MD Dems Podcast

In this podcast, we are here with not one, but two Eastern Shore trailblazers! Join us this episode with our special guests, Mayor Todd Nock and Mayor Megan Cook as we discuss their monumental elections, barrier-breaking milestones, and the legacy they plan to leave for the future leaders

From Rocky Mount, NC to Princeton and Harvard, to Prince George's County, Maryland's newest Congressman is helping lead his family and his state while advocating for an all-hands-on-deck approach to stem the tide of gun violence.

Maryland has made tremendous strides in making this state truly one for all. These feats wouldn't have been made without the help of our special guests: Delegates Joe Vogel, Ashanti Martinez, and Maggie McIntosh. Join us as we discuss some of their roles in passing groundbreaking legislation, their wins in the Maryland General Assembly, and what advice they have for LGBTQ+ youth who consider a career in public service.

Everyone has a Steny Hoyer story, and we were thrilled to hear some of those as he joined our podcast this week. You won't want to miss this one as the Maryland legend himself gave us his Mount Rushmore of Maryland politicians, his favorite election stories, and which world leaders made him feel starstruck.

Join us for our season two premiere with our special guest, Congressman Jamie Raskin as we discuss the parallels of his 2026 election, his accomplishments in his role and what it takes to win even the toughest battles in and out the political arena.

Join us with our guest, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott as we discuss his city's victories, his journey from Park Heights to City Hall and what it's like to be among the youngest mayors in Baltimore's history.

Join us with our special guest, Jessica Fitzwater as we discuss her passion for music teaching and serving her home as the Frederick County Executive.

Join us and our special guest Eric Luedtke as he breaks down some key legislation and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the Governor's office has worked so well with the State's House on unified legislation.

The Baltimore City Delegation joins us to talk best food spots in the city, who has the upper hand in the Poly-City Tech rivalry, and what drives Baltimoreans to succeed in the State House.

It's a Gorgeous Prince George's takeover! Delegates Jazz Lewis, Karen Toles, and Nick Charles stop by to discuss the fantastic work done to lift Prince George's to new heights!

Tune in with Prince George's very own County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks as we 'break down' her aspirations, take on politics and her remarkable background.

State Senator Dawn Gile stops by the podcast to talk about her historic election where she flipped a seat that had been Republican for 50 years, and dishes on her favorite karaoke songs.

Senator Chris Van Hollen stops by to talk Inauguration Day, lessons from Pelosi and Hoyer, election night stories, and more.

Trust in the voters by

Leaving No One Behind by

The Road to Progress is Always Under Construction by

Bans Off Maryland Bodies! by

Working for the people. by

A Seat at the Table...and Maybe Some Taco Bell. by

Tune in to hear how Del. Lierman is at work shattering ceilings & knocking doors to become the first woman elected Comptroller in Maryland.

Join Chair Yvette Lewis as she sits down with Senator Ben Cardin to chat about the importance of voting this year.

Join Chair Yvette Lewis as she sits down with Senator Mary Washington and Councilmember Evan Glass to talk about Pride Month.

Join Chair Yvette Lewis as she sits down with State Senate President Bill Ferguson and Speaker Adrienne A. Jones to recap the 2021 Legislative Session!

For The People by MD Dems Podcast

Chair Yvette Lewis sits down with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and discusses the newly passed American Rescue Plan, his role as Chair of the U.S. Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and more. You won't want to miss this episode!

Chair Yvette Lewis hosts conversations with Congressmen Anthony Brown and Kweisi Mfume. Together, they discuss their careers, the hard work they’ve been doing in Congress, and how we can fight systemic inequalities. You can also expect to hear them discuss how the Biden-Harris administration is building our country back better.

Chair Yvette Lewis talks with Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller about her historic election as the first woman mayor of Hagerstown, COVID response, and local matters in Hagerstown.

The 2020 Maryland Democratic Party Year in Review with State Senator Cory McCray, Party Chair Yvette Lewis, and Executive Director Eva Lewis!

Victories And Lessons by MD Dems Podcast

ft. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and former NFL player Torrey Smith, moderated by Chair Yvette Lewis. This episode discusses why we vote and the importance of voting. Leader Hoyer and Smith talk about what is different about this election and what is on the line. The podcast starts with Leader Hoyer talking to undecided voters, telling them the Vice President Biden he knows. (2:45) Chair Lewis follows up by asking Leader Hoyer about how the political landscape has shifted after the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and why winning not only the presidency, but also the House and Senate majority is vitally important.(6:54) The conversation then goes to Smith, who speaks about policies from Joe Biden that stick out to him.(11:45) Smith talks about the importance of criminal justice reform and voting for candidates that will implement change. Smith and Leader Hoyer proceed to talk about health care and the implications of removing the Affordable Care Act during a global pandemic. Chair Lewis asks why voting is important and how can we make access easier.(15:55) Smith and Leader Hoyer discuss how this election is different from 2016, and how we can capitalize on energy from youth activism.(20:51) Smith discusses why it is important for everyone to be involved and vote, regardless of age and race.(26:34) Smith and Leader Hoyer discuss keeping your elected officials accountable after they have been elected to office. Chair Lewis asks how to navigate voting during the global pandemic, whether it is by mail or in person.(37:46) Smith and Leader Hoyer close it out with final words.(43:04)

The New York Times and the Washington Post published damaging exposes of Trump's inaction in January 2020. Consumed with impeachment and trade negotiatons with China, President Trump missed a crucial window to prepare for the novel coronavirus that has thus far claimed more than 22,000 lives and toppled our economy. On this episode Arinze dives into those stories and delivers a heartfelt message about the need for party unity in the aftermath of Senator Sanders' exit from the primary and subsequent endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden. Be sure to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. If you have any feedback you can email us at info@mddems.org!

Arinze delivers a scathing assessment of Trump's propaganda press conferences. The task force briefings are purposefully timed to preempt local and national news coverage. These "briefings" regularly feed lies and disinformation to the American public that are designed to boost Trump's approval ratings as his administration bungles its response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Tune in for a brand new podcast format as the Maryland Democratic Party shifts its operation to digital organizing in this new social distancing era. Be sure to share your feedback or share your comments on air via voicenote by emailing info@mddems.org. Thanks for listening! Stay safe, wash your hands, and TRUST SCIENCE.

ft. Del. Pam Queen (D-14). The podcast opens with a candid discussion about Del. Queen’s educational background (a bachelors, two masters, and a PHD) in the STEM field and the challenges she faced early on in her career. Her personal story dovetails into the ongoing fight for greater funding for Maryland’s HBCUs. Del. Queen goes on to talk about her work with Black Girls Vote at Morgan State University (8:50) and how she is getting students involved in grassroots efforts to support the Maryland HBCU lawsuit. Next Del. Queen discusses her “Equal Pay - Equal Work” bill (10:50), her bill to screen for the presence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in schools (12:30), her work on the Economic Stability workgroup (17:20), and a bill to bring more childcare subsidies (23:00) to Maryland families. Arinze asks Del. Queen about the social and philanthropic organizations that she is apart of, and how they’ve helped her run for public office (24:26). The conversation wraps with a discussion focused on how Del. Queen got her start in politics (26:22) and her outlook on the future of the Maryland General Assembly (28:25).

ft. Speaker Pro Tem, Del. Sheree Sample Hughes (D-37A). On this episode Del. Sample Hughes discusses what it means to be the only Democrat representing Maryland’s Eastern Shore (2:52) and addresses some of the challenges the Shore is facing— including access to broadband internet (5:34) and physician shortages (10:14). Later we discuss her role as a mentor to new legislators (18:21) and her responsibilities as Speaker Pro Tem. Del. Sample Hughes opens up about the challenges she faced as a woman aspiring to hold elected office (24:15) and the importance of relying on her loved ones to help make serving in the legislature a reality (29:09). The podcast closes with her thoughts on the amount of bills the MDGA hears on an annual basis (32:20), the new direction of the House of Delegates (37:52), and the need for Maryland’s HBCUs to be rightfully compensated after years of underfunding (41:12).

On this episode Arinze sits with Prince George’s State Central Committee Member Chris Stevenson and Democratic activist Julio Murillo to discuss the new dynamics of the 2020 Presidential Primary. The pod opens with Chris— a Black and Latinx voter— and Julio— a Latinx voter— assessing how we’ve arrived to our final two candidates (3:20 - 10:26). Arinze asks what the outlook is for the Party post-convention (10:35) and Julio says the Vice Presidential pick this cycle could be especially critical to winning in November (13:00). Arinze takes issue the pejorative usage of the term establishment, and argues that the “establishment” delivered America’s first black president, healthcare reform, and more (15:15). The group debates whether Progressives can count on signature issues like Medicare for All and Student Loan Relief could actually be enacted (19:44) by a Democratic president and if working class whites, moderate Republicans, and independents can be trusted to vote for the Democratic nominee in November (26:30). The conversation then turns to a discussion about what Biden has to do to connect with Latinx voters and what Bernie has to do to connect with black voters through the remainder of the Primary contest (34:07). The episode wraps with a discussion about turnout (42:50) and early predictions about which policies could conceivably be enacted by Sanders or Biden prior to the 2022 midterms (53:50). Wash your hands.

ft. Caryn York, CEO of JOTF (Job Opportunities Task Force). On this episode Arinze sits down with Caryn to discuss the work of JOTF— whose mission is to help transition low wage workers to high wage jobs. Caryn explains what the “criminalization of poverty” is and why JOTF is working to eradicate it from our public policies (3:22). Part of that work includes reforming Maryland’s overwhelmingly punitive child support system and understanding how to put in place policies that actually benefit chilren and co-parents (7:40). Caryn talks about the solutions JOTF is supporting to help create more equitable child support guidelines (16:40) and explains how economic justice is inextricably linked to our criminal justice system (20:40). Next Arinze asks Caryn about the changes she’s seen in the General Assembly under new leadership (21:40) and their willingness to take a different approach to longstanding issues such as criminal record expungement (22:50)— particularly the elimination of the “unit rule” which is preventing tens of thousands of Marylanders accessing expungement. Caryn explains why these Marylanders cannot get dropped charges off of their criminal records— the reason will blow your mind (24:40). Arinze asks Caryn how this year’s “tough on crime” rhetoric is impacting JOTF’s work to reform the criminal justice system and decriminalize poverty (31:20). The conversation wraps with this question: “What should politicians seeking election or re-election in Baltimore pursue to help turn the City around?” (36:30).

ft. Senator Mary Washington (D-Baltimore City). The podcast opens with a recap of the historic 6-hour, 4-committee, hearing on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (2:25) and the democratic on full public display (6:45). Senator Washington discusses some of the outcomes from the hearing (10:20) and then shares some of her own legislative priorities for Session 2020 (13:00). The conversation turns to Baltimore City. Arinze asks, “What will it take to fix Baltimore’s issues?” which opens the door to a lengthy discussion about crime and and the cynicism that has taken root in the City (25:30). The episode closes with an exchange about “hope” and the impact an effort to expand access to opportunity would have on Baltimore (42:20).

ft. Del. Michele Guyton (D-42b). On this episode Arinze and Del. Guyton discuss the challenges of representing a purple district in Maryland. The show opens with an update on the Built to Learn Act and the Blueprint for Maryland’s future, the measures are designed to improve Maryland’s school buildings and education quality respectively (2:40). Next Del. Guyton talks about two of her bills: 1) cracking down on elder abuse and 2) a bill facilitating the creation of a master plan within the Department of Disability for adults with autism (14:30). Arinze turns the conversation to Baltimore County politics. Del. Guyton discusses the Speakership coming to the County and turnover within the delegation (17:50) and the dynamics of running in a split district (21:40). The conversation closes with a discussion about what it will take to motivate turnout among Democrats in 2020 (38:00).

