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One Room at a Time

PadSplit

Welcome to One Room at a Time, where we explore the bold ideas, innovative policies, and real-world stories driving solutions to America’s housing affordability crisis. Hosted by Atticus LeBlanc, Founder & CEO of PadSplit, each episode features conversations with thought leaders, policymakers, property owners, and changemakers who are working—one room, one property, and one policy at a time—to expand housing access. Whether you’re a real estate professional, housing advocate, city leader, or simply passionate about solving the housing crisis, this show delivers fresh perspectives and actionable ideas that can make a difference.

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  • 20 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 29 min
  • English

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  • S1 · E24
    August 18 · 29 min

    Ep 15 Part 1: Marc Pollack on Affordable Housing Preservation, Homelessness, and Building Without Tax Credits

    Host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, interviews Marc Pollack, president and board chairman of EQ Housing Advisors and chairman emeritus of RangeWater Real Estate, about solutions to the housing crisis. Pollack recounts his housing journey, shifting from market-rate development into affordable housing through nonprofit board work, including Partners for HOME, where he learned homelessness often includes people “down on their luck.” They discuss how rental housing evolved from basic “luxury” to ultra-luxury amenities, why new construction can’t reach deeply affordable rents without subsidy, and why EQ now focuses on preserving older properties. Pollack shares about The Darlington project: a 1952 Buckhead, 623-unit preservation deal, with tax exemption and 130 units reserved for formerly homeless residents supported by vouchers and onsite services. 00:00 Show Welcome 00:27 Meet Marc Pollack 02:21 From Teacher to Housing 04:16 Shift to Affordability 06:26 Lessons on Homelessness 09:16 How Rentals Changed 10:28 Building Without Tax Credits 13:28 Preservation and Foreclosures 20:46 Income Inequality Reality 22:18 Darlington Case Study 26:13 Supportive Housing Mix 29:31 Wrap Up and Part Two One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Marc Pollack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-pollack-3b5230b References: EQ Housing Advisors: https://www.eqhousing.com/ RangeWater: https://rangewaterre.com/ Atlanta Housing Fund: https://www.atlantahousing.org/real-estate/co-investment-fund/ ULI Atlanta: https://atlanta.uli.org/ Partners for HOME: https://partnersforhome.org/ Atlanta Neighborhood Partnership: https://www.andpi.org/ The Darlington / The Lofts at Twenty25: https://www.eqhousing.com/post/atlantica-properties-and-eq-housing-advisors-acquire-the-lofts-at-twenty25-formerly-known-as-the-darlington

  • S1 · E23
    August 4 · 23 min

    Ep 14 Part 2: Houston’s No-Zoning Advantage for Shared Housing and Building Community at PadSplit

    Atticus LeBlanc hosts part two of a conversation with Ryan McCarthy, founder/CEO of Passive Investor Network and a multi-property PadSplit host in Houston, about how Houston’s lack of zoning and business-friendly approach supports housing supply and affordability. Ryan describes working proactively with the city on code compliance, noting requirements centered on egress, firewalls between adjacent townhome-style properties, and smoke detectors, without commercial-code features like sprinklers for their 10-bedroom new-construction homes. They discuss how lower regulatory and construction costs help keep room prices affordable, and how PadSplit’s flexible, lower move-in cost alternative addresses the “stacking” burden of deposits and utilities. Ryan advises prospective hosts to lead with care, and shares about his operation’s culture managers, onboarding process, community partnerships, and quarterly meetups to build resident community and reduce stigma. 00:00 Welcome Back Part Two 00:31 Houston Without Zoning 01:46 Working With City Officials 03:58 Local Control And Compliance 06:25 Safety Requirements For 10 Beds 08:00 Residential Code And Costs 09:58 Advice For New Hosts 11:55 Culture Managers And Onboarding 14:51 Who Lives In PadSplit 19:13 Rapid Fire And Wrap Up One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Ryan McCarthy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccarthy111/ References: Passive Investor Network: https://passiveinvestor.net/ PadSplit Homes from PIN in Houston: https://www.padsplit.com/host-profile/d8203b55535e4ba A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa,​ and Murray Silverstein: https://a.co/d/094CmeVN

