James Howard - Podcast Details

Shows

The Better Bozo Episode 1: Get to Know the Bozos Pt. 1 “Fatherhood kicked my ass, and it made me give a shit about someone other than myself...” In this episode Micha finds out more about Jeff James Howard and why he's focused on empowering men to be their best selves, “not for another person or – dear god! – a relationship, but for themselves and their community.” Jeff James Howard is a therapist and soul-guide taking continual risks to be more vulnerable and alive while actively working to find ways to be more of himself in the world. He leads men's groups in Boulder, C.O.You can find Jeff James Howard's...

2020-11-1800 min

The Better Bozo Ep. 1 - Get to Know the Bozos Pt. 1“Fatherhood kicked my ass, and it made me give a shit about someone other than myself...” In this episode Micha finds out more about Jeff James Howard and why he's focused on empowering men to be their best selves, “not for another person or – dear god! – a relationship, but for themselves and their community.” Jeff James Howard is a therapist and soul-guide taking continual risks to be more vulnerable and alive while actively working to find ways to be more of himself in the world. He leads men's groups in Boulder, C.O.You can find Jeff James Howard...

2020-01-1952 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast Bonus Edition -- S-Town In this bonus episode, James Howard Kunstler reunites with former KunstlerCast host/producer Duncan Crary for a behind-the-scenes discussion of JHK's personal connection to the wildly popular S-Town podcast, a This American Life spinoff program. Back around 2010-2013, John B. McLemore, the tragic figure at the center of the series began an email correspondence with JHK. John B was a real person, referred to by various people in the series as "brilliant," "a genius," "a real character," and he was for sure. He was also a fan of Jim's books, and, after getting his phone number off his website, t...

2017-05-3136 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #214: A Small American CityJames Howard Kunstler will be resuming the KunstlerCast, solo, in the near future. In the meantime, this is the "pilot" episode for "A Small American City," a new podcast series by former KunstlerCast host Duncan Crary. Jim helped Duncan launch the new series with this special interview. TROY, N.Y. - For many Americans, "The City" only refers to New York City, or one of the other major metroplexes in the country with populations in the millions. But North America is filled with smaller cities that were once just as lively, if only at a smaller scale...

2012-12-2844 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast TMM: Coda: A Systematic Misunderstanding of RealityAuthor James Howard Kunstler reads "A Systematic Misunderstanding of Reality" the coda of his nonfiction book "Too Much Magic" (Altantic Monthly Press, 2012: pp 241-243).

2012-07-1304 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast TMM: The Multicultural DilemmaAuthor James Howard Kunstler reads "The Multicultural Dilemma" from Chapter 9 of his nonfiction book "Too Much Magic" (Altantic Monthly Press, 2012: pp 237-239).

2012-07-1304 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast TMM: Social Relations and the Dilemmas of DifferenceAuthor James Howard Kunstler reads " Social Relations and the Dilemmas of Difference" from Chapter 9 of his nonfiction book "Too Much Magic" (Altantic Monthly Press, 2012: pp 216-221).

2012-07-1307 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast TMM: The Futility of Party Politics in The Long EmergencyAuthor James Howard Kunstler reads "The Futility of Party Politics in The Long Emergency" from Chapter 5 of his nonfiction book "Too Much Magic" (Altantic Monthly Press, 2012: pp 85 - 86).

2012-07-1302 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast TMM: Kingdom ComeAuthor James Howard Kunstler reads "Kingdom Come," Chapter 1 of his nonfiction book, "Too Much Magic," (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2012: pp. 19 – 22).

2012-07-1305 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast#205: Prominent New Urbanist AuthorsJames Howard Kunstler joins other prominent New Urbanist writers on a recent panel at The Congress for The New Urbanism, held in West Palm Beach, Florida this May 9-12, 2012. Featuring: Chuck Bohl, Peter Katz, Philip Langdon, and Charles Marohn.

2012-05-171h 20

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #204: Twilight of the Mall Era – REDUXThis is an edited, re-released version of an episode first recorded in Sept. 2008: For this program James Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary visit Colonie Center, a 1.3 million square-foot enclosed two-level regional shopping center located in suburban Albany, N.Y. After more than $12 million in renovations to this shopping center's exterior and interior, Jim remains as unimpressed with this place as he was in the 1970s when it was first built. Before entering the mall, Jim describes the heroic suburban 6-lane boulevard of commerce upon which Colonie Center is located. Inside, Jim relaxes in one of the lounge areas provided...

2012-05-0338 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #203: Live Audience Podcast - Part 2James Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary record a podcast before a live student audience at Union College, in Schenectady, N.Y. As part of a Humanities Super Seminar on liberal arts and activism, the students read The KunstlerCast book. In this segment, students ask questions out the future of the Internet, concentrating poverty and wealth in New York City and how individuals can face the enormous issue of rebuilding our human habitat. Sponsor: "The Heirloom," by Richard Davies.

2012-04-2631 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #202: Live Audience PodcastJames Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary record a podcast before a live student audience at Union College, in Schenectady, N.Y. As part of a Humanities Super Seminar on liberal arts and activism, the students read The KunstlerCast book. During the podcast Jim and Duncan riff on college architecture and the Union campus before opening up the discussion to questions from the class. Topics include: the value of a liberal arts education in The Long Emergency, monocultures concentrating poverty in the built environment, the prospects for restoring passenger rail in North America and more. Along the way Jim also...

