In this episode, I connect with Ashton & Jonathan Schottler, the dynamic duo behind the fabulous fast-growing Black Forest Family YouTube Channel. We discuss their desires to lead an active lifestyle, including modeling active mobility within their growing family, and how the built environment and German culture in their region help to support these goals.

Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and be sure to subscribe to the Podcast on your preferred listening platform, and don’t forget to check out and subscribe to the Active Towns Channel for more content.

Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
– Video version of this Episode
– The Black Forest Family on YouTube
– Black Forest Family website
– Black Forest Family on Instagram
– BFF vid: WHY GERMAN CYCLING CULTURE is Wonderful for Families
– BFF vid: Germany Changed My Mind About E-bikes And Yours Should Too
– BFF vid: Protest Culture in Germany
– BFF vid: German Neighborhoods Illegal in America
– Not Just Bikes Channel
– My Not Just Bikes Playlist

If you are a fan of the Active Towns Channel, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:
1. Join our Patreon community. Contributions start at just $1 per month
(Note: Patron benefits include early, ad-free access to content and a 15% discount in the Active Towns Merch Store)
2. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also “leave a tip” thru “Buy Me a Coffee”
3. Pick up some Active Towns #StreetsAreForPeople Merch at my store

Credits:
– Video and audio production by John Simmerman
– Music via Epidemic Sound

Resources used during the production of this video:
– My recording platform is Ecamm Live
– Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
– Equipment: Contact me for a complete list

For more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:
– Active Towns Website
– Active Towns on Twitter
– Periodic e-Newsletter

Background:
Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I’m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.

Since 2010,  I’ve been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a “Culture of Activity” for “All Ages & Abilities.”

The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.

Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.

Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2023