Episodes

  • Dawn, Durham and Student Fairness in an AI world

    Dawn, Durham and Student Fairness in an AI world
    Apr 15 2026
    John and Gordon visit Durham to speak with Dawn Whitton, Director of Education and Associate Professor at Durham University's Business School. Dawn discusses how AI is impacting learning and teaching, including its pros and cons, and addresses maintaining fairness for students. She also shares a memorable and relevant quote from Douglas Adams’s 'The Salmon of Doubt' about responses to new technology

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    54 mins
  • The EAGA Story

    The EAGA Story
    Mar 31 2026

    In this episode, John and Gordon talk to John and Pauline Clough. John was founder and CEO of EAGA, starting in 1990 and building up to 5400 staff. The company was listed on the FT250 in 2007. John tells a story of the remarkable rise of EAGA and the subsequent Carilion takeover. As usual, our conversation wanders into other areas such as growing up in the north east of England and the social cohesion that can come from that, those foundations also formed a key part of the ethos of the EAGA partnership and still resonate in the running of The EAGA trust. John and Pauline also tell us about the purchase and redevelopment of Adderstone house in Northumberland, the construction of their new eco-house and the gardens in the grounds including the most northerly vineyard in England.


    Professor Kel Fidler, Vice Chancellor of Northumbria University speaking in 2007 said: “Awarded the MBE in 1994, John Clough is one of the North East’s true success stories. He is an inspirational role model for the business leaders of tomorrow and a shining example to our graduates today.”

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Kevin , The Rivergreen Centre and the earthed rammed wall.

    Kevin , The Rivergreen Centre and the earthed rammed wall.
    Nov 17 2025
    John and Gordon talk to Kevin Turnbull about the Rivergreen Centre, a innovative successful green building. The conversation wanders into the joy in construction projects and their lasting effect on those involved. We find out what features had lasted and some that didn't .

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    38 mins
  • Graham Wynn, AI and University Learning

    Graham Wynn, AI and University Learning
    Oct 21 2025
    How does University learning and teaching need to evolve in an AI world. We talk to Professor Graham Wynn ( Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at Northumbria University) about how it is being managed and the opportunities it unlocks. Graham is a promoter of experiential learning , something built environment programmes are very familiar with, and he sees this as a key element in the future of successful higher education. John and Gordon use AI to research Graham prior to the interview and to create some questions for the interview. We eventually let him know about this as he starts to ponder our insight into his thoughts.

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    39 mins
  • Nigel and Lion House 2

    Nigel and Lion House 2
    Sep 25 2025
    We revisit the design of the first BREEAM "Outstanding" office, Lion House, through a discussion with Nigel Banks, one of the original design team. Nigel, who is now Technical director with Octopus also takes us through the current developments, issues and possible changes and to the UK energy market.

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    44 mins
  • Season 1 Review and Looking Ahead

    Season 1 Review and Looking Ahead
    Jul 24 2025
    John and Gordon chat about the visits and interviews in season 1 and think about subjects for season 2

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    14 mins
  • Martin Hulse - heritage entrepeneur

    Martin Hulse - heritage entrepeneur
    Jun 16 2025

    Vintage Sustainability meets the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust in the shape of Martin Hulse the Trust Manger. T&WBPT is a heroic organisation working to preserve the architectural heritage of Tyne and Wear through the repair, conservation and regeneration of historic buildings and structures.

    Their greatest hits include 28-30 The Close (House of Tides), the Old Low Lights building on North Shields Fish Quay, All Saints Church in Newcastle and St Mary’s Gateshead. Buildings which currently keep him awake at night include Dunston Staithes and the Keelman’s Hospital in Newcastle.

    Martin has the daunting task of balancing authentic historic building preservation, community engagement and commercial viability all the while navigating sources of funding from a myriad of organisations. His interview is both interesting and entertaining, he exudes a pragmatic enthusiasm for the preservation of buildings we know and love, without his drive and skill they may have become car parks or supermarkets long ago.

    But hey, why am I wittering on, get listening…….

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 mins
  • The Auckland Project

    The Auckland Project
    May 29 2025
    For many centuries, Bishop Auckland was a thriving market town but since the demise of the mining industry, like many British towns, it has been affected by an economic and social decline. The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity working to establish Bishop Auckland as a must-visit cultural destination. In this episode John and Gordon head off to Bishop Auckland to meet David Land, CEO of the Auckland Project to find out how the project is progressing.

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    39 mins