As 2026 begins, hosts Alex Norman and Jamie Blond slow things down to reflect on the conversations that mattered most in 2025 on The Real State Podcast. Rather than revisiting headlines or trends, this year-end episode focuses on the ideas, stories, and debates that stayed with them long after the microphones were turned off.

In this special Year in Review, Alex and Jamie revisit four standout episodes that capture the core themes of the show: Trading Suits for Stories, a deeply personal conversation about career pivots, creativity, and second acts; Tourism Revolt, an exploration of overtourism, housing pressure, and the balance between free markets and quality of life; Boundless, a discussion inspired by Alex’s book on accessibility, disability, aging, and inclusive design; and Fair Play, a forward-looking conversation on how schoolyards, parks, and public spaces shape confidence, behavior, and belonging from an early age.

Across these episodes, recurring questions emerge. How do systems designed for efficiency overlook human experience? What role should government play in protecting livability, inclusion, and access? And how can design, policy, and community engagement work together to create better outcomes for everyone?

This episode offers longtime listeners a chance to reconnect with the ideas that defined the year, and new listeners a clear entry point into the conversations that sit at the heart of The Real State. It’s a reflective, wide-ranging discussion about cities, culture, accessibility, and how thoughtful design can improve everyday life.

If you’re looking for a snapshot of where the show has been and where it’s headed next, this episode brings it all together.

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