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
Reflecting on the Dutch Cycling Embassy in China with Chris Bruntlett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:37
In this episode, I welcome back Chris Bruntlett to the podcast for a chat about his reflections on his recent visit to China representing the Dutch Cycling Embassy. I think you'll be surprised at the scale and pace of th…
Families for Safe Streets feat. Amy Cohen and Patty Avery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:44
To kick off Season 10 of the Podcast, I have a conversation with Amy Cohen and Patty Avery, two dedicated volunteers with the Families for Safe Streets organization, about how this national initiative is taking bold step…
Restoring Mobility Freedom for Children w/ Tim Gill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:25
In this episode, I welcome back Tim Gill, the author of the book Urban Playground, for an encore conversation about the need for more family friendly places that reduce car dependency and return independence to roam to o…
Recovering Our Neighborhoods with Seth Kaplan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:12
In this episode, I connect with Seth Kaplan, author of the recent book "Fragile Neighborhoods" and a recent article "The Real User Interface: Recovering Our Neighborhoods," for a conversation about the challenges of our…
Design for Safety Over Speed w/ Beth Osborne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:05
In this episode, I finally connect with Beth Osborne with Smart Growth America for an in-depth conversation about the Transportation For America Program. Note: A few days after recording this episode, Beth stepped in to…
Creating a Critical Mass for More Livable Communities w/ Cyprine Odada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:29
In this episode, I connect with Cyprine Odada Mitchell, the former Director of the Nairobi Critical Mass and a passionate advocate for more livable communities that promote active mobility and independence for All Ages &…
Chalk Riot Traffic Calming w/ Chelsea Ritter-Soronen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:54
In this episode, I connect with Chelsea Ritter-Soronen, owner and principal artist at Chalk Riot, a mural company specializing in vibrant pavement art increasingly used to make streets safer for all users.Thank you so mu…
Car-Lite Living in Indigo w/ Scott Snodgrass & Clayton Garrett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:21
In this episode, I speak with Scott Snodgrass and Clayton Garrett, founders of Meristem Communities, the developers of Indigo, a people-first community that will provide a car-lite lifestyle plus the added bonus of integ…
Wheels for Wellbeing w/ Isabelle Clement, MBE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:20
In this episode, I connect with Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, a UK-based charity with a mission to enhance disabled people’s lives by ensuring that anyone can access the physical, emotional, practic…