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The Outside Talks Podcast about architecture, hobbies, tech and the good stuff in between. Hosted by Ar. Ralph Richard Su.

S4 E10 - Wake Up Call: How To Start & End ArchitectureTimes are changing—sometimes for the better, but often for the wor...
01/02/2025

S4 E10 - Wake Up Call: How To Start & End Architecture
Times are changing—sometimes for the better, but often for the worse. In the field of architecture, both in academia and the profession, many of these changes have been challenging. In this episode, Ar. Ralph shares his personal insights into why these issues persist, spanning students, apprentices, and practicing architects.
He also offers valuable tips and advice (because who doesn’t appreciate practical guidance?) on how to start strong through effective preparation and how to end the year on a high note!
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5h01EYthDlRHXBOqX2vUVq?si=1596bed9c2924d50

S4 E9 - Changing People in These Changing TimesYou’ve been warned—this episode is not a hopeful one; it borders on sound...
01/02/2025

S4 E9 - Changing People in These Changing Times
You’ve been warned—this episode is not a hopeful one; it borders on sounding defeated. In this brief monologue, Ralph reflects aloud on the pressures of trying to improve others as a mentor and teacher, sometimes even pushing them to change when they resist it.
As the age-old saying goes, “Before you heal someone, ask if they’re willing to give up the things that make them sick.”
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bkvfx2U0grUDmEUlb0CsL?si=fc956da802264407

A manifesto is a declaration of deep personal significance—a daring goal, a commitment, a promise. With each season, thi...
01/02/2025

A manifesto is a declaration of deep personal significance—a daring goal, a commitment, a promise. With each season, this vision is challenged and tested, especially when the mind, body, or spirit feels worn down. Will you keep the dream alive, or will it fade beneath the weight of disappointment and uncertainty?
Ar. Ralph shares a deeply personal manifesto, revealing his most honest reflections on a dream he’s held through changing times. He speaks candidly about his experiences with former apprentices and the weariness that accompanies his journey. As you listen, take a moment to ask yourself: what is your dream?
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3WcC7irQ3t1GOXlqWLWQFI?si=U8BTOxY3SHCnD2KtOWlQvA&t=1

S4 E7 - Weekend Mailbag!Ciao! Join Ralph this week as he dives into the weekend mailbag from our discussions to answer...
03/01/2025

S4 E7 - Weekend Mailbag!
Ciao! Join Ralph this week as he dives into the weekend mailbag from our discussions to answer a wide range of questions—from new challenges faced by architects to feeling unhappy as an intern in the workplace, and even considering whether pursuing a master’s degree abroad is worth it.
It's a relaxed session, and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Outside Talks Podcast!
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3WbC3rg58cYzddbJpXMb0H?si=8c2fa4a2172745b1

S4 E6 - Always Become MORE: Ending the Endemic of IncompetenceWe are back in mid-season form with our sixth episode, div...
17/08/2024

S4 E6 - Always Become MORE: Ending the Endemic of Incompetence
We are back in mid-season form with our sixth episode, diving straight into the heart of one of the most perplexing fundamental problems in our profession and academia: incompetence.
Join Ralph as he questions the decisions that have led the architecture community into this state of mediocrity and explores who is accountable for it. He raises questions about how we can improve and why it's crucial to care and take action today, ultimately culminating in a challenge to all of us.
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5jZSJRygtIAvR3DOnYvJ49?si=4b4fbdabe4784509

S4 E05 - The Internship: Balancing Mentorship and CompetitionIn this episode, Ralph delves into the expansion of his arc...
05/07/2024

S4 E05 - The Internship: Balancing Mentorship and Competition
In this episode, Ralph delves into the expansion of his architecture firm’s Summer Internship Program (SIP), which grew from 20 interns in 2019 to over 70 online interns in 2023. He reflects on the program’s value for students and questions whether the significant investment of time and resources is justified, given that it also benefits competitors.
Ralph discusses the challenges of mentoring young architects, likening it to the sacrifices parents make. The importance of finding the right internship or apprenticeship program that supports growth and aligns with personal values and goals is discussed along with advice to students and architects, stressing diligence, punctuality, and approaching tasks with a wholehearted, positive attitude.
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3szl7e3SzSJ9RyYuOxtPuI?si=lo9RcoRXQXSzAZyZn_sLXA

S4 E04 - So We're Talking About Practice? A Guide for Graduates Pt. 1"We're talking about practice, man," was the rant t...
10/06/2024

S4 E04 - So We're Talking About Practice? A Guide for Graduates Pt. 1
"We're talking about practice, man," was the rant that echoed through the sports world in the early 2000s when NBA MVP Allen Iverson famously addressed his absences from team practices at a press conference. At the time, I laughed at how absurd the conversation was. But now, more than 20 years later, I find myself echoing that sentiment to my students, apprentices, and anyone who will listen: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
In this episode, Ar. Ralph dives into the essential preparation we all need. By dedicating ourselves to rigorous training, we not only enhance our skills but also grow as individuals—or at least we hope so. Ralph offers five pieces of sage advice (and more) for young professionals embarking on their journey. Embrace these words of wisdom and approach your apprenticeship with greater readiness, courage, and, of course, skill.
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o2z50Ad1pCgq8n7yn9Ha0?si=e47c1875e19149cf

S4 E03 - Standards, Standards, StandardsAaaaaand we're back after months of overcoming health challenges, facing mediocr...
08/06/2024

S4 E03 - Standards, Standards, Standards
Aaaaaand we're back after months of overcoming health challenges, facing mediocrity, and confronting low standards to discuss a crucial topic in our profession and in education: standards.
Join Ralph as he shares his fresh perspective on issues vital to an architect's career. Drawing from his recent experiences teaching this semester, mentoring apprentices, working with new architects, and attending the NATCON last April, Ralph provides valuable insights.
We hope this important discussion will prompt you to reflect on the essential question:
"How high—or low—are my standards?"
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SeU8y4NzSJwpGubbCePef?si=6119bbb8a0234a1f

S04 E02 - What Makes A Loser?We all know somebody in our lives who just seems so down and defeated all the time. The anx...
06/04/2024

S04 E02 - What Makes A Loser?

We all know somebody in our lives who just seems so down and defeated all the time. The anxious, nail-biting, panic-driven, hard-to-help individuals who just won't take accountability. We have a common name for them – LOSERS. It's easy enough to judge them, right? Especially when they make it so easy to do so.

BUT.

What actually makes a loser, a LOSER? What happened along the way, and do they have a chance at redemption? And what is OUR ROLE in this tragic play?

Join Ar. Ralph as he introspects on this deceivingly obvious yet deep topic of losers and quitters, and the hope that is still there. Ralph shares his personal anecdotes and learnings from close to 2 years as a student up to the present, as an architect, and as a faculty member. This is an interesting episode, a difficult one to think of and digest, for what is more difficult than trying to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped?

Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/61ghHvTs8W9FveKOQXQ7H3?si=75e3208a28aa452f

S4 E01 - I Want to Change the WorldWe're back! It's crazy how time flies. As we embark on Season 4 of The Outside Talks ...
04/04/2024

S4 E01 - I Want to Change the World
We're back! It's crazy how time flies. As we embark on Season 4 of The Outside Talks Podcast, reflecting on our journey thus far fills us with awe at the transformation that have unfolded over the past four years.
To begin this exciting new season, we invite you to join Ar. Ralph as he candidly shares his vision of changing the world, even amidst stumbling blocks along the way. Family, Architecture, and Education each play pivotal roles in this dream—one that we hope you can relate to, be inspired by and hopefully, move you enough to want to change the world together while changing ourselves for the better.
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3dTwDzw1oMa1v7enhFcmdp?si=eba3ab81310c4f34

S3E11 – Character Arc: Learning Lessons from Passion, Perspective and GreatnessSeason 3 has been a journey filled with p...
16/03/2024

S3E11 – Character Arc: Learning Lessons from Passion, Perspective and Greatness
Season 3 has been a journey filled with profound lessons, inevitable disappointments, and triumphant moments. Join Ar. Ralph for the season finale as he reflects on three essential lessons he learned this year.
Firstly, he delves into the significance of passion in everything we pursue, emphasizing its role as a driving force behind our endeavors. Then, he explores the importance of cultivating the right attitude, emphasizing how our mindset can shape our experiences and outcomes. Finally, he poses a thought-provoking philosophical question: What defines greatness — being a remarkable architect or an inspiring teacher?
Each of these lessons has imparted invaluable wisdom, offering insights that resonate deeply. As we conclude this season, let's embrace hope and love instead of succumbing to disappointment and animosity. After all, every character in our stories experiences growth and transformation — isn't that the essence of a character arc?
CARPE DIEM.
Link:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-outside-talks/episodes/S3E11--Character-Arc-Learning-Lessons-from-Passion--Perspective-and-Greatness-e2h5j5e

S3E10 – Thesis Season! Dilemmas and DispositionsWe've all been there - the entire batch assembles, faculty members delve...
09/03/2024

S3E10 – Thesis Season! Dilemmas and Dispositions
We've all been there - the entire batch assembles, faculty members delve into something incredibly crucial, and the proceedings kick off sluggishly. We encounter delays, leave decisions hanging, and then suddenly - it's almost time for DEFENSE! That's right, it's THESIS SEASON!
In the 10th episode of our 3rd season, Ar. Ralph delves into the pitfalls and mistakes commonly made by thesis students, discussing how to avoid or, at worst, correct them while there's still time. As pressure mounts, we risk losing our grip on reality, adopting a negative perspective that can impact not only ourselves but also those around us. In the final segment of the episode, we explore the transformative power of choosing to maintain a positive disposition and how it can benefit all of us.

Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MRyzKmOx0vKuFrvWBol3U?si=a02d2e8cd2d14058

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