Baltimore is taking center stage in audio discussions of American resilience and political grit. On The Rest Is History, Dominic Sandbrook detailed the city's pivotal role during the War of 1812, describing Baltimore as "a really important trading hub and harbor" that became the primary target for the British after they torched the White House. He recounted how Major George Armistead anticipated the assault, declaring, "The British are probably gonna attack Baltimore. Uh, we need a, a bloody big flag", which ultimately inspired the national anthem.
The city's modern struggles and tough reputation also frame current cultural debates. On SmartLess, actor Jon Bernthal reflected on filming there, noting the project was close to his heart "in the wake of Freddie Gray". Meanwhile, on The Bulwark Podcast, Stephanie Ruhle pointed to the city's legendary political toughness when defending Nancy Pelosi, telling listeners, "Don't say, like, Nancy from San Francisco. That right there is Nancy from Baltimore."
Beyond history and politics, hosts are highlighting the city's local flavor and sports scene. On Fresh Air, Dave Davies shared his frustrations with ticketing apps when trying to go to a game where his daughter lives, explaining, "I was gonna get a Baltimore Orioles game". Over on Pardon My Take, PFT Commenter gave a shout-out to the city's landmarks, noting that "Baltimore's got a good one, too" when recommending its famous aquarium. Even Kill Tony got a taste of the city's athletic pride when guest Ty Funny declared, "I used to train with Michael Phelps. I'm from Baltimore."