

Chris Arnade
Former Wall Street bond trader turned street-level sociologist and Substack writer. Focuses on walking cities and documenting lower-income America.
Top 10 podcasts with Chris Arnade
Ranked by the Snipd community

396 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 59min
Chris Arnade on Walking Cities
Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street bond trader turned street-level sociologist, represents a unique voice in documenting lower-income America. He shares insights from his urban explorations in Beijing and Shanghai, highlighting how urban design reflects societal values. Arnade also discusses factors influencing walkability, his fascination with pigeons, and the transformative power of Substack in connecting writers with niche audiences. Through these narratives, he unveils the complexities of culture, politics, and personal growth found in the hidden corners of cities.

94 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 15min
How to Walk the World (with Chris Arnade)
Chris Arnade, an author and photographer known for his focus on marginalized communities, shares his unique travel insights. He advocates for walking as a way to truly experience cultures, highlighting moving moments in places like Istanbul and Avignon. Arnade contrasts community-centered cultures in Japan and Vietnam with America's individualism, reflecting on happiness and fulfillment. He shares practical tips for minimalist packing and choosing meaningful dining experiences, emphasizing the beauty of connecting with local life and the spiritual richness of journeys.

24 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 49min
Senior Editor Will Kaback interviews the extremely well traveled Chris Arnade about his perspectives of the world and politics.
In this engaging conversation, Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street bond trader turned photographer and writer, shares his unique perspectives from his extensive travels. He delves into the social divide between 'front row' and 'back row' communities in America, insights on the political resonance of Trump in marginalized areas, and the overlooked impact of immigration on local communities. Arnade also discusses the importance of community bonds over material wealth, critiques U.S. culture, and shares memorable travel anecdotes.

17 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 50min
Why America Can't Have Nice Things | Chris Arnade
In this engaging conversation, Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street quant turned author and ethnographer, shares his transformative experiences walking through America’s toughest neighborhoods. He discusses how McDonald's serves as a communal hub and the dangers of social fragmentation. Arnade delves into the cultural divides between the educated elite and everyday Americans, stressing the importance of social trust for revitalizing urban spaces. His insights offer a stark look at the state of American society and the urgent need for policy solutions.

14 snips
Nov 23, 2022 • 1h 4min
Who Is To Blame For Poverty?
Debaters Bryan Caplan and Chris Arnade discuss the causes of poverty, the blame game, the impact of the criminal justice system, the role of faith in impoverished communities, and ways to escape poverty.

Sep 29, 2022 • 1h 21min
DO 78 - Chris Arnade w/ Ashley Colby and Anarcho-contrarian
Chris Arnade, author exploring poverty, addiction, and faith in the US, talks about antidotes to Front Row thinking, including 'don't be an asshole.' They discuss the limitations of quantitative data, negative consequences of hypermobility, educational sorting mechanism, and changing nature of elites. They also touch on controversy over Walmart, upcoming travel plans, and the value of embracing agency and adventure.

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 27min
Walking the World: A Deeper Exploration of Culture and Community with Chris Arnade
Chris Arnade, a writer and photographer who left Wall Street for deeper human connections, shares his transformative journeys around the globe. He discusses how walking reveals the essence of culture and fosters genuine ties, moving beyond traditional travel. Chris contrasts the American Dream with real-life experiences, reflecting on class and community. His insights challenge societal norms, illustrating the importance of slowing down and embracing local encounters. Dive into the nuances of cultural identity and the joys of meaningful exploration.

Jan 13, 2022 • 1h 30min
Arrogance of the Elites and Our Alarming Digital Future, with Chris Arnade, David Zweig, and Tracey Follows | Ep. 240
Chris Arnade, a photographer and author of "Dignity," shares poignant insights into the lives of working-class Americans, emphasizing the gap between elites and everyday people. David Zweig, a journalist, discusses the controversy surrounding a CDC study on mask mandates, revealing the implications of misinformation. Futurist Tracey Follows explores how technology is reshaping identity and the ethics of innovations like deep fakes and biometrics. Together, they dive into pressing issues like community connection, pandemic impacts, and our rapidly evolving digital future.

Nov 18, 2021 • 1h 32min
11/18/21: Biden Fitness, Opioid Deaths, Inflation Profiteering, The View, Peng Shuai Missing, Buttigieg Doc, Fauci Insanity, Unvaccinated Working Class, and More!
Chris Arnade, author of "Dignity" and Substack writer, dives into pressing societal issues. He discusses the alarming rise in opioid deaths, connecting it to economic disparities and addiction's impact on the working class. Arnade highlights the debate around vaccinations and personal freedoms amidst misinformation, as well as the concerning situation of Peng Shuai, blending sports with human rights. They also critique Biden's public image and explore the disconnect between elite narratives and everyday struggles, emphasizing the need for genuine community.

Jul 22, 2019 • 1h 22min
Chris Arnade on Dignity
Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street trader turned photographer and author, shares transformative experiences from his journey across America. He discusses the resilience and dignity of marginalized communities often stigmatized by issues like addiction and homelessness. Arnade critiques societal focus on credentials, emphasizing the emotional ties individuals have to their communities. He also reflects on the limitations of science in addressing deeper human questions, advocating for empathy and genuine connection in understanding the complexities of human experience.


