In this heartfelt conversation, Justin Fair sits down with fiber artist, entrepreneur, and arts advocate Karen Baker. Karen shares her journey of weaving passion into purpose — from her early career in marketing and entrepreneurship to her current work fostering cultural legacy, mentorship, and craft as a vehicle for community change. Together, they explore the transformative power of creative practice, the role of cultural infrastructure, and why sustaining tradition matters for future generations. Learn more about Karen's work at http://www.fiberwithacause.com.

In this engaging episode of Soulstrong, I sit down with the insightful Michaela Emily Howells, a cultural anthropologist and co-editor of the groundbreaking book Reframing the American Dream: Tiny Housing as a Window into Consumer Culture, Political Landscapes, and Structural Equity, co-authored with Shawn Bingham. Michaela and I collaborated on a chapter titled "Gaps Between Houses, Gaps in Equity: Tiny Houses and the Housing Crisis in Black Baltimore," which draws on my thesis research, Tiny Houses and the Black Experience in Baltimore, recognized as a pioneering ethnographic planning study (Morgan State University, Spring 2020).

Together, Michaela and I reflect on our collaboration, exploring how tiny housing can highlight structural inequities while offering innovative solutions for communities like Baltimore.

We discuss the challenges and rewards of addressing the housing crisis through unconventional approaches, touching on topics like building credibility to inspire actionable steps, navigating concerns over racial disparities, and the inner workings of community engagement. Michaela provides fascinating insights into the role of tiny housing in reshaping American ideals, while I share how my urban planning research and local case studies informed my contributions.

The discussion also looks ahead to how the book’s release could spark real-world change, including my plans for book-related events, tours, and workshops showcasing Maryland’s tiny home movement. Whether you’re passionate about housing justice, urban planning, or creative solutions to systemic challenges, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the possibilities of reframing the American dream.

https://youtu.be/GDvXOa0wMdQ

I’m humbled and honored to share with you the live story I told in 2023 at the Stoop Storytelling Series’ Pride Month Kickoff for the Queer Jewish Arts Festival, held at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore. It was such a joy to introduce my drag persona, Tzedakah Boxx, to the crowd—and now to you! A heartfelt thanks to the Stoop Storytelling Series, the Queer Jewish Arts Festival, and *On the Record* at WYPR for giving me the opportunity to break out of my boxx and share my story.You can watch or listen to this podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to tune in. Don’t forget to check out the show notes at **Soulstrong.com** for even more amazing stories from this fantastic live show!

SUBSCRIBE at https://anchor.fm/s/ffb4dcdc/podcast/rss https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/soulstrongwithjustinfair

Soulstrong is a podcast hosted by Justin Fair, where we find strength in stories, joy in connection, and purpose in every moment. It’s a space to explore what it truly means to be strong—not headstrong, but soulful, heartfelt, and resonant. Through stories, ideas, and connections, the podcast reflects the fullness of life with relief, reflection, and realness—delivered in a voice that’s quizzing, stoic, and uplifting. Episodes alternate between personal essays, intimate interviews, group conversations, and live tours in Baltimore, MD. Together, we’ll explore meaningful questions, real-life lessons, and moments of joy, aiming to uncover a “just and fair moment” of reflection and connection. Themes span arts and creativity, community development, building family, mobility and fitness, and spirituality through a Jewish lens. Learn more at http://podcast.soulstrong.com.