ONEder Podcast

What if the spaces we inhabit could actually help us heal? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Esther Sternberg, a pioneering physician and scientist whose groundbreaking research bridges neuroscience, architecture, and integrative medicine. Drawing from her work at the NIH and the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Sternberg reveals how elements like light, air quality, noise, and spatial design can profoundly affect our stress levels, focus, and overall health. We explore how thoughtfully designed environments—whether offices, hospitals, or senior living spaces—can support emotional and physical well-being. Through the lens of integrative health, which considers sleep, movement, nutrition, relationships, spirituality, and the built environment, Dr. Sternberg offers a powerful case for reimagining the spaces around us to truly support how we live, work, and heal.

From Michelin-starred kitchens to mission-driven healthcare systems, Eric Eisenberg’s journey is anything but ordinary. On this episode of the ONEder Podcast, Eric shares how his love of food and theatrical flair led to a decades-long leadership career in healthcare and senior living foodservice. Now as a consultant and co-founder of Quadra Alliance, he’s on a mission to empower teams, modernize operations, and help people thrive—both in the kitchen and at the table. Tune in to hear how systems thinking, empathy, and a passion for good food are reshaping the future of foodservice management.``

In this episode of the ONEder Podcast, CCB speaks with Lance Hayes and Yi-Chun Lin from Board and Vellum, a Seattle-based design firm, about their research project funded by the ONEder Grant. Their study explores the concept of workplace attachment in a hybrid work environment, investigating how employees form emotional connections to their workplaces in the context of remote and in-person work.

Episode link: https://www.oneworkplace.com/podcast/fostering-connectivity-encouraging-workplace-attachments

In this ONEder Podcast episode, Claudia Saunders and Stacy Crumbacher from Mahlum discuss their 2024 ONEder Grant-winning project, Unlocking Space Potential: Aligning the Power of People, Practice, and Place in Middle School Learning Settings. Their research focuses on improving middle school learning environments by addressing the gap between educational practices, student experiences, and the physical design of schools.

In this episode, the ONEder Grant-winning team from Perkins Eastman discusses their research, "Someplace Like Home: Leveraging the Science of Hominess at Work." Their study explores how workplace changes, such as hybrid work and unassigned seating, affect employees' sense of belonging and comfort. Focusing on the loss of a stable "home base," the research highlights the importance of physical and psychological comfort in enhancing productivity and well-being in flexible work environments.

In this episode of the ONEder Podcast, Rohre Titcomb, Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Storm, shares a powerful and inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the transformative impact of women in sports. From champion Ultimate Frisbee athlete and entrepreneur to leading operations for one of the WNBA’s most community-connected teams, Rohre shares how her passion for women, business, and sports converge in the work she does every day. Hear how the Storm’s new Center for Basketball Performance supports athletic excellence, and also opens doors for youth, artists, and the broader Seattle community. This episode is a deep dive into what it means to build something that lasts, inspires, and includes.

In this episode of The ONEder Podcast, Kevin Dobson discusses his new Sacramento charter high school’s focus on hands-on education in the building trades, providing students with practical skills, work experience, and college credits. He shares the challenges and opportunities in addressing workforce shortages in construction and manufacturing, and how Capital College and Career Academy provides students with an alternative to traditional college paths. Kevin also invites industry professionals to get involved through mentorship and internships to support the next generation of skilled workers.

In a world where change is the only constant, how do we prepare for the future? In this episode, innovation strategist Jenn Yoo explores why and how design research and strategic foresight can help organizations prepare for a future full of surprises. Jenn shares her journey from generalist to specialist and reveals how organizations can examine the "fringes" of today's trends to craft future-proof workplace strategies. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders, workplace designers and strategists facing an unpredictable world.

Dr. Justin Mohatt shares how the Ohana Center is redefining youth mental wellness, emphasizing prevention and the impact of COVID-19. Funded by a donor and designed to feel like a resort, the center aims to destigmatize mental health through safe, inclusive environments for patients, families, staff, and the community.

Bridgitte Alomes, founder of Natural Pod learning furniture, joins the ONEder podcast to advocate for creating healthy, sustainable and intentional learning environments for children. Inspired by her son's allergic reaction to toxic chemicals in a toy, Bridgitte envisioned, founded and leads a company to deliver beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly learning spaces that foster creativity and well-being. Encouraging involvement from both children and educators in the design process, Bridgitte shares highlights from successful projects at Thrive Community School and Explorer Academy. Listen in for a dose of passion, focus and commitment to empowering beautiful, durable and sustainable learning spaces