- 14
- Episodes
- 2
- Ratings
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About nondriver
30% of people in the US & Canada can't or don't drive. nondriver is a podcast about the lives and stories of those people, hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. Every episode, we talk to people who navigate a world built for drivers, not as a lifestyle experiment, but as a permanent reality. Disabled people, older adults, low-income riders, rural nondrivers, and transit advocates who have been telling the truth about car dependency long before it became a talking point. The transportation conversation is changing. But most of it still centers people who chose to go car-free. This show centers the people who never had the choice, and have the clearest view of what the system actually costs. New episodes every week. Questions? nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. (https://nondrivers.org/)
- Publisher
- nondriver
- Category
- society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 5 Jun 2026
- Latest episode
- 23 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
23 Oct 2026
Bus Chick on why life is more interesting on transit
Carla Saulter, better known as Bus Chick, is a lifelong Seattleite and transportation advocate. Carla shares her story, from riding buses as a child, to writing on parenting on transit, to becoming a vocal proponent for transit equity and accessibility. Discover how her experiences shape her vision for a more inclusive and sustainable transportation system. Read more from Carla on her website: http://www.buschick.com/ (http://www.buschick.com/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carla Saulter and her transit background 01:37 Growing up in Seattle and early experiences with transit 02:56 Transition from driving to riding transit and its significance 04:23 The influence of Houston's transit system on Carla 06:47 Environmental awareness and the shift back to transit 08:38 Meeting her husband and embracing transit life 09:31 From transit evangelist to transit advocate for equity 10:51 The social and community aspects of riding the bus 12:09 Raising children on transit and social perceptions 14:12 The challenges and stigma faced by transit riders with children 16:13 Imagining a better, accessible transit system 18:45 The importance of transit in rural and suburban areas 22:42 Involvement in transit boards and advocacy for rider representation 26:28 Storytelling and the human side of transit 30:01 Memorable stories from Carla's transit experiences 37:19 What keeps Carla hopeful about transit and community 39:07 Closing remarks and future outlook for transit advocacy Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org/) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
16 Oct 2026
How Qudsiya Naqui Found Freedom on the Subway
Qudsiya Naqui is Assistant Professor of Law at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and the creator and host of Down to the Struts, a podcast about disability, design, and intersectionality. Qudsiya shares her journey from growing up in a car-centric suburb to discovering the freedom of urban transit in New York City. She discusses the importance of accessible transportation, the role of law and culture, and her work in disability advocacy and podcasting. Listen to Down to the Struts: https://www.downtothestruts.com/episodes (https://www.downtothestruts.com/episodes) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Qudsiya Naqui and her background 02:02 Growing up in South Brunswick, New Jersey, without public transit 03:53 Transition to college life in New York City and discovering the subway 05:46 The expansive and accessible nature of New York's subway system 08:49 Choosing transit over driving in DC and the importance of trust and orientation 12:07 Living in walkable neighborhoods and the role of urban design 14:59 Experiences with ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles 20:03 The origins of the Down to the Struts podcast and advocacy work 23:47 Favorite episodes and stories, including the Braille Challenge 30:10 The significance of Braille literacy and disability culture 35:10 The impact of media and representation on disability identity 39:56 Future hopes for disability inclusion and advocacy 41:54 Closing thoughts and gratitude Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org/) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
9 Oct 2026
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in the Disability Community
This week we talked to Keidra Chaney, a writer, a narrative consultant, a creator, and Program Director at Disability Culture Lab in Chicago about what it means to harness your creativity and craft your story to further your advocacy. Learn more about the Disability Culture Lab: https://www.disabilityculturelab.org/ (https://www.disabilityculturelab.org/,) Get in touch with Keidra: http://keidradchaney.net/ (http://keidradchaney.net/) Listen to Keidra's podcast: https://roughdraftwithkeidraandliz.podbean.com/ (https://roughdraftwithkeidraandliz.podbean.com/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keidra Chaney and episode overview 01:18 Keidra's upbringing and transit-centered household in Chicago 03:43 The influence of Chicago's transit infrastructure on her life 06:12 Experiences studying in Wisconsin and the mobility barriers faced 08:43 Current state of Chicago transit and recent reforms 11:17 Persistent inequalities in transit access across Chicago neighborhoods 15:08 Changing narratives around disability, access, and infrastructure 17:55 The Disability Rising Fellowship and empowering disabled leaders 22:43 The importance of intersectionality in advocacy and storytelling 27:37 Effective communication and storytelling strategies for social change 30:28 Keidra's podcast and creative projects in the zine scene 34:00 The role of arts and creativity in community building 36:23 The value of diverse stories and experiences in disability advocacy 38:50 Hope for the future of non-drivers and inclusive communities 42:30 Closing thoughts and gratitude Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org/) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
2 Oct 2026
Why Abby is Transitioning from Nonprofit Advocacy to a Career in Planning
Abby, a transportation accessibility advocate and urban planning student in Portland, grew up as a blind individual in rural Washington State. Abby shares her personal journey navigating transportation challenges, advocating for accessible transit, and pursuing a career in transportation planning to influence future mobility policies. Get involved with advocacy in PDX: https://busridersunite.org/ (https://busridersunite.org/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Abby Griffith and her background 01:08 Growing up in Ridgefield and transportation limitations 04:04 Transition to college and commuting challenges 05:28 Advocacy for better transit and accessibility 08:23 Transit budget cuts in Portland and community response 11:51 Abby's work in transit organizing and advocacy 16:58 Deciding to pursue urban and regional planning 22:15 Experiences as a blind student in graduate school 26:02 The impact of Abby’s assessment on accessibility perspectives 28:00 Lessons learned from community visits and transit planning 32:43 Hope for the future and innovative solutions 36:54 Final thoughts and encouragement for advocacy Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org/) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
25 Sept 2026
How Rural Nondrivers Travel Further, Pay More, & Spend More Time Searching for Essential Services
Alex is a lifelong Pennsylvanian, an elected official, and a nondriver. Following being hit by someone driving a car and a search for affordable public housing, Alex moved to rural Bradford, PA, a city literally at a crossroads. Alex discusses the intersection of essential services, transit, and housing, and how rural Pennsylvanians are dealing with the removal of vital services. Join the movement for better transit service in PA: https://www.transitforallpa.org/ (https://www.transitforallpa.org/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex Casper and the episode's focus 02:10 Alex's background and decision not to learn to drive 04:05 The role of public transit in rural Pennsylvania 06:00 Challenges of healthcare access and hospital closures 08:08 Housing affordability and public housing shortages 09:59 Impact of transit cuts on rural communities 11:55 Advocacy efforts and community organizing 14:13 The interconnectedness of transit, housing, and healthcare 16:11 Geography of Bradford and rural Pennsylvania 17:55 Rural migration and reverse commuting 19:46 Political engagement and running for office 21:56 Voting access for non-drivers in Pennsylvania 24:12 The importance of community advocacy and hope 26:10 How to get involved and connect with advocacy groups Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org/) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
18 Sept 2026
Sharing Your Authentic Nondriver Story, ft. Pedestrian Pride
McKenzie Ortiz is a mobility advocate and creator of Pedestrian Pride living in Jersey City, New Jersey. McKenzie grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and spent most of her adulthood living in Missouri. McKenzie joins us to discuss the unique ways nondrivers navigate the world life,and relationships, and gives advice on how you can tell your own story. Follow McKenzie on Instagram and TikTok @pedestrianpride https://www.instagram.com/pedestrianpride/ (https://www.instagram.com/pedestrianpride/) https://www.tiktok.com/@pedestrianpride (https://www.tiktok.com/@pedestrianpride) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to McKenzie's nondriver journey 02:02 The moment McKenzie decided to stop driving 04:13 Overcoming shame and stigma around being a non-driver 08:01 Using social media to build pedestrian pride 10:08 The inspiration behind pedestrian pride and community visibility 14:30 Tips for starting advocacy and social media accounts 17:36 Experiences living in small towns versus transit-rich cities 22:28 Moving to Jersey City and embracing urban transit 24:57 Engagement with local advocacy groups and community work 32:07 Balancing advocacy with personal life and new environments 35:24 The significance of Week Without Driving and community impact Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
11 Sept 2026
Stephen's Journey As a Dad, a Multimodal Engineer, and a Nondriver
Growing up in the Denver area, Stephen learned to navigate by transit early and carried that habit into adulthood, which became an asset when a medical diagnosis led him to cut back on driving. Cargo e-bikes made that shift practical for his whole household and a high level of resilience to mobility friction helped ease the transition. Stephen carries this experience into his work as a multimodal engineer for the City of Boulder. He talks about his journey, how his family has adapted, and how people in similar situations can transition to being a nondriver. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stephen's journey from driver to non-driver 01:54 Stephen's early experiences with transit and driving 03:48 The diagnosis and its impact on Stephen's transportation choices 06:14 Transition to cargo e-bikes and living car-light 09:04 The role of transit rebates and infrastructure in Denver 11:48 Challenges and opportunities in urban biking and transit 16:03 Moving to Golden and changing transit access 19:49 Children's perspectives on biking and transit 22:45 Safety considerations for biking with kids 29:54 Hope and progress in urban transportation infrastructure 39:01 Reflections on being a non-driver and future outlook Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
4 Sept 2026
How Brenda's Vision Loss Became a Reason for Self-Empowerment
When Brenda Niccum found herself in the position of losing her ability to drive due to vision loss, she used it as an opportunity for self-empowerment. Now Brenda advocates on behalf of other people with disabilities, helps others navigate the world of services in her community, and helps connect their stories to local government agencies. This week, she guides us through her journey. Foundation Fighting Blindness https://www.fightingblindness.org/ (https://www.fightingblindness.org/) ILRU Centers for Independent Living Directory. https://www.ilru.org/cil-directory (https://www.ilru.org/cil-directory) The League https://the-league.org/ (https://the-league.org/) Blessed, Bold, & Blind https://www.linkedin.com/company/blessed-bold-blind (https://www.linkedin.com/company/blessed-bold-blind) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brenda Niccum and her background 01:11 Brenda's early life and diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa 02:29 The moment Brenda realized she couldn't drive safely anymore 03:50 First experience with paratransit and initial feelings 05:27 The selfless decision to stop driving for safety reasons 06:53 Brenda's work at the League for the Blind and Disabled 08:52 Overcoming stigma and promoting transit independence 12:13 Transit challenges in Indiana's mid-sized cities 14:03 Advocacy efforts and engaging with legislators 16:40 Brenda's involvement in transit boards and leadership roles 17:56 Driver training and improving transit experiences for people with disabilities 22:27 The importance of funding and community investment in transit 23:43 Impact of state politics on local transit services 26:31 Brenda's inspiring outlook and personal growth through adversity 28:51 The rewarding nature of advocacy and community support 30:55 How to connect with Brenda and learn more about her work Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
28 Aug 2026
How Darcy Reynard Navigated Losing the Ability to Drive
Darcy Reynard grew up never thinking driving wouldn't be an option. From family trips by car to learning to drive, Darcy followed a pretty standard trajectory, until a diagnosis stopped Darcy from driving. Now a transportation advocate based in Edmonton, Darcy sits down to talk about that transition, urban biking infrastructure, policy challenges, and the future of non-driving mobility. Follow Darcy's Youtube Channel: @bikebikenudgenudge https://www.youtube.com/c/bikebikenudgenudge (https://www.youtube.com/c/bikebikenudgenudge) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Darcy Reynard and Edmonton's biking scene 02:04 Darcy's background and transition from driver to cyclist 04:28 Impact of vision loss on Darcy's transportation choices 06:54 Family biking and infrastructure in Edmonton 08:39 Low stress biking routes and infrastructure analysis 10:35 City policies, advocacy, and political support for biking 13:03 Provincial policies and oil industry influence 15:28 Winter biking challenges and strategies 19:45 Climate change, snow removal, and infrastructure 22:12 Carbon pricing, social exclusion, and transportation equity 25:30 Future outlook and hope for non-drivers 27:27 Cargo bikes and accessibility for people with disabilities 29:15 Infrastructure improvements and intersection safety 32:35 Darcy's YouTube channel and advocacy work 34:30 Closing remarks and contact information Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
21 Aug 2026
Nazanine Heydarian on Trust, Family, and a Life Without Driving
Nazanine (Naz) Heydarian is an assistant professor of social work at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Legally blind, she describes failing her vision test at seventeen as the moment driving stopped being an option, a life-changing moment for anyone growing up in car dependent West Texas. As she grew older, this became more apparent, from the trust required to be a lifelong passenger to navigating new relationships. Now a mother of two young kids, she navigates by bike and canal path, on foot and local transit. However, Naz touches on challenges inherent in those options, from fitting both kids safely on her bike to the barrier of taking microtransit with kids who need a car seat. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nazanine Heydarian's story 02:08 Growing up blind and the realization about driving 04:08 Family dynamics and independence in mobility 06:25 Experiences with driving tests and legal blindness 08:27 Negotiating independence and family roles 10:53 Cycling with kids and adaptive biking solutions 12:42 Transportation infrastructure in the Rio Grande Valley 14:06 Challenges with public transit and car seats for kids 16:31 Walking to local amenities and neighborhood infrastructure 18:23 Family healthcare and community resources 19:19 Partner's role and relationship dynamics 30:24 The role of bikes and physical strength in mobility 39:31 Planning the bus pull for advocacy and awareness 40:45 The impact of community engagement and advocacy Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
26 Jun 2026
How to Make Your City More Accountable to Nondrivers, ft. Karthik Balasubramanian
Karthik Balasubramanian is a Howard University professor and chair of DC's Multimodal Accessibility Advisory Council who became a nondriver at 24, after a Stargardt macular degeneration diagnosis that already ran in the family. Raised in the sidewalk-free Cincinnati suburbs, Karthik drifted through Seattle and Boston as a casual cyclist before DC turned a quiet preference for walkable streets into active advocacy, including the co-development of a Time Tax idea that shows DC nondrivers how much the city values their time. Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
19 Jun 2026
How Transit Access Connects Social Movements
Una Fonte grew up legally blind in rural Vermont, an hour's walk from a bus that came when it felt like it. After a transformative time abroad in Germany, she began organizing in the US for climate and mobility justice. Una turned that experience into a body of work arguing that transportation access is the thread connecting climate, disability, and social justice more broadly. Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
12 Jun 2026
Anna Zivarts on Why Nondrivers Should Lead the Urbanist Movement
The urbanist movement loves to talk about car-free living. What it talks about less is the people who never had a choice. Anna Zivarts has spent her career building the case that those people shouldn't be a footnote to this conversation. They're the ones who should be leading it. Anna Zivarts is the founder of Nondrivers Alliance and author of When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. Anna co-created the Week Without Driving challenge and directed the Disability Mobility Initiative at Disability Rights Washington. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [03:17] When the union said "become a researcher" [06:12] Coming to embrace disability & identity [11:58] The book as an organizing tool [16:13] The burden of relying on others for rides [25:56] Car-free by choice vs nondriver by default [36:20] Sustainable advocacy Anna's book When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away From Car Dependency (https://annazivarts.com/) Bluesky @ (https://bsky.app/profile/nondriver.bsky.social)nondriver.bsky.social (http://nondriver.bsky.social) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/@nondriver (https://youtube.com/@nondriver) Follow us on Bluesky @nondriverpodcast.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/nondriverpodcast.bsky.social) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
5 Jun 2026
What Does it Mean to be a Nondriver "by Default?"
Most people who talk about transportation alternatives have chosen to give up their car. Devin Silvernail never had that option. After a lifetime of living car-free by default, he focused his energy on fighting for equitable mobility and mobility safety improvements from inside City Hall. He reflects on organizing from within city government, and why it's important to have both an inside and outside strategy. Devin Silvernail is a policy designer and equitable mobility advocate, born legally blind with Nystagmus. He did constituent services work in SF Supervisor David Campos's office, then served as Policy Director for Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales from 2020 to 2024. In 2024, he and his family relocated to Nantes, France. He is co-host and producer of Nondrivers Alliance Podcast. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [02:05] Growing Up With Low Vision in the Suburbs [06:51] From Neighborhood Advocate to City Hall Insider [19:52] Why We Left: The Full Cost of Car-Dependent Living [25:04] Life in France and What Political Will Can Do [34:45] Nondriver by Default: Who This Show Is For [38:24] Disabled People as Oracles of the Future Find Devin on Bluesky @devinsilvernail.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/devinsilvernail.bsky.social) and YouTube @devinsilvernail (https://www.youtube.com/@devinsilvernail) Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail. Questions? email nondriverpodcast@proton.me (mailto:nondriverpodcast@proton.me) Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/@nondriver (https://youtube.com/@nondriver) Follow us on Bluesky @nondriverpodcast.bsky.social (http://nondriverpodcast.bsky.social) nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org (https://nondrivers.org) Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/ (https://annazivarts.com/)
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