Pass The Mic

Baltimore's First Lady talks about the challenges of being authentic as a public facing figure in society.

Are we ready to have difficult conversations about homelessness? Beth Benner, Executive Director of the Women's Housing Coalition, focuses on addressing the root causes of homelessness in Baltimore.

Dr. Nicole Rochester is a pediatrician, business owner, podcast host and divorcée. After ending a 28-year marriage in 2023, she's been on a beautiful healing journey that centers vulnerability, self-love and community.

Baltimore Creative Consultant Genevieve de Mahy talks with Baltimore residents who have bucked the expectations of the nuclear family structure and redefined the idea of a household. Would you sacrifice privacy for communal living options?

Bestselling Author D. Watkins talks with community leaders about youth violence In Baltimore

Can Baltimore Be the Hub for Black Artistry?

Baltimore City College Alum Bry Reed speaks with Baltimore City College’s outgoing and incoming principals Cindy Harcum and Dr. Sedrick Smith about the value of a public education.

Bry Reed is a Baltimore-born and bred artist with an incredible thirst for writing and reading.

Baltimore's abdu mongo ali is a rapper, poet, and sound artist who’s been making inspirational music throughout their career

abdu mongo ali is a rapper, poet, and sound artist who’s been making music inspired by Baltimore throughout their career.

Career Coach Dr. Alethia Tucker speaks candidly about the challenges and frustrations of a career pivot.

Simone Phillips, Founder and Creator of Charm City Table. In the Spring of 2017, Simone began sharing observations and thoughts about the best places to eat and gather by creating the Charm City Table Blog. Years later, Charm City Table has become an award-winning established platform for foodies, business owners and great conversation about restaurants and food.

Ashley Minner Jones is a Baltimore visual artist and folklorist. She has lived on the same block her entire life. As an artist, her work is represented in several prominent collections. Her extensive research projects include a reconstruction of East Baltimore’s historic American Indian “reservation” and stories speak of her personal connection to the Lumbee Tribe. As an artist, Ashley has made an...

Hometown Voice Brett Hollander talks about his journey from local fan to team announcer for the Baltimore Orioles.

Savannah Wood manages the extensive archives of AFRO American Newspapers, the nation's longest-running Black-owned newspaper. Her family has owned and operated The AFRO since the late 1800s and she's carrying on that legacy in her role as executive director of Afro Charities.

Beth Benner, Executive Director of the Women's Housing Coalition, focuses on addressing the root causes of homelessness among women. Under her leadership, WHC provides not just shelter, but a comprehensive support system that includes access to healthcare, stable housing, and personalized plans to help women rebuild their lives and move toward long-term stability and independence.

abdu mongo ali is a rapper, poet, and sound artist who’s been making music inspired by Baltimore throughout their career. After touring the U.S. and Europe, ali became the inaugural composer-in-residence at the Baltimore Museum of Art, which premiered ali’s composition “between every breath, there is atmosphere” earlier this year. In that piece, ali explored how the land, sky, and water of this pa...

Maryland is preparing aggressively for an aging population. Allison Ciborowski, President and CEO of LeadingAge Maryland is passionate about providing high-quality care and services to aging adults of all backgrounds.

Baltimore Author Kevin Shird has been candid about how family trauma influenced his behavior, describing how unresolved pain can manifest as impulsivity, anger, or survival-driven choices that lead to criminal activity. Today he advocates for better mental health strategies in prison reform.

Baltimore Author Kevin Shird has been candid about how family trauma influenced his behavior, describing how unresolved pain can manifest as impulsivity, anger, or survival-driven choices that lead to criminal activity. Today he advocates for better mental health strategies in prison reform.

Career Coach Dr. Alethia Tucker speaks candidly about the challenges and frustrations of a career pivot. As a reinvention strategist and speaker, she is passionate about helping women step into leadership with clarity, confidence, and purpose at every stage of life. In addition to her coaching and speaking work, Dr. Tucker serves as President of Ms. Corporate America Maryland, where she is dedicat...

Osita Nwanevu has spoken openly about the pressures that come with political reporting and the responsibility of translating complex issues for a broad audience. He offers tips on staying grounded and connected without feeling overwhelmed by political news.

Baltimore actor Robert Lee Hardy opens up the many challenges of navigating the entertainment industry. He reflects on his journey from Baltimore to California and how he managed to keep his creative spark alive during difficult periods. Today, he recognizes the lasting impact of his mentors and the positive influences he found at Baltimore Arena Players Inc., a cornerstone for developing artists...

This week's episode of Pass the Mic features guest host, Simone Phillips, Founder and Creator of Charm City Table. In the Spring of 2017, Simone began sharing observations and thoughts about best places to eat and gather by creating the Charm City Table Blog. Years later, Charm City Table has become an award-winning established platform for foodies, business owners and great conversation about res...