The Building Culture Podcast
Austin Tunnell
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Top 10 The Building Culture Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Building Culture Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Building Culture Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Building Culture Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
#34 Coby Lefkowitz: Building Optimism - Rethinking Cities, Architecture, and the Future of Urban Design
The Building Culture Podcast
02/06/25 • 87 min
What if our cities weren’t just places we lived, but places that made us feel alive? In this episode, we welcome back Coby, an urban planner, developer, and author of Building Optimism, to talk about how we can move beyond pessimism and reclaim the built environment. We dive into the philosophy of traditional urbanism versus traditional architecture, how to balance art and economics in development, and why optimism in city building isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s already happening.
Coby shares how his latest project integrates affordability, beauty, and human-scale design, and why zoning reform is beginning to shift the landscape of American cities. We discuss why preservation alone isn't enough, how small developers can create lasting impact, and why the best cities aren’t built overnight—they evolve, adapt, and improve over time. If you’ve ever wondered why some places feel right and others don’t, or how we can design spaces that actually serve human beings, this episode is for you.
TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS
00:00 Exploring Urban Beauty: A Vision for Cities
01:32 The Intersection of Urban Planning and Development
03:58 The Journey to Writing 'Building Optimism'
10:02 The Current State of Urbanism: A Turning Point
18:41 Traditional Urbanism vs. Architecture: Finding Balance
22:59 The Role of Preservation in Modern Urbanism
38:20 Creating a Living Tradition in Architecture
44:06 Exploring Kingston's Urban Fabric
51:04 Innovative Infill Housing Solutions
58:13 The Importance of Diverse Housing Options
01:06:56 Creating Integrated Communities
01:12:12 The Role of Capital in Urban Development
CONNECT WITH COBY
X: https://x.com/Cobylefko?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Website: https://cobylefkowitz.com
Substack: https://ourbuiltenvironment.substack.com/p/a-call-to-build-a-better-world
MENTIONED RESOURCES
Coby’s Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Building-Optimism-World-Looks-Better/dp/B0DJV2WLXR/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Q3
Patrick Sharkey’s Trapped in Place: https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Place-Neighborhoods-Progress-Equality/dp/0226924254
Samuel Hughes’ Article: Making Architecture Easy: https://worksinprogress.co/issue/making-architecture-easy/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter:https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
#38 Jeral Poskey: Urban Transportation of the Future? Retrofitting Suburbia with Swyft Cities.
The Building Culture Podcast
04/03/25 • 52 min
In this episode, I talk with Jeral Poskey, former project executive at Google, and current Founder and CEO of Swyft Cities, about a radically different approach to urban transportation that’s fast, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. Spoiler: it's not autonomous or flying cars.
When I first heard about Swyft’s solution, I was skeptical. But I’m increasingly excited about the possibilities, and how it could unlock walkable districts and neighborhoods within the suburban sprawl context (so basically everywhere).
We get into how Jeral’s experience inside Google’s real estate division led to the birth of Project Swyft, why traditional mass-transit infrastructure isn’t feasible (at least on its own), and how Swyft’s solution solves for the last few miles, weaves between buildings, and adapts to cities as they grow.
If you're into urbanism, real estate, autonomous vehicles, or just want to understand what could actually make our cities function better (without waiting 20 years and wasting billions of dollars for a new train–looking at you, California), this one’s worth your time. And excitingly, Swyft has numerous projects underway around the world beginning in 2026.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Project Switch and Urban Transportation
01:48 The Origins of Swyft Cities
05:08 Innovative Transportation Solutions
10:31 Skepticism to Curiosity
14:09 The Last Mile Connection and Urban Challenges
17:34 Economic Models and Urban Growth
19:23 Modularity and Network Effects in Urban Transit
21:16 AI and Efficiency in Transportation Systems
23:40 Cost Comparisons and Infrastructure Decisions
24:15 Understanding the Station Design and Functionality
26:22 Infrastructure Flexibility and Cost Efficiency
29:09 The Competition: Self-Driving Cars and Urban Mobility
32:52 Private vs. Public Sector Transportation Solutions
35:16 Real-World Applications and Case Studies
40:01 Overcoming Skepticism and Educating Stakeholders
43:45 Induced Demand: A Positive Perspective on Urban Transportation
48:13 Future Vision: Scaling and Real Estate Integration
#37 Ryan Johnson: Culdesac - Building America’s First Car-Free Neighborhood From Scratch
The Building Culture Podcast
03/20/25 • 59 min
In this episode, I talk with Ryan Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, about building the United States’ first car-free neighborhood from scratch. We discuss everything from winning over the fire department with foldable ladders to building hundreds of units without building a single parking garage. Ryan also opens up about how designing for people—rather than cars—has paid off big time for both residents and local retailers, and why he believes autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing, and a passion for walkability will reshape cities nationwide.