2012-04-1950 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #197: Catherine Tumber on Small Cities - Part 1James Howard Kunstler speaks by phone with Catherin Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: The Promise of America's Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World. Tumber is a journalist and historian and research affiliate in the Community Innovators Lab in MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning.Sponsor: http://cnu20.org

2012-03-0835 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #195: Reading the LandscapeJames Howard Kunstler shares his thoughts on the experience of moving through the landscape and built environment on foot, rather than by car. Sponsor: http://www.CNU20.jpg

2012-02-2341 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #194: What Does Urban Really Mean?James Howard Kunstler helps host Duncan Crary define the term "urban," a term that is often misunderstood or confusing to the general American public.Sponsor: http://cnu20.org

2012-02-1621 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #193: Listener Mail BagIn this episode, James Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary go through the KunstlerCast listener mail bag. Topics include: David Brooks's recent 180 on the "wonders" of suburbia, the Zeitgeist movement, the fate of ebooks, home maintenance during The Long Emergency, rural Illinois and other topics. Sponsor: http://CNU20.org

2012-02-0935 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #192: Arthur E. Berman, Petroleum GeologistJames Howard Kunstler speaks by phone with Arthur E. Berman, who is a petroleum geologist and consultant to the energy sector; editorial board member of The Oil Drum; associate editor of the AAPG Bulletin; director of The Association for the Study of Peak Oil. Berman has published more than 100 articles on petroleum geology and technology and has made more than 50 presentations in the last year to professional societies, investment conferences and companies. He speaks to Jim tonight about the history of shale gas "fracking" and a lot of the "magical thinking" surrounding the prospects of America becoming "energy dependent"...

2012-02-0258 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast 191: Get Used to Being UncomfortableJames Howard Kunstler comments on the rising rates of pessimism in the U.S. in response to Capital cronyism, the dissapearing American dream, and our own entitled wishful thinking.

2012-01-2650 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #185: Duncan on Relocalize VermontIn this episode, Duncan appears solo on a radio program called Relocalizing Vermont to talk about The KunstlerCast book and podcast and the influence that James Howard Kunstler has had on him. In this half-hour interview by Carl Etnier asks Duncan about the KunstlerCast came to be, why JHK alwasy seems to rip on Amory Lovins, the Y2K thing, and other topics. A caller from Britain asks about the prospects of re-villaging suburbia.

2011-12-1531 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #184: Fake Warrior CultureJames Howard Kunstler takes three listener calls all regarding different angles of professional sports and warrior culture.

2011-12-0832 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #180: Occupy EverythingJames Howard Kunstler shares his thoughts on the Occupy movement sweeping America. It's going to be a dark and difficult time ahead for the U.S. and JHK thinks we may be heading into a period of mischief this spring. But he has a lot of faith in the younger generation because they're not cynical and they truly want to live in a country they're capable of caring about.

2011-11-1024 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #179: The Long Emergency vs. NYC's Resurgency"The Long Emergency vs. NYC's Resurgency: A Debate about the Future of Cities" featuring Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Paul Steely White and author James Howard Kunstler. Jeff Olson of Alta Planning & Design moderates before an audience at Skidmore College. Oranized by Kim Marsella of the Skidmore Environmental Studies Department.

2011-11-031h 14

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #178: CNU Fireside Chat with JHKJames Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary join Congress for the New Urbanism CEO & President John Norquist for a "fireside chat" about new urbanism, the future of cities and other topics. This is a 25 minute excerpt from a one hour conversation that was original broadcast live over the Internet as part of the CNU membership drive. An archive recording of the full conversation is availble for listening for CNU City Builder members. For information, visit: CNU.org/membership.

2011-10-2729 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #173: Mexico CityTwelve years ago James Howard Kunstler visited Mexico City to write a chapter for his book "The City in Mind." He recently returned there to speak at a conference. In this podcast Jim shares his thoughts on the history, present state and future prospects for this major world city. Note: This episode includes cursewords.

2011-09-2252 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #171: The End of Growth - Part 2In the conclusion of this one-hour conversation, Richard Heinberg, author of "Peak Everything", "The Party's Over" and the newly published "The End of Growth" joins James Howard Kunstler by phone to talk about peak oil, financial dysfunction, the failures of industrial aggriculture and the coming problems of sububurbia. Heinberg also shares his thoughts on being labeled a "Doomer." Sponsor: http://postcarbon.org

2011-09-0117 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #170: The End of Growth - Part 1In part one of this one-hour conversation, Richard Heinberg, author of Peak Everything, The Party's Over and the newly published The End of Growth joins James Howard Kunstler by phone to talk about peak oil, financial dysfunction, political convulsions and generational conflict. Sponsor: PostCarbon.org

2011-08-2536 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #167: AUDIO ONLY - Picturing SuburbiaOriginally broadcast April, 2008: When James Howard Kunstler isn't railing against suburban sprawl, he's painting it. Vincent van Gogh painted the peasant sleeping by the haystack because he was living in a landscape populated by people. Our landscape is populated by cars. So, as a sur la motif painter of our time, Jim's subjects include cars on the road, gas stations and the industrial ruins of America's manufacturing past. Making this landscape legible on the canvas is a challenge, but it's also dangerous! An angry manager once told Jim that painting the Burger King is not allowed.

