&Co. Podcast

&Co. Episode 019: Wheels in Wheaton

What happens when you turn a parking lot into a roller rink for one weekend? In this episode, the Yard & Company team breaks down their latest activation in Wheaton, Maryland—an ambitious, joyful experiment in placemaking. From design challenges to community buy-in, you’ll hear how a simple idea became a catalyst for long-term change, and why sometimes the most powerful planning tool is a pair of roller skates.

&Co. Episode 018: Talk of The Town Card Game

On this special episode of &Co., Yard's own Chris Ashwell and Andre Johnson step in as guest hosts to debut Talk of the Town—a brand new storytelling card game created by the Yard team. More than just a game, Talk of the Town is a tool for connection, designed to spark meaningful conversations about place, community, and creativity. Chris and Andre share the backstory behind its creation, the design process, and the ways they hope it will be used—from community council meetings to coffee shops across the country. Whether you're a planner, a neighbor, or just someone who loves a good story, this one’s for you. The activation was made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including Skanska, The Plant Trolley, The Porch Swing Company, and Neyer Properties, who all contributed to bringing this vibrant space to life.

&Co. Episode 017: Anthology 2024

On this special edition of & Co., we celebrate the release of Yard’s Anthology 2024, a collection of stories, insights, and reflections on the people and places that defined our year. Join us as we revisit the projects that challenged us, the communities that inspired us, and the ideas that are shaping the future. From the streets we walked to the voices we amplified, this episode is both a reflection and a roadmap—looking back at what we built together and forward to what’s next in 2025. The activation was made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including Skanska, The Plant Trolley, The Porch Swing Company, and Neyer Properties, who all contributed to bringing this vibrant space to life.

&Co. Episode 016: Alli Thurmond Quinlan

In this episode of & Co., Kevin is joined by Yard & Co. team members Layne Ferguson and Brooke Klejnot to discuss the recent activation, "The Backyard," at the Blink festival in Cincinnati. Blink, the nation's largest public art and light show, transformed downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky into a glowing canvas. Yard & Co. partnered with Cincy Nice, Black Art Speaks and BlaCk OWned Outerwear to create a community-centric space featuring a film about Cincinnati's Black neighborhoods, interactive activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. The team shares insights into how the activation came together, including the challenges and creativity that went into building the space with limited time and budget. From pallet seating to light installations, hear how "The Backyard" became a hub for connection, art, and fun throughout the festival! The activation was made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including Skanska, The Plant Trolley, The Porch Swing Company, and Neyer Properties, who all contributed to bringing this vibrant space to life.

&Co. Episode 015: The Backyard at Blink

In this episode of & Co., Kevin is joined by Yard & Co. team members Layne Ferguson and Brooke Klejnot to discuss the recent activation, "The Backyard," at the Blink festival in Cincinnati. Blink, the nation's largest public art and light show, transformed downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky into a glowing canvas. Yard & Co. partnered with Cincy Nice, Black Art Speaks and BlaCk OWned Outerwear to create a community-centric space featuring a film about Cincinnati's Black neighborhoods, interactive activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. The team shares insights into how the activation came together, including the challenges and creativity that went into building the space with limited time and budget. From pallet seating to light installations, hear how "The Backyard" became a hub for connection, art, and fun throughout the festival! The activation was made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including Skanska, The Plant Trolley, The Porch Swing Company, and Neyer Properties, who all contributed to bringing this vibrant space to life.