Challenger Cities

Iain Montgomery
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Iain Montgomery of Now or Never Ventures interviews urbanists, creatives, transit and development types to explore how cities can punch above their weight and create distinctive new futures outside of the tired playbooks.

  1. Challenger Cities EP53: The Logic Beneath the Madness of Transport with Marcus Mayers

    2025-12-03

    Challenger Cities EP53: The Logic Beneath the Madness of Transport with Marcus Mayers

    Iain Montgomery and Marcus Mayers discuss the complexities of transport systems, focusing on the balance between passenger experience and operational efficiency. They explore the impact of government regulations, the role of technology, and the need for a mindset shift in transport management. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding passenger needs, improving accessibility and rethinking marketing strategies in the transport sector. The conversations leads to a call for a more human-centred approach to transport innovation that prioritises quality of life and effective communication. Takeaways Passenger experience is often overlooked in transport operations.Operational efficiency is prioritized over passenger needs.Government regulations can complicate transport management.Technology can enhance the passenger experience.Quality of life should be a key focus in transport planning.Transport systems need to adapt to changing commuting patterns post-COVID.Accessibility is crucial for improving public transport usage.Marketing strategies in transport should focus on consumer needs.Innovative solutions are needed for better station navigation.Cultural challenges within transport organisations hinder progress.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Railway Innovation and Urbanism03:39 Passenger Needs vs. Operational Efficiency06:31 The Impact of Government Decisions on Train Operations09:12 Reforming Transportation Governance12:01 The Role of Digital Infrastructure in Transportation14:28 Quality of Life and Transportation Efficiency17:16 Addressing Anxiety in Public Transport20:03 The Future of Public Transport Management25:18 The Disconnect Between Governance and Transport27:14 Consumer-Centric Marketing in Transport29:37 Navigating Station Environments: The User Experience31:37 Innovative Signage Solutions for Accessibility36:27 The Impact of Historical Design on Modern Transport40:45 Rethinking Transport: A Customer-Centric Approach44:31 The Need for Bureaucratic Reform in Transport

    49 min
  2. Challenger Cities EP52: Culture as a Form of Wealth with Paul Owens

    2025-11-24

    Challenger Cities EP52: Culture as a Form of Wealth with Paul Owens

    In this episode of Challenger Cities, we chat with Paul Owens, co-founder of BOP Consulting, long-time collaborator of Charles Landry, and one of the most quietly influential thinkers on culture and cities anywhere in the world. Paul has spent decades helping cities understand something most of them overlook: culture isn’t a sector or an industry, it’s an operating system of a place. It’s who you are, where you come from, and how you imagine yourself collectively as a city. We talk about: Culture as a public good, drawing on Robert Hewison’s definition and why it still cuts through the noise.Why assets don’t matter nearly as much as institutional capacity — the ability of a city to reflect on itself and act with confidence.London 2012 and how the Cultural Olympiad temporarily galvanised the UK’s cultural brain.Berlin’s cultural immune system, its resistance to monoculture, and why it remains a beacon of civic confidence.Chengdu’s “Park City” model, greenways, bike networks and how spatial planning can actively cultivate cultural life.The vanishing of cheap space and the consequences for artists, identity and civic vibrancy.Participation as democratic infrastructure, and why cultural engagement is one of the few things that strengthens both social cohesion and civic imagination.Paul’s magic wand: a permanent cultural endowment that recycles the public value culture creates back into the ecosystem.This episode is for anyone who senses that culture is doing far more work in a city than we usually acknowledge. Paul offers a way to see it, and measure it, and invest in it, that feels both urgent and hopeful.

    49 min
  3. Challenger Cities EP51: Women Changing Cities with Melissa Bruntlett

    2025-11-10

    Challenger Cities EP51: Women Changing Cities with Melissa Bruntlett

    Melissa Bruntlett discusses her book 'Women Changing Cities' and the transformative role of women in urban mobility and planning. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, care, and community engagement in creating sustainable and equitable cities. The discussion covers various global cities, the challenges faced in transportation, and the impact of female leadership on urban change. Bruntlett shares insights on grassroots movements and the need for collaboration to drive positive change in urban environments. Takeaways Women are making significant contributions to urban mobility.Empathy and care are essential in urban planning.Cities should be designed with children and families in mind.Grassroots movements can lead to meaningful change.Female leadership often results in more inclusive policies.Transportation systems must address everyday needs, not just commutes.Collaboration and community engagement are key to success.Stories of transformation can inspire action in other cities.Urban planning should focus on creating enjoyable public spaces.Change takes time, and patience is crucial in advocacy.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Urban Mobility and Advocacy04:32 Women Transforming Cities07:06 The Inspiration Behind 'Women Changing Cities'10:09 The Role of Women in Urban Mobility12:34 Care and Mobility: A New Perspective15:14 Empathy in Urban Leadership17:57 Navigating Backlash Against Female Leaders20:25 Collective Efforts in Urban Transformation23:03 Finding Common Ground in Urban Development25:39 Global Perspectives on Urban Spaces31:18 Exploring Urban Challenges in Delhi34:04 Innovative Solutions for Women's Safety in Transportation38:46 Empowering Local Voices in Urban Change39:17 Finding Your Place in Urban Advocacy43:51 The Role of Women in Urban Leadership50:04 The Importance of Fun in Urban Spaces56:43 Exploring Urban Challenges and Innovations

