Best Ontherecord Podcasts (2024)

1
Baltimore's SquashWise combines love of the game and the drive for personal excellence 25:09

1h ago25:09

25:09

For a group of Baltimore middle and high school students, squash is more than a vegetable! They participate in SquashWise. The non-profit melds the fast-paced game with personal development and academic excellence. We hear from Abby Markoe, co-founder and executive director, and visit the courts to hear from some of the coaches and students! Links:…

1
An enslaved family's fight for freedom 25:17

3h ago25:17

25:17

Daniel and Mary Bell tried to use the courts to win freedom for their family, so history shows us more details about them than many other enslaved people in the 19th century. We know that Francis Scott Key, who wrote our national anthem, was one of the white people who lined up against freedom for enslaved people like the Bells. "The Bell Affair" f…

1
'The Black Tax' argues African Americans are overtaxed and underserved 14:45

1h ago14:45

14:45

In the early 20th century, Baltimore City codified racial segregation in housing into law, prohibiting African Americans from moving onto blocks where white residents were the majority. As the city grew, the sewer commission methodically avoided building infrastructure in Black neighborhoods. That’s one example given by historian Andrew Kahrl of ho…

1
Stoop Story: A pink flamingo prank! 9:08

1h ago9:08

9:08

Here’s a Stoop Story from Erica Rimlinger about growing up in Baltimore’s Stoneleigh neighborhood. The next Stoop event is April 18th. The theme is “Too Close for Comfort: Tales about Roommates to Remember.” Listen to 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 Supervi…

1
'Just Action,' a roadmap to desegregating our neighborhoods 25:01

2h ago25:01

25:01

Health disparities, food deserts, the achievement gap. In ‘Just Action,'' Leah and Richard Rothstein argue the profound issues plaguing society are tied to our segregated neighborhoods. They draw a roadmap to desegregation that allies can undertake at the local level. Original air date: February 5, 2024 Do you have a question or comment about a sho…

1
Business and community resilient after Key Bridge collapse 25:31

1h ago25:31

25:31

Pompeian Olive Oil has employed locals for more than a century. Since the Key Bridge collapse, how have they supported workers and kept their product flowing? Mouna Aissaoui, executive vice president and chief operating officer, fills us in. Then, Dundalk is home to a diverse community of people affected by the tragedy. We hear how they’re faring f…

1
Port aid, racetrack bills pass as General Assembly 2024 session ends 24:47

3d ago24:47

24:47

Hours after the Maryland General Assembly adjourns, we speak with two journalists who covered it: WYPR's News Director Matt Bush and Pamela Wood of The Baltimore Banner. Lawmakers reached a budget compromise. What new taxes and fees can consumers expect? Juvenile justice was revisited; will longer probation reduce crime? What's the future of Pimlic…

1
Why are Black teachers in Maryland leaving the classroom? 25:14

1d ago25:14

25:14

Black teachers in Maryland leave the profession at higher rates than their white teacher counterparts. Why? We talk with Baltimore Banner education reporter Kristen Griffith about what she learned. Plus, Wallace Lane, Michelle Early and Danielle Ferrentino share their very different experiences in the Maryland education system. Baltimore Banner art…

1
Mayis: Native American oral histories from Maryland's Eastern Shore 11:35

4d ago11:35

11:35

We learn about the Native communities who lived, and still live along Maryland's Eastern Shore. Drew Shuptar-Rayvis a citizen and ambassador of the Pocomoke Indian Nation, paints a picture of their traditions and ways of life, drawing on collected oral histories. Links: Mayaisuwàk (They Speak in One Voice): The Oral History and History of Place of …

1
Stoop Stories: Hike of a lifetime! 12:46

4d ago12:46

12:46

Here’s a Stoop Story from Sophia Garber about contemplating mortality, the privilege of prioritizing joy, and a very, very long hike. Hear her story and others 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 Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@w…

1
Six months in, what does Baltimore's top cop have to show? 26:05

5d ago26:05

26:05

Six months after Richard Worley was sworn in as Baltimore police commissioner, we ask him about his focus on community policing, how he’s recruiting to fill hundreds of vacant slots, squelching the flow of ghost guns, youth who carry in self-defense, and what he’s doing to stave off burnout. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story…

1
Shannon Sneed shares vision for City Council presidency 25:01

6d ago25:01

25:01

Shannon Sneed is a former Baltimore City Councilwoman running in the Democratic primary for City Council president. What did she learn from representing East Baltimore? What are her priorities if elected? What would she do to limit the economic impact of shutting the port? Find more WYPR coverage of the 2024 Primary Election. Do you have a question…

1
Local outreach to seafarers stuck in Port of Baltimore 14:54

7d ago14:54

14:54

While the wreckage of the Key Bridge blocks commercial travel, the crews of the Dali and other ships in the Port of Baltimore remain aboard their vessels. Two local organizations have been checking on the mariners. We speak with Andrew Middleton, who directs the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Apostleship of the Sea, and Rev. Joshua Messick, an Episcopa…

1
Tom Perez says President Biden will work 'hand in glove' with state to respond to bridge collapse 11:08

7d ago11:08

11:08

The disruption at the port will likely boost inflation, but Tom Perez, senior adviser to President Biden and former candidate in the 2022 Democratic primary for Maryland governor, said the focus now is finding the bodies of those who died. Find more WYPR coverage of the Francis Scott key Bridge collapse. Photo caption: White House advisor Tom Perez…

1
Baltimore's The Family Tree and Center for Hope provide resources to keep kids safe 24:03

8d ago24:03

24:03

In Maryland, a child is reported abused or neglected every 10 minutes. We hear from program and research director Matila Jones to learn how The Family Tree works discreetly with families to step in and prevent abuse. Then Yuvi Rattigan, director of clinical services at Center for Hope, tells how they help families move on from trauma. Links: The Fa…

1
Marian House receives $2M from MacKenzie Scott. How does the shelter support at-risk women? 18:40

11d ago18:40

18:40

With all the grim news battering Baltimore this week, let's take a few minutes to celebrate the good fortune that befell five local nonprofits two weeks ago—major gifts that could be transformative. Wide Angle Youth Media, Baltimore Tree Trust, Govans Economic Development Corporation, St. Francis Neighborhood Center, and Marian House each received …

1
Stories from The Stoop: the silver lining of a startup fail 8:03

11d ago8:03

8:03

Here's a Stoop Story from Joy Kika about her path to business school. What more Stoop? Check out the podcast. The next live Stoop show is April 6th. The theme is "Wit and Wisdom: Stories about Life Lessons and Laughter." Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, M…

1
'God be the bridge': Turner Station comes together for prayer in Baltimore 11:00

12d ago11:00

11:00

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge would be a disaster in any case, but the deaths of six Latino construction workers who were on the bridge makes it a heart-rending tragedy. We hear from Clara Longo de Freitas, a neighborhood reporter The Baltimore Banner, about a vigil held in their memories and about support coming from the Latino comm…

1
Maryland longshoremen's livelihoods at stake 14:39

12d ago14:39

14:39

We go On the Record with Scott Cowan, president of the International Longshoreman’s Association Local 333, to ask what shutting down the Port of Baltimore means for workers, and with WYPR reporter Scott Maucione to ask about the timeline for reopening. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at…

1
The magic of the Appalachian Mountains, photographed with patience and care 14:48

15d ago14:48

14:48

A new collection of photographs and essays documents the central Appalachian Mountains. Amid the misty ridges and valleys of Appalachia live some of Maryland’s rarest animal and plant life. The book is The Central Appalachians: Mountains of the Chesapeake. Mark Hendricks' photos capture hiding salamanders, rare plant life and the shifting seasons a…

1
Angela Crenshaw wants Maryland State Parks to be for everyone 9:31

15d ago9:31

9:31

Spring is here. Pack your hiking boots, swimwear and hammock and consider heading to one of Maryland’s many State Parks, from the oceanside Assateague State Park to Herrington Manor in the Appalachian range. There is new leadership at the Maryland Park Service. Angela Crenshaw, a veteran park ranger, was named director of the Maryland Park Service …

1
Maryland Day events honor pre-settler history, focus on Indigenous people and arts 18:55

21d ago18:55

18:55

Almost four hundred years ago European settlers landed in what is now St. Mary’s County and established the new state of Maryland. But they weren’t the first to inhabit the fertile ground along the Chesapeake Bay. Events at Maryland Hall in Annapolis highlight the Indigenous people that inhabited the land long before English Catholic settlers arriv…

1
Stoop Stories: Best party ever! 6:20

21d ago6:20

6:20

Here's a Stoop Story from Michael Ziccardi about - quite literally - taking the fall and still landing on your feet. There are Two LIVE stoop events coming up: on April 6, stories about life lessons and laughter and on April 11, tales of detours and unexpected adventures. More information here. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a st…

1
Tax season is here. Do you know where to get trustworthy advice? 9:24

20d ago9:24

9:24

The last day to file your federal and state taxes without an extension is April 15. Beyond tax season, managing your finances can be intimidating. Where to begin? And, how can you tell the difference between helpful information and untrustworthy advice? We ask Sara Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the CASH Campaign of Maryland. Th…

1
As controversial tax sales begin, could reforms protect struggling Maryland homeowners? 16:32

20d ago16:32

16:32

Each year, Maryland municipalities seek to recoup unpaid taxes from property owners through a tax sale. If overdue property taxes are not paid, liens are issued by the city and sold to investors, who can make a lot of money collecting the debt, fees, and interest from the property owner. Eventually, property owners risk losing their homes to forecl…

1
Little access to treatment for Maryland youth charged as adults 26:11

21d ago26:11

26:11

Each year in Maryland, hundreds of young teens accused of breaking the law are charged as adults. Judges could send their cases to juvenile court, but one third of the time they don’t. WYPR’s Rachel Baye has investigated how judges decide … and the dire results for many kids. Read the investigation by WYPR and APM Reports: Judges use ‘arbitrary,’ ‘…

1
Coppin State wants to send more special educators to the classroom 9:27

24d ago9:27

9:27

Why is Coppin State University funneling a million dollars toward training special educators? We ask Prof. Nicole Anthony and Prof. Anita Weisburger to explain. For information about Project POSE at Coppin State University contact Nicole Anthony, Ph.D. at 410.951.6448 or nianthony@coppin.edu or Anita Weisburger, Ph.D. at aweisburger@coppin.edu 410-…

1
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe on 'HBCU Made' and the Black college experience 16:27

24d ago16:27

16:27

We talk with NPR Sunday host Ayesha Rascoe about why she collected essays from another dozen-and-a-half alumni for her new book: "HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience." (Original airdate: January 24, 2024) Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Produc…

1
Documenting an untold chapter of the Chesapeake Bay's Black history 13:12

24d ago13:12

13:12

The Chesapeake Bay’s watermen have long put food on the plates of restaurants and family dinners across the region. An often overlooked but crucial part of the Chesapeake Bay’s history are the stories of Black watermen. Now there is discussion among these watermen and their advocates about a memorial and cultural center dedicated to their history. …

1
A Chesapeake Bay oyster farmer reflects on Maryland's aquaculture industry 11:40

24d ago11:40

11:40

The Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population plummeted in the later half of the 20th century, but there are recent hopeful signs the bay’s oysters are making a comeback. Here to talk about all things oysters is Imani Black, an oyster farmer who is pursuing a Master's degree at University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science at Horn Point Labora…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Tracy Akinade 15:55

