JHK & John Norquist talk New Urbanism

Released: May 24, 2012

This episode features a conversation between JHK and CNU President and former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist and was recorded before a live audience during the Congress for the New Urbanism in West Palm Beach, Fla. this May 9-12. Kunstler and Norquist field questions from audience members on a variety of New Urbanist topics.

[Note: The server that hosts our media files was down yesterday for an extended time and was not accepting file uploads. The problem was resolved at approx. 11:30 p.m. – DC]

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_206.mp3

( 48 MB | 54:33 mins.)

Experiencing the World on Foot

Released: Feb. 23, 2012

James Howard Kunstler shares his thoughts on the experience of moving through the landscape and built environment on foot, rather than by car.

 
New Reviews of The KunstlerCast Book:

OnEarth Magazine Review: The Kunstlercast: Conversations with James Howard Kunstler
Feb. 22, 2012

My fellow Gen X journalist Duncan Crary tells pretty much the same story of awakening slowly to the ills of suburbia, but with one difference: the small paper for which he covered local politics was in the town where Kunstler had started his own reporting career. Kunstler, who had settled in nearby Saratoga Springs, New York, and added dystopian novelist to his résumé, became a source for Crary’s reporting on suburban land use — a relationship that has continued throughout Crary’s journalism career.

Energy Bulletin Review: The KunstlerCast by Duncan Crary
Feb, 12 2012

This book is indeed great fun. … However, Crary’s superior volume has the guts to truly grapple with the harsh realities shaping our times—realities that few dare discuss out in the open.

Sponsor:

Join CNU in West Palm Beach, FL this year May 9-12, for the 20th anniversary event of the Congress for the New Urbanism. Confirmed speakers include Richard Florida, Sprawl Repair Manual author Galina Tachieva, retail guru Robert Gibbs, Fighting Traffic author Peter Norton, Peter Calthorpe, Lizz Plater-Zyberk, Jaime Correa, Andres Duany and many more speakers being added every day.

Go to www.cnu20.org and register now to take advantage of early registration rates.

Citizens React to Tragic Death With Calls to Demolish Train Bridge

Released: Jan. 12, 2012

Painting of bridge by JHK

After a tragic death, citizens in the Albany area are clamoring to tear down an old train bridge that is already slated to be re-opened as a bike-hike trail. JHK & Duncan examine this story and explain why we must save historic infrastructure like the bridge in question.

Links:

A long night at work, a sudden fatal slip
A bartender’s walk home on New Year’s Eve ends in a fatal fall from trestle
By STEVE BARNES, Times Union, Monday, January 2, 2012

Times Union Blog (with comments by Duncan

Petition: Demolition of the Black Bridge
(The petition to demo bridge, with contact form for creator)

New plans for an old Cohoes bridge begin to take shape
CBS 6, Jan. 3, 2012

Letter: Tearing down trestle not answer
Times Union, Thursday, January 5, 2012

Dangerous road claims another life
Poor lighting and lack of crosswalks add danger; fifth pedestrian killed
By DENNIS YUSKO, Times Union, Jan. 3, 2012

Lord Whimsy

UPDATE: David Dobbs (petition guy) just won’t quit. Bridge petition to hit Mayor’s desk, WNYT, Jan. 16, 2012.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_189.mp3
(51 MB | 41:29 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Join Duncan at Fun Event:

Gregg Stacy, VP of Brown’s Brewing Co., and Troy author/podcaster Duncan Crary flex their manly vocal stylings to promote The Festival of Manliness this Jan. 22 at Revolution Hall. After wrestling a live sabre-toothed tiger on the airwaves, Gregg and Duncan have a serious talk with Rick Lyke, founder of Pints for Prostates, about the importance of getting regularly screened for prostate cancer. A portion of the proceeds from The Festival of Manliness will benefit Pints for Prostates and their awareness campaign.

Download Podcast .mp3 (20 MB)
BrownsBrewingCo_Manliness.mp3

P.S. Check out KunstlerCast #76: Man Caves

Depicting a Landscape of Logos

Released: Nov. 25, 2011

JHK and Duncan are joined by Minneapolis-based cartoonist and self-described muckraker Ken Avidor, who recently illustrated the KunstlerCast book and whose artwork as been displayed on this website for years. Topics include Minnesota sprawl, the Mall of America, Avidor’s artistic influences and his opposition to the Personal Rapid Transit movement.

Note: This episode contains “adult” language.

Links:

Ken Avidor’s website
Dump Bachmann Blog

Mall of America by Ken Avidor

JHK Debates Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Paul Steely White

Released: Nov. 3, 2011

In this special episode we listen to a recording from: “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. Organized by Kim Marsella, professor of the Skidmore Environmental Studies Department.

Description: “We live in a time of either the collapse of our society or the emergence of innovative solutions. This discussion will feature two of America’s most interesting voices: Kunstler, whose book The Long Emergency: Surviving the End of Oil, is an apocalyptic vision of a post-oil future, and White of Transportation Alternatives, a leader who is helping to transform New York City into a livable metropolis. Both speakers share a common vision of the need for a sustainable future – the debate will focus on whether or not change is possible in light of our modern condition. ”

Links:

• Transportation Alternatives
  Transportation Alternatives’s mission is to reclaim New York City’s streets from the automobile, and to advocate for bicycling, walking and public transit as the best transportation alternatives.

• Alta Planning & Design
  Alta’s mission is to create active communities where bicycling and walking are safe, healthy, and fun.

• Jeffrey S. Olson
  Jeff Olson is an architect and planner who has been involved in greenways, open space, active living and alternative transportation projects for more than 20 years.

• Skidmore College: Environmental Studies Dept.
  The Environmental Studies program includes courses that are interdisciplinary and that address environmental issues from a disciplinary perspective.

• Kim Marsella
  Senior Teaching Associate, Department of Geosciences, Skidmore College

JHK Answers Questions From Listener Callers

Released: Oct. 13, 2011

JHK and Duncan get caught up on listener calls. Question topics include: Phoenix vs. Georgia; repealing the gas tax, The Long Descent, the downgrading of America and why aren’t there any African-American characters in Jim’s World Made By Hand novels. One listener also shares a bizarre and raunchy consipiracy theory.

Note: This episode contains cursewords

Upcoming:

KunstlerCast Get together in Buffalo
October 19, 2011
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pearl Street Grille and Brewery
67 Pearl St., Buffalo, NY
Cost: Free
In conjunction with a party hosted by the Buffalo Young Preservationists. For info and to RSVP: click here.
During National Preservation Conference

KunstlerCast Book Release Party
Nov. 1, 2011
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Daisy Bakers, Troy NY

Madison, WI: Bike City USA

Released: July 28, 2011.

This week James Howard Kunstler gets a much deserved break from podcasting, while Duncan explores the topic of bicycle sharing and tours the city of Madison, Wisc. First he speaks to Jason McDowell, projects & logistics manager for B-Cycle, a bicycle sharing company with programs throughout the country. With bicycle sharing, users can pick up and drop off bicycles throughout the city. Next, Duncan heads out into the streets of Madison with Matt Dellinger, author of Interstate 69 and blogger for WNYC’s Transportation Nation. Bicycle advocate Robbie Webber gives Duncan and Matt a bicycle tour of Madison, starting with the Dane County Farmer’s Market. Madison is a very bicycle friendly city, with a robust network of bike paths and bicycle amenities. This episode was recorded during the Congress for the New Urbanism in June.

Links:

B-Cycle

Transportation Nation

MattDellinger.com

Photos:

Google Map of bike tour route

Transitioning Away from Car Dependency

Released: June 16, 2011.

JHK gives an update on the bursting housing bubble and the fate of car dependency in America. This episode includes a short interview with Sharon Feigon, CEO of I-Go Car Sharing, and Sonya Newenhouse, president of Community Car, two professionals in the car sharing industry. Car sharing is a membership-based service that allows people to have access to a car for short periods of time so that they don’t have to own a car themselves. The practice first got its start in Europe and is now cropping up across in North America as the cost of car ownership rises and public sentiments change.

Note: There is one curseword during this episode.

Links:

I-Go Car Sharing (igocars.org)

Community Car (communitycar.com)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Bjorn Bergman, who reminds you to support your local farmer and eat local this summer. With warmer temperatures in the air, it is a time for fresh local salad greens. Here is a recipe for Bjorn’s Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing that would go well on some fresh locally grown spinach, arugula, salad mix and/or mustard greens.

Bjorn’s Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:

Ingredients:

-1 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
-1 tsp dijon mustard
-1 medium clove of garlic, minced
-1/8 tsp salt
-1/8 tsp black pepper
-3 Tbsp olive oil

Directions:

-Add vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper to small mixing bowl and whisk together well.
-Slowly add the olive oil to the bowl while whisking (this ensures that the dressing stays emulsified or mixed).
-Add to greens right before eating.
-Makes enough dressing for about 8 oz of greens.

