Sidewalk Nation: Discussing America’s Most Overlooked Resource with Michael Pollack
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
Release Date: 08/10/2026
Recycling Reality: What Works, What Fails, and What Cities Can Do Better with Dr. Chris DeArmitt, PHD
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
Are We Getting Plastics Wrong? Dr. Chris DeArmitt on Microplastics, Environmental Science and Better Public Policy In this episode of the Amazing Cities & Towns Podcast, host Jim Hunt sits down with materials scientist Dr. Chris DeArmitt, PhD, FRSC, FIMMM, for a provocative conversation about plastics, microplastics, environmental science, and what happens when public policy gets ahead of the evidence. Much of what we hear about plastics sounds simple: plastics are bad, alternatives are better, recycling is always beneficial, and microplastics represent a growing environmental and health...
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Youth Voice, Local Government, and the All-America City Experience with Sophie Tipper
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
Sophie Tipper on Youth Voice, Local Government, and the All-America City Experience Host Jim Hunt interviews Sophie Tipper about serving as a juror at the 2026 All-America City competition and how the cities used creative presentations and strong community teamwork to share their programs, which made her feel hopeful about politics. Sophie explains how her youth perspective helped her judge whether youth councils had real power or were just for show, and she talks about the fear and importance of speaking up as the youngest person in the room. She shares how...
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Insight on the All-American City Program with Doug Linkhart
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
Doug Linkhart on All-America Cities, Civic Engagement, and Building Trust in Local Government Host Jim Hunt interviews Doug Linkhart, president of the National Civic League, about the All-America City competition and what it shows about communities working together. Linkhart shares his background in Colorado state and local government and says the All-America City event is an uplifting celebration of what is good in America. He says he is encouraged by people’s courage and by large numbers of residents showing up to help, sharing examples from Montgomery, Alabama...
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Sidewalk Nation: Discussing America’s Most Overlooked Resource with Michael Pollack
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Michael Pollack · A candid conversation about sidewalks in cities · And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: · ...
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Making Transit Work for Cities with Jannet Walker Ford
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Jannet Walker Ford · A candid conversation about making transit work in your city. · And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: https://www.wsp.com/en-us/profiles/jannet-walker-ford ...
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Preventative Care, Real Protection: A Conversation with Mike Conduff
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews · A candid conversation about the Prevent and Protect Program with Mike Conduff · And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: · ...
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The Good Hustle: Leadership, Resilience, and Meaningful Change with Dana D'Orazio
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Dana D'Orazio, Director of Leadership Development at the National League of Cities (NLC) · A candid conversation about leadership in local government · And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions...
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Building Bridges in Local Government with Donovan Pepper
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Donnavan Pepper of the National Strategic Partnership at Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies. · A candid conversation about building bridges in local government · And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links...
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Partners for Public Good with Brent Westergren
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast featured Brent Westergren from Partners for the Public Good, an organization focused on improving local government operations, particularly procurement processes. Brent shared his background in public policy and government effectiveness, including his work at Harvard Kennedy School and his current role helping cities plan, procure, and deliver infrastructure projects. The discussion covered how procurement systems can be strategic levers rather than just compliance functions, with Brent providing examples from his work in Jackson,...
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An Amazing story of survival and success! with Michael Hingson
The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast
Quick recap In this episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns podcast, host Jim interviewed Michael Hingson, a blind speaker and author who shared his experiences on 9/11 and his broader life story. Michael discussed his work as a computer company executive in the World Trade Center on 9/11, where he and his guide dog Roselle survived the terrorist attacks by following emergency procedures and evacuation protocols. They also explored Michael's perspective on disability rights, technology's role in accessibility, and his work as a public speaker. The conversation highlighted Michael's philosophy...
info_outlineThis episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Michael Pollack
· A candid conversation about sidewalks in cities
· And, much more
7 Steps to an Amazing City:
- Attitude
- Motivation
- Attention to Detail
- Zing
- Inclusiveness
- Neighborhood Empowerment
- Green Awareness
Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.
Links Mentions During Show:
· www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast
About Michael Pollack
Michael Pollack is a business leader, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for the power of community, connection, and the places we share. Through his work and conversations, Michael brings a fresh perspective to the overlooked resources that shape everyday American life—from sidewalks and public spaces to the people and ideas that make communities thrive.
As the host of Sidewalk Nation, Michael explores the stories, challenges, and opportunities hiding in plain sight, engaging with thought leaders, innovators, and community builders to ask a simple but important question: What are we overlooking that could help make America stronger?
With curiosity, insight, and a focus on practical ideas, Michael invites listeners to look at their communities—and the country—with fresh eyes.
About Your Host, Jim Hunt:
Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.
Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”
Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.
Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.
Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.
Amazing City Resources:
Buy Jim’s Popular Books:
· The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city
· Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too
FREE White Paper:
· “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown” www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps
Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:
· Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking
Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:
· Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting
Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:
· Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development
A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the supp