts, a trailblazing figure in the disability rights movement known for his advocacy on behalf of accessibility. They discuss the crucial role of curb cuts, originally overlooked, which transformed urban mobility for wheelchair users. Ed shares his inspiring journey from a polio survivor to an activist, highlighting pivotal protests and the impact of designs benefiting everyone. The conversation also touches on the 'curb cut effect' and the evolution of universal design principles in improving community spaces.

Delaney Hall, a senior producer known for her storytelling prowess, dives into Santa Fe's architectural identity. The discussion unveils the tension between preserving the Pueblo Revival style and the modern housing boom. Hall explores the historical push to Americanize the city and contrasts traditional adobe methods with contemporary development. Personal narratives highlight the community's struggle with gentrification, while advocating for a balance between heritage and modern needs, underscoring the importance of cultural identity in the evolving urban landscape.

Delaney Hall discusses how old radiators played a role in public health during the 1918 flu pandemic, showing the importance of ventilation in urban spaces. Joe Rosenberg takes us on a humorous quest to discover a forgotten Lenin bust in Antarctica, reflecting on the themes of preservation and fading relevance. Meanwhile, composer Sean Rial shares insights on music games and the creativity sparked by innovative tools like Microsoft Songsmith, highlighting the joys of collaboration and spontaneous musical expression.