"Kibbitzing with Kagan"

MD Senator Cheryl Kagan
  • 4.0 (4)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan hosts brief conversations with people she finds fascinating. Check out her chats on Apple or YouTube. Topics have included politics, policy, 9-1-1-, nonprofits, music, and Scrabble! www.CherylKagan.org

  1. MAR 16

    Chris West

    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.

    29 min

  2. JAN 12

    Morgan Lehr Miller

    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

    34 min

  3. JAN 9

    Lester Davis

    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/

    30 min

  4. JAN 8

    Natali Fani-Gonzalez

    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/

    31 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Adam Pagnucco

    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/

    33 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Mollie Byron

    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

    27 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    Will Jawando

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

    21 min

  8. 10/31/2025

    Andrew Friedson

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

    26 min
See All (220)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan hosts brief conversations with people she finds fascinating. Check out her chats on Apple or YouTube. Topics have included politics, policy, 9-1-1-, nonprofits, music, and Scrabble! www.CherylKagan.org

Information

  • Creator
    MD Senator Cheryl Kagan
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Copyright
    © Office of Sen. Cheryl Kagan
  • Show Website
    "Kibbitzing with Kagan"