E182: Open Secrets with Joedy McCreary

E182: Open Secrets with Joedy McCreary

Author: MDDC Press Association September 2, 2026 Duration: 42:33

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Joedy McCreary, senior reporter at OpenSecrets.org, about following the money behind political campaigns and public policy. Joedy discusses his reporting on Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, where candidates spent millions of dollars of their own money, and explains how OpenSecrets tracks campaign contributions, self-funding, lobbying, super PACs, and dark money.

They explore how journalists can use the OpenSecrets database to uncover stories and better understand where political money comes from and where its influence is felt. Joedy also breaks down the differences between PACs and super PACs, the challenges of tracing dark money, and the importance of precision when interpreting campaign finance and lobbying data. He shares how reporters can use OpenSecrets’ data and republish its reporting to strengthen coverage of elections and politics.


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
E173: The News People Need with Jerry Zremski of Local News Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:44
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Jerry Zremski, director of the Local News Network at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism, about new research exploring what audiences actually want from l…
E170: Community Engagement with Marlene Harris-Taylor of API [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Marlene Harris-Taylor of the American Press Institute about how community engagement can help local news organizations build stronger relationships with the people they serve. Marlene…
E169: Preserving Local News with Anna Trammell and Kristen Hare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:44
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Anna Trammell of the Internet Archive and Kristen Hare of the Poynter Institute about the growing challenge of preserving local journalism in a digital age. They discuss why local news…
E168: Smart Selling Using Shopping Intent Data With Pulse Research [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:09
In this episode, Kevin talks with Sammy Papert of Pulse Research about how local media organizations can use shopping intent data and audience insights to sell advertising more effectively. They explore how consumer rese…
E167: FOIA Strategies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:43
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Nate Jones, FOIA director at The Washington Post, about the strategies, challenges, and importance of public records reporting. Drawing from decades of experience filing thousands of F…
E166: Court Transparency with Fix the Court's Gabe Roth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:56
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, about transparency and accountability within the U.S. court system. Gabe explains the organization’s efforts to increase public access t…