  • S1 · E22
    July 21 · 21 min

    Ep 14 Part 1: Building new construction, 10-bedroom homes designed for coliving in Houston

    Host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, interviews Ryan McCarthy, founder and CEO of Passive Investor Network (PIN), about his path in residential real estate and belief in coliving. McCarthy began investing in 2011, became a top Houston investment realtor, and in 2018 launched PIN to give investors institutional-quality deal flow and support. He describes witnessing rising rents and affordability challenges in Austin and Houston, and how personal experiences with renting rooms shaped his conviction that shared housing can build community and expand affordability, including through PadSplit. He explains shifting from remodels to inside-the-loop Houston new-construction PadSplits for better geography, efficiency, predictable maintenance, and optimized 10 bed/bath designs, emphasizing high-end thematic interiors that residents feel proud to call home. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:16 Houston Heat Banter 02:09 Ryan Origin Story 03:19 Why Passive Investor Network 06:59 Scaling Tools for Investors 08:06 Discovering Coliving 12:03 Why Build New Construction 15:18 Lessons from Ground Up Builds 17:08 Design Themes and Pride 20:50 Wrap Up and Next Episode One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Ryan McCarthy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccarthy111/ References: Passive Investor Network: https://passiveinvestor.net/ PadSplit Homes from PIN in Houston: https://www.padsplit.com/host-profile/d8203b55535e4ba

  • S1 · E21
    July 7 · 23 min

    Ep 13 Part 2: How PadSplit Changed One Grandmother’s Life With a Stable Home

    Host Atticus LeBlanc continues a conversation with Todd Waller, a licensed clinical social worker and PadSplit member, about housing stress for working and fixed-income clients and why PadSplit’s all-inclusive model matters. Todd describes Wi-Fi and utilities as essential but costly bills that add cognitive overload, and notes many clients seek help to avoid shutoffs. He explains many Social Security/disability recipients get about $994/month, making typical rent-to-income requirements impossible; even subsidized housing around $850 leaves little for food and transit, and seniors are often priced out or exploited by informal room rentals. Todd shares a case where he helped a grandmother move from a $400/week extended-stay motel to a PadSplit room, reducing housing costs to about $750/month and improving her stability and social support. He calls PadSplit trustworthy due to host responsiveness, platform oversight, and flexibility to move. 00:00 Welcome Back Part Two 00:34 All Inclusive Housing Stress 01:41 Wi Fi As A Lifeline 02:44 Utility Bills Breaking Budgets 03:45 Living On Social Security 07:02 Seniors And Housing Scams 08:17 How Todd Vets Homes 10:54 Grandmother Finds Stability 15:19 From Motel To Home 17:51 Why PadSplit Feels Trustworthy 21:04 Mobility And Accountability 22:12 Closing Thanks And Subscribe One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ References: DeKalb Regional Crisis Center: https://claratel.org/crisis/ Sign up to be a PadSplit Member via Todd’s referral link: https://www.padsplit.com/?sign-up&referralCode=5D616998&ref_device=app&ref_role=m&ref_source=link

  • S1 · E20
    June 23 · 25 min

    Ep 13 Part 1: A Social Worker's Perspective: Living in a PadSplit and Referring It to Others Who Are Housing Insecure

    Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, interviews Todd Waller, a licensed clinical social worker with Claratel Behavioral Health and the DeKalb Regional Crisis Center who has also been a PadSplit member for more than three years. Todd shares how he discovered PadSplit during a difficult housing transition and why what began as a temporary solution became his long-term home. Drawing from both his personal experience and his work supporting individuals facing housing instability, Todd discusses the growing affordability crisis, the challenges people face accessing traditional housing, and why shared living has become an important resource for working adults. He also shares stories of clients who moved from homelessness, shelters, and couch surfing into stable housing through PadSplit, explaining why he has become one of the platform's strongest advocates. 00:00 Welcome and Meet Todd Waller 01:40 How Todd Found PadSplit and Why He Stayed 04:15 A Social Worker's View of the Housing Crisis 07:30 Why PadSplit Works for Housing-Insecure Clients 10:15 Helping Clients Navigate the Housing Search 12:00 Success Stories and Long-Term Stability 15:00 Challenging the Stigma Around Shared Living 17:45 Financial Freedom Through Affordable Housing 19:00 The Changing Face of Housing Insecurity 22:00 Why Housing Is the Foundation for Everything Else 24:15 Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ References: DeKalb Regional Crisis Center: https://claratel.org/crisis/ Sign up to be a PadSplit Member via Todd’s referral link: https://www.padsplit.com/?sign-up&referralCode=5D616998&ref_device=app&ref_role=m&ref_source=link

