For the season finale of Break Some Dishes, Jon and Verda wrap up a challenging but rewarding season about women; women in design, in leadership, and in the climate movement. Why do women still hold far fewer leadership positions, even as they are earning more college degrees than men? What happens when we define the world through the rigid binaries of masculine versus feminine, and does that framing ultimately limit everyone? In this episode, Jon and Verda revisit some of the season’s most thought-provoking conversations to examine what true equity could look like in design and beyond.Referenced Work:Mismeasure of Woman: Why Women are not the Better Sex, the Inferior Sex, or the Opposite Sex by Carol TavrisAnd for the last time, the book Jon and Verda have mentioned in almost every episode: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado PerezSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the penultimate episode of season six, Jon and Verda have a conversation with Ayshka Najib, who shares her journey from being inspired by the Chipko movement in India to becoming a fervent champion for both climate justice and gender equality. The discussion covers the intersection of climate change and gender issues, the influence of grassroots movements, and recent advancements in global climate policies. Insights on the role of women in environmental activism, the complexities of greening the economy, and the power of individual and collective efforts in driving meaningful change all happen in this jam-packed interview.This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.References and ResourcesMineral scarcity and the green transitionFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation TreatyInstagram: @fossilfueltreatyJust Transition – Women and Gender ConstituencyYouth Climate Justice Fund (YCJF): Explore grant recipients, apply for funding & sign up for the newsletterFor Self Care: Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia HerseySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, Jon and Verda sit down with Osprey Orielle Lake, founder of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), to explore the connections between women’s rights, climate justice, and the rights of nature. From ecofeminism to alternative worldviews, from frontline defenders to global policy, Osprey shares how women, especially in the Global South are driving climate solutions.This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.References & ResourcesWomen’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) www.wecaninternational.orgThe Story is in Our Bones: How Worldviews and Climate Justice Can Remake a World in Crisis by Osprey Orielle Lake https://ospreyoriellelake.earth/Inside Climate News: “The Ecofeminist Movement Is Surging. Here’s What Its Advocates Want.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, we sit down with product designer and creative thinker Ayse Birsel. She is the co-founder of Birsel + Seck, the award-winning design and innovation studio and is known for her work with manufacturers like Herman Miller as well as her bestselling book Design the Life You Love. Ayse has spent her career helping people design with intention: whether it’s a chair, a company, or their own life. We explore her tools to help people tap their creativity and she even guides Jon live on air through her Heroes Exercise that prompts reflection on those who inspire us most. Ayse shares her latest project: The Deck of Women Heroes. This is a creative tool to help us rethink who we honor, who we remember, and who we look to as role models for the future. Together, we unpack why it’s so difficult, and so necessary to name women heroes.This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.Referenced Work:New York Times article on women in leadership: Picture a Leader. Is She a Woman? https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/16/health/women-leadership-workplace.html Books by Ayse Birsel:Design the Life You Love (2015)Design the Long Life You Love (2022) Ayse’s website: aysebirsel.comSubscribe to Ayse’s newsletter: https://www.aysebirsel.com/newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Bergman, founder of the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), to explore House by the Sea — a dreamy new film that revisits Eileen Gray’s iconic E1027 house and the notorious murals by Le Corbusier. We look at how the film uncovers what design history often hides: the stories of women like Gray, Charlotte Perriand, Lily Reich, and Denise Scott Brown — visionaries whose work shaped modern architecture but whose names too often went uncredited. We unpack why these stories matter and what they say about whose voices shape our built environment. Kyle shares what drew him to the film, what keeps him inspired to spotlight untold stories through ADFF, and why these hidden histories are more relevant than ever.This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Rottet — the only woman ever elevated to Fellow status by both the AIA and IIDA — to explore her remarkable journey from architect to interior and product designer. As Founding Principal of Rottet Studio, Lauren has led award-winning projects around the world and launched a celebrated furniture line, all while challenging the status quo. We talk mentorship, leadership, and what it takes for women to not only enter the design professions, but to lead them. Plus, Lauren shares the story behind one hotel inspired by a trailblazing woman — and the quote that guides her: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of Break Some Dishes, Jon and Verda talk with Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Humanscale about everything from sustainable products to gender equity in industrial design. Jane shares her journey from industrial designer to sustainability leader, why women’s voices are essential in shaping our built environment, and how bias in design can have lasting consequences. We also dig into circularity, regenerative futures, and how young designers can lead us toward a more inclusive, sustainable world.This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jon and Verda dive into the intersection of gender, sustainability, and regenerative futures in industrial design. We’re joined by two powerhouse designers, Baillie Mischler, Founder at PROWL, and Lauryn Menard, CEO of GOB. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities for women in industrial design, the systemic gender biases embedded in everyday products, and the urgent need for diverse voices in shaping the future of design. We also discuss what a ‘regenerative future’ means and how companies like PROWL and GOB are pushing the boundaries of sustainability.RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING· Women in Design: Building Diversity in Industrial Design (IDSA)· “Shrink It and Pink It”: Gender Bias in Product Design (Harvard Advanced Leadership)· PROWL – A Female-Founded Industrial Design Studio· GOB EARTH – Regenerative Material Innovation· The book Jon and Verda are reading: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado PerezSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Schneider, founder of ThinkLab, to explore gender disparities in the architecture and interior design industries. We dive into the numbers—why do women make up 50% of architecture students but only 25% get licensure and even less than 10% are in leadership roles? Does it matter who leads? We discuss systemic barriers, the impact of workplace culture, and what it takes to create a more equitable future. Plus, Amanda shares insights on domestic inequality, generational shifts, and how the industry can drive real change.This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING Amanda Schneider’s 2024 TEDx Talk: Watch hereThinkLab US Design Industry Benchmark Report (2025): Access the reportAshley and Scott Delano Working Parents Initiative: Learn moreNate Bargatze Comedy Clip: Watch on YouTubeFollow Amanda Schneider on LinkedIn: Connect hereDesign Nerds Anonymous Podcast (Diversity Episode): Listen hereMcKinsey Women in the Workplace 2024 Report: Read the reportReshma Saujani, Author of Pay Up: Follow her on LinkedInSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For this first episode of Season 6 Jon and Verda speak with Keshia DeFreece Lawrence, a Ramapough Lenape Munsee environmental political scientist and Indigenous expert at Harvard Forest, a 4,000-acre living laboratory on traditional Nipmuc land. We explore the concept of Sovereign Science—an approach to environmental stewardship that prioritizes protection, care, and deep relationship with the land, and discuss the rematriation of physical space, the shift from patriarchal land management to matriarchal ecological care and kinship. Keshia shares how Indigenous knowledge challenges and expands Western paradigms of sustainability.This season of Break Some Dishes is presented by Humanscale.RESOURCES AND FURTHER READINGDefining RematriationOn Ecological kinshipMore on Sovereign Science & Indigenous MappingMore on the red-tailed hawkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this wrap-up of Season 5, Jon and Verda reflect on the role we all play in shaping a better future. Jon shares his biggest takeaway from his favorite episode, and Verda calls for action, urging designers to embrace activism and leverage their unique influence to drive systemic change. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jon invites fellow Connecticutian Tabitha Sookdeo on the podcast to dig deep on climate migration. It's happening right here within our own borders and we need to understand this multifaceted issue that is impacting all of us. After this episode we hope you will think differently and find empathy for those that have lost their corners of the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, Jon and Verda speak with veteran NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, who has completed two spaceflights and spent extended time aboard the International Space Station. Nicole shares her insights on how space exploration can help us improve life here on Earth. From working alongside an international team to understanding the challenges we face as a global community, Nicole will get us thinking about “spaceship Earth” and how we are all crewmates together.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Isaias Hernandez, AKA the Queer Brown Vegan joins Jon and Verda to examine tackling climate change education thru social media and engaging with fringe communities who often get left behind. Isaias is taking on all the complex issues around climate change and social equity through the eyes of a young activist and a child of immigrants. We often don’t consider the impact climate change has on minorities and marginalized communities, and Isaias is shedding light onto issues like Petromasculinity and Collective Liberation!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Learn the amazing story of a biologist turned bird aviator! Austrian biologist, Johannes Fritz speaks with Jon and Verda about the Northern Bald Ibis, which was completely extinct in the wild 50 years ago. Through careful re-introduction Fritz began to bring them back. Then, when climate change made their winter migration route unpassable, Fritz began teaching these birds a new migratory route by flying an ultralight to lead them across the Alps and into Southern Italy to winter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Domingo Morales grew up in public housing in Harlem and sold candy in subways to help his mother pay rent. By 19 he had two kids and no steady income, but then Domingo stumbled upon a chance to work with Green City Force, an non-profit that teaches young people in the projects careers in horticulture, solar installation and other environmental jobs. Today Domingo is teaching communities how to farm thru city wide composting. But he’s done more than show people how to grow food, he’s showing them how to grow their communities. Join Jon and Verda as they learn more about Domingo’s amazing story.Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.Break Some Dishes is presented by Davies Office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Davies Office was founded in 1948 as a small, family-owned business. Since then, Davies Office has grown to become a nationally recognized leader in green remanufacturing and sustainable office solutions. Host Jon and Verda chat with Bill Davies and Doug Pilgrim about sustainability, and the possibilities that come with upcycling! Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. Break Some Dishes is presented by Davies Office. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Armed with a home-made suction device, David Rivers clears about 250 garbage bags worth of trash from the bayou and its tributaries each week. If you think one person can't make a difference, think again—you'll be as smitten with David as we are! Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. Break Some Dishes is presented by Davies Office. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Cara Buckley and her team at the New York Times have decided to focus on the optimistic side of climate change. They’ve found people acting out on their own to create individual, yet replicable acts that have saved their own unique communities and ecosystems. Verda and Jon have been inspired by this message, and in this episode get the opportunity to talk with Cara about this work and how it can save our planet. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. Break Some Dishes is presented by Davies Office. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Karry King and Martin Schneider found themselves compelled to help their town of La Salle, Illinois after a toxic disaster and chemical fire at the Carus Chemical Plant. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. Break Some Dishes is presented by Davies Office. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.