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Recorded on September 11th, the 25th anniversary of 9/11, at Marine Hall on Fort Avenue in Locust Point, this episode of South Baltimore Now sits down with longtime South Baltimore residents Luis Martinez, Jr. and his wife, Lauren Elizabeth. Luis served in the Marine Corps and spent time at Camp Lejeune, later building a career in commercial construction and calling South Baltimore home. Years later, an infected tooth led to an oral cancer diagnosis that a doctor immediately connected to his time at Camp Lejeune. As Luis fought through surgery, recovery, and now a second diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer, Lauren became a full-time advocate, founding the Lejeune Justice Project to fight for veterans and families left behind by a VA disability system that hasn't updated its presumptive conditions list since 2017. This is a conversation about military brotherhood, an unexpected health battle, and one family's fight to turn their own hardship into lasting change for thousands of other Camp Lejeune veterans. Connect With Us South Baltimore Now Podcast 🌐 https://southbaltimorenow.transistor.fm/ 🌐 southbmore.com The Lejeune Justice Project 📘FACEBOOK A Note From Us If this episode moved you even a little, don't just close the tab. Luis and Lauren aren't asking for sympathy, they're asking for momentum. Here's how you can help this week: Follow the Lejeune Justice Project on FacebookTalk about this episode. Send it to someone who served, or to anyone who might know a Camp Lejeune veteran still stuck in the VA claims process. You never know who's one conversation away from getting the help they need.Keep reading southbmore.com and tuning in here. Stories like this one are why we do this podcast, and your support is what lets us keep telling them.This fight is bigger than one family, but it started with one family standing up. Thanks for listening, and thanks for helping us carry this story forward.

In this episode of the South Baltimore Now podcast, we sit down with John Shea and Brendan O’Brien—two South Baltimore neighbors who are blending decades of high-level financial expertise with a deep-rooted love for their community. Together, they’ve launched Old Irish Guys Financial, a venture built on the idea that sound financial advice should be as accessible as a conversation with a neighbor. The journey to this partnership began in the world of institutional finance. Brendan’s roots go back to the "late 1900s" at Leg Mason before he transitioned to the independent side with LPL Financial. Meanwhile, John’s career kicked off at State Street Bank, where he managed public pension funds before eventually serving as the Director of Development for the Baltimore Family Alliance. After years of navigating the complexities of large-scale finance, they’ve "hung up their own shingle" to focus on what matters most: providing neighbor-to-neighbor coaching right here on the peninsula. While both John and Brendan are Boston natives, they’ve found their true home in South Baltimore. They discuss the "hooks" that kept them here, choosing to raise their families in the heart of the city rather than retreating to the suburbs. Their commitment is visible in their support for local institutions like Francis Scott Key and Federal Hill Prep, proving that families don't have to move once their kids hit third grade. From volunteering at local sports to advocating for walkable turf fields, they are proof that community involvement and city living go hand-in-hand. Net Worth & Chill This philosophy of accessible advice extends to their new podcast, The Penny and the Pint. They’ve coined the phrase "Net Worth and Chill" to help couples navigate the often-stressful conversations surrounding money and significant others. Whether they are helping clients consolidate "pots of money" scattered across old 401(k) plans or offering a 30,000-foot view to balance retirement, college savings, and the inevitable home repairs of city life, John and Brendan are focused on the big picture. Learn More: Website: oldirishguysfinancial.comPodcast: Look for The Penny and the Pint on all major podcast platforms. * Shout Out to Liv's Tavern for hosting us to record in-person. Delicious food, fantastic staff and perfectly poured pints - Thank You!  (00:00) - Pub Setup and Introductions (00:47) - Cheers at Livs (01:41) - Financial Journeys (03:37) - Why South Baltimore (04:58) - Schools and Staying Put (06:44) - Sports and Community Life (07:29) - City vs Suburbs Money Talk (09:41) - Baltimore as a Finance Hub (11:19) - Old Irish Guys Financial (13:08) - Their Podcast Penny and Pint (14:34) - Client Questions and Wrap Up

