Transcript: Trailer (Regenerative Streets Podcast)

3 Nov

Transcript of conversation between host (Laura Aston) and guest (Nina Sharpe)

First aired: 3 November 2025.

GUEST (NINA): " streets that are full of life, maybe that's the best way to describe what a regenerative street means. "

HOST (LAURA): Getting outside our homes and enjoying the everyday encounters of the street is something we should all be able to enjoy. But today, many local streets no longer support the variety of life that's possible. What if streets were a source of joy and wellbeing? Places that nurture communities and support natural systems?

The street belongs to all of us. Through small, intentional actions, we can begin to reclaim it as the place where we connect, imagine, and cultivate the future we want.

In this podcast, we speak with citizens who are using streets in inspiring ways, ways that regenerate human community and environmental health. From Melbourne to the world, we explore how everyday people and practitioners are transforming public space. One story at a time.

I am your host, Laura Aston. I'm the founder of Wayfinder Labs, an organization that brings diverse people together to regenerate communities street by street. I'm joined by special guest, Nina Sharpe lead convener of 300,000 Streets, an Earth Shot project run by Regen Melbourne. And it's so exciting to be here with Nina because this initiative is really where it all started for regenerative streets.

Hi Nina.

GUEST (NINA): Hi Laura. Thanks for having me.

HOST (LAURA): Let's set the scene for the podcast. Can you, can you briefly summarise or give some insight into what we mean when we talk about a regenerative street?

Well I'll start by explaining the street, which is our public sphere. It's a space for the people, essentially, where we can gather. It's a public space that we all have access to and that we can all use. And a regenerative street can mean many things. So maybe I'll explain that by drawing from a definition of regeneration that I often use, which is Paul Hawken's definition. Putting life at the center of everything that we do, and that's all forms of life and centreing life in our decision making.

So streets that are full of life, maybe that's the best way to describe what a regenerative street means.

HOST (LAURA): It's such a wonderful vision and that's what gets me excited to get up every morning and think about what's possible, the vision of streets that are full of life. Can you give us a little bit of a hint of the kinds of things you've come across that people are doing to transform their streets?

GUEST (NINA): Well, some of our streets need a lot more transformation than others, but there is a lot of great work that's already happening across Greater Melbourne and some really good examples of regenerated streets. People are greening their laneways. They're growing food forests and swapping foods with neighbors and at markets. They're holding street parties. They're holding public art exhibitions out in the street, kids are playing and making use of makeshift play equipment to, to meet and greet at. And a lot of people are advocating for streets that are full of life.

HOST (LAURA): Well, I really can't wait to explore the transformations that are happening at a street level led by the very people who live in them and 📍 share those conversations

That's what this podcast is all about. And given this is the very first taste of a new show, I just want to let you know what you can expect. When you tune in each fortnight, you'll hear stories of street regeneration, giving you inspiration and practical tips to spark joy and connect to people and place at your doorstep.

This podcast is the result of my curiosity and a personal journey toward regeneration. After 10 years working in sustainability and transport, I realised something was missing. Community. That insight led me to focus locally exploring how I and others can do more of what brings me joy, while building stronger relationships and improving wellbeing.

This is a show for people who want to embrace local, grow a community where you live, appreciate the little things and reconnect to the abundance of life. In this pilot, which will run for five episodes, I'm keen to know who these stories resonate with. Are you working in a related field? Are you an advocate or organizer, a community leader, a resident? Are you passionate about social and environmental justice, looking for practical ways to sow the seeds of resilience and regeneration?

Let me know what you liked about an episode, what you want more of, or any suggestions you have. Have a project you'd like to share? Let me know. Do you want to hear about a particular topic or tactic? Reach out.

You'll find a link to leave me an audio message in the show notes. Or, jump into the Regenerative Streets hub and join our growing community of people sharing ideas and stories of regenerative streets.

That's all for now. See you next time for a longer discussion with Nina about regenerative streets.

You've been listening to the Regenerative Streets Podcast, a show where we explore how people are reimagining streets to support human, community and environmental wellbeing.

Music in this show is Carefree by Kevin McLeod, sourced from incompetech.com and licensed under Creative Commons by attribution 4.0 to which you'll find a link in the show notes.

Laura Aston