
David Obst
Investigative journalist, editor, and media producer known for work on corporate irresponsibility; author of Saving Ourselves from Big Car (Columbia University Press, 2025), which examines the influence and harms of the automobile industry and related sectors.
Best podcasts with David Obst
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Feb 17, 2026 • 1h 1min
David Obst, "Saving Ourselves from Big Car" (Columbia Business School Publishing, 2025)
David Obst, investigative journalist and media producer who investigates corporate wrongdoing, discusses how "Big Car" shaped cities and public health. He traces leaded gasoline's cover-up, questions whether electric and autonomous vehicles truly solve problems, and spotlights cities trying bike, tram, and car-free alternatives. He outlines practical local experiments and the political barriers to breaking car dependence.

Sep 6, 2025 • 36min
How Evil 'Big Car' Has Killed More People Than World War II
David Obst, a former investigative reporter and author of "Saving Ourselves From Big Car," reveals shocking truths about the auto industry. He argues that lead in gasoline has caused more deaths than World War II, a claim that raises eyebrows. Obst also insists electric vehicles aren't a safe alternative due to lead in their batteries, citing incidents like Tesla fires. He critiques ‘Big Car’ for hiding the dangers of lead for decades, advocating for a future without cars by highlighting successful car-free communities as models for urban living.


