Burn the Talking Points
Join Maryland Democratic politicos for candid, unscripted discussions on current events in Maryland and across the nation. Hear insights on the future direction of the Democratic Party and learn about immediate actions you can take as we strive to reclaim power. No scripts. No spin. Just real, unfiltered conversations about the issues that matter. Join us as we burn the talking points. Authorized by the Maryland Democratic Party; Devang Shah, Treasurer.
Episodes
For the first time since 1974, Maryland Democrats are running candidates in every state legislative race across the state.
In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we sit down with three candidates stepping up to run in districts long considered Republican strongholds: Neil Jennings, Jennifer Clancy, and Rayneika Robinson.
They share why they decided to run, what they’re hearing from voters on the ground, and the r...
In this special Black History Month episode of Burn the Talking Points, Mayor Brandon Scott joins us at Morgan State University for a powerful conversation taped in front of students about leading the city that raised him.
As a Baltimore native, Mayor Scott reflects on the mentors, moments, and movements that shaped his path to public service. He discusses the responsibility of governing in this moment, the progress ...
In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we are joined by State Senator Will Smith Jr, and Delegate Nicole Williams, as they break down Maryland Democrats’ efforts to limit local cooperation with ICE. We discuss why these policies matter for due process, transparency, and community trust, and how Maryland leaders are drawing firm lines between public safety and federal overreach. This conversation cuts through th...
Season 2 of Burn the Talking Points kicks off at a pivotal moment for Maryland.
As the 2026 legislative session begins, we sit down with Joseline Peña-Melnyk Maryland’s new Speaker of the House, for a candid conversation about leadership, priorities, and the work ahead.
In this episode, Speaker Peña-Melnyk shares more about her political career, her vision for the General Assembly, and what it mean...
In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Executive Director Karen Darkes sits down with the legendary White House Correspondent and political analyst, April Ryan for a conversation on what it takes to report from one of most powerful offices in the world.
With over 25 years of experience covering five presidential administrations, April Ryan shares candid insights on the pressures, responsibiliti...
In this episode, Democratic strategist and data expert Tom Bonier returns to unpack the results of the 2025 election cycle. From Virginia to California, Democrats dominated. We talk about what happened and why - and what these results reveal about voter sentiment heading into 2026.
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points.
Be sure to follow us on social:
- facebook.com/Mar...
In this week’s episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re joined by two key voices in Maryland’s 2025 mayoral races: Democratic candidates Jared Littmann (Annapolis), and incumbent Mayor Michael O’Connor (Frederick City).
We dive into what’s at stake in each city, how local dynamics are echoing national conversations, and why these elections could set the tone for Maryland (and the country) in 2026.
Annapolis: https://...
In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, we go beyond Maryland and take a look at the political battlegrounds shaping America’s future. We sit down with New Jersey Democratic Party Executive Director and Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair to break down what’s at stake ahead of the 2025 election. Then we dive into VA and why every race matters as we fight back against the extremist Republican agenda.
Penns...
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman joins Burn the Talking Points to break down the real-life impact of the Republican shutdown, what it means for Marylanders, and how she’s thinking about building winning teams in politics and for the O’s next season.
Catch Comptroller Brooke Lierman on her Four More Tour - https://brookelierman.com/fourmore/
Contest Every Seat with the Maryland Democratic Party - mddems.org/run
Want ...
Rep. Jamie Raskin joins to break down the MAGA shutdown chaos, expose Republican corruption, and share how we fight back, win in 2026, and what Chair Raskin will fight for leading the Judiciary Committee.
Learn more about Democracy Summer at https://jamieraskin.com/democracy-summer/
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points.
Be sure to follow us on social:
- facebook.com/Mar...
This week on Burn the Talking Points, we go Beyond the Feed with Maryland content creators Tiffany (@CandidlyTiff), and Kenny (@2RawTooReal). These digital voices are informing the masses, building communities, and holding leaders accountable!
In this episode, we talk about what it means to use your platform for impact, the challenges of cutting through disinformation, and why digital creators are a vital part of tod...
In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Congressman Johnny Olszewski joins us to talk about the fights ahead as session resumes and the stakes for Marylanders. On the same day survivors demanded justice on Capitol Hill, Johnny O. breaks down how Democrats are uniting to push back while Republicans bow to political pressure from the White House. From protecting Social Security to defending voting rights, ...
On this episode of Burn the Talking Points, former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley breaks down what it takes to lead in tough times, the real damage the Trump administration is doing to Social Security, and why protecting these benefits is non-negotiable for working families. He also lays out his plan to energize Democrats, expand our base, and win in 2026.
To join the fight with Governor O'Malley visit - winb...
On Burn the Talking Points, author Cory McCray breaks down his new book The Apprenticeship that Saved My Life, the dangers of Trump’s America, and how Democrats are delivering results by driving down Baltimore’s homicide rate.
Purchase the book here: mddems.org/book
Talk-Back Tour: mddems.org/tbt
Run for office: mddems.org/Run
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points...
Trump pushed them out. Now, these former federal workers are telling their stories. What they saw behind the scenes shows how deep the damage went and why the stakes are so high in 2026.
No spin. No talking points. Just the truth.
Learn more about the following initiatives:
MDDems Talk Back Tour: mddems.org/tbt
Run for Office: mddems.org/run
Comedy Relief: grassrootscomedy.org
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🔥 This week on Burn the Talking Points: Beto O’Rourke.
We’re talking organizing, showing up everywhere, and what’s next for the fight ahead. Plus, he gives his frank opinions on who is (and is not) meeting the moment. You don’t want to miss this.
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points.
Be sure to follow us on social:
- facebook.com/MarylandDemocraticParty
- Instagram.com/MD...
Tom Bonier joins us to unpack what the numbers tell us about 2024—and what Democrats need to do differently. From missed turnout targets to overlooked shifts in voter registration, Bonier lays out where we fell short and where there’s still ground to gain. It’s a candid look at the road ahead, without sugarcoating or doom.
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points.
Be sure t...
This week, we host a candid conversation between two Maryland DNC members, Robbie Leonard and Bel Leong-Hong, as they share their visions for moving the Democratic Party forward. We tackle tough questions about priorities and what it takes to win. While they differ on strategy, both are focused on finding common ground to help Democrats succeed at every level.
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date w...
In a special live taping of Burn the Talking Points, we host a panel of Maryland's freshman representatives to dish about what it is really like to be in Congress during Trump 2.0.
Filmed at the annual Maryland Democratic Party gala, they take us behind the scenes of Congress and give us a peek at how things really work and how they view the challenge of getting things done.
(note: we were using recording equipm...
This week, we’re talking to three young staffers with some of the most interesting and fun jobs in Maryland politics. This episode is great for everyone but will really hit home for people looking to get a job in politics or young people just getting their start. We will hear how they got their start, what their work actually looks like, and what advice they have for anyone thinking about getting into the field.
Tune...
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