2011-08-0415 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #166: Bicycle SharingThis week James Howard Kunstler gets a much needed break from podcasting, while Duncan speaks to a representative of B-Cycle, a bicycle sharing company with programs through the U.S. Afterwards, Duncan tours Madison, Wisconsin on bike with a local guide and Matt Dellinger, author of Interstate 69 and blogger for WNYC’s Transportation Nation.

2011-07-2853 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #159: The Congress For the New UrbanismIn the first of many installments to come, Duncan updates James Howard Kunstler on the recent Congress For the New Urbanism, held June 1-6, 2011 in Madison, Wisc. The Congress for the New Urbanism is a professional association of planners, architects, developers, political leaders and activists who are committed to revitalizing cities and curb the continuation of sprawl. During this show, we hear from: Andres Duany, New Urbanist architec; Ed Glaeser, Harvard economist & author; U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-OR; Paul Soglin, mayor of Madison, Wisc.; Paul Minett, Ridesharing Institute; Will Allen, Wisconsin farmer and founder of Growing Power; Charles...

2011-06-0944 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #156: Osama & The Middle EastJames Howard Kunstler shares his thoughts about the caputure and destruction of Osama bin Laden and the future of U.S. relations in the Middle East. Sponsor: http://cnu19.org.

2011-05-1224 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #151: Energy DelusionsJames Howard Kunstler believes Americans and their leaders are lying to themselves about our current energy predicament. There is a tremendous body of fantasy about how much energy Americans can harvest from shale gas, shale oil, tar sands, running the American truck fleet on natural gas and other forms of alternative fuel for motoring. There is even one fantasy that an endless supply of abiotic oil is located in the earth’s core. Kunstler runs down the list and gives us the score.

2011-04-0723 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #150: Suburban Sprawl in the RustbeltJames Howard Kunstler reacts to a recent article from Rustwire.com titled "Michigan CEO: Soul-Crushing Sprawl Killing Business." Kunstler believes that the diminishing returns of suburbia are becoming self-evident to people of all walks of life, and this piece of writing is yet another example. He also corrects some of his previous comments about Detroit and the Eminem Chrysler ad. At the end of the program, Duncan plays some music by Michigan-based band Frontier Ruckus from their album "Deadmalls&Nightfalls."

2011-03-3143 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #148: Disaster in JapanAfter the recent earthquake and tsunami, James Howard Kunstler believes that Japan may be propelled into a much different society very quickly -- one that somewhat resemble his World Made By Hand vision. But JHK thinks that using less fossil fuel and dexomplexifying their society might be a good thing for Japan as it may give them a headstart down the road that other complex societies like the U.S. are heading anyway. Sponsor: http://postpeakliving.com

2011-03-1720 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #142: Forecast 2011James Howard Kunstler speaks about his annual forecast for 2011. Although there are a lot of people out there cheerleading for a "recovery," JHK believes it's time for a reset. He foresees food shortages, financial strain and political troubles ahead.

2011-01-2828 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #141: Interstate 69 with Matt DellingerJames Howard Kunstler is joined in the studio by author Matt Dellinger to discuss his new book, INTERSTATE 69. Also known as "The NAFTA Highway," I-69 is a proposed 1,400-mile mega-highway linking Canada to Mexico via the American heartland. This special one-hour conversation covers the economic development schemes, history, culture, conspiracy theories and colorful characters behind the story of what might be the last great American highway. Matt Dellinger has written for The New Yorker, the Atlantic, the Oxford American, the Wall Street Journal magazine, and the The New York Times. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, and blogs for...

2011-01-2155 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #139: Social CriticJames Howard Kunstler talks about his literary influences, including H.L. Mencken, Tom Wolfe and Samuel Beckett. He also explains the role of the social critic and how he separates his critic persona from his own personality. Lastly he muses on what he might like his legacy to be. This conversation, all about writing, is background information for a forthcoming KunstlerCast book.

2011-01-0741 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #138: A Christmas OrphanJames Howard Kunstler discusses and reads from his novella, A Christmas Orphan -- the story of a young boy from the big city who runs away on Christmas Eve to small-town Vermont. JHK explains how this story deals with many of the issues he writes about in his nonfiction commentary on our living arrangements of the late 20th and 21st centuries. A Christmas Orphan is available for purchase at http://Northshire.com. Music used by permission of IODA Promonet.

2010-12-1633 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #136: Perth, AustraliaJames Howard Kunstler reports on his recent trip to Perth, Australia. He joins host Duncan Crary by telephone during a long layover at the LAX aiport on the return trip. Kunstler found Perth to be a very pleasant city with good urbanism and public transit. And in spite of an enthusiasm for suruban development, the center city is very dense. However, he believes Australians may be caught off guard by the coming geopolitical changes of the Long Emergency.

