In this episode of Challenger Cities, we chat with Paul Owens, co-founder of BOP Consulting, long-time collaborator of Charles Landry, and one of the most quietly influential thinkers on culture and cities anywhere in the world.

Paul has spent decades helping cities understand something most of them overlook: culture isn’t a sector or an industry, it’s an operating system of a place. It’s who you are, where you come from, and how you imagine yourself collectively as a city.

We talk about:

• Culture as a public good, drawing on Robert Hewison’s definition and why it still cuts through the noise.
• Why assets don’t matter nearly as much as institutional capacity — the ability of a city to reflect on itself and act with confidence.
• London 2012 and how the Cultural Olympiad temporarily galvanised the UK’s cultural brain.
• Berlin’s cultural immune system, its resistance to monoculture, and why it remains a beacon of civic confidence.
• Chengdu’s “Park City” model, greenways, bike networks and how spatial planning can actively cultivate cultural life.
• The vanishing of cheap space and the consequences for artists, identity and civic vibrancy.
• Participation as democratic infrastructure, and why cultural engagement is one of the few things that strengthens both social cohesion and civic imagination.
• Paul’s magic wand: a permanent cultural endowment that recycles the public value culture creates back into the ecosystem.

This episode is for anyone who senses that culture is doing far more work in a city than we usually acknowledge. Paul offers a way to see it, and measure it, and invest in it, that feels both urgent and hopeful.

Melissa Bruntlett discusses her book 'Women Changing Cities' and the transformative role of women in urban mobility and planning. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, care, and community engagement in creating sustainable and equitable cities. The discussion covers various global cities, the challenges faced in transportation, and the impact of female leadership on urban change. Bruntlett shares insights on grassroots movements and the need for collaboration to drive positive change in urban environments.

Takeaways

• Women are making significant contributions to urban mobility.
• Empathy and care are essential in urban planning.
• Cities should be designed with children and families in mind.
• Grassroots movements can lead to meaningful change.
• Female leadership often results in more inclusive policies.
• Transportation systems must address everyday needs, not just commutes.
• Collaboration and community engagement are key to success.
• Stories of transformation can inspire action in other cities.
• Urban planning should focus on creating enjoyable public spaces.
• Change takes time, and patience is crucial in advocacy.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Urban Mobility and Advocacy
• 04:32 Women Transforming Cities
• 07:06 The Inspiration Behind 'Women Changing Cities'
• 10:09 The Role of Women in Urban Mobility
• 12:34 Care and Mobility: A New Perspective
• 15:14 Empathy in Urban Leadership
• 17:57 Navigating Backlash Against Female Leaders
• 20:25 Collective Efforts in Urban Transformation
• 23:03 Finding Common Ground in Urban Development
• 25:39 Global Perspectives on Urban Spaces
• 31:18 Exploring Urban Challenges in Delhi
• 34:04 Innovative Solutions for Women's Safety in Transportation
• 38:46 Empowering Local Voices in Urban Change
• 39:17 Finding Your Place in Urban Advocacy
• 43:51 The Role of Women in Urban Leadership
• 50:04 The Importance of Fun in Urban Spaces
• 56:43 Exploring Urban Challenges and Innovations

This one’s a little different. We sat down with Lady Valeska, a professional dominatrix now based in London, to talk about what cities, workplaces, and leaders could learn from the world of kink.

It turns out, quite a lot!

We talked about power, shame, permission, and trust, but not in the ways you’d expect. Lady Valeska’s version of dominance isn’t about control, rather it's about awareness. She reads people the way good designers read context: through signals, not assumptions.

We got into:

• How communication and consent could fix more than just our sex lives.
• Why shame might be the most dangerous civic material ever invented.
• The death of anticipation in a world addicted to instant gratification.
• What the kink community understands about safety that most cities don’t.
• And why London’s chaos has its own erotic energy — while Toronto still plays it a little too polite.

It’s not an episode about sex. It’s about systems, culture and the trust it takes to make exploration feel safe.

Because whether you’re designing a city, a company, or a scene ... the rules are the same: communication, consent, boundaries, safe words and aftercare.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Kink and Dominatrix Culture
• 04:45 The Evolution of a Dominatrix
• 07:27 Communication and Consent in Kink
• 10:02 Creating a Safe Space for Exploration
• 12:43 The Dynamics of Shame and Acceptance
• 15:03 Gender Fluidity and Societal Norms
• 17:55 Cultural Differences in Leadership and Communication
• 20:22 The Impact of Technology on Kink and Sex Work
• 22:42 The Diversity of Kinks and Online Perceptions
• 25:11 The Importance of Failure in Personal Growth
• 27:46 Communication in Kink and Relationships
• 30:55 Cultural Perspectives on Kink and Acceptance
• 32:02 Comparing Life in Toronto and London
• 36:21 Generational Differences in Acceptance
• 39:05 Wishing for a Better Future: Free Healthcare for All
• 39:56 Exploring Taboo Conversations
• 40:19 Personal Growth Through Challenging Topics

Iain Montgomery and Greg Lindsay explore the intersection of urbanism and technology, discussing how screens and AI are reshaping cities. They delve into the implications of surveillance, the concept of the 15-minute city, and the importance of social equity in urban planning. The discussion also touches on Estonia's digital governance model and the challenges posed by the Saudi urban experiment. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for community engagement and a reimagined approach to urban living.

Takeaways

• Urbanism is about creating spaces that foster community and connection.
• Screens and technology have significantly altered urban life and social interactions.
• AI and augmented reality present both opportunities and challenges for cities.
• Surveillance technologies can undermine the anonymity that cities provide.
• The 15-minute city concept aims to create accessible urban environments.
• Social equity must be considered in urban planning and development.
• Data privacy is a critical concern in the age of smart cities.
• Estonia serves as a model for digital governance and public service delivery.
• The Saudi urban experiment raises questions about the future of city planning.
• Community engagement is essential for successful urban development.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Urbanism and Podcasting
• 05:34 The Impact of Screens on Urban Life
• 08:19 Augmented Reality and AI in Urban Spaces
• 11:07 The Role of Technology in Urbanism
• 14:01 Urbanist Perspectives on Mobility and Transportation
• 16:33 Cultural Contexts of Urban Living
• 19:28 The Future of Urbanism and Family Living
• 22:23 Challenges of Urban Development and Gentrification
• 25:24 The American Dream and Urban Planning
• 32:50 Technological Forces Shaping Urbanism
• 34:44 The Role of Consultancies in Urban Development
• 37:19 Data Collection and Urbanism Challenges
• 40:10 Public vs. Private Sector in Digital Transformation
• 43:48 Estonia's Digital Governance Model
• 45:44 The Dystopian Nature of New Cities
• 51:12 Housing Crisis: A Conspiracy of Affordability
• 56:21 The 15-Minute City: A Controversial Concept
• 01:00:57 The Future of Urbanism: High Touch vs. High Tech

In this conversation, Iain Montgomery and Anupam Yog delve into the concept of urban mindfulness and its implications for city design. They explore how mindfulness can enhance urban living, the importance of community engagement, and the potential of lesser-known cities like Ramsgate as models for transformation. The discussion emphasizes the need for compassion in urban planning and the idea that cities should facilitate a balance between movement and stillness. Anupam shares insights from his experiences in Singapore and other cities, advocating for a new paradigm of urban living that prioritizes well-being and connection with nature.

Takeaways

• Mindfulness can be a transformative approach for urban living.
• Cities should be designed to foster community and connection.
• Ramsgate serves as a case study for urban transformation.
• The concept of 'gentle density' is crucial for sustainable cities.
• Urban design must prioritize mental and emotional well-being.
• Seaside towns have unique potential for revitalization.
• Compassion and patience are essential in urban planning.
• Next cities are often neighborhoods and towns, not just major urban centers.
• Cities should enable a balance of live, move, and rest.
• Engaging with local communities is vital for effective urban design.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Urbanism and Mindfulness
• 07:15 The Intersection of Cities and Mindfulness
• 11:24 Mindfulness in Urban Spaces
• 14:27 The Importance of Slowing Down
• 19:17 Singapore as a Model for Conscious Urbanism
• 24:08 The Future of Urbanism: Balancing Economy and Ecology
• 31:33 Cultural Complexity in Urban Design
• 34:24 Mindful Choices in City Planning
• 38:32 Engaging Communities in Urban Development
• 43:39 The Future of Tourism and Urban Living
• 48:39 Next Cities: Beyond the Usual Suspects
• 56:16 Magic Wand for Urban Transformation
• 58:09 Introduction to World City and Its Initiatives
• 58:35 Engagement and Future Conversations

Summary

In this conversation, Charles R. Landry discusses the concept of creative cities, emphasizing the importance of imagination, psychology, and human-centered design in urban planning. He explores how cities develop identities, the psychological complexities they face, and the impact of gentrification on urban evolution. Landry highlights the need for spaces that foster connection and the role of curiosity in understanding urban dynamics. He concludes with thoughts on the future of cities and the importance of simplifying complex ideas without losing their essence.

