Maryland Our Maryland is a podcast for people who love the state and want to understand it more deeply.
Hosted by economist Dr. Anirban Basu and researcher Louis Miserendino, the show explores Maryland’s economy, history, culture, communities, and public life through lively conversation, data-driven analysis, and informed storytelling.
New episodes feature thoughtful discussion on the issues, trends, people, and events shaping Maryland.
#009 | Maryland After the Federal Cuts: Jobs Lost, Private Growth Needed
In this episode of Maryland Our Maryland, Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu discuss the significant economic risks facing Maryland due to targeted federal spending cuts. Dr. Basu explains that because federal government economic activity represented approximately 30% of Maryland's gross domestic product in 2024, the state is disproportionately vulnerable to shifts in federal policy. The discussion highlights that between January 2025 and March 2026, Maryland lost more than 29,000 federal jobs, representing an 18% decrease in the state's federal workforce. Dr. Basu compares Maryland's lack of economic resilience to Virginia's more diversified economy and calls for the state to become more attractive to private investment by reducing corporate tax rates and overcoming local resistance to development, such as data centers. He suggests potential avenues for growth include leveraging the Port of Baltimore, revitalizing Baltimore's financial services sector, and attracting industrial investment to more rural counties.
27 Oct 2026
#008 | Maryland’s Tax Equation: Can Lower Rates Drive Growth?
Can Maryland lower taxes, attract business investment, and still fund the public services residents depend on?
Continuing their conversation from Episode 007, Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu examine how Baltimore City's property taxes and Maryland's corporate tax structure influence economic growth. Louis challenges the assumption that tax cuts pay for themselves, while Anirban makes the case that a stronger business climate could expand the tax base, create jobs, and generate additional revenue for education, public safety, and other essential services.
In #007 | Maryland’s Economic Paradox: Strong Assets, Weak Growth, Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu examine why Maryland’s substantial economic strengths have not translated into stronger growth.
They compare state business and economic rankings, Maryland’s research and innovation capacity, tax and regulatory competitiveness, and the state’s reliance on federal institutions. The conversation also explores Baltimore’s role as an economic engine, declining social mobility, access to good jobs, and the challenge of creating opportunity while supporting public infrastructure and services.
The episode asks a central question: How can Maryland turn its considerable talent, research, wealth, and institutional advantages into broader economic growth and opportunity?
29 Sept 2026
#006 | Maryland in 1776: The Old Line State and the Birth of America - Descript
In this episode of Maryland, Our Maryland, Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu discuss the historical significance of Maryland during the year 1776. The conversation explores the state's role during the American Revolutionary War, specifically focusing on the Maryland 400's heroic actions at the Battle of Brooklyn which provided crucial time for George Washington's retreat. They examine the lives of the four Marylanders who signed the Declaration of Independence—Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Samuel Chase, William Paca, and Thomas Stone—noting their status as part of the social elite and enslavers. Additionally, the hosts detail how Baltimore served as the capital of the United States for approximately 10 weeks in late 1776 when the Second Continental Congress relocated there for safety. The discussion touches upon the rural nature of the 13 colonies, the economic pressures of the time, and the contradictions between revolutionary ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery and limited voting rights in 1776 Maryland.
15 Sept 2026
#005 | Maryland’s Growth Divide: Where People Are Moving and Why
In this podcast episode, Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu discuss the demographic shifts occurring across Maryland. They identify Frederick, Queen Anne's, and Charles counties as the state's fastest-growing regions since 2020, noting Frederick County's growth of nearly 11.5 percent and its population surpassing 300,000. The discussion explores the 'pull factors' attracting residents to these areas, such as quality of life and economic dynamism, versus the 'push factors' driving people away from high-cost, high-traffic counties like Montgomery and Anne Arundel. The experts also critique the resulting suburban sprawl and debate the complexities of smart growth, infill development, and the economic disparities between Baltimore City and its surrounding counties.
1 Sept 2026
#004 | Why Marylanders Are Leaving: Housing, Taxes, and the Cost of Staying
Maryland continues to lose residents to other states as housing costs, taxes, and affordability pressures weaken the state’s economic value proposition. Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu examine Maryland’s low ranking in the U-Haul Growth Index, why residents are moving to states such as Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, and how job growth, tax policy, and housing availability influence those decisions. The conversation also explores restrictive zoning, Baltimore City property taxes, urban density, and potential opportunities for stronger growth through infrastructure investment, federal funding, and development in communities across the state.
25 Aug 2026
#003 | The Key Bridge and the Maryland Story, Part 2: The History Behind the Name
Episode 003 explores the Maryland history behind the Francis Scott Key Bridge through the events of the War of 1812. Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu discuss the British march through Maryland, the burning of Washington, the defense of Baltimore, and the chain of events that led to the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The conversation highlights the roles of Francis Scott Key, John Stuart Skinner, Dr. William Beanes, and other Marylanders, while also examining Key’s complicated legacy regarding slavery and the broader social makeup of Maryland during the period.
18 Aug 2026
#002 | The Key Bridge and the Maryland Story, Part 1: Economic Impact
In The Key Bridge and the Maryland Story, Part 1: Economic Impact, Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu examine the continuing economic consequences of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
The conversation looks at the immediate disruption to the Port of Baltimore, the effects on freight movement, commuting, nearby communities, and Baltimore County businesses, as well as the growing cost and complexity of rebuilding the bridge. Louis and Anirban also discuss the labor, materials, contracting, legal, and funding challenges that can complicate major infrastructure projects.
The episode closes with a broader look at the Port of Baltimore’s continued importance to Maryland’s economy, including its workforce, cargo operations, rail capacity, and long-term development potential.
16 Jul 2026
#001 | How Well Do Marylanders Understand Their State?
Economist Dr. Anirban Basu and historian and economist Louis Miserendino review a UMBC survey on what Marylanders know about their state government, budget, elected officials, and political system, with a detour into Orioles versus Nationals fandom.
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