20. The Truth About Zoning, Housing & Exclusion in America | Yoni Appelbaum of The Atlantic Explains

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.

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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/

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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/