In this episode of Be More Positive, host Zuryna Livermore sits down with Ron Legler, President of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of Baltimore’s historic Hippodrome Theatre.

Ron shares the story behind the iconic theater—from its beginnings as a 1914 vaudeville house to its transformation into a cultural hub that brings Broadway productions, community events, and arts education to Baltimore.

The conversation explores how Broadway in Baltimore helps drive energy downtown, create opportunities for local artists and unions, and introduce new audiences—especially young people—to the power of live theater. Ron also reflects on his own journey from theater kid to arts leader and why ensuring access to the arts for everyone remains central to the center’s mission.

Plus, they discuss the excitement around upcoming productions, including Hell’s Kitchen, and why experiencing live theater can be both inspiring and deeply personal.

Throughout the conversation, one message is clear: show up, support the arts, and celebrate the stories that bring communities together.

Visit https://www.france-merrickpac.com/ for more information
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@BTimesOnline
@LadyZSays
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In this episode of Be More Positive, Zuryna sits down with Tiffany Bethea, Executive Director of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, to talk about what it really takes to build—and sustain—a business in today’s climate.

Tiffany shares her journey from Hampton University to leading one of Baltimore’s most impactful business organizations, along with how her background in coaching shapes the way she supports entrepreneurs. At the core of her work is helping business owners understand what stage they’re in so they can focus on the right problems and grow with intention.

The conversation touches on:

• Baltimore’s current business “boom” and opportunity for growth
• The power of intentional networking and community
• Why listening is the most underrated business strategy
• The importance of building with impact, not just metrics

Plus, Tiffany shares how the Chamber is creating a clearer path for entrepreneurs to access resources, scale their businesses, and win.

If you’re navigating entrepreneurship or looking for your next level, this episode is both practical and inspiring—with a reminder that in Baltimore, we grow stronger together.

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Follow along online and social for more positive stories about positive people.
@BTimesOnline
@LadyZSays
https://baltimoretimes-online.com/

In this episode of Be More Positive, host Zuryna Livermore sits down with Baltimore media entrepreneur Cassandra Ferguson, founder of Elevation Global Media Group, for a conversation about storytelling, entrepreneurship and the power of showing up with intention.

Ferguson shares how her experience in radio revealed a gap in the industry—many creators had the talent, but lacked the tools, branding and support needed to grow. That realization led her to build Elevation Global Media Group, a full-service media company helping individuals, businesses and organizations develop their voice through production, branding and marketing.

She also discusses her commitment to giving back through media literacy programs in Baltimore City and County schools, where students gain hands-on experience in content creation, podcasting and vision-building—empowering them to see new possibilities for their future.

Plus, Ferguson offers advice for aspiring creators navigating today’s digital space, emphasizing authenticity over imitation and encouraging others to stop overthinking and simply start.
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This episode was produced in partnership with Elevation Global Media Group and The Baltimore Times.

Host: Zuryna Livermore
Executive Producer: Harold Booker

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Follow along online and social for more positive stories about positive people.
@BTimesOnline
@LadyZSays
https://baltimoretimes-online.com/

In this episode of Be More Positive, host Zuryna Livermore sits down with Baltimore content creator and entrepreneur Simone Phillips, founder of Charm City Table, for a conversation about food, culture and the creativity that defines Baltimore.

Born in Baltimore City and raised in the Woodlawn/Windsor Mill area, Simone shares how family traditions, community gatherings and home-cooked meals helped shape her love for food. She also reflects on how Charm City Table evolved from a personal food diary into one of Baltimore’s most recognizable platforms for highlighting local restaurants and diverse culinary voices.

Plus, in a round of “Be More Baltimore,” Simone shares some of her favorite local experiences—from where to take first-time visitors for a crab cake to the traditions that make a Baltimore summer complete.

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This episode was produced in partnership with Elevation Global Media Group and The Baltimore Times.

Host: Zuryna Livermore
Executive Producer: Harold Booker

In this episode of Be More Positive, host Zuryna sits down with Baltimore City’s First Lady, Hana Scott, for an honest conversation about life beyond the headlines. Raised in Northeast Baltimore, Hana shares her journey from Baltimore City Public Schools to earning a full scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and how her path evolved from biology and vaccine research to entrepreneurship and operations strategy.

Hana also opens up about motherhood, postpartum mental health, and navigating life in the public eye while remaining deeply committed to Baltimore and the communities she serves. Plus, in a round of “Be More Baltimore,” she shares some of her favorite local gems—from snowballs to crab cakes.
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This episode was produced in partnership with Elevation Global Media Group and The Baltimore Times.

Host: Zuryna Livermore
Executive Producer: Harold Booker
Photographer: Hugh Williams

CIAA Weekend transforms Baltimore into a city-wide celebration of culture, connection, and community.

In this episode of Be More Positive, host Zuryna Livermore sits down with Kireem Swinton, Interim President & CEO of Visit Baltimore, and CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker to discuss the atmosphere, impact, and legacy of CIAA Weekend.

From signature events and inclusion to economic impact and support for Black-owned businesses, this conversation highlights how CIAA Weekend helps Baltimore tell its own story — on its own terms. The episode also explores why CIAA’s commitment to Baltimore through 2029 matters for tourism, students, and long-term community investment.

Whether you’re an HBCU alum, first-time attendee, or curious about CIAA Weekend in Baltimore, this episode breaks down why it’s more than a basketball tournament — it’s a cultural moment.

🎟️ CIAA Tournament: February 24–28 at CFG Bank Arena
📍 Events across Baltimore through March 1
🔗 Learn more at CIAAtournament.org and baltimore.org

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Follow along online and social for more positive stories about positive people.
@BTimesOnline
@LadyZSays
www.baltimoretimes-online.com

Be More Positive is an extension of The Baltimore Times’ 40-year commitment to telling positive stories about positive people.

For four decades, The Baltimore Times has highlighted the voices, leaders, and everyday changemakers shaping Baltimore and beyond. Now, those stories continue—this time, through conversation.

Hosted by Zuryna Livermore, Be More Positive highlights uplifting stories, meaningful impact, and the people shaping our communities. Spanning culture, business, service, leadership, and legacy, each episode creates space for conversations that inspire, inform, and keep positivity at the center.

Welcome to Be More Positive.

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Follow @LadyZSays and @btimesonline for behind the scenes content.

Visit Baltimore Times Online for more positive stories.
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Executive Produced By:
Zuryna Livermore
Harold Booker