Charm City Dreamers

Charm City Dreamers is a podcast that shares inspiring stories of a diverse group leaders in Baltimore. Our goal is to motivate people to Bmore and reach their dreams!

The Optimistics - Richie Frieman 05/14/2024

The Optimistics - Richie Frieman 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's latest book "The Optimistics", he enters a world of three best friends battling Young-Onset Dementia, to hear their opinions on life, career, love, family, and how to handle the undeniable fate of their futures. We discuss they key takeaways he learned, how to turn an idea into a book, and his optimism for the future of Baltimore. We hope you enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/31282732

Ravens - Adam Neuman 04/29/2024

Ravens - Adam Neuman 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 2023, after serving for four years as the Chief of Staff, Strategy and Operations & Deputy General Counsel at the Big Ten Conference. We discuss how sports franchises can unite and shine a light on communities. Adam shares the business side of sports, and the investment in the entertainment & media experience for fans. We hope you enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/31042528

Alma Cocina Latina - Irena Stein 02/25/2024

Alma Cocina Latina - Irena Stein 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 entrepreneur. Alma Cocina Latina is more than a restaurant, it is a communal space that convenes local leaders to discuss and explore meaning. We hope you Enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/30100233

EcoMap - Kevin Carter 01/13/2024

EcoMap - Kevin Carter 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 ecosystems that support your community. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/29472083

Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) - Howard Libit 12/17/2023

Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) - Howard Libit 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 inspiration nationally. The Baltimore Jewish Council is the political and community relations arm of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and its agencies. The BJC focuses on combatting Jewish hate through government relations, community engagement, Holocaust education, leadership development, Israel advocacy, and the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel. We hope you enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/29117568

Ashkelon Partnership with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore (Baltimore-Israeli Partnership & Connection) 11/13/2023

Ashkelon Partnership with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore (Baltimore-Israeli Partnership & Connection) 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. Aviva Schwartz, the director of Israel and Global Initiatives at The Associated, shares the work being done today with the Baltimore-Ashkelon partnership. It is our hope that you find this episode insightful and meaningful. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/28609308

ADI - Elie Klein (Baltimore-Israeli Partnership & Connection) 11/05/2023

ADI - Elie Klein (Baltimore-Israeli Partnership & Connection) 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 activities, including disability care, rehabilitation, research, employment, education, community services and Tikkun Olam. It also speaks to the importance and great value of their mission to care for the most precious members of our society – those who cannot care for themselves. ADI provides comprehensive rehabilitative solutions for children, adolescents and adults with severe disabilities and complex medical conditions and pioneers cutting-edge therapeutic and recovery services for anyone touched by disability, all in a dignified, warm and loving atmosphere. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/28519673

Fagan Harris - Hall of Fame Re-Releases 10/03/2023

Fagan Harris - Hall of Fame Re-Releases 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 Moore in 2013, and continues to set the organization’s strategic direction and lead its dedicated community of staff, fellows, associates, awardees, visionary cause leaders, and partners. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/28207718

Mayor Brandon Scott - Hall of Fame Re-Releases 09/17/2023

Mayor Brandon Scott - Hall of Fame Re-Releases 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 solutions to tackling social injustice in Baltimore can be a model to the rest of the country.. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/28059591

Torrey Smith - Charm City Dreamers Hall of Fame Re-Releases 09/09/2023

Torrey Smith - Charm City Dreamers Hall of Fame Re-Releases 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 potential /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/27986688

Matthew Reeds- Baltimore Homecoming 08/06/2023

Matthew Reeds- Baltimore Homecoming 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 world where Baltimore is recognized as a leading hub for social & private sector entrepreneurship and where local leaders work hand-in-hand with a global network of Baltimoreans to advance a more prosperous and just city. Furthermore Matthew has served on various boards including the Board of Regents of Morgan State University and The Morgan State University Foundation. Matthew has become one of Baltimore’s rising young adults in the areas of philanthropy, business, and community service, recently named to HBCU Buzz’s Top 30 under 30 and by the Baltimore Business Journal as a Person on the Move. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/27674256

Comptroller of Maryland - Brooke Lierman 07/04/2023

Comptroller of Maryland - Brooke Lierman 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 potential." We hope you enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/27361374

Corey Voelkel - Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters 06/24/2023

Corey Voelkel - Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters 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! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/27256248

Yair Flicker - SmartLogic 06/02/2023

Yair Flicker - SmartLogic 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 advantages to launching a business in the Baltimore community. We hope you enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/27021621

Chrissy Thornton - Associated Black Charities 04/08/2023

Chrissy Thornton - Associated Black Charities 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 the work of the Associated Black Charities through collaborations with other communities. We hope you enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/26481441

Mark Anthony Thomas - Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) 03/19/2023

Mark Anthony Thomas - Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) 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 the organization serves. In this episode we explore economic development, Mark's history serving civic institutions, and the opportunities of public/private partnerships. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/26271087

Mustafa Al-Adhami - Astek Diagnostics 02/26/2023

Mustafa Al-Adhami - Astek Diagnostics 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 biotechnology sector in Baltimore. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/26048838

Delegate Mark Edelson - Maryland Legislature 02/11/2023

Delegate Mark Edelson - Maryland Legislature 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 "a city of hidden gems". /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/25896372

Live Baltimore - Annie Milli 01/15/2023

Live Baltimore - Annie Milli 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 city’s 250+ neighborhoods, rental living options, homebuying incentive programs, historic tax credits, and more. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/25613283

Waterfront Partnership - Adam Lindquist & Chelsea Anspach 12/24/2022

Waterfront Partnership - Adam Lindquist & Chelsea Anspach 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 Initiative. We hope you enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/25422972

Sri Sarma - NeuroTech Harbor 11/06/2022

Sri Sarma - NeuroTech Harbor 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 pain, Parkinson’s disease, and insomnia. She is also the executive director of NeuroTech Harbor which is an accelerator focused on advancing the development of solutions that improve neurological health through the lens of Equitech values of inclusivity. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/24921714

JC Faulk - Bmore Community Food 09/24/2022

JC Faulk - Bmore Community Food 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 marginalized for far too long. It is the aim of Bmore Community Food to end the suffering caused by food insecurity. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/24477171

James Webb Space Telescope - Yong Taing 09/14/2022

James Webb Space Telescope - Yong Taing 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 dreamer inspires you to think bigger. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/24379683

Dr. Jessica Lee - Access to Reproductive Health Care 08/07/2022

Dr. Jessica Lee - Access to Reproductive Health Care 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 implications of the decision and how Maryland is leading the charge on women's comprehensive healthcare. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/23985054

Brian Plante - Alfred Group 05/01/2022

Brian Plante - Alfred Group 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! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/22970606

AVAM - Rebecca Hoffberger 04/17/2022

AVAM - Rebecca Hoffberger 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 vision for the future. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/22815512

The Black Olive - Stelios Spiliadis 04/01/2022

The Black Olive - Stelios Spiliadis 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 it takes to find them. The restaurant & family have created a baltimore institution where the environment ensures that the depth of conversation & activism matches the richness of flavor their food elicits. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/22654712

Hersh's Pizza - Josh Hershkovitz 02/23/2022

Hersh's Pizza - Josh Hershkovitz 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's Cookin Good Lookin!" Enjoy! /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/22224596

Cafe Dear Leon - Min Kim 02/14/2022

Cafe Dear Leon - Min Kim 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!" /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/22119731

Ovenbird - Keiller Kyle 01/30/2022

Ovenbird - Keiller Kyle 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. /episode/index/show/charmcitydreamers/id/21951590

Charm City Dreamers

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