Gene Baur is the founder of Farm Sanctuary, a place of rescue, refuge, and adoption for hundreds of farm animals each year. Farm Sanctuary shelters enable visitors to connect with farm animals as emotional, intelligent individuals. Gene has also led campaigns to change laws about animal treatment and taken undercover photographs of farms, stockyards, and slaughterhouses, documenting deplorable conditions. His pictures and videos exposing factory farming cruelties have aired nationally and internationally, educating millions about the plight of modern farm animals, and his rescue work inspired an international farm sanctuary movement. Once called “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine, Gene walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to food and animal rights. Jay and Gene discuss the political and cultural steps that will bring about the end of factory farming and a healthier approach to animals and food. Today's episode was produced by Tani Levitt and Mijon Zulu. To check out more episodes or to learn more about the show, you can visit our website Allaboutchangepodcast.com. If you like our show, spread the word, tell a friend or family member, or leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app. We really appreciate it. All About Change is produced by the Ruderman Family Foundation. Episode Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:05 The state of veganism 6:18 Cultural shifts around factory farming and veganism 14:58 Gene’s three paths of activism 17:44 Gene’s legislative successes 22:25 Accepting people where they are in their journeys 25:36 Thank you and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…
Real estate doesn’t just shape skylines — it transforms how we live, work, and connect. Across North America, cities are evolving at a breakneck pace, driven by bold developments, cultural shifts, and economic momentum. It’s a critical moment for the built world — and chances are, you’ve got questions. Livabl Launch is your inside track into the forces reshaping real estate and urban development across the continent. Whether you’re a rising industry pro, a seasoned investor, fascinated by how cities come to life, or looking for your first home this podcast is for you. From behind-the-scenes insights on major projects to conversations with the people changing our streetscapes, we leave no blueprint unturned. Join host Matthew Slutsky as he dives into what’s launching, how it’s happening, and the visionaries driving the transformation of North America’s urban future.
Real estate doesn’t just shape skylines — it transforms how we live, work, and connect. Across North America, cities are evolving at a breakneck pace, driven by bold developments, cultural shifts, and economic momentum. It’s a critical moment for the built world — and chances are, you’ve got questions. Livabl Launch is your inside track into the forces reshaping real estate and urban development across the continent. Whether you’re a rising industry pro, a seasoned investor, fascinated by how cities come to life, or looking for your first home this podcast is for you. From behind-the-scenes insights on major projects to conversations with the people changing our streetscapes, we leave no blueprint unturned. Join host Matthew Slutsky as he dives into what’s launching, how it’s happening, and the visionaries driving the transformation of North America’s urban future.
In this episode of Livabl Launch , host Matthew Slutsky sits down with Hugh Heron, President of Heathwood Homes and a legendary figure in Canadian homebuilding. With over four decades in the industry and more than 20,000 homes built, Hugh offers candid insights on the current housing market, what’s holding it back, and how both government and industry can work together to restore balance. Hugh explains why now is actually a great time to buy a home—with market softness creating rare opportunities for buyers—and warns that prices will inevitably rise again. Drawing from past downturns, he stresses the need for clear leadership, collaboration between all three levels of government, and streamlined policies that truly address affordability and housing supply. The conversation dives into common public misconceptions about development, such as who pays for infrastructure, and emphasizes the industry’s role in job creation. Hugh reinforces his long-held philosophy that “the customer always comes first,” sharing how Heathwood maintains direct accessibility, personalized service, and a culture that prioritizes homeowner satisfaction before and after closing. He offers practical advice for buyers, from doing thorough builder research to understanding the protections of Ontario’s new home warranty program. Comparing new builds to resale, he highlights quality assurance, warranty coverage, and energy-efficiency upgrades as key advantages. Hugh also discusses community building, from early investments in Pickering and Whitby to creating livable neighbourhoods with parks, trails, and green space before the first homes are built. On innovation, he reflects on being an early adopter of heat pumps in the 1980s and the ongoing push toward energy efficiency today. The episode closes with reflections on changing buyer expectations, the importance of consumer confidence, and why the Heathwood motto, “Home at Last,” remains as relevant as ever.…
In this episode of Livabl Launch , host Matthew Slutsky sits down with Lianne McOuat, EVP of Strategy & Creative at McOuat Partnership — one of North America’s leading real estate marketing agencies. With three decades of experience launching iconic communities across Canada and the U.S., Lianne shares an insider’s perspective on what really goes into bringing a new home project to life. We dive into: Growing up in a family-run agency and what makes family businesses thrive in this industry The surprising amount of strategy and storytelling behind every new community launch What actually happens after a buyer clicks “register now” The evolution of lead generation, from print ads to AI Why Toronto punches above its weight in real estate marketing And the one marketing tactic builders always say they’ll do… but never follow through on Plus: Lianne shares where she sees the future of new home marketing headed — and how the smartest developers are already adapting. Whether you're a marketer, builder, just love real estate, or thinking of buying a new build home, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.…
