nondriver

nondriver
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30% of people in the US & Canada can't or don't drive. nondriver is a podcast about the lives and stories of those people, hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. Every episode, we talk to people who navigate a world built for drivers, not as a lifestyle experiment, but as a permanent reality. Disabled people, older adults, low-income riders, rural nondrivers, and transit advocates who have been telling the truth about car dependency long before it became a talking point. The transportation conversation is changing. But most of it still centers people who chose to go car-free. This show centers the people who never had the choice, and have the clearest view of what the system actually costs. New episodes every week. Questions? nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance.

  1. 21h ago

    How accessible infrastructure affects social participation

    Blake Duarte, a transportation and accessibility advocate from University Place, Washington, shares his personal journey with mobility influenced by cerebral palsy, and his efforts to improve transit infrastructure and accessibility beyond how we currently perceive it. This episode highlights the importance of inclusive urban planning and community advocacy. Read Blake's capstone paper: https://nondrivers.org/2026/10/21/exploring-the-links-between-transportation-inaccessibility-social-isolation-and-health-outcomes-for-people-with-disabilities/ More info on the Pierce County transit measure discussed in this episode. Remember to vote by THIS TUESDAY, Nov 3rd! https://www.keeppiercemoving.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blake Duarte and his advocacy work 01:58 Blake's personal journey with cerebral palsy and mobility 03:52 The challenges of transit access in rural areas 07:08 How advocacy led to sidewalk improvements near voting centers 09:46 The impact of infrastructure gaps on voting accessibility 14:49 Community response and rapid infrastructure change 16:47 Blake's education in urban planning and its influence 19:50 The systemic undervaluing of non-car transportation modes 23:06 Research findings on transportation, social isolation, and health 26:04 Next steps and Blake's future in transportation advocacy Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

  2. Oct 23

    Bus Chick on why life is more interesting on transit

    Carla Saulter, better known as Bus Chick, is a lifelong Seattleite and transportation advocate. Carla shares her story, from riding buses as a child, to writing on parenting on transit, to becoming a vocal proponent for transit equity and accessibility. Discover how her experiences shape her vision for a more inclusive and sustainable transportation system. Read more from Carla on her website: http://www.buschick.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carla Saulter and her transit background 01:37 Growing up in Seattle and early experiences with transit 02:56 Transition from driving to riding transit and its significance 04:23 The influence of Houston's transit system on Carla 06:47 Environmental awareness and the shift back to transit 08:38 Meeting her husband and embracing transit life 09:31 From transit evangelist to transit advocate for equity 10:51 The social and community aspects of riding the bus 12:09 Raising children on transit and social perceptions 14:12 The challenges and stigma faced by transit riders with children 16:13 Imagining a better, accessible transit system 18:45 The importance of transit in rural and suburban areas 22:42 Involvement in transit boards and advocacy for rider representation 26:28 Storytelling and the human side of transit 30:01 Memorable stories from Carla's transit experiences 37:19 What keeps Carla hopeful about transit and community 39:07 Closing remarks and future outlook for transit advocacy Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

  3. Oct 16

    How Qudsiya Naqui Found Freedom on the Subway

    Qudsiya Naqui is Assistant Professor of Law at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and the creator and host of Down to the Struts, a podcast about disability, design, and intersectionality. Qudsiya shares her journey from growing up in a car-centric suburb to discovering the freedom of urban transit in New York City. She discusses the importance of accessible transportation, the role of law and culture, and her work in disability advocacy and podcasting. Listen to Down to the Struts: https://www.downtothestruts.com/episodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Qudsiya Naqui and her background 02:02 Growing up in South Brunswick, New Jersey, without public transit 03:53 Transition to college life in New York City and discovering the subway 05:46 The expansive and accessible nature of New York's subway system 08:49 Choosing transit over driving in DC and the importance of trust and orientation 12:07 Living in walkable neighborhoods and the role of urban design 14:59 Experiences with ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles 20:03 The origins of the Down to the Struts podcast and advocacy work 23:47 Favorite episodes and stories, including the Braille Challenge 30:10 The significance of Braille literacy and disability culture 35:10 The impact of media and representation on disability identity 39:56 Future hopes for disability inclusion and advocacy 41:54 Closing thoughts and gratitude Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

  4. Oct 9

    Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in the Disability Community

    This week we talked to Keidra Chaney, a writer, a narrative consultant, a creator, and Program Director at Disability Culture Lab in Chicago about what it means to harness your creativity and craft your story to further your advocacy. Learn more about the Disability Culture Lab: https://www.disabilityculturelab.org/ Get in touch with Keidra: http://keidradchaney.net/ Listen to Keidra's podcast: https://roughdraftwithkeidraandliz.podbean.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keidra Chaney and episode overview 01:18 Keidra's upbringing and transit-centered household in Chicago 03:43 The influence of Chicago's transit infrastructure on her life 06:12 Experiences studying in Wisconsin and the mobility barriers faced 08:43 Current state of Chicago transit and recent reforms 11:17 Persistent inequalities in transit access across Chicago neighborhoods 15:08 Changing narratives around disability, access, and infrastructure 17:55 The Disability Rising Fellowship and empowering disabled leaders 22:43 The importance of intersectionality in advocacy and storytelling 27:37 Effective communication and storytelling strategies for social change 30:28 Keidra's podcast and creative projects in the zine scene 34:00 The role of arts and creativity in community building 36:23 The value of diverse stories and experiences in disability advocacy 38:50 Hope for the future of non-drivers and inclusive communities 42:30 Closing thoughts and gratitude Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

  5. Oct 2

    Why Abby is Transitioning from Nonprofit Advocacy to a Career in Planning

    Abby, a transportation accessibility advocate and urban planning student in Portland, grew up as a blind individual in rural Washington State. Abby shares her personal journey navigating transportation challenges, advocating for accessible transit, and pursuing a career in transportation planning to influence future mobility policies. Get involved with advocacy in PDX: https://busridersunite.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Abby Griffith and her background 01:08 Growing up in Ridgefield and transportation limitations 04:04 Transition to college and commuting challenges 05:28 Advocacy for better transit and accessibility 08:23 Transit budget cuts in Portland and community response 11:51 Abby's work in transit organizing and advocacy 16:58 Deciding to pursue urban and regional planning 22:15 Experiences as a blind student in graduate school 26:02 The impact of Abby’s assessment on accessibility perspectives 28:00 Lessons learned from community visits and transit planning 32:43 Hope for the future and innovative solutions 36:54 Final thoughts and encouragement for advocacy Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

  6. Sep 25

    How Rural Nondrivers Travel Further, Pay More, & Spend More Time Searching for Essential Services

    Alex is a lifelong Pennsylvanian, an elected official, and a nondriver. Following being hit by someone driving a car and a search for affordable public housing, Alex moved to rural Bradford, PA, a city literally at a crossroads. Alex discusses the intersection of essential services, transit, and housing, and how rural Pennsylvanians are dealing with the removal of vital services. Join the movement for better transit service in PA: https://www.transitforallpa.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex Casper and the episode's focus 02:10 Alex's background and decision not to learn to drive 04:05 The role of public transit in rural Pennsylvania 06:00 Challenges of healthcare access and hospital closures 08:08 Housing affordability and public housing shortages 09:59 Impact of transit cuts on rural communities 11:55 Advocacy efforts and community organizing 14:13 The interconnectedness of transit, housing, and healthcare 16:11 Geography of Bradford and rural Pennsylvania 17:55 Rural migration and reverse commuting 19:46 Political engagement and running for office 21:56 Voting access for non-drivers in Pennsylvania 24:12 The importance of community advocacy and hope 26:10 How to get involved and connect with advocacy groups Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

  7. Sep 18

    Sharing Your Authentic Nondriver Story, ft. Pedestrian Pride

    McKenzie Ortiz is a mobility advocate and creator of Pedestrian Pride living in Jersey City, New Jersey. McKenzie grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and spent most of her adulthood living in Missouri. McKenzie joins us to discuss the unique ways nondrivers navigate the world life,and relationships, and gives advice on how you can tell your own story. Follow McKenzie on Instagram and TikTok @pedestrianpride https://www.instagram.com/pedestrianpride/ https://www.tiktok.com/@pedestrianpride Chapters 00:00 Introduction to McKenzie's nondriver journey 02:02 The moment McKenzie decided to stop driving 04:13 Overcoming shame and stigma around being a non-driver 08:01 Using social media to build pedestrian pride 10:08 The inspiration behind pedestrian pride and community visibility 14:30 Tips for starting advocacy and social media accounts 17:36 Experiences living in small towns versus transit-rich cities 22:28 Moving to Jersey City and embracing urban transit 24:57 Engagement with local advocacy groups and community work 32:07 Balancing advocacy with personal life and new environments 35:24 The significance of Week Without Driving and community impact Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

  8. Sep 11

    Stephen's Journey As a Dad, a Multimodal Engineer, and a Nondriver

    Growing up in the Denver area, Stephen learned to navigate by transit early and carried that habit into adulthood, which became an asset when a medical diagnosis led him to cut back on driving. Cargo e-bikes made that shift practical for his whole household and a high level of resilience to mobility friction helped ease the transition. Stephen carries this experience into his work as a multimodal engineer for the City of Boulder. He talks about his journey, how his family has adapted, and how people in similar situations can transition to being a nondriver. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stephen's journey from driver to non-driver 01:54 Stephen's early experiences with transit and driving 03:48 The diagnosis and its impact on Stephen's transportation choices 06:14 Transition to cargo e-bikes and living car-light 09:04 The role of transit rebates and infrastructure in Denver 11:48 Challenges and opportunities in urban biking and transit 16:03 Moving to Golden and changing transit access 19:49 Children's perspectives on biking and transit 22:45 Safety considerations for biking with kids 29:54 Hope and progress in urban transportation infrastructure 39:01 Reflections on being a non-driver and future outlook Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/

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About

30% of people in the US & Canada can't or don't drive. nondriver is a podcast about the lives and stories of those people, hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. Every episode, we talk to people who navigate a world built for drivers, not as a lifestyle experiment, but as a permanent reality. Disabled people, older adults, low-income riders, rural nondrivers, and transit advocates who have been telling the truth about car dependency long before it became a talking point. The transportation conversation is changing. But most of it still centers people who chose to go car-free. This show centers the people who never had the choice, and have the clearest view of what the system actually costs. New episodes every week. Questions? nondriverpodcast@proton.me nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance.

Information

  • Creator
    nondriver
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 nondriver
  • Show Website
    nondriver