Podcasts & Radio
A collection of podcasts and radio segments produced by Mark Gunnery, including the Disloyal podcast for the Jewish Museum of Maryland, The Daily Dose and Future City on WYPR, The Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU and The Marc Steiner Show on WEAA, plus, guest appearances on other podcasts and radio shows.
Disloyal
Disloyal is a podcast about art, culture, and history from the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and uses the Museum’s exhibits, programs and collections as launchpads for talking about the political, cultural, and spiritual trends that are shaping the world today through a distinctively Jewish lens. Produced and hosted by Mark.
Raising The Sparks: Sabbateanism As Ancestral Knowledge
The audio version of an essay interpreting Sabbateanism as a source of ancestral knowledge to draw from today. Originally published in the Jewish Zine Fest 5782 Omnibus Zine.
The Old Bay Obsession
Dish City, WAMU, May 26, 2022
A discussion on Maryland’s obsession with Old Bay. Mark joins from 9:15 to 12:00 to talk about the impact of Jews on Baltimore’s seafood culture.
"Didn’t See That Coming”: Stories About Shocks, Surprises, And Real-Life Plot Twists."
Stoop Storytelling Series, October 18, 2021
A story about a lost and found box of more than three dozen personal journals for The Stoop Storytelling series. This story was also broadcast on WYPR’s On The Record on January 10, 2022.
Kotic Couture On Pride, Protests, And Parties
The Daily Dose, June 16, 2021
A conversation with Baltimore musician Kotic Couture about the radical roots of Pride and the importance of both partying and protesting.
"We'll Make Something Out Of Nothing": Arts And Baltimore's Future
Future City, May 26, 2021
A conversation on the arts in Baltimore. Where do the arts, including music, film, photography, poetry, dance and much more, fit into the future of the city, especially after the arts and entertainment industries were hit so hard by COVID-19? And how have artists mobilized to support one another during the pandemic?
The Liberation Song: Navasha Daya On Gil Scott-Heron’s Life And Legacy
The Daily Dose, April 8, 2021
A conversation with musician Navasha Daya about her cousin Gil Scott-Heron and the tribute album she is working on for him.
Lucille Clifton's Poetic Legacy
The Daily Dose, February 12, 2021
A conversation with Sidney Clifton, president of The Clifton House and Senior Vice President of Animation and Mixed Media at The Jim Henson Company, about her mother, the former poet laureate of Maryland, Lucille Clifton.
"Enough Is Enough": Ending White Supremacist Violence Online And Off
Future City, January 28, 2021
A conversation with Rick and Dawn Collins, the parents of Army 1st Lt. Richard Collins III, a Black Bowie State University student murdered in a racist attack just three days short of graduation in 2017. Plus, an interview about the role that social media played in the Capitol attack and what social media companies are--or aren't--doing to push back against white supremacy and conspiracy theories online.
"To Pull The Veil Away": Samuel R. Delany On Dhalgren
WYPR.org, December 21, 2020
A conversation with legendary science fiction writer Samuel R. Delany about his book Dhalgren.
Exit Thru The Afro: The Speculative Poetry Of Jalynn Harris
WYPR.org December 21, 2020
A conversation with Baltimore poet Jalynn Harris about her new poetry chapbook Exit Thru The Afro.
"Move On The System": Remembering Local Activist Betty Garman Robinson
WYPR News, October 12, 2020
A remembrance of Betty Garman Robinson, a Baltimore community activist and longtime advocate for racial justice. https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2020-10-12/move-on-the-system-remembering-local-activist-betty-garman-robinson
"People Are Ready To Rebel": Youth Lead Protest Against Police Brutality
WYPR News June 2, 2020
Report from a youth-led protest against police brutality in Baltimore.
Sweet Potatoes And Power: Food Security In Baltimore
Future City, March 18, 2020
A conversation on why food insecurity persists in one of the wealthiest states in the country, and how local urban farmers, religious leaders, and advocates are fighting for food justice in the city. (Note: I host one of the interviews about 33 minutes into the episode.)
Collective Healing: Trauma In Baltimore And Beyond
Future City, February 19, 2020
A conversation on how trauma and PTSD shape people’s lives in Baltimore and beyond, and how activists, service providers, educators, and government agencies are using knowledge of trauma to change the city.