ft. Del. Marc Korman, Del. Brooke Lierman, & Beth Osborne, Director of Transportation for America. On this episode two members of the MDGA’s Transportation Caucus and a national transportation policy expert join the podcast to talk about the transit issues and projects up for debate during Session 2020. The episode opens with an overview from Beth Osborne on what jursidictions are doing around the country to improve transportation (3:30). Del. Lierman talks about transit disparities in Baltimore and central Maryland (6:10). Del. Korman talks about Maryland’s “multi-modal” approach to transit throughout the State and the current slate of projects in Montgomery County (9:30). The conversation turns to transportation equity and how transit policy impacts urban and suburban residents differently (17:15). Del. Korman describes how his constituents rely heavily on high quality mass-transit options to live their lives (21:00). Del. Lierman talks about the needs of Western Maryland and the Shore for viable mass transit options (27:45) and the positive economic benefits that could be realized through the pursuit of solid transit choices. Arinze asks the group about commercial scooters and bikes to help with the “last mile” of a pedestrian commute (32:50). Del. Lierman says that land use decisions will play a major factor in alleviating transportation challenges in Maryland (36:10). The podcast wraps with an extended discussion on the importance of MARC train service and investment (38:40).

Volume III of the Trump impeachment trilogy doesn't disappoint. This episode features Arinze, Michael, and Eva Lewis-- MDP's new Executive Director. Strap in folks, this is a fast paced episode recapping the madness of Trump's impeachment. The MD Dems end the episode by throwing down the gauntlet... Donald Trump WILL NOT WIN IN NOVEMBER. Mark your calendars, it's on!

ft. the Maryland State Education Association. MSEA Legislative Director Sean Johnson and MSEA President Cheryl Bost join the MD Dems Podcast to talk about the Kirwan Commission’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The podcast kicks off with a basic question, “What is Kirwan?” (5:24). This explanation leads to the topic of community schools— an education model that has enjoyed significant publicity since LeBron James in Akron, Ohio in 2018. Cheryl breaks down the impact the model has on school children and the broader community (17:20). The Blueprint calls for— on average— up to $2M in additional funding per school in Maryland over the next 10 years. Cheryl and Sean talk about how customized resources for every school in Maryland would create lasting and transformational change to our educational outcomes (21:50). Arinze asks how the Blueprint recommendations will impact Maryland families across the state (28:00). Then Arinze asks Cheryl and Sean “what’s in it” for Marylanders that do not currently have school aged children. Sean addresses the fictional “Kirwan Tax Hike Commission” and other misleading talking points put forward by Governor Hogan (34:00). Arinze presses Sean about the perception that the legislature is preparing to throw good money after bad to fix underperforming schools in Maryland. Sean and Cheryl push back by talking about concentrated poverty in jurisdictions around the state and the strict accountability measures incorporated in the Blueprint’s proposals (43:00). Studies show that Americans are falling behind in education in comparison to the rest of the developed world— even when adjusted for income. Arinze asks “what are we missing out on” that other nation’s schoolchildren are enjoying when given an equivalent amount of resources (50:00). The conversation wraps with information about how residents can participate in the legislative push to pass the Blueprint during this year’s legislative session (56:00).

ft. Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (D- Montgomery County). Lorig opens the discussion talking about her 2020 legislative agenda. This year she has put in bills supporting economic justice, including: wage theft protection and retaliation protection for workers. She is also working on a medical debt protection bill that supports individuals who fall into serious financial trouble over medical debt (4:20 -13:00). Lorig is also looking to address climate change and energy democracy. She talks in depth about energy democracy and explains how climate and energy policies disproportionately impact low income ‘frontline’ communities (13:30 - 20:30). Arinze asks Lorig wanted to run for office, and Lorig says she wanted to be a champion for equity (21:30 - 31:00). Lorig says that “it is expensive to be poor” which prompts an extended conversation about regressive policies that exacerbate poverty (31:00 - 35:30); the school to prison pipeline (35:50 - 43:30); and the perverse economic incentives built into the prison industrial complex that makes little effort to rehabilitate people while incarcerated (43:30 - 48:00). The conversation wraps with a discussion about what true representation means and how Marylanders benefit from a more gender balanced and diverse legislative body (48:30 - 52:25).

