The Neighbor Effect

The Neighbor Effect

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The Neighbor Effect episodes

  • Playful Urban Practice | Architecture, Flowers & Neighborhoods in Bangkok
    In this episode, I talk with Supitcha Tovivich, an architect, professor, and creative force behind community-centered design projects in Bangkok. We dive into the hidden challenges designers face—and why true neighborhood transformation always requires collaboration beyond the architecture field.


    We also touch on:

    • Creative tools that invite citizens to co-create their neighborhoods

    • How Supitcha blends architecture with flowers—and why it draws people in

    • The unexpected ways COVID-19 helped grow a local flower market

    • How she involves her students in real-life projects with real communities

    • Supitcha’s evolving work for Bangkok Design Week—and what it reflects about shifting generations

    • How different age groups influence neighborhood development

    • Fun, playful strategies to make every design process more human

    • Ways to attract funding for cultural projects

    • And the story of how a local monk helped make a district more vibrant and tourist-friendly


    This podcast is produced by Urban Therapy. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, urban insights, and upcoming events worldwide.

    Special thanks to Supitcha for sharing her creative approach to design and for showing us how joyful, collaborative spaces can grow from even the most unlikely materials.

    Credits:

    Host – Darya Sannikova

    Composer / Sound Mixing – Sybe

    Cover – Eleonora Nekrasova

    1 hr 16 min
  • Walking the Mekong | Eco-activism in Thailand
    In this episode, I talk with Bas, a passionate urban explorer and eco-activist, about how walking can become a powerful tool for reconnecting with nature—especially in dense urban settings. We explore why eco-walks and other neighborhood activities matter not just for personal well-being, but also for building stronger, more caring communities.

    We also touch on:

    • How eco-walks invite us to see our cities differently

    • Why rivers in Thailand are so polluted—and what that reveals about urban priorities

    • How the government could foster environmental awareness through education

    • Why walking projects are a great first step for anyone looking to get involved in local life


    This podcast is produced by Urban Therapy. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, urban insights, and upcoming events worldwide.


    Special thanks to Bas Poramin for sharing his journey along the Mekong and reminding us that change can begin with something as simple as a walk. Follow the Mekong Walk FB page.


    Credits:

    Host – Darya Sannikova

    Composer / Sound Mixing – Sybe

    Cover – Eleonora Nekrasova

    1 hr 9 min
  • Designing with the Community | Chiang Mai, Thailand
    In this episode, I sit down with Tee, the founder of Jaibaan Studio, to explore how architecture can be a force for community empowerment rather than just commercial development. Jaibaan’s work shows that with creativity and persistence, even small grassroots projects can reshape urban spaces—sometimes against the odds.


    We discuss:

    • Why Chiang Mai is a “woman”

    • How Jaibaan overcame legal barriers to create a community urban farm—before gaining government support

    • How the spirit of a place shapes the city’s identity

    • Ways architects engage people in shaping their own environment

    • How Jaibaan Studio encourages ethical investments in urban spaces

    • The influence of Buddhism on city planning

    • The challenge of balancing Chiang Mai’s rapid touristic growth with local life


    Jaibaan’s impact is inspiring, especially given the limited resources they work with. Check out the links in the episode description to learn more about their projects.


    This podcast is produced by Urban Therapy. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, urban insights, and upcoming events worldwide.


    Special thanks to Tee and the team at Jaibaan Studio for their thoughtful approach to architecture and urbanism.

    You can check their portfolio to see the scale of their projects—it’s in Thai, but the images speak for themselves.

    More about the concept and history of the Urban Farm can be found here and here.


    Credits:

    Host – Darya Sannikova

    Composer / Sound Mixing – Sybe

    Cover – Eleonora Nekrasova

    47 min
  • Building Community Through Creativity | Chiang Mai, Thailand

    In this episode, I sit down with Atùm Sphinx, an American who moved from Miami to Chiang Mai over seven years ago and found his calling in community building through creativity.


    Atùm organizes music circles, kirtan practices, and conscious gatherings that bring people together in meaningful ways. He also runs the “Free Culture” Facebook group, which offers open, creative events around Chiang Mai.

    We explore:

     • How music and creative activities strengthen neighborhoods

     • The vision behind building an organic, connected community

     • What it takes to set up a lifestyle centered around connection and care

     • And even how Atùm uses AI in his life and projects


    This podcast is produced by Urban Therapy. Join us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, stories, and updates on urban initiatives worldwide.


    Special thanks to our guest – Atùm Sphinx from Sphinx Vibe. You can find him on Facebook or visit his website.


    Credits:

    Creator and host – Darya Sannikova

    Composer / Sound Mixing – Sybe

    Cover – Eleonora Nekrasova


    Mentioned initiatives and organizations:

    Free Culture in Chiang Mai Facebook page 

    Chiang Mai Wellbeing 

    Care108

    Mountain Rise Festival

    46 min
  • Rethinking Public Spaces: Journalism and Advocacy in Los Angeles, USA
    In this episode of The Neighbor Effect, I sit down with Joe Linton, editor at Streetsblog L.A., in the heart of Koreatown in Los Angeles. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the newsroom operates on a daily basis and what it takes to cover urban issues in real time.


    As an advocate for the Los Angeles River and sustainable urban spaces, Joe dives into the idea that cities shouldn’t be designed for just one purpose—public spaces can and should serve multiple functions, from transportation to recreation and community building.


    Produced by Urban Therapy. Join us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, stories, and updates on urban initiatives worldwide.

    Special thanks to our guest – Joe Linton and Streetsblog L.A.


    Credits:

    • Creator and host – Darya Sannikova
    • Composer / Sound Mixing – Sybe
    • Cover – Eleonora Nekrasova


    Mentioned initiatives and organizations:

    • Friends of the Los Angeles River
    • L.A. Creek Freak
    • CicLAvia
    • Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition
    • Book written by Joe Linton - Down By the Los Angeles River

    32 min
  • Walking the Heights of Los Angeles
    In this debut episode of The Neighbor Effect, I speak with Dave Ptach and Siobhan Burke, the inspiring forces behind Stairstreet Advocates, a community dedicated to restoring and preserving Los Angeles’ iconic stair streets. We discuss how their walks and cleanups have grown into a vibrant social club, fostering connections and care for the city.


    We also explore broader urban initiatives reshaping LA—from creating safer streets to enhancing walkability and building community resilience. Tune in to learn about impactful projects and get practical advice for making neighborhoods more walkable, connected, and thriving.


    Produced by Urban Therapy. Join us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, stories, and updates on urban initiatives worldwide.


    Mentioned initiatives and organizations:

    • Los Angeles Walks
    • National Walk to School Day
    • Los Feliz Neighborhood Council’s Grants 
    • Friends of the Los Angeles River
    • CicLAvia
    • Investing in Place
    • Hyperion Street Safety Coalition
    • Parklets and Plazas Program
    • Book by Eric Klinenberg - Palaces for the People
    • Barcelona's Superblocks
    • Livable Communities Initiative


    Credits:

    • Creator and host – Darya Sannikova
    • Composer / Sound Mixing – Sybe
    • Cover – Eleonora Nekrasova


    Special thanks to our guests:

    • Dave Ptach and Los Angeles Stairstreet Advocates
    • Siobhan Burke and Lyric Design & Planning

    27 min

About The Neighbor Effect

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to a podcast about neighborhoods, communities, and urban living. Through conversations with local community builders, homeowner associations, urban advocates, event initiators, and…