The Strong Towns Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Humility Versus Hubris in American Urbanism Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Why 95% of planners get it wrong, how monetary policy killed Main Street, and why Chuck Marohn is optimistic about Gen Z. This wide-ranging conversation, first featured on the Yeoman podcast with Geoff Graham, explores the difference between Jane Jacobs's humble incrementalism and Robert Moses's technocratic master plans—and which approach is winning in 300+ communities.

Additional Show Notes

Chuck Marohn (Substack)
Geoff's Podcast https://yeomanpodcast.com/

Where the Strong Towns Movement Is Headed in 2026 Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

In this year’s State of Strong Towns address, Chuck Marohn reflects on where the movement stands at the start of 2026 — what’s changed, what’s growing, and how the work ahead remains grounded in humility, restraint, and bottom-up action.

Additional Show Notes

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you!

The Hidden Costs of "Improving" This Minnesota Highway Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

‍A major highway project is pitched as a safety upgrade — but at what cost to the community? Today, Chuck is joined by Matt Steele, a fellow Brainerd-area resident and longtime Strong Towns member. They unpack a highway interchange that's been proposed in nearby Baxter and the long-term trade-offs that shape strong (or fragile) places.

Additional Show Notes

Read more about this project: "Six Roundabouts to Nowhere" by Charles Marohn
Chuck Marohn (Substack)

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

How Communities Are Breaking Out of the Housing Trap Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Why is housing so expensive, and what can local communities actually do about it? In this live recording, Chuck unpacks the roots of America's housing trap and shares actionable reforms that any community can implement.

Additional Show Notes

This presentation was recorded live from Wayne, Pennsylvania. Click here to bring Chuck to your own city!
Check out Strong Towns’ housing toolkits for more strategies to bring housing to your community.
Chuck Marohn (Substack)

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

How To Build Resilience in Struggling Rural Communities Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Family farms are struggling to survive across America, with whole communities hanging in the balance. In today's episode, Chuck sits down with Brian Reisinger, author of "Land Rich, Cash Poor." They unpack the structural issues leading to the decline of farms and rural communities, as well as opportunities to rebuild resilience.

Additional Show Notes

"Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer" by Brian Reisinger
Brian Reisinger (site)
Chuck Marohn (Substack)

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

How Cities Can Help Small Developers Build Housing Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this live Q&A, Chuck explains why small-scale housing is so hard to build. From codes to permitting to financing, he breaks down the friction points that stall projects everywhere and explains how cities can address them. (Note: This episode was recorded live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Some questions may be difficult to hear.) Additional Show Notes

Bring Chuck to your own city!
Learn how to support small developers in our new housing toolkit.
Chuck Marohn (Substack)

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

A Shared Identity Makes Cities Strong. Here's How To Find Yours. Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Strong cities know who they are. In today's episode, Chuck is joined by Ryan Short, founder of Civic Brand. They discuss how uncovering a shared identity guides smarter decisions, strengthens civic pride, and helps communities thrive.

Additional Show Notes

"The Civic Brand: The Power & Responsibility of Place" by Ryan Short
Civic Brand (site)
Ryan Short (LinkedIn)‍
Chuck Marohn (Substack)

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Why American Cities Are Going Broke (And How To Fix It) Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Chuck breaks down the financial math behind urban decline in this live recording of a Wilmington event, with opening remarks from Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. Learn why growth is bankrupting your city — and how to reverse it.

(Note: Audio improves at 5:16 when Chuck takes over.)

Additional Show Notes

Check out some of the images Chuck references in the episode.
Bring Chuck to your own city!
Connect with Strong Towns Wilmington.
Get the Finance Decoder.
Chuck Marohn (Substack)

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Has the "American Dream" Made Us Miserable? Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Author Diane Alisa just wanted her kids to have what she didn't: freedom to roam, community, and a childhood that doesn't require a minivan. Somewhere along the way, she realized the suburban dream itself might be the problem. Today, she and Chuck dig into what the Suburban Experiment cost us — and what comes next.

Additional Show Notes

Want to hear more from Diane? Check out her episode on The Bottom-Up Revolution!
“Love Letter to Suburbia: How to Restore the American Village” by Diane Alisa
Diane Alisa (Instagram)
Chuck Marohn (Substack)

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Momentum Is Building for Stronger Communities. What's Next? Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

Chuck records from the road after speaking at a housing summit in Pennsylvania. He reflects on why the Strong Towns message resonates with local officials struggling to address the housing crisis, as well as the challenges facing the movement and plans for the future.

Additional Show Notes

Member Week is almost over! Join the movement today.

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