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'…

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 20…

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 entrepreneu…

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 ecosyst…

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 inspirati…

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. Av…

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 ac…

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 Moo…

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 solution…

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 potentialBy Zack Garber

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 worl…

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 pote…

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!By Zachary Garber

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 adv…

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 th…

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 th…

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 biotec…

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…

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 cit…

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 I…

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 pa…

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 marginali…

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 dre…

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 implic…

In this episode we interview Brian Plante, the culinary director of the Alfred Group. Brian was previously the chef at Rye Street Tavern and we discuss all things food in Baltimore. We hope this episode inspires you to explore the amazing Baltimore restaurant scene. Enjoy!By Zack Garber

Rebecca Alban Hoffberger is the founder, director and principal curator of the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM). As a life-long devotee of the power of intuition and fresh thought, Rebecca is constantly challenging the status quo. In this episode we explore how Rebecca founded the museum, delve into her view on the art world, and share her visi…

The Black Olive Restaurant sits in quaint elegance on the cobblestone section of Bond Street in old Fells Point. The restaurant is owned by the Spiliadis family, whose passion for food as art is grounded in a basic aesthetic principle: cook your food with an eye towards simplicity and tradition, and use only the finest ingredients, no matter what i…

When you combine honest, locally-sourced food with staff that is treated like family, you create an environment and experience known as Hersh's. Learn about the thoughtfulness behind the food, service, and welcoming environment of my favorite high-end pizza restaurant. Enjoy this continuation of our series focused on local food entrepreneurs: "What…

Cafe Dear Leon is using food to write a love letter to our community. Learn about the thoughtfulness behind the food, service, and welcoming environment of this new top bakery in town. Enjoy this continuation of our series focused on local food entrepreneurs: "What's Cookin Good Lookin!"By Zack Garber

Learn about how this home baker founded one of Baltimore's most popular and fastest growing bakeries in Baltimore. Bagels, chirp cookies, snickerdoodles, turkey havarti sandwiches and more! Enjoy this continuation of our series focused on local food entrepreneurs.By Zack Garber

Bothered by how real estate and the control of land seemed to have done more to divide us as people than actually bring us together, in 2006 Thibault moved back to Baltimore where he helped start Seawall, an impact driven company made up of passionate social entrepreneurs who believe in re-imagining the real estate industry as we know it. Seawall b…

Alec Ross is one of the world’s leading experts on innovation. Author of New York Times–bestselling book "The Industries of the Future", he is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at The University of Bologna Business School and a Board Partner at Amplo, a global venture capital firm. During the Obama Administration, he served as Senior Adv…

BrickRose Exchange has been recognized for its positive contributions and lasting effects on the community by American Express, iFundWomen, Comcast and other organizations. As part of our series on the future of innovation, we interviewed Bianca on how to re-imagine real estate. BrickRose provides space and education for artists, creatives, and non…

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) - Removes barriers to justice through free civil legal help, community engagement, and advocacy for equitable laws. Their vision is for a fair legal system that is free of injustice and equitably serves underrepresented Marylanders. In this episode we interview executive director Susan Francis about the fut…

Dent Education promotes equity by empowering under-resourced youth to discover and develop their innate creative potential to shape the world around them. They have reached 2,000 students and help them earn $185,000. In this episode we explore the future of education and entrepreneurship with Experiential Learning & Marketing Director Hailey Jordan…

In this episode we explore corporate charitable giving and the future of philanthropy. John currently serves as the President of the T. Rowe Price Foundation and President of the Program for Charitable Giving. Enjoy!By Zack Garber

For more than 10 years, Jeffrey Zwillenberg has focused his career in education reform to help ensure that all kids have the opportunity to be successful in school and beyond. As the Senior Executive Director of Reading Partners Baltimore, Jeffrey leads a staff and AmeriCorps team of 35+ members, achieving programmatic, community engagement, and fu…

McKeever "Mac" Conwell II is the founder and managing partner of RareBreed Ventures. Mac is a former software engineer and two-time founder. One of Mac's companies failed, the other went on to a succesful exit. In this episode we explore the early stage startup ecosystem in the region and specifically discuss investing in under-represented communit…

In this episode, we interview Tom Osha who is the senior vice president of innovation and economic development of the Wexford Science & Technology Institute. We explore what is an innovation district and how the work they are doing at University Of Maryland Bio-Park and other projects can be scaled nationally to expedite the future of industry and …

Carim V. Khouzami is the chief executive officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), the nation's first gas utility. Khouzami oversees safety, reliability, customer service, financial performance and BGE’s commitment to creating an inclusive culture. He is a member of BGE's Board of Directors and the executive committee of BGE's parent com…

Baltimore Tracks is a coalition of Baltimore-based technology & tech-enabled company leaders that are committed to increasing opportunities for People of Color in technology. Learn more about this initiative through our interview with Baltimore Tracks co-founders Nick Culbertson (CEO of Protenus) and Sherrod Davis (Chief of Staff of Protenus)…

Eddie is the Co-CEO of the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI). WTCI's mission is to empower globally-minded leaders with new ideas and valuable connections. They believe that sharing knowledge and experiences makes a positive impact on Maryland and across the globe. Today more than 2,500 Maryland firms benefit from WTCI’s global connections, event…

Ron is President at Gula Tech Adventures which focuses on cyber technology, cyber policy and recruiting more people to the cyber workforce. Since 2017, GTA has invested in dozens of cyber start-ups and funds and supported multiple cyber nonprofits and projects. Ron was the co-founder and CEO of Tenable Network Security. He helped grow the company t…

Christy Wyskiel is the Senior Advisor to the President of Johns Hopkins University for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. In this role, she also serves as the Executive Director of Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, the division of the university responsible for technology transfer, industry research partnerships, and company incubation under the brand…

In this episode we explore the future of industry in Baltimore and how it has the potential to be the first "EquiTech" city. Jamie McDonald is CEO of UpSurge. She is an experienced entrepreneur, movement builder, and speaker. Prior to joining UpSurge, she was an advisor to global entrepreneurs, social innovators, and impact-focused executives. She’…

TT the Artist is the director of the documentary "Dark City Beneath The Beat". In this episode we explore Baltimore Club Music and mental health. "Dark City Beneath The Beat" is a musical, documentary reimagining the narrative of Baltimore City through its home grown sound and dance known as Baltimore club music.…

The Baltimore Station turns lives around. They are an innovative therapeutic residential and outpatient treatment program supporting veterans who are overcoming obstacles to regain self-sufficiency. In this episode we explore art as a means of therapy for Veterans struggling with mental health, homelessness, and addiction.…

Liz has been a choreographer and a teaching artist in the inner city for around 20 years; she also grew up in poverty which colors the lens through which she creates. Experiencing growing up mixed race in the inner-city regularly inspires her creations; past and present. She is an inter-disciplinary artist focused on the themes of blackness in Amer…

Jeffrey Kent combines dramatic gestures, vivid colors, multiple layers, impasto, and reverse text in his paintings. His struggle with dyslexia (without access to diagnosis and care) is a recurring theme expressed in reverse text. His bricolage artworks consider the history of inequity by manipulating objects of daily life. In his critique of access…

We are so proud to release this episode to recap the last 100 episodes. Thank you so much to our listeners and supporters for helping make this happen. We hope you enjoy the review and it inspires you to make a difference in your community! If you are moved by this episode feel free to check out our past dreamers!…