E148: Lab Dog

E148: Lab Dog

Author: MDDC Press Association January 7, 2026 Duration: 47:20

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Melanie Kaplan about Lab Dog, her book exploring animal testing through reporting, personal experience, and moral inquiry. Melanie discusses rescuing a beagle who had been used in laboratory research and how that experience led her to investigate the systems, regulations, and ethical questions surrounding animal experimentation. They talk about how reporting intersects with empathy, what transparency looks like in scientific research, and how storytelling can illuminate hidden practices without flattening complex debates.


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: 50

Five Dubs Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E156: Changing Gears: A Lookback with Executive Editor Jim Johnson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:32
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Executive Editor Jim Johnson as he reflects on a 50-year career in journalism. From his early days in California to building and leading community newspapers in Maryland, Jim share…
E155: Lenfest's Executive Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:58
In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Cheryl Thompson-Morton, head of advisory programs at the Lenfest Institute, to discuss the launch of the Lenfest Expert Network. Cheryl explains how the Institute—founded to steward…
E150: Power of the Press [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:19
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Kevin Berrier, marketing director at MDDC, for a wide-ranging conversation about why press associations exist and the role they play in sustaining local journalism. They reflect on…
E154: DE Legislative Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Lauren Vella, principal of the Delaware office at Cornerstone Government Affairs, for a look ahead at what to expect from the Delaware General Assembly. They discuss leadership conti…
E153: What to Know About PR and News Media in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:33
MDDC partnered with the Baltimore Public Relations Council to host a timely panel discussion on how PR professionals and journalists can work smarter together in a rapidly evolving media landscape.Featuring insights from…
E151: Erosion of Press Freedoms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:45
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Max Mishkin of Ballard Spahr about the growing erosion of press freedoms and the legal challenges confronting journalists today. Max explains how changes in law, court decisions, and g…
E149: MD Legislative Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:59
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Lorenzo Bellamy of The Bellamy Genn Group about what to expect from the upcoming Maryland legislative session. They walk through major leadership changes in the General Assembly, inclu…
E147: A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:47
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Tracey DeFrancesco, executive director of the A-Mark Foundation, about the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism and its rapid national expansion. Tracy explains how the prize grew…
E146: SMB Branding Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
In this episode, Kevin talks with Sue Kirchner of Brand Strong Marketing about brand clarity and why it’s the foundation of effective marketing for small and mid-sized businesses. Sue shares her path from global marketin…