In part two of Peter Stuart's conversation with Amanda Reddy, Executive Director of the National Center for Healthy Housing, we turn from challenges to solutions—how we can reimagine policy, partnerships, and investment to create healthier homes for all.

Amanda discusses how housing hazards cost the U.S. tens of billions each year, but also how investing in healthier housing pays dividends for families, communities, and the economy. She shares her insights on incentive structures like tax credits, the difference between "green" and "healthy," and the growing movement to make well-being a central part of housing policy.

Key Topics:

• The true cost of inaction and how to communicate urgency

• New policy levers and incentive models for healthier housing

• Why "green" doesn't always mean "healthy"

• How designers, developers, and listeners can take action

If you missed part one of our conversation, go back to Episode 26 to hear Amanda's powerful stories about what's really happening inside America's homes, and why this work matters now more than ever.

Episode Resources:

NCHH: https://nchh.org/

Build the Movement: https://nchh.org/build-the-movement/

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Most of America's homes weren't built with health in mind, and the consequences show up in our lungs, our children's development, and our daily well-being.

In this episode, Peter Stuart sits down with Amanda Reddy, Executive Director of the National Center for Healthy Housing, to uncover what's really happening inside the places we live. From aging rural housing and lead paint to indoor air and water quality, Amanda shares the unseen hazards that affect millions, and the stories of families fighting for safer spaces.

They also explore why 75% of the homes that will exist in 2050 are already built, what that means for public health, and how communities are bridging science, data, and real-world action to make change possible.

Key Topics:

• The most overlooked housing health risks in America

• Why rural environments face unique infrastructure challenges

• The moral and economic cost of unhealthy homes

• How NCHH is connecting data, policy, and human stories

This is part one of our two-part conversation with Amanda. In the next episode, we shift from the problems to the possibilities—how policy, partnerships, and innovation can help build a healthier housing future.

Episode Resources:

NCHH Resident & Homeowner Checklists:

https://nchh.org/resources/resident-and-homeowner/fact-sheets-checklists-and-guides/

NCHH Standards & Assessments Resources: https://nchh.org/resources/standards-and-assessments/

NCHH Healthy Housing Agency Fact Shets:

https://nchh.org/who-we-are/nchh-publications/fact-sheets/agency-fact-sheets/

Healthy Housing Conferences:

https://healthyhousingconferences.com/

For more from Frequency:

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Follow and Review:

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What happens when a paramedic, educator, and HVAC-certified air quality expert takes a hard look at the air we breathe every day? Simon Jones has dedicated his career to answering that question. In this episode of Finding Frequency, Peter sits down with Simon to explore the hidden health risks of indoor air, how ventilation intersects with climate and real estate, and why awareness is the first step to change.

From classrooms to hospitals to our own living rooms, air quality quietly shapes how we feel and function, yet it's often overlooked. Simon shares practical insights, global perspectives, and a call to action for designing spaces that truly support health.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why ventilation is the most underestimated factor in indoor health

• The hidden links between air quality, climate, and real estate design

• Lessons from a paramedic's perspective on respiratory health

• Practical steps anyone can take to improve indoor air

• Why education and advocacy are critical to changing how we think about air

Listen in for a conversation that reframes air not as an afterthought, but as one of the most important inputs for human well-being.

• Simon's Website: https://www.airqualitymatters.net/

• Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-air-quality-matters/

• Air Quality Matters Podcast: https://www.airqualitymatters.net/podcast

For more from Frequency:

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Learn more: https://frequencyspaces.com/

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In Part 2 of our conversation with Shashank Varma, water futurist and founder of Viven, we dive deeper into what it truly means to reframe water as a wellness input, not just a utility.

We explore what's happening behind the walls of your home, from outdated infrastructure and invisible contaminants, to the surprising chemicals hiding in your "clean" water. Shashank shares why it's time to move beyond compliance-based systems and start designing water experiences that actually support vitality. We also get personal, with stories from Shashank's own health journey.

From the science of remineralization to the role of storytelling in shifting public perception, this episode unpacks how our relationship with water needs to evolve, and what's possible when it does.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The difference between "safe" water and "optimal" water
• How remineralization works, and why distilled isn't always better
• Why developers and designers need to think about water as part of the wellness equation
• The power of perception: how education and storytelling can drive change

This episode challenges the way we've been taught to think about water and offers a vision for healthier homes and healthier people through more intentional design.

Resources from this Episode

To find out more about Shashank and what he's doing:

https://vivenwater.com/

https://www.mrwatergeek.com/

Subscribe for more from Frequency:

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Find out more about Frequency: https://frequencyspaces.com/

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In this eye-opening episode, Peter sits down with water expert and product innovator Shashank Varma to explore a foundational yet often overlooked pillar of wellness: water quality. From his early days leading Kohler's water filtration business to his current mission as founder of Viven, Shashank shares the personal journey that opened his eyes to the invisible threats in our drinking water and what that means for our health.

You'll learn:

• Why U.S. tap water might not be as safe as you think

• What PFAS, lead, and microplastics are doing to your body, especially when it comes to fertility, brain health, and long-term illness

• How aging infrastructure and outdated standards contribute to the problem

• The psychology behind why people ignore water quality and how to shift that mindset

Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, a homeowner, or just curious about what's in your faucet, this conversation reframes water as more than a utility, it's a wellness input.

Tune in to Part 1 now, and get ready to rethink everything you know about hydration.

