KunstlerCast #209: NextGen New Urbanists

Released: June 28, 2012

JHK and Duncan speak to a group of NextGen New Urbanists during the Congress for the New Urbanism held in West Palm Beach, Fla. this May 9-12. NextGen New Urbanists are young professionals participating in the New Urbanist movement. Jim asks the group to tell him what they’re up to and what’s next for New Urbanism. After a quick history of the NextGen movement, topics include: Resettle America, the Braddock PA Initiative, Tactical New Urbanism, Growing Culture and more.

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_209.mp3

( 26 MB | 35:21 mins.)

Also check out the Congress for the New Urbanism YouTube Channel for videos from the latest congress.

KunstlerCast #206: Live Audience Podcast @ CNU

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.)

KunstlerCast #198: Catherine Tumber on Small Cities – Part 2

Urban Contraction, Urban Farming, Urban Schooling

Released: March 15, 2012

Smal Gritty & GreenJames Howard Kunstler speaks by phone with Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: The Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World. Tumber believes that small industrial cities, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, are well suited for the energy and climate change realities of future. Tumber is a journalist, historian and Research Affiliate in the Community Innovators Lab in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning. In part 2 of this conversation, Kunstler and Tumber discuss urban contraction and urban farming as it is occurring in Youngstown, Ohio. They talk about the economy of Rochester and Syracuse, New York. Tumber shares her thoughts on living in Detroit, Albany and Boston. Though they share the same general view of small cities, the two disagree on the current battle over suburban sprawl. JHK believes the sprawl building in places like Youngstown is over, while Tumber says it continues today and must be opposed. They also discuss racial segregation and schooling in small industrial cities.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_198.mp3
(36 MB | 39:44 mins.)

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

ANNOUNCEMENT: The 200th episode of The KunstlerCast is coming up. Call the listener line and share your favorite moment from the kast.

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. *Note JHK and Duncan will be appearing on a living local panel at CNU.

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

CNU 20

KunstlerCast #193: Listener Mailbag

David Brooks Does a 180 on Suburbia

Released: Feb. 9, 2012

In 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.

Links:

Charlie Rose with David Brooks, Feb. 1, 2012

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_193.mp3
(36 MB | 35:24 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

 

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.

CNU 20

KunstlerCast #189: Irrational Cries to Demolish Infrastructure

Citizens React to Tragic Death With Calls to Demolish Train Bridge

Released: Jan. 12, 2012

Northumberland Bridge, by JHK

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:

Festival of Manliness

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

KunstlerCast #179: The Long Emergency vs. NYC’s Resurgency

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. ”

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_179.mp3
(61 MB | 75 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

 

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

 

KunstlerCast #178: CNU Fireside Chat With JHK

The KunstlerCast Book is Now Available for Purchase

Released: Oct. 27, 2011

Kunstler CNU Fireside Chat

CNU Fireside Chat With JHK

James 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 available for listening for CNU City Builder members. For information, visit: CNU.org/membership.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_178.mp3
(24 MB | 29:31 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

KunstlerCast #177: JHK Addresses Preservationists

Not All Buildings Are Worth Saving

Released: Oct. 21, 2011

Jim and Duncan talk about Historic Preservation on their return drive from the annual conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, held in Buffalo this week. This show includes an excerpt from the keynote address Jim gave to kick off the conference. During the talk JHK explained to preservationists that not all buildings are worth saving — particularly the modernist architectural abortions of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Note: This episode contains cursewords

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_177.mp3
(44 MB | 53:25 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Watch JHK’s full talk to the National Trust for Historic Preservation here:

Video streaming by Ustream

Upcoming:

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

Books Available for Purchase via website next week!

KunstlerCast #174: Big Sky Country

Montana Now and in The Long Emergency

Released: Sept. 29, 2011

After a recent visit to Montana, JHK asks: What is living in a town in Montana all about? It seems like it’s mostly about the scenery outside of town, not the town itself: the streets are too wide, the buildings too low and the public face of the urban fabric is thoughtless and badly proportioned. Yet many so-called progressives in these places are arguing for more “open space” in their towns. Sustainability is the new buzzword there and elsewhere in America. But what many overlook is that the future of tourism looks pretty grim as more and more people have less money to spend on activities like skiing. There are many sophisticated people running high-tech businesses in places like Butte and Helena, but it remains unclear what the fate of telecommuting and Internet commerce will be, especially now that our national post office is in dire straits.

Note: This episode contains cursewords

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_174.mp3
(37 MB | 43:20 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Upcoming:

CNU Fireside Chat with John Norquist, Duncan Crary, and James Howard Kunstler
Tue, Oct 4, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM EDT
Duration: 1 hour
More info: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=gbiibdh5ci4b

KunstlerCast in Buffalo
October 19-22, 2011
During National Preservation Conference

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

KunstlerCast #166: Bicycle Sharing

Madison, WI: Bike City USA

Released: July 28, 2011.

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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

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast #166: Bicycle Sharing
(42 MB | 54:00 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Photos:

Google Map of bike tour route

KunstlerCast #165: Landscape Urbanism – Part 2

JHK & Andres Duany Critique the Landscape Urbanism

Released: July 21, 2011.

JHK continues his critique of Charles Waldheim’s presentation on Landscape Urbanism, delivered at the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU 19). This episode also includes remarks by New Urbanist leader Andres Duany and a listener quesion from a conferencegoer.

[Note: This episode contains cursewords.]

Links:

Watch Charles Waldheim’s Presentation at the Closing Plenary of CNU 19

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast #165: Landscape Urbanism – Part 2
(45 MB | 53:47 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

KunstlerCast #164: Landscape Urbanism – Part 1

JHK Critiques Charles Waldheim’s Remarks

Released: July 14, 2011.

In recent years there has been a growing debate between New Urbanism and Landscape Urbanism, a theory that argues the landscape, rather than architecture, is more capable of organizing the city and enhancing the urban experience. In this episode, JHK reacts to recent remarks by Harvard Prof. Charles Waldheim on Landscape Urbanism at the Congress for the New Urbanism. In particular, Kunstler will respond to Waldheim’s claims that New Urbanism places too much emphasis on neoclassicism while not paying enough attention to environmental concerns of the 21st century.

Links:

Watch Charles Waldheim’s Presentation at the Closing Plenary of CNU 19

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast #164: Landscape Urbanism – Part 1
(38 MB | 44:52 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

KunstlerCast #163: Triumph of the City – Part 2

JHK Critiques Ed Glaeser’s Ideas on Urbanism

Released: July 7, 2011.

JHK continues his critique of the ideas in Ed Glaeser’s best-selling book Triumph of the City by using excerpts from a talk the Harvard economist gave during the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU 19). Though Glaeser is an advocate for cities in general, Kunstler feels that the shape and character of future cities is not going to be what Glaeser is expecting at all. Kunstler addresses Glaeser’s ideas about transportation subsidies, high-rise buildings, the value of college educated citizens and environmentally friendly urbanism. He also comments on Glaeser’s thoughts about Buffalo, New York.

Links:

Ed Glaeser: Can Buffalo Ever Come Back?

CNU Dispatch: Ed Glaeser is Still a Jackass

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast #163: Triumph of the City – Part 2
(31 MB | 36:46 mins.)

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

These Links Earn Referral Fees for The KunstlerCast

 

Free Audio Book Download Via Audible

Amazon Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, CD, mp3

Audio Book in iTunes Store icon

iPad Book in Apple iBook Store icon


Sponsor:

Orion Magazine. July/August edition featuring James Howard Kunstler.

 

Orion Magazine

Back to the Future
(JHK’s New Essay & Podcast Interview)

Register for Orion’s Live Webinar + Q&A Event
with JHK on Cities of the Future: July 12

[Note: Search for the Orion Magazine Podcast in the iTunes store.]

KunstlerCast #162: Triumph of the City – Part 1

JHK Critiques Ed Glaeser’s Ideas on Urbanism

Released: June 29, 2011.

JHK critiques the ideas in Ed Glaeser’s best-selling book Triumph of the City by using excerpts from a talk the Harvard economist gave during the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU 19). Though Glaeser is an advocate for cities in general, Kunstler feels that the shape and character of future cities is not going to be what Glaeser is expecting at all. Kunstler says Glaeser is a “master of the self-evident” looking into the rearview mirror. JHK feels that Glaeser is preoccupied with statistics which do not present a coherent and comprehensive view of where cities and civilization is heading. Kunstler feels that Glaeser is overly optimistic about the future of skyscrapers, which do not fare well in JHK’s “Long Emergency” prognosis. Kunstler also shares some new thoughts on the problems of large, vertical condominium buildings.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast #162: Triumph of the City – Part 1
(44 MB | 52:37 mins.)

