The Real State

By Bleav

The Real State is the intersection between the latest trends in real estate and its impact on our everyday lives. Alex Norman and Jamie Blond talk with industry leaders, business owners, and residents... more

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FAQs about The Real State:

How many episodes does The Real State have?

The podcast currently has 110 episodes available.

The Real State episodes:

November 22, 2024Driven by Location: How Traffic and Culture Shape the Way We Drive
In this engaging episode of The Real State, Alex Norman and Jamie Blonde dive into the fascinating intersection of location, culture, and driving behavior. How does traffic reflect a city’s personality? Why does driving in Miami feel like a chaotic cultural blend, while Los Angeles drivers seem to embrace gridlock as a way of life? From New York’s honking culture to the symphony of horns in India, the hosts explore how location shapes not only how we drive but also how we live.
The conversation touches on technological advances like Waze, autonomous vehicles, and electric cars, and how these innovations are changing the way we navigate our cities—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. They also debate the societal and personal impacts of congestion pricing and traffic technology, weaving in anecdotes about the chaos of Sao Paulo, the laid-back commutes of LA, and the competitive nature of navigating New York.
Whether you're stuck in traffic or cruising freely, this episode will make you think differently about the roads we share and the cultures they reflect. Tune in for a mix of humor, insights, and thought-provoking discussion on the ever-evolving world of driving.
Key Topics:
How traffic culture varies globally and reflects societal norms

The role of technology in shaping driving behavior

Autonomous vehicles, urban planning, and the psychology of movement

Personal stories from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and beyond
Stay safe on the road—and maybe don’t honk too much in Miami!
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33min
October 31, 2024 Inside Japan: Observations on Everyday Life Across Tokyo and Beyond
In this insightful episode of the Real State Podcast, hosts Alex Norman and Jamie Blond explore the contrasts and unique attributes of everyday life in Tokyo, Japan. Alex, fresh from a visit to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, shares observations on Japanese culture, from the intricate urban design and orderliness of Tokyo's streets to the culture of respect and meticulous architectural details that define the city's infrastructure. Jamie brings in perspectives from his visits to Japan, reflecting on cultural staples like sushi, the technological marvels of Tokyo Bay, and Japan’s harmonious blend of tradition with modernity.
The duo delves into the societal implications of Japan’s aging population, highlighting how urban areas are adapting for the elderly, as well as the unique influence of business and spirituality on everyday life. They also touch on iconic Japanese experiences such as Tokyo's vinyl bars, advanced toilet tech, and the pervasive influence of karaoke culture. Jamie and Alex wrap up by encouraging listeners to experience Japan’s singular way of blending the old with the new, noting that, despite the long journey, Tokyo’s distinct culture and societal respect make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique view of modern and traditional life in harmony.
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39min
October 15, 2024Designing Decisions: How Places Shape Our Choices
In this episode of the Real Estate Podcast, titled "Designing Decisions: How Places Shape Our Choices", hosts Alex and Jamie delve into the fascinating world of how our surroundings influence the decisions we make every day, often without us even realizing it.
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into social and behavioral design, explaining how strategic choices in the design of public spaces, products, and environments can nudge human behavior in specific ways. From the arrangement of snacks in a cafeteria to the strategic placement of trash cans at Disney World, the hosts highlight how design shapes our choices through subtle cues.
The discussion explores key concepts such as:
Nudging: Small interventions that steer behavior without restricting freedom.

Affordance: How the design of objects suggests their use.

Feedback: Immediate responses to actions that reinforce behavior.

