Realtopia - Real Estate for Teens cover art

Realtopia - Real Estate for Teens

Realtopia - Real Estate for Teens

Written by: Naomi Cohen
Listen for free

About this listen

 Hello everyone! My name is Naomi Cohen and I created Realtopia; the first podcast about real estate for teenagers by teenagers.

Each episode will introduce you to someone amazing from the industry— from an interior designer who's transforming ugly spaces into lively homes, to an investor who's building dream houses. They'll share their stories, tips, and, of course, their secrets.

So, whether you're here to explore a future job in real estate or just for some fun facts to impress your friends, there's something in Realtopia for everyone! 🚀Realtopia Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Episode 11: Dr. Colin Ellard (University of Waterloo, Author) — The Psychology of Home

    Episode 11: Dr. Colin Ellard (University of Waterloo, Author) — The Psychology of Home
    Apr 9 2026
    In this episode of Realtopia, Naomi sits down with Dr. Colin Ellard, professor at the University of Waterloo and author of Places of the Heart, to explore how the spaces around us shape our emotions, behavior, and sense of belonging.

    From city streets to living rooms, Dr. Ellard explains how our environment directly impacts our brains—sometimes in ways we don’t even notice. The conversation dives into the science of psychogeography, revealing how design choices like building facades, density, and access to nature can influence mood, stress, and even long-term health.

    They discuss:
    • What psychogeography is and how scientists measure our reactions to space
    • Why “blank” buildings can create boredom and affect mental health
    • What truly makes a place feel like home beyond just physical design
    • How housing types—from high-rises to neighborhoods—shape connection and loneliness
    • The role of autonomy and personal space, especially for teenagers
    • How to measure belonging through real-world indicators of community
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Episode 10: Majora Carter (Princeton University, TED Speaker) — Regenerative Cities

    Episode 10: Majora Carter (Princeton University, TED Speaker) — Regenerative Cities
    Apr 9 2026
    In this episode of Realtopia, Naomi speaks with Majora Carter about urban revitalization, environmental justice, and what it takes to build communities where residents can stay and thrive.

    Drawing from her experience in the South Bronx, Majora shares a powerful perspective on rebuilding neighborhoods from within. The conversation explores how perception shapes opportunity, the difference between regenerative and extractive development, and why creating real economic pathways within communities is essential.


    They discuss:
    • What urban revitalization looks like when it truly improves people’s lives
    • The difference between regenerative and extractive development
    • How perception influences investment and opportunity in neighborhoods
    • Why “third spaces” are critical for building community and belonging
    • Strategies to support underserved communities without driving displacement
    • The importance of mixed-income neighborhoods and deconcentrating poverty
    This episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of cities—not just how they are built, but how they function, who they serve, and what it means to create places where people truly belong.

    This episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of cities—not just how they are built, but how they function, who they serve, and what it means to create places where people truly belong.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Episode 9: Carlos Moreno (Sorbonne University, Author) — The 15-Minute City: Proximity Is Power

    Episode 9: Carlos Moreno (Sorbonne University, Author) — The 15-Minute City: Proximity Is Power
    Apr 8 2026
    In this episode of Realtopia, Naomi speaks with Carlos Moreno, creator of the 15-minute city, about how cities can be redesigned around people, proximity, and everyday life.

    From his early work in technology to his shift toward a more human-centered vision of cities, Carlos explains why the future of urban living depends less on infrastructure and more on accessibility, local services, and quality of life. The conversation explores how cities can address climate change, social inequality, and disconnection by rethinking how neighborhoods are organized.

    They discuss:
    • What the 15-minute city is and the problems it aims to solve
    • Why proximity matters more than ownership in how people experience cities
    • How cities can reduce car dependency and shift toward “happy proximity”
    • The role of public spaces, local services, and walkability in building belonging
    • Why zoning, habits, and political will are key barriers to change
    • How different populations (kids, families, elderly) have different needs in urban planning
    • The growing role of younger generations in reshaping cities and lifestyles
    This episode offers a forward-looking perspective on the future of cities—one where time, access, and human connection are at the center of how we design and live in our neighborhoods.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
No reviews yet