In this episode of That's Her Problem, we talk with cycling coach, bike educator, and Femme Cyclist creator Kristen Bonkoski about what it means to build confidence on two wheels and live a more bike-centered life. Kristen shares her origin story, from childhood rides and a life-changing 60-mile Yellowstone ride to leaving a corporate job to build a career around biking, coaching, and helping women feel welcome in cycling spaces.The conversation covers women’s bike fit, fueling properly on the bike, safety, mental health, mountain biking, and why bikes can be both a form of freedom and a tool for resistance. Kristen also discusses motherhood, raising a son with feminist values, the challenges of online backlash, and how joy and political awareness can coexist. If you’re looking for motivation to ride more, fuel better, or feel stronger and more included in cycling, this episode is for you.

Kristen Bonkoski: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/femme_cyclist/ 

YouTube: Femme Cyclist - https://www.youtube.com/femmecyclist 

Patty Wiens: Website: pattybikes.com

Podcast: That's Her Problem 

Support Patty on Patreon to help keep the show going at https://www.patreon.com/c/herproblem 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kristen Bonkowski and her cycling background

02:21 Kristen's childhood bike experiences and early influences

06:32 Transition from corporate job to full-time cycling coach

11:10 Kristen's coaching focus on women and her program goals

17:15 Fueling strategies and nutrition for long rides

22:01 Bike fit essentials for women and equipment tips

24:07 Addressing safety concerns and roadside repair skills

28:53 Encouraging girls and women in mountain biking and downhill riding

33:05 The mental health benefits of cycling and community support

44:25 Kristen's advice for starting a passion-based business

45:53 Balancing activism, joy, and mental health through cycling

Links

Support my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcast

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here?blnBKM=1 

and in the USA from Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/that-ll-never-work-here-challenging-the-myths-around-biking-in-a-winter-city-the-city-project-book-3/632bcbd73d3178fe?ean=9781773371399&next=t

Sign up for my newsletter at www.pattybikes.com 

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Keywords

#podcast #urbanplanning #transportation #womeninleadership #communitybuilding #Journalism #Advocacy #SustainableCities #BikeLife #ActiveTransport #WomenWhoRide #WomenInMedia #SafeStreets #Urbanism #PublicTransport #EmpoweredWomen #GirlsEducation #AuthorLife #MentalHealthAwareness #UrbanForests #ClimateResilience #CommunityAction #WomenInLeadership #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #TreeConservation #GreenSpaces #Winnipeg #ErnaBuffie #CityPlanning

Winnipeg's Erna Buffie reveals how urban forests are crucial for climate resilience, mental health, and community safety. Whether you're passionate about climate action, city planning, or just love a good story of advocacy, this episode will change the way you see your city.

You’ll discover how urban trees can lower temperatures by up to 8°C, reduce traffic of how the right arguments can turn the tide. She breaks down the hidden costs of losing tree canopies, from biodiversity loss to health disparities, especially in communities like Winnipeg's West End struggling with green space scarcity.

We explore innovative ideas sweeping across cities worldwide, from Paris’s mini forests to planting fruit trees in neighborhoods, showing how individuals and communities can impact local ecosystems. 

Erna offers practical steps: how to get involved, advocate for greener policies, and even plant a single tree to start a ripple effect. Her insights illuminate the interconnectedness of climate resilience, urban design, and social equity, reminding us that trees are not just nature’s luxury—they're a climate necessity.In a world racing to adapt, this episode underscores the importance of grassroots activism and political engagement. You’ll leave inspired to take action—whether that’s voting for eco-conscious leaders, volunteering in your community, or advocating for equitable green spaces. Because when cities plant more trees, everyone benefits—especially the women, the wild animals, and future generations.Erna Buffie is an acclaimed author and environmental advocate known for her work inspiring communities to protect urban forests. Her background in documentary filmmaking and science informs her passionate storytelling and strategic activism. She’s led campaigns in Winnipeg and beyond, championing biodiversity, climate resilience, and Indigenous land stewardship.If you care about climate change, community health, or just want to know how a single tree can change everything—this episode is your call to action. Tune in to learn how to make your city greener, safer, and more beautiful. Because when we plant trees together, we grow hope—and a healthier planet.