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

These Links Earn Referral Fees for The KunstlerCast

 

Free Audio Book Download Via Audible

Amazon Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, CD, mp3

Audio Book in iTunes Store icon

iPad Book in Apple iBook Store icon


Sponsor:

Orion Magazine. July/August edition featuring James Howard Kunstler.

 

Orion Magazine

Back to the Future
(JHK’s New Essay & Podcast Interview)

Register for Orion’s Live Webinar + Q&A Event
with JHK on Cities of the Future: July 12

[Note: Search for the Orion Magazine Podcast in the iTunes store.]

KunstlerCast #161: Cities of the Future

Orion Magazine Interviews JHK

Released: June 23, 2011.

In a special cross promotion, James Howard Kunstler appears on the Orion Magazine podcast for a full episode.

Kunstler’s newest essay, Back to the Future: A road map for tomorrow’s cities, appears in the July/August 2011 issue of Orion magazine.

Orion Magazine Managing Editor Andrew Blechman (a previous guest of the KunstlerCast) interviews author James Howard Kunstler about his recent essay on the future of cities in an age of peak oil and obligatory contraction. According to Kunstler, Phoenix and Las Vegas will be “toast,” skyscrapers will become massive liabilities, suburbs will turn into salvage yards, and commerce will look very different. Kunstler is quite certain that civilization will remain intact, albeit retrofitted with slow trains, sailing ships, and other blasts from the past.

To listen and read, visit: www.orionmagazine.org/cities.

Links:

Orion Magazine

Back to the Future
(JHK’s New Essay & Podcast Interview)

Register for Orion’s Live Webinar + Q&A Event
with JHK on Cities of the Future: July 12

[Note: Search for the Orion Magazine Podcast in the iTunes store.]

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast #161: Cities of the Future
(8 MB | 8:51 mins.)
Orion Magazine Podcast Interviews JHK
(25 MB | 42:36 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

Orion Magazine. July/August edition featuring James Howard Kunstler.

 

KunstlerCast #160: Housing Market Crash Update & Car Sharing

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)

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_160.mp3
(46 MB | 55:24 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

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.

KunstlerCast #159: The Congress For the New Urbanism

Snapshots from CNU 19 – Madison, Wisc.

Released: June 9, 2011.

In 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 architect; 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 Waldheim, Harvard professor and leader of the Landscape Urbanism movement; and Stefanos Polyzoides, New Urbanist architect. JHK reacts to some short sound bites regarding Landscape Urbanism, skyscraper cities and the development of New Urbanism.

Links:

Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU.org)

Note: The Congress for the New Urbanism is a regular sponsor of this program.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_159.mp3
(37 MB | 44:10 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

KunstlerCast #158: Americans Demand Walkable Neighborhoods…

But Prefer Suburban Style Housing

Released: May 26, 2011.

On today’s episode JHK discusses a recent poll by the National Association of Realtors which found that while many Americans claim they want to be able to walk to stores, restaurants and other urban amenities, they prefer to live in single family detached homes above all else. This seems to be a contradiction, but the arrangement could be possible through New Urbanist planning.

Links:

National Association of Realtors Poll (.pdf)

There’s demand for walkable neighborhoods
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
April 29, 2011

Note: This expisode contains explicit language.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_158.mp3
(26 MB | 30:04 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is The Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions.

KunstlerCast #157: When McDonald’s Comes to Town

A Community Design Debate

Released: May 19, 2011.

JHK and Duncan look at two new McDonald’s projects in their home towns and touch upon some universal issues with regards to these types of developments appearing throughout North America. Using the comments on a local newspaper blog, they gague how members of the community are reacting and forming a public consensus. While some people in Troy are advocating for a heightened design, others are “violently complacent” about the standard issue Mickey D’s as delivered to automobile strips around the world. Meanwhile, in Saratoga Springs, a developer did create a different take on the Golden Arches. But was the end product better?

Note: This expisode contains explicit language.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_157.mp3
(37 MB | 43:15 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Proposed McDonald’s in Troy NY:

Saratoga Springs McDonald’s:
Freeport Maine McDonald’s:

The Articles & Blog Posts:

Is the proposed McDonald’s good for Troy?
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
April 25, 2011

A look at Troy’s proposed McDonald’s
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
April 26, 2011

Protesting a chain’s similarity by design
Chris Churchill Times Union Sunday edition
May 16, 2011

An unusual take on the Troy McDonald’s plan
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
May 17, 2011

Troy officials: Design talk is ‘ridiculously premature’
Chris Churchill Times Union Places & Spaces Blog
May 18, 2011

Troy officials: Design talk is ‘ridiculously premature’
Cecelia Martinez The Record (Troy)
May 18, 2011

James V. Franco: Bring the Golden Arches to Hoosick Street
The Troy Record
May 19, 2011


Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is The Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions.

KunstlerCast #155: Taking the Initiative

North Central Troy, NY

Released: May 5, 2011.

In this enhanced podcast, JHK & Duncan explore North Central Troy, NY with Billie-Jean Greene, a KunstlerCast listener who recently purchased a home in this area. This once wealthy neighborhood on the Hudson River has suffered from urban blight for many years. But a group of neighbors, known as The Uptown Initiative, are committed to helping turn their neighborhood around. Billie-Jean leads this tour and introduces us to some of the neighborhood residents, including a bed & breakfast owner, another homeowner, and some urban chickens named Ruby and June. Also along the route is a Hells Angels clubhouse.

Links

For photographs of this neighborhood by Neil Grabowsky of Through The Lens Studio, visit: http://ttlstudios.com

For information about the Uptown Initiative, visit: http://theuptowninitiative.org/

For information about the Old Judge Mansion Bed & Breakfast, visit: http://oldejudgemansion.com

For information about the Sanctuary for Independent Media, visit: http://www.mediasanctuary.org

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_155.mp3 (Audio Only)
(35 MB | 45:55 mins.)KunstlerCast_155.m4a (Enhanced)*
(70 MB | 45:55 mins.)

*You can open this file with QuickTime.

Listener Caller Line:

1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free


Note: A listener has created a YouTube version of this episode:

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is The Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions.

KunstlerCast #154: Q & A with JHK

At The Sanctuary for Independent Media

Released: April 28, 2011

JHK and Duncan visit The Sanctuary for Independent Media, an old church in North Central Troy NY which has been repurposed as community media space. After a public lecture, JHK takes questions from the audience on a variety of urban planning and energy topics.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_154.mp3
(20 MB | 26:24 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is The Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions.

KunstlerCast #153: 2010 U.S. Census Figures

Suburbia is Empowered by the Numbers

Released: April 21, 2011

The 2010 U.S. Census figures have led to a newly empowered suburban electorate. But the figures also indicate that several major U.S. cities are increasing in population at their cores. JHK offers some analysis.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_153.mp3
(25 MB | 28:51 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is The Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions.

KunstlerCast #150: Suburban Sprawl in the Rust Belt

And The Diminishing Returns Become Self-Evident

Released: March 31, 2011

RustWire.com Logo

James Howard Kunstler reacts to a recent letter published by 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.”

[Note: This episode contains cursewords.]

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_50.mp3

(30 MB | 36:14 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:

1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free


Buy the Music, Support the Podcast

When you make any purchase after clicking the links below, you will earn sales referral fees for The KunstlerCast.

Deadmalls & Nightfalls by Frontier Ruckus

Deadmalls and Nightfalls - Frontier Ruckus

KunstlerCast #149: Debauchery in the Student Ghettos

Keg and Eggs Riots in the U.S.

Released: March 24, 2011

JHK and Duncan apply an urbanist lens to a recent string of drunken St. Paddy’s Parade Day riots in three U.S. cities: Newport, RI, Hoboken, NJ, and Albany, NY. Topics covered in this discussion include: monocultures, transient populations, the ghettoization of the generations, self-regulating social scenes, swarm behavior and social networking technology, Glenn Beck, open container laws in cities and The Broken Windows Theory.

[Note: This episode contains cursewords.]

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_149.mp3
(37 MB | 43:11 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

More Kegs and Eggs Riot Videos

Glenn Beck on the Kegs and Eggs Riot

REUTERS: Drunken St. Patrick’s parades spark crackdown

KunstlerCast #146: Geritopia

Leisureville, by Andrew Blechman

Released: March 3, 2011

Author Andrew Blechman discusses his book Leisureville, a tragicomic report on The Villages, America’s largest planned retirement community. In this version of suburbia, Blechman explains, everyone drives golf carts, last call is at 8:30, Fox News plays on the hour from the lampposts and children aren’t allowed.

Learn more about Andrew Blechman at www.andrewblechman.com.

Note: This episode includes a few cursewords.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_146.mp3
(40 MB | 57:42 mins.)
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Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for a post-peak world. Enroll now in the UnCrash Course, Sustainable Post-Peak Livelihoods, Navigating the Coming Chaos, Introduction to Sustainable Gardening or Chickens 101. Find out more at: http://postpeakliving.com.

KunstlerCast #141: Interstate 69 with Matt Dellinger

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.)

KunstlerCast #139: Social Critic

H.L. Mencken, Tom Wolfe, Samuel Beckett

Released: Jan. 6, 2011

James 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.

Note: This episode contains explicit language

To receive an email notification about the forthcoming KunstlerCast book, scheduled to be published this August, sign up for the KunstlerCast email list(about 2 to 3 emails per year)

Support this podcast by purchasing books from Amazon. Authors mentioned in this show: H.L. Mencken, Tom Wolfe, Samuel Beckett, Chris Hedges, Daniel Quinn, Alan Bloom, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Marshall Berman.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_139.mp3
(29 MB | 41:19 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
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KunstlerCast #130: Seattle

Starbucks City

Released: Oct. 21, 2010

James 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 the ubiquitous coffee chain Starbucks, which has many downsides to it, but which has also introduced some culture to certain places that had previously lacked any sort of “third place.”

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

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_130.mp3

(30 MB | 42:55 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:

1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

KunstlerCast #127: The Tragedy of the Commons

JHK Visits Bay City Michigan

Released: Sept. 30, 2010

James 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


Salem Common on Training Day (1808)
Peabody Essex Museum
Check out JHK’s Book Tour Schedule” http://www.kunstler.com/sched.php

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_127.mp3
(24 MB | 35:09 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Support this podcast by ordering The Witch of Hebron today on Amazon.


World Made By Hand is now available as an audio book. Visit audiblepodcast.com/kunstler to get your copy for FREE today.

 

 

KunstlerCast #125: Cassandra, A Thought Experiment

JHK Travels Back in Time to Warn The American People of the Future that Awaits Them

Released: Sept. 16, 2010.


Duncan asks JHK what he would say to the American people of 1946 if he had the means to travel back in time. What would Kunstler tell them about the suburban dream as promised to them? Would they listen?

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

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_125.mp3
(26 MB | 56:18 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Support this podcast by ordering The Witch of Hebron today on Amazon.


World Made By Hand is now available as an audio book. Visit audiblepodcast.com/kunstler to get your copy for FREE today.

 

 

KunstlerCast #121: Modern Family Living

Reacquainting With Our Relatives

Released: Aug. 12, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler muses on the suburban family living arrangement–past, present, future. Points of discussion include: “Boomerang Kids” (a.k.a. adult children living in their parents’ home), caring for seniors, and learning to live in closer proximity to family members.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_121.mp3
(38 MB | 32:35 mins.)

KunstlerCast #120: Combating Sprawl

Personal Lifestyle Choices

Released: Aug. 5, 2010

A listener asks what other ways average folks can combat sprawl without becoming a professional urban planner. JHK shares the story of his personal choice in 1970s to leave the big city and consciously live in a small American town with a livable urban fabric.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_120.mp3
(17 MB | 28:03 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from Post Carbon Institute, the world’s leading think tank dedicated to getting society off fossil fuels fast. PCI is proud to have James Howard Kunstler as a valued advisor–joining Richard Heinberg, Bill McKibben, Majora Carter, Rob Hopkins and 25 other Fellows in leading the transition to a more resilient world. Learn more at http://PostCarbon.org.

KunstlerCast #119: The Projects

Concentrating Poverty

Released: July 8, 2010.

JHK explores a mostly abandoned low-income housing project in Duncan’s neighborhood. Two of the three 9-story brick “vertical slums” are boarded up and abandoned. They come complete with their own “rape-o-matic” tunnel for pedestrians to travel under the bridge ramp that separates them. Kunstler says these “towers in a park” are based on the ideas of Le Corbusier, the Swiss-French architect/planner whose “Radiant City” plans envisioned turning the right bank of Paris into a series of high rise towers connected by highways. Corbu’s plans were not implemented in Paris, but his ideas didn’t die. In fact they morphed into what are commonly known as “the projects,” low-income high rise towers all around the U.S. and indeed the world. Taking inspiration by the housing projects in Troy, Kunstler explains the history of this style of low-income housing and its detrimental side effects.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_119.mp3

KunstlerCast_119-Enhanced.m4a
(11 MB | 18:48 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:

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Note: On the left is a QuickTime player that you can click on to listen to and watch this episode…but only if you have QuickTime installed on your computer. (If a black bar is displaying where the controlls should be, it’s a browser compatibility issue.)

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from Post Carbon Institute, the world’s leading think tank dedicated to getting society off fossil fuels fast. PCI is proud to have James Howard Kunstler as a valued advisor–joining Richard Heinberg, Bill McKibben, Majora Carter, Rob Hopkins and 25 other Fellows in leading the transition to a more resilient world. Learn more at http://PostCarbon.org.

KunstlerCast #118: A Great American Street

Strolling Uncle Sam’s Neighborhood

Released: July 3, 2010.

JHK and Duncan celebrate the Fourth of July by touring Uncle Sam’s neighborhood. They stroll down Second Street in Troy NY, admiring the 19th century architecture along the way. Destinations include: Russell Sage College, the county court house and one of only two privately owned and maintained residential green squares in New York state (the other is the famous Gramercy Park in Manhattan). They speak to some workers laying a stone street by hand, and explore the alley in an exclusive neighborhood. You can watch and listen with the player below.

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KunstlerCast_118-Audio-Only.mp3
KunstlerCast_118-Enhanced.m4a
(29 MB | 45:43 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:

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Note: On the left is a QuickTime player that you can click on to listen to and watch this episode…but only if you have QuickTime installed on your computer. (If a black bar is displaying where the controlls should be, it’s a browser compatibility issue.)

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from Post Carbon Institute, the world’s leading think tank dedicated to getting society off fossil fuels fast. PCI is proud to have James Howard Kunstler as a valued advisor–joining Richard Heinberg, Bill McKibben, Majora Carter, Rob Hopkins and 25 other Fellows in leading the transition to a more resilient world. Learn more at http://PostCarbon.org.

KunstlerCast #117: Berlin

History, The Prankster

Released: June 24, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler reports on his recent trip to Berlin, Germany…where everybody knows his name. Thirteen years ago, JHK traveled to Berlin 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 city’s few surface parking lots. History is a great prankster and therefore it’s no surprise to Kunstler that while the U.S. won the war against Germany, its cities looked bombed out. While Germany lost the war and its cities are beautiful, civilized places. Listeners end the show with their reactions to the BP oil spill.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_117.mp3
(29 MB | 45:43 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from Post Carbon Institute, the world’s leading think tank dedicated to getting society off fossil fuels fast. PCI is proud to have James Howard Kunstler as a valued advisor–joining Richard Heinberg, Bill McKibben, Majora Carter, Rob Hopkins and 25 other Fellows in leading the transition to a more resilient world. Learn more at http://PostCarbon.org.

KunstlerCast #115: Atlanta

Notes from the New South

Released: June 10, 2010.

James Howard Kunstler shares his observations after a recent trip to Atlanta, Ga. Check out JHK’s Essay “The Horror of Downtown Atlanta.”

Atlanta

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_115.mp3
(15 MB | 23:15 mins.)
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KunstlerCast #114: Agrarian Urbanism

The New New Urbanism?

Released: May 27, 2010.

James 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 may see a return of some of those practices. But Kunstler believes that it is important to cut through some of the fantasies to figure out what’s really possible. We must also be careful not to confuse the urban with the rural.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_114.mp3
(15 MB | 23:21 mins.)
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Sponsor:

Support for the KunstlerCast comes from The Law Office of Paul C. Rapp … Specializing in intellectual property law including copyright, trademark, Internet, art and entertainment matters. Paul Rapp is licensed in New York and Massachusetts. For information visit: PaulRapp.com

 

 

KunstlerCast #112: The Politics of Place

Inversion of Assumed Roles

Released: May 20, 2010.

