Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Podcast

Talking Headways: Richard Jackson on City Environments and Public Health

podcast icon logo

How do the places we inhabit lead to systemic public health problems?

On the podcast this week, I discuss this question with Dr. Richard Jackson of UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health. Jackson is the author of three books on the subject of the built environment and public health, and hosted the PBS series Designing Healthy Communities. He has also served as director of the CDC's National Center on Environmental Health and California’s State Health Officer.

Jackson shares his thoughts about the federal silos of housing, transportation, food policy, and health, as well as the under-appreciated issue of indoor air quality. At the CDC, he says, his message that the built environment is responsible for poor health outcomes was so threatening that some members of Congress wanted him fired.

Join us for a wide-ranging discussion that touches on how the internet is affecting kids, migration in Syria, the future of the LA River, the health benefits of trees, and the frustrations of doctors at the “end of the disease pipeline” treating young kids and adults with type 2 diabetes.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

A ‘Demographic Time Bomb’ Is About To Go Off — And the Transportation Sector Isn’t Ready

A top firm is warning that the "silver tsunami" will have big implications for the climate, unless U.S. communities act fast.

January 15, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines Shoot for the Moon

What if the U.S. spent anything near what it spends on highways on transit instead?

January 15, 2026

Analysis: What It Would Take To Put America First in Transit Again

No, it won't be easy. Yes, it can be done.

January 14, 2026

Opinion: Transportation Researchers Still Care About Equity. This Week They’re Proving It

This Thursday, progressives in transportation will fight back against the Trump administration.

January 14, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines Still Value Life

The EPA is backtracking on stronger ozone and fine particulate regulations, which could kill thousands of people.

January 14, 2026
See all posts