E158: Investigative Reporting - Sunshine Week with Jeremy Cox and Maddie O'Neill

E158: Investigative Reporting - Sunshine Week with Jeremy Cox and Maddie O'Neill

Author: MDDC Press Association March 18, 2026 Duration: 56:34

Rebecca is joined by reporters Jeremy Cox and Maddie O’Neill to discuss the role of investigative reporting and the importance of public records in holding institutions accountable. They talk about how journalists use records requests to uncover stories that might otherwise remain hidden, the challenges that come with navigating government transparency laws, and why access to information is essential for strong local journalism. The conversation also touches on the spirit of Sunshine Week and why protecting the public’s right to know remains a critical part of a healthy democracy.


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
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…
E148: Lab Dog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 labo…
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…
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…