Boston Public Radio Podcast

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BPR Full Show: Laboring Away Aug 05, 2021

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Today on Boston Public Radio:

Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, from calls for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign due to claims of sexual harassment to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ response to the COVID-19 crisis. Todd is the moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, host of “Meet The Press Daily” on MSNBC and the political director for NBC News.

Then, we ask listeners whether they think asking for proof of vaccination is a violation of privacy.

Andrea Cabral discusses former President Donald Trump’s request to block the release of his tax returns, and claims that Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) led a “reconnaissance tour” of the U.S. Capitol Building before the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. She also shares her thoughts on Mexico’s lawsuit against multiple U.S.-based gun manufacturers for allegedly facilitating the flow of weapons to drug cartels. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend.

Kari Kuelzer explains her decision to require proof of vaccination for staff and customers, and talks about how her restaurant survived the pandemic. Kuelzer is the owner of Grendel’s Den in Harvard Square.

Paul Reville shares his thoughts on Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius’ failure to take Massachusetts’ certification exams, and summer enrichment programs for children. He also remembered the life of the late Tom Payzant. Reville is the former Massachusetts secretary of education, and a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he also heads the Education Redesign Lab. His latest book, co-authored with Elaine Weiss, is: "Broader, Bolder, Better: How Schools And Communities Help Students Overcome The Disadvantages Of Poverty.”

Andy Ihnatko weighs in on the Apple versus Android debate, and this year’s update to Google’s emoji library. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com.

We wrap up the show by talking with listeners about labor conditions in the restaurant industry, as increasing numbers of workers leave their restaurant jobs during the pandemic.

BPR Full Show: A Clean Sweep Aug 04, 2021

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Art Caplan weighs in on New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio mandating proof of vaccination for people going to restaurants and gyms, and Acting Mayor Kim Janey’s comparison of vaccination passports to birtherism. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine.

Next, we ask listeners whether they think mayors and town managers across Massachusetts should require proof of vaccination in order for people to go to restaurants and gyms.

Juliette Kayyem discuss the fourth police officer to have died by suicide after responding to the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks, and New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation into claims of sexual harassment against Gov. Andrew Cuomo. She also calls for more serious repercussions for people who choose to be unvaccinated. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Ming Tsai shares how he created MingsBings, his plant-based iteration of the popular Chinese street food bing. Tsai is the Emmy award-winning host and executive producer of the cooking show, “Simply Ming,” which you can catch Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. on GBH2.

Jonathan Gruber explains why economists are increasingly looking at digital addiction, and talks about methods to digitally detox. Gruber is the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. He was instrumental in creating both the Massachusetts health-care reform and the Affordable Care Act, and his latest book is "Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth And The American Dream."

Lyndia Downie talks about President Joe Biden’s extension of the eviction moratorium, and vaccination rates among the homeless community. Lyndia Downie is president and executive director of the Pine Street Inn.

We end the show by talking with listeners about their pandemic purchasing habits.

BPR Full Show: the Olympics, Gov. Cuomo, and eBay Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by talking with listeners about the return to college amid rising COVID-19 cases.

Trenni Kusnierek highlights Simone Biles’ bronze medal win on the balance beam, and American shot putter Raven Saunders’ podium “X” protest. She also explains why sprinter Kristina Timanovskaya refused to return to Belarus after criticizing her coaches. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor.

John Barros discusses his mayoral campaign, and shared his thoughts on whether Boston should bring back rent control. He also talks about his experiences with the Boston Police Department while growing up in Boston. Barros is running for mayor of Boston.

Carol Rose speaks about the Massachusetts Republican Party’s campaign to put a voter ID law on the ballot for 2022, and the ACLU’s stance on Texas and Mississippi’s abortion laws. Rose is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts.

Rosemary Scapicchio talks about Natick couple Ina and David Steiner’s federal lawsuit against eBay after multiple employees targeted them in a harassment campaign. Scapicchio is representing Ina and David Steiner, the victims of the eBay stalking campaign, in a federal lawsuit.

