
The War on Cars
The War on Cars brings you news, commentary and stories about the worldwide battle to undo a century's worth of damage wrought by the automobile.
Latest episodes

May 28, 2024 • 4min
TEASER: The War on The War on Cars
Preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode discussing states trying to ban bus rapid transit and taxing driving. One state banned bus wraps for an unexpected reason. Chapter on a surprising conversation at a neighborhood fair and reflections on advocating for social change in relation to car culture.

May 21, 2024 • 1h 43min
Winter Cycling in Oil Country
Edmonton, a cold city in oil country, investing in safe bike lanes. Former mayor, Don Iveson, leading the transformation. Winter Cycling Congress promotes biking over driving. Advocates discuss gear, progress, and the 'War on Cars'. Efforts to make cities bike-friendly and sustainable. Biking as a form of transportation and community values. Recap of Winter Cycling Congress and new sponsor introduction.

May 7, 2024 • 41min
When Driving Is Not an Option with Anna Zivarts
Low-vision nondriver and activist Anna Zivarts discusses building a transportation system for those who can't drive, promoting inclusivity, safety, and sustainability. The podcast explores mobility privilege, community resilience, challenges of non-drivers, and the need to advocate for equitable, car-less futures.

Apr 25, 2024 • 7min
TEASER: Dodge’s “Deeply Weird” Pitch for Electric Muscle Cars
Discover the transition of Dodge from gas guzzlers to electric muscle cars in a controversial 10-min ad. Dive into the cultural impact and marketing tactics used to convince loyal customers. Explore the fusion of tradition with innovation in car culture advertising as Dodge embraces electric power.

Apr 16, 2024 • 56min
Tesla Cybertrash with Ed Niedermeyer
Journalist Ed Niedermeyer joins to discuss the absurdity and popularity of the Tesla Cybertruck, analyzing its cultural impact and epic fails. The episode delves into the Elon Musk's innovative design, the vehicle's bulletproof feature, and the debate surrounding its functionality and build quality. Insights on likability versus trustworthiness and reflections on technology and media influence.

6 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 40min
The Texas Freeway Fight with Megan Kimble
Journalist Megan Kimble discusses the Texas freeway fight, highlighting the negative impacts of highway expansion on communities. The podcast explores grassroots activism, the advocacy to remove I-345 in Dallas, challenges faced by homeowners, and the influence of the Texas Transportation Commission. It sheds light on the importance of pushing for alternative transportation solutions and the promotion of Kimble's book 'City Limits'.

Mar 19, 2024 • 45min
Car Insurance is Too Cheap
Exploring the rising costs of car insurance in the US, delving into the aftermath of a tragic car accident, uncovering the complexities of insurance subrogation, advocating for traffic accident settlement reform, and discussing legislative efforts to implement the Make Hole Doctrine in Oregon.

Mar 5, 2024 • 46min
Live from New York with Bernie Wagenblast
The podcast discusses Bernie Wagenblast, the voice of NYC subway, and her inspiring story. It also includes a Top 10 list of transportation announcements, a pro-car comedian interruption, and reflections on urban planning, speed limits, congestion pricing, and childhood car memories.

Feb 15, 2024 • 4min
TEASER: Super Bowl Extra
***This is a preview of a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode. For complete access to this and all of our bonus content, become a Patreon supporter of The War on Cars.*** In this bonus episode, we continue the conversation we had in Episode 120 about the car ads from Super Bowl LVIII. These two didn't air during the big game, but one is a bit on an antidote to the excess of the typical U.S. automobile commercial while the other is part of a series that ran during NFL postseason games and lots of other big televised events. The first, from a famous Dutch beer company, shows the world as we'd like it to be. The second, courtesy of Korean automaker Hyundai, shows the world where it might be headed.

Feb 14, 2024 • 41min
Super Bowl LVIII Roundup
The podcast discusses the car ads aired during the Super Bowl and the absence of ads from the Big Three U.S. automakers. They explore the decline of creativity in Super Bowl ads and the lack of good news for gas cars. They also analyze Toyota's Super Bowl ad for the 2024 Tacoma and speculate on the decline of the industry.