Everything is Somewhere Podcast

The American Surveyor
  • 4.0 (4)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
Everything is Somewhere Podcast

From the rope stretchers of ancient Egypt to ubiquitous satellite precision, geospatial technology has ever been the bedrock of the constructed world and of civilization itself. Your host, land surveyor and infrastructure writer Angus Stocking, engages in regular conversation with today’s location experts to determine exactly where, in space and time, we find ourselves today. Location, location, location; it’s not just real estate, it’s everything and, Everything is Somewhere.

  1. #16 - Jenny Quillien - Semple

    JUN 2

    #16 - Jenny Quillien - Semple

    In this episode, Angus interviews Jenny Quillien about anthropogeography, a branch of geography that studies the spatial relationships between human communities and their environments. They discuss the work of Ellen Churchill Semple, a pioneering geographer whose insights into how geography shapes culture and civilization are often overlooked. The conversation explores various examples, including the influence of geography on European cultures, the impact of technology on human geography, and the significance of land surveying in shaping the American landscape. Jenny also shares a case study on the Anasazi civilization in the Southwest, examining how geography influenced their way of life and eventual collapse. The episode concludes with reflections on the legacy of Semple and the importance of understanding geography in today's world.

    45 min
  2. #15 - Colin Sellers

    MAY 19

    #15 - Colin Sellers

    In this episode, Angus interviews Colin Sellers, a land surveyor and expert in catastrophism. They explore the concept of catastrophism, which posits that Earth's history is marked by significant, rapid changes due to catastrophic events, contrasting it with the gradualism of conventional scientific views. The discussion delves into historical evidence, the work of Randall Carlson, and the implications of catastrophism for understanding climate change and geological history. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering all evidence, including ancient myths and modern scientific findings, in understanding our planet's past and preparing for future events. We delve further into various themes surrounding earth curvature, the implications of catastrophism, and the exploration of geological phenomena such as Bonneville Lake and the Yellowstone caldera. The discussion highlights the importance of personal inquiry in understanding scientific concepts, the evidence of catastrophic events in geological history, and the merging of education with adventure through the concept of 'adventurology.'

    1h 4m
  3. #14 - Jenny Quillien

    APR 28

    #14 - Jenny Quillien

    In this episode, Angus interviews Jenny Quillien, a scholar and consultant known for her work with Christopher Alexander. They discuss architecture, anthropology, and organizational culture, focusing on Alexander's ideas about living structures and the importance of land surveying in urban planning. The conversation delves into the spiritual aspects of building, the fundamental processes in design, and the cognitive psychology behind our experiences of space. Further discussion addresses the intersection of art, science, and philosophy, exploring themes of teleology, transformation, and the nature of creativity. In closing, they review the importance of making things whole, the role of personal authenticity in creation, and the epistemological approaches of Christopher Alexander. All of these things emphasize the significance of self-reflection in evaluating art and life, and the need for experimentation in understanding and applying Alexander's principles.

    57 min
  4. #13 - Wendy Lathrop

    APR 14

    #13 - Wendy Lathrop

    In this episode, Angus interviews Wendy Lathrop, a pioneering female land surveyor with a rich history in the field. Wendy shares her journey into land surveying, the importance of communication between surveyors and lawyers, and the challenges faced in their interactions. She also discusses the unexpected parallels between her martial arts experience and her work in surveying, emphasizing the need for better education and understanding between surveyors and their clients. In this conversation, Wendy discusses the evolution of research methods in land surveying, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and client communication. They share insights on the challenges of writing and the significance of clear communication in the profession. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in surveying, highlighting both its potential benefits and the need for careful verification of its outputs. The speaker reflects on their journey in establishing Cadastral Consulting and the integral role of writing in their career.

    54 min
  5. #12 - Sybil Derrible

    MAR 31

    #12 - Sybil Derrible

    In this episode of Everything is Somewhere, Angus interviews Sybil Derrible, a professor of Urban Engineering and author of 'The Infrastructure Book: How Cities Work and Power Our Lives.' They discuss Sybil's journey from a small island in France to becoming an expert in infrastructure, the writing process behind his new book, and the importance of understanding urban systems. The conversation covers various topics including innovative infrastructure solutions, the impact of technology on urban living, and the significance of desalination in modern cities. Sybil shares insights from his travels to different cities and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of infrastructure that is accessible to the general public.

    41 min
  6. #11 - Lloyd Pilchen

    MAR 17

    #11 - Lloyd Pilchen

    In this episode, Angus interviews Lloyd Pilchen, a partner at Olivarez Madruga Law Organization, who specializes in municipal land use, water, and environmental law. The conversation explores Lloyd's journey from land surveying to law, his writing for American Surveyor Magazine, and the importance of clear communication in the surveying profession. They discuss the complexities of property law, the significance of understanding land use, and the fascinating history of Seattle's terrain transformation. The episode also touches on the concept of 'zone of benefit' in property law and the whimsical nature of pictorial maps.

    51 min
  7. #10 - Ryan Singer

    FEB 24

    #10 - Ryan Singer

    In this episode, Angus interviews Ryan Singer, a prominent figure in software development and author of Shape Up. They discuss the influence of Christopher Alexander on design and architecture, exploring how his principles can be applied in both physical and digital realms. The conversation delves into the practical applications of Alexander’s ideas, the challenges of implementing them, and the current trends in architecture that reflect a shift away from minimalist designs. Ryan shares insights from his own work in software development and how he helps teams navigate the complexities of design and engineering collaboration.

    50 min
  8. #9 - Jeffrey Wilson

    JAN 28

    #9 - Jeffrey Wilson

    Returning guest Jeffrey Wilson shares his expertise and the latest archaeological information about the prehistoric mound cultures in North America, and Ohio's Serpent Mound in particular.   Listeners may remember Jeffrey as the director and founding researcher of the Independent Crop Circle Researchers’ Association. For more on his other pursuits, check out episodes three and seven.

    1h 42m
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4
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About

From the rope stretchers of ancient Egypt to ubiquitous satellite precision, geospatial technology has ever been the bedrock of the constructed world and of civilization itself. Your host, land surveyor and infrastructure writer Angus Stocking, engages in regular conversation with today’s location experts to determine exactly where, in space and time, we find ourselves today. Location, location, location; it’s not just real estate, it’s everything and, Everything is Somewhere.

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