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Are young voters politically disengaged, or are they demanding something different from their elected leaders?

This week on Burn the Talking Points, Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director Karen Darkes sits down with two young Democratic candidates, Catelyn Middlebrooks, candidate for Anne Arundel County Council District 2, and Ruben Amaya, candidate for Baltimore County Council District 2, for a candid conversation about Gen Z, political trust, and the issues shaping the next generation's relationship with politics.

From housing affordability and economic uncertainty to the lessons of the 2024 election, Catelyn and Ruben share what they're hearing from their peers, the challenges of running for office in their twenties, and why they believe younger generations are politically skeptical rather than apathetic.

The conversation also explores what political parties can do to communicate more effectively, why local elections often receive less attention despite their impact on everyday life, and how voters can look beyond social media to research candidates and evaluate their records.

Plus, what happens after Election Day? Our guests discuss ways to stay involved in local government, community organizing, public meetings, and civic life between election cycles.

Beyond the headlines and campaign talking points, this episode explores what young Americans expect from political leadership and what it means to be part of the next generation that is taking action.

Phone bank with the Young Dems of Maryland & MD Democratic Party: https://www.mobilize.us/mddems/event/1050789/

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On this episode of Burn the Talking Points, guest host Joe Francaviglia sits down with State Senator Clarence Lam, AFSCME’s Cindy Smalls, and Wes Moore campaign strategists Lucinda Ware and Sam Friedman. Together, they break down Questions 1 and 3 on the ballot, discuss the statewide political landscape, and share how voters can take action. 

Get involved below:

Virtual Debate Watch Party: www.mddems.org/debate

Volunteer: www.mddems.org/woa26

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Who is Heidi Schmidt? On this episode, meet District 31 House of Delegates candidate, Heidi Schmidt as she discusses how her experience as a local entrepreneur and parent informs her legislative vision. 

Learn how she plans to address key community issues, from affordability, protecting educational opportunities for all students, and expanding local business growth.

Be sure to stay tuned as we introduce more Red to Blue candidates as we approach the November 3rd election.

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Why is the Maryland General Assembly returning to Annapolis for a special session, and what does it mean for Marylanders?

On this episode of Burn the Talking Points, MDP Executive Director, Karen Darkes sits down with Senate President Bill Ferguson for a timely conversation about the upcoming special session, why lawmakers are reconvening, and the issues driving the need for immediate action.

Senate President Ferguson breaks down what a special session is, what challenges Maryland is facing, and how legislators are working to together to achieve progress in Maryland. 

Whether you're a political junkie or simply wondering why lawmakers are heading back to Annapolis, this conversation cuts through the headlines and gets you informed as Maryland's General Assembly prepares for the special session.

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On this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we're kicking off our Road to Blue series! Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steuart Pittman sits down with Democratic congressional candidate Dan Schwartz for a conversation that goes beyond the campaign trail.

Dan shares what inspired him to run for Congress, why he's committed to serving Maryland's First District, and what he's hearing from voters across the Eastern Shore. He reflects on the lessons he's learned, the relationships he's built, and why he believes 2026 is the moment for a new chapter in District 1.

From his vision for the future to the values that guide his campaign, this episode gives Marylanders the opportunity to get to know the person behind the candidate.

Road to Blue is a Burn the Talking Points series highlighting the Democratic candidates working to compete in every corner of Maryland to flip seats from red to blue—one conversation, one district, and one race at a time.

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What does it take to break through the noise in today’s political landscape?

Recorded live at the 2026 Fight Back & Win Summit, this special episode of Burn the Talking Points brings together some of the country’s most influential digital creators and political communicators to explore how social media is reshaping civic engagement, political storytelling, and the way voters receive information.

From building trust online to combating misinformation and creating content that inspires action, our panel discusses the opportunities and responsibilities that come with influencing the digital conversation. Whether you’re a candidate, organizer, communicator, or creator, this conversation offers practical insights into meeting audiences where they are and using digital platforms to inform, engage, and mobilize communities.

Featuring: Elizabeth Booker Houston, Isaiah Martin, Joshua Murphy , and Tiffany Carlock

Hosted by: Detarrian Jones

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In June, we come together to celebrate Pride, but the fight for equality continues every day.

In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we go beyond the headlines to examine the current state of LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and advocacy. From legislation and legal protections to culture, community, and civic engagement, we explore the challenges LGBTQ+ Americans continue to face—and the work still required to build a more inclusive future.

Join us for an honest conversation about why equality is more than a political issue—it’s about ensuring every person has the freedom, dignity, and opportunity to live authentically. Together, we’ll discuss the importance of showing up, speaking out, and creating a democracy where everyone belongs.

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In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, Dr. Charlene Dukes sits down with political commentator and content creator Isaiah Martin for a candid conversation on messaging, momentum, and navigating political engagement in the digital age.

From building a platform through authentic conversations to debating political issues in real time online and on national television, Isaiah reflects on the experiences, mentorship, and moments that shaped his journey and public voice.

Together, they discuss the importance of connecting with everyday people, combating misinformation, communicating beyond traditional talking points, and building momentum in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

The conversation also explores resilience, community, digital influence, and the responsibility that comes with having a platform during pivotal moments in the country’s history.

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In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director Karen Darkes sits down with Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins to break down the 2026 legislative session: from the energy in Annapolis to the real wins delivered for Maryland communities.

The conversation centers on HB 115, landmark legislation that integrates voter registration into the reentry process, expanding access to the ballot, and ensuring more Marylanders have a voice in our democracy.

Together, they discuss what this moment means for restoring participation, reaching historically underrepresented voters, and how organizers can carry this work forward into November and beyond.

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Young voters have stepped up to the plate, and in 2026, their voice will be more important than ever.

In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, Executive Director Karen Darkes sits down with Jocelyn Nolasco, Vice President of the Young Democrats of Maryland, and Connor White, Data Manager for the Maryland Democratic Party and Vice President of Membership for the Young Democrats of Maryland.

Together, they break down what Maryland’s closed primary means for young voters, and why so many who are registered unaffiliated risk being shut out of the Democratic primary.

From data on youth registration trends to real strategies for getting involved, this conversation highlights what’s at stake, the issues driving young Marylanders, and how this generation can step into its political power.

If you want a say in the future, it starts with being registered and ready!

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