About this episode
Where have all the benches gone? Deputy Opinion Editor Mark Lasswell reflects on the causes and consequences of the “defensive architecture” replacing seating in public spaces. Plus, contributing columnist Rick Reilly shares just how hard it’s become to find an Airbnb or VRBO that doesn’t feel like the inside of a Target.
Additional reading by our columnists:
Mark Lasswell: This punctuation mark is semi-dead. People have thoughts.
Rick Reilly: I have decided never to go outside again
Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Reasonably Optimistic publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Reasonably Optimistic
The temperature is rising on AI. What comes next?
Reasonably Optimistic
I'm not anti-tax. But this one should go.
Reasonably Optimistic
What a Catholic feminist dares to say
Reasonably Optimistic
Where AI will be in a year — and in a decade
Reasonably Optimistic