Advertise on podcast: "Kibbitzing with Kagan"

What a delight to "kibbitz" with National Scrabble Championship (for the second time!), Mack Meller. In this longest-ever episode of my podcast, we cover a wide range of topics. Those who play for fun will pick up a few pointers. Those who are more serious about competing will get insights as to how this totally nice-guy genius got started in the game. • How did he become the game's youngest to reach Expert level at age 11? • Who first inspired him to start playing... and who first coached him? • What are Mack's thoughts on sportsmanship, diversity, and offensive words? • Why won't he switch to the Collins lexicon? • What does he think of the CW television show on Scrabble? • What did he learn from playing hundreds of games against a bot? • What does he eat or drink before or during a Scrabble tournament? • Why did he work at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company? Social media/ contact info: YouTube: / @mackmeller Website: www.MackMeller.com Instagram: / mackmeller589 Facebook: / mack.meller LinkedIn / mack-meller-a2331623a

Early Voting has just begun, and Election Day is quickly approaching. Joining me for this week's episode of "Kibbitzing with Kagan" is Karla Silvestre, a talented candidate for an at-large seat on the County Council. I've endorsed her and want to share our conversation so that you'll decide to vote for her too! Karla has a long record of public service. From eight years on our Board of Education to community outreach at Montgomery College, she would bring decades of experience in education, community engagement, and workforce development to the County Council. In our chat, we get beyond the campaign flyers to some of the key issues facing our county-- from our schools to economic development, housing, and more. Hope you'll watch (or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) and then spread the word about voting for Karla Silvestre! Social Media: o LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-silvestre-b4ab624/ o Facebook @karla.silvestre.39 o Twitter @KarlaSilvestre6 o Instagram @karla4countycouncil

Joining me for this week’s episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan” is Peter Kirchgraber, a national expert on nonprofits and a Senior Policy Analyst at the National Council of Nonprofits. One of my highest compliments is being called the “Senator for the Nonprofit Sector.” Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, providing vital services in every nook and cranny of our State. Peter brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously worked for Maryland Nonprofits, where he helped advocate for our State’s 41,000+ charitable organizations. He is an effective collaborator who truly understands that running a nonprofit requires the same rigorous skills and support as running a business. In our chat, we discuss his fascinating educational background, the importance of the "Standards for Excellence" program, and how we are fighting back against national efforts to undermine the nonprofit sector. We also dive into some of our biggest legislative wins in Maryland– including the first-in-the-nation Nonprofit Navigator, G.R.E.E.N. (Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits), Prompt Payment Parity, NIMBL (Nonprofit Interest-Free Micro Bridge Loan), and our fight to protect the Johnson Amendment to keep charities out of partisan politics. I hope you’ll watch to learn more about how we can support the community heroes who support us! SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: / peterkirchgraber Instagram: / natlcouncilnonprofits Facebook: / nationalcouncilofnonprofits X/Twitter: https://x.com/NatlCouncilNPs National Council of Nonprofits: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

Senator Chris West represents Maryland's 42nd District, covering Baltimore and Carroll Counties. Perhaps you have seen him serving on the General Assembly’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee or practicing a magic trick in his free time! As a Baltimore native, Senator West attended the Gilman School and participated in debate club before heading to the prestigious Williams College. There, West took political science courses, hosted his own talk radio show about Broadway musicals, and served as an active member of Williams’ Young Republican Chapter. He went on to work as legal counsel for the Maryland Republican Party from 1982 to 1996 and again from 1998 to 2003. Senator West’s experience as a lawyer has strengthened his ability to interpret legislation and ask thoughtful questions about the bills that come before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Earlier in his career, he also served as Vice Chair of the Maryland State Arts Council! In this Kibbitz, Senator West reflects on his legislative career, discussing the achievements, challenges, and meaningful bills that have shaped his time in office. He highlighted passage of the Juvenile Restoration Act as a particular point of pride and noted he is on track to pass an impressive 100 bills in his 12 years of legislative service in the House and Senate of Maryland. We also discussed the evolution of the Republican Party in Maryland and nationally, emphasizing that his priority is doing what he believes is right.

Morgan Lehr Miller is the Maryland State Librarian. She can often be found with her nose in a book, listening to audiobooks in her car, or visiting one of Maryland’s 194 public library branches! Miller earned her B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Design and Planning of Libraries in the Digital Age from Harvard University before working in publishing. She then pivoted, beginning to work for the Cecil County Public Library in a range of roles from manager to executive director. With extensive experience working in Maryland Public Libraries, Miller accepted the role of Maryland State Librarian, a position she held since June 2024. Recently, she visited Annapolis to listen to a budget hearing about the FY2027 budget! In this episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan”, Morgan Lehr Miller and I discuss her early interest in reading, time at the Cecil County Public Library, the unique services across counties across the state, funding structures, and book bans. Honored with the Outstanding Member Award by the Maryland Library Association, Morgan Lehr Miller is an excellent leader as Maryland State Librarian. You can find her on social media at: Social Media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-lehr-miller-75996a15/ Facebook: @morgan.l.miller.9 Facebook: @mdstatelibrary Twitter: @morganmillermls Instagram: @madamlibrarianmd

From his mother’s corner grocery store in Washington DC, Lester Davis learned negotiating and listening skills that have served him well throughout his career. Self-proclaimed “silly Dad”, he credits Susie Kay at Hoop Dreams and mentors in his college years at esteemed HBCU Norfolk State University for guiding his career path. Lester has been a leader in public affairs and government service, and he sees opportunity ahead as Governor Wes Moore's new Chief of Staff! In this episode of "Kibbitzing with Kagan," we discuss why he decided to enter public service; his 10 years working with the City of Baltimore; his achievements in journalism; what he’s learned from trusted mentors and coaches in his childhood and college years; how he manages his work/life balance; and more. Lester Davis doesn't really do social media. Contact Lester Davis using the "Contact Us" form on the Governor's website: https://governor.maryland.gov/

Natali Fani-Gonzalez is the Montgomery County Council President. Perhaps you have seen her walking door-to-door in Montgomery County to engage with all Montgomery County residents! After immigrating from Venezuela to the U.S. with her mom as a teenager, Fani-Gonzalez landed in Langley Park in Prince George’s County. She studied International Relations and Political Science at Goucher College from 1999-2003 before she began working for the Central America Solidarity Association (CASA) and the Goucher College Board of Trustees. Fani-Gonzalez has focused on issues such as housing, immigration, and economic development, both as a vice president of a bi-county Planning Board and a Councilmember for Montgomery County. In this episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan”, Natali Fani-Gonzalez and I discuss her early upbringing, beginnings in advocacy, housing policy thoughts, experiences with women’s empowerment, and her inspiration to run as a councilmember. Additionally, she has been awarded a "Distinguished Advocate for Healthful Living Award" from the Society of Health and Physical Educators of Maryland (SHAPE MD) in 2025 as well as receiving the 2024 "The Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award”. Fani-Gonzalez can be found working on audits, planning, housing & parks, and economic development on MoCo’s Council. Natali Fani-Gonzalez’s Social Media ○ LinkedIn: / natali-fani-gonzalez ○ Facebook: @natalifgonzalez ○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalifanigonzalez/ ○ Website: https://www.nataliforcouncil.com/

Adam Pagnucco is one of Montgomery County's most diligent and intuitive political analysts. A New York native and Cornell University graduate with a professional background working for labor unions, Adam has been at the forefront of local politics since being inspired in 2006to protect pedestrians near his neighborhood Metro station. Since then, Adam has participated in multiple campaigns (though he’s swears that he's not likely to ever again); written for local news organizations; and pioneered several widely read blogs. Adam prefers to focus on information and perspectives his readers won't find elsewhere. These include The Seventh State (2021-2022), Maryland Politics Watch (2007-2010), and Montgomery Perspective (since 2022). In this episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan,” Adam and I talk about his involvement in politics; the labor movement's current condition; what sets his reporting apart from other local media sources; and what it's like running a blog with a hyperlocal focus and loyal following; the place of AI in modern news writing and more. Social Media: LinkedIn ⁠ / adam-pagnucco-5596696 ⁠ Twitter/X: Adam Pagnucco (@AdamPagnucco) Montgomery Perspective website: ⁠https://montgomeryperspective.com/

Appointments Secretary Mollie Byron, an essential member of Governor Moore’s team, is responsible for overseeing the recruitment and selection process for Maryland's 1,700-plus appointees. Before serving in her current position, she spent more than 20 years of her public service career in a wide range of leadership roles across Maryland state and local government. The Byron family has a history of public service in Maryland, going back generations. Descended from two grandparents who were both members of Congress, Secretary Byron saw her grandmother in a high leadership position up close, showing her how much she could achieve. Known as being a reliable connector and problem-solver, Secretary Byron has been praised by Governor Moore as a “lifelong community leader” whose work has already benefited our State. In this episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan,” Secretary Byron and I muse on her more civic-than-usual upbringing; her past and current work for our key state leaders; recruiting and keeping track of Maryland’s appointee vacancies and needs; raising a young family; effective work habits; and more. INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE & APPLYING? https://govappointments.maryland.gov/ Social Media: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molliebyron/ • Twitter: @molliebyron • Instagram: @molliebyron

Montgomery County Council at-large candidate Scott Goldberg is a longtime community leader, attorney, small business owner, and substitute teacher whose career has been shaped by public service and local engagement. A former chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, Scott has spent years working with civic organizations, nonprofits, and educators across the county. In addition to his legal and business background, Scott stepped into MCPS classrooms as a substitute teacher to help address staffing shortages, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges facing local schools and families. Now running for an at-large County Council seat, he brings a practical, people-focused perspective shaped by both policy work and everyday community involvement. In this episode of “Kibbitzing with Kagan,” Scott and I discuss his background as a small business owner and leader in Montgomery County politics; his experiences working with other local campaigns; the importance of effective communication in achieving policy goals; how he analyzes emerging local issues; his dedication to addressing housing affordability and education; and the importance of a well-managed work-life balance. Social media links: https://votescott.org/ https://www.facebook.com/GoldberginMD https://x.com/GoldberginMD https://www.instagram.com/GoldberginMD/

Social media: Website https://www.willjawando.com/ Twitter https://x.com/willjawando Facebook / willjawando Instagram / willjawando LinkedIn / will-jawando-4658a55

Website https://andrewfriedson.com/ Facebook / councilmemberandrewfriedson Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amfriedson/... X https://x.com/Andrew_Friedson LinkedIn / andrewfriedson

Social media Website https://www.evanglass.com/ LinkedIn / evan-glass-b8b02424 Instagram / evanmglass X https://x.com/EvanMGlass FB / councilmemberevanglass

Kate Stewart, President of the Montgomery County Council and former Mayor of Takoma Park (2015–2022), has a bold vision for fiscal responsibility, housing affordability, economic development, and LGBTQ+ health care access. She holds a BA in History from Haverford College and an MS in Survey Methodology from the University of Maryland. On the County Council, she chairs the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy and Audit Committees and also serves on the Transportation and Environment Committee. In 2023, she chaired the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), where she pushed for stronger regional partnerships that could deliver real results for residents. In this episode, hear us talk about her work on sanctuary city protections, fair policing, expanding pathways from renting to homeownership, and championing Ranked Choice Voting. Council President Stewart also shares her perspective on the impacts of federal job cuts under the Trump Administration, the importance of collaboration across jurisdictions, and the sexism that women in public leadership continue to face. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-stewart-0884a35/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmkatestewart/ Twitter (@cmkatestewart): https://x.com/cmkatestewart Instagram (@cmkatestewart): https://www.instagram.com/cmkatestewart/?hl=en

Kibbitzing with Kagan" featuring Debbie Walsh, Ctr for Amer Women in Politics (Aug 2025) Debbie Walsh is the Director of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, the nation’s leading source of research on women’s political participation. She has led CAWP since 2001 after two decades directing its Program for Women Public Officials. Throughout her career, Debbie has focused on expanding women’s voices and leadership in public life. In recognition of this work, Women’s eNews named Walsh one of its “21 Leaders for the 21st Century.” Walsh has also championed initiatives such as Teach a Girl to Lead™, which connects educators, parents, and community leaders to broaden civic engagement opportunities for girls and young women. In this conversation, we discuss elevating women’s voices; the challenges women face both in government and in everyday life; the current political climate and its effects on women’s rights, from pay equity to the #MeToo movement; and how language shapes perceptions of women.