Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant

Alosant
  • 5.0 (8)
  • BUSINESS

The “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast” by Alosant features one-on-one conversations with host April LaMon, Co-Founder and CEO of Alosant, and expert guests. Discussions include invaluable insights from a diverse group of forward-thinking and well-respected leaders in real estate development, proptech, lifestyle management, and other related fields. Each episode is designed to inspire, educate, and provide key takeaways from the brightest minds in the industry. April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer.

  1. How Thoughtful Design and Lifestyle Planning Drive Buyer Confidence

    FEB 11

    How Thoughtful Design and Lifestyle Planning Drive Buyer Confidence

    David Langhout, Vice President of Land at Starwood Land Advisors, joins us to discuss how discipline, lifestyle planning, and long-term vision shape successful master planned communities. We explore how first impressions, early lifestyle programming, and operational rigor influence buyer confidence, resident experience, and long-term performance across large-scale developments. Throughout the episode, we discuss how Starwood approaches community planning across different stages of development, why lifestyle begins well before amenities are complete, and how consistent execution supports both residents and capital partners. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:51 Starwood prioritizes early investment in amenities and first impressions. 02:18 Strong first impressions drive the long-term performance of master planned communities. 05:56 High sales velocity is supported by integrating the welcome center, HOA, and lifestyle teams. 10:02 Strict forecasting and constant communication allow Starwood to manage complex, multi-market developments. 14:37 Digital tools extend the welcome center experience by helping prospects explore community lifestyle, activities, and builders early in the journey. 17:40 Growth shifts leadership focus toward tackling complex projects and applying past experience. 20:32 Career growth comes from choosing roles where you can learn from people who are smarter than you. Resources Mentioned: David Langhout https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-langhout-4266104/ Starwood Land Advisors | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/starwood-land-advisors/ Starwood Land Advisors | Website https://starwoodland.com Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com About the Host April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #LifestyleManagement

    22 min
  2. Turning Resident Engagement Into a Scalable Sales Engine

    JAN 21

    Turning Resident Engagement Into a Scalable Sales Engine

    Michael Swanson, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Alosant, discusses how technology strengthens the connection between residents, physical spaces, and the sales experience. Michael reflects on how his role is evolving as the company grows, with a focus on guiding product direction while staying closely connected to clients and internal teams. Alosant centers its approach on resident-driven content, personalization, and connected channels that reflect everyday life inside a community. Michael explains how authenticity, flexible systems, and early technology choices shape both resident engagement and how communities present themselves to future buyers. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:03 Technology supports communities when it encourages real-world interaction. 03:44 Marketing works best when it reflects everyday community life. 05:19 Resident involvement helps build credibility and trust within community storytelling. 09:19 Homebuying decisions include lifestyle and connection, not just the physical home. 11:35 Sales centers become more engaging when content reflects current community activity. 15:40 Early technology choices shape how communities evolve and stay flexible over time. 20:08 Resident-led activities create organic moments that strengthen community identity. 28:33 AI enables scaling by identifying patterns and triggering relevant experiences. Resources Mentioned: Michael Swanson https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikejswanson/ Alosant | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/alosant/ Alosant | Website https://www.alosant.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Stay and Play https://www.alosant.com/customer-success/case-study-amblebrook-elevates-stay-play-with-an-alosant-powered-app Teravalis Community https://www.teravalis.com/ Kissing Tree https://kissingtree.com/ Urban Land Institute (ULI) https://www.uli.org/ HubSpot https://www.hubspot.com/ Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com About the Host April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #Proptech

    30 min
  3. Designing Friendlier Neighborhoods Through Play, Wellness, and Connection