27d ago15:55

15:55

Tracy Akinade shares a Stoop Story about standing up for herself and her coworkers. The next Stoop Storytelling event today, March 15, 2024. “See Beyond: Stories about dismantling the disability narrative” is set to kickoff at 7pm at the Maryland School of the Blind in northeast Baltimore. Join them for stories bucking the stereotypes about life wi…

1
Budding photographers capture Baltimore through their own lens 8:51

28d ago8:51

8:51

Photography can capture the perspective of the person behind the lens. An exhibit at the Walters Art Museum, Through Our Eyes, showcases the work of teenage photographers new to the craft. Their work reveals a new perspective of Baltimore, and of a refreshing approach to creative pursuits. Baltimore-native SHAN Wallace is an artist, archivist, and …

1
A new map offers clues about the beginning of the universe 11:21

29d ago11:21

11:21

Last month, scientists created a new, more detailed map of that low background rumble of radiation in our universe. The U.S. National Science Foundation's Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor—or CLASS—a collaboration led by Johns Hopkins University astrophysicists, created the maps. Joseph Eimer is a senior scientist on the CLASS project and the …

1
Legislative update: MD lawmakers grapple with taxes, juvenile justice, health care 14:09

29d ago14:09

14:09

Maryland’s legislature will wrap up its work this year in three-and-a-half weeks. What will it have done, and how will it affect residents of the Free State? The most fundamental task of any legislative session--even if it doesn’t claim the most headlines--is to pass a budget that’s balanced: which means expected tax revenues high enough to pay for…

1
HopeWorks of Howard County helps survivors find power in art 11:22

1M ago11:22

11:22

How can poetry be a path to healing after abuse? Vanita Leatherwood is director of community engagement at HopeWorks of Howard County, a nonprofit that serves victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. In addition to shelter, legal services, and therapy, HopeWorks of Howard County also provides workshops focused on self-care and art. We hear …

1
How are 'red flag' laws used in Maryland? 14:30

1M ago14:30

14:30

Extreme Risk Protection Orders temporarily remove firearms from someone at risk of harming themselves or others. How can they be a tool to prevent domestic violence? How are 'red flag' laws working in Maryland? Lisa Geller and Spencer Cantrell are senior advisors at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. They will speak at a virtual s…

1
A novel of historical fiction asks, who gets to be American? 24:31

1M ago24:31

24:31

The novel American Ending by Mary Kay Zuravleff received praise from a number of critics. Oprah selected it for her Best Books for Spring reading list. Kirkus Reviews gushed that the voice of the young narrator, Yelena, is so vivid, “it feels like Zuravleff is channeling a real person.” What brings readers to connect with Yelena and her family? The…

1
How to help a loved one struggling with an eating disorder, and the Maryland resources to consider 13:14

1M ago13:14

13:14

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy raised the alarm last year about social media use and deteriorating mental health among young people. In the advisory, headlined Social Media and Youth Mental Health, Murthy highlighted research tying social media use to eating disorders and body-image concerns among young people. Eating disorders are among the dea…

1
Maryland could be among the first to have an online 'Kids Code' 12:30

1M ago12:30

12:30

Concern for the safety and privacy of young people online is prompting a wave of legislation in several states. The Maryland Kids Code could become among the nation's first laws dictating how social media companies design and sell their products to young people. We asked Marisa Shea, a proponent of the bill and US Senior Policy Manager with nonprof…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Becoming Prince's art director 8:01

1M ago8:01

8:01

Here’s a Stoop Story from Steve Parke about using art to meet his heroes. The next Stoop event is Friday, March 15th, in partnership with the Maryland School for the Blind. The theme is “See Beyond: Dismantling the Disability Narrative." Check out the Stoop Storytelling Series podcast. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea …

1
Not too many political parties, not too few. A UMD professor's plan to save our democracy. 18:37

1M ago18:37

18:37

America’s democracy is in crisis. A University of Maryland constitutional scholar has a plan to fix it -- maybe not the plan you’d expect. In "Parliamentary America," Professor Maxwell Stearns says the flaw is our two entrenched political parties. Stearns will be speaking on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Politics & Prose in Washington, DC and on Monday eveni…

1
Zeke Cohen is on the campaign trail for City Council President. What would he change if elected? 25:54

1M ago25:54

25:54

The 15 members of the Baltimore City Council do not elect the council’s leader from among themselves like most legislative bodies. Instead, city directly elect the president of the City Council. Several candidates are vying for the role in the 2024 election. In the Democratic primary, where the winner is almost assured of winning the seat, incumben…

1
MD housing secretary lays out plan to tackle housing shortage, affordability crisis 25:25

1M ago25:25

25:25

Housing costs are soaring. Maryland Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day says low supply drives up both rents and home prices. We ask about Governor Moore's legislative proposals to boost new construction, spur affordable development, and increase protections for renters. Links: HB0538/SB0484 The Housing Expansion and Affordability …

1
Congressman David Trone wants to be Maryland's next U.S. Senator. What's his pitch to voters? 24:45

1M ago24:45

24:45

Longtime Maryland congressman Ben Cardin’s decision not to seek re-election means Maryland will choose a new U.S. Senator in 2024. The top contenders in the May 14 Democratic primary are David Trone, a self-funding businessman who has represented Maryland in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019, and Angela Alsobrooks, county executive of Pr…

1
Baltimore will turn two hotels into homeless housing 9:02

1M ago9:02

9:02

Two hotels in downtown Baltimore will be converted into emergency shelters for the homeless. The city’s Board of Estimates approved the deal ten days ago, authorizing $15 million to acquire side-by-side hotels and $3 million to manage the shelters from the end of March through December. We speak to Baltimore City’s Chief Administrative Officer, Fai…

1
MD coalition says investing in eviction prevention can save state money, prevent trauma 16:01

1M ago16:01

16:01

For every dollar invested in preventing evictions, Maryland could save nearly $2.50 in what evictions cost. That’s according to a study by Stout Risius & Ross with the Maryland Center on Economic Policy and members of the Maryland Eviction Prevention Funds Alliance. Lisa Sarro is legal counsel for Arundel Community Development Services. We ask Sarr…

1
Stories from the Stoop: A surprise stepfather 11:43

2M ago11:43

11:43

Tami Jacobs shares a Stoop Story about the father figures of her childhood. The next Stoop event is next Wednesday, March 6th, in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. The theme is “Failing Up - Rising Stronger from Professional Failures.” And the following week - on Friday, March 15 - the Stoop and the Maryland School for the B…

1
A daughter reckons with her father's death in 'Secrets of the Sun' 12:57

2M ago12:57

12:57

The day before her wedding, writer Mako Yoshikawa received news that upended her world: Her abusive, estranged father was dead. In her new memoir, "Secrets of the Sun," Yoshikawa reckons with grief and guilt. Mako Yoshikawa will be in conversation with author Kyoko Mori at Bird in Hand Cafe & Bookstore on Friday, March 8th at 6 pm. Details here. Do…

1
Black Lax grows lacrosse in Baltimore. Plus, adaptive sports for athletes with disabilities 24:33

2M ago24:33

24:33

Access is key, and athletes often encounter obstacles to competing in the sport they love. Lacrosse has grown in popularity in recent years, but some fans say the sport has a problem. A Baltimore lacrosse organization is trying to change the sport. We speak with Coach Lloyd Carter, one of the founders of Blax Lax. Blax Lax is set to host its 10th a…

1
Mayor Brandon Scott addresses schools, property taxes and prioritizing public safety 25:32

2M ago25:32

25:32

We ask Mayor Brandon Scott, who is running for re-election: why many Baltimore residents do not feel safer, even though crime is down; why it has taken so long to buy hotels to shelter the homeless; and whether he is satisfied with how city schools are run. Links: Mayor Brandon Scott, Maryland Board of Elections info, Environmental Mayoral Forum We…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ontherecord Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide