T.J. Smith

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, TJ Smith reflects on the one-year anniversary of the Penn North mass overdose in Baltimore and asks the question that keeps coming up: what happens after the crisis passes? He argues that cleanup and visible enforcement are not enough if the neighborhood still feels unchanged, using the area around CVS and the back alley as an example of how th...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. This episode explores how political scandals, public allegations, and patterns of behavior can reshape a campaign in real time. The conversation centers on Graham Plattner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate race, with a broader discussion about opposition research, civil standards of proof, and whether voters and parties should continue supporting candidates wh...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. This episode examines the latest remarks from President Trump on Iran, the ceasefire, and the state of negotiations. The conversation centers on whether the conflict has truly ended, whether the MOU still matters, and what it means when Trump moves from calling Iranian leaders smart and rational to calling them scum. The discussion also explores the military an...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, the conversation begins with a deadly Fourth of July house party in Falston and the bigger question it raises: when does a private gathering become something more? With online ticketing, hired armed security, and reports of around 100 attendees, the episode explores whether current law gives communities enough tools to respond when a residentia...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, the conversation begins with relief from a punishing heat wave and turns to the chaos and symbolism surrounding Fourth of July celebrations. From weather disruptions to fireworks in Washington, D.C., the discussion examines whether the holiday weekend felt unifying or simply highlighted how divided the country remains. The episode also digs int...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. A blistering holiday weekend set the tone for this episode as the conversation focused on extreme heat, July 4th plans, and whether outdoor events should go on as scheduled. Listeners weighed in on biking, walking, fireworks, and travel to celebrations in Baltimore, Frederick, Ocean City, and Washington, D.C., while the host kept circling back to one question:...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, TJ takes listeners from one extreme to another, comparing the misery of winter ice and snow with the strain of a sweltering summer heat wave. The conversation explores how households try to manage electricity use, from closing blinds and running fans to adjusting thermostats and delaying laundry or dishwasher cycles until off-peak hours. The ep...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. This episode moves between two major policy debates: Baltimore’s crackdown on illegal dirt bikes and the national discussion over birthright citizenship. On the local side, TJ Smith breaks down why some gas stations may be cited for facilitating dirt bike activity, while callers debate whether the approach is fair or effective. Later, the show shifts to the Sup...

Join us for another episode of the TJ Smith Show. In this episode, TJ starts off by discussing the breaking ruling by SCOTUS on birthright citizenship and transgender athletes participation in sports. He breaks down the decision and takes callers comments on the matter. He then transitions into talking more about the dirtbike drama, as well as what the Baltimore City Police Department is doing to...

Join us for another episode of the TJ Smith Show. In this episode, TJ start off by talking about the events of Sail 250 over the weekend and what city may need to do to improve tourism and residency in the city and state. He then dives into the recent Supreme Court decisions that were made surrounding President Trump and mail-in voting. He wraps up the show talking about dirt bike issues and compl...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, Governor Wes Moore joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation centered on juvenile justice, public safety, and accountability in Maryland. He responds to concerns from Baltimore leaders about whether juvenile laws and implementation strategies are keeping communities safe, while emphasizing the need to pressure test legislation, work closel...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. This episode breaks down the aftermath of Maryland’s primary elections, with a close look at the results in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and the governor’s race. The conversation explores why some outcomes were surprising, what they may signal about voter priorities, and how party affiliation continues to shape election results across the state. The discus...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. This episode moves from Maryland primary day into a broader conversation about political identity, party loyalty, and the growing frustration many voters feel with the two-party system. The discussion examines why competitive races in places like Anne Arundel, Howard, and Baltimore counties can feel less contested, and whether that reflects the strength or weak...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. This episode opens with a personal Father’s Day reflection before turning to a bigger question facing Baltimore: what happens when young people create chaos in public spaces, and adults keep making excuses? The discussion moves through AFRAM, Fells Point, free public festivals, rec centers, pools, and youth programs, asking what more is actually needed when so...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. The episode opens with a spirited discussion about the York, Pennsylvania-based York Revolution and the decision to cancel a Pride Night game after several players declined to wear commemorative jerseys. The conversation centers on whether athletes should be forced to participate in social messaging, with comparisons made to workplace policies, holiday celebrat...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of political accountability and standards in Baltimore's legislative environment. Starting with the intricacies of the 41st Legislative District's current political race, we explore issues surrounding public notoriety and the double standards faced by elected officials. We further discuss the impact of these p...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this insightful episode, Congressman Johnny Olszewski discusses the Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Delving into the nuances of the 60-day ceasefire, Congressman Oshetsky expresses concern about the lack of communication from the current administration and the broader implications of reopening the Strait p...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. This episode digs into the growing debate over campaign mailers, political messaging, and whether the tactics used in Baltimore County cross the line. TJ weighs how much negative literature, outside money, and campaign images actually influence voters, while callers and guests push back on what counts as fair game in election season. The conversation also expan...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, we delve into the complex geopolitical tensions following the recent downing of a US Apache helicopter amid the ongoing Iran conflict. As uncertainty looms, we examine possible shifts in US strategy and President Trump's potential military actions. Will new negotiations pave the way for peace or escalate into further chaos? Join us as we explor...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, we delve into the recent controversies surrounding the Safe Streets program. A program designed to help communities reduce violence, Safe Streets has recently come under scrutiny due to the actions of one of its workers, Antoine Burton. Burton's alleged involvement in a shooting has raised questions about transparency, oversight, and the effect...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, TJ sits down with the candidates in the race to be elected as the next State's Attorney for Baltimore County. Candidates Scott Shellenberger, Sarah David, and Lauren Lipscomb answer questions regarding Maryland's juvenile crime system, their respective views on potentially collaborating with ICE officials, and much more in this enthralling epis...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, we delve into the complex Iran conflict that many are hesitant to officially call a war despite the ongoing violence. Tensions rise as President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu struggle to find common ground, with the recent missile launches clearly showcasing the fragile nature of the ceasefire currently in place. As we explore whether allied nat...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, the TJ Smith Podcast explores the issue of illegal dirt bike activity in Baltimore and the complexities surrounding law enforcement’s approach to this widespread problem. Hear from Commissioner Rich Worley as he discusses the challenges gas station attendants face and the city's strategic pivot towards using drones to better monitor these unaut...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith as he sits down with the candidates in the race for Baltimore County Executive. In this engaging episode, Julian Jones, Nick Stewart, Izzy Patoka, Pat Young, Kimberly Stansbury, and Mansoor Shams share their ideas to address hot-button issues, including affordable housing, crime, and economic development, among other topics. TJ Smith is live every weekday from 1...

Join the conversation with TJ Smith. In this episode, we delve into a recent tire-slashing spree in Brewer's Hill that has left several residents frustrated and financially strained. We examine the broader implications of such acts on the community and discuss the effectiveness of models like restorative justice. Are they merely lip service or do they offer real solutions to urban crime? TJ Smith...