Free To Bmore Podcast

In this episode of Free to Bmore, we chat with Joe Giordano, an award-winning photojournalist in Baltimore. His work has been featured in GQ, The Guardian, NPR, Architectural Digest, and Al Jazeera. His images capture some of our city's most poignant moments in recent history. Now he is passing his expertise to the new generations. Join us for an insightful conversation.

In this episode of Free to Bmore, we chat with Pulitzer Prize-nominated investigative reporter Justin Fenton of The Baltimore Banner. Justin reflects on his career uncovering some of the biggest stories in Baltimore, his journey into journalism, and the impact of local reporting. We also dive into how his book became an HBO mini-series, the evolving media landscape, and what it all means for Baltimore's future. Join us for an insightful conversation with one of the region's most respected investigative journalists!

From Filmmaker to Radio Trailblazer! You know her voice from the award-winning Today with Dr. Kaye on the radio, but there's so much more to Dr. Karsonya "Kaye" Wise Whitehead's story. On this episode of the Free to Bmore Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kaye to discuss her journey from filmmaker to middle school teacher to one of Baltimore's most influential radio hosts. Tune in to hear how she's shaped conversations and inspired our community.

Senator Ben Cardin, joins the Free to Bmore podcast as he prepares to close out nearly six decades in public service. In this episode, Senator Cardin shares insights into his most meaningful accomplishments, the impact he hopes to leave on Maryland and beyond, and his plans for the future. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Maryland's most respected leaders.

For five years, Aaron Dante has been capturing the heart of Baltimore and beyond with his No Pix After Dark podcast. Now, we're turning the mic on him! In this episode of the Free To Bmore podcast, Aaron shares why Baltimore's stories deserve a bigger spotlight and what's next for his journey. Don't miss this inspiring conversation.

In this episode of the Free To Bmore podcast, we sit down with Baltimore sports broadcasting legend Mark Viviano as he reflects on his 40-year career. Mark shares how it all began, relives some of his most memorable sports moments, and talks about what the future holds for him and his family here in Charm City. Whether you're a sports fan or just love a great story, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now!

Join us in this episode of the Free to Bmore podcast as we welcome Jack Dwyer, CEO of CFG Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Baltimore. Jack recently introduced the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong High Yield Money Market Account to support Key Bridge recovery efforts, with CFG Bank matching donations up to $500,000. As the founder of CFG, Jack has financed over $7.6 billion in FHA-insured healthcare mortgages and established a family of companies providing comprehensive financing solutions. We discuss Jack's innovative approach to banking and philanthropy, his significant impact on the Baltimore community, and his dedication to initiatives like The Jack and Nancy Dwyer Workforce Development Center. Tune in to hear about Jack's journey as a businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist committed to fostering growth and resilience in Baltimore.

In this episode, we welcome Jasmine Allen and Chabria Hill, founders of the Charm School Project for Girls. This program is dedicated to empowering young black and brown girls in Baltimore. Through dance and mentorship, they aim to inspire confidence and help girls reach their full potential. Join us as they share their journey and discuss the impact of their organization on the community.

In this episode, we welcome Jake Day, Maryland's Secretary of Housing & Community Development and former Mayor of Salisbury, known for his dynamic urban redevelopment efforts. During his tenure, Salisbury saw a dramatic decrease in homelessness and crime, and revitalized its downtown, contributing to its status as Maryland's fastest-growing city. As we focus on Baltimore, we'll discuss Day's innovative approaches to housing and urban development, and how his experience could shape the city's future.

In this episode, we're joined by Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore, who has played a crucial role in positioning the city as a top destination for conventions, meetings, and leisure visits. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality and destination marketing industry, Al shares his insights into Baltimore's tourism sector and his vision for its future. Tune in to discover how tourism impacts Baltimore's economy and the strategies driving its growth.

In this episode of #FreeToBmore, we connect with Laurie Schwartz, President of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. Known for her instrumental role in city planning and development, Laurie's leadership has transformed Baltimore's waterfront into a thriving recreational hub and a magnet for tourism. Tune in as we explore her innovative projects, including Rash Field's development and the ingenious implementation of trash wheels. Discover Laurie's vision for integrating the Inner Harbor with Baltimore's urban landscape, and her remarkable ability to forge partnerships between government and private sectors. Join us for an inspiring conversation on shaping Baltimore's future!

In this episode, we're joined by Annie Milli, the Executive Director of Live Baltimore, an organization dedicated to showcasing Baltimore as an amazing place to live. Annie's diverse background in marketing and her passion for Baltimore shine through as she shares insights into Live Baltimore's innovative programs and experiences living in the vibrant Arcadia neighborhood. Tune in to explore the city's charm through Annie's eyes!

In this episode of #FreeToBmore, we connect with Mike Galiazzo, President of the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland. Join us as we explore the dynamic landscape of manufacturing and delve into Mike's vision for Maryland's future. Tune in for a captivating conversation about the future of manufacturing in Maryland!

Meet Kory Bailey, a true pioneer in Baltimore's tech and startup scene! As the Relationship Development Director at UpSurge Baltimore, he is at the forefront of driving change and equity through innovation. Tune in to be part of the conversation, and let's ignite Baltimore's innovative spirit!

In this episode, we're honored to have Shelonda Stokes, the President of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, as our guest. Join us as we dive into Ms. Stokes' background, and her incredible work, and gain insights into her vision for the future of Downtown and Baltimore City. Her dedication to the city is truly inspiring, and her perspective is invaluable. Tune in to be part of the conversation shaping the future of Charm City!

In this episode of Free To Bmore Podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mark Anthony Thomas, the newly appointed CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC). Mr. Thomas shares his background, vision, and strategies for steering the GBC toward a brighter future, championing diversity, promoting economic growth, and uplifting Baltimore's diverse communities. Tune in to explore how individuals like Mark Anthony Thomas are making a positive impact in our city!

Discover the incredible talent of BSO Conductor, Jonathan Heyward in this episode of Free To Bmore Podcast! From his beginnings as a cellist to becoming Chief Conductor of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, Jonathan's commitment to education, community outreach, and innovative concert programs shines through. Tune in for an inspiring journey!

Tinku Bhattacharyya of the Creative Alliance joins the Free to Bmore podcast to talk about how the organization supports local artists and their recent expansion of the new Creativity Center.

On this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast we feature Chin-yer Wright, a Baltimore-based artist, educator, and community organizer, and founder of The Baltimore Scene, the Baltimore Crown Awards, the Black Mall and more. She is an accomplished poet, fiction writer, essayist, and musician, with numerous awards and accolades to her name. In addition to her creative work, Chin-yer is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring young writers, serving as the director of multiple youth writing programs in the city.

On this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast we feature Evan Woodard, a Baltimore-based explorer, photographer, and historian who documents his search for lost and forgotten relics.

On this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast, we feature Jenenne Whitfield, the recently appointed Director of the American Visionary Art Museum. Her work with the Heidelberg Project in Detroit has achieved international recognition as one of the most influential arts movements in the world.

Baltimore artists and arts organizations use their talents to positively impact their communities and the world. Today on the Free To Bmore Podcast we talk to the interdisciplinary artist Soledad Salamé about her work exploring environmental and human rights issues, and how Enoch Pratt Free Library plays a role in her research. Salamé's recent work includes an examination of migration resulting from climate change, exacerbated by social-political impact.

Baltimore artists and arts organizations use their talents to positively impact their communities and the world. Today on the Free To Bmore Podcast we talk to the founder and executive director of Art with a Heart, Randy Pupkin. Art with a Heart provides equitable access to visual art experiences to the Baltimore community.

Baltimore artists and arts organizations use their talents to positively impact their communities and the world. Today on the Free To Bmore Podcast we talk to members of the West Baltimore Re-Imagining and Redevelopment Project to explore its pioneering approach to economic development and how culture and the arts are playing a significant role.

Baltimore artists and arts organizations use their talents to positively impact their communities and the world. Today on the Free To Bmore Podcast we talk to Tia Hamilton, publisher, writer, and entrepreneur, about her passion for helping those formerly incarcerated, find their second chance in life.

On this episode of the Free to Bmore Podcast, we talk to SHAN Wallace, an award-winning visual artist, photographer, and educator, about her rise as an acclaimed visual artist and photographer and her passion for creating social impact through her work.

Young people in Baltimore are facing more and more trauma, but health experts are looking at ways to introduce practices that could have an impact on their future. Today on the Free To Bmore Podcast we talk to Dr. Tamar Mendelson, Director of the Center of Adolescent Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health about one program that's showing promise.

Healing Youth Alliance Ambassadors, Sydney Johnson & Jima Chester join the Free to Bmore Podcast to share the trauma-related challenges that our youth face today and the work they are doing to break the cycle of generational trauma for the future of Baltimore.

Dr. Kevin Daniels is a professor at Morgan State University, the Pastor at St. Martin's Church, and a licensed social worker and counselor having worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the Community Psychiatry Department. He joins the Free to Bmore Podcast to share the work he's doing to rebuild communities in Baltimore, one seed at a time.

She started helping others as a teenager when she created a special club in her garage. Now, Tee Scott is helping people overcome addiction as a recovery specialist. In this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast, we take a look at what's being done to overcome the stigma of addiction and help people move towards a path to recovery.

She suffered as a victim of human trafficking as a young adult, now Donna Bruce has dedicated her life to other victims of trauma. In this episode, she speaks out about how she became an advocate, overcoming her past and inspiring her purpose.

His difficult childhood gave him a passion for helping children. Now, Dr. Malik Muhammad is working to change lives in Baltimore City. On this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast, we talk to Dr. Muhammad about the impact he's making in our city and his hopes for the future of Baltimore.

From clippers to coping strategies, Troy Staton has expanded what it means to be a barber shop. His program called More Than A Shop provides literacy help, health screenings, art shows, and more at a dozen barber shops and salons, making Baltimore better one haircut at a time.

In this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast we welcome scholar of historical trauma, Dr. Lawrence Brown, author of The Black Butterfly: The Harmful Politics of Race and Space In America. In his book, he lays bare the negative impact of politics in Baltimore and what he thinks should be done to make black neighborhoods matter.

For fourteen years Roberta's House has provided a safe space for Baltimore families to come together to deal with the loss of a loved one. On this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast, we speak with Roberta's House founder Annette March-Grier to explore the history of the family grief support center and the impact it's had on the community.

In this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast we welcome Raguel Broy, Director of Trauma and Training Services at the Baltimore City Health Department, to find out what's behind the push to make Baltimore a “Healing City” and the impact that could have for the future of our community.

In this episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast, we welcome Hieu Truong, Clarissa Chen, and Seema Shah-Nelson from Baltimore Asian Resistance in Solidarity to examine anti-Asian discrimination and what we can do as a City to be a true ally to our Asian neighbors. ______ For More Information Visit These Links - PBS' Asian Americans documentary series on Asian American history https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/ - National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum https://www.napawf.org/ - Asian Americans Advancing Justice https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/ - South Asian Americans Leading Together https://saalt.org/ - Southeast Asian Resource Action Center https://www.searac.org/

She’s a fixture in Annapolis and he is a fresh face on the political landscape. Delegate Maggie McIntosh and Councilman Zeke Cohen talk to the Free To Bmore Podcast about how they’re trying to lead Baltimore forward.

A health crisis, the financial fallout, and a lack of trust in government are all challenges currently facing leaders in Baltimore City. This episode of the Free To Bmore Podcast we go one-on-one with two familiar leaders who are trying to move Baltimore into the future.

New leaders in Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott and Council President Nick Mosby are familiar faces in Baltimore politics taking on new roles. Meghan Mccorkell goes one on one with each of them to talk about the challenges the City faces, their top priorities, and how they’ll work together to accomplish them.

The coronavirus has changed the way we connect and communicate. It’s had a huge impact on the people who try to help our community. One of those people is Dr. Judy Postmus, the new Dean of The School of Social Work at the University of Maryland. Hear her story here.

His church has been a change maker in Baltimore City, tackling social inequities since the 1800’s. Now, Union Baptist Church Reverend Alvin Hathaway looks at his past in the city, as works towards making a better future.

It’s Season 3 of One Book Baltimore and this year’s writer is Baltimore’s own D. Watkins. The Free to Bmore podcast goes one-on-one with the New York Times best-selling author to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, his book We Speak for Ourselves, and the impact he hopes to have on the next generation.

What does it mean to be antiracist? What kind of actions does that require? Those are some of the subjects rising literary star Kondwani Fidel is tackling in his book, "The Antiracist: How To Start The Conversation About Race And Take Action." It’s a vulnerable and personal look at the impact racism has at the individual level and on the world as a whole.

Dr. Jay Perman oversees 12 universities and 3 higher education centers across the State of Maryland. Now, he is leading the University System of Maryland through an historic pandemic that could change the way we look at higher education in the future.

The Coronavirus outbreak has hit vulnerable populations incredibly hard. Dr. Susan Mani, M.D. with LifeBridge Health is working with the Maryland Department of Health to track hotspots throughout the State and get needed resources to our most at-risk groups.

His name has become synonymous with one of the hottest issues in Annapolis this session, education. Don't miss this episode of the Free to Bmore Podcast featuring Dr. William 'Brit' Kirwan, the head of The Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education. It's a plan for a sweeping overhaul of education across the state that's led to a funding fight that has dominated this legislative session.

Making a difference in Baltimore - one student at a time. Former White House advisor Andrew Coy is the founder of the Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center. Now he joins the Free to Bmore podcast to talk about turning rec centers into tech centers.

She leads the second-largest university in the State of Maryland. In her nearly four years at Towson University, Kim Schatzel has been named one of the most influential Marylanders and one of the most admired CEOs. Now she's talking to the Free To Bmore Podcast about how the campus is growing and her push to see increasing diversity in the students who attend.

For four years, Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises has been at the helm of the Baltimore City Public School System. She’s faced challenges including layoffs, maintenance issues, and funding cuts. But there’s also been successes including rising test scores and graduation rates. Through it all, Dr. Santelises has been called a stabilizing force for City schools.

He’s been called a visionary, forward-thinking leader from Los Angeles to DC, Paris and now Baltimore, Sammy Hoi has been a force in arts education. Today as President of the Maryland Institute College of Art, he believes that art and artists can be change-makers in our society.