2010-12-0343 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #135: Melbourne, AU Cont.James Howard Kunstler continues his discussion of Melbourne, Australia based on his recent visit to that country to speak at the VIC Urban conference. In this podcast, JHK touches upon the Australia housing bubble and the fate of suburiba there; the Australian economy, and geopolitical issues facing the Australia continent.

2010-11-2516 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #131: Portland, OregonJames Howard Kunstler discusses Portland, Oregon, an American city that did a lot of things right. Topics include: the urban growth boundary, architecture, transit and political attitudes.

2010-10-2947 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #130: SeattleJames Howard Kunstler shares his observations of Seattle based on his recent trip to that city. He believes that the Queen Anne Hill neighborhood gives one an idea of what the best of American urbanism can be, inspite of some clunky housing types. Though downtown is active and fairly pleasant, JHK has ominous feelings about the future of its many glass apartment towers. Kunstler also describes the Capitol Hill neighborhood, University District, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. He talks about riding the bus and the lessons we can learn from the lame monorail. Seattle is also home to...

2010-10-2142 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #129: GamblingJames Howard Kunstler examines the last ditch effort of some states to try to generate revenue through casinos. Kunstler believes gambling is a marginal activity that states should not be pushing into the mainstream. Also featured in this episode is a short clip from JHK's one hour interview on KBOO public radio in Portland, Ore.

2010-10-1414 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #127: The Tragedy of the CommonsJames Howard Kunstler explains the Tragedy of the Commons, as first described by Garrett Hardin in 1968, as how this philosophical theory relates to the public realm, suburbia, private property, commerce, environmentalism and concepts of freedom. This episode also includes a short radio story produced by MichiganNow.org featuring a walking tour by JHK in Bay City, Michigan. Special thanks to http://www.michigannow.org/

2010-09-3035 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #126: The Disservice Industry & The Next Manhattan ProjectJames Howard Kunstler joins Duncan by phone from his hotel room in New Orleans. Their conversation moves from Dearborn, Michigan to the failings of the airline industry, to Burlington, Vt., to the potential of Thorium, the so-called "green" nuclear energy source, to the Boomer generation's parting gift to future generations.

2010-09-2440 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #124: The American VacationJames Howard Kunstler muses on The American Vacation and why the act of vacationing in American has become so stressful and unpleasant. He also shares his observations on Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, three states he visited during his own recent vacation. Kunstler doesn't believe that motor-based tourism will be around for much longer...and that's probably a good thing.

2010-09-0343 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #123: The Witch of HebronJournalist/Author Peter Golden interviews James Howard Kunstler about The Witch of Hebron, the second novel in Kunstler's World Made By Hand series. Without giving away any major plot points, Golden explores the major themes in this Autumn story set in a world after the lights have flickered out and the oil has dried up. Topics include: the rule of law, the importance of ritual holidays, and the role of religion in a tight-knit community. In this novel, Kunstler has revealed more about the circumstances that have placed his characters in a world without modernity. Golden aks if Kunstler...

2010-08-2739 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast: The Witch of Hebron, Chapter ThirteenJames Howard Kunstler reads Chapter 13 from his post-oil novel The Witch of Hebron (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2010). Music: "Duck River," performed by Matt Brown. Used by permission. Available for purchase through 5-String Productions. http://www.5-string.com

2010-08-2607 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast: The Witch of Hebron, Chapter OneJames Howard Kunstler reads the first chapter of his post-oil novel The Witch of Hebron (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2010). Music: "McCully's Waltz," performed by Ed Lowman & John Kirk, recorded specially for the World Made By Hand series.

2010-08-2613 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast: The Witch of Hebron, Chapter Thirty-EightAuthor James Howard Kunstler reads Chapter Thirty-Eight from his post-oil novel, The Witch of Hebron (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2010). Music: "Sweet Rosey Cheeks," performed by Ed Lowman & John Kirk, recorded specially for the World Made By Hand series.

2010-08-2605 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #122: A Grand WobbleJames Howard Kunstler takes a look at the systematic failures of our finanical future and the efforts by the U.S. government to sustain the unsustainable.

2010-08-1949 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #121: Modern Family LivingJames Howard Kunstler muses on the suburban family living arrangement--past, present, future. Points of discussion include: adult kids living at home, caring for seniors, living in closer proximity to family members.

2010-08-1232 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #117: Berlin James Howard Kunstler reports on his recent visit to Berlin, Germany...the one place where people know how to pronounce his name correctly. Thirteen years ago, James Howard Kunstler traveled to Berlin, Germany to research a chapter for his third nonfiction book, The City in Mind. On his recent trip, he discovered that the place has healed remarkably over the past decade. Of course he had to go check in on the Führerbunker which is now the site of one of Berlin's few surface parking lots. JHK notes that history is a great prankster and therefore it's no s...

2010-06-2441 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #115: AtlantaJames Howard Kunstler shares his observations from a recent visit to Atlanta, Ga.

2010-06-1026 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #114: Agrarian UrbanismJames Howard Kunstler recently returned from the 18th Annual Congress for the New Urbanism. Agrarian urbanism was a hot topic among many New Urbanists at the Congress and in this episode Kunstler takes the time to explore the topic of food production in cities. Rising energy prices and poor growing weather may lead to global food shortages, but JHK believes that the idea of feeding the U.S. population with rooftop gardens and skyscraper terrariums is absurd. Gardening and even raising certain animals in the city was a normal part of urban life before World War II and we...

