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

Are Roundabouts Just For Rich People?

And if not, how do we get more of them in the low-income neighborhoods that need life-saving infrastructure the most?

February 26, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines Need Alternatives

Economics 101: Competition brings down costs.

February 26, 2026

How Recreational Cycling Can Lead to Safe Streets For All

These cities are leveraging joy to fight for connected communities.

February 26, 2026

Kansas City is Again Expanding Its Once-Mocked Streetcar

The Midwestern city is showing the country that investing in transit really can work wonders. 

February 25, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines Will See You in Court

The lawsuits are already starting over the Trump administration's decision to stop regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

February 25, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines Went the Wrong Way

Multi-lane one-way streets: bad. Single-lane two-way streets: good.

February 24, 2026
See all posts