Calvin Souder, an attorney and the managing partner of Souder Law Group, is expanding the conversation on growth from the ground up. In the first episode of his new podcast, he interviewed Ras Baraka, the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey.
Nationwide — Souder Law Group (SLG), a Black-led firm operating at the intersection of real estate, law, and community development, is deepening its commitment to inclusive growth with the launch of “Spacemakers,” a new podcast focused on the people, policies, and projects shaping communities from the ground up.
Hosted by managing partner and founder Calvin Souder, the podcast creates a platform for honest, solutions-driven conversations with developers, investors, public officials, and community stakeholders who are actively transforming neighborhoods—while navigating the complexities of equity, access, and long-term sustainability.
“Our goal is to create space in every sense of the word,” Souder said. “That means one house, one block, one city, one region at a time, but always with a clear understanding of who we’re building for and why it matters
At a time when cities like Newark are experiencing renewed investment and rapid change, the series positions itself as both a behind-the-scenes look at development and a call to action for more intentional, community-centered outcomes.”
Souder emphasized that the podcast reflects SLG’s broader mission to serve as both a legal advisor and a strategic partner in projects that prioritize growth.
“Newark is a powerful example of what’s possible when investment and community vision align,” Souder said. “But it also shows why these conversations are necessary because growth without intention can leave people behind.”
Inaugural episodes include conversations with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Audible’s Global Head of Urban Innovation, Aisha Glover.
“All over America, there are cities where black and brown people live that mayors are doing all kinds of stuff out of necessity because necessity is the mother of invention,” Mayor Baraka said.
“We have always tried to be acknowledged within spaces, and we don’t always make the connection to real estate and economic development,” Glover said.
The first episodes of the Spacemakers podcast are now streaming on Spotify.
About
Souder Law Group helps individuals, organizations, and communities develop a deeper understanding of how the law impacts everyday life and long-term opportunity. Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, with offices in Philadelphia and Manhattan, the firm applies its extensive legal expertise across real estate and economic development, education, government affairs, and litigation to support projects and initiatives that drive meaningful, community-centered outcomes. Learn more at SouderLawGroup.com
For press inquiries, contact 973-500-2030 or info@souderlawgroup.com