Panorama

In this episode of Panorama, we sat down with Secretary of Juvenile Services Betsy Fox Tolentino to talk about the past, present, and future of juvenile justice in Maryland. From the Public Defender's Office, to the Roca Institute, and now as the leader of Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services, Secretary Tolentino has worked in every aspect of the field of juvenile justice. She brings that expertise as we discuss the impact of media coverage on her work, racial disparities in the justice system, and how she intends to create a culture that humanizes youth.

In this episode of Panorama, we sit down with Brittany Baker, the Maryland Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, to talk about environmental justice and climate action.Amid recent government actions at the state and federal level affecting Maryland's response to climate-related natural disasters and rising energy costs, we dive deep into how climate change affects everyday people.

In this episode of Panorama, we spoke to Dan Schwartz, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Maryland District 1. He challenges eight-term incumbent Andy Harris and wants to create change in how his constituents are represented. From affordability to flood funding, Dan Schwartz shares what he's hearing from the people in Maryland's first district, and his plans for when he's in office. Listen to his platform, policy, and motivations.

In this episode of Panorama, we spoke to Andy Ellis, a Green Party candidate for Maryland Governor. A lifelong Green Party member and advocate, his campaign is centered around changing the future of Maryland.Ellis lays out concrete plans for an ambitious policy to combat climate change, crime, and economic hardship, but remains grounded in the reality that it will be an uphill battle. Along with challenging incumbent Governor Wes Moore, Andy Ellis faces the same host of challenges that any third party candidate faces. Listen to his insights and motivations in this exclusive interview.

In this episode of Panorama, we spoke to John Myrick, a Republican candidate for Maryland Governor. A former combat veteran and a consultant for the federal government, his career has been centered around public service. He categorizes himself as one, as well. He describes himself as a public servant, not a politician. Myrick hopes to unveil the Maryland state budget, bringing transparency and reducing waste. John Myrick faces an uphill battle; there is a long list of Republican candidates he'll face in the primaries, and a strong incumbent: Governor Wes Moore.Listen to his insights, campaign platform, and motivations.

In this episode of Panorama, we sit down with Maryland State Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins to discuss legislation, advocacy, and how actions at the federal level impact her decisions.As an immigrant, Delegate Wilkins' motivations to advocate for equal rights and justice are deep-rooted and personal. We talk about what it means to go against moneyed interests and powerful voices to advocate for the marginalized.Through the Panorama podcast, we highlight the stories and insights of experts shaping our communities through policy and advocacy.

In this episode of Panorama, we sit down with Mark Conway, Baltimore City Councilman, to discuss sustainability initiatives for Baltimore City.Amid a changing political climate, Councilman Conway has continued to place sustainability and the environment at the top of his agenda.Through the Panorama podcast, we highlight the stories and insights of experts shaping our communities through policy and advocacy.

In this episode of Panorama, we sit down with Jessica Fitzwater, the Fredrick County Executive, to discuss public service and governance at the county level.Amid funding cuts, Fitzwater must navigate serving her community through education, immigration reform, incarceration reform, and investments in housing. Through the Panorama podcast, we highlight the stories and insights of experts shaping our communities through policy and advocacy.

In this episode of Panorama, we sit down with Rebecca Snyder, the executive director of the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association to discuss the freedom of the press, the effect of social media, and the politicization of media.Through the Panorama podcast, we highlight the stories and insights of experts shaping our communities through policy and advocacy. We empower the student voice by making information easily-accessible and digestible, allowing students to understand the issues affecting them from the views of an expert. We cover topics like criminal justice reform, the drug crisis, book bannings, and immigrant rights across the ideological spectrum. Hosted by Alvin, Charan, and Evan

The Panorama Podcast takes a wide view of the situation around criminal justice reform. With snippets of our conversations from previous guests, we contextualize our discussions, frame them around the greater history of the United States, and highlight ongoing movements for progress.Mass incarceration is uniquely American, but why? We'll examine the history of mass incarceration and how local leaders in Maryland are working to reverse it. Narrated by Alvin Lee

In this episode of Panorama, we sit down with Michael Ricci, the former Maryland Director of Communications and speechwriter to Speaker John Boehner and Paul Ryan to discuss politics, communication through social media, and Maryland's response to the pandemic.Listen to his insights serving in the Maryland government during the height of the pandemic, at the national stage drafting agenda for the Republican party, and through his 17 years of experience in politics and public service.Hosted by Alvin, Charan, and Evan

In this episode of Panorama, we sit down with Niko Perez, the Campus Free Speech Program Manager at PEN America to discuss book bans, diverse literature, and free speech.Working in the leading organization defending free speech for authors, writers, readers, and students, Niko Perez has an invaluable insight into the world of civics. He shares his perspective working in PEN America and working in campuses around the U.S.Hosted by Alvin and Charan

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Woods, the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, to discuss veterans services, the Maryland government, and a new presidential administration. Working alongside Governor Wes Moore, Secretary Woods has an invaluable insight into the world of civics. He shares his perspective as a member of Governor Moore's cabinet, serving in the military, and running for a seat in Congress.

Welcome to Panorama! In this episode, we sit down with Grace Magori, the program manager of the University of Maryland Violence Reduction Center, to discuss recent efforts and research on gun violence prevention and reduction.Ms. Magori shares her experience from working on synthesizing research and engaging with other gun violence prevention experts.Hosted by Charan, Abi, and Mark.

In this episode, we sit down with Natasha Dartigue, the Public Defender of Maryland, to discuss criminal justice reform, the public defender shortage, and recent legislative changes. Ms. Dartigue shares insights from her experience as the Public Defender of Maryland fighting for indigent defenders and as the co-founder of the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative, a partnership with leading institutions in the field of criminal justice reform in Maryland. Hosted by Alvin and Charan.

Welcome to Panorama! In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Geraghty, chair of the Moms for Liberty Howard County chapter, to explore book restrictions, critical race theory, and gender in schools.Ms. Geraghty shares her experience from years of working with other activists, testifying in legislatures, and talking to Marylanders. Hosted by Alvin and Charan.Note: The views expressed in this episode are those of Moms For Liberty and do not reflect those of the hosts.

Welcome to Panorama! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Martinez, a fellow with the Center on Addiction and Public Policy at Georgetown University’s O’Neill Institute, to explore the opioid addiction crisis, Baltimore’s recent settlement, and how we can combat the issue. Dr. Martinez shares insights from her experience in evidence-based opioid use disorder research. From the causes of opioid abuse, to how Baltimore ought to use its settlement money, take an inside look into the state of opioid addiction in America. Hosted by Charan and Evan

Welcome to Panorama! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chao Wu, a Maryland State Delegate and former chairperson of the Howard County Board of Education, to explore the education system, legislating, and the AAPI experience. Delegate Wu shares insights from his experience in government, the Board of Education, and from grassroots advocacy organizations. From supporting student initiatives, to uplifting voices of the AAPI community, take an inside look into the Maryland state government. Hosted by Alvin and Evan

Welcome to Panorama! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Do Lee, assistant professor of urban studies at Queens College CUNY and co-founder of the Biking Public Project, to explore urban mobility, social justice, effective policing and policymaking, and advocacy. As the co-founder of the Biking Public Project, he advocated for underrepresented cyclists and working cyclists in New York City. Learn about his experiences delivering research to policymakers and raising awareness of the untold stories of the effects of strict, punitive biking policy on immigrant delivery workers. Listen to his insights on the intersection of urban mobility, social justice, and immigrants. Hosted by Alvin.

Welcome to Panorama! In this episode, we sit down with Judge Alexander Williams Jr., former United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, to explore juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, and recidivism. Judge Williams shares insights from his extensive career and discusses the impactful work being done at his non-profit organization, the Judge Alexander Williams Jr. Center for Education, Justice, and Ethics. Learn about the challenges in the criminal justice system, including disparities faced by minorities, the importance of re-entry programs, and the debate around juvenile justice reform. Hosted by Alvin and Evan.

Welcome to Panorama! In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Nichols, a dedicated teacher and community leader, to discuss critical topics such as juvenile justice, expungement, and incarceration reform. Jessica shares her extensive experience working within the community through her roles on the Democratic Central Committee and as board chairperson of Columbia Community Care. We explore how her organization supports the community by providing food, resources, and expungement clinics. Join us as we delve into the impact of criminal records on youth, the importance of educational and mental health support in juvenile detention centers, and what we can do as a community to advocate for a more just criminal justice system. Hosted by Charan, Alvin, and Evan.