The Messy City Podcast - Route 66 - America's Main Street

The Messy City Podcast - Route 66 - America's Main Street

Author: Think & Act Locally May 12, 2026 Duration: 50:33

The tale of Route 66 might seem like just a tale of freedom on the road, the great American desire for exploration, and our love affair with the car. And it is all that. But it’s also much more. It’s about the cities, towns and unique places all along the route and their stories.

Chris Elisara and John Paget are sharing those stories, in a 100th anniversary documentary about Route 66. I happened to catch up with them in Springfield, Missouri, which is where Route 66 was in some part given birth.

Chris and John own First and Main Films, and have their own love affair with telling stories of underdog cities and towns. We crossed paths originally with the New Urbanism Film Festival, which has now evolved into something much bigger called the Better Cities Film Festival, based in Detroit.

Be sure to catch their work about Route 66, something that has occupied them for something close to a lifetime, and which tells us so much about America’s history and our cities and towns.

Find more content on The Messy City on Kevin’s Substack page.

Music notes: all songs by low standards, ca. 2010. Videos here. If you’d like a CD for low standards, message me and you can have one for only $5.

Intro: “Why Be Friends

Outro: “Fairweather Friend



Get full access to The Messy City at kevinklinkenberg.substack.com/subscribe

The Think and Act Locally podcast explores the quiet, powerful intersections where faith meets daily life and community action. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a series of grounded conversations on how spiritual principles can directly fuel practical work in your own neighborhood. Each episode delves into the real-world application of ideas, examining how education and entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in a sense of purpose, become tools for meaningful local engagement. You'll hear from people who are quietly building, supporting, and connecting within their communities, discussing both the successes and the challenges of creating tangible, positive change. The aim is to offer thoughtful reflection and actionable insight, reminding us that the most significant shifts often begin right where we are. Tune in for a podcast dedicated to the belief that thoughtful local action is a profound expression of both spirituality and citizenship.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

Think and Act Locally
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