    57 min
  4. EP50: If a City Can’t Handle a Little Kink ... with Lady Valeska

    2025-10-29

    EP50: If a City Can’t Handle a Little Kink ... with Lady Valeska

    This one’s a little different. We sat down with Lady Valeska, a professional dominatrix now based in London, to talk about what cities, workplaces, and leaders could learn from the world of kink. It turns out, quite a lot! We talked about power, shame, permission, and trust, but not in the ways you’d expect. Lady Valeska’s version of dominance isn’t about control, rather it's about awareness. She reads people the way good designers read context: through signals, not assumptions. We got into: How communication and consent could fix more than just our sex lives.Why shame might be the most dangerous civic material ever invented.The death of anticipation in a world addicted to instant gratification.What the kink community understands about safety that most cities don’t.And why London’s chaos has its own erotic energy — while Toronto still plays it a little too polite.It’s not an episode about sex. It’s about systems, culture and the trust it takes to make exploration feel safe. Because whether you’re designing a city, a company, or a scene ... the rules are the same: communication, consent, boundaries, safe words and aftercare. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kink and Dominatrix Culture04:45 The Evolution of a Dominatrix07:27 Communication and Consent in Kink10:02 Creating a Safe Space for Exploration12:43 The Dynamics of Shame and Acceptance15:03 Gender Fluidity and Societal Norms17:55 Cultural Differences in Leadership and Communication20:22 The Impact of Technology on Kink and Sex Work22:42 The Diversity of Kinks and Online Perceptions25:11 The Importance of Failure in Personal Growth27:46 Communication in Kink and Relationships30:55 Cultural Perspectives on Kink and Acceptance32:02 Comparing Life in Toronto and London36:21 Generational Differences in Acceptance39:05 Wishing for a Better Future: Free Healthcare for All39:56 Exploring Taboo Conversations40:19 Personal Growth Through Challenging Topics

    41 min
  5. Challenger Cities EP49: How the Screen Has Killed the City with Greg Lindsay

    2025-10-27

    Challenger Cities EP49: How the Screen Has Killed the City with Greg Lindsay

    Iain Montgomery and Greg Lindsay explore the intersection of urbanism and technology, discussing how screens and AI are reshaping cities. They delve into the implications of surveillance, the concept of the 15-minute city, and the importance of social equity in urban planning. The discussion also touches on Estonia's digital governance model and the challenges posed by the Saudi urban experiment. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for community engagement and a reimagined approach to urban living. Takeaways Urbanism is about creating spaces that foster community and connection.Screens and technology have significantly altered urban life and social interactions.AI and augmented reality present both opportunities and challenges for cities.Surveillance technologies can undermine the anonymity that cities provide.The 15-minute city concept aims to create accessible urban environments.Social equity must be considered in urban planning and development.Data privacy is a critical concern in the age of smart cities.Estonia serves as a model for digital governance and public service delivery.The Saudi urban experiment raises questions about the future of city planning.Community engagement is essential for successful urban development.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Urbanism and Podcasting05:34 The Impact of Screens on Urban Life08:19 Augmented Reality and AI in Urban Spaces11:07 The Role of Technology in Urbanism14:01 Urbanist Perspectives on Mobility and Transportation16:33 Cultural Contexts of Urban Living19:28 The Future of Urbanism and Family Living22:23 Challenges of Urban Development and Gentrification25:24 The American Dream and Urban Planning32:50 Technological Forces Shaping Urbanism34:44 The Role of Consultancies in Urban Development37:19 Data Collection and Urbanism Challenges40:10 Public vs. Private Sector in Digital Transformation43:48 Estonia's Digital Governance Model45:44 The Dystopian Nature of New Cities51:12 Housing Crisis: A Conspiracy of Affordability56:21 The 15-Minute City: A Controversial Concept01:00:57 The Future of Urbanism: High Touch vs. High Tech

    1h 5m
  6. Challenger Cities EP48: Live, Move, Rest ... The Conscious City with Anupam Yog

