Five Dubs Podcast

Join Rebecca Snyder as she hosts Alexander Pyles, the Associate Dean at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Pyles, who also serves as the mentor coordinator for the MDDC internship program, shares invaluable insights on how to excel as a mentor for young journalists. Whether you're involved with the MDDC program or guiding interns and early-career journalists in other contexts, this episode offers practical tips and heartwarming anecdotes on fostering reciprocal and meaningful mentorship relationships. Tune in to discover how to inspire and nurture the next generation of journalism leaders while enriching your own professional journey.

MDDC Executive Director Rebecca Snyder sits with Abby higgins and Eric Falquero of The 51st Newsroom, a worker-led nonprofit dedicated to transforming local journalism in Washington, DC. Hear firsthand from the passionate journalists driving this initiative, as they share their journey of launching a public crowdfunding campaign to build a better local news site. Discover how their commitment to democratic and collective decision-making shapes their newsroom, ensuring that journalists have a say in coverage and the future direction of the organization. Dive into their mission of deep community engagement and contextualized reporting on local issues, and learn about the overwhelming community support they've received. The newsroom’s ambitious plans to scale up include adding staff members and information organizers in each ward of DC. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the future of local news and the innovative efforts to keep it thriving in the nation's capital.

Rebecca joins Allison Taylor Levine, the passionate Executive Director of the Local Journalism Initiative in Delaware. Allison shares her journey from a journalist to leading a nonprofit organization aimed at strengthening democracy and community through local journalism. She delves into various innovative projects, including supporting young journalists from underrepresented communities and conducting a comprehensive assessment of Delaware's news and information ecosystem.

Listeners will discover the exciting initiatives underway, such as the Delaware Journalism Collaborative and the launch of a new nonprofit newsroom, Spotlight Delaware. Allison's personal story, including her background in journalism and philanthropy, and the impact of her late husband's legacy in the field, adds a touching and motivational aspect to her mission.

For more information, see: https://ljidelaware.org/

In this episode, Kevin Berrier talks with Jason Whong of Whong Community Media about building a lean, community-focused publishing business and how he’s using AI to streamline operations without losing the human touch. Jason shares how he balances multiple publications, experiments with custom AI automations, and keeps community at the heart of his work.

In this episode, Jerry Zremski of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism takes center stage for an in-depth conversation on the current state of local journalism. Jerry shares his unique insights on covering politics and policy from the nation's capital, delving into the intricacies of reporting on Western New York issues from Washington, D.C. He discusses the challenges of maintaining local relevance in a national landscape and offers a candid perspective on the evolving media environment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of local news and national policy, as well as the future of regional journalism in an increasingly digital world. 

In this special episode, Rebecca sits down with Darin McCann and Sue Lyons, the dynamic duo behind Coastal Point, a gem in the heart of Ocean View, Delaware. As they mark the 20th anniversary of their beloved publication, we dive into the journey of Coastal Point from its inception to becoming a staple in the local community and beyond.

Discover the evolution of this news outlet from a traditional print publication to a digital powerhouse, complete with a robust website and specialized magazines like the glossy Delaware Seaside Bride. With a commitment to keeping everything local, Darin and Sue share their unique blend of editorial excellence and community focus that has garnered them a wall full of awards and the loyalty of their readers. 

Join us in celebrating Coastal Point's remarkable milestone and exploring the future of local journalism with two of the industry's most passionate advocates. This episode is a tribute to the power of local news and the people who make it possible.

Rebecca Snyder welcomes Max Mishkin with Ballard Spahr for an in-depth discussion on the evolving battle against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) within the Maryland General Assembly. Max, an attorney with a keen insight into media defense, unravels the complex nature of SLAPP suits, explaining their strategic use to silence critics through the burdensome costs and stresses of litigation rather than seeking justice through legal victories.

The conversation sheds light on the nuances distinguishing SLAPP suits from ordinary libel and defamation cases, highlighting their broader implications on free speech and public participation. Max elucidates the foundational aspects of libel law, including the pivotal role of actual malice in defamation cases and how SLAPP suits weaponize legal processes to discourage dissent.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of law, journalism, and the ongoing struggle to safeguard democratic principles through the right to free speech.

In this episode, Kevin interviews Joe Gatewood, co-founder and co-owner of RAK Brewing Company in Frederick, Maryland. The conversation dives into the business journey, community impact and entrepreneurial philosophy behind one of the region’s most exciting new breweries. Joe shares how RAK Brewing isn’t just about beer—it’s about building local culture, living out values, and creating a brand that resonates across all of Frederick County.

Join us for an enlightening session with Xerxes Wilson from The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware as we dive deep into the intricacies of First Amendment and free speech reporting. Discover the compelling story behind Wilson's award-winning piece on a prison boycott in Delaware, exploring the high costs of prison tablet services and the broader implications for free speech and prisoner rights. Tune in to learn about the balance between security and exploitation in the prison system, and how one man's courageous protest against exorbitant rates sparked a significant story.

Join us with The Baltimore Banner's standout achievement of 2023 with Editor-in-Chief Kimi Yoshino and Sports Editor Chris Korman. Discover how their strategic move to build a dedicated sports team has revolutionized their coverage, bringing in-depth and analytical content to Orioles and Ravens fans. From hiring top-tier journalists to engaging with the community through innovative digital platforms, Kimi and Chris share their journey of expanding The Banner's sports journalism. Learn about their unique approach to humanizing athletes, the impact of their coverage on subscriptions and their plans for the future. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the best moves in sports journalism!