Best WYPR Baltimore Podcasts (2024)

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

1h 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

1h 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

6h 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

6h 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

2h 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…

1
Anna-Lisa Kirby lends her voice to the work of Leonard Cohen 8:54

13h ago8:54

8:54

Jazz vocalist Anna-Lisa Kirby reimagines the music of a classic American musician. Kirby is set to bring her own dynamic voice to the works of Leonard Cohen tonight at An die Musik, a performance space in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. She is to be joined by bassist Obasi Akoto, pianist Alan Blackman and drummer Claudio Silva. Email us at m…

1
A conversation on housing and development in Baltimore 39:48

1d ago39:48

39:48

On Midday today, we discuss two efforts to tackle development hurdles in Baltimore. First, we speak to Mike Posko, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. He joins Midday to discuss his organization's recent milestone of 800 homes built over 40 years. Then we hear from Chad Williams, the Executive Director of West North Avenue Developmen…

1
Women Warriors: "Daughters of Shandong" by Eve Chung and "The Women" by Kristin Hannah 3:54

1d ago3:54

3:54

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about women facing incredible uncertainty with grace, power, and fearlessness under staggering circumstances: Daughters of Shandong, by Eve Chung, and The Women, by Kristin Hannah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
Top athletes work hard. Sportswriter Sally Jenkins says we learn from their drive 48:32

1d ago48:32

48:32

In the introduction to her fascinating new book, Washington Post sports columnist Sally Jenkins writes, “I've never known a winner, not one, who wasn't irritated by the lame idea that they were God-kissed with fortunate gifts.” The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life is a rumination on why athletic icons have risen to the top of th…

1
Charm City Care Connection aims to reduce overdose deaths through harm reduction 11:43

1d ago11:43

11:43

The pharmaceutical company Allergan will pay the city of Baltimore $45 million dollars to resolve claims surrounding Allergan’s role in the nationwide opioid crisis. The settlement - announced earlier this month - will be paid out in the next two weeks, while litigation continues against other opioid manufacturers. $5 million of the settlement will…

1
As overdose deaths rage in Baltimore, older Black men are most at risk. Why? 14:26

1d ago14:26

14:26

Baltimore is the overdose capital of the United States, according to detailed reporting by the Baltimore Banner and New York Times. The death rate from 2018 to 2022 was nearly double that of any other large city in the country. Black men in their mid-50s to early 70s account for nearly one of out every three drug fatalities. We speak with Alissa Zh…

1
Sam Cogen, Baltimore's new sheriff, said he'd modernize the office. 6 months later, what's new? 41:11

2d ago41:11

41:11

Sam Cogen promised change if elected to Baltimore city's sheriff office. Half a year into his term, what has changed, and what has not? The sheriff's office is responsible for protecting courthouses, evictions and enforcing protective orders. Cogen has sought to expand his agency's responsibilities, and said he wants to see his office be a "changin…

1
Hot Summer Reads: "Come and Get It" by Kiley Reid and "Margo Has Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe 3:54

3d ago3:54

3:54

Ah, summer. when if we are lucky, our work loads gets a little lighter, and our reading gets a little lighter, too. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new, not-so-terribly serious releases sure to help you enjoy a day at the beach or by the pool: Come and Get It, by Kiley Reid, and Margo Has Money Troubles, by Rufi Thorpe. See omny…

1
Philip Berrigan's writings on nonviolence, as relevant as ever, in 'A Ministry of Risk' 48:44

4d ago48:44

48:44

“Peace is the duty of our time,” Phillip Berrigan told a class of college students in 1965. 60 years later, it remains so. Berrigan was an iconic peace activist, a soldier, a priest, a scholar, and a protester who came to international prominence as part of the Catonsville 9, a group that burned draft cards in 1968, during the Vietnam war. In 1973,…

1
Turn It All the Way Up: Stories of LGBTQ+ Pride 50:05

4d ago50:05

50:05

This week on a special edition of the Stoop Storytelling Series, five stories that uplift LBTQ+ voices and spotlight the ongoing struggle for equality. The next live Stoop show is Thursday, June 27th at the Creative Alliance. The theme is “B-More Proud: Queer Tales of Charm City.” Storytellers: Jabari Lyles Eric Thomas Rohaizad Suaidi Katy Caldwell…

1
Midday News Wrap: Pardons for Maryland marijuana convictions 17:58

7d ago17:58

17:58

Gov. Wes Moore pardoned 175,000 cannabis-related misdemeanor convictions on Monday. Among the pardoned convictions, WYPR's Rachel Bay reported, more than 150,000 were for cannabis possession, and more than 18,000 for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. The governor’s office estimated that at least 100,000 people are affected by…

1
Decades into a career, Paula Poundstone is still making audiences cackle 18:30

7d ago18:30

18:30

Comedian and author Paula Poundstone has starred in hit movies, authored best-selling books and hosted legendary comedy specials. She also hosts a podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, and does standup shows across the country. Poundstone is set to appear at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis Saturday night. She joins Midday to talk about her l…

1
Looking to help save the planet? Maryland gardeners say start local with native plants 12:15

7d ago12:15

12:15

Invasive plants, like English Ivy, do more than just crowd out native plant species. They disrupt local ecosystems, eliminating food sources for pollinators and insect species. A contest in Townson seeks to promote the use of native plant species in residential yards. Hosted by Green Towson Alliance, homeowners compete in several categories and are…

1
Summer solstice: What's behind earth's tilt toward the sun? 13:46

7d ago13:46

13:46

It’s summer! Temps are high, school is out, pools are open, grills are stoked -- and the earth’s tilt is in place. What does ‘summer solstice’ mean, and is it really the longest day of the year? We ask Kelly Lepo, of Baltimore's Space Telescope Science Institute to break it down for us. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea…

1
Stoop Storytelling: What happened at summer camp! 12:43

7d ago12:43

12:43

Here’s a Stoop Story from Joe Wall about memories of summer camp and learning the truth about what lurks in the woods. This Sunday, June 23 at 4 pm and 11pm we have a special hour of Stoop Storytelling. The theme is: ‘Turn It All the Way Up! Stories of LGBTQ Pride!’ Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On…

1
The long legacy of Freedom Schools continues in Elev8 38:33

8d ago38:33

38:33

Today, a conversation about community schools with Alexandria Warrick Adams, the Executive Director of Elev8 Baltimore. The non-profit works with public school students and their families throughout Baltimore. Jada Jackson also joins the show. She is a former student at an Elev8 Freedom School, who now serves as the Extended Learning Coordinator wi…

1
Rousuck Review: 'Everybody’s Talking About Jamie' 10:10

8d ago10:10

10:10

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. Rousuck reviews Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Iron Crow Theatre, on stage through June 30, 2024. The play, which first debuted in abroad in 2017, tells the tale of a young man who does not quite fit in with his peers. Iron Crow Theatre’…

1
Black joy and resistance in a piercing new book, 'We Refuse' 48:32

9d ago48:32

48:32

A new book aims to rekindle the conversation about Black resistance to white supremacy in the history of the United States. We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance, is an impassioned love letter to Black resilience in our past and present. The author, Kellie Carter Jackson, is an Associate Professor and Chair of Africana Studies at Welles…

1
Baltimore Abortion Fund confronts growing demand, rising costs 9:30

9d ago9:30

9:30

Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion. Even prior to the Dobbs decision, access was a challenge for abortion seekers. The Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, reports that the proportion of patients traveling out-of-state to obtain an abortion doubled from 2020 to 2023…

1
Two years after Dobbs: Expanding abortion access in Maryland 15:52

9d ago15:52

15:52

It's been two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and declared that the Constitution does not grant a right to abortion. Meanwhile, Maryland voters will have a chance in November to enshrine abortion rights through an amendment to the state constitution. And a new statewide program will train more health care professionals to …

1
As Biden launches new policy, immigration stands as key topic on campaign trail 21:09

10d ago21:09

21:09

Immigration continues to be a key issues in the run up to the 2024 election year. Polling suggests immigration is ranked as one of the most pressing topics among voters across the nation. Earlier this month, President Joe Biden announced several executive actions designed to clamp down on immigration. If the number of crossings surges, the new orde…

1
As temperatures soar in Maryland, here's what you need to know about the extreme heat 25:38

10d ago25:38

25:38

Extreme heat is expected to roast most of Maryland over the next week, with triple-digit temperatures forecast for Saturday and Sunday. National Weather Service meteorologist Austin Mansfield joins Midday to discuss the heat, and what is behind the extreme weather. The first heat-related death in Maryland occurred earlier in June. Dr. Sarah Lee, an…

1
A rich archive of little-known Orioles history in 'The Bird Tapes' 48:44

11d ago48:44

48:44

Last year, fans in Baltimore were gripped by the Orioles' run into Major League Baseball's postseason, success not seen in nearly a decade. As the O's attempt to continue their winning ways this season, Midday takes a stroll down memory lane. John Eisenberg, a longtime sports columnist for the Baltimore Sun, draws from decades of his interviews wit…

1
Baltimore's Lyric asks kids to 'Dream Big' 17:23

14d ago17:23

17:23

Every year, the Lyric invites area students to “Dream Big” with a contest inspired by Dr. Martin Luither King, Jr in which young people are asked to reflect on the question, "What will it take for us all to be free?" They respond to that prompt with essays, poems, videos or visual art. Tom's guest to discuss the annual contest is Denise Kumani Gant…

1
Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrate 50 years with Keystone Korner show 16:26

14d ago16:26

16:26

The Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrated their 50-year anniversary in November. Their current roster includes vocalists Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Aisha Kahlil, Nitanju Bolade Casel, and Navasha Daya, with Romeir Mendez on upright acoustic/electric bass, and American Sign Language interpreter, Barbara Hunt. Carol…

1
News Wrap: A one-year contract for Baltimore City public school's long-serving CEO 14:52

14d ago14:52

14:52

After weeks of speculation of the future of the long-serving head of Baltimore City Public Schools, the school board voted to renew CEO Sonja Santelises' contract for one year. Santelises sought a longer contract, according to reporting by the Baltimore Banner. Liz Bowie, education reporter for the Baltimore Banner, joins Midday to discuss the unus…

1
Gene therapies show promise for sickle cell disease 17:55

14d ago17:55

17:55

June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. This painful rare disease affects an estimated 100,000 people in the United States. It’s more prevalent among people of African ancestry. About 1 in 13 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell trait, which could be passed to their children. What promise do new cell-based gene therapies…

1
Stories from the Stoop: A speedy entry into fatherhood 7:46

14d ago7:46

7:46

Here’s a Stoop story from Mike Bainum about the dramatic birth of his first daughter. Check out the Stoop Storytelling Series archive. The next Stoop show is June 27th at 7:30 pm at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore. The theme is, "B-More Proud: Queer Tales of Charm City." Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Co…

1
Rousuck Review: 'Long Way Down' at Olney Theatre Center 10:04

15d ago10:04

10:04

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. We discuss Long Way Down, at Olney Theatre Center through June 23. The production is a world premiere. Does it have a long future ahead? (Photo from Teresa Castracane Photography) Email us at midday@wypr.org, tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call u…

1
The Key Bridge collapse stopped ship traffic. But it also halted the local economy. What's next? 26:09

15d ago26:09

26:09

What needs to happen to jumpstart the local economy while the Key bridge is rebuilt. Will there be a lag until things are back to normal? Tom speaks with Mary Kane, the CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Christina DePasquale, an associate professor of practice in economics at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School about the impact of …

1
With the channel reopened, Gov. Wes Moore discusses the latest on Key Bridge recovery 12:31

15d ago12:31

12:31

Recovery and clean up efforts continue following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. Earlier this week, the port of Baltimore's channel fully reopened following 11 weeks of demolition and scavenging to remove debris from the Patapsco River. Gov. Wes Moore joins Midday to discuss the latest. We ask him about how much of the $60 em…

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

16d 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

15d 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

16d 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

17d 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

18d 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

18d 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

21d 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

21d 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

21d 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

21d 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

22d 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

22d 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…

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