Category Archives: Podcasts

You’ve found them! These posts are Maria’s podcasts with descriptions of the content of each of Maria’s shows.

Michael Steel, Political Analyst for MSNBC

Divisiveness in America: Is There Any Hope for Common Ground? This week we are honored to have the former Chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), Mr. Michael Steele as our guest. Michael Steele is an American conservative political commentator and Chair of the from 2009 – 2011 and served as the lieutenant governor of Maryland from 2003-2007. Mr. Steele’s ability as a communicator and commentator is showcased through his current role as a political analyst for MSNBC. He has appeared on Meet the Press, Face the Nation, HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report and The Daily Show. Additionally, Mr. Steele can be heard weekly on his radio program ‘Steele & Unger’ on the POTUS Channel on Sirius XM. Please join us and hear Michael’s views on our current political polarization and how we may be able to bring America back together!

Former DC Mayor, Sharon Pratt

Just recently, the UDC launched the Institute for Politics Policy and History and our guest, Former Mayor Sharon Pratt, will serve as the Founding Director and an Advisory Committee Member of the Institute for Politics Policy and History. It’s MISSION is rediscovering District of Columbia history – and its consequential role in determining contemporary politics and policy. The Institute of Politics Policy and History, housed at the University of the District of Columbia, one of the country’s oldest HBCUs, will encourage constructive, spirited dialogue around the issues of the day – illuminating these conversations with insights from our city and nation’s history. Tune in as we learn how this new Institute can reshape attitudes about our nation’s capital and help us become part of the national dialogue. http://ipph.org/

Dr. Christian Claxton Gregory

We are honored to have Dr. Christian Claxton Gregory, eighth child of Dick and Lillian Gregory, as our guest! Dr. Gregory served as Dick Gregory’s business manager, adviser and confidant and currently serves as the sole executor of the Estate of Dick Gregory. He is the founding partner of Legends and Legacies Entertainment, Director of the Dick Gregory Foundation/Society, Author, Board Certified Chiropractor, and Medical Director of Washington Spine & Disc. We’ll be talking about the new play TURN ME LOOSE, a play about Comic Genius Dick Gregory at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.. Maria and I will be attending the play & Champagne Reception on Friday, October 12, 2018 – the 86th anniversary of Dick’s birthday!

Professor Edward Schmitt

Our guest this week is Professor Edward Schmitt, an Associate Professor of History at UW-Parkside, currently working on a book about the unique role of activist and humorist Dick Gregory in the social movements of the 1960s. Dick Gregory (Richard Claxton Gregory) was an African-American comedian, civil rights activist, social critic, writer, conspiracy theorist, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. During the turbulent 1960s, Gregory became a pioneer in stand-up comedy for his “no-holds-barred” sets, in which he mocked bigotry and racism. He performed primarily to black audiences at segregated clubs until 1961, when he became the first black comedian to successfully cross over to white audiences, appearing on television and putting out comedy record albums.

Jules Martinez Hirst, Business/Social Etiquette Expert

Are you concerned about the lack of civility in America today and the polarization of our country? What does civility really mean?

And how does one incorporate the practice of civility into work and life? Our guest Jules Martinez Hirst is a sought-after business & social etiquette expert, co-author of ‘The Power of Civility’ and founder of Etiquette Consulting, Inc. Jules will be addressing these questions and more!