Veteran award-winning journalist John Rydell hosts Free State Politics, a thought-provoking weekly Podcast presented by MarylandReporter.com that features exclusive interviews with Maryland’s movers and shakers who provide insight on the news of the day. <br/><br/><a href="https://freestatepolitics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">freestatepolitics.substack.com</a>
Free State Politics Presented by MarylandReporter.com
Claim This Podcastby Timothy Maier
9 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
Podcast Overview
Veteran award-winning journalist John Rydell hosts Free State Politics, a thought-provoking weekly Podcast presented by MarylandReporter.com that features exclusive interviews with Maryland’s movers and shakers who provide insight on the news of the day. <br/><br/><a href="https://freestatepolitics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">freestatepolitics.substack.com</a>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/19/2021
1 verified contact email on file for Free State Politics Presented by MarylandReporter.com
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
August 27, 2021
University of Maryland ends debate: Get vaccinated or don't go to college
<p>Free State Politics episode 9 examines how Maryland’s colleges and universities are struggling to return to normal as they navigate the lingering impact of COVID-19. Students at all University System of Maryland campuses are required to be vaccinated, with a few medical and religious exemptions. And masks are still required in public buildings on campuses. But Kathleen Tracy, professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says “We have highly vaccinated populations, so that if there are any positive tests, the chance that we’ll actually have to shut down is much smaller, because even if they do get the virus, they will not become severely ill and would not have to have a full two weeks of isolation or quarantine.”</p><p>Joann Boughman, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs with the University System of Maryland, says despite many obstacles created by COVID-19 over the past year, enrollment at most campuses this fall is actually up. She says, “At least two of our campuses have utilized some of the federal dollars in order to even further support financial aid. So some students who thought they might not be able to afford to come back to campus will, in fact, be able to come back.”</p><p>Rydell also speaks with Angelique Gingras, a sophomore at the University of Maryland College Park. She talks about the COVID fears she faced last year as a freshman. “There was an outbreak in my dorm, and I managed to escape it, but my first thought was, ‘oh my gosh, am I going to have to quarantine, am I going to have to go to the isolation housing?’” Gingras says she feels more comfortable going into the fall semester, since the vast majority of her fellow students will have been vaccinated. </p><p>In his closing remarks, Rydell examines the 2022 race for Maryland State Comptroller. He says some candidates are not only touting their fiscal experience, they’re also promoting their positions on social issues as well, such as the legalization of recreational marijuana. </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://freestatepolitics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">freestatepolitics.substack.com</a>
August 16, 2021
Baltimore County teachers’ union President Cindy Sexton sounds off on masks and vaccinations as schools prepare to open
<p>In Free State Politics episode 8, public education takes center stage as John Rydell speaks to the president of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County. Cindy Sexton says the vast majority of students will finally return to in-person learning five days a week. But she adds there is currently not a vaccine mandate. “We hope that people get vaccinated. We know that’s one of the ways to get on the other side of this pandemic,” said Sexton. The return to mask mandates continues to divide parents and students around the country. But Sexton says there will be a mask mandate in Baltimore County Public Schools. Rydell also examines the plight of a Baltimore County businessman who obtained a patent to streamline the process of refinancing mortgages only to have the Supreme Court declare his patent null and void. Larry Porter said, “I borrowed a half-million dollars to develop the technology.” He’s since spent tens of thousands of dollars in a lengthy legal battle with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Porter adds that Congress also plans to examine the complex issue of patent laws. In his closing thoughts, Rydell reflects on the joyous return of the Maryland State Fair and county fairs after last year’s shutdown due to COVID-19.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://freestatepolitics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">freestatepolitics.substack.com</a>
August 1, 2021
Maryland gubernatorial campaign preview
<p>In “Free State Politics” episode 7, John Rydell talks to a longtime political observer who examines the growing field of contenders in the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial race. Todd Eberly, associate professor of political science and coordinator of public policy studies at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, says there are tiers in his list based on current or prior experience as public officials. He says the top Democratic contenders include Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and former Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler. Baker lost to Ben Jealous in the 2018 Democratic primary, and Gansler was defeated by Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in the 2014 Democratic primary. But Eberly says several other contenders should be considered formidable candidates as well. They include former Labor Secretary Tom Perez, who also served as chair of the Democratic National Committee. “Folks like John King and Wes Moore have also done a really great job of raising money which will help get their name recognition higher,” said Eberly. Other Democratic contenders include Baltimore business owner Mike Rosenbaum and Ashwani Jain, 31, who worked in the Obama administration. Eberly says there also could be a spirited campaign in the Republican gubernatorial primary if former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele decides to enter the race. Steele, who served as lieutenant governor to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., has announced that he will decide whether to enter the race between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Gov. Hogan’s Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz recently announced she plans to run for Governor.</p><p>Rydell also talks to New York Times Congressional Reporter Luke Broadwater about the recent House Select Committee hearing on the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Broadwater was a political reporter at the Baltimore Sun for 10 years and won a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the scandal which forced the resignation of Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. Broadwater, who was inside the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection, describes the emotional testimony of four U.S. Capitol Police officers, who were attacked by the mob that day. Future hearings are scheduled this fall to learn more about those who invaded the Capitol and whether they were assisted beforehand by some members of Congress. Broadwater says, “I do think some members of Congress will be called on to testify. I know one line of inquiry will likely lead to the angry phone call between House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and President Trump as the riots unfolded.” McCarthy apparently said Trump did not respond quickly to calling off the attack. Broadwater adds, “We do know from one of the rally organizers that three congressmen helped plan the rally with him that preceded the attack. Two of them have denied that, the third has not answered any questions about it, and so those three congressmen may be on the list of people who are called to testify to see how much they coordinated with rally-goers and whether or not there was any coordination with people who ended up being arrested for their actions on January 6.”</p><p>In his segment titled “Moment of Clarity,” Rydell expresses concern about the recent spike in COVID cases in Maryland and across the country, which are prompting the reinstatement of mask mandates in public places. But Rydell adds that, despite that setback, those running for office in 2022 are already returning to in-person campaigning, which will be crucial to helping increase their name recognition among voters. </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://freestatepolitics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">freestatepolitics.substack.com</a>
9 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for Free State Politics Presented by MarylandReporter.com
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Free State Politics Presented by MarylandReporter.com?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.