James 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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_112.mp3
(21 MB | 33:30 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

Today’s program is sponsored by Audible, the Internet’s leading provider of spokeword entertainment with more than 75,000 titles in every genre to chose from. For a free audiobook download and 14-day trial, sign up today at Audiblepodcast.com/kunstler

KunstlerCast #111: Brutalism

Despotic Modernist Architecture

Released: May 13, 2010.

James 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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_111.mp3
(27 MB | 42:57 mins.)
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KunstlerCast #110: Human Scale

Building for the Human Figure

Released: May 6, 2010.


James Howard Kunstler explains what it means to build to the human scale and how our modern built environment fails to do this.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_110.mp3
(18 MB | 29:23 mins.)

 

Listener Caller Line:
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KunstlerCast #107: Sprawl Defenders

The Arguments For Suburbia

Released: April 15, 2010.

This 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 it is subsidized.

[Update: You can download Randal O’Toole’s presentation from his debate with JHK on this page.]

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_107.mp3
(25 MB | 38:52 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

Support for this program comes from the Congress for the New Urbanism, the nation’s leading forum dedicated to advancing urbanism and promoting alternatives to sprawl. CNU’s 18th annual Congress,”New Urbanism: Prescription for Healthy Places” will be held in Atlanta, May 19 – 22, organized with help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It will feature 90 plus sessions, tours, and immersive experiences with world’s leading thinkers and builders of good urbanism, and prominent researchers into the health impacts of how places are built, including the CDC’s Dr. Howard Frumkin, co-author of “Urban Sprawl and Public Health.” Register today, at: www.cnu18.org

KunstlerCast #103: Parking Militants & Hot Heads

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.]

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_103.mp3
(25 MB | 39:45 mins)
Listener Caller Line:
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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

KunstlerCast #102: Building the Future

The End of Jive Plastic Homes

Released: March 11, 2010.

James 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 of salvaged suburban building materials. Finally, he takes a moment to consider the re-use of abandoned shipping containers for human habitation.

[Note: This program contains explicit language.]

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_102.mp3
(25 MB | 38:49 mins)
Listener Caller Line:
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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

KunstlerCast #100: Rochester

A Robust Little City

Released: Feb. 18, 2010.

Rochester PostcardJames 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 at SUNY Brockport. The bulk of the show includes a driving tour of Rochester NY with JHK. (Note: this episode contains some cursewords).

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_100.mp3

(31 MB | 52:51 mins)

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Google Street View:

Head west on East Ave. to get downtown. Then head west on Main St. E.


View Larger Map

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Next American City, a quarterly urban affairs magazine committed to creating sustainable cities. Check out our new monthly Metro Matters podcast.

KunstlerCast #94: Disneyfication of America

Our Cartoon Landscape

Released: Dec. 24, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler explains the story behind Disneyland, Disney World, and Walt Disney’s legacy on the American built environment.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_94.mp3
(27 MB | 43:44 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
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Announcement:

There will be a staged-reading of James Howard Kunstler’s play, “Big Slide” this Jan. 9 at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center in Rochester NY. The playwright will introduce the show, which begins a 7:30 p.m. Admission is pay what you can. For information, visit: http://muccc.org

KunstlerCast #93: College Campuses

Programming Young People for Cynicism

Released: Dec. 17, 2009.

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.”

[Note to re-broadcasters: This show contains one curseword at 12:57 and 26:09]

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_93.mp3
(36 MB | 44:54 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
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Wavy Glass Building at SUNY Albany
Wavy Glass Building at University at Albany (SUNY)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for a post-peak world. Enroll now in our new e-learning course, or our 6-week, instructor led Un-Crash Course. Find out more at: http://postpeakliving.com.

KunstlerCast #90: The Demise of Happy Motoring

Cruising Toward Collapse with a Stunning Stupidity

Released: Nov. 26, 2009.

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

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_90.mp3
(35 MB | 43:31 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

 

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

 

 

 

KunstlerCast #89: Everyday Architecture

Empty Gestures, Darth Vader Windows & Porches for Leprechauns

Released: Nov. 19, 2009.

James 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.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_89.mp3
(33 MB | 40:47 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

 

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

 

 

 

KunstlerCast #88: In General

The Role of Generalists in a Hyper-Specialist Society

Released: Nov. 12, 2009.

James 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. Econometric models are only a substitute for reality that tend to produce a failure of perception and therefore a failure in our ability to act in the face of the things that happen to us. 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 thoughts on the vibrant center city of Philadelphia.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_88.mp3
(28 MB | 24:18 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

 

Sponsors:

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 Audible. For a free audiobook download, visit: www.audiblepodcast.com/kunstler

 

 

 

KunstlerCast #87: Boston

Where Gentrification is a Good Thing

Released: Nov. 5, 2009.

James 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 America. The devil could not have designed a worse campus.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_87.mp3
(33 MB | 28:57 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
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Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Grinning Planet, providing real news in a free weekly mp3 format. Grinning Planet compiles the best audio news coverage of the week on a single page to save you time and cut through the mainstream propaganda. Listen at: http://www.grinningplanet.com/mp3-news

KunstlerCast #86: The High Line (NYC)

Rails to Freakish Parks

Released: Oct. 29, 2009.

James 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 Hudson is an extremely long railroad bridge that now serves as a pedestrian park. On the plus side, Kunstler believes this type of project might protect the bridge so that it doesn’t completely fall apart. But he finds it tragic that America has discarded the major investments it once made in a rail system. A listener caller who is an urban planner in Vancouver shares his thoughts on adaptive reuse of buildings.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_86.mp3
(40 MB | 34:58 mins.)
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Click on the images above to view a larger version. The first four photos are of the High Line. The last three photos are the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Revolution Hall, inviting you to come see Deer Tick, the band that sings the KunstlerCast theme song, this Nov. 4 in Troy NY. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Buy tickets online at RevolutionHall.com.

KunstlerCast #85: Is NYC The Green Metropolis?

The Last Major Renovation of Manhattan

Released: Oct. 22, 2009.

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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_85.mp3
(35 MB | 30:53 mins.)

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

 

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Grinning Planet, providing real news in a free weekly mp3 format. Grinning Planet compiles the best audio news coverage of the week on a single page to save you time and cut through the mainstream propaganda. Listen at: http://www.grinningplanet.com/mp3-news

KunstlerCast #84: Urban Thinkers

Christopher Alexander, Daniel Burnham, Lewis Mumford, Leon Krier, Le Corbusier

Released: Oct. 15, 2009.

James 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 names on that list. People discussed on this program include: Christopher Alexander, Frederick Law Olmsted, Daniel Burnham, Lewis Mumford, Leon Krier, Le Corbusier, and Ian McHarg.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_84.mp3

(31 MB | 27:14 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Grinning Planet, providing real news in a free weekly mp3 format. Grinning Planet compiles the best audio news coverage of the week on a single page to save you time and cut through the mainstream propaganda. Listen at: http://www.grinningplanet.com/mp3-news

Links:

 

KunstlerCast #83: Jane Jacobs, Urban Thinker

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

Released: Oct. 8, 2009.

Planetizen, an urban planning website and book publisher, recently conducted a poll about the Top 100 Urban Thinkers. Jane Jacobs, author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, made #1 on the list. Kunstler explains the story and importance of Jacobs. He also recollects interviewing her in 2000. Although at the time Jacobs was writing a book about the coming energy crisis, Dark Age Ahead, Kunstler said she didn’t seem interested in talking about “Long Emergency” issues during their conversation. A listener caller tells us why he thinks Sesame Street is a good model for urbanism.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_83.mp3

(20 MB | 21:35 mins.)
Listener Caller Line:
1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is Grinning Planet, providing real news in a free weekly mp3 format. Grinning Planet compiles the best audio news coverage of the week on a single page to save you time and cut through the mainstream propaganda. Listen at: http://www.grinningplanet.com/mp3-news

Links:

Jane Jacobs, Interviewed by Jim Kunstler for Metropolis Magazine, March 2001
September 6, 2000: Toronto Canada

 

KunstlerCast #81: Los Angeles

Provisional Civilization

Released: Sept 24, 2009.

James 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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_81.mp3
(31 MB | 34:00 mins.)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is New Society Publishers, the leading publisher of Peak Oil thinkers such as Dmitry Orlov, Richard Heinberg, and Sharon Astyk. NewSociety.com

KunstlerCast #80: White & Green Rooftops

Mitigating Climate Change & Saving Energy Costs

Released: Sept 17, 2009.

