With 55 recorded Good Place conversations held on public benches around the world, we’ve witnessed the quiet power of a single bench. It brings people together: with each other, with their surroundings, and with their own sense of place in the world.

This idea is especially close to our hearts in a time when society feels increasingly disconnected. That’s why this interview with Fred Kent (fondly known as The Place Man) and Kathy Madden is so meaningful. It stands as a powerful reminder that cities can become more human, more connected, and more alive, one bench at a time.

A big thanks to Kristen of Plot Twist Placemaking for stepping in and organizing this conversation on a public bench, filmed during the #GlobalPlacemakingSummit in #Toronto

Credits: Robin Cox, Good Place/ A City Made By People Kristen Zupancic, Plot Twist PlacemakingFred Kent & Kathy Madden, Project for Public Spaces, The Social Life Project, The Placemaking Fund and PlacemakingXEthan Kent, PlacemakingXPlacemaking CanadaSanjna Urval (filming & audio)