In this episode, we feature Quandra Gray the founder of What The Sprout! After years in visual design, Quandra was drawn to a new type of creation—one rooted in health and sustainability. With no backyard for gardening, Quandra found the power of growing microgreens at home. Now, she's helping others cultivate microgreens for better health and community impact—all from the comfort of home. Quandra uses her experience to help others grow their own food. She's teaching people how to cultivate micr...
May 31, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 153
Arion Long is the CEO of Femly. She's a visionary who is revolutionizing the FemTech industry. As the Chief Estrogen Officer of Femly, Arion has transformed a subscription box service into an award-winning enterprise with patented technologies. She is the creator of the world's first touchless pad and tampon vending machine, a game-changing innovation that is increasing period care access in restrooms across the nation. More than 25 states require access to period supplies in restrooms around th...
Apr 18, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 152
Dionne Joyner-Weems is a global brand builder, a dynamic storyteller, author and a passionate changemaker who has garnered a reputation for her unparalleled energy and ability to turn challenges into solutions and moments into movements across industries. For more than 16-years, Dionne Joyner-Weems served as the Chief Marketing Officer for the city of Baltimore, and also founded the development of the organization’s Community Affairs division. She has received numerous awards for her civic leade...
Feb 09, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 151
In today's episode we interview Bob Manekin regarding Baltimore's real estate evolution over time. Bob is currently the oldest Commercial Real Estate Broker in Baltimore City and he shares major Baltimore real estate projects and milestones going back to world war II. We discuss his journey from the military to family business to commercial brokerage. Bob shares his love of Baltimore and it's grit and capacity to reinvent itself. We hope you enjoy!
Jan 18, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 151
A third-generation Marylander, Senator Ben Cardin has been a national leader on health care, retirement security, the environment and fiscal issues while representing the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate, and before that in the House of Representatives. Currently serving as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has worked across party lines to further U.S. national security and to ensure that good governance, transparency and respect for human rights are integrated into Americ...
Sep 15, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 151
In this episode we interview John Richardson about his experience in hospitality and the iconic Baltimore restaurant The Corner Pantry. He talks about perfecting your craft while working and networking. In addition to working at The Corner Pantry, John is building a new art collective studio in Hampden, Hall Gallery. He is also expanding and growing his latest artistic show which features a variety of mediums including ink, acrylic, colored pencil and oil pastel. We hope this episode inspires yo...
Aug 20, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 150
In this episode we interviewed Richie Frieman. St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Publishing dubbed Richie Frieman a “Modern Day Renaissance Man” due to a career that spans life as an author, illustrator, artist, humorous etiquette expert Modern Manners Guy, entrepreneur, screenwriter, cartoonist, and even a champion professional wrestler. In Richie's latest book "The Optimistics", he enters a world of three best friends battling Young-Onset Dementia, to hear their opinions on life, career, love, ...
May 14, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 149
In this episode we interview Adam Neuman: the Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the President at Baltimore Ravens. Adam leverages his experience and education in sports, law, and public administration to support the strategic vision and operations of one of the most successful and respected franchises in the NFL. He joined the Ravens in July 2023, after serving for four years as the Chief of Staff, Strategy and Operations & Deputy General Counsel at the Big Ten Conference. We discuss how spo...
Apr 29, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 148
In this episode we interview Irena Stein, the founder of Alma Cocina Latina, a James Beard Semi-Finalist Restaurant. Alma is not just a restaurant with deeply imaginative, exquisitely crafted food, it is a space that transports you into Venezuelan culture with every detail. In this episode, we explore Irena's journey as an immigrant and entrepreneur. Alma Cocina Latina is more than a restaurant, it is a communal space that convenes local leaders to discuss and explore meaning. We hope you Enjoy!...
Feb 25, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 147
In this episode we interview Kevin Carter, the Director of Business Development at EcoMap. EcoMap is a technology company focused on making information accessible and helping local ecosystems thrive. We also discuss the legacy and vision of recently deceased founder Pava LaPere. We hope you are inspired and motivated to learn more about the ecosystems that support your community. Enjoy!
Jan 13, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 146
In this episode we interview the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), Howard Libit. Given the continued rise in antisemitism and the national conversation around hate speech on college campuses, we thought it was important to learn about solutions addressing these problems in our community locally that can serve as an inspiration nationally. The Baltimore Jewish Council is the political and community relations arm of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and its age...
Dec 17, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 145
In this episode we interview Matan Adar and Aviva Schwartz. This episode highlights the partnership between The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the city of Ashkelon, Israel. Matan was a past visitor from Ashkelon who came to Baltimore through the partnership. He shares his experience on the ground in Israel during the current war. Aviva Schwartz, the director of Israel and Global Initiatives at The Associated, shares the work being done today with the Baltimore-Ashkelon partnershi...
Nov 13, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 144
In this episode we interview Elie Klein, the director of development for USA & Canada of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran. We discuss the current situation in Israel and the work they are doing at their 40 acre rehabiliation village. ADI is the Hebrew word for a radiant and multifaceted jewel, a name that reflects their expansive vision and broad scope of activities, including disability care, rehabilitation, research, employment, education, community services and Tikkun Olam. It also speaks to the import...
Nov 05, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 143
In this episode we have a conversation with Fagan Harris, who is now the Chief of Staff for Governor Wes Moore. At the time of this episode, Fagan was the President and CEO of Baltimore Corps, an organization that enlists talented people in public service and social entrepreneurship in Baltimore City. Harris co-founded the organization with Wes Moore in 2013, and continues to set the organization’s strategic direction and lead its dedicated community of staff, fellows, associates, awardees, visi...
Oct 03, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 142
In this episode we have a conversation with Mayor Brandon Scott, who was the city council president and democratic nominee for mayor at the time of our interview. We explore his background, past achievements, and vision for Baltimore. Our discussion focuses on race equity and the future of policing. Lastly we spoke about how the innovative solutions to tackling social injustice in Baltimore can be a model to the rest of the country..
Sep 17, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 141
Torrey Smith, former NFL Raven wide receiver and 2x Superbowl Champion, is the founder of Level 82. In this episode we explore the importance of mental health and how Level82 is helping leverage the power of community collaboration to enable all Baltimore families to reach their full potential
Sep 09, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 140
In this episode we interview Matthew Reeds who is the new Deputy Director of Baltimore Homecoming. We discuss the city's unique assets and Baltimore Homecoming's mission to connect Baltimoreans from across the world with our city’s leaders and innovators to spark new collaborations and drive new investments in Baltimore’s future. We envision a world where Baltimore is recognized as a leading hub for social & private sector entrepreneurship and where local leaders work hand-in-hand with a global ...
Aug 06, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 139
In this episode we interview Brooke Lierman, the first female Comptroller of the State of Maryland. Brooke explains the role of the comptroller and the catalytic investments that give her optimism for the future of Maryland and the City of Baltimore. As Brooke states, "Maryland will never be a truly great state until Baltimore reaches its full potential." We hope you enjoy!
Jul 04, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 138
In this episode we interview Corey Voelkel the founder of Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters. We discuss food and coffee culture in Baltimore. Corey shares his vision for expansion and the story of building Aveley Farms after his experience in tech in San Diego. We hope you enjoy!
Jun 24, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 137
In this episode we interview Yair Flicker the President and Founder of SmartLogic, Baltimore-based consultancy that has been building custom web and mobile software applications since 2005. We explore the journey of starting and running a small business, and examine how to build a niche community. Yair discusses the future of technology and the advantages to launching a business in the Baltimore community. We hope you enjoy!
Jun 02, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 136
Meet the new CEO of the Associated Black Charities (ABC), Chrissy Thornton. Learn about ABC's mission to work as an educator, advocate and supporter to eliminate the race-based barriers that have been created by structural racism. In this episode, we explore Chrissy story as a non-profit leader and how she hopes to expand the scope and impact of the work of the Associated Black Charities through collaborations with other communities. We hope you enjoy!
Apr 08, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Mark Anthony Thomas will serve as the GBC’s first CEO since the organization’s spring merger with the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore (EAGB). The merger linked two major regional organizations to better align efforts around a singular vision and to position the Greater Baltimore region to address critical challenges facing the communities the organization serves. In this episode we explore economic development, Mark's history serving civic institutions, and the opportunities of public/pri...
Mar 19, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Dr. Al-Adhami, CEO, envisioned and developed the technology behind the Jiddu, and founded Astek after winning multiple entrepreneurship awards, while completing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering. The company is currently located in University Of Maryland's biopark. We discuss his story from immigrant to entrepreneur and highlight the growing biotechnology sector in Baltimore.
Feb 26, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Learn about the Maryland General Assembly with newly elected delegate Mark Edelson. In this episode, we explore his story as an immigrant from South Africa to now serving in the Maryland House of Delegates. Mark shares his legislative agenda and hopes for the state and our city. We discuss why he is optimistic and how he fell in love with Baltimore "a city of hidden gems".
Feb 11, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 132
In this episode, we have the honor and privilege of interviewing Annie Milli the Executive Director of Live Baltimore. Live Baltimore works citywide to grow Baltimore’s economy by attracting residents, retaining residents, and supporting healthy housing markets. Each year, Live Baltimore provides thousands of individuals with information on the city’s 250+ neighborhoods, rental living options, homebuying incentive programs, historic tax credits, and more.
Jan 15, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 131
In this episode we highlight Adam Lindquist, VP of Programs, and Chelsea Anspach communications manager with waterfront partnership. We discuss their mission and vision of maintaining and enhancing a clean, green, safe, sustainable, and thriving urban waterfront for all to enjoy. We discuss topics ranging from Mr. Trashwheel to the Healthy Harbor Initiative. We hope you enjoy!
Dec 24, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this episode, we interview Sridevi Sarma, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and vice dean for graduate education at the Whiting School of Engineering, develops computational, data-driven, and biological approaches to advance the knowledge and treatment of diseases of the nervous system including epilepsy, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and insomnia. She is also the executive director of NeuroTech Harbor which is an accelerator focused on advancing the develop...
Nov 06, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 129
JC Faulk is the founder of Bmore Community Food. Bmore Community Food feeds vulnerable people across Baltimore City, by rescuing good food that would ordinarily be thrown away, and then supplementing it with fresh meat and non-perishable goods. This work brings our most vulnerable city residents into the light. They have been isolated and marginalized for far too long. It is the aim of Bmore Community Food to end the suffering caused by food insecurity.
Sep 24, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 128
In this episode, we interview Yong Taing, the information technologist of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) which created the James Webb & Hubble Space Telescopes. The James Webb Telescope is the largest telescope in space and its initial photos have already identified thousands of never-before-seen stars. We hope this intergalactic dreamer inspires you to think bigger. Enjoy!
Sep 14, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 127
In this episode, we interview Dr Jessica Lee. Dr. Lee is an OBGYN at University of Maryland and she is the Director of Family Planning. Dr. Lee believes all women deserve access to and support for comprehensive reproductive health care. Given the recent Supreme Court case overturning Roe V Wade, we wanted to share an episode on the real life implications of the decision and how Maryland is leading the charge on women's comprehensive healthcare.
Aug 07, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 126
