Active Towns

Active Towns

Author: John Simmerman Language: English Episodes: 100
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 After Cars w/ Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:46
In this episode, I am joined by Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear to discuss their new book, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile, which was inspired in part by their podcast, The War on Car…
The Cycling Cities w/ Prof. Ruth Oldenziel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:46
In this episode, I reconnect with Prof. Ruth Oldenziel from the Technical University in Eindhoven for a discussion about the global Cycling Cities Initiative, which kicked off in 2016 with the publication of the Cycling…
Love Where You Live (Boulder Edition) with Michael Lovato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:53
In this episode, I connect with Michael Lovato, a former professional triathlete and champion at the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 distances, for a conversation about Boulder real estate, quality of life measures, and how the…
Reclaiming the Road w/ Prof. David Prytherch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:56
In this episode, I connect with David Prytherch, Professor of Geography at Miami University in Oxford, OH, for a conversation about transforming our streets back into people-oriented places and his recently published boo…
A Framework for Combating Motonormativity w/ Dr. Catherine Elliot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:03
In this episode, I connect with Dr. Catherine Elliot, an American living in Winterthur, Switzerland, just outside of Zürich, for a discussion about strategies for overcoming motonormativity, some research that she's been…
Why Are Dutch Employers Subsidizing Driving in 2025? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
In this episode, I connect with Peter Nouwen from 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands for a discussion about the productivity benefits of having healthy, active employees and the curious, nonsensical policy practices of…
Car Free Parks & Trails with Paul Steely White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:10
In this episode, I finally connect with Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, for a ride down memory lane, reminiscing about his time in Missoula, MT, his role as Executive Director at Transpo…
Exploring the Joy of Bicycle Travel with Jennifer Hamelman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:54
In this episode, I connect with Jennifer Hamelman, the Former Director of Routes at the Adventure Cycling Association, for a conversation about the USBRS (United States Bicycle Route System), the joys of bicycle travel a…
A Bold Mobility Vision Plan for a Dutch Village w/ Christian Ratering [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:58
In this episode, we'll head back to the Netherlands for a somewhat surprising conversation with Christian Ratering, a Senior Policy Maker with the village of Renkum, about some bold actions being taken as part of an offi…