In this episode, we welcome back District 11 Councilman Zac Blanchard for his third appearance on the show. Zac reflects on his first full year in office — a year that included becoming a father for the second time on inauguration night — and breaks down the major issues shaping South Baltimore and Downtown Baltimore today.   The conversation covers everything from the explosion of smoke shops, to the city’s sweeping housing package, to the future of Downtown, to the day‑to‑day realities of representing one of Baltimore’s most active districts.   Episode Highlights  A wild first month: Zac’s son was born the same night he was sworn in, kicking off a year of balancing newborn life with the demands of public office.Learning the job: From 4 a.m. work sessions to building a new staff, Zac shares what the transition into city government really looked like.Why smoke shops exploded: He explains the legal loopholes, synthetic cannabis issues, and market forces behind the surge — and how new zoning rules aim to rein it in.Housing reform at scale: Zac breaks down the city’s Housing Options & Opportunities package and what it means for rowhomes, small apartment buildings, parking requirements, and neighborhood character.Parking minimums clarified: He addresses concerns from South Baltimore residents and explains what actually changes (and what doesn’t).Downtown’s crossroads: A candid look at office vacancies, competing districts, public space challenges, and why Downtown’s health matters to every neighborhood.Lexington Market progress: Zac shares details on a new multi‑agency effort he’s leading to tackle vacancy and improve conditions around the market.Neighborhood‑level wins: From code enforcement to youth vaping concerns, Zac talks about the hands‑on work his office is doing across District 11.What We Discuss  The transition from candidate to councilmemberBalancing family life with public serviceHow committee work shapes legislationThe process of drafting and negotiating billsThe smoke shop zoning package and youth vaping concernsThe city’s housing package and zoning modernizationParking requirements and development flexibilityDowntown Baltimore’s challenges and opportunitiesVacancy, graffiti, and quality‑of‑life issuesHow residents can engage with Zac’s officeCouncilman Zac Blanchard — Contact Information Website: https://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/content/zac-blanchard Phone: 410‑396‑4816 Email: [email protected]    Office Address: 100 Holliday Street Room 516 Baltimore, Maryland 21202   SouthBMore.com Website: https://www.southbmore.com Podcast inquiries & sponsorships: [email protected]

Nate and Kevin close out the year with a full breakdown of the biggest stories shaping South Baltimore in 2025 — from major development updates and new restaurants to youth sports growth and the major events coming in 2026. If you follow Baltimore neighborhoods, real estate, restaurants, or waterfront redevelopment, this episode brings you everything you need to know. 🎙️ What’s Inside • Baltimore Peninsula / Port Covington — Bank OZK land updates, new construction, leasing, Locke Landing growth, and rumored 2026 retail • Neighborhood Development — One Westport going vertical, Middle Branch housing, and transportation challenges • Retail & Restaurants — Slutty Vegan, Bar Vegan, Ben & Jerry’s, Jersey Mike’s, Daily Grind, Little Wing, plus upcoming sushi, Mexican, Jamaican, noodle bar, brunch, and karaoke concepts • Tide Point & Under Armour’s Former Campus — Cristo Rey’s plans and early redevelopment details • Stadium Square & Warner Street — 316 new apartments, Paramount Baltimore progress, entertainment district expansion, and M&T Bank Stadium renovations • Federal Hill’s Chauffeur’s Building — 51 apartments, 12,000 sq ft of retail, and the push for a grocery store • Community & Youth Sports — Booming leagues, new club teams, and the next generation of South Baltimore athletes • Big Events — Blue Angels returning, Lionel Messi at M&T Bank Stadium, and major 2026 events already on the calendar 🎧 Watch the Full Video YouTube: https://youtu.be/xYE8zgLCPsM 📍 More South Baltimore Coverage For daily updates on Baltimore development, real estate, restaurants, and neighborhood news, visit: 👉 SouthBMore.com — https://www.southbmore.com 📣 Support Local Journalism Like, follow, rate, and share the show to help strengthen independent local reporting in South Baltimore. For podcast or advertising inquiries: 📧 [email protected]

