Elevate Maryland

On June 10, 2022, Rushern Baker suspended his campaign for Governor. Ten days later, he's on our show to tell you what he thinks about the 2022 Primary, why public financing needs some tweaks, and how Maryland's next Governor should declare a state of emergency for Baltimore City. He even gives some hints about who he may be endorsing for Governor over the next seven days. This is not one you will want to miss. 

Candace and Tom go back to the hyper-local for this interview with Howard County Board of Education candidate Jacky McCoy. They discuss everything from what it was like to be educated in the "capital of the south" to her grandson's curriculum in Howard County schools. These races don't always get the coverage they deserve, so please make sure to tune in for this important interview.

Candace and Tom continue their Maryland gubernatorial interviews with Democrat John King, Jr. This is Dr. King's third time on the show and he joined us hot off the release of a new poll showing him tied for second place. Tune in to hear his prescriptions for Maryland, why he's not running away from CRT, and the "three-legged stool" of housing policy!

Candace and Tom start their round of interviews with candidates for Governor with former US Labor Secretary and DNC Chair Tom Perez. Tom provided a detailed, and often wonky, review of his plans for Maryland and how his experience on the national stage will help him get "stuff" done. 

Candace and Tom celebrate FIVE YEARS of podcasting by hosting a live interview with Howard County Council District 4 candidate Janssen Evelyn. He addressed why housing is one of his top priorities and the way in which art infuses itself into his life. Janssen also recounts some stories from the field as he works to become the first person of color to represent Downtown Columbia on the County Council.

Candace and Tom meet with law professor Sheryll Cashin to discuss her new book, White Space, Black Hood: Opportunity Hoarding and Segregation in the Age of Inequality. In her book, Professor Cashin argues that the "ghetto", and all of our ideas about it, performs a political function that reinforces inequality and is used as a basis for further segregation, divestment, and surveillance. 

Delegate Brooke Lierman is running to be the first woman Comptroller of Maryland, but that is far from the only reason you should be excited about her candidacy. In this episode, Candace and Tom talk to Brooke about her ideas for bringing an equity lens to the office and how that could improve the lives of thousands of Maryland families. Brooke also discusses her plans for the 2022 General Assembly session and her previous legislative accomplishments.

Every year, Candace and Tom break down the year that was - the ups, downs, and in betweens. And, believe it or not, 2021 ends with an ominous note, but it also brought us days of hope and joy. 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.

In Elevate Maryland's return to live shows at its new location, Busboys & Poets, Candace and Tom sit down with Howard County Council-member Opel Jones to discuss his first three years in office and his recently announced campaign for re-election. He addressed the difficulty in diversifying the Council, challenges he's faced as the only person of color in a five-member body, and his legislative process for proposing new laws. Dr. Jones promised a spicy interview and he delivered in this can't miss show. Thank you to Busboys & Poets for being such great hosts!

Columbia, Maryland was created with an eye towards intentionally integrating neighborhoods based on race and income. Despite their intent, many of the methods utilized by The Rouse Company were made illegal with the Fair Housing Act, most prominently the practice of "steering" homeowners or renters to certain properties based on race. As these methods have become prohibited, Columbia's communities have begun to self-segregate due to the conscious and subconscious biases of consumers. The Columbia Housing Center was created to reverse the tide and encourage renters and homebuyers to make choices that will reinvest in Columbia's original vision. Columbia icon Jane Dembner has left a lasting mark on the community she loved and Andy Masters is worthy of carrying that legacy forward.

Edgar Villanueva is a globally-recognized activist and author of the award-winning book Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance. In this interview, Edgar discusses the troubled foundations of philanthropy from how these funds are derived to the discriminatory manner grants are awarded. He also challenges the hierarchal model of most philanthropic organizations with recommendations for how leaders can establish communal power-sharing leadership norms. Philanthropy is part of the essential fabric of civil society and Edgar is an important voice in ensuring this private power is exercised in an inclusive and loving way.

Takirra Winfield Dixon - Founder, Unapologetic Communications Gabrielle Wyatt - Founder, The Highland Project Erica Green - Reporter, The New York Times Coming off of Erica Green's powerful profile of former Queen Anne's County Superintendent Dr. Andrea Kane, our guests discuss their work, their challenges, and what they want you to know about their lived experience. This panel interview is intimate, powerful, moving, inspirational, and everything we want Elevate Maryland to be. 

Richard Rothstein is the author of the New York Times Bestseller The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. In this interview, Mr. Rothstein describes how our communities continue to be segregated by law due to laws and policies adopted in the early 20th century. He also recommends action at the local level to reverse generational harm. The Color of Law fundamentally changed how housing is discussed in this country and this interview demonstrates why that debate is fundamental to how we live today.

In this show, Candace and Tom interview retiring Howard Community College President Dr. Kate Hetherington. She discussed how following a set procedure and path set HCC up to be one of the few community colleges recognized with the distinguished Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. Dr. Hetherington also describes how the school charted a path through the pandemic, which continues to the present, and how she's decided to take on the issues of racial equity when many would rather she keep quiet on the subject. This is not an interview to miss!

In this episode, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., discusses his decision not to run for Governor and instead seek reelection. We also hit on the topics of housing, education, equity, and his prolonged stint as a prominent local DJ! You won't want to miss his unpopular benign opinion, even though it technically has to do with food.

UpSurge was founded to make Baltimore the first "Equitech" city in the world. This effort is premised on the idea that Maryland's tech ecosystem is primed for exponential growth with the incorporation of Baltimore's diverse workforce. In this episode, Jamie describes UpSurge's methodology of bringing people into the tech sector who have been boxed out by incumbent interests and insular markets

The Fair Housing Act passed in 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, religion, national origin, and, since 1974, sex. Our guest this week believes we need another amendment that will prohibit discrimination in housing based on economic status. Although racism and sexism are seen as overtly bad, Richard Kahlenberg notes that Americans are much more ambivalent, or even supportive, of discrimination based on class. The result is that our communities are segregated based on income, resulting in bad outcomes not only for those less off, but also the wealthy families that support these divisions.

We live in a great time of cynicism and apathy as it relates to politics and political power. In this episode, Candace and Tom interview coauthor Hahrie Han about her new book Prisms of the People: Power and Organizing in Twenty-First-Century America. She describes how people mistake attention for power and how the key to effectuating political change is creating a sense of belonging amongst fellow activists. Han also notes that the art of political negotiation not only is critical between electeds, but also across advocacy groups. This is a must listen for anyone looking to create political change.

The 2021 General Assembly Session will be remembered for many things, but top among them is Maryland's historic legislation on police reform. In this episode, Candace and Tom interview the co-chairs of the Maryland House Judiciary Committee, Luke Clippinger and Vanessa Atterbeary. They review the ups and downs of a unique COVID-impacted session and close, as always, with books, restaurants, and unpopular benign opinions.

Candace returns for this interview with Howard County Library President and CEO Tonya Aikens to discuss the new "Brave Voices Brave Choices" campaign.  This new initiative will replace the iconic "Choose Civility" campaign, which has adorned resident bumpers for over a decade.  Tonya explains why it was necessary to move past the "Choose Civility" frame and tells listeners what they can expect in the months and years ahead from Brave Voices Brave Choices.

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.

This week, Candace and Tom interview the Howard County Student Member of the Board of Education Zach Koung.  They discuss whether students support having police in schools, how students are receiving remote education, and mental health.  (Unfortunately, we had some technical difficulties that caused this show to be abbreviated, but Zach offers more than enough to make this a great show).

Candace and Tom join the team at Baltimore Positive, Nestor Aparicio and Don Mohler, Ryan Miner of A Miner Detail, Mark Steiner, Lucinda Ware and Delegate Brooke Lierman to discuss the current state of the election with less than a week to go.   

Candace and Tom sit down with the Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) Executive Director Caryn York to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting the unemployed and under-employed. Caryn also describes how living authentically both in the community and in the board room helps her advocate for her constituency. Three Things: 1) State of 2020 Race 2) Dr. John King's Strong Future Maryland 3) Goucher Poll

Candace and Tom join the team at Baltimore Positive, Nestor Aparicio and Don Mohler, Ryan Miner, Mileah Kromer, and Lucinda Ware to discuss the current state of the election as we're less than a month out from the 2020 results. The panel also had an opportunity to discuss Mileah's new Goucher poll results and Marylanders' likelihood to take a vaccine once available.

What if the only way for the United States to maintain dominance as a world super-power in the 21st century would be to add 600 million people? That's the premise of Matthew Yglesias's new book One Billion Americans: The Case for Thinking Bigger. In this episode, Candace and Tom discuss this idea, the patriotism implicit in the conversation, and why Matt still has hope that America's best days may be in front of us. We also discuss more local issues such as why building more housing is both important and, often, politically impossible. Three Things: 1) CB 51 & NIMBYism 2) Howard County's Racial Equity Task Force 3) Breaonna Taylor

In this episode, Candace and Tom interview Baltimore City Council-member Ryan Dorsey about his views on Baltimore police, Kimberly Klacik's city-wide attack ad, and renaming Baltimore's Columbus obelisk. Ryan also touched on the criticisms of "single party rule" and why he thinks the emergence of another political party in Baltimore may be good for the city. Still around for 3 things, which are not at the end of the show: Howard County Executive Ball Creates position for Equity and Restorative Practices Manager Leaving provacatuers empty handed - https://twitter.com/BerniceKing/status/1297587615135301632 Reminder that gestures and statements are fine but what are we doing to diversify boards and commissions and leadership in orgs.

In this special episode, Candace and Tom join Nestor Aparicio and Don Mohler from Baltimore Positive and Ryan Miner from A Miner Detail to discuss the 2020 election. This is the first in a series of episodes we will be recording in the lead up to the November election!