In this episode of Livabl Launch , host Matthew Slutsky sits down with Linda Mitchell Young, a legend in real estate marketing and sales, to unpack the fundamentals of smart building design and planning. From the often-overlooked role of demising walls to the power of emotional storytelling and unit mix strategy, Linda shares the secrets behind creating communities that actually sell. They explore common planning mistakes developers make, how to optimize floor plates from the start, and what buyers really respond to. Whether you're in development, marketing, sales — or just obsessed with real estate — this episode delivers practical insights, hard truths, and a whole lot of industry wisdom.…
In this episode of Livabl Launch , Matthew Slutsky sits down with Gianpiero Pugliese, founding principal of AUDAX, to explore his bold philosophy of Human Architecture — design that serves the people who inhabit it. Gianpiero shares his 6 Axioms of Architecture, dives into the value of flexibility, timelessness, and beauty in built form, and offers a rare peek into his own stunning live/work space. From personal stories to city-building insights, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who cares about how design shapes our lives.…
In this episode of Livabl Launch , Matthew sits down with Gary Switzer, the award-winning founder and CEO of MOD Developments, to talk about what it really means to build a city. We dive into his move to living in a condo, his early days in architecture and planning, his transition into development, and what inspired him to create some of Toronto’s most iconic buildings. Gary shares how European city-building has influenced his work, what role architects should play in shaping urban spaces, and his advice to young people entering the industry today. We also talk about MOD’s bold design philosophy, what excites him about the future of housing, and whether Toronto is doing enough to support good urbanism.…
In this episode of Livabl Launch , host Matthew Slutsky sits down with Tim Ng, the visionary founder of adHOC studio and Blackline, for a wide-ranging conversation on how technology, storytelling, and bold design thinking are reshaping the built environment. With clients across North America and a passion for pushing boundaries, Tim explains how the studio has become a go-to partner for developers looking to sell a vision, not just a floor plan. Matt and Tim talk about the role of design in human connection, the future of architectural storytelling, and how visual tools—from photorealistic renderings to virtual experiences—are influencing how we understand and experience new communities before a single shovel hits the ground. They explore the importance of collaboration between creatives and developers, and the need to challenge outdated norms within the real estate and construction industries. Whether you're fascinated by the intersection of design and tech, or curious about how the future of real estate is being shaped by creators like Tim, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.…
Join Matt and Justin as they explore the future state of home building in the province, including the potential for online buying and the importance of physical sales centers. They also discuss the transformation of Calgary's economy and current trends in the luxury home segment, including the growing demand for secondary suites and changing demographics of homebuyers.…
Tune in as Cara and Matt chat all things real estate investment – from Calgary’s hot market to some of the challenges facing investors and developers in Ontario.
Founded in 1984, Daniels Corporation sets itself apart by prioritizing people and sustainability in urban development. Join Matt as he chats with COO Jake Cohen about all things branding, diversification and financing in Toronto's real estate industry.
What if Torontonians saw condos as livable, sustainable long-term homes? What if the word 'end user' didn't strike fear into the hearts of developers anymore? What's the difference between selling a promise versus selling a product? Pouyan Safapour, president and co-founder of Devron Developments wants to change Toronto's condo industry from the ground up, ensuring responsible building that strengthens communities becomes the new norm. Join Matt and Pouyan as they discuss everything from the upcoming launch of Devron's 101 Spadina, to changing perceptions of condo living in Toronto's notorious pre-sale market.…
Rob is an expert placemaker, so who better to ask about what the future of liveable, connected communities look like? Join Matt and Rob as they chat all things new launches, community-building and the art of placemaking.
The latest episode of the Livabl Launch Podcast features an exclusive interview with Stephanie Lane, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Geranium. Stephanie’s sales and marketing experience has led to sell-out success of numerous high- and low-rise residential communities across Ontario, totalling over $2 billion in sales revenue. Tune in to listen to Stephanie and Matt chat about everything from market trends to whether you should buy a home with a sidewalk.…
What's happening with those 1.5 million homes we're supposed to build by 2031? What about condo unit sizes? Are our homes getting smaller? Matthew Slutsky asks Pauline Lierman of Zonda Urban for answers in the latest episode of the Livabl Launch podcast.
The latest episode of the Livabl Launch podcast features an enlightening chat with Jeremiah Shamess, founder of Colliers Private Capital Investment Group.
Join host Matthew Slutsky while he chats with Jeremy Gladstone, principal of Gladstone Media, about everything from artistry in branding to what a typical condo launch looks like.
Greg Zayadi has over two decades of real estate experience working with industry-leading brands. Today, he’s president of rennie, a full-service real estate company in Western Canada that aims to put thoughtfulness back into real estate.
The latest episode of the Livabl Launch podcast features an exclusive interview with Brandon Donnelly, Managing Director (Development) of Slate Asset Management.
The latest episode of the Livabl Launch podcast with Matthew Slutsky features an exclusive interview with Ryan Scott, CEO of Avalon Master Builders in Calgary, Alberta. Ryan is a second-generation home builder with a passion for sustainability. Known in the industry for being a leader in Canadian green building, all of Avalon’s homes are built to be Net Zero.…
The latest episode of the Livabl Launch podcast features an exciting conversation with Zev Mandelbaum, founder of Altree Developments. Zev comes from a long line of real estate tycoons in the Toronto area and has a lifetime of experience bringing landmark projects to the GTA. His enthusiasm and passion for his work shines through as he speaks with Matt about everything from innovative new condo amenities to his childhood walks with his grandfather.…