In this episode of South Baltimore Now, hosts Nate and Kevin welcome Ckori Jones, managing director of the Diamond Collective and the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (Buba). They discuss the inaugural Field of Futures fundraising event on December 6th, benefiting Buba and the Tony Gwynn Legacy East Foundation. Ckori elaborates on the facilities at the Diamond Collective, highlighting their unique training areas, advanced technology, and educational programs for athletes. He emphasizes Buba's mission to support underserved youth in Baltimore, the significance of indoor training spaces, and collaborative efforts with various nonprofits. The episode explores the challenges and opportunities in youth baseball within Baltimore, aiming to inspire community involvement and financial support for growth and improvement.   Field of Futures - Get your Tickets Here: https://buba.rallyup.com/fof2025/Campaign/Details    The Diamond Collective: https://www.thediamondcollective.org/

This special Veterans Day episode of the South Baltimore Now podcast from Southbmore.com features a conversation with Jon Dewar, a Marine Corps veteran, community advocate, and owner of Dewar General Contracting. Nate and Kevin sit down with Jon at Bodega and Vino in Locust Point—a veteran-owned business itself—to discuss his life, business, and extensive community involvement.   Discussion Highlights Growing up in Baltimore: Jon shares his experience growing up in both Canton and Middle River, reflecting on the changes and growth of those neighborhoods. Locust Point Life: He explains how he came to live in Locust Point, drawn in by his now-wife and the neighborhood's strong sense of community and volunteerism. Marine Corps Service: Jon discusses his decision to enlist in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2004, driven by a family tradition of military service, and the painful yet growth-filled experience. Veterans Community: He highlights the special camaraderie among veterans in Baltimore, often seen picking up trash or teaching younger generations community values. The Marine Corps League: Jon details the mission of the Marine Corps League Baltimore Detachment 565, which supports Marines and former Marines, and keeps the Corps' heritage alive. He also talks about the event hall and Marine Corps-specific museum housed in a repurposed firehouse. Dewar General Contracting: As the owner of a South Baltimore-based business, Jon outlines the company's focus on major residential and commercial renovations, including additions, build-outs, and restaurant work. He emphasizes the company's commitment to customer relationships, quality, and being licensed and insured in multiple states (Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and pursuing North Carolina). Community Advocacy: Jon shares his active pursuit of a volunteer seat on the Baltimore City Veterans Commission to advocate for veterans and act as a liaison to the city government. Scottish Heritage: He is involved with the St. Andrew's Society of Baltimore, which promotes Scottish Americans and provides scholarships and parades, where he serves as the second vice. Non-Profit Involvement: Jon discusses his involvement with organizations that help pets, explaining how volunteering with animals helped him transition back to civilian life after the military. Relevant Links SouthBMore.com: www.southbmore.com Bodega & Vino: www.bodegaandvino.com Marine Corps League Baltimore Detachment 565 Mclbaltimore.org Dewar General Contracting Dewargc.com Office: 410-656-4277 [email protected] For information about marketing with www.southbmore.com or general inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the South Baltimore Now podcast, hosts Nate Carper and Kevin Lynch sit down with State Delegate Luke Clippinger, the dedicated representative for Maryland's 46th Legislative District. As a native Baltimorean and the powerful Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Delegate Clippinger offers a deep dive into the legislative process, the state's efforts on public safety, and hyper-local issues affecting the South Baltimore peninsula. We discuss everything from his family's history as homesteaders in Reservoir Hill to the priorities he's bringing to the upcoming 2026 legislative session.   Delegate Luke Clippinger represents Maryland's 46th Legislative District in Baltimore City and serves as the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee.   Contact Information: Official Webpage: Luke H. Clippinger, Maryland State Delegate Campaign/Personal Site: Luke Clippinger Annapolis Office Address: 101 Taylor House Office Building, Annapolis, MD 21401 Email: [email protected] Phone (Office/Campaign): 410-841-3488 (Annapolis) or 410-989-3876 (Direct/Campaign) Location Shout-out A huge thank you to Angela and Rob at Bodega & Vino for allowing us to record this episode on location in their wonderful store in Locust Point! We appreciate the great coffee and the relaxing neighborhood vibe. Visit them and check out their selection of coffee, wine, groceries, and snacks:   Bodega & Vino Website: https://www.bodegaandvino.com/

