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 belongingThe decline of American mobility and its impact on opportunityThe history of zoning and its ties to exclusionary practicesLessons from Charleston and Cambridge on preservation vs. progressPractical 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 Labs03:45 – Introducing Dr. Yoni Appelbaum & Stuck07:20 – Why Housing is the Battleground of Belonging11:05 – The Decline of American Mobility15:30 – How History “Saves the Receipts”19:10 – The Origins of Zoning & Exclusionary Practices23:50 – Case Study: Modesto & the First Zoning Law28:15 – Preservation vs. Progress: Charleston’s Cautionary Tale32:40 – Winter Park, Affluence, and the Fear of Change37:00 – NIMBY vs. Inclusive Communities41:15 – What Housing Really Enables: People, Not Buildings45:50 – Policy Lessons: Abundance, Simplicity, and Clarity49:25 – Final Takeaways & Solutions Moving Forward52:10 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Dr. Appelbaum

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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/