Episode 24: Xanadu – Preservation Lessons from a Cult‑Classic Mess

This month, Rae, Andi, and guest Colin tackle Xanadu, the 1980 neon‑drenched musical that “only vaguely refers to preservation” but somehow opens the door to a surprisingly rich conversation about what’s worth saving—and why. From roller‑skating muses to a once‑grand auditorium begging for a second life, the team digs into how even the most chaotic cult films reflect our shifting ideas about memory, place, and cultural value. It’s preservation with leg warmers on.

You may recognize Colin from last month’s Save the ________! or last year’s Night at the Movies. If not, check out those episodes next!

Episode 22: Spire Wars – LeDuc Strikes Back

This month, Andi and Rae discuss two early visionaries of preservation, often described as foes: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and John Ruskin. Their thoughts on architecture, authorship, and reuse are all still current today. In particular, Notre Dame would likely not have survived the disastrous 2019 fire quite so well without the work pioneered 150 years earlier. Plus, both men were charismatic fellows with excellent facial hair. So come learn about Mr. Beard and Mr. Sideburns, and discover how places like Carcassonne and Notre Dame got a new lease on life.



Episode 20: Historic Swap 2025

To celebrate this holiday season – in what is now a tradition – Rae and Andi are sharing some favorite historic sites from across the country. Tune in for the wonderful historic sites, stay for the incisive critique of the National Register. After all, complaining is part of the fun. Happy holidays, everyone!

Episode 14: Celebrating Pride 2025

To celebrate Pride Month 2025, Rae and Andi chat with Free Harris about gay men in preservation, gayborhoods, and gaytrification (that last portmanteau is bleh, but the places we discuss aren’t). Happy Pride, everyone! 🌈

References:

LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History – Chapter 13 by Free Harris

Richard Florida & Charlotta Mellander Gay-Bohemian Index

Grant House, Logan Circle, Washington DC

Anna Julia Cooper House, LeDroit Park, Washington DC

Mary McCloud Bethune House, Logan Circle, Washington DC

Author E Lynn Harris

Public Art in Boystown/North Halstead in Chicago

Episode 13: Why Preservation?

May is preservation month! To celebrate, Rae and Andi talk about their own path to preservation, and share some favorite preservation-related songs. You have three playlists to choose from below: Rae’s, Andi’s, and Andi’s teen daughter’s. Do you prefer the middle age jams or the teen bops? Do you have songs of your own to share? Let us know!

Episode 09: Ice Ice Baby

Ever wonder what ice and snow do to your house? (Spoiler: it’s mostly bad.) Join Rae and Andi as we discuss fun effects like ice dams and efflorescence. We’ll also try to get you down YouTube rabbit holes about igloos and ice fishing huts. So grab some tea, mulled wine, or a hot toddy, and join us! 🧊❄️

References:

How to build an igloo (YouTube video)
Knickerbocker disaster
Ice dams
Salts in masonry