Verdigris with Rae & Andi

Andrea Smith
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Design
  • Updated Monthly

Verdigris is a lively wander into the wonderfully weird world of historic preservation, where hosts Rae and Andi dig into the stories hiding in plain sight. With equal parts scholarship and snark, they explore everything from haunted mansards and heroic elevators to the everyday spaces that quietly shape our lives. Their conversations celebrate the odd corners of the built environment while gently poking fun at the field’s quirks. More information, photos, and links are available at verdigrispodcast.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. May 12

    Flying On Concrete Wings

    Rae and Andi dive into the chaos and charm of airports — the security scrambles, the gate‑change sprints, the lost‑passport panic, and the tiny design moments that somehow make it all feel magical anyway. They celebrate the clacking boards, the terrazzo floors, and the jet‑age swoops that turn terminals into portals. They also take on the big question: does a rainforest waterfall inside a terminal count as bold design or just architectural overkill?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m

  2. Apr 14

    Xanadu: Preservation Lessons from a Cult‑Classic Mess

    This month, Rae, Andi, and guest Colin tackle Xanadu, the 1980 neon‑drenched musical that “only vaguely refers to preservation” but somehow opens the door to a surprisingly rich conversation about what’s worth saving—and why. From roller‑skating muses to a once‑grand auditorium begging for a second life, the team digs into how even the most chaotic cult films reflect our shifting ideas about memory, place, and cultural value. It’s preservation with leg warmers on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

  3. Mar 10

    Save the ________!

    Save the theater! Save the old neighborhood! Save the hotel! Save the.... You get it. This trope is commonly mined in all kinds of different movies. This month Rae and Andi and special guest Colin Rafferty talk about movies that use this trope. Some movies use it just as a reason for the story, but others really *do* end up having something to say about historic preservation. Turns out some B-movies are surprisingly not totally off-base. Listen to this episode to find out if your guilty pleasure is among them! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  4. Feb 10

    Episode 22: Spire Wars

    This month, Andi and Rae discuss two early visionaries of preservation, often described as foes: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and John Ruskin. Their thoughts on architecture, authorship, and reuse are all still current today. In particular, Notre Dame would likely not have survived the disastrous 2019 fire quite so well without the work pioneered 150 years earlier. Plus, both men were charismatic fellows with excellent facial hair. So come learn about Mr. Beard and Mr. Sideburns, and discover how places like Carcassonne and Notre Dame got a new lease on life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m

  5. Jan 13

    Episode 21: An Ode to Otis

    In this episode, Rae and Andi give proper respect to the inventor of the safety elevator and cities today as we know them: Elisha Otis. Escalators, steel, and some *really* dangerous contraptions also get a mention. Going up! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m

  6. 12/09/2025

    Episode 20: Historic Swap 2025

    To celebrate this holiday season - in what is now a tradition - Rae and Andi are sharing some favorite historic sites from across the country. Tune in for the wonderful historic sites, stay for the incisive critique of the National Register. After all, complaining is part of the fun. Happy holidays, everyone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m

  7. 11/11/2025

    Episode 19: Bathrooms

    Do you ever wonder why subway tile is so common in bathrooms? Are you flummoxed by bidets? What's your take on pedestal sinks? Join Rae and Andi as we talk all things evacuation and cleanliness while trying not to giggle 🚽🛁 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 15m

  8. 10/14/2025

    Episode 18: Haunted Houses

    To celebrate spooky season - the best season - Rae and Andi talk all things haunted house-related. What is the most eerie architectural style? What are the best examples and what makes those houses so wonderfully spooky? Get yourself a seasonally-appropriate beverage and join us as we talk about mansard roofs and other spine-chilling features. 👻 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Verdigris is a lively wander into the wonderfully weird world of historic preservation, where hosts Rae and Andi dig into the stories hiding in plain sight. With equal parts scholarship and snark, they explore everything from haunted mansards and heroic elevators to the everyday spaces that quietly shape our lives. Their conversations celebrate the odd corners of the built environment while gently poking fun at the field’s quirks. More information, photos, and links are available at verdigrispodcast.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrea Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andrea Smith
  • Show Website
    Verdigris with Rae & Andi