Shows
The Urban Phoenix PodcastStreet Closures Are Suddenly The RageCovid-19 has thrust our nation into a paralyzing reality... but the re-dedication of car space to people might be just the thing out cities need2020-07-2406 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastBike Infrastructure Sends A MessageEven if it’s seldom used, bike infrastructure sends a clear message to everyone that two-wheeled transportation is welcome2020-06-0206 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Quietly Splintered World Of CyclingFor the most part, cyclists want the same thing... safer streets, better infrastructure, more advocacy. But within bike culture is a vast array of different reasons for riding on two wheels. The infighting between these groups is crippling the effort to improve cycling for everyone2020-06-0110 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastFor E-Scooters, Ownership Will Mean LegitimacyThe shared model has brought the E-Scooter into the light. Now it’s time to legitimize them with ownership2020-05-1016 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastDriving Is A Privilege, Not A RightAmericans have become blind to the privilege of driving, so much so that driving is almost seen as an American right.2020-05-0709 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastIsn’t This What We’ve Wanted?At some point... and maybe quite often... we have wished for a simpler time. We have wished for fewer distractions or more time with our families, or the ability to work from home. Now that many of us have these things, how much of this time will we take with us going forward!2020-05-0507 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastA Small Biz Pivots To Help In This Difficult Time: An Interview With Teagan White, from JN WhiteA company that makes membrane switches, graphic overlays, and custom labels in Perry, New York is now making over 100,000 face shields per day to help front line workers combat Covid-19. Customer Service Manager Teagan White talks about the mission of JN White to help protect us in this time!2020-05-0218 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastUrbanists Are TranslatorsPeople are inherently drawn to attractive urban environments. It’s our job as urbanists to inform them WHY these places make them feel good2020-04-3017 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWill The Threat Of Vandalism Hinder Urban Automation?We are at the point where the ability to automate anything from park maintenance to public transit is a reality. But will the lack of an authority figure welcome vandalism and illegal activity?2020-04-2309 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Reduction In Pollution As A Result Of The CoronavirusIf there is a positive result of shutting down our economies, it’s the short term environmental relief our planet is experiencing2020-04-2314 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastRemote Work Will Change Urban DesignEven after the Coronavirus pandemic is mitigated, remote work will continue to rise. Cities should be thinking about what that means now, rather than later.2020-04-1911 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastI’ve Gained 6 Pounds Not Biking To WorkI had lost 17 pounds, until the Coronavirus caused me to work from home. Now that I’m not biking to work every day, I’ve quickly gained 6 pounds back.2020-04-1613 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastNow More Than Ever, Billionaires Need To Be LeadersIn 2018, the country’s richest man donated 0.1% of his net worth. Now more than ever, we need our economic leaders to do just that... lead.2020-04-1417 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Interstate Highway System Changed EverythingYes, the Interstate Highway System destroyed regional transit, but it also spelled the end of local transit too... and our cities would never be the same2020-04-1215 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastRochester Lost Bike Share... For Now.Zagster/Pace has pulled out of Rochester. Another company will take its place in the future. The important thing to remember is this is not our fault.2020-04-1117 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastA Car-Light America Is HereWith far less traffic on the roads during this time of social distancing, now is our time to truly see what it’s like to live walk and bike along a busy road and feel comfortable2020-04-1009 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhy Don’t We Have Balconies?We’ve seen the videos of entire communities singing from balconies in Spain and Italy while in quarantine. Why don’t we see this in US cities?2020-04-1009 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastAn Interview With Rochester’s Maria FurgiueleMaria is the Executive Director of the Community Design Center of Rochester. We talk about quality urban design, public space, transit, balconies, and the future for our cities in the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic2020-04-0223 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Fate Of Public Transit In A Time Of Social DistancePublic transit is taking it at the shins during this time of social distancing. And understandably so. How will these uncertain times change public transit forever?2020-04-0121 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhat Will Our Cities Look Like?Just weeks ago, our cities were trending back