They’re elevating small talk into medium talk about transportation.
The city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) rolled out its new “Curb Enthusiasm” podcast on Monday — a new program on local transportation issues with a title inspired by the Larry David sitcom.
You won’t find Larry stuck in awkward scenarios or expletive-filled arguments with Susie, but the DOT says you will find on “Curb Enthusiasm” engaging conversations with experts about major transportation issues impacting New York City.
The first episode, which went live on Sept. 9 across popular podcast platforms, features U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, who previously served as the city’s transportation commissioner between 2014 and 2020. Trottenberg, along with host Emily Weidenhof (the DOT assistant commissioner of public realm) and co-host Natasha Bartley (the DOT Office of Livable Streets director of administration), discussed the climate crisis, reconnecting neighborhoods split by expressways, lowering fatal traffic collisions, and more.
“The New York City Department of Transportation is proud to be an international leader in transportation, and our Curb Enthusiasm podcast provides a platform for guests to discuss what’s new, innovative, and exciting in the world of transportation and urban planning,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Curb Enthusiasm listeners will gain unique insight into how innovators make streets safer, livable, and more sustainable.”
Of course, “Curb Enthusiasm” takes its name from “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” David’s long-running HBO sitcom that often focuses on etiquette and uncomfortable observations on life.
Along with borrowing from the show’s title card, the “Curb Enthusiasm” podcast also addressed etiquette issues in its first episode. Trottenberg spoke about what she believes to be one of the most notorious breaches of rider protocol on the subways: eating.
“So I think subway etiquette, though, and the joke is like, if you have to eat a sandwich or something on the subway, that’s fine,” Trottenberg said. “But, like, if you’re bringing like a sprawling Indian meal that flies to every corner of the train, as I have seen many times, that is definitely a breach of subway etiquette.”
Hear the full interview with Trottenberg online at nyc.gov/dot or wherever you download podcasts.
