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
E145: Community Journalism Training [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:18
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Lois Nembhard of HumanitiesDC about the organization’s Community Journalism Training Program and why teaching journalism skills at the community level matters. Lois explains how the pr…
E143: Spotting Fake News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:21
In this episode, Rebecca talks with veteran journalist and media literacy expert Jane Elizabeth about how to recognize misinformation in an era when false stories travel faster than the truth. Jane breaks down the psycho…
E144: Trusting News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:37
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Joy Mayer, founder of Trusting News, about why trust in journalism has declined and how newsrooms can actively rebuild it. Joy explains the origins of her project, the research behind…
E142: FAVS News Service [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Tracy Simmons, founder of FAVS News, a unique regional wire service dedicated to reporting on religion, ethics, and values across the Pacific Northwest. Tracy shares the story of l…
E141: Leadership, LinkedIn, and Lessons from the C-Suite [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:02
In this episode, Kevin sits down with executive leader Krista Crawford for a candid conversation on what modern leadership really looks like—and why it’s more relational, reflective, and resilient than ever. Krista share…
E140: Rewind: Board of Ethics Decision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:23
This week, we take a look back at a 2023 decision from the Public Information Act Compliance Board. Fern Shen of the Baltimore Brew and Emily Opilo, who formerly worked for the Baltimore Sun, investigated the defense fun…
E139: Rewind: Master Class: Non-Profile Feature Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:50
In the final episode of the Master Class series, Rebecca Snyder hosts an insightful discussion with award-winning journalist Julie Scharper from the Baltimore Banner. Scharper shares her journey in journalism, from her e…
E138: The Intersection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:43
Rebecca welcomes Delonte Harrod, founder and editor of The Intersection Magazine, a publication dedicated to amplifying voices from Prince George’s County, Maryland. Delonte shares how he built The Intersection from the…
E137: Everyone needs a wing woman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:15
Running a business can feel isolating, but collaboration can be your greatest advantage. In this episode, Kevin sits down with Jen Anderson — the self-proclaimed “Professional Wing Woman” — to explore how teamwork, clari…