    JAN 7

    Designing Friendlier Neighborhoods Through Play, Wellness, and Connection

    Ryan Rosen, Founder and Creative Director of Friendly Futures, shares how play can be intentionally designed to strengthen relationships, improve wellness, and create more connected communities. Drawing from a background in architecture, photography, and community design, Ryan explains how his early experiences with intergenerational play shaped his focus on social connection. Friendly Futures centers on the idea that space alone does not create community. Ryan discusses how combining physical environments with games, storytelling, and clear invitations to participate can encourage interaction across generations. He reflects on designing for belonging and using play as a practical tool to support social health. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:25 Play supports social health by helping people build and sustain relationships. 04:29 Friendly environments emerge when space, games, and storytelling work together. 08:32 Interest in community and social wellness continues to rise. 11:30 Games designed for all ages help strengthen a sense of belonging. 15:18 Co-creation reveals what residents value most about a place. 19:05 Technology can support real-life connection when used intentionally. 28:05 Flexible third spaces encourage everyday interaction among neighbors. 37:20 Pursuing passion and curiosity can shape meaningful long-term work. Resources Mentioned: Ryan Rosen https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-k-rosen-the-friendly-designer/ Friendly Futures | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/friendly-futures-art-architecture/ Friendly Futures | Website https://www.friendly-futures.com/ Neighborhood Games https://www.friendly-futures.com/neighborhood-games#:~:text=It's%20a%20new%20category%20of,More%20options Indigo https://www.indigocommunity.com/ Painted Tree https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.readinsite.paintedtreetx&hl=en Harvard Study of Adult Development https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/ ULI Fall Conference https://fall.uli.org/ Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com   About the Host April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #Proptech

    38 min
  4. Designing Emotional Experiences That Turn Developments Into Destinations

    12/17/2025

    Designing Emotional Experiences That Turn Developments Into Destinations

    This compilation highlights four 2025 perspectives on what makes places feel worth returning to, from emotional resonance to everyday livability. Kevin Kelley, Principal and Co-Founder of Shook Kelley, shares how placemaking can reduce friction and build belonging. Monaca Onstad, Founder and CEO of OnPlace Collective, focuses on designing experiences that reflect local culture. John Darby, CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Beach Company, discusses shaping identity through land and lifestyle. Sarah Phelps, Managing Director, Astronaut Sales, Commercial Partnerships, and Customer Experience and Hospitality of Blue Origin, brings lessons on hospitality and awe-driven community experience. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:21 Thoughtful placemaking starts with how a place makes people feel. 03:19 Language and labels in community spaces can reduce anxiety or increase it. 04:46 Social proof and visible connection help visitors imagine themselves belonging. 05:26 Lifestyle programming thrives when it builds on the natural character of the land. 07:39 Early relationship building with local partners supports long-term community energy. 10:42 Successful communities differentiate by honoring local history and setting a clear identity. 12:24 Intentional choices in amenities and scale shape a more casual, human experience. 16:08 Authentic experiences come from aligning design with the culture and roots of a place. Resources Mentioned: Kevin Kelley https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinervinkelley/ Shook Kelley | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/shook-kelley-inc-/ Shook Kelley | Website http://www.shookkelley.com/ “Irreplaceable” by Kevin Ervin Kelley https://www.amazon.com/Irreplaceable-Create-Extraordinary-Places-Together/dp/1637744749 Monaca Onstad https://www.linkedin.com/in/monacaonstad/ OnPlace Collective | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/onplacecollective/ OnPlace Collective | Website http://www.onplace.life/ John Darby https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-darby-5b4819118/ The Beach Company | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-beach-company/ The Beach Company | Website http://www.thebeachcompany.com/ Sarah Phelps https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahphelps99/ Blue Origin | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-origin/ Blue Origin | Website https://www.blueorigin.com/ Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com About the Host April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #Proptech

