Elevate Maryland

Vox's Jerusalem Demsas has burst onto the scene as a thought-leader on housing policy across the country. We were fortunate enough to book her for an interview to discuss the disjointed politics of land use policy, the economic impacts of SFD zoning, and how President Biden's new infrastructure plan may change all that.

Accessory Dwelling Units, or "ADUs", are a hot topic in housing policy and provide the opportunity for lower cost housing options in areas with high housing prices. Annapolis Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier has cosponsored legislation with Alderman DaJuan Gay to legalize and regulate ADU's in Maryland's state capitol. Kol Peterson is an ADU expert and has published the book "Backdoor Revolution-The Definitive Guide to ADU Development".

In this discussion, we review the benefits and objections related to ADU's, their frequency of use in practice, and the questionable origin of single-family detached zoning that stands in the way of such units.

This week, Ainy and Tom interview UMD Entomologist and nationally recognized cicada expert Dr. Mike Raupp. We discuss everything from the precautions you can take to protect new landscaping to the manner cicadas may be prepared (or plucked) for human consumption. This podcast is for all of those who don't know want to make of the forthcoming cicada arrival. Dr. Raupp's suggestion? Get excited.

This week's featured business from The 3rd is Stephanie Brown Coaching LLC, run by Dr. Stephanie Brown. This business is all about showing professional women what it means to shift their energy into powering their dreams. You can find Stephanie Brown Coaching on facebook, instagram, and twitter @stephbrownmd or visit stephaniebrowncoaching.com for more information

This week, Tom and Ainy interview Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson to discuss Thrive Montgomery 2050, urbanism, and affordable housing.

This week's featured business from The 3rd is "Simply Kashonna" founded by Kashonna Holland. "Simply Kashonna is building leaders through both a lifestyle, and corporate brand, focusing on motivational speaking, life coaching, and training. You can find Kashonna's business on instagram and facebook @LeadersMoveForward and on twitter @leadersmovefor1. Check out the website www.leadersmoveforward.com to support Simply Kashonna.

Erika Strauss Chavarria is the founder of Columbia Community Care, a start up food and supply bank for those in need in Howard County. In twelve months, this organization has transformed from a start-up collecting in a parking lot to a service many residents rely on for their everyday needs.

In this interview, we discuss the unserved needs of one of the richest counties in American. We also discuss Erika's motivations to serve and the need for additional community support.

This week's featured business from The 3rd is a black owned carry out and delivery food business. Based out of Laurel, Food Under the Influence is open until 2am. You can find their menu on instagram and facebook @food_undertheinfluence and they are on Twitter @food_influence1. Be sure to support and get some delicious food from Food Under the Influence.

In this episode, Candace and Tom interviewed two of the founders of Howard County's newest PAC - the Howard Progressive Project: Ainy Haider-Shah and Dan Newberger. This organization was formed to identify and support progressive candidates and educate the public about local issues. We discuss how they intend to do that, what to expect for the 2022 cycle, and how you can support them in their cause.

This week's featured business from The 3rd is AppleCore Bake Shoppe, founded by Aisha Applewhite "AppleCore's Bake Shoppe serving Sweet Potato Cheesecakes, Decadent Chocolate Cakes, Toasted Almond Cakes, Cookies & More…"Including Vegan!"

Fresh, local, all natural. "Everyone needs desserts", get yours at AppleCore Bakes on the Web, IG and Facebook at @applecore_bakes or visit the website www.applecorebakes.com

In this episode, Candace and Tom sit down with Howard County icon Sherman Howell to discuss his advocacy for racial justice in Howard County. He explained how a young man from Tennessee became a leader in Columbia politics and how those experiences related to one another. Sherman is one of Howard County's best and you definitely won't want to miss this one.

This week's featured business from The 3rd is Maze Consulting LLC, founded by Camille Mazelev which provides consulting for both individuals as well as businesses. Maze Consulting helps optimize performance and purpose in order to build sustainable legacies. You can find them on facebook or instagram @mazeconsultingllc or visit the website mazeconsultingllc.com

Our ElectionPalooza crew has reassembled to discuss the future of America. Don Mohler and Nestor host Lucinda Ware, Tom Coale, Candace Dodson-Reed, Marc Steiner and Damian O'Doherty as we talk through the most turbulent week of our lifetime in this country.

In this episode, Tom and Candace sit down with Maryland History Teacher of the Year Matt Gresick. This would be an interesting interview under normal times, but in the midst of a pandemic and days after the January 6th terrorist attack on the Capitol, this conversation took on a different dynamic. Matt explains how he manages political subjects in class and helps students examine complex social issues. In the midst of that, there are some good tips for all of us figuring out how to talk to one another about our country and what's next.

The show concludes with Candace and Tom diving deeper into the events of January 6, 2021.

Every year, Candace and Tom break down the year that was - the ups, downs, and in betweens. And, believe it or not, 2020 did have some highlights that deserve celebration while we mourn all that was lost.

Continuing Elevate's annual tradition, Tom and Candace also close the show by answering their own Elevator Speech questions and provide goals for the year ahead.