Professor 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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_80.mp3
(17 MB | 18: 29 mins.)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is New Society Publishers, the leading publisher of Peak Oil thinkers such as Dmitry Orlov, Richard Heinberg, and Sharon Astyk. NewSociety.com

KunstlerCast #79: Packin’ for France

Is Now A Good Time to Leave the U.S. for Good?

Released: Sept 10, 2009.

A 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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_79.mp3
(28 MB | 30:08 mins.)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is New Society Publishers, the leading publisher of Peak Oil thinkers such as Dmitry Orlov, Richard Heinberg, and Sharon Astyk. NewSociety.com

KunstlerCast #78: Litter & Pollution

Trashing Places We Don’t Respect

Released: Sept 3, 2009.

litter 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. On a larger scale, many corporations treat the American landscape with a similar disregard. While Kunstler believes that large scale pollution from mega corporations may taper off with the cheap oil supply, he thinks local manufacturing in the future might reintroduce forms of pollution that haven’t been seen in the U.S. for a while.

Note: The voice of Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk appears in this episode, courtesy of Planetizen, publisher of The Story of Sprawl DVD. Kunstlercast listeners receive a $5 discount when purchasing this DVD by using the discount code FIESTA: http://www.planetizen.com/DVD

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_78.mp3
(37 MB | 40:10 mins.)

Sponsors:

This week’s sponsor is New Society Publishers, the leading publisher of Peak Oil thinkers such as Dmitry Orlov, Richard Heinberg, Sharon Astyk and Michael Ruppert. NewSociety.com

KunstlerCast #76: Man Caves

Andrés Duany & The Dilemma of Male Space

Released: August 20, 2009.

Man Cave

A “man cave” discovered in a government complex made national news earlier this month. Eminent new urbanist planner Andrés 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.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_76mp3
(36 MB | 38:52 mins.)

Relevant Links:

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.

KunstlerCast #72: Sprawling to Obesity

The Burbs are Bad for Your Health

Released: July 23, 2009.

This 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. (Artwork courtesy of Ken Avidor)

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_72.mp3
(28 MB | 30:32 mins.)

 

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.

KunstlerCast #68: Historic Preservation

The Residue of Pre-industrial Artistry and Craft

Released: June 11, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler addresses some issues regarding historic preservation. Kunstler supports historic preservation, because adaptive reuse is part of what makes the great European cities so rewarding to be in. According to Kunstler, the historic preservation movement really ramped up in the U.S. after the destruction of Penn Station in New York City. At times the historic preservation movement has gotten hysterical to save any scrap of anything built before WWII. But Kunstler believes that hysteria is understandable when one considers that modern Americans do not create buildings that are as good as the old buildings we are losing. Other topics include facade preservation, cheap cladding, a return of traditional building materials, passive heating, cooling and energy conservation.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_68.mp3
(25 MB | 26:42 mins.)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for the post peak oil world.

Google Street Views of Buildings Discussed in this Podcast

INSTRUCTIONS: Hover your mouse over the Google Street View windows below. Click the arrows on the window to move up and down the street. Click the window to change your view. Double click to zoom in. Click the box in the right-hand corner for full screen view.

Google Street View Tutorial Video
More Street View Epidodes

Proctor’s Troy, NY

(1:22 mins)


View Larger Map

Wellington Row, Albany, NY

(7:12 mins)


View Larger Map

Elk Street, Albany NY

(10:41 mins)


View Larger Map

KunstlerCast #67: Jaime Correa & The 40 Percent Plan

Planning for Peak Oil

Released: June 4, 2009.

New Urbanist Planner and Author Jaime Correa speaks about urban planning in the peak oil era. KunstlerCast Host Duncan Crary recorded Correa’s talk on May 28 at the Albany Roundtable in Albany, N.Y. Correa speaks about how the end of cheap oil will affect communities in the future. He describes his peak oil action plan, which he calls The 40 Percent Plan. As urban communities begin to contract in the future, Correa has some ideas about what people need to do to successfully prepare for the future. James Howard Kunstler introduces Correa and chats with Crary about the role that Correa has played in the New Urbanism. Kunstler also responds to a question posed to him by Correa about his preparations for peak oil.

Note: Curse words and adult language occur at 27:30, 27:37 and 30:17

Websites: The Correa Report (Jaime’s blog) | Correa And Associates | Albany Roundtable

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_67.mp3
(36.2 MB | 39:21 mins.)

Sponsor:

This week’s sponsor is PostPeakLiving.com, offering online courses that prepare you for the post peak oil world.

KunstlerCast #65: Virtual Tour of Detroit

Google Street Views of the Motor City

Released: May, 21, 2009.

At the suggestion of a listener caller, James Howard Kunstler gives a virtual walking tour of Detroit, Michigan using Google Street View. Google Street View is an interactive photographic map that allows users to view photographs of streets and buildings in many cities throughout the world. Users can follow along with this program using the embedded Google Street View windows below. During this “walking” tour, Kunstler examines the Michigan Central Depot Train Station, Tiger Stadium, the Renaissance Center, the People Mover, The Joe Louis Arena (aka the Aztec Maw of Death), The Grand Circus, the Fillmore and Fox theaters, and the Detroit waterfront.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_65.mp3
(36.5 MB | 39:47 mins.)

INSTRUCTIONS: Hover your mouse over the Google Street View windows below. Click the arrows on the window to move up and down the street. Click the window to change your view. Double click to zoom in. Click the box in the right-hand corner for full screen view.

Google Street View Tutorial Video
More Street View Epidodes

Destination 1: Michigan Central Station, 2198 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI


View Larger Map

Instructions:

Look south for train station.

Head east on Michigan Ave.

(at Rosa Parks Blvd. there is a glitch. Switch to next viewing window)

Destination 1 (cont.): Michigan Ave to Tiger Stadium


View Larger Map

Instructions:

Continue east on Michigan Ave. to Tiger Stadium at 1676 Michigan Ave.

Continue east for a few clicks.

Destination 2: The Renaissance Center, 378 Beaubien St., Detroit, MI


View Larger Map

Instructions:

Look south for Renaissance Center

Look north for People Mover

Head north on Beaubien St. to E. Jefferson Ave.

Head west on E. Jefferson Ave.

Google Street glitch. Switch viewing window to continue west on E. Jefferson Ave.

Destination 2 (cont.): East Jefferson Ave.


View Larger Map

Instructions:

Continue West on E. Jefferson St.

Destination 3: Joe Louis Arena, 678 CIvic Center Drive, Detroit, MI


View Larger Map

 

Instructions:

Head east on Civic Center Drive

At 546 Civic Center Drive, look at entrance to arena to north, river is to south.

Destination 4: The Grand Circus, 1556 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI


View Larger Map

Instructions:

Head north on Woodward Ave. (Grand Circus begins at 1588)

Note: Church at 2000 Woodward Ave.

Staduim to right at 2048 Woodward Ave.

Fillmore Theater on left at 2122 Woodward Ave.

Fox Theater on left at 2244 Woodward Ave.

Destination 5: Riverfront, 392 Atwater St., Detroit, MI


View Larger Map

Instructions:
Turn north to see backside of Renasaince Center and promonade.

Head east up Atwater St.

Parking deck at 484 Atwater St.

Surface parking at 626 Atwater St.

Cab drivers at 724 Atwater St.

Sponsor:

Support for this program comes from Audible. For a free audiobook download and 14-day trial, visit: www.audiblepodcast.com/kunstler

KunstlerCast #64: Contracting Cities & Urban Chickens

Downsizing Big Cities & Urban Agriculture

Released: May 14, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler talks about two former industrial cities undergoing massive contractions: Flint, Michigan and Youngstown, Ohio . The local governments in both cities have adopted policies to manage the contraction to reduce public safety issues caused by large abandoned areas within their borders. Kunstler then responds to a listener call from suburban Chicago about the prospects of farming in the post-cheap oil suburbs. The conversation then turns to the future of former city farms.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_64.mp3
(24 MB | 25:59 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

KunstlerCast #63: Obama’s High Speed Rail Corridors

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.

KunstlerCast #61: Getting to Work

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

KunstlerCast #59: The Role of Bicycles

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.

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_59.mp3

(23.4 MB | 25:20 mins.)

Listener Caller Line:

1-(866) 924-9499 toll-free

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

KunstlerCast #58: New Urbanism in South Africa

Kunstler Reports on His Recent Trip to Johannesburg

Released: April 2, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler reports on two recent trips he took. First he talks about his appearance at the annual Aspen Institute Environmental Forum, where talk of alternative fuel, and other ways to keep our happy motoring scene running, dominated the talks about peak oil. For the remainder of this program Kunstler reports on his recent trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he inspected a 35-acre new urbanist neighborhood project. Kunstler describes his urban planning and cultural observations of this region of the world.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_58.mp3
(35 MB | 35:48 mins.)

Melrose Arch, South Africa
Melrose Arch, a brave new urbanist experiment in Johannesburg, South Africa.

KunstlerCast #57: New Orleans Follow Up

Listeners React to Previous Podcasts

Released: March 26, 2009.

In this short podcast, James Howard Kunstler returns briefly to the topic of New Orleans. This time he discusses the future of the Port of New Orleans. In the second half of this program, we hear from listeners around the country. One listener from New Orleans doesn’t think Jim gave her city a fair shake. She says New Orleans is everything new urbanists want in a community — street cars, walkable streets and places worth caring about — except it’s old urbanism, not new urbanism. Other listeners respond to the virtual tour of Paris, healthcare and population decline, Jim and Duncan’s encounter with the Mayor of Troy, finding meaningful work in the new economy and the recent space shuttle blast off.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_57.mp3
( 11 MB | 11:56 mins.)

KunstlerCast #56: Virtual Walking Tour of Paris

JHK Gives a Walking tour of Paris using Google Street View

Released: March 19, 2009.

At the suggestion of a listener caller, James Howard Kunstler gives a virtual walking tour of Paris, France using Google Street View. Google Street View is an interactive photographic map that allows users to view photographs of streets and buildings in many cities throughout the world. Users can follow along with this program using the embedded Google Street View windows below. This installment of the KunstlerCast is sponsored by Audible.com. KunstlerCast listeners can receive a free audio book dowload by visiting: audiblepodcast.com/kunstler (restrictions may apply outside the U.S. and Canada).

Direct Download:

KunstlerCast_56.mp3

(42 MB | 45:14 mins.)

Promonet Music:

Thank You For The MusicDeborah Boily
“It Was Not Exactly Paris” (mp3)
from “Thank You For The Music”
(LML Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Discuss this episode

INSTRUCTIONS: Hover your mouse over the Google Street View windows below. Click the arrows on the window to move up and down the street. Click the window to change your view. Double click to zoom in. Click the box in the right-hand corner for full screen view.

Google Street View Tutorial Video
More Street View Epidodes

Destination 1: 20 Rue Lepic, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 3:37 to 15:54 on the podcast. Head up the hill.

Google Maps Link


View Larger Map

Destination 2: 21 Avenue Kleber, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 15:55 to 32:23 on the podcast. Move up and down the street, looking at the buildings on the sides.

Google Maps Link


View Larger Map

Destination 3: Rue Lacépède / Place de la Contrescarpe, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 32:34 to 34:33 of the podcast.

Google Maps Link


View Larger Map

Destination 4: Place Jacques Rueff, Paris, IDF, France

Note: Use the window below during 35:47 to 40:33 of the podcast. Look into the park. (The Eiffel Tower is behind you.) Travel North to Avenue Joseph Bouvard to see more of the park.

Google Maps Link


View Larger Map

KunstlerCast #54: Retooling Suburbia

Abandoned subdivisions and population decline

Released: March, 5 2009.

James Howard Kunstler explores the topic of building traditional town centers in suburbia, where town centers are typically absent. Though it may be possible to retrofit the suburbs, Kunstler doesn’t believe that Americans will have the money to remake some of the worst suburbs into more traditional, mixed-use neighborhoods ? even if they wanted to in the first place. As more and more suburbanites find themselves unemployed, some of the more isolated housing subdivisions are simply being abandoned. In the second half of this podcast Kunstler explores the topic of future population decline in the United States. Kunstler believes that Americans will face enormous problems producing food for its population as financial problems make agribusiness increasingly expensive. Moreover, suburbia has destroyed much of America’s agricultural land, which most people wouldn’t know how to farm anyway.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_54.mp3
( 27 MB | 29:32 mins.)

KunstlerCast #53: Incomprehensible Buildings

Anti-Social, Despotic, Architecture

Released: Feb. 26, 2009.

A listener asks James Howard Kunstler to react to the Feb. 9 fire that destroyed a Beijing building by Dutch starchitect Rem Koolhaas. Kunstler believes many famous architects, including Koolhaas, often strive to confound people in order to appear supernaturally brilliant. It’s all in the service of grandiosity and narcissism, though. Rather than attempting to disturb our expectations, architects should strive to give us buildings that are neurologically comprehensible and that satisfy our need for cultural orientation. Kunstler also takes shots at a proposed skyscraper in Boston and the Southern Poverty Law Center. **Tim Halber, managing editor of Planetizen, responds in a listener comment to Duncan’s recent comments about the failures of new urbanism.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_53.mp3
( 29 MB | 31:34 mins.)

Rem Koolhaas CCTV building, photo by Iamdavidtheking
Rem Koolhaas CCTV building in Beijing,
photo by Iamdavidtheking.

KunstlerCast #52: Rebuilding New Orleans

Cultural Programming and the Patina of Decay

Released: Feb. 19, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler discusses the issue of rebuilding New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. Legal disputes, government inefficiency and suburban mindsets have stood in the way of constructing traditional neighborhoods in New Orleans. While the charming urban fabric of the French Quarter and the Garden District still remains, Kunstler believes that New Orleans is likely to be a much smaller city than it was in the 20th century. Much of the cultural programming that emerged in the poorer neighborhoods of New Orleans may not return. Ultimately, the realities of climate and weather may determine the fate of the Crescent City. **To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the KunstlerCast, host Duncan Crary joins the band Deer Tick for a live concert. Deer Tick performs the theme song for the KunstlerCast.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_52.mp3
( 22 MB | 23:45 mins.)

KunstlerCast #51: Seaside Revisited

The Future of New Urbanism is Urbanism

Released: Feb. 12, 2009.

James Howard Kunstler is back from a visit to the American South. He reports on two New Urbanist developments outside of Montgomery, Alabama. In many ways Kunstler believes that the new urbanist model of building 400 acre “traditional neighborhoods” out in the green fields of suburbia is over. He explains the relationship between new urbanism, suburbanism and just plain old urbanism. Kunstler’s journey also took him to revisit Seaside, Florida, one of the most famous new urbanist projects produced by Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. Many people criticize Seaside for being elite and artificial. But Kunstler says Seaside will probably feel more authentic as it ages naturally.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_51.mp3
( 29 MB | 31:39 mins.)

Movie Still: Jim Carey in The Truman Show, filmed at Seaside, Florida.
In this movie still from The Truman Show, Jim Carey is shown walking in Seaside, Florida. Source: Jim Carrey Online

KunstlerCast #46: Highway to Hell

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:

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

More On This Album

KunstlerCast #43: Missing Teeth in the Urban Fabric

Empty Spaces in the Streetscape

Released: Dec. 18, 2008

James Howard Kunstler explains the negative effects that empty building lots have on the urban streetscape. These empty spaces or “missing teeth” are dead zones that are repellent to pedestrians. But, at the moment, our car crazy society prefers to keep those dead zones for surface parking rather than to infill them with good urban buildings. During the second half of the program Kunstler speaks face-to-face with Troy, N.Y. Mayor Harry Tutunjian about what to do with the empty space that will be left behind after the city demolishes its current City Hall. Plans for the soon-to-be empty lot include an underground parking garage with grass on top. The mayor says that the lawn will allow access to the Hudson River and provide scenic views of the river from Broadway. Kunstler argues that the building lot should be completely occupied by a good urban building, like a new city hall.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_43.mp3

( 35 MB | 38 mins.)

Note: Use Google Street View to view City Hall and Monument Square in Troy NY. Use the cursor to examine this outdoor public room:


View Larger Map

Promo music featured in this episode courtesy of IODA Promonet:

FerndorfHauschka
“Freibad” (mp3)
from “Ferndorf”
(Fat Cat Records)

More On This Album

More info about the KunstlerCast theme music

KunstlerCast #42: Victorian Stroll

19th Century Urbanism in 2008

Released: Dec. 11, 2008

Victorian SantaJames Howard Kunstler joins host Duncan Crary for the Victorian Stroll in downtown Troy, NY. During this annual event, the city evicts the automobile from the streets and 21st century people discover how pleasurable it is to explore this 19th century urban fabric on foot. Kunstler believes events like this are rehearsal for the times ahead when Americans will be forced to re-inhabit their small cities and classic main-street towns.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_42.mp3

( 37 MB | 42 mins.)

INSTRUCTIONS: Hover your mouse over the Google Street View windows below. Click the arrows on the window to move up and down the street. Click the window to change your view. Double click to zoom in. Click the box in the right-hand corner for full screen view.

Google Street View Tutorial Video
More Street View Epidodes


View Larger Map

Note: You can change the camera view by grabbing the image with your mouse.
Start: 38 2nd St. Troy NY 12180

>>Head left (north)

>>Turn Right (northeast) onto River St.

>>Turn Right (south) onto 3rd St.

>>Continue (south) to State St.

>>Turn Right (west) on State St.

End

Points of interest from the show:

Market Block Books (corner of River Street and 3rd St.)

Frear’s Cash Bazaar/Uncle Sam Atrium (3rd St. across the street from Market Block Books)

Church with Louis Comfort Tiffany interior (3rd St. & State St)

Promo music featured in this episode courtesy of IODA Promonet:

24 Postcards In Full ColourMax 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

KunstlerCast #41: Private Property

Community ownership and the diminishing role of government?

Released Dec. 4, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler says the notion that Americans have a long tradition of being able to do whatever they want with their land is a fallacy. This false notion is really just the result of a propaganda campaign by the promoters of suburban sprawl and the real estate industry. In reality, there is a whole corpus of responsibilities, obligations and duties that come with land ownership in America that simply can’t be ignored. Kunstler compares American attitudes toward community ownership with those in Europe.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_41.mp3
( 25 MB | 27:08 mins.)

Photo by Satan's Laundromat
Photo courtesy of http://www.satanslaundromat.com/sl

Promo music featured in this episode courtesy of IODA Promonet:

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

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More info about the KunstlerCast theme music

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KunstlerCast #39: Water Transit

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.)

Chicago River towboat and barge

Promo music featured in this episode courtesy of IODA Promonet:

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

Buy at iTunes Music Store
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More info about the KunstlerCast theme music

KunstlerCast #36: The City (1939) – Part 2

The Story of Sprawl DVD Commentary

Released: Oct. 23, 2008.

In this special video podcast edition of the KunstlerCast you can watch and listen to the second half of a commentary track that James Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary recorded for a soon-to-be-released DVD called The Story of Sprawl. The DVD is being produced by Planetizen.com. Kunstler and Crary comment on The City a 1939 film with a narrative written by the great 20th century generalist Lewis Mumford. In part 2 of the film Mumford pitches the idea for “green cities,” but these green cities look an awful lot like suburbia.

Direct Downloads:

Video: KunstlerCast_36_Video.m4v

( 100 MB | 20:00 mins.) *Link fixed 10/25/08

Watch The City (1939) Part 2 – Without commentary

The Regional Planning Association of America’s plea for community chaotic cities and urban sprawl. Directors: Ralph Steiner and Willard Van Dyke. Script: Henwar Rodakiewicz, from an outline by Pare Lorentz. Commentary written by Lewis Mumford. Narrator: Morris Carnovsky. Photography: Ralph Steiner, Willard Van Dyke, Jules V.D. Bucher, Edward Anhalt, Roger Barlow and Rudolph Bretz. Editor: Theodore Lawrence. Music: Aaron Copland.

Producer: American Documentary Films, Inc.

Sponsor: American Institute of Planners, through Civic Films, Inc.

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

Via: Archive.org

KunstlerCast listners receive a $5 discount when they purchase The Story of Sprawl 2-DVD set, feauturing a comentary recorded by Jim and Duncan from this episode of the KunstlerCast. Use the discount code “Fiesta” during checkout. The KunstlerCast will receive a $5 referral fee for each purchase, too!

KunstlerCast #35: The City (1939) – Part 1

The Story of Sprawl DVD Commentary

Released: Oct. 16, 2008.

In this special video podcast edition of the KunstlerCast you can watch and listen to a commentary track that James Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary recorded for a soon-to-be-released DVD called The Story of Sprawl. The DVD is being produced by Planetizen.com. Kunstler and Crary comment on The City a 1939 film with a narrative written by the great 20th century generalist Lewis Mumford. In part 1 of the film, Mumford provides a nostalgic view of rural small-town American life in contrast to life in the harsh industrial cities and among the towering skyscrapers of New York. Mumford urges viewers that we can build better environments to live in, especially for our children. But we know where that line of thinking led us to: suburbia.

Direct Downloads:

Video: KunstlerCast_35_Video.m4v
( 77 MB | 17:29 mins.)

Audio Only:


KunstlerCast_35_Audio.mp3
( 16 MB | 17:29 mins.)

Watch The City (1939) Part 1 – Without commentary

The Regional Planning Association of America’s plea for community chaotic cities and urban sprawl. Directors: Ralph Steiner and Willard Van Dyke. Script: Henwar Rodakiewicz, from an outline by Pare Lorentz. Commentary written by Lewis Mumford. Narrator: Morris Carnovsky. Photography: Ralph Steiner, Willard Van Dyke, Jules V.D. Bucher, Edward Anhalt, Roger Barlow and Rudolph Bretz. Editor: Theodore Lawrence. Music: Aaron Copland.

Producer: American Documentary Films, Inc.

Sponsor: American Institute of Planners, through Civic Films, Inc.

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

Via: Archive.org

KunstlerCast listners receive a $5 discount when they purchase The Story of Sprawl 2-DVD set, feauturing a comentary recorded by Jim and Duncan from this episode of the KunstlerCast. Use the discount code “Fiesta” during checkout. The KunstlerCast will receive a $5 referral fee for each purchase, too!

KunstlerCast #25: Frederick Law Olmsted and the American Park

Imitating nature at the expense of small formalized urban parks

Released: July 31, 2008

Frederick Law Olmsted is most noted for designing Central Park in Manhattan. His method of landscape design now serves as the main model for how we design parks in America. But James Howard Kunstler believes that our ongoing attempts to replicate the Olmsted park have created many urban parks with serious shortcomings. Kunstler also warns listeners not to ask for “green space” in their towns because “green space” is an abstraction. Instead he urges people to learn the vocabulary of landscape architecture to be able to ask for specific park features. Released: Sept. 31, 2008.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_25.mp3
( 19 MB | 27 mins.)

Discuss this episode
Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Congress Park in Saratoga Springs N.Y., designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

KunstlerCast #24: One City Block – Part 2

The Rise, Decline, Revitalization and Future of One American City

Released: July. 24, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler continues his walking tour of one city block in downtown Saratoga Springs, N.Y., a classic Main-street American town. We resume the tour on the corner of Division Street and Railroad Place, where a major urban infill project has produced a brand new urban street that is well defined on both sides by five-story high buildings, with dignified frontages, ground-level retail space and apartments above. Kunstler points out some architectural problems and weird transitions but he’s mostly pleased by the new buildings in this neighborhood. As we leave the new urban street, things completely fall apart when we encounter the results of the urban renewal schemes of the 1960s. Most of the 20 acres in front of us is surface parking, occupied on the fringe by inappropriate suburban buildings.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_24.mp3

(14 MB | 20 mins.)

Note: Use Google Street View to follow along with this program:

Map of our route:


View Larger Map

Google Street View of our Route:

INSTRUCTIONS: Hover your mouse over the Google Street View windows below. Click the arrows on the window to move up and down the street. Click the window to change your view. Double click to zoom in. Click the box in the right-hand corner for full screen view.

Google Street View Tutorial Video
More Street View Epidodes


View Larger Map

Note: You can change the camera view by grabbing the image with your mouse. If you click the view larger map link above, the route will appear highlighted in blue.

Part 1 Start: 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

> Turn left (west) at Division St.

Continue west on Division St to Railroad Pl

End Part 1

> Part 2 Start: Turn left (southwest) on Railroad Pl

Continue southwest/south on Railroad Pl to RT-29/Washington St.

> Turn left (east) on RT-29/Washington St.

Continue east on Washington Street to Broadway

End Part 2

KunstlerCast #23: One City Block – Part 1

The Rise, Decline, Revitalization and Future of One American City

Released: July 17, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler often describes Saratoga Springs N.Y. as a classic Main Street American town. In part one of this special program, we take to the streets of Saratoga to experience the sense of place in this small city. Kunstler brings us from the busy sidewalks along Broadway to a sidestreet leading to a major urban infill project. He explains the urban sensibilities of the 19th century structures, points out the boneheaded decisions of the 1960s one-story development, and the promising efforts of mid-1990s new urbanism.