TAKEAWAYS
Walkability Isn’t a Niche Luxury—It’s a Mass Market Demand. The majority of Americans would pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood, and 92% of Gen Z is on board. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a tidal wave.
Car-Free Living Works—Even in Phoenix. If a walkable neighborhood can thrive in a sprawling, car-centric city like Phoenix, it can work anywhere. The key? Thoughtful design, mixed-use spaces, and actual community-building.
Parking Garages Are the Next Real Estate Mistake. Developers still pouring millions into structured parking are setting themselves up for regret. AV ride-hailing, changing transportation habits, and shifting zoning laws are making them obsolete faster than people realize.
Retail Thrives When It’s a Destination, Not an Afterthought. Culdesac started with six planned retail spaces—now they have 21, and local businesses are thriving. Why? Because people actually want to be there.
Building for Humans, Not Traffic Engineers, Changes Everything. The way we build cities has quietly been making us more isolated, unhealthy, and unhappy. Culdesac’s design flips that script—prioritizing gathering spaces, green areas, and human-scale density.
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Need for Change in Urban Design
02:57 Introducing Cul-de-Sac: A New Vision for Neighborhoods
06:12 Designing Walkable Communities: The Cul-de-Sac Approach
08:54 Innovative Infrastructure: Rethinking Parking and Access
11:50 Financing the Future: Capital Strategies for New Developments
15:04 Community and Belonging: The Heart of Urban Living
18:07 Navigating Challenges: Working with City Regulations
21:07 Phased Development: Learning and Adapting in Real Time
24:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction and Costs
26:58 Market Dynamics: Setting Rents in a Changing Landscape
29:43 The Evolution of Walkable Neighborhoods
32:03 Creating Community Through Intentional Design
34:48 Retail and Community Engagement
37:59 The Role of Local Businesses in Urban Development
40:50 Innovative Urban Design and Architecture
43:54 Challenges and Surprises in Development
45:41 The Future of Walkable Communities
50:18 Leadership and Vision in Development
55:41 Advice for Aspiring Developers
CONNECT WITH RYAN
Culdesac: https://culdesac.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjohnsonaz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveculdesac/
Twitter: https://x.com/ryanmjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
#36 Stephen Smith: Safety vs. Sanity: The Surprising Cost of Over-Regulating Our Built World
The Building Culture Podcast
03/06/25 • 77 min
In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Smith, founder of the Center for Building, to uncover the labyrinthine world of building codes—how they’re made, who really influences them, and why they end up stifling the very innovation and affordability we need. From the peculiarities of elevator requirements to the often overlooked role of local politics and special interests, we unpack how these complex rules shape our homes, buildings, and cities more than we might realize.
TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Challenge of Building Codes in the U.S.