2010-06-0321 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #113: Pit Bulls in the China ShopUsing the example of a recent gimmick to allow dogs into the stores in downtown Saratoga Springs, James Howard Kunstler examines the topic of decorum in the public realm. JHK believes that Americans struggle with boundary issues and evaluating appropriate behavior, which may explain the increased presence of pet dogs in inappropriate venues. Vicious dogs, which have become the latest "urban" accessory, add an even more troubling dynamic to the streetscape. The situation gets worse when dog owners leave their pet's droppings in the sidewalk. Kunstler notes that dogs have always played a role in city life, but now...

2010-05-2725 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #112: The Politics of PlaceJames Howard Kunstler examines the politics of place. Are the suburbs more conservative than cities? Why are people who try to conserve the historic fabric of their towns branded as radical liberals, while the agents of destruction in those towns call themselves "conservative?" What is the historical relationship between political ideas and the places where they originate from? JHK addresses these questions in today's episode. Sponsor: http://audiblepodcast.com/kunstler

2010-05-2029 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #111: BrutalismJames Howard Kunstler explains the origins of brutalism, the modernist architectural style that resulted in the horrible, poured concrete bunker-like buildings found all across the world. JHK explains why these concrete buildings age more rapidly, and less gracefully, than Roman concrete buildings. He also tells the story of how Hitler inspired (indirectly) these despotic structures. Specific examples of brutalist buildings discussed in this episode are: Boston City Hall, Troy City Hall, the Paul Rudolph building at Yale University and The Third Church of Christ, Scientist, in Washington, D.C.

2010-05-1347 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #110: Human ScaleJames Howard Kunstler explains what it means to build to the human scale and how our modern built environment fails to do this.

2010-05-0631 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #109: Rock and Roll James Howard Kunstler shares some stories from his days writing for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s. He reflects on the role that technology played in creating the mind-blowing music that defined a generation. He also wonders about the future of popular music as we head into the Long Emergency.

2010-04-2938 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #108: The Virtual Realm vs. The AuthenticJames Howard Kunstler believes that the virtual is not an adequate replacement for the authentic. In spite of how appealing and ingenious we may find virtual life, it is not as good as real life. Kunstler calls the Internet "the world's most amazing distraction from reality that has ever been invented" and he notes that it appeared just at a time when we are in desperate need to attend to the major troubles facing our society. Online spaces now serve as our "third place," but that often occurs at the expense of our tangible public realm. Kunstler says the...

2010-04-2243 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #107: Sprawl DefendersThis conversation was recorded one day before James Howard Kunstler was scheduled to debate Randal O'Toole at Brown University in Providence, RI. O'Toole is a well-known advocate for the suburban living arrangement. Host Duncan Crary chats with JHK about the pro-suburbia arguments in preparation for the debate. JHK refutes some of the major arguments used by sprawl defenders, including the notions that sprawl is good because people choose it and that sprawl represents liberty. JHK also notes that while the infrastructure required to deliver suburbia is extremely subsidized with government money, many sprawl defenders argue against public transportation because...

2010-04-1553 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #106: Space ExplorationAs NASA prepares to retire its space shuttle program, James Howard Kunstler takes a few moments to muse on the past, present and future of space exploration. Personally, JHK is glad that our government is cutting funding for space exploration. He's not sure what the 20th Century fiesta of technology accomplished anyway. On the topic of space colonization, Kunstler says he fears that humans will make the rest of the universe as bad as Hackensack, New Jersey. He also touches upon the issues of resource exploitation, offloading surplus population, and the wishful thinking that lies behind the space exploration...

2010-04-0833 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #105: Virtual Tour of Baltimore - Part 2James Howard Kunstler continues his virtual "walking" tour/commentary of Baltimore, Maryland. In this tour, he inspects the light rail system, the water taxi and market place in historic Fell's Point neighborhood, and a new urbanist-influenced condo-harbor district. He concludes the tour at the Legg Mason building, a particularly bad skyscraper where JHK delivered a breakfast talk recently to a group of community stakeholders. Kunstler considers buildings like this to be a future liability as energy supplies grow scarce. Sponsor: www.cnu18.org

2010-04-0143 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #104: Virtual Tour of Baltimore - Part 1James Howard Kunstler sometimes thinks of Baltimore, Maryland as the poster child for how cities are going to contract in this country and around the world as we enter into a new energy era. In many ways, Kunstler says Baltimore is a very damaged city, but there are some parts of it that are quite interesting fun and heartening. During this episode, JHK gives a virtual tour of B'more using Google Street view. Before zooming in, however, he takes a moment to appreciate the geography of the Cheasapeak Bay system and to discuss the history and possible future of...

2010-03-2538 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #103: Parking Militants and Hot HeadsJames Howard Kunstler is sometimes propelled into "mad dog mode" when speaking about the modern American landscape. But tempers fly on all sides of these urban policy debates. And there are many times when the only sane response is to be angry about what we've done to the North American landscape over the past 50 years. In this conversation, JHK explores the heightened emotions that erupt over the issue of parking in small cities and towns. Community leaders across the country still believe that motoring and car storage will be the determining factor in everything. But JHK thinks that one...

