The Strong Towns Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Election 2016 Nov 10, 2016

Show notes

After some travel and contemplation, Chuck Marohn offers some thoughts on the presidential election, Strong Towns and the future of America.

Book Interview: Gracen Johnson Nov 08, 2016

Show notes

In this special edition of the Strong Towns podcast, we bring you a short interview with Gracen Johnson, a Strong Towns contributor and member who wrote an essay for our new book, Thoughts on Building Strong Towns, Volume II.

Rachel Quednau interviews Gracen Johnson about making the hard decision to move to a new town, plus her recent wedding, her work with the Incremental Development Alliance and her philosophy that "love will save this place."

Get your copy of our new book today.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Russ Roberts of EconTalk Nov 03, 2016

Show notes

Russ Roberts is a fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and the host of the podcast, EconTalk. He's also starred in two rap videos about John Maynard Keynes and F.A. Hayek, and is the author of several books, including most recently, How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life: An Unexpected Guide to Human Nature and Happiness.

In this interview, Chuck Marohn and Russ Roberts discuss the political appeal of infrastructure spending vs. the economics perspective. They also talk about how to ensure a good return on investment and how to focus on smaller-scale projects.

This interview is part of our ongoing conversation on federal infrastructure spending.

The Week Ahead - Halloween Edition Oct 31, 2016

Show notes

Chuck and Rachel discuss recent events in Madison and Texas, including a surprise meeting with the Mayor of Austin. They also welcome new members, chat about housing affordability in Portland, and invite listeners to participate in a Halloween Walking Tour.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Strong Towns' pitch deck (where the image on the right came from)
"Spiking a Rising Tide" (Portland housing affordability article)
"Halloween with Strong Towns"

A People-Centered Transportation System Oct 27, 2016

Show notes

Chuck Marohn interviews Kate Kraft, the Executive Director of America Walks to talk about infrastructure spending and creating more walkable places across America. She advocates for a balanced, people-centered transportation system and discusses different ways to achieve that.

This interview is part of our ongoing conversation on federal infrastructure spending.

The Week Ahead, October 24, 2016 Oct 24, 2016

Show notes

Chuck and Rachel discuss Chuck's busy travel schedule from last week (Thunder Bay and Bellingham), and this week's Texas tour to San Marcos, Austin, Arlington and Fort Worth (plus Rachel's speaking engagement in Madison). They also talk about Chuck's dental woes, new Strong Towns members, and housing affordability and transit issues.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

"Distorting Housing Prices" by Chuck Marohn
Spam Nation: The Inside Story of Organized Cybercrime from Global Epidemic to Your Front Door by Brian Krebbs
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right by Arlie Russell Hochschild
Black Jeopardy with Tom Hanks

Choosing Active Towns Oct 20, 2016

Show notes

As part of Bike Week at Strong Towns, we interviewed a long time member and friend, John Simmerman. He's the founder of Active Towns and travels around the world sharing his love of active living and promoting bikeability and walkability. John shares the many ways that towns can create a "culture of activity" in their communities—one that is welcoming and safe for people of all ages.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Book interview: Nate Hood and Pedestrian Safety Oct 14, 2016

Show notes

In this special edition of the Strong Towns podcast, we bring you a short interview with Nate Hood, a Strong Towns contributor and founding member who wrote an essay for our new book, Thoughts on Building Strong Towns, Volume II.

Nate Hood chats with Chuck Marohn about pedestrian safety efforts—the good, the bad and the ugly—in his hometown of St. Paul, MN.

Get your copy of our new book today.

Special offer: We've extended the opportunity for new Strong Towns members to receive an autographed copy of our new book. Become a member by Friday, October 14, and we'll mail you a free copy.

Ed Erfurt Talks Worthwhile Infrastructure Investments Oct 13, 2016

Show notes

Ed Erfurt is a long-time friend and member of Strong Towns. He recently moved to Ranson, WV and serves as Assistant City Manager there. Today, he discusses his perspective as a local leader in a small town on what infrastructure is worth investing in, how to get a real return on your investment and how to avoid getting "caught up in free money."

This interview is part of our ongoing conversation on federal infrastructure spending.

The Week Ahead, October 11, 2016 Oct 11, 2016

Show notes

It's been a little while since we did a Week Ahead podcast, because Chuck's been on the road doing tons of events. In today's podcast, he talks about recent events in several cities in Oregon as well as Shreveport, LA. Chuck and Rachel also announce a new job opening. Finally, they dive into Strong Towns' newly-released book, Thoughts on Building Strong Towns, Volume II.

Mentioned in this episode: