37. Sam Balto | No Permission Needed: How the Bike Bus Is Changing the World

If you've ever sat in a school car line, scrolling your phone for the third time, wondering if there's a better way to start the morning — this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Amy and Jenny sit down with Sam Balto, physical education teacher turned nonprofit founder and the heart behind Bike Bus World, a global movement that is transforming the way kids get to school one pedal stroke at a time. Sam shares how a single spring morning with five kids and a walking school bus set him on a path he never could have predicted — one that would eventually go viral, land on Good Morning America, and bring Justin Timberlake, Benson Boone, and Zara Larsson along for the ride. What started as a simple idea to get kids moving before school has grown into a worldwide community of parents, seniors, volunteers, and yes, a few music icons, all united by the belief that joy, connection, and fresh air are always worth showing up for. In this episode, Sam shares: How a video from Barcelona sparked the very first Bike Bus on Earth Day four years ago — and what happened next The confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging kids gain just from showing up and riding together How a parent's TikTok video going from 200,000 to two million views overnight changed everything Why being joyful and positive — not combative — is the most powerful strategy for building a movement His practical step-by-step advice for anyone who wants to start a Bike Bus in their own neighborhood Sam's goal is 10,000 bike buses worldwide by 2030, and after spending an hour with him, you will believe it is absolutely possible. He is a reminder that you don't need a title, a budget, or anyone's permission to make something beautiful happen right where you are. Follow Sam here: https://www.instagram.com/coachbalto/