Best Michigan Transportation Podcasts (2025)

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Reprise: Managing traffic during road construction; and what about the zipper merge? 23:46

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6d ago23:46

23:46

As road work continues across Michigan, police are on high alert for speeding and distracted drivers causing crashes during backups. On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about efforts engineers take to balance mobility and safety during active road work. Lindsey Renner, division administrator for Construction Field…

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From Amtrak to Annapolis: Markus Moore’s Lifetime Career in Transit 21:37

2h ago21:37

21:37

Markus Moore, Director of Transportation for the City of Annapolis, joins Paul Comfort from the rooftop of the Hillman Garage during Naval Academy Commissioning Week for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey through transit. From helping launch high-speed rail in North America as part of the Acela project at Amtrak, to managing l…

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The Mobility Data Revolution with Michael Fontaine, Stanley Young and Jeff Gonder 48:04

13h ago48:04

48:04

Key Takeaways · State DOTs are increasingly trusting of integrating crowd-sourced mobility data as it becomes more robust and comprehensive, offering greater temporal and spatial coverage than traditional sensors. · New data types like origin-destination and volume data are emerging, but agencies must evaluate their credibility before relying on th…

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#258 Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce Gotlieb - Celebrating extreme excellence in theater, film and tv 31:19

2d ago31:19

31:19

Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce GotliebCelebrating extreme excellence in theater, film and tv, this podcast takes listeners all over the world on a journey behind the scenes featuring never-before-heard stories from Academy Award winners, Tony Award winners, Golden Globe Award winners, and so much more. Co-Hosts Eila Mell, bestselling auth…

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Interviews with White House Budget Director Russ Vought; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; Senator Chris Murphy 47:03

2d ago47:03

47:03

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down for an exclusive interview with the man seen as the architect behind President Trump’s scorched-earth effort to upend the federal government, White House Budget Director Russ Vought. Then, House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries joins Dana to detail his party’s plan to counter Trump’s agenda, as…

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Ozzy Gibson’s Unconventional Road to Transit Leadership 23:12

7d ago23:12

23:12

How does a career in law enforcement, animal services, and civic leadership prepare you to run a transit agency? In this week’s Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC), for a candid and compelling conversation about public service, accountability, and…

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#257 Charlie Murphy - a native Pittsburgher and a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, co-founded Esperance Theater Company — a company that produced classical-based work here in NYC. 38:02

9d ago38:02

38:02

Charlie is a native Pittsburgher and a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied Acting. As an actor, select stage credits include the NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park” (All’s Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure), the Pearl Theatre Company (Richard II), the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (King Lear, The Thr…

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Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Ron Johnson and Senator Michael Bennet 42:58

9d ago42:58

42:58

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake presses House Speaker Mike Johnson on the impact the GOP tax and spending bill will have on the national debt and on Medicaid. Next, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson joins Jake to detail his concerns about the bill and his threat to sink it unless there are steeper spending cuts. Then, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet joi…

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Predicting how long a road will last 21:53

13d ago21:53

21:53

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with a trunkline pavement strategy specialist about how the work in his area helps inform investment decisions. Tim Lemon, who works in the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Bureau of Transportation Planning, talks about how pavement condition is measur…

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On the Bus with Coree Cuff Lonergan: Building Broward’s $4B Transit Future 20:03

14d ago20:03

20:03

What does it take to launch a $4.3 billion, multi-modal transit expansion? For Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit, it takes vision, momentum—and a bit of patience. This week on Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort hops aboard with Coree for a rolling bus interview through Broward County, Florida. They talk big-picture leadership, bo…

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The App Evolution in Transit and Construction with Jake Bailosky and Stephen Miller 56:47

15d ago56:47

56:47

Key takeaways: Jake Bailosky developed OnStation to solve a specific pain point in the field: determining exact location on a project site. Inspired by golf yardage apps, the tool automates stationing for road workers and inspectors. The app immediately improved field efficiency by eliminating manual calculations and replacing measuring wheels—offe…

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#256 Broadway Sandwich - Garen Scribner is a producer, manager, and arts leader with over 20 years of experience on stage and behind the scenes. 39:09

16d ago39:09

39:09

Garen Scribner is a producer, manager, and arts leader with over 20 years of experience on stage and behind the scenes. Credits include four seasons of the 6x Emmy-nominated broadcast TV series BROADWAY SANDWICH (Creator, Host), the 10-part limited series AND THE TONY NOMINEES ARE (Producer), and the film WAITING PLACES (Producer), all for New York…

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Rep. James Clyburn, David Axelrod and Van Jones 43:58

17d ago43:58

43:58

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss Trump’s tariff policy, efforts to negotiate trade deals, and plans for the US to accept a luxury jet from Qatar. Then, Jake presses Democratic Rep. James Clyburn over his past support for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign amid new reporting about Bide…

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Taking The RIDE: How Michele Stiehler is Elevating Paratransit at MBTA 27:20

21d ago27:20

27:20

Michele Stiehler knows paratransit inside and out. After 35 years at New Jersey Transit, she brought her deep operational experience to Boston’s MBTA, where she now oversees one of the largest and most complex paratransit systems in the country. In this episode, Paul Comfort talks with Michele about her leadership philosophy, the importance of fron…

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#255 Robert Bannon - is a multi hyphenate performer, talk show host, and educator. His debut album "Unfinished Business" debuted at #1 on the Amazon A/C. 49:57

23d ago49:57

49:57

Robert Bannon is a multi hyphenate performer, talk show host, and educator. He has been featured on SNL/Real Housewives of NJ, and has performed at MSG, Beacon Theatre, 54 Below, Feinstein's in LA, Pride events in NYC, NJ, Detroit, LA, Ohio, and more. His debut album "Unfinished Business" debuted at #1 on the Amazon A/C. His new album “Rewind” was …

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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick; Dem. Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez; Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu 48:33

23d ago48:33

48:33

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for details on Trump’s trade negotiations with China and the impact tariffs are having on Americans. Then, Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez join Dana to respond to the Trump administration’s threat that they could be arrested af…

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Will congress move quickly on a highway bill? 23:55

27d ago23:55

23:55

Congressional leaders of various infrastructure committees have shown some interest in adopting a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, offering departments of transportation and contractors some certainty, well ahead of the current act’s expiration in 2026. Susan Howard, policy and government relations director for the American A…

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From 0 to 200: Jeremi Bumpus on Building 207 New Bus Stops with Tech and Tenacity 29:17

28d ago29:17

29:17

What happens when a millennial with a higher ed background takes the wheel of a legacy transit agency? You get 207 new bus stops, a real-time tracking app, and a fresh vision for Western Kentucky mobility. In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Jeremi Bumpus, Executive Director of Paducah Transit Authority, about lead…

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UAS Drones, Data and Cincinnati’s Transit Transformation with Sinan Abood and Khaled Shammout 51:10

29d ago51:10

51:10

Key Takeaways: By using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) significantly reduces the need for crews and equipment on busy roadways, minimizing worker exposure to traffic and improving safety conditions. Drone-collected data is processed and delivered to engineers within 24 to 48 hours, allowing f…

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Dem. Sen. Mark Warner, Rep. Sen. Ron Johnson and Stephen A. Smith 43:29

1M ago43:29

43:29

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake sits down with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner to discuss Trump’s shake-up of his national security team. Then, Jake asks Republican Sen. Ron Johnson about a growing lead crisis in Milwaukee, as well as Americans’ unease over Trump’s handling of the economy. Next, Stephen A. Smith joins Jake to discuss whether he is co…

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The future of road funding 25:15

1M ago25:15

25:15

On this week’s episode of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about states studying or piloting road usage charges (RUC). John Peracchio, a strategic adviser on intelligent transportation systems and mobility, and member of the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification, talks about key takeaways from a recent c…

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Leading Transit on Three Continents: Graeme Legh on Growth, Innovation, and Kelsian’s Future 26:57

1M ago26:57

26:57

In this episode of Transit Unplugged Podcast, Paul Comfort talks with Graeme Legh, the new CEO of Kelsian Group, one of the world’s leading transit and mobility operators. From ferries off the coast of Australia to motorcoach operations across the U.S., Graeme shares how Kelsian is tackling growth, innovation, and sustainability across three contin…

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#254 J Savage - also known as Jonathan, you can catch him at the Imperial Theatre, in the highly anticipated Broadway production of SMASH! 49:57

1M ago49:57

49:57

J Savage, also known as Jonathan, starting March 11, you can catch him at the Imperial Theatre, (where he made his Broadway debut), in the highly anticipated Broadway production of SMASH! Also a singer/songwriter, Jonathan took his pandemic experience and wrote his critically acclaimed one man show, Farewell to the West. Three months into quarantin…

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins 46:23

1M ago46:23

46:23

On CNN’s State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins Dana Bash for a wide-ranging interview on Ukraine peace talks, Trump’s handling of immigration and the economy, Schumer’s future as a leader in his party, and rising antisemitism in America. Next, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joins Dana to discuss the continued economic…

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Some good news for understanding wildlife-vehicle collisions 18:15

1M ago18:15

18:15

Earth Week 2025 came with a positive development for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) on efforts to implement a pilot program for analyzing wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) and learn ways to design safer crossings. Amanda Novak, a resource specialist in MDOT’s Bay Region, returns…

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From Operator to Officer: Dwight Ferrell on Leading SMART Transit Across Southeast Michigan 26:24

1M ago26:24

26:24

From driving a bus in Dallas to leading one of the largest transit systems in the Midwest, Dwight Ferrell’s story is the blueprint for leadership rooted in experience. In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort rides along with Dwight, General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), for a candid …

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Second Chances and AI in Transit with Geisha Ester and MJ Maynard 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

Key takeaways: The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Second Chance Program helps returning residents and others with employment barriers gain one year of paid, supportive work experience, with a focus on long-term career development. The program has grown from 50 to 350 positions and includes technological resources, resume workshops, CDL prep and …

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen, House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar 44:04

1M ago44:04

44:04

On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins Dana Bash to discuss his trip to El Salvador to meet with deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Then, Dana presses House GOP Whip Rep. Tom Emmer on Trump’s standoff with the courts over his immigration policies. After, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar tells Dana that she believes the…

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Transportation funding in Michigan, some history 23:40

2M ago23:40

23:40

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation, another conversation with Bill Hamilton, a senior analyst at the Michigan House Fiscal Agency (HFA). The HFA is a nonpartisan agency that helps the Michigan House of Representatives in developing the state budget. Hamilton explains that the HFA has 15 analysts specializing in specific budget areas, ty…

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Moving the Masses: M.J. Maynard on the Power of Las Vegas Transit’s One-of-a-Kind Agency Model 31:16

2M ago31:16

31:16

This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul visits Las Vegas to talk with M.J. Maynard, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). From managing traffic for massive events like the Las Vegas Marathon and Formula 1, to running one of the busiest bus-only transit systems in the U.S., M.J. gives us a behind-the-scenes look at wha…

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Kevin Hassett and Sen. Elizabeth Warren 44:22

2M ago44:22

44:22

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett over the confusion and turmoil caused by Trump’s tariff rollout. Then, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren joins Jake to discuss how Democrats should respond to Trump’s economic chaos. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd and Ashley Allison, Repu…

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Work progresses on the final phase of rebuilding I-696 20:32

2M ago20:32

20:32

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Brian Travis, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project manager overseeing the rebuilding of the central segment of I-696. The work, which began in March and will continue through most of 2027, involves closing the eastbound lanes of I-696 from M-10 and Lahse…

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From Hydrogen to the World Cup: John Rossant on the Future of Mobility 30:14

2M ago30:14

30:14

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with John Rossant, founder and CEO of CoMotion, to explore what’s next for cities, transit, and technology. From preparing for mega-events like the World Cup to pioneering hydrogen-powered aviation, John shares how CoMotion is helping shape the future of urban mobility—with a pasta recipe…

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Smart Traffic and Asset Management with Michelle O'Neill, Dani Booms and Tim Menard 54:03

2M ago54:03

54:03

Key takeaways Importance of infrastructure maintenance – Michigan DOT’s Ancillary Structures Program, supported by HNTB software, emphasizes the need for proactive inspections and maintenance of critical structures like bridges, overpasses and traffic signals. Risk mitigation – By assessing vulnerabilities, programs like the Ancillary Structures Pr…

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#253 Shoshana - If there is a Broadway legend with a pulse, there's a good chance Shoshana has chatted with them on a mic! 1:01:52

2M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Sho from @BWAYSHO If there is a Broadway legend with a pulse, there's a good chance Shoshana has chatted with them on a mic! Watch this insightful and hilarious conversation that highlights not just the passion, but also the work ethic it takes to create bwaySHO! bwaySHO YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/bwaySHO To try your own Broadway Fit…

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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Gov. Tim Walz 46:47

2M ago46:47

46:47

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for clarity on Trump’s sweeping tariffs as the economic fallout grows. Then, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz joins Jake to respond and to weigh in on what he thinks Democrats’ strategy needs to be to counter Trump. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator David Urban, C…

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MDOT crews, other agencies respond to historic ice storm 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

A few days after a massive ice storm rocked northern lower Michigan, many thousands remain without power while crews from power companies, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other state and local agencies continue the cleanup and rebuilding process. Bill Wahl, MDOT North Region associate engineer for operations, who is coordinatin…

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Texas Transit Trends: Live from the Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllen 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

Please subscribe to our newsletter! This week on Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort hosts a special episode recorded live at the 2025 Texas Transit Association Conference in McAllen, Texas. In this roundtable, Paul speaks with five accomplished Texas transit leaders about the realities of running transit systems across Texas—from expansive rural regio…

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Interviews with Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Governor Wes Moore 43:22

2M ago43:22

43:22

On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss the fallout from the Trump administration’s Signal chat leak, as well as the impact from President Trump’s escalating trade war. Then, Dana asks Democratic Governor and potential 2028 candidate Wes Moore about Democrats struggle to find a path forward under the T…

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Tariffs, automated vehicles and zero-emission planes 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a repeat appearance by Joann Muller, the Detroit-based transportation correspondent for Axios. She talks about how tariffs are affecting the auto industry, how automakers are reacting and what the future might hold. Muller also shares insights from reporting on a new design for …