Resources from this Episode

To find out more about Shashank and what he's doing:

https://vivenwater.com/

https://www.mrwatergeek.com/

Subscribe for more from Frequency:

https://frequencyspaces.com/subscribe

Find out more about Frequency: https://frequencyspaces.com/

Podcast Disclosure:

https://frequencyspaces.com/podcast-disclosure

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sally Augustin, a trailblazer in the field of environmental psychology. Dr. Augustin shares her expertise on how our surroundings influence our behavior, mood, and productivity. From the psychology behind color choices to the impact of office layouts on employee engagement, we explore the intricate relationship between humans and their environments. Dr. Augustin draws from her diverse background in economics, business, and psychology to provide unique insights into creating spaces that truly work for people. Whether you're a designer, a business owner, or simply curious about the hidden forces shaping your daily experiences, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to harness the power of good design. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will change the way you see the spaces around you.

Resources from this Episode

To find out more about Dr. Augustin and what she's doing:

https://designwithscience.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyaugustin/

Subscribe for more from Frequency:

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Podcast Disclosure:

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Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Part two of our conversation with architect and researcher Itai Palti explores how our built environment shapes society and behavior. From examining whose intent drives urban development to understanding how we can create meaningful change, Itai shares insights from the Conscious Cities movement he founded. Learn how cities reflect our collective consciousness, why we need better tools for living together, and how we can build environments that truly serve human needs. Whether you're an urban planner, architect, developer, or simply curious about how spaces affect us, this episode offers fresh perspectives on creating more conscious cities.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Introduction to the concept of Conscious Cities and their impact on urban planning
• Exploration of human-centric urban design prioritizing emotional well-being
• Discussion on the challenges of technology and capitalism in city development
• Emphasis on reclaiming agency and transparency in shaping urban environments
• Analysis of the parallels between urban planning and food labeling for societal change
• Reflection on personal space design and its influence on individual well-being

Resources from this Episode

To find out more about Itai Palti and what he's doing:

The Centre for Conscious Design: https://theccd.org/

Hume: https://www.hume.space/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itaipalti/

Subscribe for more from Frequency:

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Find out more about Frequency: https://frequencyspaces.com/

Podcast Disclosure:

https://frequencyspaces.com/podcast-disclosure

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Join architect and researcher Itai Palti as he explores how our environments shape human behavior and wellbeing. Drawing from his experience as founder of The Centre for Conscious Design and director of Hume, Itai shares how science-informed design can create more responsive spaces. Learn about the evolution of evidence-based architecture, the role of data in measuring spatial experience, and how early life experiences shape our relationship with place. Whether you're a designer, developer, or simply interested in how spaces affect us, this episode offers valuable insights into creating environments that enhance human experience.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Exploration of the impact of childhood environments on adult sensitivities and motivations.
• Balancing creativity and constraints in architectural design.
• The role of collaboration in creating meaningful and experiential spaces.
• Societal implications of design, including mental health and community engagement.
• Integration of playful learning into urban public spaces for child development.
• The promise and challenges of wearables and data measurement in understanding environments.

Resources from this Episode

To find out more about Itai Palti and what he's doing:

The Centre for Conscious Design: https://theccd.org/

Hume: https://www.hume.space/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itaipalti/

Subscribe for more from Frequency:

https://frequencyspaces.com/subscribe

Find out more about Frequency: https://frequencyspaces.com/

Podcast Disclosure:

https://frequencyspaces.com/podcast-disclosure

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Mathias Basner, Professor at Penn Medicine and former head of Flight Physiology at the German Aerospace Center, we explore how sleep affects human performance in various environments - from everyday life to the International Space Station. Learn about groundbreaking research on cognitive performance, discover what astronauts can teach us about adapting to challenging sleep conditions, and hear fascinating insights about the future of sleep science. Whether you're optimizing your own performance or curious about human adaptation, this episode offers compelling insights into the science of sleep and performance.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Optimizing sleep environments, including dark, quiet, and cool bedrooms.
• Impact of technology and screen time on sleep hygiene and strategies to reduce electronic usage.
• Sleep challenges astronauts face in space, such as microgravity and the 90-minute day-night cycle.
• Practical solutions for sleep in noisy or brightly lit areas, including air circulation improvements.
• Exploration of human adaptation in extreme environments, such as Antarctic stations and potential life on Mars.

Resources from this Episode

To find out more about Dr. Basner:

https://www.med.upenn.edu/uep/faculty_basner.html

Subscribe for more from Frequency:

https://frequencyspaces.com/subscribe

Find out more about Frequency: https://frequencyspaces.com/

Podcast Disclosure:

https://frequencyspaces.com/podcast-disclosure

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Join Dr. Mathias Basner, Professor and Director of the Behavioral Regulation and Health Section in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, as he unravels the mysteries of sleep and shares practical solutions for better rest. From surprising findings about bedroom CO2 levels to the truth about noise and sleep quality, discover science-backed strategies to improve your sleep environment. Learn why sleep isn't just about feeling refreshed - it's crucial for your brain's health. Whether you're dealing with noisy neighbors or struggling with sleep habits, this episode offers accessible solutions for better sleep.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Delving into the controversial role of white and pink noise in sleep, focusing on potential benefits and risks.
• Examining the thalamus's role in noise adaptation and the physiological effects of environmental noise on sleep.
• Highlighting the cognitive consequences of sleep deprivation and challenging myths about minimal sleep needs.
• Discussing the deceptive nature of caffeine in masking sleep deprivation effects.
• Addressing the importance of adequate sleep for long-term health, including its potential role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Resources from this Episode

To find out more about Dr. Basner:

https://www.med.upenn.edu/uep/faculty_basner.html

Subscribe for more from Frequency:

https://frequencyspaces.com/subscribe

Find out more about Frequency: https://frequencyspaces.com/

Podcast Disclosure:

https://frequencyspaces.com/podcast-disclosure

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.