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Shaping Cities

A Social Sciences and Science podcast

#72 in Social Sciences · 🇮🇳
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About the show

Why do some urban ideas take off while others stall? The secret lies in how we communicate them! Join Shaping Cities Podcast to explore the power of communication in city-making! From breaking down complex data to building consensus, evaluating success, or driving policy change through storytelling—we’re unpacking it all.

Newest episodes

Comics for Cities

39 min

Comics shaped our childhoods, and for Shreya and Anuj, they became a tool to reshape our cities too. Their comics invite readers to reflect on how cities function, who they serve, and how they can be designed to be safer, kinder, and more inclusive.  Through Leewardists and Urbanist Comix, Shreya and Anuj have built a unique space that brings together experts and citizens to spark meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a comic lover, a city enthusiast, or someone curious about how creativity can drive social change, this episode offers a deep look into the intersection of art and urban activism. Join us! 📢 Featuring: Anuj and Shreya  Leewardists & Urbanist Comix 🎙️ Hosted by: Vani Herlekar, Founder, City Collab

Drawing Urban Futures

37 min

In this episode, Vani sits down with Mansi, Sarfaraz, and Mahesh — the visionary founders behind Studio POD, one of India’s leading urban design practices. With over a decade of experience in shaping cities through thoughtful design, they reflect on the early challenges of building their practice, the discipline that guided them, and the shared values that continue to anchor their work. Together, they unpack: -The power of drawing as a tool for visual communication -How to craft compelling project pitches - The value of global knowledge exchange 📢 Featuring: Mansi Sahu, Sarfaraz Momin, Mahesh Waghdhare Founders, Studio POD 🎙️ Hosted by: Vani Herlekar, Founder, City Collab

Communicate through Experience

23 min

In this episode Vani sits down with urban mobility expert Shreya Gadepalli to unpack the power of experiential communication in transforming cities—from cycle rickshaws to BRTS, and from national programs to everyday storytelling. 🎧 Tune in now to hear from one of India’s leading voices in mobility and urban change. 📢 Featuring:  Shreya Gadepalli Founder & Managing Trustee,  UrbanWorks Institute  🎙️ Hosted by: Vani Herlekar, Founder of City Collab. 

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All episodes

Comics for Cities

39 min

Comics shaped our childhoods, and for Shreya and Anuj, they became a tool to reshape our cities too. Their comics invite readers to reflect on how cities function, who they serve, and how they can be designed to be safer, kinder, and more inclusive.  Through Leewardists and Urbanist Comix, Shreya and Anuj have built a unique space that brings together experts and citizens to spark meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a comic lover, a city enthusiast, or someone curious about how creativity can drive social change, this episode offers a deep look into the intersection of art and urban activism. Join us! 📢 Featuring: Anuj and Shreya  Leewardists & Urbanist Comix 🎙️ Hosted by: Vani Herlekar, Founder, City Collab

Drawing Urban Futures

37 min

In this episode, Vani sits down with Mansi, Sarfaraz, and Mahesh — the visionary founders behind Studio POD, one of India’s leading urban design practices. With over a decade of experience in shaping cities through thoughtful design, they reflect on the early challenges of building their practice, the discipline that guided them, and the shared values that continue to anchor their work. Together, they unpack: -The power of drawing as a tool for visual communication -How to craft compelling project pitches - The value of global knowledge exchange 📢 Featuring: Mansi Sahu, Sarfaraz Momin, Mahesh Waghdhare Founders, Studio POD 🎙️ Hosted by: Vani Herlekar, Founder, City Collab

Communicate through Experience

23 min

In this episode Vani sits down with urban mobility expert Shreya Gadepalli to unpack the power of experiential communication in transforming cities—from cycle rickshaws to BRTS, and from national programs to everyday storytelling. 🎧 Tune in now to hear from one of India’s leading voices in mobility and urban change. 📢 Featuring:  Shreya Gadepalli Founder & Managing Trustee,  UrbanWorks Institute  🎙️ Hosted by: Vani Herlekar, Founder of City Collab. 

Policy Begins with People

28 min

This month, we’re in conversation with Mukta Naik—urban planner and policy researcher. With over 20 years of experience in planning, advocacy, and research, Mukta breaks down policymaking behind urban challenges like affordable housing, migration, and livelihoods—and why it all comes back to one thing: communicating with people. ✨ Tune in! 📢 Featuring:  Mukta Naik Lead - Policy, Centre for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)  🎙️ Hosted by: Vani Herlekar, Founder of City Collab.  

Planner as Consensus Builder

31 min

In this episode, Dr. Michael Elliott—Former Director of the Master’s in City and Regional Planning at Georgia Tech—joins us to unpack the art of consensus-building and mediation in urban practice. With decades of experience in conflict resolution and collaborative policy-making across the globe, Dr. Elliott shares insights on how urban practitioners can bridge divides, build trust, and foster inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders. A must-listen for planners, policymakers, and especially communicators.  📢 Featuring:  Dr. Michael Elliott Former Director, MCRP Program Associate Professor of City & Regional Planning and Public Policy 🎙️ Hosted by:  Vani Herlekar, Founder of City Collab

The Art of Urban Practice

28 min

In this episode, we sit down with artist and urban practitioner Natasha Sharma to explore the powerful intersection of public art and urban development. From murals that reclaim spaces to community-driven festivals that spark dialogue, Natasha's work is rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and hope. We unpack how art can be a tool for social change, the challenges of working in public spaces, and the importance of local voices in shaping the urban fabric. Featuring:  Natasha Sharma  Lead, Arts and Design, Community Design Agency  Co-founder, Govandi Arts Festival   Hosted by:  Vani Herlekar, Founder of City Collab. 

Writing with Purpose

23 min

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. A. Srivathsan to explore the power of writing in shaping urban planning, policies, and public discourse. From teaching to journalism to policy consulting, he shares insights from his fascinating career shifts and why clear communication is key to making an impact. Resources: Temples and colours By Dr. SrivathsanCritic's ManifestoNew Book Network

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