John King updates us on the latest political headlines, from the release of a report detailing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s alleged harassment of multiple women to the end of the federal eviction moratorium. King is CNN's Chief National Correspondent and anchor of "Inside Politics,” which airs weekdays and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m.

We end the show by asking listeners about New York Attorney General Letitia James' investigation into Gov. Cuomo's alleged sexual harassment of multiple women.

BPR Full Show: Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Michael Curry talks about the rise in breakthrough COVID-19 cases among vaccinated Americans, and shares his thoughts on how to persuade more people to get vaccinated. Curry is the president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and a member of Governor Charlie Baker’s COVID Vaccine Advisory Group. He’s also a Member of the National NAACP Board of Directors, and the Chair of the Board’s Advocacy & Policy Committee.

Next, we open the phone lines, asking listeners whether their kids are using summer school to make up for a year of lost learning.

Shirley Leung updates us on the return of conferences and conventions to Boston, and the increasing number of local businesses considering mandatory vaccines for employees. She also talks about the lack of entrepreneurs of color in the Seaport neighborhood. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discusses the release of new information surrounding the FBI’s investigation into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after allegations of sexual assault. He also shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling that California’s nonprofit donor disclosure requirement is unconstitutional, explaining how it could impact “dark money” in politics. Senator Whitehouse is a Democrat from Rhode Island.

We then play the season finale of the All Rev’d Up podcast, in which Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III talk about gratefulness during the pandemic.

Richard Blanco shares his poems on Cuba amidst historic protests in the country. Blanco is the fifth inaugural poet in U.S. history. His new book, "How To Love A Country," deals with various socio-political issues that shadow America.

We wrap up the show by talking with listeners about the “Sunday scaries.”

BONUS BPR: What Does Provincetown's COVID Spike Mean For The Town's HIV-Positive? An Interview With Christine Iversen From The AIDS Support Group Of Cape Cod Aug 01, 2021

Show notes

The small outermost Cape Cod community of Provincetown has gained national attention in the past few weeks after tourists and year-rounders saw a spike in infections from the COVID-19 Delta variant. Upwards of 70 percent of reported cases are understood to be among those who were vaccinated.

Town Manager Alex Morse has since pointed out that of the 900 cases related to the P-Town cluster, there have been only 7 hospitalizations, and most people are only experiencing mild symptoms. Considering the high number of breakthrough cases, the vaccines appear to be doing a good job of limiting the impact of COVID.

Still, there are concerns, particularly for the huge percentage of folks on the Cape living with HIV and AIDS. In P-Town, they account for about 10 percent of the nearly 3,000 year-round residents. In light of the potential impact, we felt it’d be apt to check in with someone from the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod to see how they’ve been holding up.

Christine Iversen is a daily case manager for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. More information on the organization can be found at their website, www.asgcc.org.

BPR Full Show: Carrots and Sticks Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Saraya Wintersmith discusses Acting Mayor Kim Janey’s report on the investigation into former Boston Police officer Patrick Rose for alleged child sexual abuse. She also talks about the Boston Globe’s reporting on Boston City Councilor and mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George, and questions over whether she used her City Council position to benefit her husband’s housing development business. Wintersmith covers Boston City Hall for GBH.

Next, we ask listeners what they thought was the best strategy to get more people vaccinated.

Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses the COVID-19 Delta variant and the CDC’s updated guidelines on mask mandates, as COVID-19 cases rise. She also answers listeners’ questions. Gergen Barnett teaches in the Department of Family Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Medical School.

Callie Crossley shares her thoughts on Costa Rican gymnast Luciana Alvarado’s tribute to Black Lives Matter in her Olympics routine, and teenager Kieran Moïse raising $38,000 for kids with cancer by cutting his 19-inch afro. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black.

Sue O’Connell highlights LGBTQ+ athletes at the Olympics. She also discusses the criminal charges against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick for allegedly assaulting a minor. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and the South End News, as well as NECN's political commentator and explainer-in-chief.

Kwame Alexander explains his writing process, and shares how to connect children with poetry. Alexander is a poet, educator and award-winning writer. He’s collaborating with GBH Kids on a multiplatform project, including an animated television series based on his first children’s book: “Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band.” He’s an executive producer of the show, along with GBH’s Marcy Gunther.

Corby Kummer: Genetically Modified Produce Is Here To Stay Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

Food policy writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio to discuss the prevalence of genetically modified food in our society, and the shifting realization that engineered ingredients aren’t inherently evil.

When genetically modified organisms first gained popularity in the 1990s, Kummer said “it was all about huge commercial gain.”

Now, the development of a genetically modified tomato — with high nutrient value — not intended for large-scale sales may be changing perceptions of what genetically modified produce can offer.

“It needs a rebranding, and that rebranding should be: here are more antioxidants in your tomato,” said Kummer.

Corby Kummer is a senior editor at The Atlantic, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

BPR Full Show: There's Such a Thing as a Free Lunch Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, from the Senate’s vote to move forward with the infrastructure bill to GOP lawmakers refusing to wear masks in Congress. Todd is the moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, host of “Meet The Press Daily” on MSNBC and the political director for NBC News.

Then, we talk with listeners about the return of mask mandates.

Andrea Cabral shares her thoughts on President Joe Biden’s nomination of District Attorney Rachael Rollins for U.S. attorney of Massachusetts. She also talks about the Rise of the Moors’ lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend.

Corby Kummer explains why restaurant workers are leaving their jobs in droves, and how megadroughts are causing price fluctuations for wheat products. Kummer is the executive director of the Food and Society policy program at the Aspen Institute, a senior editor at The Atlantic and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

Andy Ihnatko discusses the investigation into hacking company NSO Group after their spyware product was allegedly used to target notable politicians, activists, and journalists. He also talks about DuckDuckGo’s new email protection program. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com.

Jill Medvedow talks about what the past year has been like for the Institute of Contemporary Art, sharing how the museum pivoted during the pandemic. She also highlighted current and upcoming exhibits. Medvedow is the Ellen Matilda Poss Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art.

We end the show by asking listeners whether they’d return to the office if they were offered free food at work.

Trenni Kusnierek On Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, And The "Pressure-Packed" Life Of Elite Athletes Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

NBC Sports reporter Trenni Kusnierek joins Margery Eagan and Jared Bowen — in for Jim Braude — for an update from the Tokyo Olympics.

Athletes are performing without fans, without their usual support systems, in scorching weather conditions, and in a highly regulated COVID-19 environment. And everyone is watching.

Kusnierek discusses the pressure elite athletes are facing in these Olympic games, as tennis star Naomi Osaka and gymnastics phenom Simone Biles have both opened up about the mental health toll.

BPR Full Show: To Your Health Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Alex Morse talks about the rise in COVID-19 cases in Provincetown, updating us on the latest plans to stop the spread of the virus. He also discusses the return of the indoor mask mandate. Morse is the Town Manager of Provincetown.

Next, we talk with listeners about Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the individual all-around gymnastics competition in the Olympics due to concerns over her mental health.

Juliette Kayyem discusses Tuesday’s congressional hearing on the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks, and shares her thoughts on the spread of misinformation surrounding the attacks from Fox News. She also talks about the security threats posed by climate change. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Jonathan Gruber explains the economics behind individuals who choose not to get vaccinated, following “signaling theory.” Gruber is the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. He was instrumental in creating both the Massachusetts health-care reform and the Affordable Care Act, and his latest book is "Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth And The American Dream."

Art Caplan shares his thoughts on the backlash against Simone Biles following her withdrawal from the individual all-around gymnastic competition due to her mental health, and President Joe Biden’s plans to require federal workers to be vaccinated or face weekly COVID-19 testing. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine.

Ali Noorani discusses the athletes of the Refugee Olympic Team, and the Biden administration’s decision to resume fast-track deportation. Noorani is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Immigration Forum. His latest book is "There Goes the Neighborhood: How Communities Overcome Prejudice and Meet the Challenge of American Immigration.”

Christopher Wilkins highlights the Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s 20th anniversary season, sharing what audiences can expect from this season’s performances. Wilkins is the Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s music director.

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