to walkable places with restaurants, bars and shops. Will that vision ever be a reality again?2020-03-3015 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastAn Interview With Utica’s Stephen KeblishStephen and I talk about Utica, Urbanism, small city life, the importance of livability and Stephen’s service in the National Guard... and more!2020-03-2831 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Best Last Mile Has Been Here All AlongI’m 39 years old. This year, I taught myself how to skateboard. While learning requires an incredible amount of patience, I can now say that this is the best last mile transportation option ever created.2020-03-2812 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastAn Interview With “Crafty” Mask Maker Rachel WalshRochester’s Rachel Walsh is deeply rooted in the arts, crafting, music, theater and general creativity. Today, she’s using her talents to make masks in an effort to mitigate these difficult times.2020-03-2619 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastAn Interview with Sandusky Ohio Assistant City Planner, Tom HorsmanTom talks about his journey to an Urbanist life in the small city of Sandusky2020-03-2524 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastAn Interview With Rochester’s Jeremy CooneyJeremy Cooney was born in an Indian orphanage, and raised by a single mother in the City of Rochester. Today, he is a lawyer and the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for the NYS Senate, District 562020-03-2233 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastA Hopeful Outcome From The CoronavirusOur lives are about to change dramatically. My hope is that it’s only temporary. Here’s another hope that I have...2020-03-1310 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastNarcissism And The Four Way Stop: A Lesson For Our CitiesA study shows us that the more expensive/newer the car, the more the driver is likely to drive through the intersection out of turn. It’s a metaphor for wealth in our cities today2020-03-1104 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastCar Crashes, Coronavirus & Public Health PrioritiesThe Coronavirus is a serious health epidemic, and it’s one we are taking very seriously as a society. But other solvable public health issues that kill tens of thousands of Americans go unaddressed2020-03-1117 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Seldom Appreciated Benefits Of WalkingRarely to we realize the health benefits of walking. The obesity epidemic in our country is, in part, due to the fact that our communities are rarely built for walking. Dense urban areas are the exception2020-03-1007 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastPedestrian Malls In Midsized Cities? Not So Fast...Pedestrian malls sound awesome and they are, but historically they have not always performed well in the USA. Here are some thoughts on how to take a “middle ground” or incremental approach to this subject2020-03-0815 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastSame City, Different Cultural NarrativesA recent Grist.org article highlights how different cultural narratives of the same event in Detroit can have deeply “rooted” effects in how we see our cities today. You can find the article here https://buff.ly/2VJ7fRA2020-03-0814 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastMicro Mobility & The Volatility Of Venture CapitalThe popular electric skateboard company Boosted Boards abruptly went belly-up last week, raising fears that other similar companies may eventually follow suit. While venture capital companies have added flare to urban life, there are serious questions about the sustainability of this funding method2020-03-0717 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastMicro Mobility And A Short Trip To BuffaloI spend 4 hours in Buffalo a few weeks ago... with nothing other than a skateboard.2020-03-0714 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastHow Our Cities Became Corporations lGovernment policy and suburban subsidies ruined our cities’ financial status... their only recourse was to function like corporations.2020-02-2118 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastOverestimating The Economic Impact Of Sports TeamsWe love our local teams... but in most cases, we highly inflate the economic impact they have on local economies2020-02-1213 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastPreservationism Versus New UrbanismWhile it’s important to preserve the history of our landmarks and districts, we cannot preserve every building and every neighborhood. Doing so leads to higher living costs and exclusivity2020-02-1114 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastFastest and Most Exclusive: An American Transportation ProblemOur country has been built around the car and the airplane, that fastest and most exclusive forms of mobility2020-02-0815 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastUtica: More Parking Won’t Improve Your CommunityA recent opinion piece by the Utica Observer Dispatch calls for more parking in order to create a more accessible downtown. But great cities aren’t suburbs, and thus are not made better by more automobile access2020-02-0613 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastScary Spaces: The Places Where Walkers and Cyclists Feel ForgottenAnyone who walks or bikes for transportation knows the feeling of anxiety when approaching those spaces that are designed for cars2020-02-0213 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWelcoming Outside InvestmentThere’s a lot of money coming out of New York City. Our Upstate cities have the potential to tap into this tremendous exodus of wealth2020-01-3115 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Importance Of Promoting Chaos in Urban “Order”Order sounds good in our cities, until we realize that order usually means stratification and strict prioritization that favors one population over another2020-01-3117 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastBike Commuting, Group Rides & LegitimacyI love group rides, recreational cyclists and any reason people get on two wheels. But building true legitimacy and infrastructure means talking about bike commuting first and foremost2020-01-1813 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastBreweries: The Sure-Thing ActivatorFew things activate desolate urban landscapes like breweries. We need to start appreciating just how important they’ve been with regard to change in our cities2020-01-1812 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastIf You Lived Here, You’d Be Home By Now: A Book Review, An Urbanist’s RebuttalRecently I read a nice book titled “If Your Were Here You’d Be Home By Now” by Christopher Ingraham. While I enjoyed the read, there are some interesting things the author misses with regard to the breadth of urbanism and the conversations surrounding the urban/rural construct2020-01-1524 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview with Utica Superfan Ken SmithSometimes I interview urbanists. Sometimes I interview business owners. This interview? This is about a man who truly loves his city, and does everything he can to help others realize that love too.2020-01-1411 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastA Man Tried To Hit Me With His CarLast week while biking with my coworker to work, a man tried to intimidate and drive into us with his car, completely unprovoked2020-01-0411 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastDo Urbanist Publications Really Speak To Midsized Cities?CityLab and Streetsblog are amazing online publications that address Urbanist issues... but do they really address the issues of small-to-midsized metros?2019-12-3120 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhen Did Cycling Become a Liberal Thing?Bikes have been associated with a liberal construct, when in fact they personify some of the most basic Republican ideals...2019-12-2312 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastFairport NY: Blending Suburban Feel With A Micro-Urban TwistFairport, New York is a small suburb of Rochester, my home city. There, a mix of suburban life and an amazingly walkable downtown has created a beautiful blend of small town with a hint of urbanity2019-12-2116 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastTaking Comfort With Us: How Earbuds Are Helping Our Cities ThriveA follow up to my latest blog piece, earbuds and smart phones are allowing people who might not otherwise be comfortable with city life a chance to adapt2019-12-1914 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastCities Must Keep MovingCities don’t do well when they stand still. Investment, movement and development must be constant. Unlike their suburban counterparts, cities thrive on fluidity and change2019-12-1120 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhen Transit WorksI had an amazing transit experience couple weekends ago on a short trip to Buffalo. It made me think about what it would be like if transit worked conveniently and efficiently in this country!2019-12-1113 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastStop Telling Is Beg Buttons Don’t Work!In the last few years, major publications have been telling us that those buttons you push to activate the “walk” sign at an intersection don’t work. This might be true in major metros, but for the rest of America, the are very much alive and well, unfortunately.2019-12-0715 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThree Weeks On An Electric BikeI’ve owned my Sondors E-Bike for 3 weeks. Here’s my take...2019-11-2411 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThoughts On Schenectady, NYRecently, I revisited Schenectady, New York. Here’s my take on this emerging center of Micro Urbanity2019-11-2216 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastTalking Schenectady With Haley ViccaroHaley Viccaro is the communications director for New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, former writer for The Daily Gazette in Schenectady, NY, and current Schenectady resident2019-11-1918 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastTalking Geneva, NY and Small City Development With Matt HornFormer Geneva City Manager Matt Horn talks about the intricacies of small city revitalization.2019-11-1619 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhy Is It So Important For Amtrak To Make A Profit?Recent reports show that Amtrak is poised to do something it’s never done... Make a profit. So why, when every form of transportation is government subsidized, is this key for rail in the U.S.?2019-11-1519 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastTalking Utica NY, State Grants and Urban Revitalization With Joseph WicksJoseph Wicks is a special project manager at the Community Foundation of Herkimer/Oneida Counties. Today I asked him about the $10 million state grant in Utica, huge economic projects on the horizon and how our cities can collaborate to create a strong roadmap for the future. NOTE: This is a remote podcast (with me in Rochester and Mr. Wicks in Central NY)... the sound is not outstanding, but I hope the content trumps the quality!2019-11-1415 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastFive Years Of The Urban PhoenixA look back at what started this journey 5 years ago!2019-11-1017 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview With Transit Apparel’s Matt RogersMatt Rogers doesn’t just make t-shirts, he tells a story of a city or neighborhood with every design he creates. Check out TransitApparel.com to see his work2019-11-1025 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastDon’t Disparage Our CityA recent New York Post article calling Rochester “Grim and Depressing” has me fired up2019-11-0708 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastSmall MovesWe don’t need everyone to sell their car and move from their suburban homes into city apartments... we just need to help everyone take small steps2019-11-0610 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview With Rochester Cycling Advocate Jesse PeersJesse and I talk about bike infrastructure, advocacy, attitude and more2019-11-0614 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastRedefining FreedomWhat used to be symbols of American freedom, like attaining a license, are quickly becoming a burden2019-11-0428 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThree Reasons I Bike In The RainPeople often ask me why I ride to work in the rain when I had a perfectly good car. Here’s my answer.2019-11-0213 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview With Rochester Community Cyclist Laura MackLaura and I talk about cycling in our communities, bike infrastructure, the challenges women face with cycling today and the fun of group riding opportunities2019-10-3115 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview With Civil Engineer Nicholas RussoNicholas Russo is a civil engineer from Pittsfield Massachusetts, and the creator of ThePittsfielder.org, an online publication that talks about smart urban design in his home city2019-10-3024 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastChallenge Yourself To Bike Through The WinterAre you a “warm weather” cyclist? Grab some gear and challenge yourself to bike year round!2019-10-2810 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastNew Tech Is Enabling Distracter DriversThe newest safety features in cars accommodate careless driving... but we still put the onus on pedestrians to look out for themselves2019-10-2711 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Big Reason Drivers Disrespect CrosswalksDrivers have been given ultimate priority in our country. But that doesn’t stop them from disrespecting the little space pedestrians have left2019-10-2711 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastSome Thoughts On Rome, New YorkWhy a downtown that draws is a must for this sprawling city2019-10-2517 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastRochester’s Decreased Vehicle Emissions Are Likely The Result Of A Later DeclineA recent NYT article implied that automobile emissions have decreased in Rochester since 1990, where our neighbors in Buffalo and Syracuse saw an increase. Here’s the likely reason why...2019-10-1910 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastUber, Postmates, Grubhub and Instacart Are All Bleeding Money... Until The Robots ComeA recent article in The Atlantic was the latest to reference the eye-popping financial losses from nearly every venture-capital-funded, app based ventures. But these companies aren’t losing money... they are changing the culture and banking on the fact that 10 years from now, automated tech will alleviate their financial responsibility to human workers2019-10-1930 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastBuffalo’s Skyway, Transit Infrastructure and a Reprioritization of Urban MobilityA recent opinion piece in the Buffalo News got me thinking about adding transit infrastructure versus reprioritization of transportation priorities2019-10-1508 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview With Carly Reynolds, Owner Of Vine & Fig in Rome, NYCarly Reynolds brings an “elevated” but approachable vibe to Rome with a new bistro. We talk about her business, her vision and how it ties in with Rome’s future2019-10-1413 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview with Rome New York’s Jake DiBari and Danny FriedenRecorded at Copper City Brewing, this interview features two “game changing” influencers in the small Central New York city of Rome2019-10-1416 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastUP Interview: Michael John Heagerty From Syracuse New YorkMichael is not only one of Syracuse’s greatest cheerleaders... he’s an instrumental part of that city’s re-emerging fabric. In this remote interview, we talk about the arts, architecture, urban revitalization and his vision for Syracuse’s future!2019-10-1022 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastFollowing Up On Scotland Vs. U.S. Rail Battle PostYesterday I launched a UP post that compared Scotland’s rail network with that of the U.S. Here’s a short 6-minute