In this episode of South Baltimore Now!, host Nate Carper sits down with Gabe Bustos, co-founder of Hector Home Services Marketing. They dive into the company's unique journey and its mission to help local, family-owned home service businesses succeed. Gabe shares his personal motivation, revealing that past business failures in music and education due to a lack of marketing knowledge inspired him to help others who are skilled at their trade but need help with promotion. This passion for service is what led Hector Home Services Marketing to focus exclusively on the home services industry. While the company has clients across the U.S., most of their clients are located right here in Maryland. Gabe and Nate discuss how smaller to mid-sized cities and suburbs provide a great environment for businesses to quickly improve their Google ranking and compete with larger corporations. Hector Home Services Marketing specializes in Google marketing and lead generation, with a focus on helping businesses rank high on Google Maps and managing Google ad products. Gabe offers a free, no-obligation video analysis for potential clients. His team will analyze a business's online presence and provide clear, actionable steps to improve their ranking and performance. Links Hector Home Services Marketing Website: hectorhomeservicesmarketing.com   [email protected]

In this episode of the South Baltimore Now podcast, host Nate Carper interviews Karen Kindig, the owner of The Womb Room. Karen shares her journey from being a therapist to owning The Womb Room, a business offering prenatal and postpartum support, lactation consulting, and parental classes. Karen discusses the importance of community and support during and after pregnancy and highlights some of the unique services offered by The Womb Room, including placenta encapsulation and virtual therapy sessions. She also shares valuable advice for expecting parents on feeling empowered and prepared for childbirth. Tune in to learn more about the impact of this local business on the South Baltimore community. About The Womb Room The Womb Room is a community perinatal health and wellness center in Baltimore, Maryland. They offer a wide range of services to support families locally and online. · Website: https://www.wombroom.mom/  · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewombroom_baltimore/  Contact · The Womb Room: [email protected] · Nate Carper: [email protected] · Like, Subscribe, Leave a review -  www.southbmore.com

This special summer episode of the South Baltimore Now podcast features Nate, Rob Wahl, and Julie Carper discussing sponsorship opportunities for the South Baltimore Youth Soccer League's (SBYSL) Fall 2025 season. Your support directly impacts over 700 young soccer players across Baltimore by funding player stipends, providing essential soccer infrastructure, enabling free programming, and developing a youth referee program. Learn about various sponsorship tiers, branding opportunities (including jerseys and social media), and how businesses can connect with the community while supporting youth sports.   Key Takeaways -  SBYSL's Reach: Entering its 21st year, SBYSL serves almost 500 families and over 700 individual players from 90 schools and 30+ zip codes across Baltimore. Impact of Sponsorships -  Financial Assistance: Ensures accessibility for all families by providing player stipends, with over $5,000 in assistance given to 30+ players this year. Infrastructure: Funds goals and equipment at local parks like Latrobe and Riverside. Youth Development: Supports free soccer clinics, instruction, outings, and a referee development program for local kids to learn skills and earn money. Sponsorship Benefits - Tiered Options: Various levels available to suit any business budget. Brand Visibility: Recognition through league-wide communications, logo/verbiage on player jerseys, and social media promotion. Community Connection: Opportunity for businesses to set up booths at Saturday games to promote products and services directly to attendees. Expanded Exposure: Unlike single-team sponsorships, SBYSL offers branding across entire league divisions (8-15 teams), maximizing reach to over 60 teams and five divisions.   Act Now! Opening day is September 6th at Latrobe Park. To have your business promoted on jerseys by then, contact SBYSL within the next week.   Relevant Links: Learn More & Sign Up: sbysl.com/sponsors Email for Sponsorships: [email protected]

In this episode, we go inside the Baltimore Orioles organization with longtime South Baltimore resident Zach Brown, the Senior Director of Ticket Operations, who has dedicated over 18 years to the team. Hosted by Kevin Lynch, the discussion covers Zach's journey from an intern to his current role, the strategic aspects of ticketing, and the vibrant energy of working at Camden Yards. Zach shares memorable moments as an Orioles fan, insights on planned renovations, and the focus on improving fan experiences. They also discuss community engagement, special themed nights, and the addition of new ticketing options. Zach emphasizes the value of community support and the efforts to enhance the ballpark experience for everyone. The conversation highlights the impact of baseball on the local neighborhood and the broader Orioles community.

