PODCAST · arts
Once Upon a Planet
by Jon Strassner
Sustainability can be heavy. Design can be precious. Climate storytelling can feel like a lecture. Once Upon a Planet is here to change that. Hosted by Jon Strassner—co-creator of Break Some Dishes and longtime challenger of the status quo—this podcast explores the intersection of interesting and climate change. That tiny 2-stop intersection is vitally important if we want to grow our understanding and awareness of global climate change.
Episodes
-
What Does It Take for a Manufacturer to be "Good" in our Industry? Human Active Technology Shares.
In this episode, Jon talks with Shaun Smith and Amy Vilasi, of Human Active Technology. How do you take the sustainability work that goes into good product design and share it in your brand narrative in a way that rings true? Amy directs marketing efforts at HAT and Shaun is Director of Design.…
more -
Can Farm to Furniture Help Our Planet Heal?
This episode is all about Regenerative Design. Farm to Furniture, like Farm to Table, means we can and should pay more attention to not just what we put in our bodies, but where we put our bodies. Jon talks with Fernando Ramirez and Justin Beitzel, from Common Object Studio about how we can make...
-
A Toolbox and a Prayer
In this episode of Once Upon a Planet we spend time talking about the fear of starting something new. Bill Davies watched workers throw perfectly good, yet used, workstations into a dumpster and did one simple thing many of us neglect to do; he asked them why. Why were they throwing away…
more -
Beware the Easy Button!
Jon spends time spitballing with Ren DeCherney, of Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. We talk about the value of re--use and try to wrestle with the question of whether or not labels have helped us with this or not. Is there an easy button? Should we even be looking for an easy…
more -
Our Eternal Optimist
In this, our fifth episode, I finally get to catch up with long time friend, Doug Shapiro! Doug offers some valuable insight into simplifying our attitudes and expectations when it comes to planet health. How about this for simple? Just ask where the material is from. Are you looking at a chair?...
-
Funeral Homes and Furniture--Caution, the contents of this episode are HOT!!
Dianne Murata joins Jon on today's episode, where we talk about making that unexpected pivot in our work. Dianne hit the crossroad where she could ignore her customers and stay in her lane, or figure things out. She chose to roll up her sleeves and figure things out. This is an insightful...
-
Good Design is a Healthy Diet!
In this episode, Jon dives into the design world of Carl Gustav Magnusson. Carl is a design icon, a thinker and truly someone who's work has changed our planet. We talk about some of his work and discover that good design, by its definition, is good for the planet. See Privacy Policy at...
-
Eric Cory Freed Me From the Boredom!
Architect Eric Cory Freed joins Jon Strassner in an episode dedicated to communication and the art of re-framing the conversation around climate so that people don't run away from it. Reading a room, understanding your audiance and delivering information and entertainment in a language your...
-
The Messy Middle
In the season's first episode, Jon Strassner talks with industrial designer Brian Graham. We talk about doing the best we can and learning how to operate in the messy middle, where our expectations of perfection are often left unmet. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California...
-
More than Checking a Box: Designing for people and the planet
Designers and architects face a complex matrix of requirements to meet modern requirements for building performance, appearance and overall impact on people and the planet. On this episode, key team members from Rockfon and ROCKWOOL, part of ROCKWOOL Group, discuss strategies and trends to meet...
-
Breaking More Dishes with Friends at Greenbuild 2025! Episode 2
In this continued episode of Break Some Dishes, Jon ventures to Los Angeles to podcast from the floor of Greenbuild 2025. For a second day, a bunch of different guests stepped into Jon’s podcast booth during the conference to talk about everything from the gender gap in raising capital to…
more -
Breaking Dishes with Friends at Greenbuild 2025! Episode 1
In this episode of Break Some Dishes, Jon ventures to Los Angeles to podcast from the floor of Greenbuild 2025. Eight different guests slipped into Jon’s podcast booth during the conference to talk about everything from the gender gap in raising capital to bringing better story telling to climate...
-
The Final Smash: Women, Design, and the Future We Want
For the season finale of Break Some Dishes, Jon and Verda wrap up a challenging but rewarding season about women; women in design, in leadership, and in the climate movement. Why do women still hold far fewer leadership positions, even as they are earning more college degrees than men? What…
more -
Climate Activism and Gender Justice: A Conversation with Ayshka Najib
In the penultimate episode of season six, Jon and Verda have a conversation with Ayshka Najib, who shares her journey from being inspired by the Chipko movement in India to becoming a fervent champion for both climate justice and gender equality. The discussion covers the intersection of climate...
-
Less Friction, More Flow — Evolving Design Materials Evaluation & Communication
Live from the NeoCon show floor in Chicago, Verda and Jon sit down with Kathleen Egan and Paul Shahriari, co-founders of Ecomedes. If you’ve ever struggled to specify sustainable materials, this episode is a must-listen. Ecomedes is changing the game for the architecture and design industry by...
-
Women at the Frontlines of Climate Justice
In this episode, Jon and Verda sit down with Osprey Orielle Lake, founder of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), to explore the connections between women’s rights, climate justice, and the rights of nature. From ecofeminism to alternative worldviews, from frontline defenders to...
-
Unlabeling the Future: Gender, Work & The Climate Challenge
In this episode, Jon and Verda go live from Chicago, at the Gensler Principal's Retreat to unpack some of the issues shaping the design industry. Amanda Schneider, of ThinkLab, is back and joins us on stage for a three-part conversation on how unspoken norms around gender and power influence who...
-
Rethinking the Hero: A Creative Conversation with Ayse Birsel
In this episode, we sit down with product designer and creative thinker Ayse Birsel. She is the co-founder of Birsel + Seck, the award-winning design and innovation studio and is known for her work with manufacturers like Herman Miller as well as her bestselling book Design the Life You Love.…
more -
Beyond the Classroom: Gender, Learning & Leadership at UT Arlington
In this episode, Jon travels to the University of Texas School of Architecture at Arlington to talk with professors and students about learning, teaching and mentoring. Does what we teach, and how we teach, truly open doors for everyone in the design profession? Listen in on these…
more -
The House By The Sea, Eileen Gray and Other Women History Forgot
In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Bergman, founder of the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), to explore House by the Sea — a dreamy new film that revisits Eileen Gray’s iconic E1027 house and the notorious murals by Le Corbusier. We look at how the film uncovers what design history...
-
Breaking Barriers with architect, designer and trailblazer, Lauren Rottet
In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Rottet — the only woman ever elevated to Fellow status by both the AIA and IIDA — to explore her remarkable journey from architect to interior and product designer. As Founding Principal of Rottet Studio, Lauren has led award-winning projects around the...
-
From Products to Planet: Jane Abernethy’s Mission
In this episode of Break Some Dishes, Jon and Verda talk with Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Humanscale about everything from sustainable products to gender equity in industrial design. Jane shares her journey from industrial designer to sustainability leader, why women’s voices...
-
Prowl Breaks Barriers: Gender, Design & Sustainability
Jon and Verda dive into the intersection of gender, sustainability, and regenerative futures in industrial design. We’re joined by two powerhouse designers, Baillie Mischler, Founder at PROWL, and Lauryn Menard, CEO of GOB. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities for women in...
-
Crunching the Numbers: Women in Design with ThinkLab
In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Schneider, founder of ThinkLab, to explore gender disparities in the architecture and interior design industries. We dive into the numbers—why do women make up 50% of architecture students but only 25% get licensure and even less than 10% are in leadership...
-
Beyond Patriarchy: Indigenous Perspectives for a Sustainable Future
For this first episode of Season 6 Jon and Verda speak with Keshia DeFreece Lawrence, a Ramapough Lenape Munsee environmental political scientist and Indigenous expert at Harvard Forest, a 4,000-acre living laboratory on traditional Nipmuc land. We explore the concept of Sovereign Science—an...
-
Accidental Activists and Citizen Designers
In this wrap-up of Season 5, Jon and Verda reflect on the role we all play in shaping a better future. Jon shares his biggest takeaway from his favorite episode, and Verda calls for action, urging designers to embrace activism and leverage their unique influence to drive systemic change. See...
-
Lost Corners: Understanding Climate Migration through Empathy and Advocacy
Jon invites fellow Connecticutian Tabitha Sookdeo on the podcast to dig deep on climate migration. It's happening right here within our own borders and we need to understand this multifaceted issue that is impacting all of us. After this episode we hope you will think differently and find empathy...
-
Lessons from Space: What an Astronaut Learned About Life on Earth
In this episode, Jon and Verda speak with veteran NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, who has completed two spaceflights and spent extended time aboard the International Space Station. Nicole shares her insights on how space exploration can help us improve life here on Earth. From working alongside an...
-
Climate Complexities with the Queer Brown Vegan
Isaias Hernandez, AKA the Queer Brown Vegan joins Jon and Verda to examine tackling climate change education thru social media and engaging with fringe communities who often get left behind. Isaias is taking on all the complex issues around climate change and social equity through the eyes of a...
-
If You Can't Fly With the Eagles, You Can Soar With the Ibis
Learn the amazing story of a biologist turned bird aviator! Austrian biologist, Johannes Fritz speaks with Jon and Verda about the Northern Bald Ibis, which was completely extinct in the wild 50 years ago. Through careful re-introduction Fritz began to bring them back. Then, when climate change...
-
Can Baya be a playa? You betcha!
Jon and Verda discover John Derkach, an architect turned techie, who just might help our industry finally impact climate change. Listen to John’s story of building a tech company with an architects eye. Baya is a workflow tool that will help designers specify green solutions throughout their...