follow up!2019-10-0806 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastInterview With Rochester City Planner Kevin KelleyIn this episode, I talk to Kevin about the Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan, Roc The Riverway, family life in the city and a host of other fantastic city-centered topics.2019-10-0725 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhy I’m Obsessed With Micro-MobilitySomeone asked me recently why bike riding, skateboarding and scootering was so important to me. I thought I might answer “on air.”2019-09-1313 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhere Our Cities Are SaferPeople move out of cities for safety from crime. But cities provide a safety net when we make bad choices or just get dealt a bad day...2019-09-0413 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhat Uber And Lyft Are Really Trying To DoUber has lost an incredible amount of money... or have they? Investors are changing people’s minds about how we move about, and that could pay huge dividends down the line.2019-08-1113 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Range of Micro MobilityIn a follow up to a recent blog post, I talk about the importance of micro mobility range2019-08-1113 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWide Roads and Tons of Trails: Iceland’s Unique Transportation BuildRecently I spent a day in Iceland... while a new rush of tourism has led to the construction of wide roads, trails, pedestrian and bikes access still cover the landscape2019-08-0311 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastElectric Cars Aren’t The AnswerMost of our electric power is still generated from fossil fuels. The answer to our energy and environmental crisis isn’t electric cars, it’s smaller vehicles and living closer to everything2019-07-2113 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastE-Scooters In Nashville: A Tragic Death and Misplaced BlameA 26 year old man was killed when his e-scooter was struck by an SUV in Nashville. Now scooters are banned from the streets. Why not cars?2019-07-0516 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastAn Interview with Brooke Fossey from Bagel Bike in Pittsford, NYBrooke Fossey found a beautiful way to blend her love of biking with a small business venture that adds character to her community2019-07-0113 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastUP Commute: Chicago’s Amazing Public SpacesI was in Chicago last weekend. Chicago’s dedication to public space is simply incredible! Here are some thoughts on this, and on how other cities can apply these ideas.2019-06-2614 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastWhat Is Walkability?There are many different definitions of a walkable environment. Here’s mine.2019-06-1714 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastSprawling Within: Bigger Homes, Smaller FamiliesSprawl isn’t just happening with regard to our metro areas, it’s happening within our own homes. Clearly, we are a nation moving farther apart in every way.2019-06-1518 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastBackseats and College Campuses: Why Millennials Are The Way They AreWe spent more time in the backseats of cars at a time when traffic congestion was the highest... it’s not wonder we want our cities to look more like the college campuses2019-06-0707 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastIt’s Time To Stop Right On RedLegal right-on-reds on our American roads become a federal allowance in the 1970s as a result of the oil shortage. It’s time to make this unsafe practice illegal once again2019-06-0312 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastBikes and Scooters on Sidewalks Just Want to Be Safe TooI’m learning how to ride a skateboard. It’s given me a new perspective on why we should be patient with bikes and scooters on the sidewalk!2019-05-2517 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastLooking UpOur cities have work to do... but there’s nothing wrong with looking at the powerfully positive things we have accomplished2019-05-2518 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastBike Advocacy: Safety or Legitimacy?Bike organizations and active cyclists try to educate drivers on how to share the road with cyclists. But are they educating drivers on WHY people bike in the first place?2019-05-2012 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Difference Between A Suburban Village & A City NeighborhoodSmall town Main Streets are great, but here’s where they differ from Urban Neighborhoods2019-03-2912 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Urban Phoenix Podcast #3: Stop Blaming and Get InvolvedBlaming political movements does nothing for our cities. Get involved and activate something positive2019-03-1311 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Urban Phoenix Podcast #2: Rochester Bike Share & A Year In LimboIn 2018, two-thirds of Rochester’s bike share fleet was stolen. What does that say about our city and our city’s ability to move forward?2019-03-0811 min
The Urban Phoenix PodcastThe Urban Phoenix Podcast #1: A New DirectionThe Urban Phoenix has morphed and adapted in its 4 years of existence. In 2019, we will talk a great deal about the relationships we have with our cities. We will talk more about social capital, and the ups and downs of our own connections with our urban environments2019-03-0110 min