Podcast guide: Get hip to Baltimore and DC's ecosystems with these storytellers
So it makes sense that we know many local creators who use their own platforms to highlight the Baltimore and Maryland ecosystems' many stories and personalities.
To help anybody trying to learn more about the regional innovation scene, we rounded up a few examples of the many local podcasters who make a point of highlighting its various dimensions. From well-established figures with awards to their names to younger or newer ones that focus on different niches, these storytellers and their platforms provide a rich snapshot of the ecosystems they seek to serve.
'No Pix After Dark,' hosted by Aaron Dante
' No Pix After Dark ' started as a series illustrating lesser-known local stories of all types. It has since evolved into one of Baltimore's most celebrated podcasts, featuring interviews with many of the region's entrepreneurs, creative professionals and civic leaders. Host Aaron Dante, Technical.ly's 2024 Creator of the Year, spotlights a variety of entrepreneurs and innovators, from small business owners to leaders of major anchor institutions. Dante's tone is relaxed and engaging, offering real conversations about the hustle and setbacks these leaders experience. Throughout the run of his award-winning series, which he previously told Technical.ly will come to an end this year, Dante continues to uplift the local innovation happening behind the scenes.
'Capitalism: The Remix,' hosted by Jeff Cherry
Led by the founder of Conscious Venture Lab and the Novella Center for Entrepreneurship, ' Capitalism: The Remix ' challenges conventional ideas of entrepreneurship by focusing on purpose-driven capitalism across sectors and communities. Its 17 episodes so far feature notable guests like Gov. Wes Moore, EcoMap Technologies COO Smitha Gopal and Richualist founder and CEO Dawn Myers. The show highlights how Baltimore entrepreneurs are redefining success to center impact, inclusion, and innovation alongside profit.
'Charm City Dreamers,' hosted by Zack Garber
' Charm City Dreamers ' profiles Baltimore-based changemakers across sectors, including tech founders, nonprofit leaders, heads of local institutions and social entrepreneurs. Host Zack Garber dives into personal journeys, visions for the city's future and lessons learned from those working to make Baltimore stronger. The podcast and its motivational framing demonstrate how Baltimoreans hustle for one another. Founded in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the podcast boasts an impressive roster of guests, including public officials, athletes, nonprofit leaders and artists.
'Why Y'all Working,' co-hosted by Alairé Jameson and Michael Ogunsanya
This newer podcast explores questions surrounding motivation, resilience and the future of work. Co-hosts Michael Ogunsanya, the founder of MindStand Technologies and a graduate of the Techstars Equitech accelerator — and Alairé Jameson, a finance professional and investor, take listeners inside the lives of entrepreneurs, artists and ecosystem builders. Episodes often blend humor, serious discussions and critical conversations about what it really means to innovate, especially in smaller or less obviously tech-focused cities like Baltimore.
'CyberWire Daily,' produced by N2K Networks
This podcast is a leading project under the umbrella of N2K Networks, a cybersecurity workforce developer and media entity in Fulton, Maryland. Hosted by Dave Bittner, a longtime media professional, the show delivers daily news and analysis on the latest cyber threats, trends and developments. Episodes feature expert interviews and insights from industry professionals, bringing listeners a timely and comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity landscape. N2K Network's proximity to various cybersecurity firms and experts around the region enables them to quickly and concisely update those seeking information about this rapidly evolving field.
'Free to Bmore,' produced by the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Yet another reason to love the local library system, ' Free to Bmore ' explores civic life, innovation and leadership in Baltimore. Guests range from entrepreneurs and journalists to nonprofit leaders making an impact. Recent episodes spotlighted topics like digital inclusion, creative entrepreneurship and urban innovation.
Free To Bmore Podcast by Enoch Pratt Free Library · Al Hutchinson, President & CEO of Visit Baltimore
'The UMB Pulse,' produced by the University of Maryland, Baltimore
' The UMB Pulse ' dives deep into the world of healthcare innovation, scientific research and social entrepreneurship emerging from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). Co-hosts Dana Rampolla and Charles Schelle tap into UMB's large network of local changemakers in healthcare, law, pharmacy and social work to communicate the university's local and global impact.
'Maryland — It's Better Here: Maryland Momentum,' produced by the Maryland Tech Council
The youngest podcast on this list, the Maryland Tech Council's (MTC) show largely focuses on the state's innovation economy. Its current four episodes feature discussions on life sciences, technology and economic development throughout the state. Host and MTC CEO Kelly Schulz delves into the state's national leadership in these various technology sectors, offering insights for entrepreneurs, investors, students and industry insiders alike.
'Entrepreneurs Anonymous Talk (E.A.T.) Afterwork, co-hosted by Breonna Massey and Leon 'Lee' Stanford
Led by Breonna Massey, founder of Slay Naturals, and Leon 'Lee' Stanford, owner of Digital Empath Studios, ' Entrepreneurs Anonymous Talk (E.A.T.) Afterwork ' explores the subtleties and lived experiences of young, local entrepreneurs building their businesses and brands in Baltimore. Conversational, friendly and funny, episodes cover topics such as personal development, strategy and community impact. They record out of Stanford's company's facilities, a local hub for other podcasters.
'The Monthly Blend'
Moving beyond Baltimore's borders, ' The Monthly Blend ' is a video podcast that covers the startup ecosystem throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia. Cohosts Anthony Millin of NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers and Tien Wong of The Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Forum explore challenges and underlying opportunities within the regional landscape. Guests including policymakers, investors, accelerator managers and entrepreneurs discuss topics like venture capital, changes in government agencies and protocol, and the progress and success of various ecosystems.
Do you know someone else who's surfacing stories and examples of innovation in Charm City via podcasts? Let us know! We'd love to learn of other perspectives and stories. Reach out to our Baltimore editor Sameer Rao at sameer@technical.ly, or share in our public Slack!
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