Best WYPR Baltimore Podcasts (2025)

1
Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) 35:01

8d ago35:01

35:01

Keyboardist, songwriter, and founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Benmont Tench has been a cornerstone of one of the most beloved and commercially successful rock bands of the last four and a half decades. Known for his signature organ and piano work, Benmont has played on countless classic tracks not just with Petty, but also as a se…

1
Haley Fohr (Circuit des Yeux) 22:52

1M ago22:52

22:52

Haley Fohr, who performs as Circuit des Yeux, is known for her hauntingly powerful voice and immersive, genre-defying sound. As Pitchfork put it, her voice is “a force of nature” that “pulses with raw emotion.” Her album -io, was hailed by The New York Times as “a deeply evocative exploration of loss, identity, and the self.” With a career marked b…

1
Colin Greenwood (Radiohead, Nick Cave) 40:04

2M ago40:04

40:04

As a member of Radiohead since its inception over 30 years ago, Colin Greenwood’s contributions to the group, both through his bass playing and songwriting, have helped them reach ever-higher levels of artistic and commercial prominence. A soulful, clever, and inventive bass player, his parts are always noticeable due to being highly composed and c…

1
Darius Jones 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

Critically-acclaimed composer and saxophonist Darius Jones’s playing has been described using adjectives such as “fearless,” “riveting” and “breath-taking” from publications ranging from Pitchfork, to The Wire, to the New York Times, and has received superlatives from many other publications, as well. Currently an Assistant Professor of Music at We…

1
Ikue Mori (Big Ears Festival performer) 30:43

3M ago30:43

30:43

Japanese musician and composer Ikue Mori is widely known for her innovative work in experimental electronic music. Having initially gained recognition as a drummer for the avant-garde rock band DNA with Arto Lindsay in the late 1970s, she helped define the band's distinct sound. As her career evolved, Mori transitioned to using electronics and comp…

1
Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo) (Big Ears Festival performer) 25:29

4M ago25:29

25:29

As close to indie rock royalty as may exist, Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo–a band nearing its 40th year in existence that he founded with his partner, drummer Georgia Hubley in the mid-1980’s–has recorded 17 records under that name and influenced more bands than could be named here. Simultaneously considered critics’ darlings but also having establishe…

1
Laraaji (Big Ears Festival performer) 21:59

5M ago21:59

21:59

First coming to international attention after Brian Eno heard him playing in Washington Square Park in New York City in 1979, Laraaji’s calm, meditative, and deeply spiritual work was widely heard for the first time when his Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, record was released by Eno in 1980 as the third in his “Ambient” series. A collection of his earl…

1
HaHa Holidays 27:05

5M ago27:05

27:05

This week on the podcast, three tales of seasonal shenanigans. Music: Something Elated by Broke for Free/Free Music Archive "First Snow" by HoliznaCC0/Free Music Archive The Stoop Storytelling Podcast is hosted by Laura Wexler and Jessica Henkin, produced by Maureen Harvie, and distributed by Your Public Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

1
Amit Peled's magnificent melodies with the Mount Vernon Virtuosi 22:52

6M ago22:52

22:52

Cellist Amit Peled is the founder and artistic director of the Mount Vernon Virtuosi, a string orchestra of young musicians who perform free concerts in churches, synagogues, prisons, hospitals and schools throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. The Mount Vernon Virtuosi will be presenting their annual Mozart in Jeans concerts tomorrow and Sunday…

1
The Handel Choir of Baltimore Celebrates 90th Anniversary Season 25:25

6M ago25:25

25:25

Music from Handel’s Messiah is a holiday staple around the world, including here in Baltimore. Nobody has done it annually for as many years in our area as the Handel Choir of Baltimore. This year the chorus is celebrating their 90th season and will offer Handel’s beloved masterpiece this weekend with shows in Baltimore and Timonium. Brian Bartoldu…

1
Majestic Memoirs: "Patriot" by Alexei Navalny and "Cher: The Memoir, Part One" by Cher 3:54

6M ago3:54

3:54

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review a pair of high-profile memoirs that reveal the complex lives of two vastly different, widely influential people: Patriot, by Alexei Navalny, and Cher: The Memoir, Part One, by Cher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
Stories from the Stoop: Painting a new path forward 9:28

6M ago9:28

9:28

Rev. Grey Maggiano shares a Stoop story about using art to acknowledge the past and chart a new path forward. Check out a video of the Stoop event when this story was shared. See the painting here. Want more Stoop? Check out the Stoop Storytelling Series podcast and website. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? C…

1
Poisonous pigments star in new Walters Art exhibit 15:45

6M ago15:45

15:45

Before artisans knew of their danger, toxic materials like lead, arsenic, and mercury were used in the creation of illuminated manuscripts. A new exhibit at the Walters Art Museum titled, "If Books Could Kill" spotlights the hidden dangers of these artifacts and describes the scientific methods used to identify toxic materials. We speak with Lynley…

1
Midday with the Mayor: What are the priorities for his second term? 25:46

6M ago25:46

25:46

In this year-end edition of Midday with Mayor, Brandon Scott talks with Tom about his goals and priorities for the city in his historic second term. In 2025, how will he move forward on violence reduction, vacant housing and water bills? Email us at [email protected], tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.…

1
Baltimore County schools battle growth and budget shortages 23:02

6M ago23:02

23:02

Dr. Myriam Rogers, the Superintendent of the Baltimore County Schools, received great news when the annual Maryland School Report Card was released earlier this month. Twenty Baltimore County schools received a 5-star rating, the most of any jurisdiction in the state. Additionally, Dr. Rogers is moving forward to address school safety and budget ch…

1
Churches in Baltimore and beyond are shedding worshippers 37:51

6M ago37:51

37:51

As Christians celebrate the Christmas holiday this month, churches and parishes in Maryland and across the country are wrestling with a dilemma that has affected every Christian denomination: a marked decrease in the number of people who attend services and say they are affiliated with a church. Dr. Firmin DeBrabander is a philosophy professor at t…

1
Rousuck's Review: 'Life of Pi' at The Hippodrome 10:46

6M ago10:46

10:46

Theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Tom to share another weekly review of a local theatrical production. This week's review includes some of her favorite theater actors which are puppets. 'Life of Pi' tells the story of a young man's journey with zoo animals in the ocean after a shipwreck. The production runs through December 14 at the Hippodrome …

1
Baltimore fire chief on seasonal firefighter hazards and homeowner safety tips 13:06

6M ago13:06

13:06

Dozens of firefighters raced to extinguish a massive blaze in Baltimore Thursday; freezing temps and high winds multiplied the hazards. We ask chief James Wallace how he keeps his department safe, and get winter weather safety tips for everyone. Request a smoke alarm and placement assistance for your home. Do you have a question or comment about a …

1
Is Maryland's cash bail reform working? 12:18

6M ago12:18

12:18

Seven years ago, the Maryland judiciary changed the rules about bail, so people charged with a crime would not be held behind bars just because they can’t afford cash for bail. How is that working? We ask Baltimore Beat legal reporter Madeleine O’Neill what she's discovered. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? C…

1
Healthwatch: Healthcare coverage woes and bird flu risks 40:58

6M ago40:58

40:58

Dr. Leana Wen joins Tom for Midday Healthwatch, where they discuss issues affecting the health and well-being of Charm City residents. Today, Dr. Wen will address your concerns with healthcare coverage, risks of the bird flu and the future of vaccine access. Dr. Wen is a former health commissioner of Baltimore and columnist for the Washington Post.…

1
Who else will President Biden pardon before leaving office? 15:53

6M ago15:53

15:53

Should President Biden issue pre-emptive pardons for any people the Trump administration may prosecute when he returns to the White House? Kim Wehle is a law professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law and her latest book is Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works-And Why. She joins Midday to tell us more about the pardon process. Emai…

1
Rousuck's Review: 'A Very Jewish Christmas' 10:18

6M ago10:18

10:18

Email us at [email protected], tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.By WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore

1
Baltimore bands take the spotlight in 'Scene Seen' 13:20

6M ago13:20

13:20

With 200 photos of 85 bands and musicians over eight years, "Scene Seen" shines a light on Baltimore's vibrant local music landscape. We speak with photographer Micah E. Wood and designer Christopher Chester about creating this archive. Listen to Ami Dang and Infinity Knives and Brian Ennals. Upcoming events: Friday Jan 3 | 7PM Gallery Opening & Bo…

1
Why are colorectal cancer rates rising in younger people? 12:07

6M ago12:07

12:07

More than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year. And the average age of people who get them is dropping. The American Cancer Society says the share of colorectal cancer cases among those younger than 55 nearly doubled between 1995 and 2019, rising from 11 percent to 20 percent. Why is this happening? What can people do t…

1
Mothers Making Holiday Magic 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

This week on the podcast, two stories about a present that causes panic. Music: Something Elated by Broke for Free/Free Music Archive 2 Hour Delay by HoliznaCC0/Free Music Archive The Stoop Storytelling Podcast is hosted by Laura Wexler and Jessica Henkin, produced by Maureen Harvie, and distributed by Your Public Studios. See omnystudio.com/listen…

1
Maryland parents continue to face challenges with childcare 12:35

6M ago12:35

12:35

In MD, 15% of childcare providers have closed up shop between the pandemic in 2020 and this year. For parents juggling the demands of work and raising children, finding a safe and reliable situation for their kids is a crucial component of every family’s life. Midday guest Christina Eaglin is the author of "Who’s Watching My Baby: A Complete Guide …

1
Senior U.S. Senator Ben Cardin retires after five decades in politics 48:50

6M ago48:50

48:50

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin ends a storied 58-year career in public service in a few weeks. He served in the state legislature, the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Now he approaches retirement at the age of 81. In Congress, he has been one of the Senate’s most impactful members, passing legislation on Human Rights, Health Care, the Environme…

1
Stories from the Stoop: Embracing nerdom 12:15

6M ago12:15

12:15

Here’s a Stoop Story from Baltimore City Comptroller Bill Henry about embracing his nerdy side. Check out the Stoop Storytelling podcast. Find out about upcoming Stoop events. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers [email protected] 4…

1
Creative writing program celebrates 15 years of serving Baltimore students 12:02

6M ago12:02

12:02

Beyond emails and to-do lists and captions on social media…how often are you writing for pleasure? Do you wish that was part of your life? Would it add something you’re missing? The nonprofit Writers in Baltimore Schools guides students as they explore poetry and creative writing through in-school, afterschool, and summer camp programs. We speak wi…

1
The Holiday Spirit: "Time of the Child" by Niall Williams and "Love You A Latke" by Amanda Elliot 3:54

6M ago3:54

3:54

Ah, December! On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels to help get you in the mood to celebrate the season, however, and whatever, you choose: Time of the Child, by Niall Williams, and Love You A Latke, by Amanda Elliot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WYPR Baltimore

1
Parenting is a challenge, and childcare is becoming more costly. What can you do about it? 48:10

6M ago48:10

48:10

Today, we talk about raising young people—from babies to teenagers. Dr. Ashanti Woods of the Mercy Medical Center answers your questions. Surveys of America’s young people find poor mental health is a widespread problem. How can you keep the young people in your life healthy and happy this winter? Plus, good childcare has become more costly and dif…

1
How to deal with loneliness during the holidays with psychologist and author Dr. George Everly 37:13

6M ago37:13

37:13

Psychologist and author Dr. George Everly joined Midday in November to talk about moving on from the stress of a tumultuous election season. Today, we discuss coping with loneliness and isolation through the lens of the enormous literature of self-help books. Dr. Everly is the co-author, with the business entrepreneur Jim McCann, of Lodestar: Tappi…

1
The launch of a new survey tracks concerns over crime, economy and more in Baltimore region 11:29

6M ago11:29

11:29

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council recently released a survey that examined what the top-of-mind issues are around the region. Mike Kelly, BMC’s executive director, joins us to take stock of the survey's results on how Marylanders feel on a wide range of issues. The BMC brings together the chief executives of Baltimore and the counties that surroun…

1
Historian sleuths out stories on Baltimore addresses 14:24

6M ago14:24

14:24

When you live in a city as old as Baltimore, you are always standing on a lot of history. Every single lot in this centuries-old town has decades of stories behind it. We talk with historian Katie Labor, who has been exploring some of those stories in her project called BehindBmoreLots. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea…

1
Free HIV screenings for World AIDS Day 12:43

6M ago12:43

12:43

We talk with medical director Dr. Sarah Schmalzle to hear about the resources University of Maryland Medical Center's THRIVE program provides the community. She also talks about AIDS awareness, prevention and care. In recognition of World AIDS Day, UMMC's THRIVE is offering free HIV, hepatitis, and diabetes screenings. This event will run Dec. 4th …

1
Midday previews "Poe Theatre on the Air" 7:17

6M ago7:17

7:17

WYPR will begin airing "Poe Theatre on the Air," a collection of stories and poems produced by The National Edgar Allen Poe Theatre. The series will air quarterly beginning December 8 as a part of WYPR's Radio Theatre Sunday Night. The Poe Theatre's Founder and Artistic Director Alex Zavistovich joins Midday to share a preview of the series. Email …

1
A how-to guide on managing your finances. Midday talks to an expert. 41:14

6M ago41:14

41:14

As 2024 comes to a close, Midday takes stock of the financial markets, where the opportunities for successful investing are, and what we can do to minimize any tax consequences that may come our way. So, what does that mean moving forward, for both experienced investors and people ready to dip their toes in the market for the first time? Nicolas Ab…

1
Midday on the news: Biden pardons his son, despite pledge not to 10:06

6M ago10:06

10:06

Last night, President Joe Biden issued a broad pardon for his son, reversing an earlier pledge to not interfere in his legal affairs. Hunter Biden had been scheduled to be sentenced in his gun possession and tax cases next week. Luke Broadwater, a congressional correspondent for the New York Times, joins us with the latest. Email us at midday@wypr.…

1
Maryland transit leader on riders returning post-COVID and budget cuts 38:37

6M ago38:37

38:37

Holly Arnold, Administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration, talks about managing rising ridership while state budget cuts seem inevitable. Plus, news on the Red Line. Email us at [email protected], tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.By WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore

1
Older than the ABCs: Ancient alphabet discovered in Syria 11:32

6M ago11:32

11:32

The Latin-script alphabet used for English isn’t the only alphabet in use today. Think, for example, of Greek or Arabic scripts. There are also older alphabets. Until recently, we’d thought the first one was created in ancient Egypt, more than 3800 years ago. But now, it appears that an older alphabet has been discovered, in use 500 years before th…

1
Elders share advice in 'Happiness Is a Choice You Make' 12:53

6M ago12:53

12:53

Back in 2015, New York Times reporter John Leland set out to spend a year with one of the fastest-growing age groups in America--the oldest old, those 85 and up. He expected the stories that would emerge would be fairly morbid, if not downright depressing. He did not anticipate that he would end up with a book titled, "Happiness Is a Choice You Mak…

1
Jules Reidy (Big Ears Festival performer) 41:45

6M ago41:45

41:45

Berlin-based avant-guitarist Jules Reidy is known for creating elaborate, beautiful textures with their instrument, often in large washes of disorienting sound. As evidenced in several collaborations with previous guest of the show Oren Ambarchi, Reidy’s heavily-layered and highly-spiritual work–particularly on their newest release, Ghost/Spirit, w…

1
Stories from the Stoop: A hut, a rat, and a new outlook on life 9:20

6M ago9:20

9:20

Here's a Stoop story from Julie MacDonald, who made a rodent friend in Peru. If you want to hear more stories, take a listen to the Stoop Storytelling podcast. On Tuesday, December 3rd, the Stoop will host its Holiday Hootenanny at the Senator Theatre in Baltimore. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On …

1
Poet Ross Gay finds 'delight' in the everyday 14:46

6M ago14:46

14:46

When was the last time you felt delighted? Do you remember what evoked that feeling? Do you ever wonder how to tempt more delight into your life? Poet and writer Ross Gay meditated on these questions and recorded his observations in the 81 essays that make up “The Book of Delights.” This interview originally aired on February 14, 2019. Do you have …

1
What Ya Got Cooking for Thanksgiving? 48:36

6M ago48:36

48:36

It’s the What Ya' Got Cookin'? Thanksgiving edition, a beloved tradition here on Midday, going all the way back to 2016. Tom talks with John Shields, owner of Gertrude's at the Baltimore Museum of Art and Damian Mosely of Blacksauce Kitchen. The two chefs talk with Tom and the Midday callers about cooking tips and food faux pas for folks preparing …

1
The people who fought for ADA compliance in Baltimore City, and won 13:50

6M ago13:50

13:50

Baltimore City settled a lawsuit two weeks ago with a price tag of $44 million, earmarked for pedestrian improvements--repairs aimed at directly affecting how people with disabilities get around the city. We hear details from Madeleine Reichman, a senior staff attorney at Disability Rights Advocates, and from Janice Jackson, one of three plaintiffs…

1
Baltimore-based Healing Politics prepares nurses to run for elective office 12:27

6M ago12:27

12:27

Nurses are problem-solvers and collaborators. They assess settings on the fly. Does that make them a fit for public office? “Healing Politics” says yes. We ask co-founder Lisa Summers how they get the job done. Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Har…

1
Has one of Baltimore's largest community foundations lived up to its potential, and its promise? 48:34

6M ago48:34

48:34

The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund supports access to arts, athletics, music, mental healthcare and more, using 3 percent of the city’s property tax each year. The idea behind the community foundation is to fundamentally change the dynamic for nonprofits in the city, and get more money into the hands of Baltimoreans making a difference in the live…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

WYPR Baltimore Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen