The Strong Towns Podcast cover image

The Strong Towns Podcast

Latest episodes

undefined
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 2min

How Do You Build More Housing When No One Wants Neighborhood Change?

In this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck discusses housing with Cullum Clark, director of the Economic Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. They talk about why there is so much resistance to new development, ways that officials and advocates could engage with the public to reduce that resistance, and what the incoming Trump administration could mean for housing. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES George W. Bush Presidential Center (site). Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Learn what comes next for incremental housing in 2025 by tuning into the State of Strong Towns address on January 30 at 4 p.m. EST.
undefined
Jan 20, 2025 • 58min

Debunking the "Slow and Incremental" Myth: The Key to Rapid Housing Growth

In this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck discusses the common misbelief that an incremental approach to housing development is inherently slow. He explains how an incremental approach can actually be much faster than focusing on large housing projects, what that means for major cities, and how to make incremental housing more appealing to people who don’t want their neighborhoods to change. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Transcript available on our site. Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Learn what comes next for incremental housing in 2025 by tuning into the State of Strong Towns address on January 30 at 4 p.m.
undefined
14 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 31min

Comparing the Strong Towns and YIMBY Approaches to the Housing Crisis

Nolan Gray, Senior Director at California YIMBY and expert in city planning, joins Austin Tunnell, host of the Building Culture podcast, to explore the housing crisis. They debate the contrasting methodologies of the Strong Towns and YIMBY movements in addressing housing affordability. Key discussions include the financialization of housing markets post-2008, the effects of zoning regulations, and unique financing strategies. Both emphasize their shared goal of improving community-based solutions while navigating the complexities of construction and market dynamics.
undefined
Dec 23, 2024 • 46min

Memorable Moments in the History of Strong Towns

A journey through memorable audio clips reveals significant moments in the Strong Towns movement. Reflecting on the creative evolution of the podcast, hosts share their love for talk radio and musical transitions. Humorous engineering anecdotes highlight the importance of humility in public speaking. Traffic challenges intersect with societal conspiracy theories, prompting deeper discussions on city planning. Lastly, nostalgia meets modernization as the hosts thank their audience while looking forward to new directions.
undefined
Dec 16, 2024 • 58min

From the Federal Government to RV Parks: A Housing Q&A

Discover the complexities of housing policy as local governments tackle supply issues while pushing for regulatory reforms. Dive into the debate on urban density and the untapped potential of building in both urban and rural areas. Explore the financial challenges cities face with budget cuts leading to unsustainable projects. Unpack the banking industry's approach to loans and its impact on housing affordability. Lastly, learn about the importance of adaptable housing solutions and community development that responds to local needs.
undefined
Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 8min

From Building Backyard Cottages to Banning Airbnbs: A Housing Q&A

In a lively Q&A session, insights about the housing market unfold, tackling everything from the history of homeownership to innovative solutions like backyard cottages. The dialogue critiques the current economic paradigms influencing housing finance and examines risks tied to mortgage-backed securities. Listeners will find a detailed look into new urbanism and its potential to reshape communities. The conversation emphasizes adaptable housing policies and considers alternative arrangements, all amidst thought-provoking questions from eager students.
undefined
Nov 25, 2024 • 28min

Families for Safe Streets: Giving a Face to the Traffic Violence Crisis

Amy Cohen, co-founder and president of Families for Safe Streets, shares her journey from personal tragedy to advocacy for safer streets. They discuss how combining personal stories with data can drive impactful change. Cohen emphasizes transforming grief into proactive community action and highlights the urgent need to address traffic violence as a preventable epidemic. The conversation also covers the importance of supporting trauma survivors and engaging local advocates to foster collective efforts for safer roadways.
undefined
Nov 15, 2024 • 28min

Why Strong Towns Won’t Cave to Election Year Pressures

Delve into the challenges faced by nonprofits during election years. Discover how political noise can distract from mission-driven goals, especially during a book tour. Learn about the impact of divisive rhetoric on community engagement and membership growth. This discussion showcases resilience in navigating political pressures while maintaining a nonpartisan approach. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how to stay true to core values amidst a turbulent political landscape.
undefined
Nov 13, 2024 • 60min

From the Bottom Up: How Members Built the Strong Towns Movement

Norm Van Eeden Petersman, director of membership and development at Strong Towns, shares inspiring insights into the grassroots origins and global impact of the Strong Towns movement. He highlights the journey from skepticism to participation, emphasizing the power of local engagement for resilient cities. The conversation also explores innovative strategies for expanding the reach of the movement, including leveraging social media platforms like TikTok. Norm encourages community involvement, showing how every member can help create stronger towns worldwide.
undefined
Nov 11, 2024 • 28min

To Build Strong Towns, We Need To Change the Cultural Conversation

Discover the inspiring push for a cultural shift in urban development. Conversations focus on how community support drives sustainable solutions to local challenges. Personal stories reveal the importance of participation in fostering dialogue. Delve into the essential transformation of conversations surrounding public investments and growth. The episode emphasizes community engagement as a key player in effective local governance, paving the way for resilient and prosperous towns.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode