Best WYPR Baltimore Podcasts (2024)

1
For decades, he told Baltimore's stories. Now, WMAR's Jamie Costello writes a new chapter—retirement 48:43

1h ago48:43

48:43

Jamie Costello reported stories in Baltimore, about Baltimore and its communities, for nearly 40 years. And on Friday, at the end of the 6:00pm newscast, Costello will sign off from the anchor desk at WMAR for the final time. Costello is from Baltimore, and his authenticity and experience as a story-teller have always been a hallmark of his style. …

1
Stranger Things: "Real Life and Other Fictions" by Susan Coll and "The Husbands" by Holly Gramazio. 3:54

1h ago3:54

3:54

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels full of weird events, bizarre coincidences, and almost unbelievable outcomes: Real Life and Other Fictions, by Susan Coll, and The Husbands, by Holly Gramazio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
West Baltimore neighbors want to slow Amtrak's plans 25:31

2h ago25:31

25:31

A new Amtrak tunnel has been in development for years. But residents of West Baltimore feel their concerns are being ignored as the project picks up speed. Amy Petkovsek, head of the Community Law Center lays out their demands. Plus, we hear from Angel St. Jean, a Reservoir Hill resident and Amtrak assistant vice president and engineer Luigi Rosa a…

1
A look back at the school year with Baltimore City Public School's CEO 48:43

1d ago48:43

48:43

Baltimore City's public school system is led by one of the longest-serving school superintendents in the nation. Dr. Sonja Santelises joins Midday on Education to look back on the school year, which ends on Thursday, June 13. Last month, the board of the Baltimore City Public Schools approved a $1.8 billion budget, which includes a new $4.5 million…

1
Disinformation is rampant. A new book guides us through what to do. 48:41

3h ago48:41

48:41

Disinformation, spread far and wide online, threatens the health of a democracy. But a new book offers prescriptions for how to counter disinformation. The Death of Truth: How Social Media and the Internet Gave Snake Oil Salesmen and Demagogues the Weapons They Needed to Destroy Trust and Polarize the World-And What We Can Do About It is a new book…

1
Take that, Cancer! 28:59

1h ago28:59

28:59

This week on the podcast, two stories about women setting a brave — and joyful — new course in the wake of sickness and loss. Music: “Cardboard Engineering” by Jesse Spillane/Free Music Archive The Stoop Storytelling Podcast is hosted by Laura Wexler and Jessica Henkin, produced by Maureen Harvie, and distributed by Your Public Studios. See omnystu…

1
The latest from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Symphony in the City and 'Captivating Personas' 25:24

4h ago25:24

25:24

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been called one of Maryland’s most important cultural institutions. Today we hear from two of the talented people involved in their work. Jonathon Heyward is the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He is finishing his inaugural season, including a final show in the Symphony in the City seri…

1
Midday at the Movies: Are this year's summer blockbusters lackluster? 23:21

4h ago23:21

23:21

Today is Midday at the Movies, our monthly focus on new films and film-industry trends with movie aficionados Jed Dietz, founding director of the Maryland Film Festival, and Max Weiss, film critic and Editor-in-Chief of Baltimore Magazine. We discuss some current releases, including Furiosa, and look at recent poor box office numbers across the Uni…

1
Baltimore celebrates Juneteenth and the work of Black composers and musicians 20:50

5h ago20:50

20:50

In celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month and Juneteenth, we get previews of two events that highlight the work from some of the musicians, singers and composers who have made an enormous impact on the nation’s arts and culture. Soprano Alexandria Crichlow and Samuel Springer, Doctor of Musical Arts at Morgan State University give…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Standing up for yourself, and to family! 4:43

5d ago4:43

4:43

Here’s a Stoop Story from Angie Elliott about standing up: for herself, for love, and to family. In celebration of Pride month, Stoop Storytelling has a live show coming up and the theme is ‘B-More Proud: Queer Tales of Charm City.’ It happens Thursday, June 27 at Creative Alliance. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to …

1
Midday News Wrap: Tornado damage in MoCo. Plus, new state laws take effect. 18:57

1d ago18:57

18:57

On today's Midday News Wrap, a look at the aftermath of severe weather in Montgomery County where residents are taking stock following reports of tornados, downed power lines and property damage. Midday host Tom Hall speaks with Jim Brown, president of the Poolesville town commissioners, about last night's storms. Then, there are new laws on the bo…

1
Midday on Sports: Baltimore's own Angel Reese, NBA Finals and sports betting suspensions 20:24

24h ago20:24

20:24

Jason Gay, a sports and humor columnist for the Wall Street Journal, talks basketball, baseball and more. After a long layover, the games begin again tonight with the start of the NBA finals. Plus, we discuss the moment the WNBA is experiencing this season. And in baseball news, Major League Baseball issued bans and suspensions to professional play…

1
Rousuck's Review: 'Love/Sick' at Spotlighters Theatre 9:12

1d ago9:12

9:12

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. Rousck joins Midday to review Love/Sick, onstage at Spotlighters Theatre through June 9. (Photo by Spotlighters Theatre/Jonathan Hemphill) Email us at midday@wypr.org, tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.…

1
The singular history of Maryland's maverick in the U.S. Senate 48:45

2d ago48:45

48:45

On Midday today, a look at the life and legacy of Sen. Charles Mathias. He was a liberal Republican popular in Maryland for more than two decades and was known by his colleagues as the “conscience of the Senate.” A new collection of essays about Sen. Mathias by staffers who worked with him and elected officials who served with him paints a portrait…

1
A Trio of Thrillers: "One of Our Kind" by Nicola Yoon, "Death in the Air" by Ram Murali, and "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore 3:53

2d ago3:53

3:53

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review three new thrillers: One of Our Kind, by Nicola Yoon, Death in the Air, by Ram Murali, and The God of the Woods, by Liz Moore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
Clinicians instead of police: 911 diversion programs in Baltimore and beyond 25:19

7d ago25:19

25:19

Does every call to 911 require a police response? Baltimore and cities across the country are testing alternatives - directing calls to civilians trained in behavioral health instead of police officers. Greg Midgette is an assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Maryland. He’s co-author of a recent study that ex…

1
Overcrowding plagues Baltimore County schools. Officials struggle with what to do next. 10:11

3d ago10:11

10:11

A controversial piece of legislation passed by the Baltimore County Council Monday night attempts to restrict development near overcrowded schools. The effort seeks to address rampant overcrowding in county schools, but critics of the bill say it will do little to relieve crowded classrooms and will only worsen the county’s affordable housing crisi…

1
Bakari Sellers on the pursuit of American equity in 'The Moment' 28:33

7d ago28:33

28:33

Bakari Sellers was the youngest African American elected official in the country when he won a seat in the South Carolina state legislature at the age of 22. Sellers is a civil rights attorney, a CNN political analyst, and the author of two books. The latest is an essay on race, politics, and equality, and a prescriptive call for how to address the…

1
Dr. Ben Chavis goes looking for the bright side in new WYPR feature, 'The Good News' 10:12

4d ago10:12

10:12

A new feature on WYPR seeks to highlight the bright side of the news headlines and celebrates the good in all of us. The Good News, hosted by former head of the NAACP Dr. Benjamin Chavis will broadcast on WYPR and WTMD. The daily radio commentary and headline news review will seek to offer timely and unique perspective on the headline news of the d…

1
Healthwatch With Dr. Leana Wen: Advice on menopause. Plus, a look at doping as Olympics near 38:32

9d ago38:32

38:32

Dr. Leana Wen joins Tom for Midday Healthwatch for their monthly discussion about the public health of Charm City residents. Today, Wen answers questions about menopause. What therapies are effective, and what do women need to know? Plus, with the 2024 Olympics set to get underway next month, is the World Doping Agency doing its job? Wen is a forme…

1
Seventh Stanine Festival Preview 18:35

7d ago18:35

18:35

Our sixth annual Seventh Stanine Festival is taking place Saturday, June 15 from 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This episode previews this year's event and features segments on Water Damage, Geologist of Animal Collective, Tongue Depressor, Susan Alcorn, The Caribbean, Small Sur, Turner Williams, Jr. and Jon Camp. More information can be found at www.rhizomed…

1
Trump conviction: How does this impact the 2024 election? 14:36

12d ago14:36

14:36

A New York jury unanimously found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in order to influence the 2016 presidential election, marking the first time a former president has been found guilty of a crime. Washington Post columnist E. J. Dionne joins Midday to share his analysis of the conviction and how it may impact the …

1
News Wrap: What's proposed in the city's billion dollar budget for 2025? 24:46

10d ago24:46

24:46

City officials are considering Mayor Brandon Scott's proposed fiscal budget for 2025. The Mayor said his budget contains few cuts, with more money going to schools, the Department of Recreation and Parks and public safety. Bill Henry, Baltimore City's Comptroller, joins Midday to discuss the proposed budget, reforms to the city's procurement policy…

1
Rousuck Review: 'The Matchbox Magic Flute' 9:15

7d ago9:15

9:15

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. This week, we take a look at The Matchbox Magic Flute, continuing at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington through June 16. Special note: Songs used in this interview were performed by the cast of The Matchbox Magic Flute at the Goodman Thea…

1
Black world champ boxer Joe Gans put Baltimore on the sport's map 12:40

7d ago12:40

12:40

Joe Gans was the first African American world boxing champion of the 20th century. A Baltimorean, he was also an entrepreneur, philanthropist and started a baseball team that was a precursor to the Negro Leagues. Never heard of him? You’re not alone. There is a dedicated group of people working to change that. We hear from Sara Artes, co-chair of t…

1
Stories from the Stoop: It's a knock out! 12:19

11d ago12:19

12:19

Here is a Stoop Story from Mike ‘The Persecutor’ Paschall, about why it’s worth fighting hard for what you love. The next LIVE stoop event happens later this month on Thursday June 27. The theme is B-More Proud: Queer Tales of Charm City. Hosted at Creative alliance. More information at Stoopstorytelling.com. Do you have a question or comment about…

1
Midday on the Law: The latest on Trump's hush money trial 48:45

8d ago48:45

48:45

Jury deliberations in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump's alleged hush money payments resumed today. The twelve jurors, all New Yorkers, asked to reheard testimony and some of the judge's instructions, according to reporting from AP News. Midday host Tom Hall spoke to Maryland Law Professor Mark Graber and prominent Baltimore-base…

1
New Gay Comic Novels from Stephen Rowley and Stephen McCauley 3:24

8d ago3:24

3:24

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two hot new, hotly anticipated gay comic novels: The Guncle Abroad, by Stephen Rowley, and You Only Call When You're In Trouble, by Stephen McCauley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
Problems and promise of U.S. democracy in 'Minority Rule' 48:46

9d ago48:46

48:46

In 2018, Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate won nearly 20 million more votes than their GOP opponents, but Republicans gained two seats and established a 53-47 majority. This is one example of the disintegration of majority rule cited by Mother Jones national voting rights correspondent Ari Berman in his new book, Minority Rule: The Right-Wi…

1
Herring Run Heritage Trail connects visitors to park's past 11:47

10d ago11:47

11:47

Herring Run Park stretches for 375 acres in Northeast Baltimore, reaching from Morgan State University to Armistead Gardens. It's Heritage Trail offers visitors insight into the park's historical and ecological landscape. We speak with Misty Fae, executive director of the Friends of Herring Run Parks, and board member Charles Minor. On Saturday, Ju…

1
Retired Baltimore firefighter honors African American trailblazers 13:32

9d ago13:32

13:32

In 1953, the Baltimore City Fire Department desegregated, hiring its first group of ten Black firefighters. Seven decades later, the African American Firefighters Historical Society honors the continued service of Black firefighters across the country. In January, the organization received a grant to support the creation of the International Black …

1
Erik Larson on the dawn of the Civil War in "The Demon of Unrest" 48:32

10d ago48:32

48:32

Journalist and best-selling author Erik Larson joins Midday to discuss his latest book on the years leading up to the U.S. Civil War. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War is a granular look at the events taking place in the five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln in November 1860 an…

1
How does resentment feed the rural and urban divide? 'White Rural Rage' seeks an answer. 48:32

16d ago48:32

48:32

Political scientist Tom Schaller, who teaches at UMBC, and former Washington Post columnist Paul Waldman have written a book that examines how rural communities wield out-sized political influence. Going even further, to the chagrin of their critics, Schaller and Waldman assert that, quote, “white rural voters pose a growing threat to the world’s o…

1
Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time 19:47

17d ago19:47

19:47

This week on the podcast, three stories about young people who make decisions that seem smart at the time but aren’t! Music: “Run Away” by The New Valleys/Free Music Archive The Stoop Storytelling Podcast is hosted by Laura Wexler and Jessica Henkin, produced by Maureen Harvie, and distributed by Your Public Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for…

1
Anne Lamott reflects on matters of the heart in 'Somehow: Thoughts on Love" 48:32

14d ago48:32

48:32

Anne Lamott is a best-selling author whose large body of work resonates with millions of readers. She writes both fiction and non-fiction and she has just published her 20th book, , Somehow: Thoughts on Love. It is a kind, fun, personal reflection on love. Can love lift us out of despair, and right us when we falter? Lamott answers that question wi…

1
Maryland Gold Star Mothers honor the memory of their children by serving others 13:25

17d ago13:25

13:25

Much more than a kick off to summer, Memorial Day is about remembering those who sacrificed their lives in military service. We meet Paula Davis, president of Maryland Gold Star Mothers -- she talks about her son, Justin, and how the group honors the memories of their children through continued service to the military community. Do you have a quest…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Trust the process! 12:48

