Max Podemski, an insightful author on urban housing, discusses his groundbreaking book on the evolution of American housing. He explores how historical immigrant communities shaped dense, multi-family homes, contrasting them with today's fixation on single-family homes. The conversation navigates through the architectural history of cities like Boston and Los Angeles, critiques modern urban initiatives, and emphasizes the need for adaptable housing policies. Podemski also tackles the impact of zoning and housing finance on social mobility and community dynamics.