03:06 The Role of Building Codes in Urban Development
05:46 Understanding the American Way of Building
09:09 The Impact of Building Codes on Housing Costs
12:09 Elevator Regulations and Their Consequences
14:52 Harmonization of Codes and Standards
18:11 Over-Dimensioning in American Construction
21:05 Labor Issues in the Construction Industry
23:57 The Need for Code Review and Justification
26:49 The Tyranny of Bureaucracy in Building Codes
38:49 The Grenfell Fire and Its Aftermath
45:05 Design Innovations in Building Codes
48:25 Understanding the ICC and Code Writing
58:09 The Revolving Door: Industry and Regulation
01:07:26 The Role of Government in Building Codes
01:15:20 Getting Involved: Supporting Change in Building Codes
CONNECT WITH STEPHEN
Center for Building https://www.centerforbuilding.org/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenjacobsmith.com
Email: [email protected]
MENTIONED RESOURCES
Elevator research: https://admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Elevators.pdf
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
SPONSORS
Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows:
#31 Wrapping Up the Year: Building a Business, Management, Branding & Vision, Tech Stack, Resources, Updated Thinking, and a Merry Christmas from Building Culture
The Building Culture Podcast
12/19/24 • 78 min
Hi everyone! I’m excited to share our final episode of the year, marking one full year of the Building Culture Podcast! This episode is a solo reflection—something new for me—where I dive into the evolution of our brand, key business learnings, our tech stack, updated thinking, and personal growth.
I explore how Building Culture has grown from focusing on structural masonry to a broader mission of creating durable, human-centered architecture and thriving communities. Adapting to challenges like rising costs and supply chain disruptions, I reflect on how staying versatile has helped us remain true to our mission of fostering human flourishing through the built environment.
This episode also includes lessons learned from raising capital, building a team, and refining processes with tools like Superhuman and AppFolio. I share how inspiring books, podcasts, and thinkers—like Make Something Wonderful and Andrew Huberman’s work—have shaped my perspective.
On a personal note, I open up about recovering from a life-changing injury, the importance of pursuing meaningful goals, and how embracing life’s challenges has brought deeper fulfillment. I’ve found that happiness is fleeting, but meaning endures.
I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own journey and take away something valuable for your life or business. Thank you for an incredible year, and here’s to building a thriving future together!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Navigating Real Estate Syndication and Fundraising
33:41 Indefinite Hold Strategy in Real Estate Investment
39:45 Understanding Dopamine and Motivation
45:35 The Importance of Free Speech in Society
54:00 The Importance of Free Speech
01:00:05 The Case for Masonry in Modern Construction
01:07:01 Personal Development and New Ventures
01:14:28 Creating Your Own Heaven or Hell
TAKEAWAYS
Building Culture has shifted from a focus on structural masonry to creating human-centered architecture and thriving communities.
Regular feedback, delegation, and alignment have strengthened team culture and efficiency.
Viewing architecture as a human habitat highlights its role in fostering well-being and community.
Adapting to rising costs and personal setbacks underscores the value of flexibility in pursuing long-term goals.
Pursuing meaningful, challenging goals leads to deeper fulfillment and personal growth.
Austin shares aspirations for Building Culture’s role in creating resilient, human-centered communities.
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
SPONSORS
Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
#33 Matthew Plechan: How to Paint Masonry. The Durable, Breathable Beauty of Mineral Stains.
The Building Culture Podcast
01/23/25 • 70 min
Most Americans think painting brick is as simple as grabbing a bucket of latex or oil-based paint, but this common approach can wreak havoc on your home–and is uglier to boot.
In this episode, I sit down with Matt Plechan, the founder of Mineral Stains. We dive deep into the art and science of finishing brick with mineral stains like limewash, potassium silicate and sol silicate.
These centuries-old techniques are not only more durable and beautiful but also allow your brick to breathe, preventing costly damage.
I talk to many people who go to Europe, see a beautiful color, and try to color match it at home on stucco or masonry. It doesn’t turn out the same. Why? It’s not the same paint!
But it can be.
If you are thinking about painting masonry, listen to this episode! And while there are other US based suppliers, Matt at Mineral Stains is an excellent source who manufactures in the US and will help you find the right product for your project!
TAKEAWAYS
Latex acrylic paints are unsuitable for masonry, while mineral stains bond with masonry for enhanced durability and a natural aesthetic.
Potassium silicate offers better longevity than lime wash, while sole silicate works effectively on previously painted or coated surfaces.
