The Messy City Podcast Is the Vibe Shift Bad for Cities?
6 snips
Sep 5, 2025 The podcast dives into the potential decline of American cities, questioning whether the current 'vibe shift' is harmful. It reflects on urban challenges, such as crime and mismanagement, while highlighting the impact of technology, including remote work and AI on city dynamics. The host emphasizes the need for community engagement and generational involvement in governance to revitalize urban areas. Personal stories and demographic changes are woven throughout, encouraging listeners to critically observe the evolving nature of urban living.
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Listener In England Took Action
- Kevin recounts a listener in England who acted on a podcast episode about small-town revitalization.
- That feedback renewed his motivation to keep producing the Messy City Podcast.
Walkability Is A Deep Human Preference
- Kevin argues human beings have an innate preference for walkable, face-to-face urban places.
- That preference drives demand and willingness to pay for dense, walkable neighborhoods.
50/50 Chance Of A City Downturn
- Kevin thinks a recent cultural "vibe shift" plus mismanagement could push many large US cities into long decline.
- He gives this worst-case trajectory a roughly 50-50 chance of occurring.
