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