Note: If you would like more dressing recipes, feel free to call Bjorn at 651-276-8875.

Slugging and Couch Surfing in the USA

Released: Feb. 17, 2011

JHK discusses slugging and couch surfing and other casual self-organizing transportation and lodging systems that are emerging under new terms of existence in a less affluent USA.

Note: This episode contains explicit language

The American Inferiority Complex

Released: Feb. 10, 2011

JHK reacts to the Chrysler Superbowl commercial featuring rapper Eminem, titled “Imported from Detroit.” This leads to a discussion of American growing inferiority complex and our unending need for techno triumphal pep rallies.

Note: This episode contains explicit language

The Last Great American Highway?

Released: Jan. 20, 2011

James 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 New York Times. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, and blogs for public radio’s TransportationNation.org. His website is http://www.mattdellinger.com.

Note: This episode contains explicit language

Buy Interstate 69: The Unfinished History of America’s Last Great Highway and earn referral fees for The KunstlerCast.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_141.mp3
(38 MB | 55:40 mins.)

Will Boomers Answer the Call?

Released: Sept. 23, 2010

James Howard Kunstler joins Duncan by phone from his hotel room in New Orleans. Their conversation moves from Dearborn, Michigan (2:49 – 5:13 mins) to the failings of the airline industry (5:13 – 14:30 mins), to Burlington, Vt. (14:30 – 22:45 mins), to the potential of Thorium, the so-called “green” nuclear energy source (22:45 – 26:50 mins), to the Boomer generation’s parting gift to future generations (26:50 – 40:06 mins).

Check out JHK’s Book Tour Schedule” http://www.kunstler.com/sched.php

Passionate Positions on Parking

Released: March 18, 2010.

James 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 day soon everyone will just wake up with a different idea, because it will be self-evident that densely conceived and executed redevelopment will be necessary.

[Note: This program contains explicit language.]

Program Sponsor:

PostPeakLiving.com, offering a new online course this April 24 led by psychologist Carolyn Baker who will teach students to deal with the emotional aspects of facing peak oil. Register today at: http://PostPeakLiving.com

Audio Postcards from the NYS Thruway

Released: Jan. 21, 2010.

James 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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_96.mp3
(39 MB | 40:20 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is 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 system consulting, Urban farm and garden design, community engagement and workshop facilitation. http://www.cultivatis.com

Cruising Toward Collapse with a Stunning Stupidity

Released: Nov. 26, 2009.

James 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 the masses as the American empire declines. Lastly, Kunstler addresses a recent International Energy Agency scandal to coverup the reality of dwindling oil supplies.

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Chelsea Green, publisher of Waiting on a Train by James McCommons, with forward by James Howard Kunstler. Waiting on a Train is a critical look at the embattled future of passenger rail service, told by a journalist who spent one year traveling across America by train in 2008. Look for “Waiting on a Train” at your local bookstore, or visit: http://chelseagreen.com.

Additional support for this program comes from PostPeakLiving.com Additional support for this podcast comes from PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for a post-peak world. Find out more at: http://postpeakliving.com

Traffic Jams and Plastic Weenie Stands in the Woods

Released: August 13, 2009.

Even 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 days of traffic jams in Yosemite are numbered.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_75mp3
(30 MB | 32:41 mins.)

(Note: Here’s the article Duncan mentions in the podcast: Pollution outruns Adirondacks, Times Union, July 15, 2009.)

Sponsor:

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.

JHK Examines the Top 10 Rail Corridors in the US

Released: May 7, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler responds to a listener call about the 10 “high speed” rail corridors the Obama administration is seeking to restore in the U.S. The phrase high-speed rail is a little misleading, though, because what Obama is looking to do with rail in this country is actually just bring it back up to “Bulgarian” standards. These passenger rail upgrades and restorations will service trains that travel around 100 miles per hour, not nearly as fast as the high speed trains in Europe or Japan.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_63.mp3
(23 MB | 25:06 mins.)

Sponsor:

Sponsorship for this podcast comes from the Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading forum dedicated to advancing urbanism and promoting alternatives to sprawl. CNU’s 17th annual Congress will be in Denver, June 10-14. For information and to register, visit: www.cnu.org.

Planes, Trains, Boats, Bicycles and Telecommuting

Released: April 23, 2009.