    21 min
  5. Designing Communities Around Nature, Food, and Human Connection

    12/03/2025

    Designing Communities Around Nature, Food, and Human Connection

    John Darby, CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Beach Company, shares how a fifth-generation family developer turns a land-rich legacy into a multifaceted business across 27 cities in the Southeast. John reflects on joining the firm in 1990 after starting in banking, and on how an independent board and non-family leadership support longevity across generations. John also explains The Beach Company’s patient, community-first approach to placemaking. He traces the long road to Kiawah River, why the team leans into nature and a farm-centric lifestyle, and what they learn as the community and hotel ecosystem matures. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:49 Growing into a family business can shape a leader over time. 06:23 Giving back locally helps earn trust in new places. 08:02 Big projects take many years and steady effort. 09:35 A strong place needs its own clear character. 10:36 Keeping what is true to the land adds lasting value. 15:26 Listening to buyers can change old ideas about what matters. 18:51 Clear updates and honest talks help as communities grow. 23:29 Patience and care matter most in long-term work. Resources Mentioned: John Darby https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-darby-5b4819118/ The Beach Company | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-beach-company/ The Beach Company | Website https://thebeachcompany.com/ Southern Living Idea House https://mhkarchitecture.com/projects/southern-living-idea-house/ Belinda Schwartz https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaschwartznyc/ Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com   About the Host April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #Proptech

    26 min
  6. Redefining Real Estate Through Regenerative Design

    11/19/2025

    Redefining Real Estate Through Regenerative Design

    Neal Collins, Co-Founder/Partner of Hamlet Capital and Latitude Regenerative Real Estate, shares how his team focuses on creating walkable, conservation-driven communities that integrate agriculture, wellness, and long-term stewardship. Drawing on experience in climate adaptation, international development, and mixed-use real estate, we discuss why buyers increasingly seek places that connect food, health, and community, and how regenerative planning, municipal collaboration, and thoughtful capital structures can turn underused land into resilient, multi-generational neighborhoods. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:45 There is growing demand for communities that prioritize health, lifestyle, and authentic connection. 02:58 Conservation-based planning preserves most of the land while enabling compact, mixed-use neighborhoods. 07:13 Climate disruption in early life shapes how leaders view risk, resilience, and community. 11:20 Developers increasingly seek guidance to align projects, capital structures, and long-term operations. 15:52 Collaboration with municipalities helps balance housing delivery, conservation goals, and infrastructure capacity. 19:10 Regional differences require distinct entitlement strategies, timelines, and engagement approaches. 21:48 Multidisciplinary teams bring agriculture, design, hospitality, and finance into a unified vision. 31:10 Ongoing inspiration comes from innovations in planning, materials, and regenerative business practices. Resources Mentioned: Neal Collins https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-collins-723515112/ Hamlet Capital | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hamlet-capital/ Hamlet Capital | Website https://www.hamlet.capital/ Latitude Regenerative Real Estate | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-regenerative-re/ Latitude Regenerative Real Estate | Website http://chooselatitude.com Farmer’s Footprint https://farmersfootprint.us/ Growing Up Boulder https://www.growingupboulder.org/ Envision Festival https://www.envisionfestival.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23062509829&gbraid=0AAAAAB0h4j1Nk_uD0di0gMyJ3Ql9yWLEZ&gclid=CjwKCAiA_dDIBhB6EiwAvzc1cIGC7aMsoKZT1zbKiDspH7gvsDhVXYIye22RLUn1X9GnVrCutbYRUhoCTN4QAvD_BwE Rooted Northwest https://www.rootednw.org/ Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com About the Host April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #LifestyleManagement

    35 min
  7. 2025 America at Home Study: Shifting Mindsets in Home and Community

    11/05/2025

    2025 America at Home Study: Shifting Mindsets in Home and Community

    Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki, Principal, Storyteller and Brand Experience Designer of tst ink llc, discusses the fourth wave of the America at Home Study. The conversation highlights the study’s longitudinal insights into shifting consumer behaviors, housing preferences, and wellness priorities across the US housing landscape. With over 16,000 respondents since its inception in 2020, the study reveals actionable findings that can reshape how developers, builders, and planners approach future communities. Teri unpacks new patterns in homeownership, affordability, and decision-making confidence while underscoring how the built environment directly influences wellness. She shares key shifts in generational mindsets, housing adaptability, and wellness-driven design, offering a clear call to action for how the industry must evolve to meet modern consumer expectations. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:58 The fourth wave expands the research to nearly 16,000 consumer responses. 04:26 Consumers show openness to smaller homes, alternative paths, and flexible living options. 07:12 The built environment plays a major role in determining personal health outcomes. 12:11 The meaning of home evolves as fewer people view ownership as essential. 17:14 Wellness becomes a leading reason for adopting new home technologies. 20:22 Developers embed wellness principles in community planning and design. 23:19 A new open-access platform launches to share study insights and resources. 26:35 Curiosity and observation remain key sources of creative inspiration. 28:16 Confidence and clarity help new ideas gain traction and impact. Resources Mentioned: Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-slavik-tsuyuki-400b273/ tst ink llc | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/tst-ink-llc/ tst ink llc | Website http://tst-ink.com Housing Innovation Alliance https://housinginnovationalliance.com Rancho Mission Viejo https://www.ranchomissionviejo.com Indigo https://liveindigo.com/ Red Oak Texas https://www.redoaktx.org/ Hillwood Communities https://www.hillwoodcommunities.com/ Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com About the Host April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #Proptech #LifestyleManagement

    29 min
  8. Redefining Community Through Hospitality and Human Connection

    10/23/2025

    Redefining Community Through Hospitality and Human Connection

    Edie Weintraub, Founder and Managing Director of Terra Alma, joins host April LaMon to share how hospitality, retail, and intentional design can redefine community in modern master-planned developments. At Terra Alma, Edie and her team advise developers, cities, and emerging brands on how to create environments where people gather, connect, and belong. Through practical examples such as neighborhood cafés that evolve throughout the day to micro food halls that serve as modern community hubs, Edie reveals how small-scale, thoughtful design decisions can lead to lasting impact. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:59 Collective belonging to address modern isolation. 05:49 The transition from static amenities to locally activated, human-centered spaces. 10:43 Walkable and bikeable design that encourages everyday social interactions. 12:12 Adaptive reuse and respect for site history can serve as identity builders. 15:03 Long-term success supported by sustainable operations, governance, and ownership. 19:19 Incremental development and small interventions that build authentic connection. 25:08 Hospitality-led design that creates welcoming, living-room-like environments. 28:33 Compact, multi-vendor concepts that deliver culture, convenience, and connection. 38:16 Career guidance centered on nurturing relationships and practicing curiosity. Resources Mentioned: Edie Weintraub https://www.linkedin.com/in/edieweintraub/ Terra Alma | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/terraalma/ Terra Alma | Website https://www.terraalma.com/ Women in Restaurants | Website https://www.womeninrestaurants.com/ Kiawah River https://kiawahriver.com/ Newfield https://newfieldfl.com/ “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573 "Irreplaceable" by Kevin Ervin Kelley  https://www.amazon.com/Irreplaceable-Create-Extraordinary-Places-Together-ebook/dp/B0C7TJ3RHF "You’re Invited" by Jon Levy https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Invited-Science-Cultivating-Influence/dp/0063030977 Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes. You can find more about Alosant on our LinkedIn page and alosant.com About the Host: April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer. #ResidentExperience #MasterPlannedCommunities #Proptech #LifestyleManagement

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast” by Alosant features one-on-one conversations with host April LaMon, Co-Founder and CEO of Alosant, and expert guests. Discussions include invaluable insights from a diverse group of forward-thinking and well-respected leaders in real estate development, proptech, lifestyle management, and other related fields. Each episode is designed to inspire, educate, and provide key takeaways from the brightest minds in the industry. April is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant. She is an experienced entrepreneur and real estate technology expert with an innate curiosity for consumer behavior. Alosant-powered apps make it easy for users to stay informed and engaged, offering solutions to connect with everything their community has to offer.

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