Center Maryland Presents: The Lobby Podcast

Hosted by Center Maryland

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Mar 2025

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About the show

The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the atmosphere of Maryland politics, but state experts and lobbyists still know where the change happens- in the lobby. Join us for an inside look at Maryland politics from the experts that live it every day.

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60 recent

March 3, 202534 min

Center Maryland's The Lobby Podcast Presents Mat Rice, Ande Kolp, and Laura Howell

This week Damian is joined by Mat Rice (People on the Go Maryland), Ande Kolp (The Arc Maryland), and Laura Howell (Maryland Association of Community Services) to talk about the These Are Our Lives action night that will be held at Maryland House of Delegates and State Capitol later tonight. The purpose of this action night is for people with disabilities to share their stories with state leaders and talk about what the impact of the proposed budget cuts would be.Additional ResourcesMarylanders with disabilities to hold action night in Annapolis to protest budget cuts: Marylanders with disabilities will hold an action night in Annapolis on Monday to protest Governor Wes Moore’s proposed budget cuts. (NottinghamMD)Moore’s proposed budget cuts include $2K grants to help people with disabilities: Gov. Wes Moore proposes slashing hundreds of millions of dollars in planned spending to close Maryland’s $3 billion budget gap, including a small program that provides modest grants to families caring for a loved one with developmental disabilities. (Baltimore Banner)Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition concerned over proposed budget cuts to state's DDA: The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition raised concerns over a proposed $200 million budget cut to the state's Developmental Disabilities Administration. (WBALTV)

January 27, 202524 min

Never Forget Where You Are From with Joseph DeMattos

This week’s guest is Joseph DeMattos. Joe has decades of experience in public affairs in healthcare advocacy. Joe joins the podcast to talk about his journey from Hawaii to Maryland, his two new business ventures, building influence across two states, leadership philosophy, and more. You can connect with Joe on his LinkedIn Page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdemattos/.

January 20, 202544 min

Who Steals Another Mans Salad Dressing with Gregory Vetter

Gregory Vetter is a former professional lacrosse player, entrepreneur, and author of Undressed. He turned a family salad dressing recipe into Tessemae’s, an organic salad company. He is also the co-founder of Alta Fresh Foods, Quenchers Vodka Drinks, as well as Tushees Portable Toilets. Greg joins the podcast to talk about his journey and more.You can learn more about Greg and his book at gregoryvetter.com.This episode was produced by Bill Duffield.

January 13, 202523 min

Checking In with Returning Guest Melanie Miller

Melanie Miller returns to the podcast to give us an Maryland economic development update as well as recap Winter MACO. Melanie Miller, founder of Miller Partnership Consultants (MPC), is a business growth strategist with over 30 years of experience in business development, community relations, and strategic alliances. She specializes in government relations, marketing strategy, public affairs, sales, and partnerships. Leveraging a vast MidAtlantic network, Melanie collaborates with elected officials, chambers of commerce, and business organizations to create growth opportunities. Known for her energetic “get it done” approach, she excels in advancing organizational goals through effective communication, campaign work, event management, and product launches.

January 6, 202528 min

Running for DNC Chair with Former Gov. Martin O’Malley

This week’s guest is former Maryland Governmer Martin O’Malley. Gov. O’Malley is currently running to be the next chair of the Democratic National Committee. He previously served as the Social Security Administrator under President Joe Biden as well as other positions such as the Mayor of Baltimore and Baltimore City Council Member. He joins the podcast to talk about why he made the decision to run for DNC Chair.

November 19, 202429 min

Center Maryland's The Lobby Presents Damian O'Doherty with Aliyah Horton and Brian Hose

Today's episode features Maryland Pharmacists Association Executive Director Aliyah Horton and EPIC Rx Chief Executive Officer, and owner of Sharpsburg Pharmacy, Brian Hose. Aliyah and Brian join Damian to discuss the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) in the community, the struggles that local drugstores are facing, as well as legislation to curb these middlemen at the state & federal level.Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are companies that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers, Medicare Part D drug plans, and large employers. Originally, PBMs were intended to help control drug costs and improve patient access to medications. However, they've become increasingly controversial due to issues surrounding pricing transparency, profit margins, and practices that critics say drive up costs for both patients and the healthcare system.Learn more about the Maryland Pharmacists Association by checking out their website here. Learn more about Epic Rx here.Center Maryland: https://centermaryland.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CenterMaryland/Let us know how we did by leaving a review!This episode was produced by William Duffield

November 18, 202449 min

The Future of AI with John Sherman

Our guest for this week's episode is John Sherman, the CEO of Storyfarm. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is constantly changing. In this episode, Damian and John discuss the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence. They talk about the risks, the future of AI, and the urgency to act now. Check out John's podcast on his YouTube channel here.Newsletter: https://centermaryland.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CenterMaryland/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/20357361/admin/dashboard/Let us know how we did by leaving a review!This episode was produced by William Duffield

July 29, 202433 min

Center Maryland’s The Lobby Podcast with Colm O’Comartun

This week’s episode of Center Maryland’s The Lobby Podcast features Colm O’Comartun. Colm is one of the founding partners of national government affairs firm 50 State. Colm joins the podcast to discuss issues & priorities that are facing us at state and local level, building a democratic bench, & more.Prior to founding 50 State, Colm was Executive Director of the Democratic Governors Association and worked for former Governor and Mayor Martin O’Malley.

July 1, 202419 min

Center Maryland’s The Lobby with United Way of Central Maryland President and CEO Franklyn Baker and Baltimore City Councilmember Phylicia Porter

Center Maryland’s The Lobby Podcast welcomes United Way of Central Maryland President & CEO Franklyn Baker and Baltimore City Councilmember Phylicia Porter to the show this week. We talk about United Way’s regional impact, empowering communities, and developing community-led programs.Franklyn Baker is the President & CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. Councilmember Phylicia Porter currently represents District 10 on the Baltimore City Council.To learn more about United Way of Central Maryland or make a donation, visit https://uwcm.org.

May 15, 202421 min

Episode 77: Plural Policy co-founder & CEO Damola Ogundipe

Episode 77 features Plural Policy co-founder & CEO Damola Ogundipe.About DamolaDamola is the co-founder and CEO of Plural — a software platform that helps organizations track, collaborate and shape public policy across the US and internationally. Frustrated by the opacity and inadequate technology in policy creation, Damola and his co-founders launched Plural to increase transparency and access to public governance information. Damola is a geo-political history nerd, Orangetheory fitness enthusiast, a champion of education access and equality, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.