2010-03-1854 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #102: Building the FutureJames Howard Kunstler believes that one way or another, we're going to end up living in a very different daily environment than the one we're used to. In this episode, he discusses the future of building materials. JHK doesn't believe that we'll continue to use the same "jive plastic" production home building materials and techniques in the future. He's been thinking a lot about how we're going to re-orient the building trades to use less exotic materials and fewer fabricated, mass-produced items. He describes the diminishing returns of fake cladding materials and snap-together home kits. He ponders the re-use...

2010-03-1153 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #101: Climate ChangeJames Howard Kunstler answers a listener call about the relationship between climate change and peak oil.

2010-03-0431 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #100: Rochester NYJames Howard Kunstler is pleasantly surprised by Rochester, N.Y., a small industrial city in the Great Lakes region. The first portion of this program features two of JHK's former classmates who share stories about Jim's college days. The bulk of the show includes a driving tour of Rochester NY with JHK.

2010-02-1944 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #99: Big Slide Q & AJames Howard Kunstler answers questions from cast members and the audience who attended the staged reading of "Big Slide," an original three-act by JHK.

2010-02-1216 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #98: Big Slide - Acts 2, 3On today's podcast, we present the conclusion of "Big Slide," an original three-act play by James Howard Kunstler. Set in the autumn of an unspecified near-future year, at an Adirondack "great camp," this is the story of three generations of the Freeman family who have taken refuge from New York and Boston during a severe national political maelstrom. Though we are never fully apprised of the exact nature of this event, it appears that a coup d'etat has occurred in the White House and local militias have risen up all over the nation in response. The estate at Big...

2010-02-0457 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #97: Big Slide - Act 1On today's podcast, we present the first act of "Big Slide," an original three-act play by James Howard Kunstler. Set in the autumn of an unspecified near-future year, at an Adirondack "great camp," this is the story of three generations of the Freeman family who have taken refuge from New York and Boston during a severe national political maelstrom. Though we are never fully apprised of the exact nature of this event, it appears that a coup d'etat has occurred in the White House and local militias have risen up all over the nation in response. The estate at...

2010-01-291h 04

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #96: Road TripJames Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary hit the open road to bring you these audio postcards from the NYS Thruway on their way to Rochester. To pass the time, they discuss the American experience of the road trip, the future of the small forlorn cities they pass along the way, the enterprise of downhill skiing, and how life in upstate New York has colored Kunstler's worldview as an author and commentator. Sponsor: Cultivatis, a full service land planning and consulting firm that integrates agriculture and resource conservation into every project. Core services include: agricultural urbanism; sustainable food...

2010-01-2133 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #95: Where We're At '09James Howard Kunstler takes a moment to examine where we're at as a culture at the end of 2009. JHK shares his thought process leading up to his 2010 annual forecast. Topics include healthcare, economics and foreign affairs.

2009-12-3149 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #94: Disneyfication of AmericaJames Howard Kunstler explains the story behind Disneyland, Disney World, and Walt Disney's legacy on the American built environment.

2009-12-2458 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #93: College Campuses James Howard Kunstler discusses the built environment on the American college campus and how modernist ideas about architecture are programming young people to become cynical. Kunstler talks about some of the ugliest campuses in the country, as well as some of the best. Even some of the best beaux arts Ivy league campuses have been thrashed by starchitecture, parking lots, and "diversity monomania." Sponsor: PostPeakLiving.com [Note to re-broadcasters: This show contains one curse word at 12:57 and 26:09]

2009-12-1752 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #92: Long Emergency US Tour -Part 2In this in part two of this discussion, James Howard Kunstler predicts how various regions of the United States will fare during the coming energy crisis that he anticipates. Kunstler refers to the coming crisis as "The Long Emergency." In this half of the discussion, Kunstler discusses: the Great Plains, the Upper Midwest, the Mid Atlantic and New England. He also talks about issues with fresh water scarcity. Sponsor: www.postpeakliving.com

2009-12-1034 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #91: Long Emergency US Tour -Part 1In this in installment, James Howard Kunstler predicts how various regions of the United States will fare during the coming energy crisis that he anticipates. Kunstler refers to the coming crisis as "The Long Emergency." In the first part of this discussion, Kunstler discusses: the Southern States, the Southwest, the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies. A listener caller reacts to the Happy Motoring podcast and Duncan closes the show with the Esso Happy Motoring song.

2009-12-0327 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #90: The Demise of Happy MotoringJames Howard Kunstler believes that the Happy Motoring project is running out of time. Peak Oil and problems with alternative energy aren't the only issues facing future motorists. He thinks that car ownership will become less democratic in the future as cars become too expensive to buy without the current financing options. Kunstler dismisses Christopher Steiner's "$20 Per Gallon" book for assuming that an orderly procession of events will take us from $3 per gallon to $20. The conversation naturally leads to a discussion of NASCAR, which Kunstler views as a particularly pathetic reincarnation of Roman chariot races that serve to preoccupy...