In this episode, Candace and Tom sit down with Brandon Soderberg, one of the co-authors of "I Got A Monster: The Rise and Fall of America's Most Corrupt Police Squad", which covers the rise and fall of the corrupt Baltimore Gun Trace Task Force led by police officer Wayne Jenkins. Soderberg discusses the manner in which the criminal justice system enables and protects corruption, including the complicity of city prosecutors. He also relates this story to the "Defund Police" movement and how reform may be possible. Candace and Tom close the episode with a discussion of what it could mean to have a Vice President Kamala Harris.

August is Black Philanthropy Month. In this episode, Candace and Tom interview Malynda Madzel and Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz about the Women's Giving Circle and the importance of philanthropic inclusion.

In this episode, Candace and Tom interview Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership's Executive Director Adria Crutchfield. The BHRP is dedicated to providing housing for lower income families in "safe, healthy, and economically vibrant communities." Adria discusses many of the obstacles to obtaining such housing and the means by which the BHRP provides subsidies to live in such areas. TWO Action Items: 1) Equity in Remote Education 2) Support Howard County's SAO 1-FY2021, which funds the Department of Housing and Community Development

Candace and Tom return from hiatus for this wide-ranging interview with Delegate Marc Korman, who represents Montgomery County's 16th District. They discuss the decision on whether to hold a Special Session, COVID-19 tests from South Korean, and Delegate Korman's successful effort to have archived editions of the Maryland Manual posted online. He even brought back the long lost tradition of host gifts! Three Items For Action: 1) Request an Absentee Ballot; 2) www.saveourstages.com; and 3) Howard County ICE contract

This week, Candace and Tom interview Maryland NAACP Youth President, and Reservoir High School student, Isaac Allen about how the youth are responding to and participating in the Black Lives Matter movement. He discusses what inspired him to become more involved and how we should talk about race. We were excited to have another inspiring young leader on the show and are sure you'll enjoy this one!

In this episode, Candace and Tom talk with technology and communications expert Gigi Sohn about how the need for universal access to broadband internet has never been greater. We also address the consequences of continuing a "have and have not" market for internet access as more of our educational system goes online. Three Things to Act On: 1) Support businesses you love; 2) Diversity of Board Leadership 3) Change (or get rid of) the Maryland State Song

Join Candace and Tom for this fun, engaging, and illuminating conversation with award-winning cartoonist and political satirist Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher.  Kal's cartoons have been featured in over 100 publications, but has been a prominent fixture in The Economist and The Baltimore Sun for years. He discusses "the line" that cartoonists walk, and sometimes cross, when engaging their audience via the medium of political cartoons. Kal also addresses the means by which political satire can bring us together in an age of political division. Three Things: 1) Advocate for Affordable Housing (Shout out to HoCo Progress Report) 2) Racial Equity Task Force in Howard County 3) Renaming Schools

We turned our platform over to two powerful leaders in Annapolis - Delegates Vanessa Atterbeary & Stephanie Smith - who share their experiences being women leaders of color. This is part of the #ShareTheMic initiative that is focused on empowering the voices of black women. The chemistry on this show is off the charts. Listen to these amazing women engage in a candid discussion of the challenges facing Maryland and our country.

In this episode, Candace and Tom interview Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., about his response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the FY2021 budget, and his experiences reopening the county after Governor Larry Hogan deferred that decision to local jurisdictions. Tom also took the opportunity to tell Johnny that he doesn't like the phrase "every vote counts", which includes a reaction you won't want to miss. Three Things: 1) What does #DefundThePolice really mean? 2) Equity in Zoning - the end of single family detached zones 3) Three opportunities for action 

In this special edition of the show, Candace and Tom interview six student activists, including some of the organizers of the HoCo for Justice protest in Downtown Columbia. They share their view on current events, thoughts on what it means to act as an "ally", and where they want to see change in Howard County schools and government. This will be the show everyone is talking about for months, if not years, to come.

Candace and Tom interview Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) Deputy Director Donald Sherman about his organization's work to ensure more transparent and ethical government.  In particular, Donald talks about their FOIA request to Attorney General Barr's office regarding the disbersement of protesters in front of the White House and CREW's recent victory in the 4th Circuit emoluments case. Three Things: 1) HoCo4Justice March 2) 2020 Election Results (Baltimore City Mayor & Howard County Board of Education) 3) Allyship

In this interview with Rev. Leah Daughtry, we discussed the tragic killings and harassment of people of color across this country as well as the opportunity to heal. In the course of that interview, Rev. Daughtry called on the white community to work harder to take on the difficult conversations related to race and racism. Rev. Daughtry also may have signed on a new mentee!

Candace and Tom interview Montgomery County Council-member Andrew Friedson about his fiscal note legislation, equity in governance, and budget priorities.  He also discusses the Council's advocacy for the continued allowance of alcohol sales by delivery. Three Things: 1) Memorial Day 2) Howard County Budget and the New Cultural Center 3) How the quarantine saved the US $5 trillion

In this episode, Candace and Tom sit down with Zhubin Parang, producer and writer at The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.  He discusses the process of deciding what to cover and whether they consider themselves an appropriate source of "news".  Zhubin also discussed his path from a big law firm to one of the most important comedy shows of our generation. Three Things: 1) Reopen Protests 2) Biden's Veepstakes 3) Disparate impact of COVID deaths on people of color