Best WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore Podcasts (2025)

1
Brandi Collins-Dexter, an insightful scholar, died recently. We revisit our interview about her prescient book, 'Black Skinhead.' 48:30

2h ago48:30

48:30

Brandi Collins-Dexter, a keen observer of politics, an insightful scholar on race and a brilliant author, recently passed away at the age of 44.Today, a look back at Collins-Dexter's Midday interview on her book, Black Skinhead: Reflections on Blackness and our Political Future. The author joined Midday in November 2022, just days before the mid-te…

1
In 'Something Between Us,' a guide to overcoming the walls between Americans 48:14

1d ago48:14

48:14

What can bridge the widening divisions in America today? How can society foster a greater sense of belonging among different communities?Dr. Anand Pandian seeks answers to those questions in his new book, Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American Life and How to Take Them Down, where he invites us to explore the areas of our lives that c…

1
What Ya Got Cookin': Summer recipes with Baltimore award-winning chefs 47:13

2d ago47:13

47:13

Roasted Peach Ice Cream Recipe | Chesapeake Bites Roasted Peach Ice Cream Recipe 1 pound barely ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and diced 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 can (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups half and half Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Convection works best. Toss the peaches with cinnamon and plac…

1
In an Eastern Shore town facing rising tides, FEMA's plan to help gets cut 13:49

4d ago13:49

13:49

Adam Willis wrote about Crisfield and its inhabitants as rising tides threaten their future.By WYPR 88.1 Baltimore

1
Reporter's Notebook: New insights from Key Bridge collapse. Plus, Baltimore's battle with opioids 20:34

5d ago20:34

20:34

WYPR Reporter Scott Maucione joins the Midday News Wrap to discuss the big news of the week he's following. He speaks with WYPR News Director Matt Bush about new information on the Key Bridge collapse, following the release of transcripts from the Dali cargo ship. Additionally, the mass overdoses in the Penn North area are driving city officials an…

1
Controversy over the next Baltimore County Inspector General heats up with nominee announced 14:05

5d ago14:05

14:05

Follow for more reporting on this topic: Klausmeier rejects Madigan, goes with another nominee for Baltimore County inspector general National watchdog group slams Baltimore County’s Inspector General selection processBy WYPR 88.1 Baltimore

1
The Rousuck's Review: The Contemporary American Theater Festival 9:05

5d ago9:05

9:05

Midday theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Tom in the studio to review one of our region's current theater productions.This week, she gives us an inside look into plays on stage at the Contemporary American Theater Festival. The festival runs through August 3 at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.…

1
Councilman Mark Conway on police accountability, underground fires and opioid overdoses 29:39

5d ago29:39

29:39

Baltimore City Councilmember Mark Conway, chair of the Public Safety Committee, joins Midday to share his perspectives on the recent spate of police-related deaths. He also addresses the danger of underground fires and the opioid overdose crisis.By WYPR 88.1 Baltimore

1
Maryland's Sen. Van Hollen addresses recent rescission vote and Kilmar Abrego Garcia deportation case 8:05

6d ago8:05

8:05

Maryland's Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joins Midday to provide an update on recent congressional and political matters. He discusses the $9 billion rescission vote, which affected public broadcast funding, and the deportation case of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia.By WYPR 88.1 Baltimore

1
Baltimore's international students face uncertainty with visa and travel changes 40:39

6d ago40:39

40:39

International students in the United States are adapting to recent changes to visas and travel that may impact their higher education goals. Today on Midday, we speak to reporters and members of the international student community about the challenges these students face in completing their studies.Karin Fischer, a reporter for The Chronicle of Hig…

1
City Council President Zeke Cohen on Baltimore's crisis response, opioid abuse treatment and more. 32:36

7d ago32:36

32:36

Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen joins Midday to discuss renewed scrutiny of the city's crisis response system. A recent series of police shootings of people experiencing mental health problems has residents and officials asking why alternatives to law enforcement were not used.The city council has held hearings recently related to polic…

1
Grant cuts, travel bans could upend Maryland's universities. The consequences will be felt far outside the classroom. 16:06

7d ago16:06

16:06

Maryland is home to world-class colleges and universities—shining ivory towers of learning and research. Institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland are not just places of learning. They are also major drivers of the state’s economy, creating tens of thousands of jobs and bringing in research grants and other opportuni…

1
Amanda Litman makes the case for Gen Z and Millennial leaders in 'When We're in Charge' 48:49

8d ago48:49

48:49

Amanda Litman's new book is a manual for young leaders with advice on how to navigate the changing demands of running nonprofit and for-profit organizations.Now in her mid-thirties, she’s begun to notice that she was no longer the only young person heading organizations and companies like hers. Drawing on her own experience of balancing her profess…

