Unearthing is a study of the materials that make up our natural world . Hosted by ORCA's founder, Molly Sedlacek.
Each episode is a dialogue between design and the natural world, digging into different methodologies of construction and materiality. We’ll share our best practices and philosophies while learning from experts who approach their craft as a collaboration with nature itself. Join us as we uncover how these raw elements can become both teachers and tools, creating environments that heal, inspire, and reconnect us to our natural rhythms.
A dialogue with Jonathan Cross, an American ceramicist that works out of his studio in the High Desert in California. We talk to Jonathan about his use of ancient wood-firing techniques, his innate trust in the alchemy of clay and embers, and the importance of rolling up your sleeves and doing the work.
13 Jul 2026
Unearthing Metal & Stone with Estudio Material
A dialogue with Damaso Mayer, a Mexico City-born artist and the designer behind Estudio Material based in the bay area. We talk to Damaso about his upbringing, how he finds the right stone, and his lifelong quest to highlight raw materials.
19 Jun 2026
Unearthing Wood with Cambium
A dialogue with Ben Christensen, the founder of Cambium, the modern market for wood — where you can source materials made from salvaged and under-utilized trees. On the episode, Ben shares the value of building a localized supply chain, the environmental impacts of Ipe and composite decking, and the shared responsibility in making more thoughtful material choices.
8 May 2026
Unearthing Textiles with Zak Profera
A dialogue with Zak Profera, the founder of Zak + Fox, a textile company known for their imaginative fabrics, wall coverings, and rugs deeply rooted in origin and story. We talk to Zak about how nature inspires him, the pillars of his business, and the importance of slow design. Here’s our conversation with Zak.
19 Mar 2026
Unearthing Stone with Ian Collings
A dialogue with Ian Collings, a sculptor and designer based in Ojai. We talk about the reciprocity of stone, what he's learned from working with natural materials, and how he pays tribute to the land.
28 Jan 2026
Unearthing: Willow with Alex Rooted
A dialogue with Alex Rooted, a weaver devoted to the craft of basketmaking. We talk about the process of working with willow, how it helps her embrace slowness, and how it's the only material untouched by machines.
7 Jan 2026
Unearthing: Wildlife in the garden with Adam Baz
In this episode of Unearthing, we talk to Adam Baz, a falconer and bird biologist based in Los Angeles. We talk to Adam about how he got into falconry, the benefits of an overgrown garden, and how even a small footprint can create a habitat for wildlife.
19 Aug 2025
Unearthing: Lo—TEK Design with Julia Watson
In this episode of Unearthing, we talk to Julia Watson, the author of Lo—TEK, Design by Radical Indigenism. Julia speaks to the importance of nature-based technologies, the benefits of controlled burning, and what we can learn from indigenous communities.
7 Jul 2025
Unearthing Water with Bonnie Wright
Bonnie Wright, actress and environmental activist, explores the connection between water and land, emphasizing local impact and the significance of nature-based play in this interview.
17 Jun 2025
Unearthing Flax with Natalie Yon-Eriksson
Natalie Yon-Eriksson, founder of Earth + Flax, discusses the health and environmental advantages of conventional finishes like linseed oil, derived from flax, in this interview episode.
14 May 2025
Unearthing Buckwheat with Sonoko Sakai
A dialogue with Sonoko Sakai, a cook, teacher, and writer based in California. Sonoko was born in New York to Japanese parents, and she grew up in San Francisco, Kamakura, Mexico City, and Tokyo, which contributed to her rich cultural upbringing that comes through in her cooking. We speak to Sonoko about her garden, why she believes you should cook every day, and her latest cookbook, Wafu Cooking. We hope you enjoy our conversation.
28 Apr 2025
Unearthing Clay with Mitch Iburg
In our first episode of Unearthing, we speak with Mitch Iburg (b. 1989), an American ceramic artist about his work with local clay and mineral resources foraged throughout his home state of Minnesota.
25 Apr 2025
Introducing Unearthing, a new podcast by ORCA
At ORCA, we believe the most enduring spaces speak in a language older than words written in wood, stone, and the architecture of nature. Unearthing is our exploration of this vocabulary through conversations that bridge the elemental and the intentional.
Each episode is a dialogue between design and the natural world, digging into different methodologies of construction and materiality. We’ll share our best practices and philosophies while learning from experts who approach their craft as a collaboration with nature itself. Join us as we uncover how these raw elements can become both teachers and tools, creating environments that heal, inspire, and reconnect us to our natural rhythms.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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