Episodes

  • Upright: A Brief History of Holding Things Up

    Upright: A Brief History of Holding Things Up
    Jun 9 2026
    A whirlwind tour of columns at their most iconic: capital moments, load‑bearing drama, and centuries of standing their ground. Rae and Andi lean into Greek bulges, Roman rule‑breaking, and postmodern inside jokes.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr
  • Flying On Concrete Wings

    Flying On Concrete Wings
    May 12 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Xanadu: Preservation Lessons from a Cult‑Classic Mess

    Xanadu: Preservation Lessons from a Cult‑Classic Mess
    Apr 14 2026
    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.
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    52 mins
  • Save the ________!

    Save the ________!
    Mar 10 2026
    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.
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    54 mins
  • Episode 22: Spire Wars

    Episode 22: Spire Wars
    Feb 10 2026

    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.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Episode 21: An Ode to Otis

    Episode 21: An Ode to Otis
    Jan 13 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 20: Historic Swap 2025

    Episode 20: Historic Swap 2025
    Dec 9 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.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 19: Bathrooms

    Episode 19: Bathrooms
    Nov 11 2025

    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.
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    1 hr and 15 mins