007: Growing Basil and the Art of Eavesdropping, Dar Williams on Building Community through Positive Proximity

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“One of America’s very best singer-songwriters.”
– The New Yorker*

Dar Williams is thoughtful and charming as she tells stories about her local community, but don’t let her laid back delivery fool you, she is passionate about community life and the revitalization of small towns everywhere. Known for her songwriting chops, Dar takes us down another avenue to talk about “positive proximity”, the focus of her forthcoming book.

In this episode, Dar dives into the themes of social capital, the joys and trials of truly knowing your community, and learning the art of eavesdropping.

Dar Williams is a singer-songwriter, author, teacher and the list goes on and on. You can learn more about Dar and her work through her website here.


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EPISODE SHOW NOTES

Albums by Dar Williams

Books by Dar Williams

Books and Resources Mentioned

  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Animal Farm by George Orwell
  • Walkable City by Jeff Speck
  • Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam

People

  • Jeff Speck
  • Robert Putnam
  • Tom Rush
  • Judy Collins
  • The Stanley Brothers
  • Peter Yarrow
  • The Beatles

Drinks Pairings 

  • Virgin Bloody Mary

Highlights

3m30s What are you reading?
6m30s What is the premise of your new book?
14m How does a small town transform itself?
16m30s Bonding vs. bridging social capital
27m How does one connect with their local community?
36m What is the importance of intergenerational relationships?
44m30s On Elders and Mentors in the community

Fans Note Dar WilliamsThe New Yorker Magazine, Hendrik Hertzberg. Nov 5, 2011.

Photo credit: Death to Stock Photo