Who Killed the Starter Home?

The $500,000 Gamble: Why We Need Legislative Change. Conversation with Kevin J. Moore

In this episode, land use attorney Kevin Moore walks us through the nearly impossible process of getting a use variance. It’s easy to tell the owner of a failing strip mall or an abandoned office building: “just get a variance, no need for legislative change". But as Kevin explains, that’s practically impossible and borderline illegal... at least in New Jersey.

Reports Don't Build Homes, Leaders Do. Conversation with Ryan Fecteau.

Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau was elected to the state legislature at just 21 and went on to become the champion of Maine’s housing reform. He ushered in two major sets of reforms that empowered everyday Mainers to be part of solving the housing crisis. Notably, the second set of reforms passed with a unanimous vote in both the House and Senate.

Neighborhood Creation by Immaculate Conception or Careful Curation? Conversation with Seth Zeren

In this episode, recovering city planner turned developer Seth Zeren explains how our obsession with safety and control has locked down the very process that once created vibrant, livable neighborhoods. He shares his ideas for bringing back a building culture of flexibility, experimentation, and creativity.

Small Is Mighty: Boutique Retail Reviving Cities. Conversation with Edie Weintraub

In this episode, I talk with Edie Weintraub—founder of Terra Alma, retail strategist, and advocate for vibrant, connected communities. From alleys to roof decks, from feet on streets to butts in seats, Edie is passionate about small, human-scale spaces and their powerful impact on the places we love to call home.

Catalyst in Action: Building Capacity, Leading the Way. Conversation with Desmond Dunn

Desmond Dunn is learning, building, and leading. He is working to bring affordable, community-driven development (no subsidies needed) to his own community in Raleigh, North Carolina. In this episode, we explore how prosperity reshaped the starter home and even what role developers play in where you meet your spouse. 

Not a Bubble, Just Demand - Conversation with Salim Furth

In this episode, economist Salim Furth explains why the housing crisis isn’t just speculation: it’s demand running headfirst into regulation. His research quantifies how much red tape really costs families in this country.
We also talk about how towns fall over themselves to lure big companies while failing the small and mid-size developers who could actually build the housing we need. Along the way, Salim shares inspiring success stories from Texas to Maine and even offers advice for our gubernatorial candidates.

Unstoppable: Housing Reformer with a Newborn - Conversation with Rashi Kesarwani

Berkeley Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani shares how she ran and won on a pro-housing platform, and how that has now become the norm. Did you know that Berkeley, the birthplace of single-family zoning, just passed ordinances allowing 8 units per parcel + 8 ADUs as of right? As Rashi says, “It’s so much more fun to say yes to new people in your community.”

Vision or Vandalism? When Development Erases Art - Conversation with Leon Rainbow

Graffiti artists are often the first responders to abandonment. But what happens to their art when development moves in?
In this episode, graffiti artist and muralist Leon Rainbow shares his journey—from tagging walls in California to painting Trenton’s largest mural on the outside of the maximum-security prison. We dive into the role of art as expression, as business, and as community building.
 

Do NOT Sell Grandma's Home! conversation with Shaheed Morris

Shaheed Morris takes us inside his personal journey, from nearly losing his grandmother’s home to building a bigger vision for Trenton’s future and for his own. He’s working, studying, and building all at the same time, turning challenge into momentum and vision into action.

Redefining Luxury: Walkability, History, and Community - Conversation with John Hatch

In this episode Architect and Developer John Hatch and I explore how walkability, historic charm, and a strong sense of place can be the real luxuries—and why cities like Trenton are full of starter home treasures waiting to be rediscovered. I especially love the story of John and his collaborators literally bringing 18 homes back to life in their own neighborhood—and that’s just the beginning.