In this special live-recorded episode of the B-Student Podcast, we welcome Dr. Yoni Appelbaum—historian, Harvard lecturer, Deputy Executive Editor at The Atlantic, and author of Stuck: How the Privileged and the Property Broke the Engine of American Opportunity. Hosted at Hi Hello Labs with a live studio audience, this conversation unpacks one of the most pressing issues of our time: housing as the battleground of belonging. From the origins of zoning laws to the unintended consequences of preservation, Dr. Appelbaum explores how history holds the receipts for today’s housing crisis—and how we can apply historical perspective to build stronger, more inclusive communities. We also discuss: Why Chambers of Commerce are uniquely positioned to lead on belonging The decline of American mobility and its impact on opportunity The history of zoning and its ties to exclusionary practices Lessons from Charleston and Cambridge on preservation vs. progress Practical ways communities can rethink housing and inclusion today This episode challenges us to see beyond buildings and focus on the people and opportunities they enable. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Live Audience at Hi Hello Labs 03:45 – Introducing Dr. Yoni Appelbaum & Stuck 07:20 – Why Housing is the Battleground of Belonging 11:05 – The Decline of American Mobility 15:30 – How History “Saves the Receipts” 19:10 – The Origins of Zoning & Exclusionary Practices 23:50 – Case Study: Modesto & the First Zoning Law 28:15 – Preservation vs. Progress: Charleston’s Cautionary Tale 32:40 – Winter Park, Affluence, and the Fear of Change 37:00 – NIMBY vs. Inclusive Communities 41:15 – What Housing Really Enables: People, Not Buildings 45:50 – Policy Lessons: Abundance, Simplicity, and Clarity 49:25 – Final Takeaways & Solutions Moving Forward 52:10 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Dr. Appelbaum Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with leaders, innovators, and change-makers who are shaping the future of business and community. Watch now and drop a comment with the one word that describes your B-side. Subscribe, rate, and share the B Student Podcast—because the B side of your story might just be the best part. Connect with Dr. Yoni Appelbaum: https://x.com/yappelbaum?lang=en Connect with Betsy Gardner: https://www.betsygardner.com/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
