In this episode of The House of Peregrine Podcast, Mickelle sits down with Melissa and Chris Bruntlett - urban storytellers, mobility advocates, and partners in both life and work - for a conversation that is both deeply personal and profoundly global.

What began as a family decision to sell their car in Vancouver became the launchpad for a movement: a mission to reimagine how cities can support freedom, connection, and everyday beauty. Melissa and Chris share how parenthood shifted their perspective, how a five-week trip to the Netherlands opened their eyes to a new way of living, and how they've since dedicated their careers to helping cities around the world design for people - not just vehicles.

They discuss why streets matter, how infrastructure shapes identity, and the quiet power of designing for the collective good. It’s not about eliminating cars - it’s about inviting vitality. From their best-selling books to their upcoming release on women-led urban change, Melissa and Chris bring stories, strategy, and soul to the mic.

Highlights

✨ Ditching the Car: The bold decision that changed everything

✨ A Love Affair with Dutch Urban Life: What they discovered in Delft

✨ The Power of Collective Action: Why Dutch cities resisted car culture

✨ Vitality as a Guiding Value: How freedom, safety, and joy intersect

✨ Designing for More Than Movement: Streets as places to belong

✨ Women-Led Cities: A preview of their new book exploring empathy, leadership & transformation

This episode is a love letter to cities - and to the people bold enough to reimagine them.

→ Listen now and let it reshape how you see the streets around you. To connect with Melissa and Chris, visit modacitylife.com or follow them @modacitylife on social media.

If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend who dreams of a more connected, beautiful world.

📍 Join our community: Let’s continue this conversation. Visit HouseOfPeregrine.com to connect, share your story, and build a life with intention - wherever in the world you may be.