Mineral stains are eco-friendly, made from natural pigments, and provide vibrant, non-toxic finishes with a timeless, breathable quality.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Masonry Painting Challenges
02:49 Understanding Mineral Stains vs. Traditional Paints
06:30 Exploring Types of Mineral Stains
10:56 Comparing Lime Wash and Potassium Silicate
18:30 Application Techniques for Mineral Stains
32:28 Best Practices for Exterior Application
35:37 The Importance of Primer in Painting
40:49 Cleaning and Preparing Surfaces for Painting
45:33 Best Practices for New Construction Painting
52:35 Application Techniques: Spraying vs. Rolling
57:49 Interior Painting: Natural Finishes and Techniques
CONTACT MATTHEW PLECHAN AND MINERAL STAINS
Website: https://mineralstains.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattplechan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mineralstains1
Matt’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-plechan-94a18172
MENTIONED RESOURCES
https://masonrymagazine.com/Default?pageID=2362
https://voyagejacksonville.com/?post_type=interview&p=91151
https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/global-home-of-the-pga-tour
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
SPONSORS
Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!
#19 Justin Mares - Pt 2: Fixing the Broken Food & Health Systems
The Building Culture Podcast
06/27/24 • 53 min
In part 2 Justin Mares and I discuss the broken food and health systems in the US and the need to prioritize human flourishing. We get into the weaponization of our instincts by companies that produce addictive food, the importance of fixing our environment and food system, and the role of human health in the built environment. Justin shares his experience in the health industry and highlights the misalignment of incentives in the food and healthcare industries.
We touch on the lack of trust in traditional institutions and the challenges of following dietary guidelines. Justin talks about nutrient density in crops, the depletion of nutrients in soil, the impact of food processing on nutrient density, and the potential consequences for human health. We also delve into the challenges of scaling sustainable farming practices and the role of government and corporations in addressing health and environmental issues. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for individual and community action to create positive change.
Takeaways
- The food and health systems in the US are profoundly broken and need to be fixed to promote human flourishing.
- Companies are weaponizing our instincts to create addictive and profitable food products.
- Fixing the environment, food system, and built environment is crucial for improving human health.
- There is a lack of trust in traditional institutions and their ability to provide accurate health advice.
- The misalignment of incentives in the food and healthcare industries hinders progress in promoting human health. Nutrient density in crops is influenced by the nutrients in the soil, and over time, the depletion of nutrients in the soil has led to less nutrient-dense crops.
- Food processing can further reduce nutrient density, and the consumption of processed foods may lead to nutrient deficiencies and cravings for specific nutrients.
- Scaling sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture, can help improve soil health and nutrient density in crops.
- Government regulations and policies play a role in shaping the food system, but individual and community action is also necessary to create positive change.
- Addressing health and environmental issues requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of various factors, including food production, human health, and environmental sustainability.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
00:57 Weaponizing Instincts: The Addictive Food Industry
06:22 Misaligned Incentives in the Food and Healthcare Industries
08:16 The Broken Healthcare Industry
19:19 The Debate on Veganism and Vegetarianism
25:12 Sponsor Acknowledgment and Nutrient Deficiencies in Food
26:41 The Impact of Soil Depletion on Nutrient Density in Crops
29:07 The Nutrient Decay Curve and the Role of Food Processing
34:29 Challenges and Potential of Scaling Sustainable Farming Practices
36:25 Government and Corporate Responsibility in Addressing Health and Environmental Issues
43:00 The Need for Individual and Community Action
CONNECT WITH JUSTIN
- Justin’s Substack: The Next | Justin Mares | Substack
- Twitter: Justin Mares (@jwmares) / X
- Kettle and Fire: https://www.kettleandfire.com/
- Surely Non-Alcoholic Wines: https://www.drinksurely.com/
- Perfect Keto: https://perfectketo.com/
- Truemed: https://www.truemed.com/
RECS
Book Rec: Formerly Known as Food
Book Rec: The End of Craving
Book Rec:
#9 Sam Day Pt. 2: Retrofitting Suburbia, Importance of Centers, Architecture School & Development
The Building Culture Podcast
02/09/24 • 56 min
#2 Matt Hayes: What Every Architecture Student Needs to Know
The Building Culture Podcast
10/15/23 • 60 min
Listen in on the one-year anniversary of Matt Hayes joining the Building Culture team. Whether you're considering architecture as your field of study, want to hear what the day to day of working for a Design & Build small business is like, or are just curious to hear more on what makes beautiful places, this one is for you.