“Our Hearts Exploding All Over The City”: Erricka Bridgeford On Ending Violence
Future City, November 27, 2019
An interview with Erricka Bridgeford, co-creator of Baltimore Ceasefire 365, an organization that seeks to end homicides in the city. The group organizes quarterly ceasefire weekends, asking Baltimoreans to handle conflict nonviolently while celebrating life and sharing resources. They also practice healing rituals at the sites of homicides and offer support to the surviving friends and families of homicide victims.
D.C. D.I.Y.: Underground And Do-It-Yourself Culture In The Washington Region
Kojo Nnamdi Show, August 27, 2019
A new digital magazine is launching that is dedicated to covering do-it-yourself and underground arts, music and literary scenes in Washington, D.C. But what does it mean to create underground culture today? We discuss that with zine makers, journalists and musicians, and we explore how underground scenes can thrive in a constantly changing region.
Songs Of The Summer: Washington’s Hottest New Music
Kojo Nnamdi Show, July 17, 2019
The Washington region has a rich musical history. It’s been home to many well known and underground musicians, and has birthed musical styles like go-go and hardcore punk. While nostalgia for the golden ages of those genres runs deep in D.C., contemporary musicians are still playing innovative hip hop, r&b, indie, jazz, electronica, and yes, go-go and punk as well. We explore what’s happening in D.C. music scenes right now and hear the songs making Washingtonians bop their heads this summer.
Frame Of Mind: Punk, Women, And Photography In D.C.
Kojo Nnamdi Show, July 10, 2019
Many books have been written, and documentaries produced, about the early days of punk in Washington, D.C. and the bands that shaped the sound of hardcore in the eighties. A new book, though, compiles photos of the D.C. region’s punk scene from the late nineties to today. “Frame of Mind: Punk Photos and Essays from Washington, D.C., and Beyond, 1997-2017” includes photos of local bands like Priests, Coup Sauvage and the Snips and Ex Hex, as well as national ones like Babes in Toyland, Melvins and L7. The book also features writings by women who played in bands, produced shows, and opened up venues around the District. We talk to the author of the book, photographer Antonia Tricarico, and two its contributors, Natalie Avery and Lely Constantinople, about punk and photography, the importance of visually documenting local arts and music movements, and the roles of women in D.C.’s punk scenes. Includes a playlist below featuring punk by D.C. women, and a photo gallery.
Washington Is An Epicenter Of Lyme Disease. How Some Locals Are Fighting Back.
Kojo Nnamdi Show, July 3, 2019
For many people, July means hiking, tubing, camping, vacations and other activities that put them in touch with the great outdoors. But all those activities also put people in contact with ticks. July is the peak month for Lyme disease transmission, and the Washington region is considered one of the epicenters of the illness. We explore what Lyme is, how it became prevalent in the region and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the tick bites that transmit it. We also discuss how locals are trying to fight the disease, through medical, educational and legislative means.
The Social Power Of Music: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival Comes To D.C.
Kojo Nnamdi Show, June 26, 2019
Every year, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival brings music, art, performance and food from around the world to the National Mall. This year they’re focusing on the theme of “The Social Power of Music,” celebrating the different ways music entertains and educates people, helps them strengthen their identities and builds community. We check in with some of the people organizing, curating and performing at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. We’ll hear about how local music like punk and go-go fits in and find out why this year’s festival is shorter than in years past.
From Black Cowboys To Old Town Road: Some Words (And Songs) With Dom Flemons
Kojo Nnamdi Show, June 20, 2019
Popular depictions of the “wild, wild West” in the 19th century usually include images of tumbleweeds, horses, gun fights, and white cowboys depicted by actors like Gary Cooper or John Wayne. That picture, though, isn’t complete. Many historians believe that up to a quarter of cowboys were African-American, and many were formerly enslaved or the descendents of enslaved people. One person pushing to re-write the historical record is Dom Flemons. He is a Grammy Award-winning music scholar, historian and multi-instrumentalist. His latest album — “Dom Flemons Presents Black Cowboys” — was released in 2018. He joins us to discuss that project, an upcoming concert, and the ongoing legacy of black country traditions.
More Than A Parade: This Pride, LGBTQ Washingtonians Push Back Against Homelessness And Displacement
Kojo Nnamdi Show, June 5, 2019
Pride Month has kicked off, and as many LGBTQ Washingtonians prepare for parades and parties, some are planning to protest against displacement and for adequate housing. The region’s affordable housing crisis has hit some members of the LGBTQ community hard — especially LGBTQ youth, who make up an estimated 40% of young people who experience homelessness. We explore the housing needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ Washingtonians, and learn about how local organizations are providing housing and wrap around services for LGBTQ community members facing insecure housing.
Everybody Do Your Share: The Gender Gap In Household Chores
Kojo Nnamdi Show, May 29, 2019
A new report shows that teenage girls are spending nearly twice the amount of time each day cleaning, cooking, and running errands as boys. This mirrors a wider trend of women sharing households with men doing significantly more chores than their partners. We explore these persistent gaps, why they exist, how children learn about gender roles at home, at school, and online, and learn how some households are splitting up domestic work more equally.
Let’s (Not) Grab A Drink: Washington’s Sober Scene
Kojo Nnamdi Show, May 22, 2019
How do sober people navigate booze-heavy spaces? And what are some of the best local non-alcoholic drink options? We explore the region’s sober scene, the different reasons people choose not to drink and the challenges of dating and socializing sober. And we hear about some of the most delicious alcohol alternatives, from mocktails to switchel.
Spring Has Sprung. So What Should You Do In Your Garden?
Kojo Nnamdi Show, May 15, 2019
As the weather gets warmer, people across the region are getting their hands dirty in their gardens. But not everyone has a green thumb, or, for that matter, much space to garden. We check in with gardeners and urban farmers about how to keep up with their plants and flowers as the earth creeps towards summer. Plus, we explore the push to plant native species to attract pollinators.
I Believe That We Will Win: Blockade At The Presidential Inauguration
Marc Steiner Show, January 23, 2017
The morning of Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, activists from Baltimore Bloc, Black Lives Matter DC, and Movement for Black Lives blockaded a security checkpoint, effectively shutting down one of the entrances to the event. Here are some of the sounds from that protest.
Voices From The Baltimore Trump Rally And Protest
Marc Steiner Show, September 16, 2016
On September 12, 2016, Donald Trump spoke at the Baltimore Convention Center, while his supporters and opponents rallied outside. I spoke to Trump voters and the people protesting his speech, including two former Bernie Sanders supporters who are now behind Trump.
John Waters' "Multiple Maniacs"
Marc Steiner Show, September 9, 2016
Multiple Maniacs, John Waters' 1970 film about crime, jealousy, madness, religion, and giant lobsters, was recently restored and rereleased by Janus Films and The Criterion Collection. I spoke with some of the cast and crew of "Multiple Maniacs" about the impact of the 1968 Baltimore riots on the film, Divine's performance in it, and the influence Waters' early films had on younger LGBTQ generations. With: John Waters, Vincent Peranio, and Susan Lowe.
Intimacy Idiot: A Conversation With Isaac Oliver
Marc Steiner Show, August 5, 2016
Isaac Oliver is a performer and author of the book "Intimacy Idiot," a collection of humorous personal essays about the "awkward, sweaty, slutty life" of a young gay man in New York City. I spoke to Isaac about the book, Tinder, reading sad books, and the strange final season of "Roseanne."
James Joyce, Bloomsday And Ulysses
Marc Steiner Show, June 16, 2016
The novel "Ulysses" delves into the minds of several Dublin characters as they go about their day on June 16, 1904. James Joyce fans across the globe celebrate each June 16th with Bloomsday celebrations, where they read from the text. I discussed Ulysses on Bloomsday 2016 with Zein El-Amine, activist and host of the radio show Shay Wa Nana on WPFW. He teaches at the University of Maryland, where he leads literary study abroad programs to Ireland and Morocco. Two of Zein's students, Charlie O’Melia and Jonathan Offenberg, also joined us.
Kicking Off Summer With Stefanie & Mark’s Music Picks
Marc Steiner Show, May 30, 2016
The Marc Steiner Show crew kicks off the summer with a Memorial Day music special. Stefanie Mavronis and I share some of our favorite music. We talked about the joys of watching music videos and listening to music on vinyl, the first Prince song I ever heard, and hip hop production in 2016.
Black Dirt Farm
Marc Steiner Show, May 26, 2016
Black Dirt Farm is a small-scale diversified agroecological farm in Preston, Maryland. It is on land that Harriet Tubman once lived on, and where she once liberated her parents and nine other people from. I spoke with Blain Snipstal, a farmer and co-owner and co-operator of Black Dirt Farm, about the history of the land, his thoughts about farming, and the Black Church Food Security Network. Co-produced by Stefanie Mavronis.
Baltimore Uprising, One Year Later: Looking Back !t 1968
Marc Steiner Show, April 5, 2016.
