Realtopia - Real Estate for Teens

Episode 12: Prof. Marc Norman (Associate Dean of NYU Schack) — Solving the Homeownership Crisis

What if the housing crisis isn’t just about prices — but about a century of rules that quietly erased some of the most affordable ways people used to live? In this episode of Realtopia, Naomi speaks with Professor Marc Norman, Associate Dean of NYU Schack, about what’s broken in the housing system — and what it would take to fix it. Marc explains why affordable housing is often misunderstood, how postwar zoning rules made duplexes, fourplexes, and other “missing middle” housing nearly illegal, and why those choices helped shape today’s homeownership crisis. They explore new ideas like neighborhood REITs, community wealth building, and shared ownership models that could broaden access to real estate wealth. The conversation also examines gentrification and displacement, the role of community development finance, why affordability and beauty are not a trade-off, and how reforms like California upzoning and New York’s City of Yes may be reopening possibilities. One of the episode’s most original moments comes when Naomi asks Marc what a Belonging Index might include — leading to a discussion about walkability, freedom from car dependence, and whether a neighborhood gives people real choices as life changes. They close with a message for younger generations who feel locked out of ownership: housing is not only shaped by markets, but by people who show up. They discuss: • The hidden history behind the homeownership crisis • Missing-middle housing and zoning reform • Neighborhood REITs, co-ops, and community wealth building • Gentrification, displacement, and protecting vulnerable residents • Walkability, belonging, and the idea of a Belonging Index • Why civic engagement can shape what gets built

Episode 11: Dr. Colin Ellard (University of Waterloo, Author) — The Psychology of Home

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

Episode 10: Majora Carter (Princeton University, TED Speaker) — Regenerative Cities

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.

Episode 9: Carlos Moreno (Sorbonne University, Author) — The 15-Minute City: Proximity Is Power

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.

Episode 8: Jerry Chu (Lofty.ai) — Real Estate Tokenization

What if you could invest in real estate the same way you buy shares in a company? In this episode, I talk with Jerry Chu, founder of Lofty, about real estate tokenization — a new way of buying and owning property through digital shares. We break down how it works, how it’s different from traditional real estate investing, and why some people believe it could make real estate more accessible to a wider group of investors.  We also talk about the risks, the role of blockchain, and what still needs to happen for this to become more mainstream. If you’ve ever wondered how technology might change the way people invest in property, this episode is a great place to start.