Best WYPR Baltimore Podcasts (2024)

1
Midday on Politics: A look back at RNC, and Trump's closing speech 19:31

1h ago19:31

19:31

The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, came to a close last night with a speech from the party's nominee for President. Donald Trump accepted his party's nomination, thanked his family and delivered a wide-ranging address similar to those heard at his campaign rallies. Lisa Desjardins, a correspondent with PBS News Hour joins M…

1
To protect priorities, Gov. Wes Moore makes nearly $150 million cuts to the Maryland budget 11:27

1h ago11:27

11:27

On the Midday Newswrap today, we are joined by Rachel Baye, WYPR reporter and editor. She covered the nearly $150 million dollar budget cut announced by Gov. Wes Moore last week and approved by the Board of Estimates on Wednesday. Moore, the chair of the three-member Board of Public Works that approved the cuts for the current year's budget, said t…

1
Writer Laura Lippman on 'Lady in the Lake,' filmed and set in Baltimore 17:42

1h ago17:42

17:42

A new show on Apple TV is set, and was filmed in, Baltimore. Based on author Laura Lippman's 2019 novel, 'Lady and the Lake' is a noir thriller following a pair of women whose lives intersect as they are forced to pay a price for their dreams. Maddie Schwartz, played by Natalie Portman, is a Jewish housewife seek a new life as an investigative jour…

1
Maryland's Ms. Agvocate USA wants to educate folks about their food 14:06

1h ago14:06

14:06

Do you ever wonder about who produced the food you enjoy each day? Lindsey Jacobs, Ms. Agvocate USA, wants the public to better understand the farmer to table connection. We learn more in a visit to her Church View Farm. Links: Ms. Agvocate USA, Church View Farm, Cow Week on Maryland Public TV. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a st…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Goodness gracious, goats! 12:18

2h ago12:18

12:18

Here's a Stoop Story from Geoffrey Danek, about the bond that can grow between man and beast. Find more information about the Stoop Storytelling Series -- including live events happening soon, and the Stoop podcast -- at Stoopstorytelling.com Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior S…

1
Poor Dear Planet: "Pearce Oysters" by Joselyn Takacs and "Beep" by Bill Roorbach 3:54

21m ago3:54

3:54

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about the future effects of climate change, both real and imagined: Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs and Beep by Bill Roorbach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
The Baltimore County Police Chief on his summer crime plan, and more 38:23

1h ago38:23

38:23

Today, a conversation with Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough. McCullough is a longtime veteran of the force, having served in several senior leadership roles, including Bureau Chief of Criminal Investigations and Eastern Patrol Division Commander before being named Police Chief last year. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski ci…

1
Rousuck Review: 'The Scottsboro Boys' 10:24

1h ago10:24

10:24

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. We discuss 'The Scottsboto Boys,' on stage at ArtsCentric through July 21. The production is based off the history of a group of young African-American men who were wrongly accused and convicted during the Great Depression. (Photo from ArtsC…

1
Drug costs are hammering Maryland. This board is trying to change that. 34:29

40m ago34:29

34:29

Back in 2019, the Maryland General Assembly created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Their goal? Lowering the cost of drugs for Maryland residents. The board faced several barriers in the past couple years, including a veto from former Gov. Larry Hogan. But in 2023, Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation reaffirming the board’s cost-reduction …

1
Heat scorched Maryland this week. Are you prepared for extreme weather? 14:12

1h ago14:12

14:12

Baltimore was one of the hottest cities in the nation last week. Extreme weather is becoming more common as human-driven changes to the planet's climate continue. Joey Henderson of the Baltimore City Department of Emergency Management on how the city handles the heat and hurricanes, and how you can be best prepared. (Photo by Kylie Cooper, The Balt…

1
Maryland nonprofit helps borrowers navigate student loan repayment 12:03

1h ago12:03

12:03

It’s hard to know where to turn for financial advice, and recent changes and challenges to federal student loan forgiveness and repayment programs have added another layer of complexity. We speak with Tisa Silver Canady, founder of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness. The MCCFW is holding a virtual symposium on July 23rd. Registra…

1
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future propels college and career readiness 14:04

2h ago14:04

14:04

Getting students ready for college or a career is one of five pillars of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the ambitious, expensive ten-year project to make the Free State’s public schools as good as any in the world. We get a progress report from chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland William ‘Brit’ Kirwan. He led the effort t…

