Best WYPR Baltimore Podcasts (2024)

1
Work, Life, No Balance 51:01

12m ago51:01

51:01

Our theme this month is "Work, Life, No Balance." Five storytellers share tales about the working world. We hear from a first-time teacher, Captain Quackers, and the king of the castle. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? The Stoop Storytelling Podcast is hosted by Laura Wexler and Jessica Henkin, produced by Maureen Harvie, and distributed by Your…

1
Philip Berrigan and Baltimore's peace activists 48:30

27m ago48:30

48:30

Today on Midday, a conversation about the work of Philip Berrigan, whose writing has been assembled in a new collection, A Ministry of Risk, edited by Brad Wolf. Philip 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 c…

1
'Beats Not Bullets' is a positive force for these Baltimore City students 13:15

2h ago13:15

13:15

When there are dozens of ways that youth can be led astray, seduced by social media or maybe more dangerous fascinations, how do you capture their minds and hearts? ‘Beats Not Bullets’ teaches middle- and high-school students skills in the music recording industry as a way to keep them focused on positive activities and lead them toward healthy lif…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Labor of love 11:55

2h ago11:55

11:55

Here’s a Stoop Story from Natasha Tylea about putting in the work … honing her craft … and owning it -- no matter who is in the room. Find more information about Stoop Storytelling, including the Stoop podcast, Stoop Specials and Stoop live events at Stoopstorytelling.com. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Con…

1
Former Baltimore prosecutor takes on criminal justice bias 48:32

6h ago48:32

48:32

Debbie Hines is a former prosecutor in Baltimore, and a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland. In her new book, she focuses on the unfair treatment of people of color by prosecutors at the state and local level. The book is called Get Off My Neck: Black Lives, White Justice, and a Former Prosecutor’s Quest for Reform. Email us…

1
Anne Lamott on the impact of love in our lives in 'Somehow' 48:32

4h 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 twentieth book, 'Somehow: Thoughts on Love.' She joined Midday in early April to discuss the book, her motivations for writing and her experiences with love. Email us at midday@wypr…

1
Baltimore's SquashWise motivates youth on and off the courts 25:10

2h ago25:10

25:10

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
Dr. Christopher Leighton journeys through 'A Sacred Argument' 22:11

2h ago22:11

22:11

Dr. Christopher Leighton, the founding executive director of the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies (ICJS) talks about his memoir, which traces the formation of the ICJS and its efforts to foster religious understanding. It’s called A Sacred Argument: Dispatches from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Encounter. Email us at midday@w…

1
New England Vacations: "Sandwich" by Catherine Newman and "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach 3:54

2h ago3:54

3:54

On this beach-ready edition of The Weekly Reader we review two new novels that take us to the sunny shores of coastal New England: Sandwich, by Catherine Newman, and The Wedding People, Alison Espach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
Marilynne Robinson gives more understanding of the book of Genesis 26:19

3h ago26:19

26:19

Tom speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson about her latest book, Reading Genesis, where she illuminates how Genesis is a paradigm for the rest of the Bible and “a meditation on the problem of evil.” Email us at midday@wypr.org, tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.…

1
Are corporations gaining profits from America's poorest residents? 48:33

1h ago48:33

48:33

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
Midday News Wrap: Maryland onstage at the DNC. Plus, big dollar opioid settlements 24:12

27m ago24:12

24:12

Maryland Democrats were on the mainstage at this week's Democratic National Convention with speeches from Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Jamie Raskin and Prince George’s County Executive and Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks. Josh Kurtz, founding editor of Maryland Matters joins Midday to reflect on Maryland's impact in Chicago. Then, Baltimore C…

1
As summer winds down, how to savor the warm weather Maryland has left 24:29

7d ago24:29

24:29

If you are looking to make the most of the last weeks of warm temperatures, you might wanna out to the valleys and ridges of western Maryland. Midday is joined by two Marylanders with extensive knowledge of the outdoors. Nature photographer and author Mark Hendricks spent many seasons traversing the ancient Appalachian Mountains crossing Maryland’s…

1
Stories from the Stoop: When softball is more than a game 7:38

5h ago7:38

7:38

Here's a Stoop Story from retired Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Pamela White about holding her own as a young lawyer, and taking one for the team. There are two LIVE stoop storytelling events coming up: ‘Keepers of Culture: Stories About People Who Inspire and Enlighten’ will be part of the Maryland Folk Festival in Salisbury next month: Satur…

