Some broadcasts arrive at exactly the right moment, and February 22 is one of them.
From 7–9 PM Eastern on AM970 Radio, SHAKE IT OFF WITH MERT & LUCAS, LIVE! brings together two guests whose work, in very different arenas, is reshaping how Americans think about fairness, opportunity, and the spaces we call home. It’s an evening that moves from the evolution of civil‑rights principles to the future of residential design and renovation — a rare pairing that reveals how ideas, policies, and physical environments all shape the way we live.
Hour 1: Prof. David B. Oppenheimer — The Diversity Principle: The Story of a Transformative Idea
The first hour features Prof. David B. Oppenheimer, a leading scholar of discrimination law, civil rights, and the historical forces that have shaped modern equality jurisprudence. A longtime member of the Berkeley Law faculty, Oppenheimer has spent decades researching the origins, evolution, and legal battles surrounding the diversity principle — tracing how a once‑contested idea became a defining feature of American institutions. His work blends legal history, empirical research, and a deep understanding of the social movements that pushed the country toward a more inclusive vision of opportunity.
His latest book, The Diversity Principle: The Story of a Transformative Idea, offers a sweeping narrative of how diversity became both a legal doctrine and a cultural touchstone. Expect a conversation that examines the principle’s roots, its impact, and the challenges it faces in a rapidly shifting political and legal landscape.
Hour 2: Jon Grishpul — Co‑CEO, MaxableSpace.com & GreatBuildz.com
In the second hour, the show turns to Jon Grishpul, co‑CEO of MaxableSpace.com and GreatBuildz.com, two companies at the forefront of helping homeowners navigate the increasingly complex world of renovations, ADUs, and contractor selection. Grishpul’s work sits at the intersection of design, affordability, and practical problem‑solving — offering homeowners a clearer path through a process that too often feels opaque, overwhelming, or financially risky.
MaxableSpace.com has become a leading resource for homeowners exploring accessory dwelling units, providing guidance on design, permitting, and feasibility. GreatBuildz.com, meanwhile, connects homeowners with vetted contractors and offers support throughout the renovation process, helping people avoid the pitfalls that derail so many projects. Grishpul brings a grounded, consumer‑focused perspective on how Americans can build smarter, live better, and make informed decisions about the spaces they inhabit.
About the Hosts
• Lucas A. Ferrara — New York attorney, law professor, award‑winning film producer, and editorial strategist. Lucas blends legal expertise with creative storytelling, shaping sharp, accessible conversations on politics, power, culture, and the forces that shape public life.
• Mert Roberts — A seasoned commentator known for incisive analysis and lively debate, bringing wit, clarity, and a grounded perspective to complex issues while keeping the conversation engaging and relatable.
Tune In
LIVE on AM970 Radio | Sunday, February 22 | 7–9 PM (Eastern)
Replays stream everywhere: Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, and more.
More info: shakeitofflive.com
This isn’t just another Sunday broadcast. It’s a reminder that ideas matter — and so do the homes we build around them.
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You can also find the show playing here:
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To view a list of some of Lucas's other projects, click here: https://linktr.ee/lucasaferrara
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