Across the Aisle with Bobby Zirkin

In this episode of “Across the Aisle,” former Maryland state Sen. Bobby Zirkin explores issues shaping political debates in Maryland and beyond, from juvenile justice and the death penalty to a contentious U.S. Senate race and unrest in France. In this solo episode nicknamed "The Riff," Zirkin reflects on his trip to Brazil to watch the Ravens play the Dallas Cowboys, reflecting on the a...

In this episode of “Across the Aisle,” former Maryland state Sen. Bobby Zirkin speaks with Tali Cohen, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, about rising antisemitism, efforts to combat hate and the challenges facing Jewish students and families in Maryland. Cohen explains the ADL’s work across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and North Carolina, including its partnerships with law...

In this episode of Across the Aisle, Bobby Zirkin goes solo to discuss a few pressing issues on his mind: the ongoing debate surrounding Israel, including accusations of genocide, allegations of war crimes and what he describes as the spread of antisemitism across political and media circles. Zirkin also discusses the war and international pressure on Iran, questioning just how effective economic...

On Across the Aisle, host Bobby Zirkin and former Maryland state Sen. James Brochin examine how political polarization has pushed moderates to the margins of both major parties. Brochin criticizes recent Maryland policies involving taxes, immigration and criminal justice, arguing that lawmakers too often ignore the practical consequences of their decisions. Both men say elected officials should be...

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with former Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford about political independence, election reform and the growing influence of the two major parties. Rutherford reflects on his unexpected entry into electoral politics as Larry Hogan’s running mate and their underdog victory in the 2014 governor’s race. He and Zirkin discuss th...

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with Anne Arundel County Executive and Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steuart Pittman about his unconventional path from community organizer and horse trainer to elected office and party leadership. Pittman explains what he believes the Democratic Party should represent, including justice, the rule of law, affo...

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski Jr. about bipartisanship, election reform, political extremism and the rising cost of living. Olszewski discusses the challenges of working in a deeply divided Congress and his efforts to build relationships between Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

In the debut of “The Riff,” a new solo edition of “Across the Aisle,” former Maryland state Sen. Bobby Zirkin reflects on earlier guests and offers his views on the growing political divide. Zirkin advocates for open primaries and ranked-choice voting, arguing that independent and unaffiliated voters should have a greater voice in elections. He also criticizes mid-decade redistricting as a partisa...

In this episode of Across the Aisle , Bobby Zirkin speaks with Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, about public policy, antisemitism, Israel and the importance of civil discourse. They discuss how the Jewish community reaches consensus on issues including security funding for religious institutions, juvenile justice and physician-assisted suicide. Much of the conversa...

Former Maryland state Sen. Bobby Zirkin sits down with veteran political strategist Len Foxwell for a wide-ranging conversation about extremism, antisemitism and the growing distrust of American political institutions. Foxwell discusses his work with state Del. Adrian Boafo and the campaign to succeed retiring Congressman Steny Hoyer in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. Zirkin and Foxwell exa...

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with former colleague Senator Michael Hough about public service, bipartisanship, criminal justice reform, immigration, elections, and the future of politics. Zirkin and Hough reflect on their years in the Maryland General Assembly and the value of relationships that cross party lines. A major focus of the conve...

In this episode of Across the Aisle , former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin sits down with current Maryland State Senator and Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready for a candid conversation about the challenges facing Maryland.  They examine the state's economy, rising cost of living, business climate, energy policy, public safety, education, election reform, and the role of government in so...

In this week's episode of Across the Aisle , former Maryland State Sen. Bobby Zirkin sits down with Montgomery County State Sen. Benjamin F. Kramer for a candid conversation about the Democratic Party, U.S. policy toward Israel, and the political debate unfolding on Capitol Hill. Drawing on their years of public service, Zirkin and Kramer discuss why they believe some Democratic leaders — inc...

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin sits down with Montgomery County State Senator Benjamin F. Kramer for a candid conversation about the Democratic Party, U.S. policy toward Israel, and the political debate unfolding on Capitol Hill. Drawing on their years of public service, Zirkin and Kramer discuss why they believe some Democratic leaders—including U....

Across the Aisle, hosted by former Maryland Sen. Bobby Zirkin, featuring thoughtful conversations about policy and common ground across the political spectrum. Kevin Richardson sits down with Zirkin to discuss his journey, and his vision for the podcast.

Former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin welcomes listeners to his new podcast, where thoughtful conversations rise above partisan talking points. Drawing on more than 20 years of public service, Zirkin engages leaders, policymakers, and changemakers in candid discussions about the issues shaping Maryland and the nation. In this episode, Zirkin sits down with former Howard County Executive Allan...

Former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin welcomes listeners to his new podcast, where thoughtful conversations rise above partisan talking points. Drawing on more than two decades of public service, Zirkin sits down with leaders, lawmakers, policy experts, and community voices from across the political spectrum to explore the issues shaping Maryland and the nation. Together, they examine challen...