  • S1 · E19
    June 9 · 32 min

    Ep 12: Baselane’s Mathias Korder on a “CFO in Your Pocket” for Real Estate Investors

    Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, interviews Mathias Korder, co-founder and CEO of Baselane, a financial platform for real estate investors that combines banking, bookkeeping, rent collection, and tax tools and serves over 50,000 investors managing over $3B in annual transactions. Mathias shares his background and explains Baselane’s origin in building SMB banking products that weren’t tailored to real estate investors’ cash flow, property-level accounting, and Schedule E tax needs. He discusses serving diverse strategies (rooms, short-, mid-, and long-term rentals, fix-and-flip) with automated transaction tagging, reporting, expense splitting, and depreciation schedules, plus integrations for migration. Korder describes a roadmap from utility to automation to AI-driven insights as a “CFO in your pocket,” notes customers often double rent/income over two years, and highlights common investor mistakes and housing regulation bottlenecks. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:24 Meet Mathias and Baselane 02:11 From Morgan Stanley to BCG 05:05 The Aha Problem 06:44 Investor Pain Points 08:02 Building for Every Strategy 10:51 Loans and Bank Covenants 14:06 Automation and Reporting 15:50 Rent by the Room Finance 19:50 Depreciation and Tax Tools 21:20 Customer Outcomes and Growth 24:10 Setup and Migration 27:38 AI CFO in Your Pocket 29:51 Rapid Fire and Wrap Up One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Mathias Korder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathiaskorder/ References: Baselane: https://www.baselane.com/ Boston Consulting Group: https://www.bcg.com/ Morgan Stanley: https://www.morganstanley.com/ The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son by G. Ng: https://a.co/d/0as2DUly Become a PadSplit Host: https://www.padsplit.com/hosts

  • S1 · E18
    May 26 · 43 min

    Ep 11: From PadSplit member to entrepreneur & PadSplit host: Azubuike Akunne’s Journey

    Host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, interviews Azubuike Akunne, a former PadSplit member in Houston and now founder of NeuBite and nonprofit AveNeu. Azubuike shares about his background before working at a transportation technology company in Houston and choosing PadSplit for flexibility, affordability, and the experience of shared living. He describes clean homes, clear rules, maturity among members, navigating conflicts, including a suspected white supremacist roommate, and practicing “ego death.” Now back in Columbus, he helped renovate his mother’s duplex into an Airbnb, then shifted part and eventually plans to shift all to PadSplit, contrasting Airbnb’s seasonality and guest expectations with PadSplit’s vetting and consistency. He explains NeuBite’s SNAP EBT-enabled vending approach and goals to expand food access nationwide. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:32 Azubuike Origins and Travels 03:26 Finding PadSplit in Houston 05:07 First Impressions and House Culture 08:58 Roommates Conflict and Lessons 13:32 Why Choose Coliving 16:18 Saving for Art Dreams 19:28 After PadSplit and DIY Renting 21:01 Building NeuBite Food Access 27:14 Hosting in Columbus and Renovations 28:42 PadSplit vs Airbnb Reality Check 37:11 Host Mindset and Member Impact 40:31 Advice and Fast Break Wrap 42:21 Closing and Where to Follow One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Azubuike Akunne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azubuikeakunne/ References: NeuBite: https://www.shopneubite.com/ Become a PadSplit Host: https://www.padsplit.com/hosts

  • S1 · E17
    May 12 · 39 min

    Ep 10: The Current Housing Bills in Congress with Dennis Shea from the Bipartisan Policy Center

