A Matter of Place Jeff Siegler

Discover why genuine community connection triumphs over flashy tourism campaigns in my latest podcast episode. Join me as I dive into the concept of "sell-local" marketing with insights from Phil Eich of Storyville Social. Learn how Saginaw Riverfront's shift to engaging residents rather than outsiders resulted in 3 million reads in just three months. This episode challenges conventional marketing, emphasizing the importance of fostering local pride and deepening relationships within the comm...

In this episode, I interview Ann Sussman, an architecture professor, cognitive researcher, and author, who sheds light on how car-centric urban environments are negatively impacting our health. Ann explains that such designs promote isolation, reduce physical activity, and increase stress, contrasting sharply with the benefits of human-scale, walkable cities rich in green spaces. Drawing from her research in environmental psychology, she highlights the profound ways in which our brains respon...

In this episode, let's get real about urban development and give credit where it's due: building owners. It is important to understand why managing a building is no walk in the park – it's basically running a business. We also need to talk about the overlooked issue of building location and why it's not just about having empty spaces to fill. And we must even take on the myth that every vacant building is fair game. Instead, let's rally behind supporting local developers to breathe life back ...

In this episode, I interview Jamie Izurieta-Varea, a renowned expert in storefront design, to dissect the complexities of urban aesthetics. Jamie shares his experiences and insights, emphasizing the pivotal role of aesthetics in shaping the character and functionality of storefronts within urban landscapes. Through practical examples and candid discussions, we explore the delicate balance between form and function, unraveling the nuanced interplay between design elements and their impact on c...

In this episode, I dive into the age-old trope of "kids these days" and challenge the notion that younger generations are inherently different or less capable than those that came before. It isn't that kids have changed, but instead, environmental factors shaping behaviors, shedding light on how societal changes have influenced their experiences. From dwindling opportunities for outdoor play and exploration to the decline of traditional community settings, I discuss how modern landscapes have...

In this episode, Rik Adamski joins me to discuss third places. Rik is the President of the planning firm Ash + Lime out of Dallas, Texas and he spends a lot of his time thinking about the places where we spend our time. Rik is a firm believer that we need to develop more third places. These are the types of places outside of work and home where people can go to experience more of what makes us human. Third places provide people with a chance to experience a sense of community and hopefully al...