1
As AI access spreads, new concerns over the proliferation of biased AI and the deepfake 48:35

12d ago48:35

48:35

Guest host Farai Chideya explores how AI-generated content can target and harm individuals and entire communities, and examines the efforts of advocates and policymakers working to address these threats.Kristen Griffith, an education reporter for The Baltimore Banner, joins Midday to share her reporting on a local example of an AI-generated deepfak…

1
Rousuck Review: 'The Yeoman of the Guard' 8:20

12d ago8:20

8:20

Midday theater critic J Wynn Rousuck joins our show for weekly theater reviews. Today, she shares a review of Young Vic's production of "The Yeoman of the Guard." The story is set at The Tower of London and includes a planned execution, a secret marriage, and a brave escape. "The Yeoman of the Guard" runs through July 20.…

1
The U.S. Senate approved cuts for NPR, PBS. What's next, and what does it mean for Maryland's public media ecosystem? 40:24

12d ago40:24

40:24

In the early hours of the morning, the U.S. Senate voted to approve President Donald Trump's rescission package, which includes the elimination of $1 billion for public broadcasting. The package will now move forward with the possibility of final approval from Congress by Friday. If the package is approved, how will the public broadcast industry fa…

1
Break out your shovel and sun screen! We're talking summer tips for a vibrant, flourishing garden 48:33

13d ago48:33

48:33

Midday goes Back to the Garden as the summer reaches its peak.Farmer Chippy and Farmer Tiara from Plantation Park Heights and Carrie Engel from Valley View Farms join Midday to help you choose the right plants for the summer. They share their best tips on how to care for your garden, and answer your questions about peppers, fruit trees, cucumbers a…

1
What hurts today? Sports injuries and how to prevent them with Dr. Miho Tanaka 48:45

14d ago48:45

48:45

On Midday today, are ask listeners about their aches and pains. Dr. Miho Tanaka is an orthopedic surgeon and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. She is also the Director of the Women's Sports Medicine Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.Miho joins Midday to discuss your body's fitness and how injuries can impact your sports perform…

1
Change could be coming to Baltimore's waterfront promenade. What's in store? 23:50

15d ago23:50

23:50

Baltimore's Inner Harbor features a long, nearly uninterrupted stretch of public promenade running along the water. The five-mile walkway begins at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on Key Highway and snakes past downtown and on to Canton.The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore envisions a new chapter for the promenade, with new opportunities for lo…

1
What does Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill mean for Marylanders? 24:54

16d ago24:54

24:54

President Donald Trump's domestic agenda became law in one “big, beautiful bill” passed earlier this month.The legislation includes new work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP benefits, new funding for border security and an increase in defense spending. Cuts to clean energy programs were paired with extending the tax cuts that were passed during T…

1
Renewable electricity is having a moment. What's in the future for Maryland energy? 48:36

19d ago48:36

48:36

Today, Midday explores the future of energy in Maryland. The push for sustainable sources of electricity faces new hurdles. Federal support for solar and wind energy has evaporated, and in Maryland, Governor Wes Moore vetoed several important climate-related initiatives. How will these changes affect projects across the state? Guests on this progra…

1
Midday at the Movies: celebrating 50 years of 'Jaws' 32:20

19d ago32:20

32:20

It's Midday at the Movies! This summer, Jaws is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and will re-release on IMAX and in 3D.Jed Dietz, founding director of the Maryland Film Festival, and Ann Hornaday, film critic for the Washington Post, join Midday to discuss what is new in the film-industry and review the latest films.…

1
Rousuck Review: The Stephen Sondheim collection at the Library of Congress 18:22

19d ago18:22

18:22

Last month, the Library of Congress announced it has acquired a treasure-trove of the work Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim’s music and lyrics were made available for public viewing and more items are expected to be added over the next few months.Midday theater critic J Wynn Rousuck and Mark Horowitz, Senior Music Specialist at the Library of Congress, d…

1
Grammar nerds, pick up your pens! Midday is here to answer your questions about words. 48:49

21d ago48:49

48:49

Midday on Grammar talks words, syntax and phonology. If you have a question about words or writing, we have answers.Our guest is Ellen Jovin, a grammarian and author of a terrific book, Rebel with a Clause. The roving grammar guru takes her pop-up advice on the road across the U.S. to explore the power language holds to unite us.…

1
Midday on the Law: U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority deliver consequential decisions 48:41

22d ago48:41

48:41

On today's Midday on the Law, Prof. Kim Wehle joins me to review some of what the high court decided this term, and analyze what it will mean for democracy and the rule of law moving forward.In her most recent book, Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works-And Why, Wehle argues that Trump’s inappropriate use of the pardon power could have a devast…

1
An all-Baltimore line-up at this week's 'First Thursday Festival' 11:04

23d ago11:04

11:04

WTMD’s First Thursday Festival returns this week. The homegrown affair takes place every summer at the Canton Waterfront Park and features artists from Maryland.Tyler LaPorte, WTMD's Assistant Program Director and Afternoon Host, joins Midday to preview this month's artists, which include Dan Deacon, LandisHarryLarry, and Eyas.…

1
Healthwatch: Are Maryland's immunization practices and access in jeopardy? 37:40

23d ago37:40

37:40

Dr. Leana Wen joins Midday for our monthly series, Healthwatch. This month, she discusses public concern for future access to flu, COVID, and measles vaccines. Additionally, she provides federal resources beyond the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for reliable information on vaccines and health.…

1
The riveting story of a desperate phase of the American Revolution in 'The Fate of the Day' 48:30

27d ago48:30

48:30

Rick Atkinson is the author of seven narrative histories about five American wars. Today he will take us back in time discussing the American Revolution written in the The Fate of the Day: the a of America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1778.This is the second book from his trilogy and sees the most desperate phase of the Revolutionary War.T…

1
State Labor Secretary Portia Wu on economic uncertainty and federal worker unemployment 18:55

28d ago18:55

18:55

Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu joins Midday to discuss the latest employment numbers and support for a growing number of unemployed federal workers.We ask her about employment picture in our state, and what laid-off federal workers can expect as they enter the job market.By WYPR 88.1 Baltimore

1
Midday with the Mayor: A recent spat of police shootings bring new attention to crisis teams 20:00

28d ago20:00

20:00

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joins Tom to talk about issues important to Charm City residents.The Baltimore Police Department were recently involved in the deaths of three people, each believed to be in a mental health crisis at the time of their interaction with officers. Could diversion programs have prevented these tragedies? Can existing respo…

1
Rousuck's Review: 'Julius Caesar' at the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park 9:45

29d ago9:45

9:45

J. Wynn Rousuck is a theater critic who joins Midday each week with her reviews of Maryland's regional stage.This week, she reviews “Julius Caesar,” one of Shakespeare’s most familiar plays. Does this classic tale, produced by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, say anything new to us today?By WYPR 88.1 Baltimore

1
What's the future of local journalism? 48:47

29d ago48:47

48:47

Today is Midday on the Media. The local news industry continues to dwindle, with more than 3,200 local and regional newspapers closing since 2025, according to reporting by Neiman Lab. Tom speaks with the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Baltimore Banner Kimi Yoshino, Guardian columnist Margaret Sullivan, and Columbia Journalism School professor, Ju…

1
Former Kennedy Center President discusses the intersection of politics and performing arts 21:25

30d ago21:25

21:25

Former Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter discusses her tenure in leadership and the complicated intersection of politics and performing arts.By WYPR 881 FM

1
Can Maryland's new Commerce Secretary revamp the state's business sector? 27:24

30d ago27:24

27:24

Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. sits with Tom to discuss the future of Maryland's business sector while grappling with state and federal budget cuts.By WYPR 881 FM

1
How is AI reshaping careers and the jobs economy? 48:28

1M ago48:28

48:28

Today, Midday examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace, what it means for different generations of workers. How rapidly these changes are occurring?Midday guest host Farai Chideya discusses the future of AI with Jason Michael Perry, founder and Chief AI Officer of Perry Labs, and author of the new book "The AI Evolution: A Gu…

1
The art of Vincent Stringer celebrates Pride and spirituality 8:21

1M ago8:21

8:21

Today is Midday on the Arts with artist, singer and poet Vincent Dion Stringer.Stringer is an artist, a singer and a poet. Their art work touches on different topics such as race, faith, and societal issue.My Soul is a Witness: A Journey Through Art and Spirituality, featuring a collection of Stringer's work, is running through July 20 at the First…

1
Congressional perspectives on Israel and Iran: Reps. Olszewski and Elfreth 29:57

1M ago29:57

29:57

Two of Maryland's congressional delegation talk about America’s involvement in the conflict in the Middle East.A leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report contradicts the contention made by both President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Iran’s nuclear program was completely destroyed by last weekend’s bombing raids. …

1
Former Capital Gazette editor reflects on tragedy 7 years later in 'Pressed to Kill' 48:30

1M ago48:30

48:30

In the summer of 2011, a story appeared in the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis about a man who was charged with criminally harassing a classmate. This person later sued the newspaper for defamation, but his case was thrown out by a judge. On June 28, 2018, seven years after the story about the disgruntled reader appeared in the paper, the ma…

1
Midday on Higher Ed: Towson University President Dr. Mark Ginsberg 37:36

1M ago37:36

37:36

Today, we spotlight Midday on Higher Education with the 15th president of Towson University, Dr. Mark Ginsberg.This university is one of Baltimore County’s largest anchor institutions, where more than 19,000 students receive undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates in more than 30 fields and professions. Many high-profile schools…

1
Councilman John Bullock reacts to fatal police shooting of arabber in his West Baltimore district 11:12

1M ago11:12

11:12

Yesterday, the Baltimore Police Department released body camera video of the police-involved shooting that occurred in West Baltimore on June 17. A 36-year-old named Bilal "B.J." Abdullah was killed during a gunfire exchange with police. One of the officers involved in the shooting, Devin Yancy, was shot in the foot and has been released from the h…

1
Famous Olympic athlete and activist John Carlos receives Lifetime Grand Visionary Award 23:51

1M ago23:51

23:51

Olympic Athlete John Carlos made history at the 1968 Olympic Games. During the medal ceremony, he, along with Tommie Smith, raised a Black fist to symbolize support for Black Americans and civil rights. Carlos joins Midday to discuss his journey in sports and activism. He also reflects on the Lifetime Grand Visionary Award he will receive from the …

1
Turnaround Tuesday aims to give Marylanders the tools needed to make a change 24:48

1M ago24:48

24:48

Turnaround Tuesdays began 10 years ago to connect formerly incarcerated people and others with skills and employers who hire them and help change the direction of their lives.The program was started by BUILD, Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development and operates out of four locations around the city.A couple of months ago, Turn Around Tuesdays…

1
An ambitious plan aims to fix up thousands of Baltimore's vacant homes 47:10

1M ago47:10

47:10

On July 1, Maryland is set to take the first step in a sweeping $50 million plan to rehabilitate larges swathes of vacant homes in Baltimore.The state will soon distribute the first funds to organizations vying to rehabilitate homes with the goal of completing 5000 homes in five years.Today, Midday speaks to two members of Baltimore’s Vacants Reinv…

1
On Juneteenth, redefining Black resistance with Kellie Carter Jackson, author of 'We Refuse' 48:30

1M ago48:30

48:30

(This Program originally aired on June 19, 2024)For Juneteenth's celebration of liberation and Black history, we revisit a conversation with author and historian Kellie Carter Jackson.Her recent book, We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance, examines the resistance that Black women had on white oppression in the history of the United Stat…

1
Double agents, the mafia and a sordid history in Michael Cannell's 'Blood and the Badge' 48:52

1M ago48:52

48:52

Michael Cannell has written many books delving into the sordid history of American crime, and his latest book is no different. The setting for Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation is Brooklyn, New York, in the 1980s, and the central figures are mobsters, cops and double agents.The case of two decora…

1
Claire McCardell, the fashion maven from Frederick, Maryland 23:27

1M ago23:27

23:27

Claire McCardell, a Frederick native, was one of the 20th century’s most influential fashion designers. But few know her story.Now, McCardell is the subject of an exhibition at the Maryland Center for History and Culture, and a new book by Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free.Dickinson joins Midday to discuss her b…

1
The Baltimore City Council passed the 2026 budget. Council President Zeke Cohen joins Midday to discuss. 25:21

1M ago25:21

25:21

WYPR's Emily Hofstaedter reported on the budget, and the additional $2 million for the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MIMA).By WYPR 88.1 Baltimore

1
Baltimore's Rachel Hilson sees her profile rise with a starring role in HBO Max's 'Duster' 26:40

1M ago26:40

26:40

The actress Rachel Hilson grew up in Baltimore, and graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts. She played many roles on television and in movies, including shows like This is Us and The Good Wife, and Hulu’s Love, Victor. Her film credits include Red, White and Royal Blue and an upcoming film with Will Ferrell, Judgement Day. Rachel Hilson j…

1
Chronic illness and health equity with GBMC'S Dr. John Chessare 22:05

1M ago22:05

22:05

Dr. John Chessare is set to retire after 15 years as the President and CEO of GBMC Healthcare, a nonprofit in-patient and out-patient care provider that employs more than 2,000 nurses and physicians on its Towson campus, and in several other locations across our region.Chessare joins Midday to discuss the latest health trends, including rising inci…