    In this episode, host Atticus LeBlanc, CEO of PadSplit, interviews Dennis Shea, EVP at the Bipartisan Policy Center and Chair of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy, about his career spanning Senate work, trade roles, and becoming HUD Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. Shea explains Ron Terwilliger’s impact as a housing philanthropist and how the BPC Housing Center was created. They discuss BPC’s “American Housing Act” framework focused on supply, preservation, and support, and the House and Senate housing bills that passed with large bipartisan margins, including the Senate build-to-rent divestiture requirement and other controversial aspects. They note executive orders on deregulation and mortgage access, emphasize multiple solutions beyond federal action, explore coliving and shared housing, especially for aging households, and Shea highlights regulatory compliance costs as a major driver of high housing costs. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:20 Dennis Shea Career Path 03:52 HUD and Housing Mission 07:29 Who Is Ron Terwilliger 11:53 BPC Role in Housing 14:49 Senate Bill Controversy 17:16 Build to Rent Details 21:34 Coliving and Aging 28:55 Getting It Over Line 34:33 Rapid Fire and Wrap One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Dennis Shea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-shea-6a745517/ References: Bipartisan Policy Center: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/ Bob Lighthizer: https://politics.georgetown.edu/profile/bob-lighthizer/ Senator Bob Dole: https://www.senate.gov/senators/FeaturedBios/Featured_Bio_DoleRobertJ.htm Ron Terwilliger: https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/about/j-ronald-terwilliger Habitat for Humanity International: https://www.habitat.org/ Enterprise Community Partners: https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/ Urban Land Institute: https://uli.org/ Roger Staubach: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Staubach 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/whats-in-the-21st-century-road-to-housing-act/ Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Boys-Boat-Americans-Berlin-Olympics/dp/0143125478 National Association of Home Builders: https://www.nahb.org/

  • S1 · E16
    April 28 · 31 min

    Ep 09: PadSplit Member Shares How PadSplit Helped Her Find Safety, Community, and Savings

    Host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, interviews PadSplit member Wanda Roshell, who works at Cox Automotive and has lived in a metro Atlanta PadSplit for over two years. Wanda shares her background, then explains choosing a PadSplit room after a roommate situation ended, and she wanted to avoid costly, stressful apartment hunting. She prioritized safety, community, and affordability, noting that utilities are included, and the neighborhood feels more secure and less noisy than many apartments. Wanda describes initial fears about living with strangers but says respectful communication and boundaries created a “family” dynamic, challenging policymakers’ narrow definitions of family. She praises her host’s communication and compassion during a period of financial hardship, discusses minor challenges, and outlines savings goals tied to retirement, family, and her future. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:59 Wanda’s Backstory 02:19 Finding PadSplit 04:24 Why a Room Not Apartment 07:49 Work and First Impressions 09:12 Skepticism to Comfort 11:52 Roommates as Family 14:20 Safety and House Rules 15:47 Savings and Future Goals 17:00 Host Relationship Matters 23:18 Living With Six Roommates 26:32 Dreaming Bigger and Wrap Up One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ References: Cox Automotive: https://www.coxautoinc.com/brands/manheim/

  • S1 · E15
    April 14 · 28 min

    Ep 08 Part 2: Bridging the Gap: How Lotus Campaign Uses Incentives and Scalable Solutions to Address Homelessness

    Host Atticus LeBlanc continues his conversation with Beth Silverman of Lotus Campaign about policy, trends, and the future of homelessness solutions. Beth argues the U.S. over-focuses on emergency responses and long-run permanent housing while neglecting interim “next step” options, and says homelessness tools haven’t kept pace with structural drivers like housing supply and demand. She highlights progress where communities modernize zoning and codes and where public, nonprofit, and private sectors align. Looking to 2026, Lotus plans to expand impact in Charlotte and Raleigh, grow into a third market, refine programs using technology and data, and scale while maintaining high-touch local execution. 00:00 Welcome Back and Setup 00:23 Incentives and Missing Middle 02:26 Weaponized Subsidies Explained 04:41 Nonprofit Tools and Roadblocks 06:23 Zoning Fixes and Best Practices 08:38 Turf Wars and Community Courage 13:02 Housing as a Human Right 15:38 Supply Shortage and Economics 20:02 Lotus Vision for 2026 21:36 Scaling the Lotus Model 22:44 Rapid Fire Habits and Bad Bunny 25:41 Misconceptions and Closing One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Beth Silverman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-silverman-7218a524/ References: Lotus Campaign: https://www.lotuscampaign.org Dr. Gregg Colburn, University of Washington: https://re.be.uw.edu/people/gregg-colburn/ Dr. Margot Kushel: https://medicine.ucsf.edu/people/margot-kushel Community Solutions: https://community.solutions/ Cabrini: https://www.angel.com/movies/cabrini The Poetry Remedy by William Sieghart: https://a.co/d/0j7m4LXV Lost & Found: A Memoir by Kathryn Schulz: https://a.co/d/04JG7iQk Bad Bunny: https://www.youtube.com/@BadBunnyPR

