Episodes

  • Take a Seat on the Climate Beat

    Take a Seat on the Climate Beat
    Apr 17 2024
    Cara Buckley and her team at the New York Times have decided to focus on the optimistic side of climate change. They’ve found people acting out on their own to create individual, yet replicable acts that have saved their own unique communities and ecosystems. Verda and Jon have been inspired by this message, and in this episode get the opportunity to talk with Cara about this work and how it can save our planet. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. Break Some Dishes is presented by Davies Office.
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    44 mins
  • Good Neighbors Make Good Rebels

    Good Neighbors Make Good Rebels
    Mar 20 2024
    Karry King and Martin Schneider found themselves compelled to help their town of La Salle, Illinois after a toxic disaster and chemical fire at the Carus Chemical Plant. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. Break Some Dishes is presented by Davies Office.
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    47 mins
  • Shaping Sustainable Minds: Empowering Young Designers with Lisa Tucker

    Shaping Sustainable Minds: Empowering Young Designers with Lisa Tucker
    Aug 9 2023
    In this new episode, co-host Verda Alexander sits down with special guest Lisa Tucker, Head of the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management at Virginia Tech. Lisa shares her journey from a background in historic preservation to integrating sustainability into interior design education. She discusses her research on the impact of biophilic design in educational spaces and emphasizes the importance of nurturing curiosity and confidence in young designers. Join us as we explore the role of academia in shaping the next generation of environmentally conscious designers, and challenge conventional design norms to embrace a more sustainable and responsible approach! 🌿 Break Some Dishes is an Imagine a Place Production.
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    21 mins
  • Designing with Purpose: Pioneering change with Linda Sorrento

    Designing with Purpose: Pioneering change with Linda Sorrento
    Jul 19 2023
    In this episode of Break Some Dishes, Jon Strassner sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Linda Sorrento from mindful MATERIALS. They share their history of collaboration and how Linda inspired Jon to pursue a career in sustainability. Linda talks about her family's legacy of purpose and her journey into the design field with a focus on research and sustainability. The episode highlights the importance of curiosity, exploration, and commitment for young designers looking to make a positive impact on the environment and human well-being. It encourages designers to take the next step in the field of sustainable design, leveraging the knowledge available today and emphasizing the power of collective action and support. The podcast provides an insightful discussion on the journey of sustainable design through personal inspiration, professional development, and the ongoing need for progress in creating healthier and more sustainable spaces for people. Break Some Dishes is an Imagine a Place Production.
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    16 mins
  • Breaking the Mold: Interior Design Impact with Jenn Chen

    Breaking the Mold: Interior Design Impact with Jenn Chen
    Jun 23 2023
    In this episode of Break Some Dishes, co-host Verda Alexander sits down for a conversation with Jenn Chen, Principal Interior Designer at LMN Architects. They first discuss Jenn's groundbreaking research that has revealed the cyclical nature of interior renovations as it significantly contributes to carbon emissions, rivaling the impact of building structures themselves. Their conversation dives into the need for greater awareness and responsibility within the industry, challenging traditional practices and exploring sustainable alternatives. Explore the transformative power of interior design through a conversation about the importance of shifting mindsets, embracing reuse and preservation, and considering the lifecycle of materials. By examining the decisions we make and developing practical tools for change, Jenn advocates for a more conscious approach to interior design that prioritizes environmental stewardship. Follow Break Some Dishes on Social Media Instagram and Linkedin. Break Some Dishes is an Imagine a Place Production by OFS.
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    15 mins
  • Championing Change: Trailblazing Sustainable Design with Ken Wilson

    Championing Change: Trailblazing Sustainable Design with Ken Wilson
    May 24 2023
    Join host Jon Strassner as he engages in a conversation with Ken Wilson, Design Principal at Perkins&Will in Washington D.C. With over two decades of friendship, Jon and Ken delve into Ken's career journey, the evolution of sustainable design, and the critical role of sustainability in shaping the future of the industry. Ken discusses founding his own design firm that embraced sustainable design early on with clients including Greenpeace, the Environmental Defense Fund, the World Wide Fund for Nature, the United Nations Environment Programme, and Conservation International. Ken's passion for sustainable design extends beyond his professional life. He also shares his personal pursuit of sustainability as he designs his own eco-friendly home in Utah. Together, Jon and Ken explore the transformative impact of technology and how it has empowered designers to envision and execute better designs with sustainability in mind. Ken encourages younger designers to take the initiative and gain design expertise in sustainability, becoming influential agents of change and shaping a better future. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of Break Some Dishes, available on your favorite podcast platforms. Tune in to be inspired by Jon Strassner and his guest, Ken Wilson, as they unveil the transformative potential of design and sustainability. Check out the roundtable conversation with Ken Wilson, Jon Strassner, and other insightful sustainable design leaders on YouTube. Follow Break Some Dishes on Social Media Instagram and Linkedin. Break Some Dishes is an Imagine a Place Production by OFS.
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    21 mins
  • Earth Day: Activate Accordingly

    Earth Day: Activate Accordingly
    Apr 21 2023
    Earth Day: Activate Accordingly Join Jon and Verda during this special episode for Earth Day 2023 discussing activism! They look at the history of activism and its importance in creating social change, emphasizing design and activating locally. They also examine influencing large corporations and the government, encouraging people to take action by joining a passionate group, downloading an app, or tweeting. There are many different ways to be an activist, from marching to voting to mobilizing others, find what fits you and activate today. Follow us on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breaksomedishes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/84103279/admin/ Break Some Dishes is an Imagine a Place Production by OFS: http://ofs.com/imagineaplace
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    41 mins
  • Roundtable: Climate, Health, and Equity

    Roundtable: Climate, Health, and Equity
    Mar 30 2023
    We are breaking some dishes a little differently with this new roundtable episode discussing climate, health, and equity! Our panel of roundtable guests talks with Jon Strassner and Verda Alexander about the importance of creating equitable and sustainable designs that are healthy and accessible to everyone. The group emphasizes the need for further education and understanding of green practices and available resources. They also touch on the power of students to influence the future, how to talk about sustainable design in a way that celebrates the client, and materials reuse and reclamation. Guest lineup includes: David Cordell, Associate Principal at Perkins&Will DC Jenn Chen, Principal Interior Designer at LMN Architects Lisa Tucker, Design Professor and Department Head at Virginia Tech Ken Wilson, Design Principal at Perkins&Will DC Check out the full roundtable conversation between these design leaders to gain insights and ideas on how you can impact sustainability through design. Follow us on Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Break Some Dishes is an Imagine a Place Production by OFS: http://ofs.com/imagineaplace
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    47 mins