Best WYPR 88.1 Baltimore Podcasts (2024)

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

1h 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

1h 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

1h 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

8m 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

9m 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

32m 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

34m 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

44m 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

1h 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

2h 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

28m 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

1h 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

1h 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

1h 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

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

6d 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

7d 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

6d 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

9d 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

12d 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
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

14d 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

15d 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

19d 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

17d 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
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

16d 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

19d 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

25d 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

26d 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

WYPR 88.1 Baltimore Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide