WYPR’s “Pass the Mic” Returns With Support From the T. Rowe Price Foundation

BALTIMORE— WYPR, Baltimore's NPR station and part of Baltimore Public Media, announced today that Pass the Mic will expand to a weekly, 30-minute program beginning in September 2026. Supported by the T. Rowe Price Foundation, the show highlights Baltimore's community voices through conversations with local artists, cultural leaders, and civic innovators.

"Pass the Mic reflects what public media does best: creating space for meaningful conversations and connecting communities through storytelling," said Craig Swagler, President and CEO of Baltimore Public Media. "Baltimore is filled with people whose experiences, ideas, and work deserve to be heard. Through Pass the Mic, we're amplifying community voices to listeners across our region while strengthening our commitment to serving the communities that make this city such a vibrant place to live, work, and create."

Since its relaunch in February 2026, Pass the Mic has connected listeners with the people, stories, and ideas shaping Baltimore, exploring topics ranging from food, culture, and the arts to public health, equity, and community engagement.

Guests have included food influencer Simone Phillips; musician, poet, and sound artist abdu mongo ali; Beth Benner, Executive Director of the Women's Housing Coalition; artist and folklorist Dr. Ashley Minner Jones; and reinvention strategist Dr. Alethia Tucker. Together, their conversations have reflected the breadth of issues and experiences shaping Baltimore, from food culture and the arts to housing, career development, and community leadership.

The Foundation’s support is provided through its grant portfolio, reflecting 45 years of advancing thriving communities and building financial wellbeing. Through this work, the Foundation supports financial education and empowerment, local community leaders, and cultural anchor institutions that help make cities like Baltimore great places to live and work. The program advances organizations making a difference in youth empowerment, arts and culture, and innovation and vitality, with an emphasis on bold, transformative ideas that spark positive change and strengthen community ecosystems.

“At the T. Rowe Price Foundation, we believe in the power of programs that strengthen community connection and amplify the voices shaping Baltimore’s future,” said Raymone Jackson, head of community affairs at T. Rowe Price and president of the T. Rowe Price Foundation. “Pass the Mic does exactly that by creating space for authentic conversations with the artists, leaders, and innovators who reflect the energy, resilience, and creativity of this city. We are proud to help bring these stories to more listeners across the region.”

Pass the Mic airs Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. on WYPR and wherever you listen to podcasts. The program is led by Executive Producer Amy Walters, Senior Producer Malarie Pinkard-Pierre, Producer Elizabeth Nonemaker, and Baltimore Public Media Chief of Content Danyell Irby.

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About Pass the Mic:
Pass the Mic amplifies Baltimore's community voices through conversations with local artists, cultural leaders, and changemakers. Episodes are available on the WYPR website, on the WYPR app, and through major podcast platforms.

About Baltimore Public Media:

Baltimore Public Media is the nonprofit parent organization of WYPR, Baltimore's NPR news station, and WTMD, Baltimore's home for music discovery. Together, the stations serve audiences across Maryland through trusted journalism, music, storytelling, cultural programming, and community engagement. As a listener-supported organization, Baltimore Public Media is committed to informing, entertaining, and connecting communities throughout the region. For more information, visit www.baltimorepublicmedia.org.

About the T. Rowe Price Foundation:
Headquartered in Baltimore, T. Rowe Price helps individuals and institutions around the world achieve their long-term investment goals. Through its philanthropic arm, the T. Rowe Price Foundation, the firm has supported the local nonprofit community since 1981 and has provided more than $204.5 million in direct grants. For more information, visit troweprice.com/foundation.