Explore every episode of the podcast Blueprint For Living - Full program

We ask have algorithms flattened culture, look at neutraface as a gentrification font, explore our obsession with home renovation, and hear about the iconic history of the T-shirt.

We put some heat in the kitchen with Niklas Ekstedt, Shalamar Lane and Lennox Hastie and hear about the iconic design history of the stove.

We hear about an art project that is bringing endangered birds to life, learn about how to roast the perfect duck from Annie Smithers, visit Bruce Pascoe and Lyn Harwood on their farm, and explore the design potential of the humble bird bath.

We hear about the history of wine imperialism, learn about the design secrets of 'Only Murders in the Building', and visit Annie Smithers to hear about how she would like to mark her Last Supper..

We explore our obsessions with Ancient Rome, hear about the healing power of cooking from Bee Wilson, learn about the importance of acoustics in architecture, and take a tour through tower design. 

We hear First Nations reflections on the use of fire and the term 'wilderness', and visit architect Richard Leplastrier at home.

We explore the wonder that is railway station architecture and hear from two guests who have explored lost recipes from Australia's past and lost gardens around the world.

We explore the challenges facing our urban centres in a changing climate, learn about the art of fashion illustrating, and hear from Annie Smithers as she leafs through the meat chapter in Elizabeth David's French Provincial Cooking.

We explore the language of real estate, taste Ben Shewry's perfect pasta Bolognese, hear about the value of communal kitchens, and head outdoors for the final in Colin Bisset's home comforts.

We travel the cultural history of the not so humble citrus, find an exquisite watercolour of seaweed at the National Herbarium of Victoria and celebrate iconic Italian design from the 1930s to the '80s.

We hear how pollen is being used to solve crime, explore the complexity of defining Australian food, and hear from Colin Bisset about how comfort in the bedroom has evolved.

We discuss the ethics and social implications of air conditioning, explore Elizabeth David's relationship with fish with Annie Smithers, and hear about the importance of Konbini, local convenience stores, in Japanese culture.

We discuss what role architecture should play into the future, learn how to barbecue American-style, visit a swordsmith in his workshop, and hear about the evolution of comfort in the sitting room.

We learn about the influence of European émigrés on Australian Modernism, visit the National Herbarium of Victoria, hear about the last supper of Manoella Buffara Ramos, and celebrate the comforts of the bathroom.

We debate the issues surrounding housing supply, take a Springtime stroll with Tim Entwisle, hear about the last notebook of American architect Louis Kahn, and join Colin Bisset in his exploration of the comfort of windows.

We meet a space architect, hear about 3D printed homes here on Earth, and go on a culinary journey through kitchens past with Annie Smithers.

We ask what can be done to combat sexual harassment and assault in the hospitality industry, meet a maker of lace, explore the cultural meaning of food labels, and delve into the meaning of comfort in the kitchen.

We ask 'chopsticks or fork?' as we tour some of Australia' best country Chinese restaurants, discuss if it's time Australia had a ministry of food, hear about the joys of a medicinal garden, and learn about the history of comfort in a new series by Colin Bisset.

We hear about the layers of meaning in graffiti, delve into the secrets of the National Herbarium of Victoria, and dine with Stephanie Alexander for a taste of her last meal.

We explore how refrigeration has changed what we eat, ask how we can better design for city waterways, and meet a man who repairs time for a living.

We learn what boring buildings do to the brain, discover what treasures are in store in the David Jones archives, ponder the human need to travel with Lauren Fuge and join Colin Bisset as he turns his keen eye to the humble drawing pin.

We explore how the concept of bluefield architecture could assist in the housing crisis, meet some passionate tree collectors, hear about the world of fishmongering, and learn about the Parisian legacy of Siegfried Bing.

The story of St Peter's Basilica and the birth of modern engineering, Daniella Guevara Muñoz on real Mexican cuisine, Paulette Whitney and her Tasmanian market garden, and Colin Bisset rejoices in the marvel that is the spork.

We explore the problem of plastics in fashion, learn about the art of a good suit from Patrick Grant of London's Savile Row, taste Andrew McConnell's last supper of spaghetti vongole, and share in the gossip surrounding the Singer sewing machine.

The work of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa is celebrated in a new documentary, Annie Smithers explores the veggie chapter in Elizabeth David's French Provincial Cooking, we ask what benefits 15 minutes cities can bring for women in particular, and visit glass artist Nadine Keegan in her studio.

Chef and farmer Matthew Evans explores the polarising nature of milk, we unpick what parliamentary design means for democracy, and visit artist and scientist Mary-Jane Walker in her studio to explore her art project on Geelong's threatened birds.

We go on a grand tour for the 21st century, discuss better apartment design, visit landscape designer Sam Cox in his naturalistic garden, and look to the future when plants can survive on the Moon and sustain us as we journey Mars.

