In this episode, we hear from longtime WRLDCTY friend and Global Fellow Emiliano Espasandin about the "perfectly imperfect" nature of Buenos Aires, a city with a sidewalk-level culture of cafes, retail, food, dance, and community that shows how powerful a city's intangibles can be. In Emiliano's words, the lack of "asking permission" and the belief that anything is possible is what makes Buenos Aires a city we can all learn from in this era of social isolation in cities around the world.

This episode explores Medellín beyond the familiar “miracle city” narrative. Through the perspective of Alejandro Echeverri, who was a driving force behind many of the city’s foundational projects, we examine the deeper ambitions and tensions behind Medellín’s transformation: dignity, trust, equity, mobility, public investment, and the long-term evolution of social urbanism.

We are honoured to feature Fulco Treffers, co-founder, Ro3kvit as our guest in this week’s podcast.

For many outside Ukraine, the country's cities exist largely through headlines. Yet speaking with Fulco, a different picture emerged. Across Ukraine, questions of identity have moved from the margins to the centre of civic life. 

Cultural institutions are re-examining history. 

Communities are rediscovering traditions and stories that had long been overshadowed or forgotten. 

The conversation is not nostalgic. It is practical.

If a society is being asked what it is willing to protect, it must first understand what it is - and what it values.

There are few cities more admired by urbanists than Singapore. Yet for all the attention paid to its infrastructure and institutions, there is another story unfolding in Singapore: one that is becoming increasingly relevant to cities everywhere. It is a story about what happens after dark.

WRLDCTY welcomes our first guest in this new series where we explore world cities through the lens of one one-the-ground force for innovation.

Meet Danny Loong, CEO and co-founder of Timbre Group and President of the Singapore Nightlife Business Association.

This episode's conversation begins with a simple observation: perhaps we have been asking the wrong questions about nightlife. Loong argues that cities should think less about "nightlife" and more about "nighttime."

The distinction is subtle but important.

Take a listen.