The Strong Towns Podcast

Engineer and shared-space designer Ben Hamilton-Baillie returns to the podcast to talk about how to get started with building shared space, the chances of success in the United States and some memories of his father, a World War II veteran who lead and assisted a number of escapes from German prisoner-of-war camps. You can follow Ben Hamilton-Baillie on Twitter, see more of his work on his firm’s website and watch the video, Poyton Regenerated, that was discussed in the podcast. The book about the escape Jock Hamilton-Baillie was invovled in is called Zero Night by Mark Felton. It is a really good read.

Member Profile-Michael McGinn

Hans Noeldner - energy and environmental activist - talks about winter biking, transportation as a social justice issue and getting started living a Strong Towns life. This week is our membership drive. Become a member of Strong Towns by going to www.strongtowns.us/membership.

Mike Christensen, graduate student at the University of Utah, talks about meeting Chuck at CNU, working as a GIS professional and connecting with people on social meeting. This is our membership week. Sign up to be a member by going to www.strongtowns.us/membership.

Gracen Johnson - Place Activator from New Brunswick - talks about promoting good ideas, working with Strong Towns and how worms have brought her closer to her neighbors. Become a member of Strong Towns today by going to www.strongtowns.us/membership.

Sara Joy Proppe, project manager at Schaefer Richardson, talks about her neighborhood work, volunteering and why churches are strong, yet largely untapped, resources for cities. Proppe is also working on the Proximity Project based out of Minneapolis. Become a member of Strong Towns today by going to www.strongtowns.us/membership.

John Reuter, Executive Director of Conservation Voters for Idaho, talks about how the Strong Towns message can help with conservation and how well it resonates in small towns.

Kerry Hayes, Public Relations Director at Doug Carpenter and Associates in Memphis, Tennessee, talks about his neighborhood and the influence that Strong Towns has had on the local conversation. Become a member of Strong Towns today by going to www.strongtowns.us/membership.

Erika Ragsdale, Senior Planner with the city of Hutto, Texas, talks about her fast-growing city and how the Strong Towns fiscal message resonates with local leaders.

Strong Towns Executive Director -- and member -- Jim Kumon reflects on the 18 months since he signed up, the National Gathering and what he sees in the future for the organization. Become a member of Strong Towns today by going to www.strongtowns.us/membership.

Strong Towns member and new board member Andrew Burleson from Raleigh, North Carolina, talks about why he is a member of Strong Towns and what he sees for the future of the organization. Become a member of Strong Towns today by going to www.strongtowns.us/membership.

This week the podcast features a conversation with Dave Runyon (twitter), Executive Director of City Unite and co-author of the book The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door. The Art of Neighboring has a great website with a lot of resources including a copy of the Who is My Neighbor block map and a Neighborhood Block Party Kit. You can also connect with the movement on Facebook.

The Original Green, Steve Mouzon (twitter) joins Chuck this week to preview his upcoming event -- New Media Workshop in Celebration, Florida -- and to swap tips on using social media for advocacy. Some of the sites discussed in the podcast include: Buffer Tweetdeck Vine Klout OG.tv Pinterest Digital Goods Store iContact paper.li

This year at Railvolution in Minneapolis, Strong Towns set up an off-site panel to discuss transit issues from a Strong Towns perspective. In addition to Jim Kumon and Chuck Marohn, we inited some thinkers who -- while they don't necessarily agree with us 100% -- we think are thought leaders in a modern transit approach. Joining us are Jeff Wood from San Francisco, Christof Spieler of Houston, and Yonah Freemark of Chicago.

Strong Towns board members Andrew Burleson and John Reuter reflect on the National Gathering with Jim Kumon while taking in the Minneapolis Open Streets event.

Our friend Jim Kunstler joins the podcast this week to talk about his latest book, A History of the Future, the latest in his World Made by Handseries.  You can get a copy of the book at bookstores near you or online at: Battenkill Books (autographed) Northshire Bookstore Amazon

This week on the podcast features Eric Jacobson, author of The Space Between: A Christian Engagement with the Built Environment. Rev. Jacobsen is the Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism and the holder of a doctorate in Theology and the Built Environment.

This week Chuck Marohn talks about how auto-oriented communities are designed to decline, an effect that we can see clearly in places like Ferguson, Missouri.

This episode was recorded at CNU 22 in Buffalo. Participating are Jason Roberts (twitter) of The Better Block, Mike Lydon (twitter) from Street Plans Collaborative, Chuck Marohn (twitter) of Strong Towns and Joe Mnicozzi (twitter) of Urban-3. You can also watch the video of this conversation thanks to Gracen Johnson.

Chuck digs into the Strong Townns mailbad to answer some of the questions submitted by members. If you are a member, you can submit your questions to Ask Strong Towns and we'll answer them on the podcast or the blog. If you're not a member of Strong Towns yet, what are you waiting for?