Resources

Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard - 

Triede & Fungal by Ariel Gordon

The Global Forest by Diana Beresford-Kröger

Trees Please! Winnipeg Initiative

City of Winnipeg Urban Forestry Program

Order Erna’s book - https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371474/erna-buffie/out-on-a-limb?blnBKM=1 

Links

Support my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcast

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here?blnBKM=1 

and in the USA from Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/that-ll-never-work-here-challenging-the-myths-around-biking-in-a-winter-city-the-city-project-book-3/632bcbd73d3178fe?ean=9781773371399&next=t

Sign up for my newsletter at www.pattybikes.com 

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Keywords

#podcast #urbanplanning #transportation #womeninleadership #communitybuilding #Journalism #Advocacy #SustainableCities #BikeLife #ActiveTransport #WomenWhoRide #WomenInMedia #SafeStreets #Urbanism #PublicTransport #EmpoweredWomen #GirlsEducation #AuthorLife #MentalHealthAwareness #UrbanForests #ClimateResilience #CommunityAction #WomenInLeadership #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #TreeConservation #GreenSpaces #Winnipeg #ErnaBuffie #CityPlanning

For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early!

When Stephanie referred Mevan Babakar to me because of her book, The Bicycle, I thought it would be a cute story of a girl who was given a bicycle as a young refugee in the Netherlands and how it made an impression on her life. I did NOT know her story would touch my heart so much. Mevan and her family fled Saddam Hussein’s reign of terror on the Kurds and her long journey through the Middle East to Russia and the Netherlands, finally settling in the United Kingdom.

We talk about:

• The unseen power of policies like no-fly zones and refugee programs that literally save lives.

• How community acts of kindness, from sharing food to giving a child a bike, create enduring bonds and reshape destinies.

• The importance of embracing the “in-between” identity that refugees and diaspora communities forge, a space where cultural blending and community become a new homeland.

• The ongoing impacts of global conflicts today, how narratives are shaped, and why individual stories like Mevan’s reveal the truth behind the headlines.

• Why storytelling and kindness are revolutionary acts in a fractured world and how small gestures can reconnect us to our shared humanity.

Whether you love stories about overcoming adversity, exploring identities in diaspora, or the transformative power of community, you'll leave inspired to see your own “in-between” moments as opportunities for connection and change. Join us as Mevan, a refugee turned author and activist, takes us on a breathtaking voyage from war-torn Kurdistan to the streets of Europe and beyond, reminding us all that hope is found in the simplest acts and the stories we choose to tell.

Links

Support my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcast

Check Mevan’s website at https://mevanbabakar.com/ 

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here?blnBKM=1 

and in the USA from Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/that-ll-never-work-here-challenging-the-myths-around-biking-in-a-winter-city-the-city-project-book-3/632bcbd73d3178fe?ean=9781773371399&next=t

Sign up for my newsletter at www.pattybikes.com 

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University of Winnipeg Book Event - The City Project

This engaging discussion explores the future of sustainable cities, municipal finance, urban planning, and community engagement, using Winnipeg as a case study. Experts share insights on incremental city improvements, the importance of understanding municipal finance, and how small actions can lead to big change.

Featuring authors Michel Durand-Wood (You’ll Pay for This) and Patty Wiens (That’ll Never Work Here).

You can purchase both books from your local bookstore, or online. If you’re in Canada you can buy them here: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/searchresults?txtSearchSearchType=keyword&txtSearchFulltextCriteria=the+city+project&txtSearchMode=sitewide

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the City Project Book Series

02:53 Understanding Municipal Finance

05:50 The Role of Local Activism and Community Engagement

08:51 The Importance of Incremental Change in Urban Planning

11:23 The Impact of Infrastructure on City Life

14:26 Lessons from Jane Jacobs and Modern Urbanism

17:39 The Future of Urban Development and Local Politics

31:12 Tackling the Biggest Little Things for Change

31:39 Reflections on the Book and Future Opportunities

34:01 Exploring Women's Experiences in Urban Spaces

35:48 Perceptions of Safety in Urban Environments

39:06 Understanding the Complexities of Urban Safety

40:03 The Role of Connectivity in Urban Experiences

42:13 Changing the Default Mode of Transportation

45:38 Civic Engagement and Community Responsibility

51:25 Finding Sustainable Solutions for Urban Infrastructure

52:47 Combating Civil Apathy and Encouraging Engagement

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

Join us as Ashleigh Myles shares her incredible journey of riding the Pan-American Highway, overcoming fears, and breaking records as a woman cyclist. Discover insights on preparation, mental resilience, gear, and advice for women aspiring to undertake similar adventures.  

Ashleigh set the record for the fastest female to ride the Pan-American Highway, solo and unsupported. In the process, she unknowingly set a record for South America. 

The Pan-American Highway runs from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. It’s approximately 22,500km with 190,000m elevation. Spanning two continents and 13 countries - it is the longest road in the world.

Links

Ashleigh Myles website

Support my podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ashley Myles and Her Journey

06:27 Breaking Records: A New Era for Female Cyclists

08:59 Facing Fears: Safety and Wildlife Encounters

11:41 The Scariest Moments: Overcoming Internal Doubts

14:16 The Journey Begins: Planning and Preparation

17:03 Type 2 and Type 3 Adventures: Understanding the Experience

20:05 Challenges on the Dalton Highway: A Test of Endurance

22:37 Determination to Finish: The Mental Battle

25:34 Adjusting to New Environments: Camping and Safety

27:56 Cultural Shifts: Navigating Mexico and Beyond

31:29 Riding Through Sickness: A Test of Will

34:41 Support Systems: The Backbone of Adventure

36:30 Days on the Road: Shortest and Longest Distances

39:09 The Beauty of the Andes: A Journey Through Lives

40:38 Advice for Women Adventurers

42:22 The Importance of Community Support

43:02 Embracing Breakdowns: A Necessary Part of the Journey

44:22 Mental Challenges: Alone with Your Thoughts

46:46 Essential Gear for Long-Distance Cycling

49:14 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections

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Keywords

#podcast #urbanplanning #transportation #womeninleadership #communitybuilding #Journalism #Advocacy #SustainableCities #BikeLife #ActiveTransport #WomenWhoRide #WomenInMedia #SafeStreets #Urbanism #PublicTransport #EmpoweredWomen #GirlsEducation #AuthorLife #MentalHealthAwareness #Cycling #RecordBreaking, #PanAmericanHighway, #GearTips, #WomenCyclists #LongDistanceCycling

Pre-order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

In this episode of That’s Her Problem! I had the immense honour of speaking with Melissa Bruntlett as she shares her journey from urban planning to becoming a leading advocate for women in city design. Melissa and Chris moved to the Netherlands from Canada in search of a simpler life, in a place where riding a bicycle for transportation isn’t a political statement. Discover how her work is transforming urban spaces to be safer, more inclusive, and better for everyone, especially women and children.

For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early!

Links

Modacity Creative - https://modacitycreative.com/

Modacity Life - https://www.modacitylife.com/ 

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter

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In this conversation, we speak with Anna Zivarts, an advocate for non-drivers and author of 'When Driving is Not an Option.' We discuss Anna's personal journey with visual impairment, the challenges faced by non-drivers, and the importance of creating inclusive transportation systems. The conversation also touches on the impact of self-driving cars, the significance of children's mobility, and the future of e-bikes as a viable transportation option. Anna shares insights on her new organization, the Non-Drivers Alliance, and the need for advocacy in transportation policy.

Links

Support my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcast

Support Minnesotans at https://www.standwithminnesota.com/ 

Non-Drivers Dot Org: nondrivers.org

Week Without Driving: weekwithoutdriving.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:52 The Impact of Visual Impairment on Mobility

06:21 Understanding Non-Drivers and Transportation Access

08:43 The Importance of Counting All Mobility Needs

11:51 Biking as a Viable Transportation Option

14:01 Women’s Safety in Ride-Hailing Services

19:51 The Future of Transportation and Self-Driving Cars

21:48 The Freedom of Car Mobility

24:55 The Burden of Asking for Rides

27:51 E-Bikes: The Future of Transportation

30:47 Overcoming Rejection in Writing

38:29 Advocacy for Non-Drivers

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As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

I've wanted to speak to Hazel since I first heard she got the job as the City of Winnipeg Director of Planning Property and Development. How often do we have women in these kinds of roles? In today’s episode Hazel talks about, yes, walkable cities, but more than just that. She talks about a city that’s good for women and good for everyone. When people have options to walk, bike, roll, ski, sled and even drive, the city becomes more lively and safer for everyone.

In this episode we touch on the challenges and opportunities in implementing zoning reforms and the significance of making cities more inclusive and accessible for all residents, particularly women and caregivers.

Hazel emphasizes the need for community involvement in urban planning and the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional but also foster a sense of belonging. How do we bridge the gap between vision and implementation in urban development, showcasing the collaborative efforts needed to create vibrant, livable cities? Engage and advocate!

Today’s links:

Hazel’s TedX Talk: https://tedxwinnipeg.ca/speaker/hazel-borys/

My Frozen River videos: 

https://youtu.be/WJ3rpqvjgEI?si=YyhnyM0UOTkEPOCF 

https://youtu.be/3nV8UsaEQis?si=h1C3icbbR1E6kGc1 

Help our friends in Minnesota:

https://paypal.me/lyndalepto 

www.standwithminnesota.com 

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

Happy New Year, everyone and welcome back to the podcast! It’s great to start the New Year talking to someone in a warmer climate. Welcome, Lisa Charlebois, to That’s Her Problem!

In this episode, Lisa and I explore a kind of cycling that I’m super curious about, randoneering. We go over what that means, how it creates community and how you can become a randonneur. 

But the real question is: are there a lot of women randoneering? What can these Randonneur Organizations do to make it a little more friendly to women, non-binary and 2SLGBTQ+ cyclists?

Listen, watch and find out.

Lisa’s Instagram accounts are here: @hustleandahalf and @hummingbirdfuels

I’ve been getting some great feedback on my book lately, and I love hearing what you’re thinking! My favorite feedback has been from people who have chosen to ride in winter and to ride their bikes to work regularly. I mean, what more could I ask for?

If you don’t have a copy of my book yet, you can pick one up now at your local bookshop, order in Canada from McNally Robinson and in the USA from Bookshop.org

If you or someone you know is interested in making cycling a bigger part of your life, but you’re not sure how to get started, please check out Shifter’s online course created by Cailynn Klingbeil and Tom Babin. Their tips and tricks cover everything from what bike you need to how to choose your route. Use this link to get started. 

Sign up for my newsletter now so you can get more Patty in your inbox.

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early!

In this week’s episode, I speak with activist turned city councillor, Renata Falzoni. Our conversation was long overdue. I have been a huge fan of Renata’s for many years, pretty much since the start of my cycling journey, before advocacy was even on my radar. I admire her tenacity and drive, still going strong at the age of 72, entering what she calls her 10th childhood.

We had a lot to talk about and had to leave some things on the edit room floor. And yet, here we are with a super long episode! Take your time and split it between this week and next if you must, but make sure to listen to the whole thing.

Renata talked about an Inter-Park trail that was just about to be inaugurated when we talked, and here it is for all to see! 

She also went to COP30 where she was received like the celebrity she is and talked about the Amazon trail here.

Check out Renata’s YouTube channel and watch this one episode where she rides her bike in Afua, where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Take me there, let me die there. 

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter