E113: Backroom Deals in our Backyards

E113: Backroom Deals in our Backyards

Author: MDDC Press Association April 30, 2025 Duration: 51:33

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!


Ever wonder how a major local story really came together, or what a reporter was thinking when they asked that tough question? Five Dubs Podcast pulls back the curtain on the newsrooms across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C. Hosts Rebecca Snyder and Kevin Berrier, through the MDDC Press Association, sit down with the journalists themselves to explore the how and why behind the headlines you read each day. This isn't just a recap of the news; it's a conversation about the process, the challenges, and the sometimes surprising human stories that unfold during the pursuit of a story. In each episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to cover communities in this dynamic region, from the initial tip to the published piece. The Five Dubs Podcast offers a unique, insider perspective on the function and future of local media, making the landscape of regional journalism more accessible and understandable. It’s for anyone curious about the mechanics of news gathering and the people dedicated to telling our local stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Five Dubs Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E133 - This is local news now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
In this episode, we explore the critical role of local news in sustaining communities and democracy. Rebecca speaks with Melissa Milios Davis, network manager of Press Forward, and Darryl Holliday, co-founder of Commoner…
E132: Rewind - Navigating a PIO Lawsuit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
Paula Knudsen Burke, an attorney with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and Brittany Hailer, Director of Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism and an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsbu…
E131: Rewind - Be the Best mentor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:22
Join Rebecca Snyder as she hosts Alexander Pyles, the Associate Dean at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Pyles, who also serves as the mentor coordinator for the MDDC internship program,…
130: Rewind - New News in DC: 51st Newsroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:00
MDDC Executive Director Rebecca Snyder sits with Abby higgins and Eric Falquero of The 51st Newsroom, a worker-led nonprofit dedicated to transforming local journalism in Washington, DC. Hear firsthand from the passionat…
E129: Rewind - Local Journalism Initiative [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
Rebecca joins Allison Taylor Levine, the passionate Executive Director of the Local Journalism Initiative in Delaware. Allison shares her journey from a journalist to leading a nonprofit organization aimed at strengtheni…
E128: How AI Became a Personal Assistant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:31
In this episode, Kevin Berrier talks with Jason Whong of Whong Community Media about building a lean, community-focused publishing business and how he’s using AI to streamline operations without losing the human touch. J…
E127: Rewind - Local News Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
In this episode, Jerry Zremski of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism takes center stage for an in-depth conversation on the current state of local journalism. Jerry shares his unique insights on covering politics a…
E126: Rewind - Coastal Point [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:04
In this special episode, Rebecca sits down with Darin McCann and Sue Lyons, the dynamic duo behind Coastal Point, a gem in the heart of Ocean View, Delaware. As they mark the 20th anniversary of their beloved publication…
E125: Rewind - Anti-SLAPP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:59
Rebecca Snyder welcomes Max Mishkin with Ballard Spahr for an in-depth discussion on the evolving battle against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) within the Maryland General Assembly. Max, an attor…
E124: RAK Brewing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:01
In this episode, Kevin interviews Joe Gatewood, co-founder and co-owner of RAK Brewing Company in Frederick, Maryland. The conversation dives into the business journey, community impact and entrepreneurial philosophy beh…