That's Her Problem

Patty Wiens

Welcome to *That’s Her Problem!*—the podcast where women who lead, connect, and rewrite the rules get real about building community. Host **Patty Wiens** brings you conversations with bold, unapologetic women who aren’t just *taking* a seat at the table—they’re **designing their own damn tables** and inviting others to join. From grassroots changemakers to industry disruptors, these women prove that when we lift each other up, we don’t just improve our own lives—we make the world better for *everyone.*

  1. Episode 19 - Hazel Borys - The Next Biggest Little Thing

    JAN 21

    Episode 19 - Hazel Borys - The Next Biggest Little Thing

    As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart! I've wanted to speak to Hazel since I first heard she got the job as the City of Winnipeg Director of Planning Property and Development. How often do we have women in these kinds of roles? In today’s episode Hazel talks about, yes, walkable cities, but more than just that. She talks about a city that’s good for women and good for everyone. When people have options to walk, bike, roll, ski, sled and even drive, the city becomes more lively and safer for everyone. In this episode we touch on the challenges and opportunities in implementing zoning reforms and the significance of making cities more inclusive and accessible for all residents, particularly women and caregivers. Hazel emphasizes the need for community involvement in urban planning and the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional but also foster a sense of belonging. How do we bridge the gap between vision and implementation in urban development, showcasing the collaborative efforts needed to create vibrant, livable cities? Engage and advocate! Today’s links: Hazel’s TedX Talk: https://tedxwinnipeg.ca/speaker/hazel-borys/ My Frozen River videos:  https://youtu.be/WJ3rpqvjgEI?si=YyhnyM0UOTkEPOCF  https://youtu.be/3nV8UsaEQis?si=h1C3icbbR1E6kGc1  Help our friends in Minnesota: https://paypal.me/lyndalepto  www.standwithminnesota.com  Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson and in the USA from Bookshop.org Sign up for my newsletter

    50 min
  2. JAN 6

    Episode 18 - Lisa Charlebois - Girls Can Randonneur Too!

    As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart! Happy New Year, everyone and welcome back to the podcast! It’s great to start the New Year talking to someone in a warmer climate. Welcome, Lisa Charlebois, to That’s Her Problem! In this episode, Lisa and I explore a kind of cycling that I’m super curious about, randoneering. We go over what that means, how it creates community and how you can become a randonneur.  But the real question is: are there a lot of women randoneering? What can these Randonneur Organizations do to make it a little more friendly to women, non-binary and 2SLGBTQ+ cyclists? Listen, watch and find out. Lisa’s Instagram accounts are here: @hustleandahalf and @hummingbirdfuels I’ve been getting some great feedback on my book lately, and I love hearing what you’re thinking! My favorite feedback has been from people who have chosen to ride in winter and to ride their bikes to work regularly. I mean, what more could I ask for? If you don’t have a copy of my book yet, you can pick one up now at your local bookshop, order in Canada from McNally Robinson and in the USA from Bookshop.org If you or someone you know is interested in making cycling a bigger part of your life, but you’re not sure how to get started, please check out Shifter’s online course created by Cailynn Klingbeil and Tom Babin. Their tips and tricks cover everything from what bike you need to how to choose your route. Use this link to get started.  Sign up for my newsletter now so you can get more Patty in your inbox.

    52 min
  3. Episode 17 - Renata Falzoni - Sao Paulo’s Fierce & Fiery City Councillor

    11/27/2025

    Episode 17 - Renata Falzoni - Sao Paulo’s Fierce & Fiery City Councillor

    As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart! For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early! In this week’s episode, I speak with activist turned city councillor, Renata Falzoni. Our conversation was long overdue. I have been a huge fan of Renata’s for many years, pretty much since the start of my cycling journey, before advocacy was even on my radar. I admire her tenacity and drive, still going strong at the age of 72, entering what she calls her 10th childhood. We had a lot to talk about and had to leave some things on the edit room floor. And yet, here we are with a super long episode! Take your time and split it between this week and next if you must, but make sure to listen to the whole thing. Renata talked about an Inter-Park trail that was just about to be inaugurated when we talked, and here it is for all to see!  She also went to COP30 where she was received like the celebrity she is and talked about the Amazon trail here. Check out Renata’s YouTube channel and watch this one episode where she rides her bike in Afua, where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Take me there, let me die there.  Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson and in the USA from Bookshop.org Sign up for my newsletter

    1h 9m
  4. Episode 15 - Tissa Valverde - Bicycles in Curitiba, Brazil

    09/17/2025

    Episode 15 - Tissa Valverde - Bicycles in Curitiba, Brazil

    For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early! There's a lot going on at the moment! One of the more exciting news this week is that my book is out! I have the physical copies, and if you’ve preordered, they’re on their way, but if you don’t have your copy yet, you can order from wherever you get your books, or my website at www.pattybikes.com.  This conversation with Tissa Valverde, bicycle mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, is about women cycling. There’s no other way to say it. Cycling is a beautiful act of resistance and it’s simply a beautiful act that engages body and mind. Tissa and her husband Fernando created a Social Enterprise, Bicicletaria Cultural (https://bicicletariacultural.wordpress.com/) ,where cyclists can park their bikes safely while at work or school, can have meetings, work and get their bikes worked on while they wait. They have won awards all over the world and continue to impact their community.  I hope you enjoy the conversation and keep coming back for more. You can watch Tissa’s interview with me here:   Links Tom Babin’s online bike course: The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling Support my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcast Pre-order my book and sign up for my newsletter  Chapters 00:00 The Challenges of Activism and Family Life 03:52 Connecting Through Cycling: Personal Stories and Experiences 05:57 The Evolution of Bicycle Advocacy in Curitiba 08:16 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Activism 10:11 The Role of Community in Cycling Advocacy 13:27 The Intersection of Activism and Urban Planning 16:20 The Importance of Safety and Accessibility in Cycling 17:54 The Ongoing Fight for Cycling Rights 20:49 The Resurgence of Activism in the Face of Climate Crisis 20:57 The Role of Infrastructure in Urban Mobility 25:16 Education, Creativity, and Political Engagement 26:08 The Intersection of Art and Activism 30:10 Bicicletaria Cultural: A Hub for Cyclists and Creatives 32:24 Empowering Communities Through Cycling 34:47 The Role of Women in Cycling Culture 37:27 Bicycles as Tools for Social Change 40:40 The Evolution of a Radio Show: Saia de Bici 47:00 Building Connections Across Borders 47:07 The Symbolism of Bicycles 49:00 Embracing Vulnerability as Strength 50:37 Literature and Empowerment 52:30 Personal Stories and Life Lessons 58:14 The Patchwork of Community 01:00:11 Celebrating Restlessness and Creativity 01:02:24 Ester Wiens makes an appearance 01:04:43 Sarah’s Sparkly Minute ZM98RY4IBPALUCVB Keywords #podcast #urbanplanning #transportation #womeninleadership #communitybuilding #Journalism #Advocacy #SustainableCities #BikeLife #ActiveTransport #WomenWhoRide #WomenInMedia #SafeStreets #Urbanism #PublicTransport #EmpoweredWomen #GirlsEducation #AuthorLife #MentalHealthAwareness

    1h 6m
  5. Episode 14 - Laura Mitchell - How to Start a Cargo Bike Library

    09/02/2025

    Episode 14 - Laura Mitchell - How to Start a Cargo Bike Library

    As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart! I have exciting news for you! Cailynn Klingbeil, who developed an online course with Tom Babin, the founder of Shifter, titled The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling, approached me about sponsoring my podcast. This was an easy yes for me, because I adore Cailynn and Tom, and because Tom's YouTube channel was the catalyst to help me become a full-time, year-round bike commuter. I've also met Tom in person several times, and I'm lucky to call him my friend. I've also chatted with Cailynn several times online, and hope to have her as a guest on here, one of these days. I know the bicycle is already a huge part of your life, but chances are you know someone who is a little bike-curious and wants to know what it would take for them to jump over to the bike side. If you send them this link right here, I make a commission on sales, which helps to pay for my costs to keep this podcast running, just like the contribution you make every month! I met Laura on the old Twitter when I was trying to understand what it would take to become a winter cyclist, and we have been online friends since. Laura has recently started a cargo bike lending library, inspired by the transformation that a cargo bike had on her own life. I KNOW you'll be inspired! I'd love to hear from you about your favourite takeaway from this episode. Send me a voice memo right here! Resources: Tom and Cailynn’s online Bike Course: The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling Community Pedal Power (Boston)  Friend with A Laura’s Website Pre-order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson and in the USA from Bookshop.org Sign up for my newsletter

    57 min
  6. Episode 13 - Vivian Ortiz - More Black & Latina Women on Bikes

    08/20/2025

    Episode 13 - Vivian Ortiz - More Black & Latina Women on Bikes

    In today's conversation, I speak with Vivian Ortiz, the bicycle mayor of Boston, about her biking journey, the importance of community, and empowering more Black and Latina women to ride. Vivian shares her experiences overcoming fear, building confidence, and advocating for safer biking spaces. The discussion highlights the role of education and representation in cycling, as well as the future of urban biking.Vivian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_bike_lady/For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early!LinksSupport my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcastPre-order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here?blnBKM=1and in the USA from Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/that-ll-never-work-here-challenging-the-myths-around-biking-in-a-winter-city-the-city-project-book-3/632bcbd73d3178fe?ean=9781773371399&next=tSign up for my newsletter at www.pattybikes.com Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vivian Ortiz and Her Journey04:37 The Bicycle Finds You: Vivian's Story07:55 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence10:52 The Aggressive Driving Culture and Its Impact11:37 Teaching Safety and Awareness in Biking12:24 Becoming 'That Bike Lady' and Community Engagement14:13 Promoting Women's Biking and Community Rides17:40 The Role of Infrastructure in Biking20:11 The Importance of Education and Awareness23:02 Encouraging Alternative Transportation Choices26:26 Understanding Cyclist Perspectives27:57 Finding Your Seat at the Table30:05 Advocacy and Community Engagement32:54 Building Bridges in Transportation34:26 Overcoming Challenges and Personal GrowthZM98RY4IBPALUCVB

    40 min

About

Welcome to *That’s Her Problem!*—the podcast where women who lead, connect, and rewrite the rules get real about building community. Host **Patty Wiens** brings you conversations with bold, unapologetic women who aren’t just *taking* a seat at the table—they’re **designing their own damn tables** and inviting others to join. From grassroots changemakers to industry disruptors, these women prove that when we lift each other up, we don’t just improve our own lives—we make the world better for *everyone.*

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