    2025-10-20

    Challenger Cities EP48: Live, Move, Rest ... The Conscious City with Anupam Yog

    In this conversation, Iain Montgomery and Anupam Yog delve into the concept of urban mindfulness and its implications for city design. They explore how mindfulness can enhance urban living, the importance of community engagement, and the potential of lesser-known cities like Ramsgate as models for transformation. The discussion emphasizes the need for compassion in urban planning and the idea that cities should facilitate a balance between movement and stillness. Anupam shares insights from his experiences in Singapore and other cities, advocating for a new paradigm of urban living that prioritizes well-being and connection with nature. Takeaways Mindfulness can be a transformative approach for urban living.Cities should be designed to foster community and connection.Ramsgate serves as a case study for urban transformation.The concept of 'gentle density' is crucial for sustainable cities.Urban design must prioritize mental and emotional well-being.Seaside towns have unique potential for revitalization.Compassion and patience are essential in urban planning.Next cities are often neighborhoods and towns, not just major urban centers.Cities should enable a balance of live, move, and rest.Engaging with local communities is vital for effective urban design.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Urbanism and Mindfulness07:15 The Intersection of Cities and Mindfulness11:24 Mindfulness in Urban Spaces14:27 The Importance of Slowing Down19:17 Singapore as a Model for Conscious Urbanism24:08 The Future of Urbanism: Balancing Economy and Ecology31:33 Cultural Complexity in Urban Design34:24 Mindful Choices in City Planning38:32 Engaging Communities in Urban Development43:39 The Future of Tourism and Urban Living48:39 Next Cities: Beyond the Usual Suspects56:16 Magic Wand for Urban Transformation58:09 Introduction to World City and Its Initiatives58:35 Engagement and Future Conversations

    59 min
  7. Challenger Cities EP47: Cities on the Couch with Charles Landry

    2025-10-02

    Challenger Cities EP47: Cities on the Couch with Charles Landry

    Summary In this conversation, Charles R. Landry discusses the concept of creative cities, emphasizing the importance of imagination, psychology, and human-centered design in urban planning. He explores how cities develop identities, the psychological complexities they face, and the impact of gentrification on urban evolution. Landry highlights the need for spaces that foster connection and the role of curiosity in understanding urban dynamics. He concludes with thoughts on the future of cities and the importance of simplifying complex ideas without losing their essence. Takeaways The creative city concept focuses on imagination in urban planning.Psychology plays a crucial role in how we perceive cities.Cities can have inferiority complexes affecting their identity.Gentrification can evolve neighborhoods positively or negatively.Human-centered design is essential for livable cities.Connection and interaction are vital for urban life.Curiosity drives exploration and understanding of cities.Cities should facilitate encounters between diverse groups.Urban growth presents challenges that require innovative solutions.Simplifying complex urban issues can lead to clearer priorities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Cities02:10 The Role of Psychology in Urban Planning06:22 City Stereotypes and Psychological Complexes10:33 The Dynamics of City Identity and Confidence13:07 Gentrification and Urban Evolution19:05 The Challenges of Urban Growth and Gentrification23:01 The Importance of Human-Centered Design30:01 The Future of Cities and Connection35:06 Curating Spaces for Connection41:20 The Magic Wand for Cities55:07 Closing Thoughts on Urban Innovation

    56 min
  8. Challenger Cities EP46: Stitching the Fragmented City with Rashiq Fataar

    2025-10-01

    Challenger Cities EP46: Stitching the Fragmented City with Rashiq Fataar

    In this conversation, Iain Montgomery and Rashiq Fataar delve into the complexities of urbanism in South Africa, particularly focusing on Cape Town. Rashiq shares his journey from actuarial science to becoming a self-appointed urbanist, emphasizing the need for innovative urban solutions that address social and spatial inequalities. They discuss the current state of South African cities, the lessons learned from global urbanism, and the challenges faced in urban development. Rashiq highlights the importance of public spaces, transportation, and housing, while also envisioning a future where Cape Town can thrive as a model for urban living. The conversation concludes with Rashiq's vision for transformative change in urban policy and infrastructure. Takeaways Urbanism in South Africa is often overlooked.Rashiq Fataar transitioned from actuarial science to urbanism.Curiosity about cities can lead to impactful projects.South African cities face unique social and spatial challenges.Public spaces and access to nature are crucial for urban living.Learning from global cities can inform local practices.Transportation infrastructure is key to urban connectivity.Events like the Olympics can catalyze urban development.There is a need for radical urbanism in South Africa.Quality of life improvements must be prioritized in urban planning. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Urbanism in South Africa04:56 Rashiq Fataar's Journey to Urbanism09:58 The State of South African Cities14:57 Learning from Global Urbanism19:41 Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Development24:46 The Role of Events in Urban Transformation29:16 Vision for the Future of Cape Town34:19 The Magic Wand for Urban Change

    53 min
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About

Iain Montgomery of Now or Never Ventures interviews urbanists, creatives, transit and development types to explore how cities can punch above their weight and create distinctive new futures outside of the tired playbooks.

Information

  • Creator
    Iain Montgomery
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Challenger Cities 2024
  • Show Website
    Challenger Cities

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