Where should I meet my friends for dinner?

How do we make decisions about where to go - and how to get there - when they involve other people? Why do most transport models still assume that individuals act independently? And what can we learn from something as simple as deciding where to meet friends for dinner?

In this episode, we explore the role of social networks in mobility with Giancarlos Parady, whose research focuses on how social interactions shape travel behavior and decision-making.

We discuss why traditional transport models often overlook the social nature of travel, how leisure activities differ from routine trips, and what happens when decisions are made jointly rather than individually. From choosing a restaurant location to coordinating schedules, these everyday interactions reveal how mobility is embedded in social relationships.

Finally, we explore what it means to plan transport systems not just for individuals, but for social networks: from improving access to “third places” to addressing loneliness, and understanding how behavior spreads through social ties.

More about our guest: https://gparady.net

Music recommendation of the episode:

“アルクアラウンド” by Sakanaction

https://open.spotify.com/track/3ov6DXhs8UfsHqoMLz4zO9?si=e729c676023b4348