1
Baltimore's AFRO News covered the real 'Lady in the Lake' 17:41

5h ago17:41

17:41

Laura Lippman's novel and the Apple TV series 'Lady in the Lake’ fictionalized the real stories of two tragic deaths in 1969 Baltimore. How their stories were told hinged on which media outlet told them. Baltimore’s Afro News publisher, Dr. Frances 'Toni' Draper, lived through the coverage; she reflects on how reporting on Black communities has cha…

1
The rise and recovery of Eastern Baltimore County 35:00

33m ago35:00

35:00

The demise of the Bethlehem Steel Plant at Sparrows Point was devastating for the economy of Eastern Baltimore County. Ten years ago, investors bought the 32-hundred acre steel plant property and since then have transformed it into a global logistics center called Tradepoint Atlantic. Thousands of people work there, and there are plans to build a d…

1
Olszewski reflects on the recovery of Eastern Baltimore County 13:43

1h ago13:43

13:43

When Johnny Olszewski ran for Baltimore County Executive he talked about growing up in the shadow of the steel mill, Bethlehem Steel. This steel mill is long gone and today we are discussing Eastern Baltimore County’s ongoing economic recovery, which has been at least partly due to the Tradepoint Atlantic development on the old Bethlehem Steel site…

1
Eyes are on rural voters in 2024's election. Who will they vote for and why? 21:36

6d ago21:36

21:36

Today is the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Democratic delegates officially nominated Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for vice president this week. Cory Vaillancourt joins Midday from Chicago to discuss the latest news in national politics. He is the politics editor for the Smoky M…

1
After a death on the job, Baltimore City Council reviews working conditions for DPW employees 15:30

1d ago15:30

15:30

The death of an employee of Baltimore City's Department of Public Works worker led to an outcry from labor advocates. Now, city councilmembers are reacting, too. The City Council is scheduled to meet August 22 to examine the working conditions at the department. On August 2, Ronald Silver, 36, died of heat sickness after working his trash collectio…

1
As the postseason approaches, can the Orioles make it across the finish line? 11:27

2h ago11:27

11:27

The Baltimore Orioles are set to finish a series in New York City against the hometown Mets today. Afterward, the O’s come back home to start an important four game series tomorrow against the Houston Astros. The O's play the Astros without a star pitcher following yet another injury. Kyle Goon is a sports columnist for The Baltimore Banner, and he…

1
Blueprint grants fund cognitive training, telehealth therapy for Howard County students 24:39

2d ago24:39

24:39

Across the state, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is funding 129 grants totaling $111 million dollars aimed at supporting hundreds of thousands of students with behavioral health screenings, addiction treatment, counseling, family support, wraparound services, and more. This morning, we’ll learn about two of the grants in Howard County public s…

1
MEDCO plans to issue $1 billion in bonds for Baltimore development 11:35

30m ago11:35

11:35

This year, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) is on track to hit a record $1 billion in issuance of construction and general bonds. In fact, over $700 million in public and private transactions involving state bonds are expected to close within the next month. J. Thomas Sadowski, the Executive Director of MEDCO, joins Midday to d…

1
Redevelopment of Harborplace, the debate continues 37:07

4d ago37:07

37:07

The redevelopment of Harborplace downtown continues to be at the center of debate and speculation. The masterplan for this site's redevelopment will go before the city's planning commission this Thursday. Harborplace was sold to the private Baltimore developer MCB Real Estate in 2023. MCB unveiled new designs for the site which require a change in …

1
The Webb Telescope's trailblazing study of the cosmos yields new discoveries 24:55

23h ago24:55

24:55

Human have long looked into the night sky and searched for signs, for meaning, in the lights twinkling above us. And through the years, humankind developed tools to become better stargazers; from Galileo’s astronomical telescope to the Hubble Space Telescope launched into near-Earth Orbit nearly a quarter century ago. And a couple years ago, the Ja…

1
Baltimore's sewage system is hit hard by extreme weather 13:04

24h ago13:04

13:04

Baltimore’s sewage system is one of its oldest assets, and its decay has plagued the parts of the city for years. Sewage backups caused by extreme weather or broken pipes leave residents with a costly clean up that can imperil their health. Aman Azhar is a reporter for Inside Climate News. He joins us to discuss the city's sewage infrastructure, it…

1
National Aquarium activates a 'floating wetland' in the Inner Harbor 10:41

1d ago10:41

10:41

The neighborhoods surrounding the Inner Harbor are some of the fastest growing parts of Baltimore. Now the population of the harbor is growing with the addition of turtles, mallards, a pair of river otters and a school of Atlantic silverside fish — all members of the Chesapeake Bay’s native ecosystem. The animals and sea life are drawn to the harbo…

1
Stories from the Stoop: A passion for teaching 9:39

12d ago9:39

9:39

Here’s a Stoop Story from Lou Smith, who talked about his passion for teaching at event co-hosted by the Maryland School for the Blind. The next Stoop show is tonight at 7 pm at Manor Mill. The theme is, “Rose Colored Glasses: Stories of Summertime Nostalgia.” Check out the Stoop podcast. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story id…

1
Maryland Equips distributes free medical equipment, assistive technology 17:54

1h ago17:54

17:54

A wheelchair or high-tech communications device can cost thousands -- often not covered by insurance. Maryland Equips is an innovative state project that accepts and distributes medical equipment for free. We speak with Lori Berrong, executive director of the Assistive Technology Program within the Maryland Department of Disabilities, and clients J…

1
Rousuck Review: 'Soft Power' and 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' 9:42

20m ago9:42

9:42

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share a review of a pair of local theatre productions. Soft Power continues at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va., through September 15, while Beautiful: The Carole King Musical continues at Olney Theatre Center through August 25. (DJ Corey Photography) Email us at midday@wypr.org, tweet us: @MiddayWY…

1
Federal funds rushed into Baltimore during the pandemic. How have they been spent? 38:50

6d ago38:50

38:50

In March of 2021, a year into the COVID pandemic, Baltimore City received a chunk of $65.1 billion dollars in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grants. Baltimore’s take was $641 million dollars, which Mayor Brandon Scott disbursed to city agencies, quasi-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations who are charged with improving housing, infra…

1
Two approaches to transforming abandoned buildings in Baltimore City 25:21

1d ago25:21

25:21

Thirteen thousand abandoned buildings and even more vacant lots blemish Baltimore City. We talk with Sean Closkey, president of ReBUILD Metro. The nonprofit has transformed more than 500 abandoned buildings and lots in East Baltimore, all led by neighbor input. And Onyx Development’s Rian Hargrave believes access to quality homes in safe neighborho…

1
How is drought hurting Maryland's farmers and food supply? 25:29

1h ago25:29

25:29

While temperatures in the Baltimore metropolitan area have been a little lower this week, farmers across the state have been contending with a drought that has extended over the last three years. We begin today with Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, to discuss Maryland farmers and food systems that bring fruits, vegetables and other …

1
Can Baltimore grow its economy with everyone in mind? 23:11

9d ago23:11

23:11

The Baltimore metro region lost nearly 23,000 jobs in the first quarter of this year, but 54 new businesses began in Baltimore city during the second quarter, and the city attracted more than $56 million dollars in venture capital investment. My guest today is Colin Tarbert. He is the President and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation, the …

1
Talk to the Animals: "Bear" by Julia Phillips and "The Horse" by Willie Vlautin 3:54

5h ago3:54

3:54

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about mysterious visitors and life changing relationships with both two legged and four legged friends: Bear, by Julia Phillips, and The Horse, by Willie Vlautin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
The Mystery of Marie Roget 1:09:38

10d ago1:09:38

1:09:38

The second of Poe’s Auguste Dupin detective stories, “The Mystery of Marie Roget” follows Dupin and his biographer as they unravel the case of a missing perfume worker, found dead in the river. Written by James Comtois, and directed by Alex Zavistovich. Music and sound effects by James D. Watson, featuring the voices of Adam R. Adkins, David Hanaue…

1
New school year sees new leadership in Maryland's statewide union of educators 10:44

16h ago10:44

10:44

The state's largest union of educators, the Maryland State Education Association, sees new leadership heading into the 2024-2025 school year. Paul Lemle and Nikki Woodward bring decades of experience as educators and paraprofessionals to their new role. Reinvigorating the pipeline of teachers is one of the issues top of mind for the new leaders of …

1
What is important to today's teenagers? We hear from students around Baltimore. 48:46

8d ago48:46

48:46

Rising seniors from several local high schools join Midday to discuss the issues they think are important as they prepare to cross into adulthood. The panel of students discusses bullying, mental illness, academic support, school safety and where these young people see themselves in our chaotic world. Shawn Ware is a 17-year-old at the Baltimore Le…

1
Summer Escapades 49:54

1d ago49:54

49:54

This week on a special edition of the Stoop Storytelling Series, six stories set in the steamy heat of summers past. Music: Something Elevated by Broke for Free Parisian by Kevin MacLeod Naked Lunch by Jahzzar Prime by DJ Williams Candy by Jahzzar New World by Kirk Osamayo I thought You Were Cool by HolinzaCC0 Endless Grind by HolinzaCC0 Bird by Ja…

1
Rousuck Review: 'Nine' and 'Back to the Future: The Musical' at The Kennedy Center 8:58

21d ago8:58

8:58

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Midday to share another weekly review of a theatrical production in the greater Baltimore region. This week, reviews of two musicals at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Nine is based on the groundbreaking 1963 movie, “8 1/2,” by Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, while Back…

1
Tia Hamilton of Urban Reads inspires kids with youth summit 12:35

4d ago12:35

12:35

Tia Hamilton is the owner of Urban Reads, and the publisher of State vs. Us Magazine, a publication for incarcerated people around the country. Tomorrow she is centering students at a youth summit at the Urban Reads Bookstore on Greenmount Avenue in Baltimore’s Waverly neighborhood. Tia speaks with Tom about the youth summit and the importance of b…

1
How would Project 2025 impact political appointees and federal workers? 23:00

21d ago23:00

23:00

ProPublica reporter Alec MacGillis recently wrote about Paul Dans, the former director of Project 2025 which was created to help build the next Republican administration. Dans has Baltimore roots as the son of a Johns Hopkins professor. According to MacGillis, by the time Dans stepped down from his role with Project 2025, much of the work was in pl…

1
Maryland author Michelle Paris: "Eat Dessert First" 11:09

16d ago11:09

11:09

What happens when an up-and-coming Philadelphia architect moves home to Ellicott City -- to take a job as a baker? Which lets her care for her frail mother, but doesn’t do much for her love life ...? We ask author Michelle Paris about her latest book, "Eat Dessert First." Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Cont…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Owning it! 14:53

12d ago14:53

14:53

Today we offer TWO Stoop stories: One from Christine Harazim about embracing every inch of who you are! And one from Katie Hileman about the power that comes with being comfortable in your own skin. This Sunday Aug. 11 you can tune into the Summer Escapades Stoop Special at 4pm and 11pm on WYPR 88.1fm or at wypr.org Do you have a question or commen…

1
Phoenix Recovery Academy focuses on students & sobriety 48:44

5d ago48:44

48:44

The Phoenix Recovery Academy in Frederick is the only high school in Maryland dedicated to supporting and educating teenagers who are battling substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. The academy is a part of a network of about 45 Recovery Schools across the country, which strive to maintain high quality educational environments while en…

1
Healthwatch with Dr. Leana Wen: COVID summer wave, and watch out for extreme heat! 23:56

23d ago23:56

23:56

On Midday Healthwatch, our monthly conversations about public health with Dr. Leana Wen, we ask about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Maryland and across the country. Should we be avoiding gatherings of people inside? Is it time to return to the precautious behavior from earlier in the pandemic? Plus, how to manage hypertension, the ‘silent killer’…

1
Roxane Gay's got a gun: black feminism and gun ownership 24:50

6d ago24:50

24:50

The power to take a life, professor and social commentator Roxane Gay writes, receives greater constitutional and culture value than a women's right to the pursuit of happiness. Gay is the author of the New York Times best-selling books Bad Feminist and Hunger. Her latest work includes the essay Stand Your Ground: A Black Feminists Reckoning with A…

1
Tracking pandemic recovery across Baltimore's neighborhoods 25:05

6d ago25:05

25:05

It will take years to untangle the many ways in which the pandemic affected life in Baltimore. From employment opportunities and educational choices to decisions about whether to buy a house or have a baby-- the only way to understand COVID’s consequences is to look at the data. We speak with Amanda Phillips de Lucas, who directs the Baltimore Neig…

1
Mayor Brandon Scott responds to DPW employee's death 11:20

26d ago11:20

11:20

Mayor Brandon Scott speaks to Midday about the recent death of DPW employee Ronald Silver II. Email us at midday@wypr.org, tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.By WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore

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