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Dyana Neal

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About Dyana

Dyana is WBJC's midday host. Her full bio can be read here.

Jul. 15 2022

Do It Now! Does That Sound Familiar?

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Do It Now! Does That Sound Familiar?

William Donald Schaefer held public office in Maryland for decades, serving as Mayor of Baltimore from 1971-1987, Governor of Maryland from 1987-1995, and Comptroller of Maryland from 1999-2007. He was well-known for his attention to detail and also for publicity stunts, including a taking a dip in the seal pool at the National Aquarium when […]

Jul. 01 2022

Bowling, Bond, and Bach – A Few Thoughts on Classical Music in Films and on TV

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | Comments Off on Bowling, Bond, and Bach – A Few Thoughts on Classical Music in Films and on TV

Way back when I started working at WBJC in 1993, I quickly learned that, in addition to classical music, two of the most popular topics of conversation in my workplace were food and movies. These days, of course, we’ve added streaming various TV series to that list. Something that Jonathan and I have pondered more […]

May. 25 2022

Amplifying the voices of women and other marginalized composers

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Amplifying the voices of women and other marginalized composers

The Boulanger Initiative was founded four years ago with the objective of promoting the work of women and gender marginalized composers. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Laura Colgate, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Boulanger Initiative, to discuss the 2022 WoCo Festival, which is taking place this weekend.    

May. 12 2022

Taking Care of the Mind as Well as the Body

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Taking Care of the Mind as Well as the Body

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I recently had the opportunity to chat with Jamie Clark, Senior Director of Programs and Community Engagement at NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, about her organization and its efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues and offer assistance to residents in need.        

Mar. 11 2022

Easing Tax Burdens for Maryland Homeowners and Renters

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Easing Tax Burdens for Maryland Homeowners and Renters

Many Maryland residents may be unaware that they could be eligible for a tax credit if they own a home – perhaps even if they’re renters! I recently spoke with Francine Hyman, SOAR Program Director at the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, about the agency’s “Take the Credit” program.  

Mar. 09 2022

Making this season less taxing for eligible Marylanders

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Making this season less taxing for eligible Marylanders

It’s that time of year again – time to start thinking about doing our taxes. Recently, I spoke with Sara Johnson,  Co-Founder and COO of CASH Campaign of Maryland, about her organization’s efforts to ease tax burdens for eligible Marylanders.  

Feb. 09 2022

Providing Educational Opportunities to Incarcerated People in Maryland

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Providing Educational Opportunities to Incarcerated People in Maryland

People who have been in prison often face difficulty finding employment once they’re released. GPEP, or Goucher Prison Education partnership, is a division of Goucher College that seeks to provide incarcerated Marylanders with access to college courses and degree programs, which can help them find jobs after they’ve served their time. I recently spoke with […]

Dec. 10 2021

Dealing with anxiety and stress at the holidays

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Dealing with anxiety and stress at the holidays

This time of year, many people experience cultural pressure to be “merry” all the time even if life isn’t going so well for them or they have difficult memories of holidays past. Recently, I spoke with Alexandra Wykowski, Associate Director of Clinical Services at Behavioral Health System Baltimore, about the reasons people may struggle with […]

Dec. 07 2021

Holidays at Hampton: Yuletide Across the Centuries

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Holidays at Hampton: Yuletide Across the Centuries

Located in Towson, Hampton Mansion was the home of the Ridgely Family for over two centuries. These days, it’s maintained by the National Park Service, and Holidays at Hampton, their celebration of Yuletide traditions from the Georgian era through the early 20th century, will take place from December 9-January 6. This Saturday, December 11, the […]

Nov. 16 2021

Easing the Pain of Medical Debt

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Easing the Pain of Medical Debt

Medical bills can put a strain on anyone’s finances, but they’re particularly hard on low-to-moderate income households. Recently, I spoke with Marceline White, Executive Director of the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, about our state’s new medical debt protections for eligible patients, which are the strongest in the US.

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