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
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
Be sure to hit that subscribe b...
🔥 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/...
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 to...
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 wit...
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 equipmen...
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 i...
On this week's episode of Burn the Talking Points, we sit down with County Executive Steuart Pittman—Governor Moore’s and party leadership's recommended pick to lead the Maryland Democratic Party following Chair Ken Ulman’s announcement that he will step down on June 13.
Pittman joins us to talk about what’s at stake, his vision for growing Democratic power, and how we confront rising Republican ext...
We have several young Dems in studio to give us their take on what issues they want the Democratic Party to put front and center, what worries them most about Trump, and what they think of David Hogg's plan to primary safe seat Dems. And stick around for a game of "cringe or cool"
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points.
Be sure to follow us on social:
- ...
In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Senator Chris Van Hollen shares the story of his recent trip to El Salvador, sheds light on how he is viewing his place in this moment in history, and what he really thinks of Marco Rubio. Stick around for a silly game of "Dream Podcast Host."
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Points.
Be sure to follow us on socia...
This is our BIG 100 days episode! Trump's first 100 days have brought chaos, corruption and economic pain. In this episode, we talk to every Democratic member of our federal delegation to get their take on Trump's 100 day mark, hear what stories they think are undercovered, and what is giving them hope.
Tune in now, smash that subscribe button, and share it with everyone you know.
Subscrib...
In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we dive into the online landscape facing Democrats as we work to take back the House in 2026. We're joined by some of the minds behind KamalaHQ on TikTok and Vote Save America as we talk discuss who Dems can win online (and in real life).
Join Joe Francaviglia, Cara Koontz, and Ethan Kelly for this unfiltered discussion and stick around for our version of March Madness ...
Trump may not know what he is doing with his in again off again tariffs - so we decided to talk to the main money person in Maryland - Comptroller Brooke Lierman. In this special episode of Burn the Talking Points, Comptroller Lierman joins us to unpack how Trump’s chaos is hitting Maryland’s economy in real time.
Then, we lighten things up with a round of Snap Decisions, where Comptroller Lierman reveals her...
In this Burn the Talking Points exclusive, Governor Wes Moore breaks down how Maryland Democrats closed a $3 billion budget gap, the impact Trump is having on Maryland, his take on Democratic messaging, and he gives us his Mt. Rushmore of Maryland athletes.
Listen today and let us know if you agree with his Mt. Rushmore picks!
Be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with Burn the Talking Point...
Is that momentum we feel? In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we recap the big wins from the recent special elections and Cory Booker's historic filibuster. Then, we dive into what Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education means for Maryland and America. Featured guests include MDP ED Karen Darkes, Mary Pat Fannon of the Superintendents Association, and Randi Weingarten - AFT National Presid...
In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we begin with breaking news as the Governor, House and Senate have come up with a budget framework deal. The Trump chaos and corruption is bleeding into Maryland and forcing difficult choices for the state budget.
Then, in Sarah Explains It All, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth joins us to discuss the continuing resolution that just passed on the Hill. As someone on the...
In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re getting straight to the strategy that will define the fight ahead. With Trump’s chaos dominating the headlines, how do Democrats break through and win in 2026? We’re joined by national Democratic communications experts Martha McKenna, Dr. Anna Greenberg, and Kevin Harris to debate the best message to take on Trump now. They break down what works, what doesn’t, and how ...
In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re getting straight to the legal battles defining Trump’s chaotic return. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joins us to break down how he and Democratic AGs across the country are fighting back against Trump’s reckless agenda, from attacking cancer research to cutting middle class jobs.
But we’re not stopping there. We put AG Brown to the test in "Real or F...
Episode 1 Description- On the inaugural episode of Burn the Talking Points, we’re diving straight into the pressing issues shaping the Maryland and national political landscape. Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman joins us to break down the state’s budget and what it means for Marylanders. AFGE National Vice President Ottis Johnson Jr. sheds light on the fight to protect federal workers, especially with the retu...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!