Takeaways

• The creative city concept focuses on imagination in urban planning.
• Psychology plays a crucial role in how we perceive cities.
• Cities can have inferiority complexes affecting their identity.
• Gentrification can evolve neighborhoods positively or negatively.
• Human-centered design is essential for livable cities.
• Connection and interaction are vital for urban life.
• Curiosity drives exploration and understanding of cities.
• Cities should facilitate encounters between diverse groups.
• Urban growth presents challenges that require innovative solutions.
• Simplifying complex urban issues can lead to clearer priorities.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Creative Cities
2. 02:10 The Role of Psychology in Urban Planning
3. 06:22 City Stereotypes and Psychological Complexes
4. 10:33 The Dynamics of City Identity and Confidence
5. 13:07 Gentrification and Urban Evolution
6. 19:05 The Challenges of Urban Growth and Gentrification
7. 23:01 The Importance of Human-Centered Design
8. 30:01 The Future of Cities and Connection
9. 35:06 Curating Spaces for Connection
10. 41:20 The Magic Wand for Cities
11. 55:07 Closing Thoughts on Urban Innovation

In this conversation, Iain Montgomery and Rashiq Fataar delve into the complexities of urbanism in South Africa, particularly focusing on Cape Town. Rashiq shares his journey from actuarial science to becoming a self-appointed urbanist, emphasizing the need for innovative urban solutions that address social and spatial inequalities. They discuss the current state of South African cities, the lessons learned from global urbanism, and the challenges faced in urban development. Rashiq highlights the importance of public spaces, transportation, and housing, while also envisioning a future where Cape Town can thrive as a model for urban living. The conversation concludes with Rashiq's vision for transformative change in urban policy and infrastructure.

Takeaways

• Urbanism in South Africa is often overlooked.
• Rashiq Fataar transitioned from actuarial science to urbanism.
• Curiosity about cities can lead to impactful projects.
• South African cities face unique social and spatial challenges.
• Public spaces and access to nature are crucial for urban living.
• Learning from global cities can inform local practices.
• Transportation infrastructure is key to urban connectivity.
• Events like the Olympics can catalyze urban development.
• There is a need for radical urbanism in South Africa.
• Quality of life improvements must be prioritized in urban planning.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Exploring Urbanism in South Africa
2. 04:56 Rashiq Fataar's Journey to Urbanism
3. 09:58 The State of South African Cities
4. 14:57 Learning from Global Urbanism
5. 19:41 Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Development
6. 24:46 The Role of Events in Urban Transformation
7. 29:16 Vision for the Future of Cape Town
8. 34:19 The Magic Wand for Urban Change

In this conversation, Iain Montgomery speaks with Luca Ballarini about Utopian Hours, a festival in Turin that celebrates urbanism and creativity. They discuss Luca's journey from architecture to graphic design, the challenges of transforming urban narratives, and the unique identity of Turin as a city. The conversation highlights the emotional connection people have with their cities and the importance of community engagement in urban development. Luca shares insights on the festival's diverse speakers and topics, as well as his vision for a more accessible and imaginative approach to urbanism.

• Utopian Hours is a festival celebrating urbanism and creativity.
• Turin is known as the city of four rivers, which shapes its identity.
• Luca Ballarini transitioned from architecture to graphic design and urbanism.
• Cities can be transformed through imagination and community engagement.
• There is a love-hate relationship with one's own city, driving change.
• Utopian Hours features diverse speakers and innovative ideas.
• The festival aims to inspire attendees to think differently about urban spaces.
• Emotional connections to cities can drive urban transformation.
• Luca envisions simplifying urbanism rules for experimentation.
• The festival fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

Sound Bites

• "Turin is a city with four rivers."
• "Turin is the four river city."
• "I would simplify rules in urbanism."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Utopian Hours and Luca's Background

07:55The Genesis of Utopian Hours

12:14Challenges and Surprises in Urban Narratives

15:44Turin: A City with a Unique Identity

20:07The Emotional Connection to Turin

25:33Utopian Hours: A Festival of Inspiration

33:17Surprises from Past Editions of Utopian Hours

37:03Local Insights: Experiencing Turin

40:00Magic Wand Wishes for Urbanism

42:31Introduction and Call to Action

43:07NEWCHAPTER