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.

  1. MAR 17

    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

    24 min

  2. MAR 3

    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/housingpolicyLiving 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.htmStuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity by Yoni Applelbaum: https://a.co/d/00ypoJO1Pew 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-homelessnessPew 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-optionPew 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-housingTechstars 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

    35 min

  3. FEB 17

    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

    22 min

  4. FEB 13 ·  BONUS

    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_ClerkGolden Girls Bill (Pennsylvania): https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2109Golden Girls Model Policy (Pacific Legal Foundation): https://pacificlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Legislative-Docs-Golden-Girls-Act.pdfColorado “Bedrooms Are for People” Campaign: https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/27/bedrooms-are-for-people-housing-occupancy-limits/

    41 min

  5. FEB 3

    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

    36 min

  6. JAN 20

    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.pdfCommunity 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/81288983Wilkes Insurrection and Blockchain Syndicate, by Robbie BachNational Association of Realtors Economic Housing Forecast: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlookCatchlight Crossings in Orlando: https://catchlightcrossings.com/

    33 min

  7. JAN 6

    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

    26 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    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

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    PadSplit
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 PadSplit, Inc.
  • Show Website
    One Room at a Time

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