14d ago12:48

12:48

Here's a Stoop Story from Luis Rosa-Valentin about why not trying in life … is not an option. Rosa-Valentin served in the U.S. Army until 2008, when he was injured during his service in Iraq. Now he is an artist and the president of Single-Handed Arts. We at OTR want to take this moment to honor and remember all of those who have lost their lives d…

1
Former City State's Attorney Mosby is sentenced in federal case 14:21

15d ago14:21

14:21

A sentencing hearing for Marilyn Mosby, a former two-term Baltimore State’s Attorney, was held today in a federal court in Greenbelt. Mosby was convicted of perjury and mortgage fraud in February. Debbie Hines joined Midday to discuss the latest. She is a former prosecutor and trial attorney, and the author of Get Off My Neck: Black Lives, White Ju…

1
Midday on Medicine: A different approach to chronic illness? 24:44

15d ago24:44

24:44

Will new approaches to preventative care lead to fewer cases of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension? John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, is the President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare joins Midday to discuss how the medical center is attempting a more proactive approach to treating patients in the Baltimore region with diabetes, hypertension and ob…

1
Rousuck's Review: 'A Midsummer's Night Dream' at Everyman Theatre 9:39

15d ago9:39

9:39

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. This week, we discuss the classic play A Midsummer's Night Dream, on stage at the Everyman Theatre through June 9. One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, Midsummer often sees theaters make creative changes to the script. Is that the case a…

1
Back to the Garden: Our Spring guide to caring for your garden 48:46

16d ago48:46

48:46

The warm and sunny weather is here, and many Marylanders are headed outdoors to tend to our gardens. Two seasoned pros join Midday for a seasonal conversations about what we can grow around our homes, in our yards and our community gardens. Carrie Engel, the veteran plant specialist and Greenhouse Manager at Valley View Farms Nursery and Garden Cen…

1
Baltimore Museum of Industry exhibit uplifts the modern labor movement 12:04

16d ago12:04

12:04

Baltimore has seen a surge in union organizing, with local wins for workers at high-profile companies like Apple and Starbucks. The Baltimore Museum of Industry is marking this moment in time with its latest exhibit, titled: “Collective Action: Labor Activism in 21st Century Baltimore.” We speak with BMI Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Rache…

1
How much do you make? The founder of Salary Transparent Street isn't afraid to ask. 14:20

16d ago14:20

14:20

How much do you make? It’s a taboo question, but Hannah Williams is working to change that. Williams is the founder of Salary Transparent Street. You may have seen her videos, where she asks people at parks, farmers’ markets, or just walking down the street, to share their salary. We ask how she developed her passion for salary transparency. Links:…

1
New Memoirs from Salmon Rushdie and Daniel Handler 3:42

21d ago3:42

3:42

Sometimes, you think you know a lot about a favorite author, and then, they write a memoir. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new, revealing memoirs from a pair of famous writers: And Then? And Then? What Else?, by Daniel Handler and Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, by Salman Rushdie. See omnystudio.com/listener for p…

1
In the shadow of Baltimore's port, communities fight for environmental justice 25:12

17d ago25:12

25:12

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March caused some environmental advocates to worry about potential impacts on marine life and ecosystem of the Patapsco River. But concerns surrounding pollution and environmental hazards near the port predate the bridge collapse. Communities near Baltimore's port have long expressed concerns about po…

1
Griefcat, the musical comedy duo, riff on 'Late Stage Capitalism' 23:29

17d ago23:29

23:29

The musical duo Griefcat joins Midday for a live performance. Their latest album, Late Stage Capitalism, showcase the biting humor of the pair of performers. Their funny, satirical songs explore an array of subjects, from crypto currency and the environment, to wealth and religion. Griefcat's Annie Nardolilli and Louisa Hall join the show. Their ne…

1
The latest from BWI Marshall airport as summer travel beckons 48:46

22d ago48:46

48:46

More than 26 million passengers traveled through BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport last year. The airport continues to grow, with an increase in international passengers and international airlines. Upgrades were added to the airport's facilities including new bathrooms that have already earned awards for design and cleanliness. Ricky Smith, the CEO of …

1
Winners of the Mayor's Portrait Competition are announced 11:32

21d ago11:32

11:32

Baltimore City Hall is excited to receive new artwork for its walls this year. Five portraits of the most recent mayors will be painted by local artists. The last mayor to have a portrait painted for display in City Hall is Martin O’Malley, who was in office from 1999 to 2007. The city of Baltimore revealed the names of the five artists chosen to p…

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