Prior to joining Building Culture in 2022, Matt graduated from the Notre Dame School of Architecture and worked in Manhattan at G.P. Schafer Architect on custom residences in areas including Arkansas, Virginia, Florida, and New York City. Following several serendipitous interactions with Austin, the opportunity to confront the problems of disposable building and car-centric urbanism was too exciting for Matt to pass up and he uprooted to Oklahoma to join the Building Culture Team as Architect and Program Manager. Matt and Austin discuss an array of topics, like what factors are important when considering architect school for yourself, the benefits of travel and its influence on their building and design methods, the uniqueness of working for a start up Design & Build firm, and considering what makes a beautiful place and have the priority on humans and not cars.
RESOURCES School of Architecture, University of Notre Dame
Original Green - Steven Mouzan
FOLLOW AUSTIN
Building Culture Playbook
#35 Moses Kagan: Building Generational Wealth with Generational Assets - "Indefinite Holds" in Real Estate
The Building Culture Podcast
02/20/25 • 79 min
Moses Kagan has a unique take on real estate development and investing – and he’s influenced my thinking substantially over the past couple of years.
He is a highly successful syndicator, investor and developer with over $200 million in assets under management. He runs Adaptive Realty, having renovated over 100 multi-family buildings in Los Angeles, managing them in-house while specializing in the "indefinite hold” strategy for long-term wealth building.
He is the Co-Founder of ReSeed, a platform offering long-term GP and LP capital, along with mentorship for emerging real estate operators nationwide. He also hosts Reconvene, a highly regarded annual “unconference” for real estate operators and passive investors to connect and share knowledge. I attended last year, and it was awesome!
And lastly, he is a Twitter personality and avid blogger, sharing valuable insights on real estate and business. I highly recommend you follow him.
This is an excellent conversation about practical investment and real estate development philosophy, and I hope this conversation has as big of an impact on you as meeting Moses has on me!
TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development Philosophy
06:06 Understanding IRR and Its Implications
11:55 The Importance of Long-Term Thinking in Real Estate
17:59 Finding the Right Investors for Long-Term Strategies
25:50 Investing with Wealthy Families and Professional Money Managers
40:20 Understanding Capitalization and Investor Liquidity
46:11 Building Trust and Relationships in Real Estate Investment
55:41 Building Trust at Scale in Real Estate
58:01 The Democratization of Capital Raising
01:04:29 New Urbanism and Walkable Neighborhoods
01:06:00 Challenges of Ground-Up Development
01:09:03 Zoning and Building Code Challenges
01:11:57 The Impact of Bureaucracy on Development
01:14:07 Introducing ReSeed: Supporting Emerging Operators
01:17:08 The Importance of Community in Real Estate
CONNECT WITH MOSES
X:https://x.com/moseskagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moses-kagan-2638ab2/
Adaptive Realty: https://www.adaptiverealty.com/
ReSeed: https://reseedpartners.com/
Moses Newsletter: https://kagansblog.com/blog/
MENTIONED RESOURCES
The Fort Podcast Interview on ReSeed: https://www.thefortpod.com/videos/moses-kagan-rhett-bennett-co-founders-of-reseed-partners-the-y-combinator-for-re-operators/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter:https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Building Culture Podcast have?
The Building Culture Podcast currently has 39 episodes available.
What topics does The Building Culture Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Design, Podcasts and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on The Building Culture Podcast?
The episode title '#32 Citymakers Collective: Empowering the Next Generation of Architects, Developers and Builders' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Building Culture Podcast?
The average episode length on The Building Culture Podcast is 71 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Building Culture Podcast released?
Episodes of The Building Culture Podcast are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of The Building Culture Podcast?
The first episode of The Building Culture Podcast was released on Sep 29, 2023.
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