Beyond the Hyphen: Reform Across Politics and Diplomacy

Beyond the Hyphen
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Welcome to Beyond the Hyphen, a youth-hosted podcast where we explore the crossroads of politics, diplomacy, and global engagement. Join us for insightful interviews with global figures, policymakers, and thought leaders as they discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping domestic and international relations today. Tune in to gain unique insights from community leaders and scholars, inspiring a collective movement toward collaboration, innovation, and understanding.

  1. Ep. 28 - Del. Jared Solomon: Schools, Community, and Public Trust

    May 29

    Ep. 28 - Del. Jared Solomon: Schools, Community, and Public Trust

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Delegate Jared Solomon to explore the institutions, public systems, and civic spaces that shape everyday life in America. Before entering elected office, Delegate Solomon worked as a social studies teacher, federal policy advisor, and education advocate, experiences that continue to shape his approach to public service today. Together, they discuss education, transportation, civic trust, youth disconnection from institutions, and the role schools and public infrastructure play in building strong communities. From classrooms and rail systems to public spaces and civic belonging, this conversation examines what it means to rebuild trust in the systems young people grow up inside.

    42 min
  2. Ep. 27 - Del. Gabriel Moreno: What Immigration Advocacy Reveals About America

    May 26

    Ep. 27 - Del. Gabriel Moreno: What Immigration Advocacy Reveals About America

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Delegate Gabriel Moreno to explore immigration, identity, public service, and the future of civic leadership in America’s diverse communities. Born and raised in El Paso to immigrant parents from Mexico, Delegate Moreno reflects on his journey through education, immigration advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and law before entering the Maryland House of Delegates. Together, they discuss student voice, belonging, youth engagement, and what immigration advocacy reveals about the strengths and challenges of American civic life today. From Howard County’s evolving identity to the importance of community trust and representation, this conversation examines leadership through a deeply human lens.

    39 min
  3. Ep. 26 - Georgette Bhathena (CPO, The Asian American Foundation): Building the Future of Asian America at the Intersection of Philanthropy, Media, & Community Investment

    May 23

    Ep. 26 - Georgette Bhathena (CPO, The Asian American Foundation): Building the Future of Asian America at the Intersection of Philanthropy, Media, & Community Investment

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Georgette Bhathena, Chief Programs Officer at The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), to explore how one of the nation’s leading AAPI organizations is building long-term change through media, culture, research, philanthropy, and civic advocacy. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of Asian American identity, the fight for belonging and visibility, the role of storytelling in shaping public narratives, and what it means to build lasting institutions for future generations. From representation and coalition-building to Gen Z leadership and the future of Asian American civic life, this conversation examines how organizations like TAAF are helping redefine who gets to feel fully American.

    39 min
  4. Ep. 25 - Rep. Sarah Elfreth: Building Local Power in Congress

    Apr 16

    Ep. 25 - Rep. Sarah Elfreth: Building Local Power in Congress

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Sarah Elfreth, who represents Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. From her early start in student government and higher education leadership to becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the Maryland State Senate and now serving in Congress, Congresswoman Elfreth’s path reflects a grounded, institution-focused approach to public service. In this conversation, Mark and Congresswoman Elfreth explore what it actually takes to move policy forward—from expanding voting access and digital inclusion to tackling environmental challenges in the Chesapeake Bay and navigating the realities of governing at the federal level. They also discuss how decisions are made inside institutions, the balance between economic growth and sustainability, and why process and accountability matter in moments of national decision-making. Throughout the episode, Congresswoman Elfreth shares her perspective on where younger generations fit into today’s political landscape—and how they can move from observing change to actually shaping it.

    29 min
  5. Ep. 24 - Rep. Kweisi Mfume: From Congress to CEO of NAACP; A Life of Historic Leadership

    Apr 14

    Ep. 24 - Rep. Kweisi Mfume: From Congress to CEO of NAACP; A Life of Historic Leadership

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Kweisi Mfume, who represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District. From leaving high school at 16 to support his family in Baltimore, to serving in Congress, leading the NAACP, and returning to public office decades later, Congressman Mfume’s journey reflects a life shaped by responsibility, resilience, and long-term commitment to public service. This conversation goes beyond titles and positions. Mark and Congressman Mfume explore how power actually works inside institutions, what it takes to sustain leadership over time, and how policy decisions translate into real outcomes for communities. They also discuss the role of youth in civic life, the challenges of building trust in public institutions, and where younger generations can find meaningful ways to engage and create lasting impact.

    38 min
  6. Ep. 23 - Del. Marc Korman: Public Service through Environment & Transportation

    Mar 31

    Ep. 23 - Del. Marc Korman: Public Service through Environment & Transportation

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, Host Mark Li sits down with Marc Korman, who represents District 16 in Montgomery County and currently serves as Chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates. They talk about how decisions are actually made in Maryland inside the systems that shape transportation, infrastructure, and environmental policy. Delegate Korman walks through what it takes for a bill to move, where real influence sits within the legislative process, and why outcomes are often decided long before a final vote. We also explore the gap between passing policy and delivering results, the long-term challenges behind building a reliable regional transit system, and how tradeoffs are made when balancing growth, sustainability, and navigating youth participation above all in the civic system.

    32 min
  7. Ep. 22 - Sen. Pam Beidle: From County to Capitol; Economics, Energy, & the Next Generation

    Mar 30

    Ep. 22 - Sen. Pam Beidle: From County to Capitol; Economics, Energy, & the Next Generation

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Chair of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee Pamela Beidle, who represents District 32. From her beginnings in local government to her work shaping policy at the state level, Senator Beidle offers a grounded perspective on how leadership evolves, and how decisions made in Annapolis impact everyday life. We explore the role of state government in areas like economic development, infrastructure, and environmental policy, and what those decisions mean for students and young people across Maryland. This conversation also takes a closer look at youth civic engagement, the barriers that keep young people from fully participating, and what it actually takes to move from awareness to impact in the community.

    44 min
  8. Ep. 21 - Oliver Ma: Redefining Representation, Civil Rights, and Young Leadership in California

    Mar 24

    Ep. 21 - Oliver Ma: Redefining Representation, Civil Rights, and Young Leadership in California

    In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Oliver Ma, a civil rights attorney and leading candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California, to examine what leadership looks like in a moment defined by division, inequality, and generational change. Drawing from his work representing tenants and immigrant communities, Oliver reflects on the limits of individual advocacy and the need for structural change. The conversation explores the realities facing AAPI communities, the barriers to political representation, and how identity shapes both legal practice and public leadership. Mark and Oliver also discuss youth civic engagement, declining trust in democratic institutions, and what it takes to build meaningful connections with the next generation beyond election cycles. Grounded in both lived experience and policy perspective, this episode considers how power, responsibility, and representation are evolving in one of the most consequential political landscapes in the country.

    42 min
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About

Welcome to Beyond the Hyphen, a youth-hosted podcast where we explore the crossroads of politics, diplomacy, and global engagement. Join us for insightful interviews with global figures, policymakers, and thought leaders as they discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping domestic and international relations today. Tune in to gain unique insights from community leaders and scholars, inspiring a collective movement toward collaboration, innovation, and understanding.

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