Best United Biking Society Podcasts (2024)

1
What Project 2025 Could Mean for Transportation in America (Beth Osborne) 27:29

9h ago27:29

27:29

"Project 2025" purports to be a blueprint for an ultra-conservative federal government should Trump win a second term as president in November. But what does that document actually say about the issues that sustainable transportation advocates care about most — and does either party really understand our issues? On this episode of 'The Brake', we s…

1
In Mumbai, Everyone Thought I Was a Local. Here’s How I Became One. 19:27

1d ago19:27

19:27

When Afar editorial director Sarika Bansal was 22, she moved to Mumbai. As you’ll hear in her Travel Tale this week, she grew up in New York and visited India (where her parents were born) frequently. Yet the visits often felt cloistered. But many years later in Mumbai, she didn’t have to worry about meeting family expectations, and she was free to…

1
412 Author PJ Anderson Is the Guest 59:59

9m ago59:59

59:59

On episode 412, Bob chats with local author PJ Anderson about "Cheyenne Mountain - Here's Looking at You" an exhaustively researched book about the history of Colorado Springs' nearest mountain. They discuss Anderson's history in developing Cheyenne Mountain State Park at the base of the peak, the history of the early discovery and then mining and …

1
Giant Cream Puffs, Group Bike Ride, and Toshogu Shrine Gundam 45:15

4h ago45:15

45:15

This week we went on a bike ride to Himi in Toyama Prefecture with some of Zeb’s cycling teammates, and stopped mid-ride for giant choux cream puffs! We also talk about why Kanazawa is the “Ice Cream Capital of Japan”, and Annie finished her ice cream bike route with 12 different stops. Plus, did you know that the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko recently r…

1
The Unexpected Magic of a Turkish Barbershop 20:20

3d ago20:20

20:20

When it comes to relationships, often there’s the planner—and then there’s the go-with-the-flow-er. And today’s episode of Travel Tales by Afar is all about what happens when the planner hesitantly chucks the travel to-do list and lets serendipity lead the way. Beth Santos is the planner in this particular story. She’s the founder of Wanderful, an …

1
Disposing of Trash in Japan, New Laughing Rule, and Ice Cream Flavors 44:45

4d ago44:45

44:45

This week we talk about the holiday Tanabata, a new rule from Yamagata Prefecture about laughing once a day, and ice cream flavors. Would you try miso and cheese ice cream? What about mountain vegetable ice cream? Plus, how do you get rid of trash and recycling when living in Japan? The “laughing once a day ordinance”: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/art…

1
Replay: Comedian Michelle Buteau, "I Got Stood Up in Paris!" 23:28

10d ago23:28

23:28

This week, we’re replaying one of our favorite Travel Tales episodes: Comedian and actress Michelle Buteau—and her best friend—fly to Paris to meet their supposed French boyfriends. Only things don’t exactly go to plan . . . Michelle Buteau is a comedian and actress, known for her roles in Always Be My Maybe, The First Wives Club, Someone Great, Ru…

1
411 Lifeseeker Technology Can Save Your Life 27:23

10d ago27:23

27:23

On this episode, Bob chats with Hector Estevez, the CEO of Centum Research and Technology. Calling from his company's headquarters in Spain, he and Bob talk about the "Lifeseeker" technology and devices that have been used in Europe and are now being introduced in the United States. The devices, which can locate a missing hiker in minutes, work alo…

1
New Yen Banknotes, Visiting Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney, and Taking Health Tests 47:41

11d ago47:41

47:41

This week, Japan is releasing the newly designed bank note bills! What’s printed on the new yen bills, and how does this affect vending machines? We also talk about visiting the new Disney Sea park area (and how to get into Fantasy Springs), and our experience with annual health checks in Japan. How are the tests different than checkups in the US? …

1
How Cities Can Put Equality First Through Sustainable Transportation (Enrique Peñalosa Londoño).mp3 39:52

11d ago39:52

39:52

Enrique Peñalosa Londoño has an international reputation for using the humble bus, bikeway, sidewalk and park to make cities more equitable, starting with his game-changing two terms as the mayor of Bogotá, Colombia. And in his new book, Equality and the City: Urban Innovations for All Citizens, he unpacks how those tools can transform communities …

1
Why This Man Biked Across the United States—Without Any Food or Money 35:21

16d ago35:21

35:21

In late 2016, Daniel Troia was struggling with grief. Grief over the loss of his parents and grief over the division he saw unfolding on his TV, night after night. It made him angry, and that made him want to do something to change things, or at least to change his perception of things. So, in 2018, he set out on a cross-country bike ride. His plan…

1
How the first convenience store came to Japan and Himeji Castle price increase 40:41

22d ago40:41

40:41

Did you know the first convenience store came to Japan 50 years ago in 1974? This week we’re talking about how the conbini arrived in Japan, the first item that was sold, and how it changed the way you can get cash, pay bills, and enjoy snacks. We’re also talking about the differences between the words “popular” and “famous” in Japanese and English…

1
A Poet’s Pilgrimage to Italy’s Violin-Making Capital 30:12

24d ago30:12

30:12

When poet Tess Taylor’s son, Bennett, was three years old, he heard the violin for the first time. For weeks afterward, every day he asked her for a violin, so finally she took him into a local violin shop and asked for help. The shop owner put a tiny violin and bow in his hands and Bennett asked, “But how do I make it sound beautiful?” Fast-forwar…

1
410 Bob visits North Carolina 28:31

27d ago28:31

28:31

On this week's podcast, Bob goes solo as he talks about his trip hiking and photographing waterfalls in North Carolina. He discusses the scenery, the trails and the people he's encountered. Also, a short discussion on when you should go with a tour group and when you should make your own arrangements. Also, Colorado Springs E-bike survey and El Pas…

1
Cycling 500km in One Day, Wakayama, Nachi Taisha, and Japan’s Shortest River 48:35

25d ago48:35

48:35

This week we talk about how Zeb’s longest bike ride yet took him from the Sea of Japan across to the Pacific Ocean! He rode 500km (314 miles) to the tip of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture in one day. What would he change about the cycling route next time? What did he eat to fuel a 20 hour bike adventure? What were his biggest takeaways fro…

1
The Real Reason Why Traffic Engineers Design So Many Deadly Roads (Wes Marshall) 32:44

27d ago32:44

32:44

Who, exactly is designing America's notriously deadly road network — and how on earth do they keep getting away with it? On today's episode of The Brake, we’re talking to traffic engineer, academic and now author, Wes Marshall, whose new book — “Killed by a Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies Our Transportation System” …

1
Big Animals, and Even Bigger Adventures, in a Part of Argentina Few Travelers Visit 33:01

1M ago33:01

33:01

When most of us think about nature in Argentina, our minds go immediately to Patagonia—which is a spectacular place worth visiting (it’s one of the most memorable places I’ve been to). But in this week’s episode, we’re exploring two regions in Argentina that most travelers miss: El Impenetrable National Park in the north and Patagonia Azul in the s…

1
Hello From The Park - 500km Ride Plans, JET Program Successor, and Moss Village 41:04

1M ago41:04

41:04

The weather has been so nice recently that we decided to record this week from our neighborhood park - hopefully you can enjoy some of the ambiance of suburban Japan along with us! This week we’re talking about Zeb’s 500km single day bike ride plan, Annie’s scenic hydrangea temple route, visiting a moss village, and getting to chat with Zeb’s JET P…

1
Exploring The Best Cycling Apps For Tracking And Navigation | Niall O'Riordan UBS 2:18

1M ago2:18

2:18

As cycling continues to gain popularity as a form of exercise and transportation, the need for reliable and useful cycling apps has grown. Whether you're training for a race, planning a long-distance journey, or just trying to navigate your local bike paths, these three apps are essential tools for cyclists. Benefits of Biking for Physical and Ment…

1
I’ve Made Polar Bears My Life’s Work. Here's Why Everyone Should Travel to See Them. 24:58

1M ago24:58

24:58

Today we’re launching Travel Tales, season five. And we’re kicking off this season with a roar, although the subjects of today’s episode (polar bears) are much quieter than you’d imagine. Nearly two years ago, host Aislyn Greene attended a TED Talk event in New York, held in partnership with the Canadian tourism board. There she met environmentalis…

1
JET Program Placements, Trash Balloons, and Kunrei vs Hepburn Writing Systems 48:22

1M ago48:22

48:22

It’s an exciting time for incoming JETs, since they’re starting to learn their placements in the program! This week we talk about trash balloons making news headlines, the Kunrei vs. Hepburn debate for romanizing Japanese writing, kaga yuzen fabric dying method, and what we wish we knew about the JET Program before arriving in Japan. Listen to the …

