Journalists often report on the worst moments of others' lives, but who supports them? In this episode, Emily Sachs, clinical psychologist and director of the Journalist Trauma Support Network (a project of the Dart Center at Columbia Journalism School), unpacks the unseen toll journalism can take. We explore how trauma manifests in the newsroom, what makes journalists uniquely vulnerable and how JTSN is training therapists to meet these challenges with industry-specific insight. Sachs also shares actionable ways journalists can protect their mental health and reclaim joy in their work before burnout becomes a breaking point.

Resources can be found at JTSN.org.

What does local journalism look like in the age of evolving media platforms? In this episode, longtime columnist and radio host Dan Rodricks joins Rebecca to talk about adapting storytelling for today's audiences. From his decades at The Baltimore Sun to his new audio column, Dan shares insights on sustaining local journalism, experimenting with audio formats and why personal narrative still matters. It’s a conversation about voice, format and the future of local news.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with the remarkable Denise Dorsey, who recently retired after an incredible 48-year career at The Afro. From her start in the advertising department in 1976 to her pivotal role as production manager, Denise reflects on how the paper—and the Black press—has evolved over the decades. She shares insights on shifting from wax and teletype to digital media, the vital legacy of print in a tech-driven world, and what it meant to grow in a mission-focused newsroom. A powerful conversation about history, resilience, and Black excellence.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with Lisa Snowden, founder of the Baltimore Beat, to reflect on the 10th anniversary of Freddie Gray’s death and the uprising that followed. Lisa shares the process behind the Beat’s commemorative coverage, her collaboration with the Baltimore Museum of Art and photographer Devin Allen, and her commitment to telling the stories of those too often left out of the narrative. From grassroots storytelling at Lexington Market to mentoring future journalists, Lisa speaks candidly about the role of journalism, community and truth in shaping Baltimore’s future.

Join Rebecca Snyder as she hosts a powerful conversation with the 2024 MDDC Rookie of the Year nominees — six emerging women journalists who’ve tackled the chaos, challenges, and triumphs of their first jobs in news. From covering local government and education to environmental policy and cultural reporting, these young reporters reflect on what surprised them, what inspired them and what keeps them going.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with award-winning journalist and author Miranda Spivack to dive into Backroom Deals in Our Backyard, Miranda’s powerful new book exposing the hidden world of local government secrecy and corporate collusion. From dangerous roadways and contaminated water to privatized data systems, Miranda shares the real-life stories of "accidental activists" fighting for transparency. With public records access shrinking and local news under threat, this conversation is a call to action for anyone who believes in open government. Backroom Deals in Our Backyard hits shelves May 6, but you can preorder today!

We shine a spotlight on two of the most dynamic media sales professionals in our region—Nicole Allen of Baltimore Fishbowl and Blake McCoy of the Catholic Review—nominated for MDDC Press Association’s 2024 Salesperson of the Year. Host Kevin Berrier dives deep into their unique sales journeys, client-first approach and what it takes to succeed in today’s ever-evolving news media landscape.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with Christina Piaia, Deputy Director of the ProJourn Project at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Christina shares how ProJourn supports journalists and independent newsrooms with free legal resources like pre-publication reviews, public records access and non-editorial legal checkups. They discuss why bold local journalism needs strong legal backing, how ProJourn is training the next generation of media law attorneys and what reporters should know to protect their work and their newsrooms. Whether you're a freelance journalist or part of a growing newsroom, this conversation is packed with essential insights on navigating today’s legal challenges.