Being Well Informed

Steven H. Wilson, former Republican Central Committee Chair of Howard County, Maryland is our guest to discuss the direction of the Republican Party in Maryland. A recent editorial in the Baltimore Sunpapers was captioned, "The Republican Party Should Stand for More Than Conspiracy Theories and Banning Schoolbooks." We learn more about the Moms for Liberty platform and splinters in the local GOP. The editorial is discussed in length and why Steven H. Wilson believes the rule of law is not a distraction, and if you don't have the rule of law, you have tyranny. Being Well Informed airs regularly on all major podcast platforms and on You Tube.

Our guest, Robert Stubblefield discusses the challenging work of the Bethesda African American Cemetery Coalition. Updates are provided on the court battle that ensues in Maryland. Being Well Informed airs on iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podvine, Podbean, Amazon music and on many other major platforms.

Why is the process or system for granting parole broken? We explore changes that need to be made. Justice Policy Institute describes Maryland's parole process as fraught with challenges. We give the answer to the question, "Why?" Our guest, Willie Hamilton works with No Struggle No Success and tells us more about what lawmakers can do to change the system, which includes no longer using outdated risk assessments. Being Well Informed airs on major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Podbean and Podvine.

US Congressman Kweisi Mfume stopped by to share about legislation (House Bill 727) both he and US Senator Ben Cardin introduced to preserve African American history and culture. The legislation would create a 12 person National Council to advise the National Endowment for the Humanities on how to amplify, strengthen teaching and learning in schools to ensure black history and culture is recognized. More than two dozen co-sponsors have signed on to this legislation. But it must still pass the House of Representatives, which is Republican controlled. More updates on the possibility of the George Floyd Policing Act was discussed as well as the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2023, which has bipartisan support and the Identifying Mass Shooters Act. Being Well Informed airs weekly on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Amazon Music, and You Tube.

What are the highlights of collecting Social Security? What simple steps should I take to maximize receiving benefits. If I buy a car after collecting Social Security and choose to pay using a pension account, how will that impact my Social Security? These and more questions are answered in this podcast with Jake Serfas of Copper Creek Wealth. Visit their website at www.coppercreeekwealth.com. Being Well Informed is an educational podcast, which airs weekly. We discuss trending topics each month on Social Security and pension matters. Our podcast is featured on Spotify, You Tube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podvine, Podbean, iHeartRadio, and more.

Former Redskins NFL Player and New England Patriots Player, Bishop Troy Barnett is our guest to discuss the 100 year legacy of Apostle Leroy H. Cannady, Sr. Bishop Troy Barnett now pastors the Refuge Way of the Cross Church of Christ at 4300 Old York Road, Baltimore, Maryland. He shares what led him to the ministry and how this documentary came about. The rich history of this church in Baltimore City and the impact Apostle Cannady has had on lives are also discussed. Being Well Informed is a weekly podcast, which airs on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podvine, Podbean, and YouTube.

We discuss the new conversation involving police reform. Guest Dwayne Bryant helps us navigate the complex and many reasons why innocent youth as young as fifth grade run from police. We also discuss how to repair cop and community relations, and why policymakers need to focus on education. Being Well Informed airs weekly on all major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Podvine, Amazon Music, Podbean, and YouTube.

Did my retirement plan just change? The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act became effective January 1, 2020. But a new law became effective January 1, 2023, the SECURE Act 2.0 of 2023. Changes in required age minimum distributions of 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans have occurred. It is no longer 70 1/2. The age for required minimum distributions increases to 72 and now 73, which may impact your Medicare premiums or tax bracket. We give concrete examples in this podcast. We also discuss the Protected IRA Plus Plans, which can provide guaranteed lifetime income, protection of assets from market losses, tax free withdrawals specifically for long term care, tax free growth and tax free income later, as well as tax free death benefits. Being Well Informed is a podcast, which airs weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and other platforms such as You Tube. We discuss trending topics impacting the community.