Host Duncan Crary has been taking James Howard Kunstler’s ideas about water transport seriously. This Spring, Duncan is bringing back passenger riverboat commuting service to the Hudson River in Albany. On May 13, Duncan is hosting a day where people can commute to and from work on board the Dutch Apple between the cities of Albany and Troy NY. Kunstler talks with Duncan about this project. People take ferries to work every day in other regions and it’s a rewarding experience that can be replicated. On the topic of alternative commuting, Kunstler addresses the notion that telecommuting will solve our impending energy woes. Kunstler doesn’t think that telecommuting will save us, but a combination of alternative commuting that includes some telecommuting might help.

To learn more about Duncan’s commuter cruise, visit: DuncanCrary.com/DutchApple

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_61.mp3
(18 MB | 20:21 mins.)

Sponsor:

Sponsorship for this podcast comes from the Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading forum dedicated to advancing urbanism and promoting alternatives to sprawl. CNU’s 17th annual Congress will be in Denver, June 10-14. For information and to register, visit: www.cnu.org.

Additional support for this program comes from Audible. For a free audiobook download, visit: www.audiblepodcast.com/kunstler

Bicycle Commuting, Transportation & NYC’s Broadway Pedestrian-Bicycle Project.

Released: April 9, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler responds to a listener who doesn’t understand why Jim sounds kind of down on bicycle transportation. Kunstler clarifies his position on bicycles — he’s a big supporter of bicycle use, but he doesn’t know if Americans will support bicycle projects with so many highways and bridges in disrepair. While places like Amsterdam have excellent bicycle facilities that are integrated into their urban fabric, Kunstler believes the most successful bicycle facilities in the U.S. are separate from the street pattern. He also warns of overly ambitious, high tech plans regarding bicycle trail projects. Lastly he discusses New York City’s recent plans to turn a portion of Broadway into a bicycle/pedestrian way and the bicycle sharing program in Paris. A listener call from a former student of Frank Lloyd Wright defends and clarifies Wright’s feelings about cities.

Sponsor:

Sponsorship for this podcast comes from the Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading forum dedicated to advancing urbanism and promoting alternatives to sprawl. CNU’s 17th annual Congress will be in Denver, June 10-14. For information and to register, visit: www.cnu.org.
Additional support for this program comes from Audible. For a free audiobook download, visit: www.audiblepodcast.com/kunstler

The Campaign to Sustain the Unsustainable

Released: Jan 8, 2009

A listener caller asks James Howard Kunstler about President-elect Barack Obama’s massive proposed stimulus package, which will probably be used to rebuild America’s highways. Along with the auto industry bailout, Kunstler thinks this major proposed investment in our highway infrastructure may be a last ditch effort to sustain the unsustainable. Americans have invested so much of their wealth and identity into their happy motoring suburban commuter system for daily life that they cannot imagine letting go of it or even substantially reforming it. Kunstler also talks about passenger rail, light rail and streetcars. He also strays into the thickets of futurology to talk about 21 century trans oceanic zeppelins. A listener caller ends the program with his thoughts on efforts to create local currencies, such as the Berkshares in the Berkshire region of Massachusetts.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_46.mp3
( 17 MB | 22:00 mins.)

Promo music featured in this episode courtesy of IODA Promonet:

Opotopo
“Belama” (mp3)
from “Highlife Time”
(Vampi Soul / Light In The Attic)

More On This Album

The Future of North American Shipping

Released: Nov. 20, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler responds to a listener question about the future of water transportation in North America. There is a fabulous inland waterway system in North America that is going to become very important again. But, if we want to remain serious about trade in this country we are going to have to rebuild the infrastructure for water and rail transportation. All of those waterfronts where we’ve been building theme parks, condominium clusters and picnic grounds in recent times will have to make room for the warehouses, piers and sleazy accommodations for the sailors that are required by water transit.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_39.mp3
( 20 MB | 22:08 mins.)

Promo music featured in this episode courtesy of IODA Promonet:

Max Richter
“Berlin By Overnight” (mp3)
from “24 Postcards In Full Colour”
(Fat Cat Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

More info about the KunstlerCast theme music

Transit, building and behavior as oil prices rise

Released: May 8, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler takes questions on personal rapid transit, sustainable green buildings and the happy motoring program in America. He also scolds us for us referring to ourselves as consumers. This show is the result of a special collaboration between The KunstlerCast and Planetizen, the online network for professional planners.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_13.mp3
(7.1 MB | 15 mins.)

Image courtesy of Ken Avidor.