In this introductory episode, host Mark Joseph welcomes Evelyn Burnett and Mordecai Cargill to share the origin story of ThirdSpace Action Lab. The founders discuss their personal journeys—from Evelyn’s roots in Youngstown and time in New York City to Mordecai’s transition from University School to Glenville High and eventually Yale University. They reflect on how their paths converged at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and the subsequent birth of their "grassroots solution studio."

The conversation explores the foundational philosophy of ThirdSpace: "activating space and activating people." They candidly address the need for radical imagination in community development, famously declaring that their organization is the lovechild of Parliament-Funkadelic and McKinsey consulting. This episode sets the stage for a deep dive into racial equity, the critique of traditional "blind action," and the commitment to transforming forgotten spaces into centers of joy and resistance.

This episode examines the ThirdSpace approach to community engagement, moving beyond transactional interactions toward "next-level" collaboration. The guests—a team of high-level consultants with deep academic and community roots—discuss the importance of humility, hospitality, and the "soul check" as a tool for grounding professional work in human reality. They share how they prioritize "relaxation as much as work" to prevent the burnout common in the nonprofit sector.

Through projects like the Cleveland Freedom Dreams Coalition and work with major healthcare providers, the team demonstrates how qualitative narratives can challenge and enrich quantitative data. They argue that community members are "funds of knowledge" who must be honored as co-consultants rather than subjects. The episode highlights the "Glenville diaspora," noting how several guests were drawn back to Cleveland to serve the very neighborhood that shaped them.

Focusing on "The People's Practice," this episode breaks down the rigorous research conducted with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation into Anti-Racist Community Development (RCD). The guests discuss the transition from status quo development—which often uses "race-neutral" language—to a paradigm that is explicitly race-conscious and bottom-up. They emphasize that building communities we deserve "just takes practice."

A key highlight is the dissection of "dominant narratives" that hinder progress, such as the "blank slate" myth and the "risk aversion" lens applied to Black neighborhoods. The team explains their use of quarterly "issues" and online platforms to make academic research accessible to busy practitioners. By compensating all contributors for their thought leadership, ThirdSpace models the equitable values they advocate for in the broader field.

Recorded on-site in the ThirdSpace Reading Room, this episode explores the intentionality behind the "liberated space" of the Black Radical Imagination Bookstore. Guests Celia, Sean, and Harry discuss the history of the Robert Madison-designed building, which originally served as a sanctuary for Black doctors. They describe the design ethos as "Black, but not too on the nose," aiming for a feel that Sean likens to "grandmother’s living room."

The space is presented not just as a store, but as a "warm hug" where the East Side community can rejuvenate their souls. The conversation highlights the significance of the large bay windows facing 105th Street, symbolizing transparency and accountability to the neighborhood. The guests argue that a liberated space must empower visitors to carry an ounce of that freedom back to the outside world, turning furniture and books into tools for social change.

This episode dives deep into the month-long celebration of Juneteenth curated by ThirdSpace, known as the "Summer of Soul." Dr. Bebe Potts and Jen Short reflect on the theme "Bet on Black," exploring how joy serves as a powerful act of resistance. They detail the logistics and heart behind 32 days of programming, including garden parties, "freedom lectures," and "Black Pride on 105" in partnership with the LGBT center.

The guests share moving personal anecdotes—from Bebe’s memories of Juneteenth in Buffalo to Jen’s realization that she had found her professional home at ThirdSpace. They emphasize that "betting on black" is not a gamble but a testament to the potential of soul power. The episode captures the electricity of collective effort, showing how a small, dedicated team can activate an entire community through intentionality and unapologetic celebration.

In the series conclusion, founders Evelyn and Mordecai return to reflect on the themes of radical imagination, demystifying power, and the "soul check" of 2026. Looking back at a year of political and social chaos, they share a renewed commitment to "reclaim time" and protect their peace while pushing for systemic change. Mordecai introduces the "tastemaker" identity of ThirdSpace, emphasizing the power of curation in community building.

The episode addresses the "math problems and design challenges" of sustaining a multi-faceted enterprise that is simultaneously a consultancy, a bookstore, and a community anchor. They conclude with a powerful reflection on why they exist: to activate space and people to make their ancestors proud. It is a heartfelt closing that underscores the "proof of concept" they have achieved over seven years and their unwavering belief in the future of Glenville.