Join Kevin Lynch of SouthBmore.com as he sits down with Will Fagg, the heart and soul behind Tiny Brick Oven in Federal Hill, Baltimore. In this inspiring episode, Will shares his remarkable journey from Southern food roots and Airbnb Superhost to crafting artisanal pizzas in his own backyard. Hear about the challenges of running a small business, including the near-closure that was miraculously averted by a Christmas miracle. Then, witness the incredible "One Bite Effect" as Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports makes a surprise visit, changing everything. Discover how this unexpected review sparked an outpouring of community support and a generous donation that saved Tiny Brick Oven. Will also shares his future plans and unwavering commitment to the community. In this episode, you’ll learn: Will's unique journey from Southern cooking to artisanal pizza. The struggles and triumphs of running a small business. The life-changing impact of Dave Portnoy's "One Bite" review. How community support can transform a struggling business. Will's vision and plans for Tiny Brick Oven's future. Links & Resources: Dave Portnoy Donates $60k to Tiny Brick Oven (Story by SouthBmore.com): https://www.southbmore.com/2024/12/25/dave-portnoy-donates-60000-to-tinybrickoven-in-federal-hill-during-viral-pizza-review/ Tiny Brick Oven Website: https://tinybrickoven.com/ Dough-Nate Pizza to the Hungry: https://checkout.square.site/buy/AGS6OEDIFCMXJJROZTYEWCOP Kevin Lynch (Pizza Channel Kevin) - Watch Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8VcbccuiZ0&t=3s

In this episode of South Baltimore Now, hosts Kev and Nate discuss the fascinating world of kayaking in Baltimore with Ray Scurr, President of the Canton Kayak Club, and Rob Bennett, VP of Communications. They explore the club's unique kayak-share program, its new locations, and efforts to make the waterfront more accessible. The conversation highlights the benefits of kayaking, the various paddling spots in and around Baltimore, and interesting community partnerships. Through their in-depth discussion, Ray and Rob reveal how kayaking fosters a sense of community, environmental awareness, and provides a unique perspective of Baltimore's waterways.   Website: https://cantonkayakclub.com/   Join or Renew Your Membership Here: https://cantonkayakclub.com/register/membership-renewal/   00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:13 Meet the Canton Kayak Club 01:54 Kayaking Locations and Experiences 03:33 Increased Interest and Community Events 04:36 Getting Started with Kayaking 05:26 Exploring Beyond Baltimore 08:41 Safety and Training for New Members 14:34 Partnerships and Future Plans 16:10 Membership and Discounts 16:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of South Baltimore Now, hosts Nate Carper and Kevin Lynch welcome Alissa Ganser, the newly named CEO and president of Business Volunteers Maryland. Alissa shares insights on the role of her organization in connecting businesses with meaningful volunteer opportunities, serving as a strategic partner to enhance corporate philanthropy and community engagement. The discussion covers Business Volunteers Maryland’s history, the significance of their work, and the impactful programs they run to support nonprofits. Alissa highlights the growing trends in corporate volunteering and offers multiple ways for both businesses and individuals to get involved. She underscores the importance of long-term, strategic volunteerism over transactional engagements, fostering deeper, lasting relationships between corporations and community organizations.   https://businessvolunteersmd.org/

On this episode of South Baltimore Now!, hosts Nate and Kevin speak with Christina Betancourt Johnson, CEO of Standard Wellness and The Forest dispensary. Christina discusses The Forest's focus on education, wellness, and community; offering a boutique experience with personalized consultations; and a wide range of products.  She emphasizes The Forest's commitment to the area and its differentiation in the competitive Baltimore market.     Christina also shares her journey into the cannabis industry, information about Maryland's evolving cannabis landscape, and insights into the future of cannabis, including federal rescheduling and the importance of responsible regulation and low tax rates, and more.   https://www.standardwellness.com/maryland/ https://theforestdispensary.com/baltimore-md https://directory.southbmore.com/listings/the-forest-baltimore-specialty-baltimore-maryland