2009-11-2650 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #89: Everyday ArchitectureJames Howard Kunstler thinks that most modern buildings are not really architecture, they're just manufactured boxes. Whether it's suburban houses, or retail stores, the buildings of our everyday environment send the message that we don't care about ourselves or our surroundings. Kunstler tackles cartoon eateries, reflective glass office buildings, and otherwise good new urban buildings that lack proper ornamentation. We hear from a listener caller in Pittsburgh at the end of the show. Note: curseword at 35:18 mins Sponsors: Chelsea Green, publisher of James McCommons' "Waiting on a Train" ( http://chelseagreen.com) and Post Peak Living...

2009-11-1947 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #88: In GeneralJames Howard Kunstler speaks about the role of generalists in a world of hyper specialists. Although hyper-specialists are experts in their narrow fields, their work is often disregardful of the larger picture. Traffic engineers, for example, can move huge numbers of cars extremely efficiently, using fine-tuned formulas for curve ratios and grades, but their final product often makes downtowns un-walkable for pedestrians. A sense of hyper-individualism in U.S. culture is another obstacle that stands in the way of thinking about our society and its problems in general terms. At the close of the show, a listener shares his...

2009-11-1224 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #87: BostonJames Howard Kunstler thinks Boston is one of the few healthy major cities left in the U.S. He says gentrification has been a good thing for the city. He is disappointed with the outcome of Boston's "big dig" project, though. When the city finally placed a major elevated expressway underground, Boston squandered a great opportunity to repair the street-and-block fabric that the highway had previously disrupted. Instead, so-called environmentalists succeeded in advocating for a half-assed, nebulous "green space." On the subject of ugly architecture, Kunstler says the MIT area in nearby Cambridge is the ugliest academic neighborhood in...

2009-11-0524 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #86: The High LineJames Howard Kunstler discusses two major projects that have recently turned 19th century railroad structures into parks: the High Line in lower Manhattan and the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The High Line is a unique park in New York City, built upon a former elevated rail line that used to bring trains through buildings. Although the High Line gives reprieve to New Yorkers, Kunstler finds it to be an accidental freak of urban nature. We would benefit more from the deliberate creation of beautifully designed streets and boulevards at grade level. The Walkway Over the...

2009-10-2934 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #85: Is NYC The Green Metropolis?Inspired by David Owen's book "Green Metropolis," James Howard Kunstler examines the idea of Manhattan as a "green" city. Kunstler believes that, during his lifetime, New York has never been in as good shape as it is now. But he also thinks it will never be in as good shape again. Financial and energy problems in the future may turn our newest skyscrapers into one-generation buildings, outlandish monuments built during the twilight of an empire. Of all the boroughs, Kunstler thinks Brooklyn may fare the best because of its higher quality urban fabric. Sponsor: http://www.grinningplanet...

2009-10-2238 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast# 84: Urban ThinkersJames Howard Kunstler believes that urban design will be the next big philosophical battle for the hearts and minds of Americans. One of the most important tasks we will face is determining the size, scale and shape of the 21st Century city. Kunstler says current cities are not scaled to the energy realities of the future. We must downscale, reform and de-automobilze our cities. Urban thinkers and urban planners will serve as our guides throughout that process. In this episode, Kunstler returns to the list of top 100 urban thinkers complied by Planetizen.com to discuss some of the top...

2009-10-1527 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #82: Food in a World Made By HandIn this week's episode, listener Frank Aragona of the Agroinnovations Podcast asks James Howard Kunstler to talk about the role of food in Jim's post-peak oil novel World Made By Hand. Although the characters in the novel must overcome many obstacles, the food that they eat is delicious in general and is a vast improvement to the current American diet. Aragona thinks that perhaps food is the triumphant element in the novel. Kunstler talks about how horrendous spectacl and the tragic results that the fast food nation has brought about. He also speaks about the lost ceremony of eating...

2009-10-0131 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #81: Los AngelesJames Howard Kunstler shares his thoughts on Los Angeles, California after a recent visit to Tinseltown. The motoring infrastructure of Los Angeles stretches from horizon to horizon. It is a provisional civilization in which all is subordinate to the car. However, Kunstler believes Los Angeles is more urban than people assume. He was particularly surprised by the pleasant side streets of West Hollywood. But Kunstler wonders how well Los Angeles would fare after even a minor disruption to the supply of cheap gasoline. Sponsor: New Society Publishers. NewSociety.com

2009-09-2434 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #80: White and Green RooftopsProfessor Steven Chu, the US Energy Secretary, is advocating for people to paint their rooftops white in order to save on energy and to cut down on global warming. James Howard Kunstler reacts to this idea and also addresses the topic of rooftop gardens, or "green" roofs. This week's podcast is sponsored by New Society Publishers http://newsociety.com

2009-09-1718 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #79: Packing for FranceA Listener caller asks James Howard Kunstler if now is a good time to emigrate from the U.S. to France. During his response, Kunstler poses the question: exactly what allegiance do you owe to your country if your country is making a foolish spectacle of itself? Kunstler explains why he himself has not packed his bags for Europe. And he covers the possibility of regional autonomy arising in the U.S. if various energy, climate, political and financial crises push us in that direction. Warning: This episode contains explicit language. Times: 5:13, 21:09, 22:15, 22:24. Today's sponsor is...

