Join Maryland Democratic politicos for candid, unscripted discussions on current events in Maryland and across the nation. Hear insights on the future direction of the Democratic Party and learn about immediate actions you can take as we strive to reclaim power. No scripts. No spin. Just real, unfiltered conversations about the issues that matter. Join us as we burn the talking points. Authorized by the Maryland Democratic Party; Devang Shah, Treasurer.
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MDDems Podcasts
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A Look Inside the Life of a White House Correspondent with April Ryan
47:36
47:36
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47:36Send us a text In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Executive Director Karen Darkes sits down with the legendary White House Correspondent and political analyst, April Ryan for a conversation on what it takes to report from one of most powerful offices in the world. With over 25 years of experience covering five presidential administ…
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Special Episode: Is That Hope We Feel? With election analyst Tom Bonier
53:16
53:16
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53:16Send us a text In this episode, Democratic strategist and data expert Tom Bonier returns to unpack the results of the 2025 election cycle. From Virginia to California, Democrats dominated. We talk about what happened and why - and what these results reveal about voter sentiment heading into 2026. Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to d…
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EP 21: What the Annapolis and Frederick Elections May Tell Us about 2026
42:22
42:22
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42:22Send us a text In this week’s episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re joined by two key voices in Maryland’s 2025 mayoral races: Democratic candidates Jared Littmann (Annapolis), and incumbent Mayor Michael O’Connor (Frederick City). We dive into what’s at stake in each city, how local dynamics are echoing national conversations, and why these el…
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Special Episode: Setting the Tone for 2026 - NJ,PA,VA
27:02
27:02
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27:02Send us a text In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, we go beyond Maryland and take a look at the political battlegrounds shaping America’s future. We sit down with New Jersey Democratic Party Executive Director and Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair to break down what’s at stake ahead of the 2025 election. Then we dive into VA and w…
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Ep 20: Shutdowns, Fair Maps, and the Fight for Maryland Families
31:23
31:23
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31:23Send us a text Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman joins Burn the Talking Points to break down the real-life impact of the Republican shutdown, what it means for Marylanders, and how she’s thinking about building winning teams in politics and for the O’s next season. Catch Comptroller Brooke Lierman on her Four More Tour - https://brookelierman.com…
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EP 19: The Raskin Episode: Shut Down, MAGA Corruption, and Fighting Back
43:38
43:38
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43:38Send us a text Rep. Jamie Raskin joins to break down the MAGA shutdown chaos, expose Republican corruption, and share how we fight back, win in 2026, and what Chair Raskin will fight for leading the Judiciary Committee. Learn more about Democracy Summer at https://jamieraskin.com/democracy-summer/ Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to …
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EP 18: Beyond the Feed - Maryland Content Creators Take on Politics
45:37
45:37
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45:37Send us a text This week on Burn the Talking Points, we go Beyond the Feed with Maryland content creators Tiffany (@CandidlyTiff), and Kenny (@2RawTooReal). These digital voices are informing the masses, building communities, and holding leaders accountable! In this episode, we talk about what it means to use your platform for impact, the challenge…
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EP 17: Congressman Johnny O. on the fight ahead!
34:21
34:21
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34:21Send us a text In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Congressman Johnny Olszewski joins us to talk about the fights ahead as session resumes and the stakes for Marylanders. On the same day survivors demanded justice on Capitol Hill, Johnny O. breaks down how Democrats are uniting to push back while Republicans bow to political pressur…
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EP 16: Martin O’Malley’s plan for Dems to win in 2026!
50:18
50:18
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50:18Send us a text On this episode of Burn the Talking Points, former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley breaks down what it takes to lead in tough times, the real damage the Trump administration is doing to Social Security, and why protecting these benefits is non-negotiable for working families. He also lays out his plan to energize Democrats, expand …
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EP:15 Author Cory McCray talks his new book, Trump, and Democratic wins
37:50
37:50
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37:50Send us a text On Burn the Talking Points, author Cory McCray breaks down his new book The Apprenticeship that Saved My Life, the dangers of Trump’s America, and how Democrats are delivering results by driving down Baltimore’s homicide rate. Purchase the book here: mddems.org/book Talk-Back Tour: mddems.org/tbt Run for office: mddems.org/Run Be sur…
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EP 14: Trump Fired Them. Now They’re Speaking Out.
55:45
55:45
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55:45Send us a text Trump pushed them out. Now, these former federal workers are telling their stories. What they saw behind the scenes shows how deep the damage went and why the stakes are so high in 2026. No spin. No talking points. Just the truth. Learn more about the following initiatives: MDDems Talk Back Tour: mddems.org/tbt Run for Office: mddems…
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EP 13: From Texas to Maryland Beto O'Rourke on the Fight Ahead!
19:30
19:30
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19:30Send us a text 🔥 This week on Burn the Talking Points: Beto O’Rourke. We’re talking organizing, showing up everywhere, and what’s next for the fight ahead. Plus, he gives his frank opinions on who is (and is not) meeting the moment. You don’t want to miss this. Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points. Be…
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Send us a text Tom Bonier joins us to unpack what the numbers tell us about 2024—and what Democrats need to do differently. From missed turnout targets to overlooked shifts in voter registration, Bonier lays out where we fell short and where there’s still ground to gain. It’s a candid look at the road ahead, without sugarcoating or doom. Be sure to…
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Send us a text This week, we host a candid conversation between two Maryland DNC members, Robbie Leonard and Bel Leong-Hong, as they share their visions for moving the Democratic Party forward. We tackle tough questions about priorities and what it takes to win. While they differ on strategy, both are focused on finding common ground to help Democr…
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Special Episode: Live with Maryland's Freshman Representatives
11:37
11:37
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11:37Send us a text In a special live taping of Burn the Talking Points, we host a panel of Maryland's freshman representatives to dish about what it is really like to be in Congress during Trump 2.0. Filmed at the annual Maryland Democratic Party gala, they take us behind the scenes of Congress and give us a peek at how things really work and how they …
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Send us a text This week, we’re talking to three young staffers with some of the most interesting and fun jobs in Maryland politics. This episode is great for everyone but will really hit home for people looking to get a job in politics or young people just getting their start. We will hear how they got their start, what their work actually looks l…
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EP 9: New Leadership, Same Mission: Beat Republicans and win elections
37:09
37:09
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37:09Send us a text On this week's episode of Burn the Talking Points, we sit down with County Executive Steuart Pittman—Governor Moore’s and party leadership's recommended pick to lead the Maryland Democratic Party following Chair Ken Ulman’s announcement that he will step down on June 13. Pittman joins us to talk about what’s at stake, his vision for …
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EP 8: An Inside Take with Young Democrats
58:09
58:09
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58:09Send us a text We have several young Dems in studio to give us their take on what issues they want the Democratic Party to put front and center, what worries them most about Trump, and what they think of David Hogg's plan to primary safe seat Dems. And stick around for a game of "cringe or cool" Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to da…
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Special Episode: Senator Chris Van Hollen | Courage is Contagious
20:45
20:45
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20:45Send us a text In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Senator Chris Van Hollen shares the story of his recent trip to El Salvador, sheds light on how he is viewing his place in this moment in history, and what he really thinks of Marco Rubio. Stick around for a silly game of "Dream Podcast Host." Be sure to hit that subscribe button to…
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Send us a text This is our BIG 100 days episode! Trump's first 100 days have brought chaos, corruption and economic pain. In this episode, we talk to every Democratic member of our federal delegation to get their take on Trump's 100 day mark, hear what stories they think are undercovered, and what is giving them hope. Tune in now, smash that subscr…
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EP 6: Dems in Digital: The Next Generation of Strategists Shaping the Future of Dem Campaigns
46:42
46:42
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46:42Send us a text In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we dive into the online landscape facing Democrats as we work to take back the House in 2026. We're joined by some of the minds behind KamalaHQ on TikTok and Vote Save America as we talk discuss who Dems can win online (and in real life). Join Joe Francaviglia, Cara Koontz, and Ethan Kelly …
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Special Episode: Brooke Lierman Breaks It Down: Trump, Tariffs, the Markets, and Maryland’s Economy.
16:36
16:36
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16:36Send us a text Trump may not know what he is doing with his in again off again tariffs - so we decided to talk to the main money person in Maryland - Comptroller Brooke Lierman. In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Comptroller Lierman joins us to unpack how Trump’s chaos is hitting Maryland’s economy in real time. Then, we lighten th…
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Special Episode: Post Session with Governor Wes Moore
44:48
44:48
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44:48Send us a text In this Burn the Talking Points exclusive, Governor Wes Moore breaks down how Maryland Democrats closed a $3 billion budget gap, the impact Trump is having on Maryland, his take on Democratic messaging, and he gives us his Mt. Rushmore of Maryland athletes. Listen today and let us know if you agree with his Mt. Rushmore picks! Be sur…
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EP 5: Democrats fight...& win! The fight for public education is now.
1:05:12
1:05:12
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1:05:12Send us a text Is that momentum we feel? In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we recap the big wins from the recent special elections and Cory Booker's historic filibuster. Then, we dive into what Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education means for Maryland and America. Featured guests include MDP ED Karen Darkes, Mary Pat Fannon of…
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EP 4: Maryland budget deal & Sarah Explains it All
19:51
19:51
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19:51Send us a text In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we begin with breaking news as the Governor, House and Senate have come up with a budget framework deal. The Trump chaos and corruption is bleeding into Maryland and forcing difficult choices for the state budget. Then, in Sarah Explains It All, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth joins us to discu…
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EP 3: How Democrats Win Again, with Martha McKenna, Dr. Anna Greenberg, and Kevin Harris
45:27
45:27
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45:27Send us a text In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re getting straight to the strategy that will define the fight ahead. With Trump’s chaos dominating the headlines, how do Democrats break through and win in 2026? We’re joined by national Democratic communications experts Martha McKenna, Dr. Anna Greenberg, and Kevin Harris to debate the…
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EP 2: Suing Trump & Calling Out the Madness: AG Brown on the Frontlines
19:27
19:27
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19:27Send us a text In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re getting straight to the legal battles defining Trump’s chaotic return. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joins us to break down how he and Democratic AGs across the country are fighting back against Trump’s reckless agenda, from attacking cancer research to cutting middle class …
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EP 1: Trump's Turmoil, Maryland's Budget, & DNC Chair Ken Martin on What's Next for Democrats
59:24
59:24
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59:24Send us a text Episode 1 Description- On the inaugural episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re diving straight into the pressing issues shaping the Maryland and national political landscape. Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman joins us to break down the state’s budget and what it means for Marylanders. AFGE National Vice President Ottis Joh…
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