We explore a Blueprint for death on this special episode: why black is the colour of mourning, cemeteries as a boon for the living, Colin Bisset's world tour of monuments, and Jamie Oliver's last supper.

Feeds: Will Aussie cafes and restaurants survive?

Australian restaurants and cafes are grappling with the impacts of the cost of living, COVID, immigration reform, and wages, jeopardising their survival. Wes Lambert is the head of a new peak body, alongside Neil Perry and Chris Lucas, tackling these pressing challenges to sustain the $64 billion sector.

Weeds: Rethinking our war on weeds

See a weed, pluck it out, right? Maybe it’s not so simple. Tim Entwisle speaks with John Dwyer whose new anthology, "Weeding Between the Lines," offers a provocative rethink of what weeds are and how we approach them - in our backyards and in the bush. 

Seeds: How do we regenerate land when we lack 90% of seeds?

The total area of degraded land in Australia is eight times the size of Tasmania. The need to replant diverse native species is more urgent than ever. But with a critical shortfall in the availability of native seeds, how can we replant degraded ecosystems and meet Australia’s ambitious international targets? Associate Professor Rachael Gallagher from Western Sydney University explains.

Tim Spector – The Gut and the New Science of Eating Well

What exactly is the gut microbiome and why is everyone talking about it? Nutrition expert and genetic epidemiologist Tim Spector debunks common dietary myths, and gives his top 5 tips for eating a healthy and diverse diet that your gut – and your mind – will thank you for.

Lismore After the Flood: Rebuilding and Resilience

Two years after devastating floods ravaged Northern NSW and South-East Queensland, the town of Lismore is the focus of a collaborative effort to rebuild. Drawing from her experience in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, Professor Elizabeth Mossop explores what’s ahead for Lismore and how other communities can thrive amid climate change threats.

Colin Bisset - A Journey Through France with Le Corbusier

Explore the fascinating world of architect Le Corbusier with design commentator Colin Bisset, as he walks in the footsteps of this larger than life figure. Colin shares his own love affair with France, including his firsthand experiences of Le Corbusier’s iconic buildings, and his strange obsession with concrete.

Painting birds: Australian Birds in Watercolour

Artist and former regional doctor David Freeman shares his sense of place – a setting which led to his exquisite new collection Australia's Birds in Watercolour.

Eating birds: How to roast a duck with Annie Smithers

Annie takes Jonathan through jointing and roasting a duck. Learn how to cook a duck stock, duck sausage, and the prized duck fat.

Watching birds: Bruce Pascoe’s ‘Black Duck: A Year at Yumburra’

Bruce Pascoe and Lyn Harwood discuss traditional agriculture and how they find strength in Country at their farm Yumburra. 

Object of Desire: Comedian Daniel Connell’s porcelain owl

Comedian Daniel Connell shares the story behind a cute little porcelain owl which has accompanied him on his comedic journey. 

The long shadow of Rome

Why are tourists so obsessed with Ancient Greece and Rome? 

Might some of the more obscure archaeological sites, for example from medieval times, be missing out on the attention they deserve - both in terms of the eyes of tourists, as well as the cold hard cash so vital to ensuring their upkeep?

What is a system garden?

Join Tim Entwisle on a late autumn stroll through the System Garden at the University of Melbourne.

The System Garden is used by teachers and students to learn about subclasses and families of plants.

Created in 1856, it is one of the oldest gardens of its kind in Australia.

Designing for dignity

The idea of designing with empathy is a popular one. But empathy has its limits. 

LA-based designer Nu Goteh explores how we can move beyond creating objects to foster conditions for radical change, reshaping the very idea of design as a chance for others to thrive.

From the flickering flames of ancient hearths to the glowing coals of modern barbecues, fire is more than just a tool; it's an elemental force that has shaped our diets, our culture, and our very way of being. 

Today we'll meet people from across the world who each bring a unique flame to the feast. 

Niklas Ekstedt, the Michelin-starred Swedish chef who has redefined Scandinavian cooking by harnessing the primal power of flame.

We'll travel across the Atlantic for a taste of American barbecue from the deep south, with pitmaster Shalamar Lane. 

No exploration of fire would be complete without understanding the tools we've used to contain it. Colin Bisset will walk us through the design history of the stove.

And chef Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s Firedoor fame joins us to discuss what he’d cook for his last meal on earth.

Uni student protests: An architectural history

What impact has the built environment had on student protests on campus? How have universities responded architecturally in order to curb dissent?

Matt Preston: Big Mouth

The former MasterChef judge, restaurant critic and radio host discusses his memoir Big Mouth. 

The rise and rise of Baker Bleu

The Baker Bleu owner shares his ingredients for success in the food business, as well as some of the secrets behind baking seriously good bread. 

Annie Smithers cooks Elizabeth David - Charcuterie

What’s your relationship like with your local sausage maker? Learn about French techniques and recipes that bring to life the art of charcuterie, celebrating its rich flavours and cultural significance.

What is the future for WA’s forests?

She spent an enchanted childhood exploring her great-grandfather’s land around Whistlepipe Gully, in southern WA. Greenpeace's Jess Panegyres is now concerned by the alarming decline of ancient forests in the region.

Milkwood: Permaculture as a beacon of hope

The author of The Milkwood Permaculture Handbook, Kirsten Bradley, offers an inspiring discourse on how practical permaculture principles may be a lifeline not just for our environment, but for our sense of hope and community.

Clement Meadmore’s iconic mid-century furniture

While best known for his sculptural works, this Australian icon’s furniture pieces encapsulate the minimalist aesthetics and functional elegance that influenced an era. 

Breaking news: Vikings enjoyed cinnamon buns

Why is vanilla a byword for boring? How did peppercorns end up next to salt on every western table? Did you know the Vikings were rather partial to cinnamon buns? Food writer Eleanor Ford explores the rich history of spices. 

Can churches solve the housing crisis?

The Australian housing crisis rolls on with profound effect. From low-income families, to the elderly, to renters facing rent increase after rent increase. Against this backdrop, we head to Marrickville in Sydney's inner-west where a daring new housing development may provide a path forward.

Bruce Pascoe’s object of desire - Nadgee IV

Writer Bruce Pascoe shares the many stories that bind him closely to his boat and the river.

The magnificence of Broughton Hall 

It started as a paddock and became a wonderland of terraced botanical displays, intricate parterre, maze-like pathways and spectacular colour. Join Tim Entwisle as he explores the beauty of Broughton Hall. 

Your weekly expedition to the heart of modern life through buildings, design, gardens and food.

From ancient Roman aqueducts to futuristic vertical farms, how can we blend historical wisdom and cutting-edge technology to make our cities resilient places to live? 

What would food writer Hetty Lui McKinnon eat if it was her last day on Earth?

And a writer takes us on a tour of his beloved Queensland coastal town.

Stretching for 170 kilometres and soaring 500 metres into the sky, how does The Line rank among the most grandiose architectural efforts in history? The story behind a Vogue editor's beloved Chanel jacket; and who wields the real influence when it comes to the world of social media food influencers?

Re-inventing the suburban backyard with regeneration and community in mind; re-designing the nature strip; Elizabeth David's Gratin Dauphinois and Besha Rodell's love of vintage glassware.

If you are dressed head to toe in black, polyester, nylon or some combination thereof, you may need a dress doctor. Linda Przybyszewski - Dress maker, historian and author of The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish - discusses the history of the dress doctors who helped women design, make and choose clothing for the workplace and home. She explains the design principles that guided the Dress doctors and their legacy in contemporary fashion and design.

Raw meat, egg slonking, seed oil panic and the war on “soy globalism” -  welcome to the obscurantist dietary fixations of the alt right. Jan Dutkiewicz, Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Science and Cultural Studies at the Pratt Institute, explains how diet became a central issue in the culture war; And by way of counterpoint, chef of the year, Jo Barrett takes us to her Lorne restaurant where she cooks the dish she would make if it were her last meal on earth.

The city of Paris is about to enact an ambitious new climate Plan and we discuss the commitment to building a cyclist friendly urban centre; We also delve into the design history of the bicycle; and visit a man who makes penny farthings.

Internationally renowned designer Bethan Laura Wood is building a library like no other; she gives us a tour of Kaleidoscope-o-rama; Nam Le, award winning author of The Boat, takes us to the two places that shaped him as a writer; and Annie Smithers cooks Elizabeth David's courgettes à la grecque.

Solarpunk's vision for a brighter future, the churn of aesthetic trends online and why we find some foods disgusting.

Besha Rodell casts her gaze back on the food scene that was 2023 and makes her predictions for 2024; Journalist and author Nathan Thrall takes us to the city he calls the most divided in the world – his home city of Jerusalem.

Exposed brick, smashed avocado, hanging Edison bulbs, the patina of industry and reclaimed wood furniture – this is the algorithmic aesthetic writer and critic, Kyle Chayka investigates in his new book, Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture. Also, the history of Neturaface, dubbed the gentrification font; and a conversation with Grand Designs Transformations host, Anthony Burke about the relationship between architecture, economic insecurity and home renovation.

Kevin McCloud on the definition of good design, why Grand Designs is such a compelling proposition; Yanis Varoufakis reflects on growing up in the shadow of the Parthenon, on his idyllic childhood and its contrast to the brutal political reality against which it was set; and a new series in which Annie Smithers cooks her way through Elizabeth David's French Provincial Cooking. 

Psychoanalyst Josh Cohen reflects on the contradictions, conflicts and the disordered and divided appetites of the modern individual and Colin Bisset gives a design history of the comfortable chair. 

This week, a haunted edition of Blueprint: a meditation, through food, cooking and place, on loss and the insistence of the past.