2009-09-1030 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #78: Litter & Pollution James Howard Kunstler says one reason why American cities are so dirty is because we do not have a firm agreement about how to treat the public realm in this country. He believes that people will literally trash a place that they don't like or respect. And a lot of American space is difficult to respect. While suburbia contains meticulously groomed private yards, the public highways are often lined with impressive amounts of trash on the shoulder. On a larger scale, many corporations treat the American landscape with a similar disregard. While Kunstler believes that large scale pollution from...

2009-09-0340 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #77: Idiocracy James Howard Kunstler believes that stupid Americans are exerting their political and cultural tyranny over the rest of us. No other society has produced a larger group of stupid people with as much money and means to express their thoughts, pleasures, ideas, biases, delights, and hatreds in things that can be broadcast, built or in some way imposed on other people. Those who object to this situation are called elitist, he says. JHK also explores the diminishing returns of information technology and the Internet.

2009-08-2726 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #76: Man CavesA "man cave" discovered in a government complex made national news earlier this month. Eminent new urbanist planner Andres Duany was prompted to speak out in defense of the man cave and "male space" in general, which he sees as a disappearing habitat in modern America. James Howard Kunstler and host Duncan Crary listen to a recording of Duany's "The Dilemma of Male Space" and further explore the concept of male space. Not only does Kunstler believe that male space is disappearing in suburbia, but he thinks adult space in general is endangered. Info at http://kunstlercast.com

2009-08-2038 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #75: Jet Skis in the WildernessEven during a recession, Americans are pouring into our nation's "wilderness areas" with jet skis and cigarette boats in tow. After returning home from a visit to the Adirondack Mountains of New York, James Howard Kunstler serves up some thoughts on the gas guzzling toys we use to get off on in nature. Although we have a residual memory of what the American wilderness used to be like before World War II, the reality of our "nature areas" today is much different. Plastic weenie stands, ice cream emporiums and gift shops have invaded the woods. But Kunstler believes the...

2009-08-1332 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #74: Electric SocietyJames Howard Kunstler explores the possibility of transitioning our society from fossil fuels to one that runs on electricity. This discussion is based on ideas presented in an episode of NOVA titled "Car of the Future" (Season 33, Episode 3). This episode of the KunstlerCast is sponsored by The Stakeholders, Inc.

2009-08-0634 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #73: The Horse Latitudes of Our EconomyJames Howard Kunstler believes that the consumer credit economy is over and that we are now moving on to the next phase of the U.S. economy. Kunstler provides some historical context on our current global economy and muses on the relationship between over-complexity and diminishing returns, which he believes is the "hallmark of all civilizations that come to grief."

2009-07-3033 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #72: Sprawling to ObesityThis May, the Committee on Environmental Health of the American Academy of Pediatrics confirmed that the design of U.S. communities (i.e. car-dependent suburbia) negatively affects the health of children (i.e. makes them obese). James Howard Kunstler explores the relationship between suburban sprawl and the declining health of Americans. SPONSORSHIP INFO: This week's sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for the post peak oil world. Use "KunstlerCast" as your discount code.

2009-07-2330 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #71: DoomersJames Howard Kunstler and other commentators are often called "doomers" for their seemingly bleak outlook for modern society after the peak of oil production. Kunstler gives a brief introduction to other "doomer" authors, including Dmitri Orlov, John Michal Greer, Jay Hanson, and James Lovelock. Though Kunstler rejects the doomer label, he does believe that we are involved in a human system that needs to be severely pruned. He believes that resurrection and redemption are great themes in the human story and that civilization has a few more cycles to go.

2009-07-1631 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast Grunt: JackoJames Howard Kunstler joins host Duncan Crary for a quick KunstlerCast "grunt" to react to the recent death of pop star Michael Jackson. Kunstler thinks Michael Jackson represents many of the bad choices that America made about itself and also its difficulty in telling the truth about it. To read Kunstler's recent obituary for Jackson, visit http://kunstler.com/blog. The KunstlerCast will return in full next Thursday on July 16.

2009-07-0902 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #70: Commercial and Corporate Art in PublicJames Howard Kunstler takes a look at various types of public artwork on display in Troy NY, a small American city. Kunstler notes that many public murals in America attempt to put a human face in places where people are noticeably absent. He notices that 20th century commercial advertisements painted on building exteriors exhibit more skill than most 21st century "art." He analyzes a painted steel, corporate sculpture that adorns the public face of glass box corporate building. He also discusses the role that formal statues play in adorning public squares. Visit http://KunstlerCast.com to view photographs.

2009-06-2524 min

KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century KunstlerCast #69: Public Art and Public EyesoresJames Howard Kunstler discusses public art in our cities and towns. Modern public art often lacks artistry and is an ironic representation of our 21st century junk empire. But Kunstler says we don't need any more irony. We need a dignified public realm. Instead of engaging amateurs and children to splash paint on the blank walls of publicly facing buildings, we need to stop creating blank walls in the first place. Even the skilled work of professional muralists often results in little more than a neurotic attempt to give our deactivated streets the appearance of life, when the real...

2009-06-1823 min