ft. Gary Hodge of the Maryland Transit Opportunities Coalition. On this episode, Arinze sits with Gary to talk traffic and transit in Maryland. Gary opens with a survey of the traffic problems Marylanders experience throughout the State (2:35) including the controversial P3 beltway project, the inexplicably cancelled rapid transit project in Montgomery County, and more. Arinze asks Gary what solutions MTOC are supporting to improve regional transit (18:00) and the two discuss the need for interconnectivity of regional mass transit options such as the MARC train. Arinze then delivers an impassioned monologue in defense of public transit which often times WRONGLY relegates poor people to transportation systems that receive no support (22:22). The two agree that Maryland must invest significant resources in public transit to diversify and increase ridership and increase equity among all residents. Next the two talk about the extreme delays commuters are experiencing crossing the Bay Bridge: including new span locations, the viability of transit systems on the Eastern Shore, and the economic opportunities and environmental risks of an Eastern Shore town on the receiving end of a new crossing (37:00). The episode wraps with MTOC’s vision for improving transit throughout Maryland (52:00).

ft. Gary Hodge of the Maryland Transit Opportunities Coalition. On this episode, Arinze sits with Gary to talk traffic and transit in Maryland. Gary opens with a survey of the traffic problems Marylanders experience throughout the State (2:35) including the controversial P3 beltway project, the inexplicably cancelled rapid transit project in Montgomery County, and more. Arinze asks Gary what solutions MTOC are supporting to improve regional transit (18:00) and the two discuss the need for interconnectivity of regional mass transit options such as the MARC train. Arinze then delivers an impassioned monologue in defense of public transit which often times WRONGLY relegates poor people to transportation systems that receive no support (22:22). The two agree that Maryland must invest significant resources in public transit to diversify and increase ridership and increase equity among all residents. Next the two talk about the extreme delays commuters are experiencing crossing the Bay Bridge: including new span locations, the viability of transit systems on the Eastern Shore, and the economic opportunities and environmental risks of an Eastern Shore town on the receiving end of a new crossing (37:00). The episode wraps with MTOC’s vision for improving transit throughout Maryland (52:00).

ft. At-Large Montgomery County Councilman Gabriel Albornoz. Arinze sits down with Gabe to discuss his ongoing fight to stop the vaping industry from targeting Montgomery County school children. Gabe opens up about his experience with the County’s new public financing system for local races (17:00) and its ability to bring equity into the political process. Arinze asks why Gabe he spent time knocking “non-traditional” doors during his campaign and the two delve into the benefits of encouraging new constituencies to participate in civic engagement (21:00). Gabe says that the County is a microcosm of the broader U.S. economy (28:00) and he’s working to bring equity to Montgomery County’s communities through his new equity bill (31:00). Finally, Arinze and Gabe discuss the impact of Trump’s racist rhetoric on local immigrant communities. And they do a deep dive on difficulties Gabe and his colleagues face as they try to maintain their immigrant constituent’s trust in the face of heightened immigration enforcement activities; a recent pro ICE rally; and conflicting messages from the courts, census bureau, and others about immigration status impacts (35:00).

ft. At-Large Montgomery County Councilman Gabriel Albornoz. Arinze sits down with Gabe to discuss his ongoing fight to stop the vaping industry from targeting Montgomery County school children. Gabe opens up about his experience with the County’s new public financing system for local races (17:00) and its ability to bring equity into the political process. Arinze asks why Gabe he spent time knocking “non-traditional” doors during his campaign and the two delve into the benefits of encouraging new constituencies to participate in civic engagement (21:00). Gabe says that the County is a microcosm of the broader U.S. economy (28:00) and he’s working to bring equity to Montgomery County’s communities through his new equity bill (31:00). Finally, Arinze and Gabe discuss the impact of Trump’s racist rhetoric on local immigrant communities. And they do a deep dive on difficulties Gabe and his colleagues face as they try to maintain their immigrant constituent’s trust in the face of heightened immigration enforcement activities; a recent pro ICE rally; and conflicting messages from the courts, census bureau, and others about immigration status impacts (35:00).

Arinze sits with Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Tim opens with a story about how he ended up on a “Short on Patriotism” list after he gave an anti-war speech in New York following the 9/11 attacks (2:30). This leads to a discussion on Trump’s abrupt decision to pull out of Syria (9:40), but more broadly Western imperialism in the region; the costs of perpetual war; and the unlikely alliances formed in Congress and in communities against these conflicts. Arinze asks Tim about the next generation of leadership and its ability to mobilize around a national moment of crisis (22:00), Tim says that he’s seen a surge of enthusiasm that is in part fueled by a new generation of political leadership like “The Squad” (26:00). The discussion then turns to the impact perpetual violence has on our society— including mass shootings, police killings, and the fact that there is a generation of Americans (born after 9/11) that have grown up with the U.S. at war their entire lives (38:00). Tim closes with his assessment of the leadership potential of young Americans, including his former students Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Seth Moulton (48:00).

Arinze sits with Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Tim opens with a story about how he ended up on a “Short on Patriotism” list after he gave an anti-war speech in New York following the 9/11 attacks (2:30). This leads to a discussion on Trump’s abrupt decision to pull out of Syria (9:40), but more broadly Western imperialism in the region; the costs of perpetual war; and the unlikely alliances formed in Congress and in communities against these conflicts. Arinze asks Tim about the next generation of leadership and its ability to mobilize around a national moment of crisis (22:00), Tim says that he’s seen a surge of enthusiasm that is in part fueled by a new generation of political leadership like “The Squad” (26:00). The discussion then turns to the impact perpetual violence has on our society— including mass shootings, police killings, and the fact that there is a generation of Americans (born after 9/11) that have grown up with the U.S. at war their entire lives (38:00). Tim closes with his assessment of the leadership potential of young Americans, including his former students Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Seth Moulton (48:00).

Arinze, Jamie, & Ben breakdown the latest Democratic debate

Arinze, Jamie, & Ben breakdown the latest Democratic debate

Arinze opens with a few words about the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings, before the podcast moves into a discussion about fundraising at the beginning levels of politics. This is Part-1 of a two-part episode. Part-2 will be released on Monday and will recap the debates.

Maryland (as well as the rest of the nation) lost a legend. Our prayers our with Maryland Democratic Party Chair Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and her family.

Arinze opens with a few words about the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings, before the podcast moves into a discussion about fundraising at the beginning levels of politics. This is Part-1 of a two-part episode. Part-2 will be released on Monday and will recap the debates.

Maryland (as well as the rest of the nation) lost a legend. Our prayers our with Maryland Democratic Party Chair Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and her family.