Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways: Richard Jackson on City Environments and Public Health

podcast icon logo
false

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 California

The Week in Short Video

AI on buses, CAHSR and VMT Tax conspiracies, and one way to carry a bike up stairs.

February 13, 2026

Friday’s Headlines

Major win in D.C. for the pro-smog lobby.

February 13, 2026

Commentary: Let’s Do Even Better, Bay Area, for the World Cup

VTA boasted about record ridership for the Super Bowl. But that was despite some missed opportunities.

February 12, 2026

CA High-Speed Rail Approves Large Cost Overrun, Legislation Moves to Empower Inspector General, Unhinged Critics Criticize

The California Post tabloid newspaper arrives, and so does sensationalized criticism of California High-Speed Rail.

February 12, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

New bike lanes, new Coaster service, and more Vision Zero follies.

February 12, 2026
See all posts