Building Cities (and Lives) Kids Can Actually Move Through

Building Cities (and Lives) Kids Can Actually Move Through

July 17, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

Beth discusses urban planning and children's independence with guest Angie Schmitt while Sarah is on summer break.

While Sarah's on summer break, Beth talks with writer and urban planner Angie Schmitt about giving yourself permission to feel lighter about the news this summer, then digs into what's gone wrong with how American cities and neighborhoods are built for kids — from car-dependent suburbs to vanishing teen hangouts. Topics discussed: Taking an emotional break from the news without checking out entirely ICE shootings, cabinet confirmation hearings, and the Iran war Why car-dependent neighborhoods limit kids' independence The nationwide school bus driver shortage Disappearing teen hangouts and rules around unsupervised kids How lawsuit-aversion backfires on children's wellbeing Rebuilding civic infrastructure — rec leagues, public pools, community schools Book recommendations: Shiloh and The Sheep Detectives Join us in Minneapolis on August 29th for a live show and after party — details and tickets at pantsuitpoliticsshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Sarah, Beth

Guest: Angie Schmitt

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ICE, pantsuitpoliticsshow.com

Books & works: Shiloh, The Sheep Detectives

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