How relevant is bias in our decision making such as when people are hired or fired. Is there bias in creating job descriptions? Guest Lorne Epstein discusses unconscious bias in the workplace and what CEOs of major companies are saying about how unconscious bias is impacting their workplace. Mr. Epstein also discusses what CEOs are doing to fix it or mitigate bias. Visit his website for insightful and impactful webinars at www.LorneEpstein.com. Being Well Informed is aired weekly on many major platforms such as Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Spotify, Podvine, Podbean, as well as You Tube.

What is the digital divide and how is it a problem when educating children in grades K-12. Dr. Ebony Shockley shares insightful information on this trending education topic. There is also a digital gap between countries or global divide. Listeners are given a picture of what that looks like. Being Well Informed is an educational podcast, which airs weekly on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podvine, Podbean, and many other platforms, including You Tube. I

Swastikas at synagogues? Racist graffiti on the doors of neighborhood churches? Arsonists targeting places of worship? These are all topics discussed on Being Well Informed with guest Paul Monteiro of the Department of Justice. Information is provided on what the Department of Justice Community Relations Services does and how they are becoming a part of the community across the nation. Being Well Informed airs weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, Google Podcast, iHeart Radio and You Tube. It is an educational podcast for the community to stay abreast of trending topics.

Are there plans in the Maryland General Assembly 2023 to pursue legislation to change voter identification and signatures on ballots or mail in ballots. The Election Protection initiatives are discussed and irregularities at election polls are explained. Guests include Amy Cruice of the ACLU of Maryland and Joanne Antoine of Common Cause of Maryland. How secure are our elections? Are the elections properly funded? What safeguards are there to prevent voter misinformation? Being Well Informed is aired weekly on various podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podvine, Podbean, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and others. The program is also available on You Tube.

Sailing is another opportunity for all. Thornell Jones discusses his sailing and kayaking camp he established during the summer months for young people who are often forgotten. Sailing schools as well as various marine industry opportunities are addressed for parents to know and better understand. Being Well Informed airs weekly on many podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podvine, Podbean, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and others. The program is an educational podcast which also airs on You Tube.

Erika Cole, the Church Attorney, discusses church succession plans and their importance. The topics of church splits, and not having secret plans are discussed as well as information on how to avoid an IRS audit. Being Well Informed airs weekly on various podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, iHeart Radio, Podvine, Podbean, Amazon Music, and on You Tube.

Certified Estate Appraiser Genice Lee shares insightful information about the appraisal process and industry. Genice Lee is a veteran appraiser who has worked in the industry for more than a decade. Questions arise about the fair value of black art and how artists who completed the portraits of President and Mrs. Obama are valued today. Being Well Informed is an educational podcast airing weekly on various podcast platforms and on You Tube.

Samuel Jordan, leader of the Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition shares in vivid detail how the Red Line was canceled as a transportation project in Maryland and how there is structural racism in the transportation industry. We further discuss how the Purple Line and Maglev projects are going. The Transportation Equity Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of1 964, as amended are also discussed. Being Well Informed airs weekly on various podcast platforms including Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Podvine, YouTube, Podbean, and others.

District 30B Candidate Courtney Buiniskis shares about her experience running for House of Delegates in South County in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The 2022 General Election results are in. And this was a first for this candidate. She shares the highs and lows of running for office as well as the impact mail in ballots had on this election cycle. Being Well Informed is an educational podcast, which airs weekly on various podcast platforms. This includes Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Youtube.

How did the role of pharmacists change before, during and after COVID. Pharmacist and Attorney Hilda Gurley shares her insights with us on Being Well Informed. Being Well Informed is an educational podcasts and You Tube program, which airs regularly on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podbean, Amazon Music, and many other platforms.

Political Director Patrick Sweeney of Every Library.org explains how book banning in America has intensified since 2021. Libraries are an easy target. What movements are causing libraries to ban books. What states are creating criminal penalties for librarians who fail to ban books. These issues are discussed in this edition of Being Well Informed. Being Well Informed is a podcast/tv program airing on various podcast platforms such as Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Podbean, Spotify, and You Tube.

Many do not realize when long term care insurance is needed. It is not the same as long term disability insurance. Our guest, Meredith Pensack, a long term care insurance expert explains the difference and why this coverage protects retirement assets. Questions are answered. Being Well Informed airs weekly on various podcast platforms such as Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Podcast Addict, Spotify, Amazon Music, and on You Tube.