Active Towns

Active Towns

Author: John Simmerman Language: English Episodes: 50
Hosted by John Simmerman, Active Towns digs into a simple but powerful idea: what if our daily environments made movement a natural and joyful part of life? This isn't a fitness show; it's a series of conversations exploring how our towns and cities are fundamentally shaped, and how that shaping influences our health and happiness. Each episode connects with planners, advocates, designers, and everyday citizens who are reimagining public spaces, transportation, and community programs. You’ll hear specific stories about transforming a street corner into a gathering place, the ripple effects of a new bike path, or how a local policy shift can encourage more kids to walk to school. The discussions go beyond theory, focusing on the tangible people, places, and policies making a difference right now. Tuning into this podcast offers a hopeful and practical look at the building blocks of vibrant, healthier communities, revealing how small changes in our shared surroundings can collectively foster a culture where activity is woven into the fabric of everyday life. It’s for anyone curious about the intersection of well-being, design, and civic life.
Episodes
Life's An Adventure with Jim Sayer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:31
In this episode, I reconnect with my good friend, the former Executive Director of the Adventure Cycling Association, Missoula, Montana-based, Jim Sayer. We catch up on land use and parking reform progress being made in…
Street Design is the Secret to Great Cities & Towns w/ Victor Dover [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:51
In this episode, we reconnect with Victor Dover, co-author of Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns, Second Edition, for a deep dive into precisely why streets matter so much in shaping our daily lives, for…
Close Encounters Documentary w/ Clarence Eckerson Jr. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:54
In this episode, Clarence Eckerson, Jr., shares some behind-the-scenes insights into the making of his new documentary profiling the amazing 34th Avenue Open Streets installation, now viewed as a permanent linear park, f…
The Goal is Free Range Kids w/ Prof Sara FL Kirk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:37
In this episode, I connect with Professor Sara FL Kirk, with Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for an in-depth discussion about her research centered on environments that promote healthy, active living, what…
Opening Up about Open Plans with Sara Lind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:09
New York City is on the cutting edge of many amazing "Streets Are For People" initiatives, and Open Plans is increasingly front and center in this movement with campaigns such as School Streets, Low Traffic Neighborhoods…
Peace and Conflict Resolution meets Car Supremacy w/ Ashton Rohmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:57
In this episode, I connect with Ashton Rohmer, a doctoral candidate in Peace and Conflict Resolution studies, who is examining Car Supremacy and our societal acceptance of vehicular violence through her research on the i…
Sidewalk Nation with Prof. Michael Pollack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:45
In this episode, I connect with Professor Michael Pollack for a deep dive into his fabulous new book Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of America’s Most Overlooked Resource. Helpful Links (note that some may include affi…
Dutch Cycling in China 2.0 with Chris Bruntlett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:10
In this episode, I welcome back my good friend and colleague, Chris Bruntlett, International Relations Manager with the Dutch Cycling Embassy, for a follow-up discussion about the resurgence of everyday cycling culture a…
Why Did These Kids Sue the State DOT? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:56
In this episode, we dive into the details of the Navahine Settlement with the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, with Luca Cuniberti, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council member, and Doorae Shin, Navahine Settl…