  • S1 · E14
    March 31 · 31 min

    Ep 08 Part 1: The Importance of Cross-Sector Collaboration to Solve Homelessness

    Host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, interviews Beth Silverman, co-founder and executive director of the Lotus Campaign, about her cross-sector career in city planning, real estate, and public policy and how it led to tackling homelessness. Beth describes Lotus as a partnership model that connects landlords, developers, and social service organizations to place individuals and families experiencing or near homelessness into market-rate, mixed-income housing. Lotus began in Charlotte, expanded to Raleigh, and has housed nearly 800 people with a 91–95% renewal success rate, largely using philanthropic funding. She also highlights myth-busting work emphasizing homelessness as a housing problem and shares examples of impact and future expansion plans. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:24 Beth Silverman Introduction 01:33 Career Path Across Sectors 03:49 Origins of Lotus Campaign 08:16 What Lotus Does 12:31 Voucher Comparison and Myth Busting 14:11 Landlord Objections and Risk 18:56 Lease Ready Support Model 22:27 Scaling Results and Funding 26:00 Expansion Plans and Myths 30:52 Closing and Part Two Tease One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Beth Silverman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-silverman-7218a524/ References: Lotus Campaign: https://www.lotuscampaign.org Urban Land Institute: https://uli.org/ Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely: https://a.co/d/0feG8L6g Housing Choice Vouchers: ​​https://www.usa.gov/housing-voucher-section-8 Sharon Crossing Investment: https://www.lotuscampaign.org/first-impact-investment/ Homelessness is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns by Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern: https://a.co/d/0ebb08hb

  • S1 · E13
    March 17 · 23 min

    Ep 07 Part 2: Parking, Fire Codes, and Stairways…Oh My! How Deregulation Can Unlock Housing

    Host Atticus LeBlanc continues a conversation with Alex Horowitz of Pew Charitable Trusts about housing reform momentum and evidence that reducing regulatory barriers increases supply and improves affordability. Alex discusses how cities and states eliminated parking mandates and reduced lot sizes, leading to long-term housing affordability. They also discuss building and fire codes, focusing on allowing single-stair designs, which research suggests can cut construction costs while enabling larger, better-lit units. Finally, Alex emphasizes bipartisan policy optimism, including federal legislation proposals, with by-right apartments on commercially zoned land as a key lever. Atticus summed up these deregulations with the line: “make it legal, make it easy, and they will come.” 00:00 Welcome Back and Setup 00:25 Momentum for Housing Reform 01:37 Minneapolis Zoning Wins 03:45 Austin and Houston Supply Surge 05:36 Why Officials Miss the Data 06:45 More Reform Case Studies 08:43 Fire Codes and Housing Costs 10:34 Single Stair Buildings Explained 12:44 Safety Data and Tradeoffs 17:19 Reasons for Optimism 20:23 Rapid Fire Q and A 23:09 Closing and Where to Learn More One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Alex Horowitz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-horowitz-69549945/ References: Housing Policy Research: pew.org/housingpolicy Pew Research: Modern Multifamily Buildings Provide the Most Fire Protection​: https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2025/09/modern-multifamily-buildings-provide-the-most-fire-protection Pew Research: States Advance Single-Stairway Reforms to Expand Housing​: https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2025/11/04/states-advance-single-stairway-reforms-to-expand-housing Pew Research: Small Single-Stairway Apartment Buildings Have Strong Safety Record​: https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2025/02/small-single-stairway-apartment-buildings-have-strong-safety-record Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity by Yoni Applelbaum: https://a.co/d/00ypoJO1 Why Nothing Works by Marc Dunkelman: https://a.co/d/02mDeWjA Recoding America by Jennifer Pahlka: https://a.co/d/0gEn07yr

  • S1 · E12
    March 3 · 35 min

    Ep 07 Part 1: Data on Homelessness, SROs, and Coliving with Pew’s Director of Housing Policy Research

    In this episode of One Room at a Time, host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, engages in a data-filled discussion with Alex Horowitz, Director of Housing Policy at the Pew Charitable Trusts. They explore critical issues around housing affordability, focusing on the role and history of Single Room Occupancies (SROs), the emergence of coliving spaces, and the significant impact of outdated policies and regulations on the housing supply. Horowitz discusses the extensive research on homelessness and reforms that helped cause today's housing shortages. The conversation highlights the importance of policy choices — and the ongoing efforts to address housing affordability at all levels of government. 00:00 Introduction to One Room at a Time 00:30 Meet Alex Horowitz: Housing Policy Expert 01:30 The Housing Affordability Crisis 02:52 Homelessness and Housing Costs 10:38 State vs. Local Housing Policies 15:31 The Role of SROs in Housing History 23:35 Office-to-Residential Conversions 30:20 Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing 34:14 Conclusion and What's Next One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Alex Horowitz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-horowitz-69549945/ References: Housing Policy Research: pew.org/housingpolicy Living Downtown: The History of Residential Hotels in the United States by Paul Groth: https://a.co/d/0aao0Q9O Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator: https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity by Yoni Applelbaum: https://a.co/d/00ypoJO1 Pew Research: How Housing Costs Drive Levels of Homelessness: https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2023/08/22/how-housing-costs-drive-levels-of-homelessness Pew Research: How States and Cities Decimated Americans’ Lowest-Cost Housing Option: https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2025/07/how-states-and-cities-decimated-americans-lowest-cost-housing-option Pew Research: Converting Offices to Tiny Apartments Could Add Low-Cost Housing: https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2025/02/04/converting-offices-to-tiny-apartments-could-add-low-cost-housing Techstars Atlanta: https://techstarsatlanta.com/ AARP Study: Making Room: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2018/making-room-housing-for-a-changing-america.html

  • S1 · E11
    February 17 · 21 min

    Ep 06 Part 2: How to Create New Housing Supply with New Western’s Kurt Carlton

    In this episode of the One Room at a Time podcast, host Atticus LeBlanc, CEO of PadSplit, continues the conversation with Kurt Carlton, co-founder and president of New Western. They discuss the hurdles and opportunities for creating new housing inventory and the partnership between PadSplit and New Western, focusing on the benefits of coliving as an investment strategy. The conversation covers policy trends, the role of individual real estate investors in addressing affordable housing, and the innovations and challenges in the industry. Carlton shares insights on the importance of activating existing housing stock, the impact of regulatory environments, and the role of technology and AI in improving the investor experience. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions on daily habits, impactful books, and key lessons from entrepreneurship. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 The Partnership Between PadSplit and New Western 02:11 Innovative Strategies in Real Estate Investment 03:14 The Role of Technology and Data in Housing Affordability 10:16 Policy and Regulation Impacting Real Estate 16:02 Rapid Fire Q&A with Kurt Carlton 20:35 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Kurt Carlton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtcarlton/ References: PadSplit and New Western’s Partnership: https://www.padsplit.com/newwestern Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Roz: https://a.co/d/4PgbQyS Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://a.co/d/8LfFQ17 Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell: https://a.co/d/2yj8vE2

  • S1 · E11
    February 13 · 40 min

    BONUS Ep: The Court Cases Affecting Coliving and the Golden Girls Bill with Pacific Legal Foundation

    In this bonus episode of One Room at a Time, hosted by Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, the discussion focuses on the past, present, and future constitutional battles surrounding shared housing. Atticus is joined by David Deerson, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, who provides a comprehensive history of zoning laws, significant court cases such as Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., Belle Terre v. Boraas, and more recent developments in states like Pennsylvania. They delve into the evolving legal interpretations of family definitions and intimate association, and the impact of these precedents on affordable housing. David also discusses the implications of the proposed Golden Girls Bill and shares his prognosis on the future of coliving legislation and legal challenges in the U.S. 00:00 Introduction to One Room at a Time 00:25 The Legality of Coliving and Shared Housing 01:10 Guest Introduction: David Deerson from Pacific Legal Foundation 01:39 History and Mission of Pacific Legal Foundation 03:51 Zoning Policy and the Definition of Family 05:16 Supreme Court Cases on Zoning and Family Definitions 12:38 Thurgood Marshall's Dissent and Its Relevance Today 21:33 Recent Developments and Legal Challenges 30:52 The Golden Girls Bill and Model Policy 33:34 Future of Shared Housing Policy 39:53 Conclusion and Wrap-Up One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with David Deerson via email: DDeerson@pacificlegal.org References: Pacific Legal Foundation: https://pacificlegal.org/ Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/272/365/ Village of Belle Terre v. Boraas (1974): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/416/1/ Moore v. City of East Cleveland (1977): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/431/494/ City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center (1985): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/473/432/ U.S. Department of Agriculture v. Moreno (1973): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/413/528/ Doctrine of Intimate Association (via Roberts v. United States Jaycees, 1984): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/468/609/ Homeroom v. City of Shawnee (10th Circuit): https://pacificlegal.org/case/shawnee-co-living-ban-housing/ PLF Amicus Brief for Havel v. City of Kent (Ohio): https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/pdf_viewer/pdf_viewer.aspx?pdf=989595.pdf&subdirectory=2025-0495\DocketItems&source=DL_Clerk Golden Girls Bill (Pennsylvania): https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2109 Golden Girls Model Policy (Pacific Legal Foundation): https://pacificlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Legislative-Docs-Golden-Girls-Act.pdf Colorado “Bedrooms Are for People” Campaign: https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/27/bedrooms-are-for-people-housing-occupancy-limits/

  • S1 · E10
    February 3 · 36 min

    Ep 06 Part 1: Who “real estate investors” really are and how they’re solving the housing shortage with New Western’s Kurt Carlton

    In this episode of One Room at a Time, host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, and guest Kurt Carlton, co-founder and president of New Western, discuss the housing affordability crisis and the critical role real estate investors play in addressing it. They unpack who the true “real estate investors” are, highlighting how individuals are taking on risk to revitalize their own communities. The episode also touches on policy challenges, market dynamics, and the importance of local, small-scale investors in solving the housing supply problem. Listeners are encouraged to understand the true landscape of real estate investing and the value it brings to creating affordable housing solutions. 00:00 Introduction to One Room at a Time 00:28 Meet Kurt Carlton: Co-Founder of New Western 01:49 The Beginnings of New Western 03:17 Challenges and Evolution in Real Estate 06:46 Understanding the Real Estate Marketplace 11:44 The Role of Small Real Estate Investors 16:28 Policy and Perception of Real Estate Investors 21:12 The Future of Housing and Partnerships 35:31 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Kurt Carlton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtcarlton/ References: PadSplit and New Western’s Partnership: https://www.padsplit.com/newwestern Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2854

  • S1 · E9
    January 20 · 33 min

    Ep 05 Part 2: The Biggest Barriers and Opportunities for Housing: A Policy Discussion with a Former HUD Deputy Secretary

    In this episode of the One Room at A Time podcast, host Atticus LeBlanc, CEO of PadSplit, continues his conversation with Pamela Hughes Patenaude. As a housing policy expert and former Deputy Secretary of HUD, Pam shares her proudest achievements, including the early adoption of accessory dwelling units in New Hampshire. The discussion covers trends in housing innovation, barriers to implementation, and potential solutions such as modular construction and better financing options for innovative housing types. Pam also shares insights on mentoring future housing leaders and the importance of federal, state, and local collaboration to address the housing crisis. The episode underscores the need for political courage and regulatory reform to make housing more affordable and accessible. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:32 Pamela's Early Career and ADU Advocacy 02:00 Disaster Recovery and Housing Programs 04:48 Innovations in Housing Construction 09:36 Challenges in Housing Finance 13:29 Mentorship and Career Advice 18:19 Policy Collaboration and Solutions 28:22 Rapid Fire Q&A and Conclusion One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Pamela Hughes Patenaude on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-patenaude-9794847a/ References: ​New Hampshire ADUs: https://www.nhmunicipal.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Guidance_Documents/adus_guidance_revised.pdf Community Development Block Grants: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg/ Loan Depot: https://www.loandepot.com/ Bipartisan Policy Center: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/ Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitat.org/ Diplomat on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81288983 Wilkes Insurrection and Blockchain Syndicate, by Robbie Bach National Association of Realtors Economic Housing Forecast: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook Catchlight Crossings in Orlando: https://catchlightcrossings.com/

  • S1 · E8
    January 6 · 25 min

    Ep 05 Part 1: Four Decades of Housing Policy with Former HUD Deputy Secretary Pamela Hughes Patenaude

    In this episode of One Room at a Time, host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, talks with Pamela Hughes Patenaude, a nationally recognized housing policy expert with over four decades of experience in government, nonprofits, and private industry. They discuss the challenges and changes (or lack thereof) in housing policy over the years, the importance of federal and local regulatory reforms, and the role of shared housing solutions like PadSplit in addressing the affordable housing crisis. Pam shares insights from her extensive career, including her time serving as the deputy secretary of HUD and her motivations for getting and remaining involved in housing policy. 00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:29 Guest Introduction: Pamela Hughes Patenaude 01:34 Pamela's Journey in Affordable Housing 03:16 Changes and Challenges in Housing Policy 06:24 The Role of PadSplit and Shared Housing 12:48 Federal and Local Housing Policy 22:40 Pamela's Passion and Future Outlook 25:09 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Pamela Hughes Patenaude on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-patenaude-9794847a/ References: LIHTC: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.html

  • S1 · E7
    Dec 23, 2025 · 20 min

    Ep 04 Part 2: How Leon Used the VA Loan to Purchase a Second PadSplit and Become His Own Boss

    In this episode of the One Room at a Time podcast, host Atticus LeBlanc, CEO of PadSplit, continues his conversation with Leon Orange, an Army veteran turned content creator and PadSplit host. Leon discusses how he utilized his VA loan to purchase his second PadSplit home, rent out rooms, and achieve financial independence with very little upfront costs. He shares his journey about buying his second home, using the profits to quit his job, and transitioning to his passion of running his own photography business. Leon’s story shows the American Dream of home ownership and financial freedom isn’t dead. He discusses how veterans and others can leverage similar strategies to build wealth, focusing on the pros and cons, and the importance of taking calculated steps toward financial empowerment. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:25 Leon's First VA Loan Experience 01:21 Expanding with a Second Property 03:29 Managing Multiple Properties 07:32 Transition to Full-Time Entrepreneurship 14:52 Advice for Aspiring Investors 16:30 Rapid Fire Questions 18:42 Conclusion and Farewell One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Leon Orange on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orangeismedia/ Leon’s Company: https://www.orangeismedia.com/ Leon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeismedia References: VA Home Loans: https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ OIM Creative Studio: https://www.instagram.com/oimcreativestudio Rourke Heath YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rourkeheath

  • S1 · E6
    Dec 9, 2025 · 24 min

    Ep 04 Part 1: Using the VA Loan to House Hack and Live Rent-Free with Leon Orange

    In this episode of the One Room at a Time podcast, host Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, converses with Leon Orange, a 20-year Army veteran. Leon shares his inspiring journey from military service to real estate investment to creative entrepreneurship. Through his innovative use of financing his first PadSplit through a VA loan, Leon eliminated housing costs and began building wealth by renting out rooms, as an owner-occupant himself. He discusses the challenges and rewards of house hacking, offering practical advice for veterans and aspiring real estate investors. This episode provides valuable insights into leveraging VA loans, managing shared housing, and creating passive income streams. The discussion also highlights Leon's future plans and continued growth in the real estate industry. 00:00 Introduction to One Room at a Time Podcast 00:29 Meet Leon Orange: A Journey of Service and Entrepreneurship 01:42 From Military to Real Estate: Leon's Early Challenges 05:05 Discovering PadSplit: A Game-Changer 06:36 Leveraging VA Loans for Real Estate Success 19:15 Operational Insights and Lessons Learned 23:09 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two One Room at a Time podcast: https://padsplit.com/podcast Connect with Atticus LeBlanc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atticus-leblanc-3960466/ Connect with Leon Orange on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orangeismedia/ Leon’s Company: https://www.orangeismedia.com/ Leon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeismedia References: VA Home Loans: https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ OIM Creative Studio: https://www.instagram.com/oimcreativestudio

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