Elevate Maryland
156 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 37 ratingsA biweekly podcast with Maryland focus and Howard County roots, exploring the policies, people, and stories that affect the state of Maryland. Each episode we’ll talk to newsmakers and everyday people in order to elevate the conversation and find out what matters most.
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Episodes
The Most Important Person in Maryland Politics - Rushern Baker
June 20, 2022 23:34 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBOn 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.
Changing the Lens with Howard County Board of Education Candidate Jacky McCoy
June 03, 2022 00:35 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBCandace 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.
Improving the Struggle with John King, Jr.
May 24, 2022 23:26 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBCandace 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!
Getting "S" Done with Maryland Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Perez
April 30, 2022 01:06 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBCandace 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.
Believin' in Evelyn w/ Janssen Evelyn
April 09, 2022 00:06 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBCandace 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.
White Space, Black Hood with Sheryll Cashin
February 22, 2022 12:17 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBCandace 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.
A Comptroller To Get Excited About with Delegate Brooke Lierman
January 13, 2022 00:44 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBDelegate 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.
Elevate Maryland's 2021 Year in Review
December 31, 2021 22:27 - 1 hour - 90.7 MBEvery 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.
Sanctuary, Equity, and a Living Wage with Howard County Council-member Opel Jones
November 30, 2021 12:12 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBIn 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...
Revisioning Columbia with Columbia Housing Center's Andy Masters
November 19, 2021 12:13 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBColumbia, 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 C...
Decolonizing Wealth with Edgar Villanueva
October 21, 2021 10:47 - 42 minutes - 39 MBEdgar 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. Phil...
Amplify Black Women: This Is What We Live
October 12, 2021 23:41 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBTakirra 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.
Why Our Housing is Segregated with Richard Rothstein
October 07, 2021 10:49 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBRichard 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...
Leading Through Excellence with Howard Community College President Dr. Kate Hetherington
September 01, 2021 00:03 - 55 minutes - 50.3 MBIn 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 ...
An Even Better Baltimore County with County Executive Johnny Olszewski
July 06, 2021 00:17 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBIn 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.
Making Baltimore Synonymous with "Equitech" with UpSurge CEO Jamie McDonald
June 23, 2021 13:37 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBUpSurge 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 Need for An "Economic Fair Housing Act" with Richard Kahlenberg
June 16, 2021 10:42 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBThe 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...
"Belonging Before Belief" - Prisms of the People with Hahrie Han
June 09, 2021 10:45 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBWe 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 ...
Police Reform, Housing Justice, & the General Assembly with Del. Luke Clippinger & Del Vanessa Atterbeary
May 20, 2021 11:10 - 1 hour - 64 MBThe 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.
Brave Voices Brave Choices with Howard County Library CEO Tonya Aikens
May 10, 2021 11:23 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBCandace 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.
Why Single Family Detached Zoning Hurts Everyone w/ Vox's Jerusalem Demsas
April 22, 2021 23:25 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBVox'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.
ADUs in Annapolis with Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier and Kol Peterson
April 14, 2021 11:04 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBAccessory 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 objection...
Get Excited for Brood X with Dr. Mike Raupp
April 07, 2021 11:34 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBThis 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 ...
"Housing is Infrastructure" with Casey Anderson
March 25, 2021 00:42 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBThis 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 @l...
Leadership in Service with Erika Strauss Chavarria
March 18, 2021 10:52 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBErika 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 f...
Social Equity and Economic Justice with the Howard Progressive Project
February 24, 2021 01:32 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBIn 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 Apple...
Confronting White Supremacy in Howard County with Sherman Howell
February 19, 2021 13:35 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBIn 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 indiv...
ImpeachAPalooza with Baltimore Positive
January 25, 2021 16:07 - 1 hour - 61 MBOur 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.
Teaching Through Crisis with MD History Teacher of the Year Matt Gresick
January 11, 2021 01:57 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBIn 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 o...
Elevate Maryland's 2020 Year In Review
December 28, 2020 15:44 - 1 hour - 78.6 MBEvery 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.
HoCo's Progressive SMOB Zach Koung
November 02, 2020 23:38 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBThis 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).
ElectionPalooza IV - Get Ready, Here It Comes
October 30, 2020 12:21 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBCandace 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.
Authentic Advocacy with JOTF's Caryn York
October 17, 2020 21:17 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBCandace 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
ElectionPalooza III - Where Do Things Stand?
October 14, 2020 14:38 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBCandace 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.
Optimism, Patriotism, and One Billion Americans with Matthew Yglesias
September 26, 2020 13:44 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBWhat 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 ...
Behind the English Ivy with Baltimore City Council-member Ryan Dorsey
August 31, 2020 16:19 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBIn 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 Restor...
ElectionPalooza w/ Baltimore Positive & A Miner Detail
August 25, 2020 19:13 - 1 hour - 64 MBIn 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!
"Most Egregious Case of Police Corruption in US History" with Brandon Soderberg
August 13, 2020 14:07 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBIn 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 ...
Honoring Black Philanthropy Month with Women's Giving Circle
August 02, 2020 12:38 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBAugust 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.
Housing 14,000 with Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership's Adria Crutchfield
July 23, 2020 16:28 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBIn 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 th...
"Facts, Truths, and Realities" with Delegate Marc Korman
July 21, 2020 22:50 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBCandace 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...
Maryland NAACP Youth President Isaac Allen
July 05, 2020 15:28 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBThis 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!
Exploring the Edu-Tech Divide with Gigi Sohn
June 28, 2020 19:26 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBIn 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
"Cartoonists Are Sheepdogs" with Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher
June 24, 2020 11:50 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBJoin 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 ...
#SharingTheMic w/ Delegates Vanessa Atterbeary and Stephanie Smith
June 21, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBWe 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.
An Urgent Need for Action with Baltimore County Executive Johnny O
June 10, 2020 17:09 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBIn 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) E...
Elevate Maryland Presents: HoCo For Justice & Other Student Activists
June 07, 2020 21:04 - 1 hour - 60 MBIn 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.
Trump's Dangerous Ethics with CREW's Deputy Director Donald Sherman
June 05, 2020 12:57 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBCandace 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 C...
"Treat People's Needs as Holy" with Leah Daughtry
June 03, 2020 14:15 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBIn 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!
Improving the Process with Montgomery Council-member Andrew Friedson
May 26, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBCandace 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