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In our Trends + Tensions Podcast, we explore the inherent conflicts between emerging trends and longstanding traditions in the design of workplace, higher education, and retail environments. Our popular podcast explores the impact these trends and other influential factors may have on the future design of places where we all work, learn, shop, and live. With contributions from experts and representative clients from our various markets, there is always a lively discussion on what is working, what is not working, and what is next. Tune in to hear a wealth of perspectives on architecture and design topics.

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Into the Metaverse: Building Meaningful Connections Among a Growing Global Workforce
Podcast 08.11.2023
Into the Metaverse: Building Meaningful Connections Among A Growing Global Workforce Nishar Fatema, Global Workplace Strategy Manager for ServiceNow, joins Trends + Tensions to discuss her work within the metaverse to bridge the gap between remote workers and their physical workplace. Remote work is the new norm, but interpersonal connections have weakened. Nishar's team is exploring extended reality to restore these connections.
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 2
Podcast 06.05.2023
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 2 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Senator Gene Yaw and Mayor Derek Slaughter about the strategic partnership the city of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has created with Lycoming College to revitalize the town.
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 1
Podcast 06.05.2023
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 1 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi, and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Kent Trachte, President of Lycoming College, and Chip Edmonds, Executive Vice President of Lycoming College, about the strategic partnership Lycoming College has created with Old City Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to revitalize the heart of the town.
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 2
Podcast 05.24.2023
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 2 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi, and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Saint Francis’s Erin McCloskey and Dr. Frank Montecalvo, as well as Mark Ritchey of Curry Rail Services and Curry Supply, and Ron McConnell, Representative of the Curry Company, about the strategic partnership the Curry Family of Businesses has created with Saint Francis University that resulted in the Curry Innovation Center in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 1
Podcast 05.24.2023
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 1 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Father Malachi Van Tassell, President of Saint Francis University, about the strategic partnership the university has started with the Curry Family of Businesses that resulted in the creation of the Curry Innovation Center in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Technology's Influence on Educational Equality: Part 2
Podcast 05.16.2023
Technology's Influence on Educational Equality: Part 2 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Dwight “Thanos” Smith, Chief Visionary Officer of Paragon VTOL, about the strategic partnership Paragon VTOL Aerospace created with Virginia Union University.
Technology's Influence on Educational Equality: Part 1
Podcast 05.15.2023
Technology's Influence on Educational Equality: Part 1 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi, and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Dr. Hakim Lucas, President of Virginia Union University, about the strategic partnership the university has started with Paragon VTOL. By providing students with technology for learning, Dr. Lucas is overcoming the stigma associated with the desire to learn and economic instability.
Actionable ESGs: Achieving Ambitious Corporate Goals in Sustainability Part 2
Podcast 04.28.2023
Actionable ESGs: Achieving Ambitious Corporate Goals in Sustainability Part 2 In part two, we discuss how organizations like the Cincinnati 2030 District help companies reach their sustainability goals. BHDP’s Daniel Lessing brings in Elizabeth Rojas of Cincinnati 2030 District, as well as P&G’s Melissa Doughty and Steve Winbigler, to offer practical insights from their respective organizations.
Actionable ESGs Achieving Ambitious Corporate Goals in Sustainability Part 1
Podcast 04.21.2023
Actionable ESGs: Achieving Ambitious Corporate Goals in Sustainability Part 1 Introducing ESG practices—which stands for environmental, social, and governance—heavily influences business decisions and employees’ behaviors. BHDP’s Daniel Lessing brings in P&G’s Melissa Doughty and Steve Winbigler, as well as Elizabeth Rojas of Cincinnati 2030 District, to offer practical insights from their respective organizations.
Flipping the Script on Design, Brian Trainer, Blake Robison, Tom Arends
Podcast 03.10.2023
Flipping the Script on Design For more than five years, BHDP and Playhouse in the Park have been collaborating on a new theater and lobby renovation. Hear from Blake Robison, Producing Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning Playhouse in the Park, and Tom Arends, Design Leader and Partner at BHDP, about BHDP’s approach that flipped the script on design by bringing the park to the Playhouse.
The Future of AIA: Part 2, Brian Trainer, Lakisha Ann Woods, Justin Ferguson, Trends + Tensions Podcast
Podcast 03.03.2023
The Future of AIA: Part 2 Wrapping up our conversation with EVP and CEO of the American Institute for Architects, Lakisha Ann Woods, this episode goes deep on what a more equitable, diverse profession and more sustainable built environment can look like. Special guest co-host Dr. Justin Ferguson, a lead strategist at BHDP and an active member of AIA, joins our host, Brian Trainer.
The Future of AIA: Part 1, Brian Trainer, Lakisha Ann Woods, Justin Ferguson, Trends + Tensions Podcast
Podcast 02.24.2023
The Future of AIA: Part 1 Trends + Tensions presented by BHDP is back for its fifth season, and we’re kicking things off with EVP and CEO of the American Institute for Architects, Lakisha Ann Woods. Special guest co-host Dr. Justin Ferguson, a lead strategist at BHDP and an active member of AIA, joins our host, Brian Trainer.
Podcast Host Brian Trainer talks into a microphone

Our Host

The Trends + Tensions podcast isn’t Brian Trainer’s first time behind the mic. When most teenagers only wanted their driver’s licenses, Brian had an FCC operator’s license and was a DJ for his high school radio station WLMH 89.1FM. Workplace Senior Strategist by day, his natural curiosity and desire to learn through conversation make for great interviews with industry leaders in architecture, design, corporate real estate, retail, and higher education. For Brian, his favorite moments happen when he least suspects it. “Sometimes I think I know an answer when I ask a question, and I’m always delighted when I’m wrong.”

Three people on a video call

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