Choice Architecture: Structuring choices in ways that guide people toward better outcomes.
The episode provides real-world examples, like how a staircase designed as a piano in Stockholm increased its usage by making it more engaging, and the use of a fly etched in a urinal at an airport in Amsterdam to reduce spillage. They also discuss how locations like casinos, airports, and retail stores utilize design to control and influence customer behavior—whether it’s to guide them through specific paths, reduce litter, or increase sales.
The conversation moves to more serious applications, such as designing spaces for people with dementia or how parks like the High Line in New York and the Underline in Miami use behavioral design to transform unused urban spaces into vibrant community areas.
The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question: How much control do we really have over our decisions, and how much are we influenced by our environment? Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the ways social and behavioral design shape their choices in everyday life, whether it’s through technology, urban spaces, or retail experiences.
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31min
September 10, 2024 Location Chemistry: How Place Influences Attraction
In this episode of the Real State Podcast, hosts Alex Norman and Jamie Blond dive into the intriguing intersection of geography and attraction. Joined by digital wellness expert Anya Pechko, the discussion explores how location—whether it's a bustling city like New York or a laid-back destination like Miami—shapes who we're drawn to and why. Discover the historical roots of attraction, the role of technology and culture, and how cities and environments influence dating dynamics and personal connections. Tune in for actionable insights on improving your success in love, life, and work by understanding the "location chemistry" that subtly guides our choices. Perfect for listeners interested in dating, psychology, and the impact of place on human relationships.
Keywords: location, attraction, dating dynamics, geography, culture, technology, relationships, psychology, wellness, New York, Miami, Real State Podcast.
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36min
August 08, 2024The Airport Experience: Tips, Tricks, and Tales from the Tarmac
In this episode of The Real State Podcast, hosts Alex and Jamie dive into the complexities and nuances of the modern airport experience, particularly during peak travel seasons like summer and events such as the Paris Olympics and the Euro Cup. The discussion spans various aspects of airport logistics, comparing regional differences, and sharing personal travel tips.
Key Points:
Historical Context and Modern Evolution:
The hosts provide a brief history of airports, noting their significance from early 20th-century military training grounds to contemporary hubs of international travel and commerce.

Check-In Process:
Nostalgic reflections on curbside check-ins and the evolution to online boarding passes and luggage policies.

Debate over the reliability of curbside vs. counter check-ins and the advent of carry-on only travel.

Security and Boarding:
The impact of TSA PreCheck and CLEAR on streamlining the security process.

Observations on the differences in boarding processes between U.S. and European airports, including the role of jet bridges vs. bus boarding.

Lounge Experience:
Comparison of U.S. and European airport lounges, noting the superior food and service in European lounges.

Discussion on the proliferation of lounge access through credit card benefits.

Airport Layout and Transportation:
Challenges of navigating large airports, particularly in Europe, where long distances between gates can be a hassle.

Praise for efficient transportation options like the Heathrow Express and critiques of less convenient setups.

Post-Arrival Logistics:
The complexities and frustrations of baggage claim, including the importance of tracking systems.

The transformative role of Uber and other ride-sharing services in simplifying airport-to-destination transportation.
Travel Tips:
Utilize credit card benefits for lounge access and expedited security services.

Avoid checking luggage to save time and reduce the risk of lost baggage.

Print boarding passes in advance to streamline the boarding process.

Choose snacks that are considerate to fellow passengers.
Check the The Real State for more information
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41min
June 18, 2024To Tip or Not to Tip: Evolution of tipping and where we are headed.
In this thought-provoking episode of The Real State Podcast, hosts Alex Norman and Jamie Blonde delve into the complex and often controversial topic of tipping culture, exploring its evolution, regional differences, and the broader implications for both consumers and service providers.
Key Points:
Historical Overview:
The episode begins with a historical perspective on tipping, tracing its origins from Europe to the United States and discussing how it became deeply ingrained in American society, particularly after the Civil War and Prohibition.

Regional and Cultural Differences:
Alex and Jamie discuss how tipping norms vary across regions and cultures, with a particular focus on the differences between tipping in New York, where tipping is a common practice, and Miami, where gratuities are often included due to the city's status as a tourist destination.

Tipping in Various Contexts:
The hosts explore the expansion of tipping into areas where it was not traditionally expected, such as ride-sharing services like Uber and casual dining establishments. They discuss the implications of these changes and the pressure consumers feel when confronted with tipping prompts on digital devices.

The Philosophy Behind Tipping:
The episode examines different motivations for tipping, including rewarding good service, ensuring future positive experiences, and societal expectations. The hosts question the increasing standard of tipping percentages and how it impacts the overall dining and service experience.

Challenges and Transparency:
Alex and Jamie highlight the lack of transparency in how tips are distributed and the frustration consumers feel when unclear service charges and gratuities are added to bills. They argue for a more transparent and fair system that clearly defines where tips go and why they are necessary.

Tipping vs. Service Quality:
The discussion also touches on the relationship between tipping and service quality, questioning whether the guaranteed gratuity system, especially in tourist-heavy areas, diminishes the incentive for service providers to go above and beyond.
Conclusion:
The episode concludes with a call for a return to the original spirit of tipping: a voluntary reward for good service that brings joy to both the giver and the recipient. The hosts emphasize that tipping should be about appreciating exceptional service, not an obligation or a source of pressure.
Tune in to "To Tip or Not to Tip" for an engaging conversation that challenges conventional tipping norms and offers insights into how we can navigate this cultural practice in a way that benefits everyone involved.
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32min
June 05, 2024Bagel Wars: New York vs. Montreal
In this flavorful episode of The Real State Podcast, hosts Alex Norman and Jamie Blonde dive into the age-old debate of which city produces the superior bagel: New York or Montreal. The episode, titled "Bagel Wars," explores the history, cultural significance, and distinct characteristics of bagels from these two iconic cities.
Key Points:
Historical Context:
The hosts provide a brief history of bagels, tracing their origins from Central Europe to their modern-day prominence in New York and Montreal. The discussion highlights the unique evolution of bagels in each city, from the influence of Polish immigrants in New York to the distinct recipe developed in Montreal.

New York Bagels:
Known for their larger size, saltiness, and chewy texture, New York bagels are celebrated for their variety and the cultural ritual of ordering them fresh out of the oven. The hosts reminisce about classic New York bagel spots like H&H and discuss how the city’s water is believed to contribute to the bagel’s unique taste and texture.

Montreal Bagels:
Smaller, sweeter, and with a larger hole, Montreal bagels are hand-rolled, poached in honey water, and baked in wood-fired ovens. The episode discusses how these bagels are often preferred for sandwiches and how their distinct taste has made them popular beyond Montreal, with bakeries like Bross Bagels expanding into Europe.

Taste and Texture:
Alex and Jamie compare the taste and texture of the two bagel styles, noting that New York bagels are more uniform and versatile, while Montreal bagels offer a more delicate, toast-like experience with a distinctive smoky flavor.

Cultural Significance:
The hosts delve into the emotional connection between food and memory, emphasizing how our preferences for certain foods, like bagels, are often tied to childhood experiences and regional pride.

Regional and Global Influence:
While the debate centers on New York and Montreal, the episode acknowledges that great bagels can be found across the United States and the world. The hosts give shoutouts to notable bagel spots in cities like Chicago, Portland, and Los Angeles, highlighting the diverse ways in which bagels are enjoyed.
Conclusion:
The episode wraps up by encouraging listeners to appreciate both New York and Montreal bagels for their unique qualities and to explore how these beloved baked goods can evoke powerful memories and bring joy, no matter where they're from.
Tune in to "Bagel Wars" for a delightful discussion that might just settle—or perhaps reignite—the debate over which city truly makes the best bagel.
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30min
April 24, 2024 Adaptive Work: Home office and working with disabilities
In today’s episode, Adaptive work, we explore the intersection between location and the growing number of people with disabilities entering the workforce. Our guest today is Garrett Mayersohn, a disability advocate, accessibility specialist/consultant, employment specialist and founder of love on a roll, a company and movement dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity, based in Boca Raton Florida.
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32min
March 31, 2024 Transformational Medicine: Emerging mental health treatments
In today’s episode of The Real State, we explore the intersection between location and emerging mental health treatments. Our guest today is Jennifer Benetato a leader at the forefront of spirituality, trauma healing, somatic wisdom and psychedelic science. She is the founder of the AMBIKA Method, supporting people to prepare for and integrate transformational experiences. Jennifer holds a Masters in Social work, is a licensed therapist and has served on faculty of The New School and NYU and has worked in psychiatric hospitals, prisons, and primary care prior to opening a private integrative wellness practice in NYC.
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36min
March 26, 2024 Top Trends: A retrospective over 100 episodes
In today’s episode of The Real State, we explore the intersection between location and the trends that we’ve covered over our first 100 episodes.Hard to believe what started as a Covid era adventure has been such a fun, informative ride for us. And we couldn’t have done it without the support from all of you, so thank you so much! Now join Alex and I as we take a look back on the journey thus far, highlighting some of our favorite trends and guests.
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32min

FAQs about The Real State:

How many episodes does The Real State have?

The podcast currently has 110 episodes available.