 

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_23.mp3

( 21 MB | 30 mins.)

Kunstler Saratoga Springs
James Howard Kunstler on Broadway in Downtown Saratoga Springs

Map of our route:


View Larger Map

Google Street View of our Route:

INSTRUCTIONS: Hover your mouse over the Google Street View windows below. Click the arrows on the window to move up and down the street. Click the window to change your view. Double click to zoom in. Click the box in the right-hand corner for full screen view.

Google Street View Tutorial Video
More Street View Epidodes


View Larger Map

Note: You can change the camera view by grabbing the image with your mouse. If you click the view larger map link above, the route will appear highlighted in blue.

Part 1 Start: 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

> Turn left (west) at Division St.

Continue west on Division St to Railroad Pl

End Part 1

> Part 2 Start: Turn left (southwest) on Railroad Pl

Continue southwest/south on Railroad Pl to RT-29/Washington St.

> Turn left (east) on RT-29/Washington St.

Continue east on Washington Street to Broadway

End Part 2

KunstlerCast #22: Handicap Access

Inadvertantly Promoting Sprawl

Released: July. 10, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler explores the consequences of handicap access laws and codes, and how they have unintentionally promoted suburban sprawl throughout much of America. In many instances, developers feel it’s easier and cheaper to just build one-story buildings rather than multi-story handicap accessible buildings. These laws can also discourage the retrofitting of second and third story retail space in old “Main Street” buildings as well. So while handicap access codes may make it easier for some people to use our built environment, they can also indirectly make it more difficult for those do not own a car.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_22.mp3
( 13 MB | 17:13 mins.)

KunstlerCast #18: Pavement

Asphalt on the Belgian Block

Released: June 12, 2008.

Asphalt has become the default paving solution in America. And it’s helped turn even side streets into mini freeways. It’s ugly, it’s bad for the environment and it might not be so cheap in the near future as the price of petroleum-based products rises. In this show, James Howard Kunstler discusses the aesthetics, the qualities and the practicalities of other paving materials. Jim says the built environment in America is so full of empty gestures that the sidewalks end after only 60 feet. But he has been to a place in Michigan where cars are not allowed. And the streets are wonderful. **Note to re-broadcasters: curse word at 1:22 mins.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_18.mp3
(10 MB | 16 mins.)

 

Old Dorp, by Cal Crary
Old Dorp, by Cal Crary

KunstlerCast #17: San Francisco

The Golden Gate City, and other places Jim actually likes

Released: June 5, 2008.

A listener from San Francisco, who admits to suffering excessive civic pride for his hometown, asks James Howard Kunstler to critique The Golden Gate City and to speak about some of the other places in America that Jim actually likes. Kunstler acknowledges that San Francisco does a lot of things right. But it bends over for the car, and many of the streets are poorly detailed. He also warns that the city’s plan to erect seven new skyscrapers is ill fated. We close the show with the seven or so cities in America that Jim likes best.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_17.mp3
(10 MB | 15 mins.)

KunstlerCast #15: Reactivating Small Cities

Life after oil in small cities

Released: May 22, 2008.

A listener from Canada asks if small cities will be willing and able to absorb more people after peak oil makes big city life problematic. James Howard Kunstler believes that many small cities across North America are waiting to be reactivated. These places would benefit from having more people living in them. But in order to prepare for returning populations, they will need to return to a much smaller increment of development.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_15.mp3
( 10 MB | 15 mins.)

KunstlerCast #13: Personal Transit & Green Buildings

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
Image courtesy of Ken Avidor.

KunstlerCast#12: Gentrification

Cities are not just for the poor

Released: May 1, 2008.

A listener from Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. wants to know about the ethics of gentrification. What happens to the poor people who get pushed out of the cities when wealthier people move in? James Howard Kunstler addresses how abnormal it is that American city centers are primarily inhabited by poor people. Jim and Duncan also touch upon the racial dimensions of gentrification.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_12.mp3
(7 MB | 15 mins.)

KunstlerCast #10: Children of the Burbs

Suburbia: a punishing environment for our children?

Released: April 17, 2008.

Is raising children in suburbia a form of child abuse? What happens to developing people when public space is the berm between the Wal-Mart and the K-Mart? When school looks like a maximum security “facility”? When parents are chauffeurs? James Howard Kunstler addresses these topics and speaks of his own experiences growing up in the suburbs of Long Island and in Manhattan.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_10.mp3
(7 MB | 15 mins.)

KunstlerCast #09: Urban Planning

Featuring: Planetizen, The Planning & Development Network

Released: April 10, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler is one of the most vocal critics of modern urban planning. So it’s only fair that in this show Jim fields some questions from the professional planning community. First off, the planners want to know how Jim answers to critics who challenge him on his lack of professional credentials in the planning and architecture fields. Next, a planning professor wants to know: what is the most important thing that cities can do to most improve the quality of the built environment? This show is the result of a special collaboration between The KunstlerCast and Planetizen, the online network for professional planners.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_09.mp3
(7 MB | 15 mins.)

KunstlerCast #08: The Glossary of Nowhere

Parking Lagoons, Nature Band-aides & Other Kunstlerisms

Released: April 3, 2008.

When James Howard Kunstler wrote The Geography of Nowhere, it was to give people “the vocabulary to understand what’s wrong with the places they ought to know best.” In this installment we run down a few choice Kunstlerisms, like “parking lagoons” , “nature Band-Aides” and “patriotic totems.” Kunstler also tells us why the depressing topic of suburban sprawl is also really funny.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_08.mp3
(7 MB | 15 mins.)

KunstlerCast #06: Zoning

The tragic tale of zoning laws

Released: March 20, 2008.

Ya seen one town in America ya seen ’em all. But that’s because they’re all mandated to look that way! James Howard Kunstler tells the tragic story of zoning codes in the United States. At one time, zoning was a rational response to unpleasant conditions of the newly emerging industrial city. But the fanatical level to which zoning became worshiped by public officials has reduced urban planning from an art form to the mere administration of curb cuts, signage and statistical analysis of traffic flow. *Note to re-broadcasters: curse words at 8:48 mins.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_06.mp3
( 7.1 MB | mins.)

KunstlerCast #05: Starchitects

The Seattle Public Library and other award-winning disastrous architecture

Released: March 13, 2008.

How and why did Seattle build that hideous new public library? asks one listener from that city. James Howard Kunstler tells us how cities get hoodwinked into a status fashion contest to have a museum or library built by one of the celebrity architects of the day. Rem Koolhass, Frank Gehry, Peter Eisenman and others are deliberately designing these disastrous, anxiety-inducing mothership UFOs in order to mystify people into thinking they’re supernaturally brilliant. And then we’re stuck with these Gillette Blue Blade-clad fun houses for decades.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_05.mp3
(7.1 MB | 15 min.)

Discuss this episode
Seattle Public Library by Rem Koolhaas
Seattle Public Library by Rem Koolhaas. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

KunstlerCast #04: Parking Garages

Retooling parking in Columbus, Ohio

Released: March 6, 2008.

A listener from Columbus, Ohio shares the bad news about two proposed downtown parking garages. Even though James Howard Kunstler thinks the happy motoring scene in America is on the way out, he explains how to design a better parking garage with first-floor retail, a central lightwell and taller ceilings. The Europeans have a better solution, though: the car club.

Discuss this episode

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_04.mp3
(7 MB | 14:39 mins )

Parking Garage in Columbus Ohio
Parking garage, Columbus, Ohio

KunstlerCast #02: Small Cities and Towns

After the end of oil in small American cities

Released: Feb. 21, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler describes the impending end of cheap oil, which he calls The Long Emergency. Suburbia is a living arrangement with no future. Things are going to get pretty gnarly in the big cities, too. But small cities, that exist at a scale that can be rebuilt, are the places of the future.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_02.mp3
( 8 MB | 16:20 )

Troy, NY, a small city
Troy, N.Y., a small city.

KunstlerCast #01: Drugstores

Disposable architecture

Released: Feb. 12, 2008.

James Howard Kunstler rips on drugstores: the one-story, junk food- dispensing boxes that masquerade as buildings on America’s street corners.

Topics include: monocultural zoning; big retail vs. mom & pop; separating the business programming from the container that it comes in; and the destiny of these awful structures after the cheap oil fiesta is over.

Direct Download:
KunstlerCast_01.mp3
(7 MB | 14:50 mins.)

Drugstore, Saratoga Springs NY
Drugstore, Saratoga Springs, NY.