Free Daily Podcast Summary
ModeShift: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Via
Transportation needs a major overhaul. ‘ModeShift’ is a series that explores the past, present, and future of how we move. Many converging factors are forcing us to rethink mobility: Aging infrastructure, outdated planning, inequitable access, and rapid technology shifts. Host Andrei Greenawalt brings together historical examples, personal stories, and timely case studies to explore the future of transportation in the U.S.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago22 min
Faster, Higher, Stronger
Nearly two years ago, Salt Lake City received some long-awaited news: it will officially host the 2034 Winter Olympics. That makes Salt Lake one of only two U.S. cities to host the winter games twice. The announcement shifted planners’ focus to logistics—specifically, how the region's transit system will handle a massive global audience. In our season finale, Andrei sits down with Nichol Bourdeaux, chief planning and engagement officer at the Utah Transit Authority. Together, they discuss how the 2002 Games laid the groundwork for 2034 and look closely at the city’s current, robust infrastructure. They also explore lessons learned from the Milano Cortina 2026 Games and what Utah is watching as the U.S prepares for the upcoming World Cup. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- 1 weeks ago26 min
Before the Ice Cream Melts
Public transit is a critical service that can drive significant economic growth for cities. But only if it’s effective. About 15 years ago, Daniel Ramot and his co-founder Oren Shoval had an idea that transit could be more than just the big buses and trains of the last century. That cities could also have dynamically-routed shuttles that would flexibly respond to rider demand and change their routes in real-time. Since then, Via expanded its services to paratransit, school transportation, transit planning, and even conventional buses. It completely redesigns and operates entire public transit systems. And now, at the dawn of AI, Daniel sees an unprecedented opportunity to make public transit smarter and more adaptive than ever. In this episode, Daniel charts Via’s journey from a scrappy startup to working with over 800 cities across the world to expand and grow public transit He breaks down the critical role of data in shaping transit systems and reveals how the company is harnessing AI to reshape the future of transportation. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- 2 weeks ago29 min
The Manchester Turnaround
For decades, the bus system in Greater Manchester, UK failed to deliver reliable service for the region’s residents. The main culprit? A shift towards privatization in the’80s that allowed dozens of companies to operate in the city. As a result, ridership dwindled and services were slashed. In 2021, a UN-backed report described Manchester’s bus system as an "abject failure" and a "masterclass in how not to run an essential public service." Yet in recent years Greater Manchester has seen a remarkable turnaround. Led by Mayor Andy Burnham, the region retook control of its bus system in 2023 and began rolling out a revamped transit system called the Bee Network. Made up of buses,trams, trains, and shared buses, the Bee Network has reversed the trend of falling ridership and helped connect residents in the midst of widespread growth and development in Greater Manchester. In this episode, Mayor Burnham – who is currently in the public eye as a possible contender for Prime Minister – joins the show to dig into the history of buses in the city, his long history with political activism, and the remarkable and surprising impacts of the Bee Network. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- 3 weeks ago28 min
Transit on the Ballot
Americans want better transit, and they’re making it known at the ballot box. Across the country, voters are approving policies that fund new infrastructure and reinforce existing transit services. In 2024 alone, 51 ballot measures passed nationwide, collectively securing over $25 billion in transit funding. In today’s episode, we head to the boomtown of Columbus, Ohio to see how City Council President Shannon Hardin and COTA CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler collaborated on a years-long effort to design a transit initiative that truly resonated with voters. We also head to Nashville, Tennessee to speak with Sabrina Sussman about how lessons learned from a failed past campaign informed a successful transit campaign in 2024. Finally, we explore how both cities are putting these funds to work—from launching new rapid bus lines to laying down hundreds of miles of new sidewalks. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- May 6, 202625 min
America's Mobility Trap
Across America, millions of families are feeling the effects of an affordability crisis. As the cost of living continues to rise, one-quarter of us have no savings, and over half couldn’t afford a $1,000 emergency. As we scramble for solutions, one bold idea is staring us in the face: transit. In today’s episode, Adie Tomer, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution who studies land-use and transportation, offers case studies and historical context to show how leaning into transit can put money back in Americans’ pockets and expand opportunities for employment and wage growth. With Adie as our guide, we travel from Florida to London, and from Ohio to an experimental housing project outside of Phoenix, to learn how transit can truly be an engine of prosperity. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- Apr 29, 202621 min
Why Waymo Is Betting on Transit
Few technological advances have captured our attention like the rise of autonomous robotaxis. From San Francisco to Austin, Los Angeles to Miami, you can now hail a white Jaguar Waymo driven by…no one. Yet for Arielle Fleisher, AVs are about much more than cool technology: she sees them as a means to making streets safer. She also sees them as part of a broader integrated transit strategy that gives people more options. In this episode, Fleisher, who serves as policy development and research manager at Waymo, unpacks several initiatives that strengthen the bonds between Waymo and public transit, and explains how Waymos can be a boon for public health. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- Apr 22, 202626 min
The Mayor Who Ended Traffic Deaths
It’s no secret that America’s streets are dangerous: roughly 40,000 people die on our roads every year. In response, over the past couple of decades, 60 cities have embraced VisionZero — a framework for road safety developed in Sweden — to make roads safer by slowing down cars and expanding curbs and other infrastructure that makes pedestrians and cyclists more visible. Although VisionZero has a mixed record in America, the tiny, dense city of Hoboken, New Jersey has emerged as proof that VisionZero can save lives and cut down on injuries. Much of that success can be attributed to the work of Ravi Bhalla, who served as mayor from 2018 until earlier this year. Bhalla added bumpouts to intersections, crosswalks and slowed speed limits across the city. As a result, Hoboken hasn’t seen a single road death since 2017 and drastically cut serious injuries. In this episode, Bhalla explains how a lack of safety was hurting Hoboken, the resistance he confronted in his pursuit of new policies, and their cascading impacts on the community. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- Apr 15, 202627 min
The Sioux Falls Transit Experiment
Across America, small and medium-sized cities are growing at a rapid clip. In many of them, transit services have failed to keep up. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that is not the case. In this episode, we hear from Paul TenHaken, the city’s outspoken and candid mayor. Under TenHaken’s watch, Sioux Falls has overhauled its transit system with remarkable results. In partnership with Via, Sioux Falls added more paratransit services, made bus routes more flexible, and boosted its on-demand services; the result is a system that works hand in hand with the city as it grows. Listen to ModeShift on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
About ModeShift
Transportation needs a major overhaul. ‘ModeShift’ is a series that explores the past, present, and future of how we move. Many converging factors are forcing us to rethink mobility: Aging infrastructure, outdated planning, inequitable access, and rapid technology shifts. Host Andrei Greenawalt brings together historical examples, personal stories, and timely case studies to explore the future of transportation in the U.S.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from ModeShift in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's ModeShift daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of ModeShift as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the ModeShift podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official ModeShift product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Via.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does ModeShift release new episodes?
ModeShift publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does ModeShift cover?
ModeShift covers topics including Technology, Government, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting ModeShift summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.