In April 1968, Baltimore residents responding to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination with protests and rioting. I spoke with philosopher Dr. Robert Birt, who was a young boy at the time about his reflections on the riots in light of the 2015 Baltimore Uprising.
Baltimore Artists Roundtable: Music, Art, Race And Gender In A Segregated City
Marc Steiner Show, January 29, 2016
Baltimore is both a deeply racially segregated city and a city with thriving and innovative arts and music scenes. As part of an ongoing conversation about race and the arts on the Marc Steiner Show, I host a conversation with local musicians, writers and artists about creating spaces for Black, people of color, queer, and women performers in a segregated city. With: Abdu Ali, musician and writer; Jenné Afiya, founder of Balti Gurls; Lawrence Burney, writer and editor of True Laurels; and Dylan Ubaldo, founder of the Llamadon Collective.
Best Music of 2015
Marc Steiner Show, December 31, 2105
In a special New Years Eve edition of The Marc Steiner Show, Stefanie Mavronis and I host a conversation about our favorite music of 2015. We talked about how musicians responded to the Black Lives Matter movement, some of our favorite women in hip hop, and the progression of a beat from D.R.A.M. to Drake to Erykah Badu.
Voices From The Protest Against Police Commissioner Kevin Davis' Confirmation
Marc Steiner Show, October 20, 2015
On October 19, 2015, demonstrators organized by City Bloc disrupted the City Council meeting where Kevin Davis was confirmed as Police Commissioner of Baltimore, and then marched from City Hall to McKeldin Square. This piece features sound from the protest, including the voices of City Bloc organizer Makayla Gilliam-Price, activist and alum of the Intersection Dawnya Johnson, and Baltimore resident and Goucher student Arthur. Co-produced by Stefanie Mavronis.
Voices From The Freddie Gray Protests
Marc Steiner Show, May 1, 2015
In the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray at the hands of the Baltimore police, thousands of Baltimore residents demonstrated against police brutality in what became known as the Baltimore Uprising. I interviewed people at those protests, including residents of Sandtown-Winchester, where Gray lived, students, politicians, spiritual leaders and activists. Co-produced by Stefanie Mavronis.
Remembering Audre Lorde
Marc Steiner Show, February 18, 2015
Audre Lorde described herself as a “Black lesbian mother warrior poet.” In honor of her birthday, I spoke with Baltimore artists, activists, academics and performers about her life and impact, and ask them to share some of their favorite writings of Lorde's. With: Rev. Merrick Moise, Kalima Young, Abdu Ali, Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, and Michelle Antoinette Nelson aka LOVE the Poet.
Jewish Music Special Part One: The Klezmatics
Marc Steiner Show, January 28, 2015
In the first installment of a two-part special on Jewish music I speak with members of the Klezmatics, one of the most popular klezmer bands in the US. Band members Lorin Sklamberg and Frank London discuss Yiddish culture and music, Jewish spirituality and politics, and the cultural boycott of Israel.
Jewish Music Special Part Two: The Shondes
Marc Steiner Show, January 28, 2015
In the second part of a two part series on Jewish music, I speak with two founding members of the Brooklyn-based rock group the Shondes, Louisa Solomon, lead vocalist and bassist, and Eli Oberman, who plays violin and sings harmony. They discuss their music, the ethics of political engagement as musicians and Jews, and their support of the cultural boycott of Israel.
John Coltrane’s “Offering: Live At Temple University”
Marc Steiner Show, December 9, 2014
In 2014, a recording of one of John Coltrane's final concerts was released. Called "Offering: Live at Temple University," it offers a rare glimpse at where Coltrane and his band was heading musically in the final months of his life. This is an appreciation and review of that album.
Baltimore Stands In Solidarity With Ferguson
Marc Steiner Show, August 21, 2014
Every Wednesday, the family of Tyrone West, a man who died at the hands of Baltimore Police, protests against police brutality. I went to one of their weekly demonstrations, where people also rallied in solidarity with Michael Brown and Anthony Anderson. With: Michael Travis Wiggins-Bey, Tawanda Jones and Brendon Joyner. Winner of the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association’s 2015 award for Outstanding Use of Sound.
Camp 83: Homeless Encampment Evicted
Marc Steiner Show, March 8, 2013
In March, 2013, a Baltimore homeless encampment under the Jones Falls Expressway called Camp 83 was evicted. I interviewed residents of Camp 83 and advocates for housing insecure people. Co-produced by Stefanie Mavronis.