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Live with Living Cities
"Live with Living Cities" is a podcast that explores the work, impact, and partnerships driving inclusive economic growth in cities across the United States. Hosted by Living Cities, this series highlights innovative strategies, transformative policies, and community-driven solutions that expand access to capital and create a more inclusive economy.
Episodes introduce who we are, what we do, and feature insightful conversations with changemakers—from government leaders and nonprofit innovators to entrepreneurs and residents—working to remove barriers to financial opportunity. Through storytelling, expert analysis, and real-world case studies, Live with Living Cities uncovers the challenges and successes of building economic systems that work for everyone.
Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at initiatives that drive investment in undercapitalized communities, foster entrepreneurship, and help more people build long-term financial security. Whether discussing new models of capital deployment, public-private partnerships, or community-led investment strategies, this podcast provides actionable insights for those committed to driving meaningful economic change.
Join us as we amplify the voices of leaders, share lessons from the field, and explore what it takes to build cities where everyone has the resources and opportunities to thrive.
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Episodes
14 episodes
Opportunity Zones 2.0: Rewiring Capital for Community Wealth
In this mini-episode of Live with Living Cities, Dr. Ahmed Whitt explores the evolving landscape of Opportunity Zones and what the next generation of place-based investment policy could mean for communities across the country.As...
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Beyond Silos: How Cities Build the Relationships Small Businesses Actually Need
Be sure to sign-up for news, updates and the webinar series and more! This month on Live with Living Cities, we're replaying the fi...
Building Stronger Communities for Economic Success with Roderick Wheeler
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles sits down with Roderick Wheeler, President and Chief Strategy Officer of
B3 in Action: Building Pathways for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
In this mini-episode of Live with Living Cities, Norris Williams, Associate Director of Business Ownership, introduces Breaking Barriers to Business (B3)—a bold initiative designed to expand opportunity for entrepreneurs in long underv...
A Look Back At 2025
In this special year-end episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles reflects on a year of transformation, learning, and renewed purpose across the Living Cities ecosystem. From a clearer articulation of what it means to be...
Capital with a Conscience: Sydney Thomas on Rethinking Venture for the 99%
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles speaks with Sydney Thomas, Conductor at Symphonic Capital, about reimagining venture capital to serve the 99%. Sydney shares how her personal journey shaped Symphon...
Ashley Gabb on Building with Vision and Impact
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, guest host Valerie McDowell talks with Ashley Gabb, founder of Gabb Consulting and former executive at Estée Lauder, HP, and Discover, about her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. ...
How to Compete When the Rules Keep Changing with Philip Gaskin
Entrepreneurs can’t succeed alone—they need support systems. In this episode, Philip Gaskin breaks down what it means to build strong business ecosystems. We talk about how cities across the U.S. are helping small businesses grow by connecting ...
Impact Investing With Jim Casselberry
When traditional finance falls short, where can changemakers turn? Host Justin Charles talks with Jim Casselberry of Known about how impact investing directs capital to overlooked communities and ideas. Gain insight, clarity, and real stories o...
The Inclusive Capital Council & Catalytic Capital: Advancing Income and Wealth Equity
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles explores the power of catalytic capital and how the Inclusive Capital Council (ICC) is working to transform not just how capital flows—but who controls it and
Applications of AI in Closing Income and Wealth Gaps
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles sits down with Dr. Ahmed Whitt, Director of the Center for Wealth Equity, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the rise of artificial intelligence and its...
Shared Ownership, Shared Prosperity: Lessons from Saint Paul
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, CEO Joe Scantlebury sits down with Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter to explore how shared ownership and solidarity economy strategies are reshaping local governance. Recorded at the City of Saint Paul’s...
Closing the Gaps: Building the Future Cities Deserve
Host Justin Charles explores the origin and impact of Living Cities’ Closing the Gaps Network—a bold, national initiative helping cities tackle deep-rooted racial wealth and income disparities. Born out of the 2020 Year of Reckoning...
Building Inclusive Prosperity: An Introduction to Living Cities
Welcome to Live with Living Cities, the podcast dedicated to building a just and equitable society by dismantling systemic barriers to financial equity. In this episode, host Justin Charles introduces you to Living Cities, a collaborat...