-
He Saved His Community When He Saved Himself—The Story of Domingo Morales
Domingo Morales grew up in public housing in Harlem and sold candy in subways to help his mother pay rent. By 19 he had two kids and no steady income, but then Domingo stumbled upon a chance to work with Green City Force, an non-profit that teaches young people in the projects careers in...
-
Davies Re-Does It
Davies Office was founded in 1948 as a small, family-owned business. Since then, Davies Office has grown to become a nationally recognized leader in green remanufacturing and sustainable office solutions. Host Jon and Verda chat with Bill Davies and Doug Pilgrim about sustainability, and the...
-
One Man’s Battle with Plastic Pollution
Armed with a home-made suction device, David Rivers clears about 250 garbage bags worth of trash from the bayou and its tributaries each week. If you think one person can't make a difference, think again—you'll be as smitten with David as we are! Discover more shows from SURROUND at...
-
Take a Seat on the Climate Beat
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...
-
Good Neighbors Make Good Rebels
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...
-
Shaping Sustainable Minds: Empowering Young Designers with Lisa Tucker
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...
-
Designing with Purpose: Pioneering change with Linda Sorrento
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…
more -
Breaking the Mold: Interior Design Impact with Jenn Chen
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...
-
Championing Change: Trailblazing Sustainable Design with Ken Wilson
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…
more -
Earth Day: Activate Accordingly
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...
-
Roundtable: Climate, Health, and Equity
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…
more -
Creating with wonder and rigor.
According to Natalie Nixon, more organizations need to have improvisational ways of working. Natalie says, “The future of work is Jazz.” Jazz is a model for new ways to work and optimize creativity. Described as a one-of-a-kind creativity expert, Natalie is the Creative Strategist and CEO at...
-
Building to better: LIVE from Greenbuild 2022
Let's break some dishes with game changers in sustainability LIVE from Greenbuild 2022! Our guests today talk with Jon and Verda about how they lead and make sustainable change in different ways through biomaterials and carbon capture, water and energy conservation, design accountability, carbon...
-
New Year, New Dishes To Break
We are breaking into the New Year with a twist. Our January episode kicks us off into 2023 where Jon and Verda have an insightful one-on-one conversation with each other. Guided by research, articles, and books the pair have read lately, they discuss different topics to lead us into 2023…
more -
Sustainability at Sea: LIVE from the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo
The Cruise Ship Interiors Expo is the world’s only exhibition and conference exclusively dedicated to connecting the cruise design industry - and Break Some Dishes had the unique opportunity to podcast LIVE from the event! In today's episode, you'll hear from: Jon Ingleton | Executive Editor of...
-
From Scientist to Climatist.
Our guest today, Akshat Rathi, comes to us with a background in engineering and is a Senior Climate Reporter at Bloomberg, focused on shaping the energy and climate change conversation around the world. In this episode, Akshat discusses with Jon and Verda the different levers to be pulled to…
more -
How to raise your climate voice.
How can we truly create radical change? Well, according to Jennifer Allyn, it's time to harness the power of the private sector to solve the climate crisis - and it starts with empowering YOU to motivate your company to support climate policy. Described as a true climate champion, Jennifer Allyn…
more -
Can a design firm save humanity?
For this Break Some Dishes episode, our guest is the Founding Principal and Chief Design Officer of MASS Design Group, Alan Ricks! MASS stands for Model of Architecture Serving Society and Alan does just that, leading the strategy and design of projects around the globe and advancing the role of...
-
LIVE from NeoCon: Part 2 - Deconstructing design for a better tomorrow
LIVE from NeoCon part 2 is here! In the last installment of our Live from NeoCon series, we chat with six incredible guests, all with unique backgrounds and experiences, to help us discover new ways of thinking and exploring fresh ideas in the world of design and sustainability. In today's…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sustainability can be heavy. Design can be precious. Climate storytelling can feel like a lecture. Once Upon a Planet is here to change that. Hosted by Jon Strassner—co-creator of Break Some Dishes and longtime challenger of the status quo—this podcast explores the intersection of interesting and climate change. That tiny 2-stop intersection is vitally important if we want to grow our understanding and awareness of global climate change.
HOSTED BY
Jon Strassner
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Once Upon a Planet have?
Once Upon a Planet currently has 93 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Once Upon a Planet about?
Sustainability can be heavy. Design can be precious. Climate storytelling can feel like a lecture. Once Upon a Planet is here to change that. Hosted by Jon Strassner—co-creator of Break Some Dishes and longtime challenger of the status quo—this podcast explores the intersection of interesting and...
How often does Once Upon a Planet release new episodes?
Once Upon a Planet has 93 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Once Upon a Planet?
You can listen to Once Upon a Planet on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Once Upon a Planet?
Once Upon a Planet is created and hosted by Jon Strassner.
URL copied to clipboard!