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
Car Free Challenge in Los Angeles w/ Phil Burns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:21
In this episode, I connect with Phil Burns, Managing Principal of the Pasadena-based Arroyo Group, for a discussion about his six-week trial of going car-free this past summer and the people-oriented street transformatio…
Bike Bus & A Culture of Activity with Jessica Tillyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:07
In this episode, I'm honored to connect with Jessica Tillyer, one of the volunteers who jumped in to start the Montclair bike bus efforts that provide multiple bike buses across this New Jersey township every Friday. We…
Shifter: A Chat w/ Tom Babin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:47
In this episode, I finally connect with Tom Babin, the creative genius behind the Shifter YouTube Channel about everyday cycling. Tom shares what inspired him to start the Channel, we look back to some of the earliest vi…
Sacred Roots and Mobility Freedom w/ Ronnie Harris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:28
In this episode, I reconnect with Ronnie Matthew Harris, founder of Sacred Roots, to discuss his active mobility backstory, including a pivotal cycle network study tour to The Netherlands and his work with the City Threa…
Introducing The New AASHTO Bike Guide w/ Bill Schultheiss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:04
In this episode, I connect with Bill Schultheiss, a partner with Toole Design Group and one of the key contributors to this much-anticipated rewrite of the official AASHTO Bicycle Facilities Design Guide. We'll discuss t…
Potholes and Pavements with author Laura Laker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:33
In this episode, I reconnect with London-based journalist and author Laura Laker to discuss her brilliant new book Potholes and Pavements: A Bumpy Ride on Britain’s National Cycle Network. An ultimately universal and rel…
A Major Shift To Bikes w/ Becca & Adam Denley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:19
In this episode, I connect with the Denleys to discuss how living abroad in Denmark inspired them to bring utilitarian cycling and cargo bikes to their hometown of Yellowknife in The Northwest Territories of Canada. This…
Shoup Dogg Doctrine w/ Prof. Donald Shoup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:02
In this Season 9 Premiere of the Podcast, I reconnect with Professor Donald Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking, affectionately known as "Shoup Dogg," in honor of his rockstar status and birthplace of Long Bea…
Talking Induced Demand and much more w/ RMI's Miguel Moravec [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:14
In this final episode of Season 8, I connect with Miguel Moravec, a Senior Associate with the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), for an in-depth discussion about the opportunities to curb the negative climate impacts of our…
Introducing Rachel Leonardo with Strong Towns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:02
In this episode, I connect with Rachel Leonardo, a Pamplona-based video producer who has recently taken over the role of creating video content for the Strong Towns organization.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you en…