The Strong Towns Podcast

3d ago

‍A major highway project is pitched as a safety upgrade — but at what cost to the community? Today, Chuck is joined by Matt Steele, a fellow Brainerd-area resident and longtime Strong Towns member. They unpack a highway interchange that's been proposed in nearby Baxter and the long-term trade-offs that shape strong (or fragile) places. Additional Show Notes Read more about this project: " Six Roundabouts to Nowhere " by Charles Marohn Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Dec 11

Why is housing so expensive, and what can local communities actually do about it? In this live recording, Chuck unpacks the roots of America's housing trap and shares actionable reforms that any community can implement. Additional Show Notes This presentation was recorded live from Wayne, Pennsylvania. Click here to bring Chuck to your own city! Check out Strong Towns’ housing toolkits for more strategies to bring housing to your community. Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Dec 8

Family farms are struggling to survive across America, with whole communities hanging in the balance. In today's episode, Chuck sits down with Brian Reisinger, author of "Land Rich, Cash Poor." They unpack the structural issues leading to the decline of farms and rural communities, as well as opportunities to rebuild resilience. Additional Show Notes " Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer " by Brian Reisinger Brian Reisinger (site) Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Dec 4

In this live Q&A, Chuck explains why small-scale housing is so hard to build. From codes to permitting to financing, he breaks down the friction points that stall projects everywhere and explains how cities can address them. (Note: This episode was recorded live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Some questions may be difficult to hear.) Additional Show Notes Bring Chuck to your own city! Learn how to support small developers in our new housing toolkit . Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Dec 1

Strong cities know who they are. In today's episode, Chuck is joined by Ryan Short, founder of Civic Brand. They discuss how uncovering a shared identity guides smarter decisions, strengthens civic pride, and helps communities thrive. Additional Show Notes " The Civic Brand: The Power & Responsibility of Place " by Ryan Short Civic Brand (site) Ryan Short (LinkedIn) ‍ Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Nov 27

Chuck breaks down the financial math behind urban decline in this live recording of a Wilmington event, with opening remarks from Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. Learn why growth is bankrupting your city — and how to reverse it. (Note: Audio improves at 5:16 when Chuck takes over.) Additional Show Notes Check out some of the images Chuck references in the episode. Bring Chuck to your own city! Connect with Strong Towns Wilmington . Get the Finance Decoder. Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Nov 24

Author Diane Alisa just wanted her kids to have what she didn't: freedom to roam, community, and a childhood that doesn't require a minivan. Somewhere along the way, she realized the suburban dream itself might be the problem. Today, she and Chuck dig into what the Suburban Experiment cost us — and what comes next. Additional Show Notes Want to hear more from Diane? Check out her episode on The Bottom-Up Revolution ! “ Love Letter to Suburbia: How to Restore the American Village ” by Diane Alisa Diane Alisa (Instagram) Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Nov 14

Chuck records from the road after speaking at a housing summit in Pennsylvania. He reflects on why the Strong Towns message resonates with local officials struggling to address the housing crisis, as well as the challenges facing the movement and plans for the future. Additional Show Notes Member Week is almost over! Join the movement today.