1
409 Big changes coming to the podcast! 52:23

1M ago52:23

52:23

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss big changes coming to the podcast, and ask the listeners to voice their thoughts on the changes. Also, water safety and Kevin went to the Outdoor Magazine event in Denver Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob w…

1
Why 'Sustainable Transportaiton' Is Not Enough (Thalia Verkade and Marco te Brömmelstroet) 26:23

1M ago26:23

26:23

The Dutch are known around the world as global leaders in sustainable transportation. But as excellent as they are at designing cities to optimize the mobility experience, what about all the other reasons residents might move through their communities — and what other questions should the Netherlands and America be asking about what public space is…

1
Weekend in Tokyo, Rickshaw Ride, Coffee Festival and Museums - Field Trip Episode! 41:47

1M ago41:47

41:47

This week Annie's cousin visited Japan and we spent a weekend in Tokyo together! We recorded some throughout our trip, and have more of a "field trip style" episode this week. Join us as we visit the stairs from the "Your Name" anime movie, see a college friend's hometown, ride in a rickshaw, go thrift shopping, enjoy a few museums around Tokyo, an…

1
408 Author and Adventurer Kevin Fedarko is the guest 49:58

2M ago49:58

49:58

On this week's podcast, Bob's guest us author and adventurer Kevin Fedarko. They talk about his newly released book "A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon". The book details his and photographer Pete McBride's attempt to hike the entire length of the canyon, from east to west. Also, they discuss how ov…

1
407 City leader Richard Skorman is the guest 41:25

2M ago41:25

41:25

On this week's podcast, Bob sits down for a chat with Colorado Springs' Richard Skorman. Skorman is a a former city councilor, a small business owner, outdoor advocate, civic leader and water conservation activist. They talk about his newest initiative of getting volunteers to help clean up trash in sensitive areas and neighborhoods, the scarcity o…

1
What All of Us Can Learn From the 30 Percent of Americans Who Can't Drive (Anna Zivarts) 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

Most American communities don’t even bother to count what percentage of the population can't legally drive. In the handful of states that have tried, though, the answer has been around 30 percent – which is just enough to create a real movement for change, if we'd all just band together On today’s episode of The Brake, we're bringing you an extende…

1
Ontake Race Results, Cat Trading Cards, and Lake Suwa Bike Lanes 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

This week we share Zeb’s bike race results from the Mt. Ontake hill climb! We also talk about the Kiso Area and Annie’s bike ride around Lake Suwa, visiting a Showa era museum in Takayama, cat trading cards, and some Lawson Mt Fuji drama. Nameneko Cat Cards: http://nameneko.com/jp/products.html Showa Era Museum: https://showakan.jp/takayama/ Ontake…

1
406 Pikes Peak Update, Fox Run Nature Center, other news 47:55

2M ago47:55

47:55

On this week's podcast, Bob provides an update on the shuttle and reservation system on Pikes Peak. Also, interesting facts around the proposed Fox Run Park Nature Center, a new feature on the COTREX app and website, and Bob is selling one of his cameras. Pikes Peak season/annual passes: https://tinyurl.com/tz94b427 COTREX wildfire alerts: https://…

1
Business Card Etiquette, International Shipping, & Bikepacking Trip 47:29

2M ago47:29

47:29

This week Annie gets to visit an Elementary School and practice proper business card etiquette for introductions. Zeb is preparing for his biggest cycling race of the year this weekend, the Ontake Hill Climb, and Annie went on her first bikepacking trip in Toyama Prefecture. We also navigate the international shipping process for packages, and shar…

1
Top Films That Every Cyclist Must Watch | Niall O'Riordan UBS 2:44

3M ago2:44

2:44

Blog: https://nialloriordanfx.co.uk/ As an ardent cyclist who enjoys both mountain and road biking, and as someone who relishes the thrill of watching the sport, I've merged my passions to compile this extensive list of must-watch films for every cyclist, regardless of their preference or experience level. Benefits of Biking for Physical and Mental…

1
405 City and County Master Plans, Pikes Peak Shuttle 40:22

2M ago40:22

40:22

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin discuss master plans projects underway for Colorado Springs' Fishers Canyon Open Space and El Paso County's Jones Park. Also, a discussion about timed-entry reservation requirement for Pikes Peak, and a new shuttle system that leaves out recreational users. Fishers Canyon Master Plan: https://tinyurl.com/3ndbv8…

1
School Field Trip, Visiting the Eye Doctor, and Driving Differences in Japan 56:03

3M ago56:03

56:03

This week we try to get rid of one yen coins, go on a school field trip to the Kanazawa castle park, visit the eye doctor, and talk about how drivers say thank you in Japan. Another week talking about new experiences, mundane errands, and all the things we learn in between while navigating life abroad. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our…

1
How to Fight a Texas-Sized Freeway Battle (Megan Kimble) 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Across the country, grassroots advocates are fighting a David-and-Goliath-style battle against massive, powerful departments of transportation who are attempting to widen highways in their neighborhoods. And in her new book, City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America’s Highways, author Megan Kimble introduces us to the many …

1
404 A hike and conversation with "Hiking Unlimited" 24:12

2M ago24:12

24:12

On this week's podcast, Bob takes a short hike while interviewing Sheila Doherty a/k/a "Hiking Unlimited" on social media. An expert based in Phoenix, she gives advice on hiking in the desert Southwest, chats with Bob about her favorite trips and hikes, and also her future plans. Along on the hike was Sheila's friend, Michelle, a new hiker who was …

1
Making Kites, Golden Week, and Wisteria Ice Cream 45:58

3M ago45:58

45:58

This week we share Zeb’s Ibukiyama cycling race result, share a listener email, talk about making kites, flying carp for children’s day, eating kashiwa mochi, and trying wisteria flavored ice cream. It’s Golden Week in Japan! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram t…

1
403 Want to hike to Hanging Lake? Plan ahead. 46:06

3M ago46:06

46:06

On this week's podcast, Bob is joined by co-host Kevin "Wild" Westendorf and they catch up on what Kevin has been doing since he was last on the show. They also discuss people behaving badly on trails, a rescue due to people being woefully underprepared, and if you want to hike to the popular Hanging Lake, you will need to prepare carefully and far…

1
Our 100th Episode! Are We Still Glad We Started This Podcast? 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

Can you believe we’ve recorded 100 podcast episodes? This week we’ll look back at things we wish we did better, things we’re planning, and what we hope for the podcast in the future. Plus, we’ll ramble about things like soot sprites, coffee, buying postage stamps, and “slice of life” manga. Thank you so much for listening along on our living abroad…

1
Why We Can't End Violence on Transit With More Police (Lindiwe Rennert) 23:10

3M ago23:10

23:10

Across the country right now, cities and transit agencies are taking steps to address violence on their systems — particularly against the people who work to keep our buses and trains running, clean, and safe for everyone to ride. But what are the root causes of that violence — and are strategies like deploying armed police actually addressing them…

1
402 Rocky Mountain Field Institute's Jolie NeSmith 44:29

3M ago44:29

44:29

On this week's podcast, Bob interviews Jolie NeSmith, the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI). They talk about her first year at the helm, including challenges and accomplishments, and then move on to discuss the 2024 work season. The review the projects RMFI will be working on, with an update on the multi-year Devils Pl…

1
Ibukiyama Bike Race, Kanazawa's Oldest Shrine, and Fish Auctions 46:13

3M ago46:13

46:13

This week we talk about Zeb’s first bike race of the year (a hill climb up Ibukiyama!), Ishiura Shrine (the oldest shrine in Kanazawa with a cute dog mascot), and an evening fish auction on the Sea of Japan. We also talk about the mossy Natadera Temple, battle history at Sekigahara, and what Japan’s prime minister gifted to the US (from the nearby …

1
401 Luis Benitez and How Outdoor Recreation can Save the World 56:41

3M ago56:41

56:41

Bob chats with Luis Benitez, the author of "Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World". The first head of Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and a leader in the outdoor recreation industry, he talks with Bob about the need to change how outdoor recreation in the United States is funded and managed, and how he…

1
Bike Advocates and EMS Workers Don't Have to Be Enemies (Shelley Bontje and Chris Bruntlett) 22:24

4M ago22:24

22:24

Is it possible to build streets that are slow enough to keep vulnerable road users safe and lightning fast when an emergency service vehicle needs to reach a person in need? That's been a hot topic of debate among U.S. sustainable transportation advocates lately — and it's also the subject of a fascinating new research paper from the Dutch Cycling …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

United Biking Society Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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