1
Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) 20:58

2h ago20:58

20:58

Having co-written many of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' greatest hits as the lead guitarist in the band, Mike Campbell's work has been heard by millions of listeners and still resonates today. In this episode, hear how songs by Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys shaped his musical perspective. Essential Tremors is produced by Matt Byars a…

1
City and county immigration leaders on how newcomers make their homes in Baltimore 14:59

2h ago14:59

14:59

Discussion about immigration, not always based in fact, has featured in campaigning in this election year. But what is the reality of immigration in the Baltimore region? Guiliana Valencia Banks, Baltimore County Chief of Immigrant Affairs, and Catalina Rodriquez-Lima, Director of Baltimore City of Immigrant Affairs, join Midday to discuss immigrat…

1
Will Biden remain the Democratic nominee? The latest 33:37

3h ago33:37

33:37

Concerns about President Joe Biden's health reemerged after a disastrous debate performance in June. Now, several leader in the Democratic party are considering alternative candidates. The Washington Post reports there are currently 22 congressional Democrats, including one U.S. Senator, who have called on Biden to step aside in favor of another st…

1
Maryland reacts to assassination attempt on former President 48:43

1h ago48:43

48:43

A gunman’s failed attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump resulted in the death of a bystander and the injury of two others. President Joe Biden addressed the nation three times over the weekend, calling for unity and the lowering of the rhetorical temperature. Today on Midday, how are Maryland voters and elected officials reacting as …

1
Rousuck Review: The Contemporary American Theater Festival 12:29

22h ago12:29

12:29

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. We discuss the Contemporary American Theater Festival, continuing at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, through July 28. Several plays are on stage at the festivals, do share a common theme? (Photo by Seth Freeman) Email us…

1
A Palestinian and an Israeli hope to jumpstart a new peace movement together 36:15

22h ago36:15

36:15

The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to devastate the region. Is there a sustainable path forward for peace? Aziz Abu Sarah is a Palestinian journalist and tourism entrepreneur who founded MEJDI Tours. Maoz Inon is an Israeli tourism entrepreneur who founded Abraham Hostels. The duo are peace activists who have come together to inspire peace in a…

1
Stories from the Stoop: The show must go on! 10:05

1d ago10:05

10:05

Here's a Stoop Story from Jay Herzog about surviving the hazards of theater … and still having the career to tell about it! Visit Stoop Storytelling.com for information, including live events and the Stoop podcast. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen…

1
ArtsCentric brings 'The Scottsboro Boys' to life 16:31

1d ago16:31

16:31

For two decades ArtsCentric has offered their theater audiences storytelling through an African American lens. “The Scottsboro Boys” is their latest: a tumultuous tale of nine Black teens falsely accused of a heinous crime -- told through the power of music. We get a preview from artistic director and director, Kevin McAllister and Angelo Harringto…

1
Great American Novels: "Long Island Compromise" by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and "Familiaris" by David Wrobliewski 3:54

5d ago3:54

3:54

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review new work from two American authors that are possibly even better than their debuts: Long Island Compromise, by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, and Familiaris, by David Wrobliewski. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
A change in leadership at the Young Victorian Theatre Company 10:31

2d ago10:31

10:31

For decades, Baltimore fans of operetta have had the opportunity to see and hear many Gilbert and Sullivan shows at the Young Victorian Theater Company. Known by many as “Young Vic,” the theatre company has produced 14 of the famed plays over the course of their 25-year collaboration. Ruddigore first opened in 1887 in London, England. The bawdy ope…

1
Katie Pumphrey aced a historic swim into Baltimore's harbor. Now she wants others to join her. 15:07

7d ago15:07

15:07

Ultra marathon swimmer Katie Pumphrey is an accomplished athlete. She swam the English Channel twice, circumnavigated Manhattan and completed the DC Marathon Swim. And in June, she added to her impressive accomplishments in local waters. Pumphrey swam the 24-miles from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into Baltimore's Inner Harbor, a route no one else has…

1
Midday at the Movies: 'The Bikeriders' and 'Brats' 23:02

2d ago23:02

23:02

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 dig into several films, including The Bikeriders, Thelma and Kinds of Kindness. We also discuss the Paramou…

1
Anne Kim on how corporations squeeze profit out of American poverty 48:46

3d ago48:46

48:46

From tax preparation to SNAP benefits, health care to housing, a myriad of government services have been privatized in the name of cost savings and efficiency. But the cost to taxpayers and to recipients is high, and the impact on corporate influence in government is undeniable. Anne Kim writes about the money made on America's poor, in her new boo…

1
Md. schools superintendent Carey Wright on test scores, literacy and Blueprint funding 25:48

3d ago25:48

25:48

Making sure every Maryland school teaches reading with a science-backed approach. Holding schools accountable for test scores. Improving transparency. Maryland’s new state superintendent of schools, has big plans to support local school districts. We ask Dr. Carey Wright about her vision for educational progress. Links: Maryland state schools super…

1
Unrest among Baltimore Sun staff as new owner brings change 20:24

4d ago20:24

20:24

In January, the Baltimore Sun was purchased by David Smith, an executive chairman of Sinclair, Inc. The media company is based in Hunt Valley and owns more than 200 TV stations across the country. Smith purchased the paper for an undisclosed amount with a conservative commentator, Armstrong Williams. Smith made the purchase with personal money, and…

1
Conversation with the Candidates: Shannon Wright for Mayor 28:00

4d ago28:00

28:00

GOP nominee Shannon Wright speaks to Midday about her campaign for Baltimore City mayor in another edition of Conversations with the Candidates. Wright has spent little money on advertising, and faces a tall task in a race against incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott. When the pair last faced off in 2020, Wright received 7 percent of the vote to Scott's 7…

1
A historic West Baltimore school building is put to new use 11:22

5d ago11:22

11:22

Originally built in 1877 as a segregated school for African American children, P.S. 103 will soon host a new headquarters for Baltimore's public health efforts, a museum space for the life of Thurgood Marshall and the city's field office of the Maryland Legislative Office of the Black Caucus. A 2016 fire ravaged the building, but a multi-millionair…

1
Healthwatch with Dr. Leana Wen: Cutting back on processed foods, safe sex among seniors 37:22

5d ago37:22

37:22

Dr. Leana Wen joins Tom for Midday Healthwatch. They discuss issues affecting the health and well-being of Charm City residents. A recent trend highlights the need for safe sex education among seniors. The CDC reports that sexually transmitted infections are up exponentially in those 65 and older. Plus, tips for cutting out unhealthy processed food…

1
Epic India: "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese and "Victory City" by Salman Rushdie 3:54

5d ago3:54

3:54

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels that capture the enormous complexities and immense landscapes of India: are The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese and Victory City by Salman Rushdie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
Breaking the Rules 29:40

5d ago29:40

29:40

This week on the podcast, two stories about young women having adventures abroad thanks to their connection to the Peace Corps. Music: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw/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/lis…

1
Jlin (Live at Big Ears Festival) 42:19

5d ago42:19

42:19

Electronic-music producer Jlin works in the space where beatmaking and modern composition collide. In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Big Ears Festival, she discusses how music by Luther Vandross, Missy Elliott and Al Jarreau shaped her work. Essential Tremors is produced by Matt Byars and Lee Gardner and distributed by Your Public Studios.…

1
Stories from the Stoop: A world tour with the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps 7:52

10d ago7:52

7:52

Catharine Deitch shares a Stoop story about her service in World War II as a Women's Army Auxiliary Corps member. The next Stoop show is July 18th, with stories of mistaken identity at the Green Room in Baltimore. Check out the Stoop Storytelling Series podcast for more true tales. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to p…

1
Rousuck Review: 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' 9:40

13d ago9:40

9:40

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. On today's show, we review 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' at Chesapeake Shakespeare Companythrough July 21. The production is set outdoors at the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. (Photo by Kiirstn Pagan Photography) Email us at midday@…

1
Does a 10-year plan hold the key to unlocking Baltimore's economic potential? 39:02

10d ago39:02

39:02

President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee Mark Anthony Thomas joins Midday today. Founded in the 1950s, the GBC's goals are to foster economic development in the Baltimore metropolitan region. One of its most recent initiatives involves Baltimore being named a “Tech Hub,” which qualifies the city to apply for major federal grants to boos…

1
A rumrunner and codebreaker face off in 'The Last Twelve Miles' 16:01

10d ago16:01

16:01

In her latest historical novel, "The Last Twelve Miles," Annapolis author Erika Robuck reaches back a hundred years to Prohibition, and traces the struggle between two determined women: a federal codebreaker and the smuggler she aimed to catch. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior…

1
Univ. of Maryland looks at fall prevention and rehab 13:46

10d ago13:46

13:46

The fear of falling can sap a person’s ability to stave off a fall. We talk to Dr. Kelly Westlake from the Claude D. Pepper Center at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who is testing how to reduce the fear. And to Dr. Jason Falvey, director of the Center for Disability Justice, whose research probes the inequities of rehabilitation and …

1
"The cheapest insurance you can have" says head of UMD Shock Trauma 13:21

10d ago13:21

13:21

If you’re banged up in a car crash somewhere in the Free State or if you’re shot on the street, chances are you’ll be transported quickly -- maybe by helicopter -- to the R Adams Cowley Shock-Trauma Center at the University of Maryland. The sixty-five hundred badly injured patients admitted there each year get the highest level of trauma care in th…

1
Midday on Politics: Concerns over Biden has Democrats considering a change 48:45

11d ago48:45

48:45

A shaky debate performance last week caused members of the Democratic party to question if the 81-year-old incumbent is the right choice as their candidate. A New York Times/Siena College poll showed that 69 percent of voters, including 55 percent of Biden voters, said Biden is too old to be an effective president. Could Democrats change their plan…

1
The Eye That Saw Death 40:11

16d ago40:11

40:11

Last year The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre was invited by The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theatre Festival to adapt for the stage an early and little-known story by Williams, “The Eye That Saw Death.” This is the reading and sound design for Poe Theatre’s movement-based piece. With themes echoing Poe’s story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” our produ…

1
A year after tragedy, Brooklyn looks forward 33:41

12d ago33:41

33:41

One year ago, violence ripped through a cool summer night during a celebration of Baltimore's neighborhood of Brooklyn. Five people have been charged with gun crimes and other charges, including attempted first-degree murder, related to the Brooklyn Day shooting. Four people have pleaded guilty to their charges. Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia…

1
Midday on Politics: Monday's U.S. Supreme Court rulings 15:05

12d ago15:05

15:05

The U.S. Supreme Court issued the final decisions of their 2023-2024 court term on Monday. Major opinions were issued on controversial topics such as emergency abortions, bump stocks, Purdue Pharma and even controversial social media posts. This term also saw the court issue decisions on several cases related to President Donald Trump including the…

1
Rousuck Review: 'The Kite Runner' 10:04

20d ago10:04

10:04

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. During today's review, a look at The Kite Runner, at The Kennedy Center thought June 30. The production is an adaptation of the bestselling novel about a boy in Afghanistan. Does it adapt well for the stage? (Photo by Bekah Lynn Photography)…

1
Midday on Politics: The aftermath of the first presidential debate 38:39

15d ago38:39

38:39

At last night’s debate, President Joe Biden missed his chance to reassure the country that he is not too impaired by age to hold the highest office in the land, and he squandered repeated opportunities to call out the former president's falsifications. Former President Donald Trump stuck tenaciously to falsehoods about the economy, abortion, drug p…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Spreadsheet love! 7:36

19d ago7:36

7:36

Here's a Stoop Story from Jenn Silverman about using data to your benefit AND how to maximize exposure to all of the great meals on offer in Charm City. The next live Stoop event takes place in less than three weeks! On Thursday, July 18 -- with the theme “Mistaken Identity: Stories about Disguises, Spy Games, and Mix-ups!” Musical guests ‘The Bayb…

1
Bloomberg's City Data Alliance: Lessons in better data capture, decision making 17:14

15d ago17:14

17:14

Data is power. And it takes skill to use data effectively and equitably. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ ‘City Data Alliance’ has trained hundreds of municipal leaders in capturing, sharing and using data. Some are in Baltimore now -- What are they learning and why? James Anderson, head of Government Innovation programming, talks us through the process D…

1
Mark Robinson & Bridget Cross (Air Miami/Unrest) 35:26

16d ago35:26

35:26

DC indie-scene veterans Mark Robinson and Bridget Cross formed the spine of two of the city's finest pop bands, Unrest and the still-undersung Air Miami. In this episode, they discuss how '70s dance music, musicals, the Shaggs, the Captain and Tennille, and '80s punk and indie shaped their course. Essential Tremors is produced by Matt Byars and Lee…

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