In this episode, Mark talks with Coby Lefkowitz, a developer, writer, and co-founder of Backyard, about building beautiful, walkable communities. Coby shares his journey from basketball to urban planning, the challenges of real estate development, and why the “missing middle” in housing matters. They also dig into his book Building Optimism and what it takes to design cities that are affordable, connected, and inspiring

In this episode, Mark sits down with Onose, a creative entrepreneur based in DC. They unpack her journey from Florida to Nigeria and back again, leaving a career in healthcare to explore content creation, community, and creative independence. Onose reflects on the nonlinear nature of building a creative life, how relocating to DC helped her rediscover her purpose, and why embracing uncertainty is often part of finding your voice. It’s a vulnerable, reflective conversation about letting go of timelines, trusting the process, and making space for joy.

In this episode, Mark sits down with Tessa Velazquez, a chef, entrepreneur, and co-founder of beloved DC staples Baked & Wired, A Baked Joint, and La Betty. From growing up in her family’s Georgetown bakery to navigating the chaos of COVID and launching a natural wine bar with a listening room, Tessa’s journey is a masterclass in building soulful spaces around food. They talk about the emotional side of leadership, designing a good vibe, and why structure is key to sustaining creative freedom. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a passion into a gathering place, this one’s for you.