ft. Prince George’s Councilmembers Danny Schaible (Hyattsville) & Scott Cecil (Mt. Rainier). Danny and Scott open with their stories about becoming councilmembers in their communities and the policies on which they are working (3:35-17:00). Scott says that many of the policies we operate under today are designed to criminalize and profit off of Black and Brown bodies and goes on to describe his full-time work helping people with criminal records to register to vote (21:20-25:00). Danny describes how the Latinx population in Hyattsville is impacted by gentrification and how he as a cis-white-male can play a role as a leader and as an ally in the fight against inequitable community development. Scott and Danny discuss what they’re doing within the Gateway Arts District partnership to empower marginalized residents in their communities (27:00-45:00). The conversation turns to national politics and Scott, Danny, and Arinze get into a lively debate about the deterioration of our Democracy because of unlimited campaign contributions, foreign interference, and hyperpartisanship (45:00-1:00:00). Danny shares a story about a relative that identifies with Trump and Scott passionately argues that Demorcrats must double down on identity politics to increase turnout of the Democratic coalition (1:01:00-1:14:00). Scott argues that turnout directly impacts governance and the ability to enact progressive policies— and progressives shouldn’t be afraid to deliver a message that government is worthy of the public’s trust (1:14:00-1:27:00).

ft. Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-10). The podcast opens with a discussion about Baltimore County. Speaker Jones talks about her 38-year career in Baltimore County Government (4:00). The Speaker then breaks down the significance of the Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival (now in its 23rd year) in Towson, and the importance of bringing the people of the County— East, West, and Central— together (8:14). Arinze asks about the role of the Democratic State Central Committee, where Jones held her first public position, and finds out more about her first campaign (11:15). The discussion turns to the changes the Speaker has implemented in her first legislative session and her management style as she steps into the day to day role of managing the House during session (16:30). The conversation wraps with a discussion about the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a signature initiative to reform Maryland’s education system (25:30).

ft. Dr. Robert Chiles, Senior Lecturer at the University of Maryland. The conversation opens with Dr. Chiles providing context to the erosion of trust in American government. Dr. Chiles explains that the far Right has taken to anti-government rhetoric and the far Left has pushed for massive expansions to the social safety net in attempts to appeal to their constituents once they've lost faith in government (10:00). Politicians like George Wallace normalized modern “outsider rhetoric” that is frankly race-baiting (17:15). Dr. Chiles says that it has since morphed into a coded langauge that the public understands and that conservatives have readily embraced. Given Trump’s impeachment, Arinze asks what America has done in hostoric moments of crisis and divisiveness to heal itself in the past (21:00). The conversation then turns to the impact of globalism (28:55) and capitalism (38:00) on American politics. The podcast wraps with an examination of the Supreme Court (43:00), the Senate (50:00), and the House’s ability (or inability) to withstand the corrosive effects of today’s politics.

Here's a bonus episode of the MD Dems Podcast featuring Arinze and Morgan breaking down last night's historic vote to impeach Trump for abusing his power and obstructing Congress! Stay tuned for Vol. 3... sometime in 2020.

ft. Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott. The conversation opens with Scott talking about the Freddie Gray uprising and his upbringing in Baltimore (2:25). Arinze and Scott discuss the failed strategies of the past, gun violence as a disease and Hogan's "asinine" claims about education funding in Baltimore City (11:25). Scott is asked how changing economics could positively affect one of Baltimore's poorest and most violent neighborhoods (17:00). Scott recommends a mult-agency approach (25:30) and touts an equity based City budgeting process (30:50). The conversation wraps with a discussion on overcoming Baltimore's trust barrier between the public and its officials (41:25) and the steps needed to overcome education challenges in Baltimore (46:30).

Should college athletes be paid? ft. Del. Brooke Lierman, UB Law Prof. Dionne L. Koller, and Terps Football Starting Center Ellis McKennie. The pod opens with a quick synopsis of the state of affairs for Division I athletes' ability to be paid. Prof. Koller & Ellis break it down from both a legal and player's perspective (4:00). Del. Lierman talks about her work on a bill to give student athletes the ability to unionize. The legislation was filed in response to the tragic death of Jordan McNair who died during a University of MD football practice, and would give players an independent representative outside of the Athletic Department and give them the ability to bargain for wages (11:30). The conversation then turns to California's controversial decision to pass statewide legislation allowing players to sign endorsement deals and hire agents (20:50). Is Maryland ready to follow? Will Title IX be impacted and would women athletes be compensated fairly (30:30)? The three discuss the risks associated with big time college athletics and the truth about "student athletes" attending four year universities because they do not have viable semi-pro/developmental league options (33:35). Ellis explains what the NCAA's new "cost of attendance" stipend is for Power 5 Conference athletes(40:45). Del. Lierman says she will renew her push to create laws to fix student-athlete compensation in next year's legislative session (45:00). The episode closes with a discussion on the ever-expanding post seasons for D1 athletes (47:20).

ft. Howard County State's Attorney Rich Gibson. (2:00) Rich talks about his work in Baltimore's Major Investigations Unit. (5:00) Rich discusses his path to becoming a prosecutor in Maryland. (8:00) Arinze & Rich talk about Rich's experience prosecuting gun crimes in Baltimore's famed F.I.V.E. Unit and the investigation and prosecution techniques he picked up along the way. (15:00) Arinze asks about Rich's experience transitioning from trial attorney to an executive. (18:45) Rich opens up about the Dorsey case where an intoxicated man mistakenly entered Mr. Doresy's home by force and was shot to death. Rich details why he declined to prosecute Dorsey. (26:00) Rich says they are working to engage the community as a proactive crime prevention measure-- which includes developing partnerships to bring a Boys & Girls Club to Howard County. (32:25) Arinze asks for Rich's take on the importance of prosecutorial discretion. (50:00) The conversation wraps with a discussion on police brutality, and the agreement Rich formalized with Montgomery County ensuring that the counties would investigate one another's police involved death cases.

ft. Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (D-13), Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. The episode opens with a deep dive on the importance of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) and philanthropic social organizations that the black professionals use to network and advance their careers (2:25). Vanessa reveals ways to find a job working in state politics in Annapolis (15:26). From there the conversation turns to Vanessa career path and her decision to run for office (24:30). Arinze asks about the obstacles women face when they decide to run-- Vanessa doesn't disappoint with her answer about overcoming those obstacles (34:00). The conversation wraps with an examination of the sea change that has taken place in the House Judiciary Committee since Vanessa was tapped as Vice Chair.

ft. Baltimore City Mayor Jack Young and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. The podcast opens with a first-hand recounting of how the lauded deal to save Baltimore's Pimlico race track and the Preakness Stakes came together (2:00). Discussion of the deal and its benefits to both Baltimore City and Anne Arundel lead to a conversation about the importance of regionalism in government (11:00), as well as Jack and Steuart's outlook on consummating the deal during the 2020 legislative session (13:30). Arinze steers the conversation towards Steuart's organizing background on the West and South sides of Chicago before he decided to run for County Executive (15:00), and Jack talks about the family he's lost to gun violence and how it has shaped his career in public service (19:00). Jack and Steuart then tackle the two facets of American gun violence-- handgun violence in urban centers and mass shootings in suburban areas (25:25). Arinze asks about both men's inclusionary housing policies (32:40) before the discussion turns to the Kirwan Commission recommendations and the future of education in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County (35:20). The conversation wraps with each executive's prescription for enacting change within their jurisdiction (41:30) and Jack closes with an inspirational story about starting out as a sanitation worker and rising to become Mayor (47:00).