Boston Public Radio Podcast

Latest Episodes:

BPR Full Show: Spring Cleaning Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by talking with listeners about student anxiety, following a new GBH report that cites increased levels of bullying in Boston schools.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley calls for stricter gun control measures – such as universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons – in the wake of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas. She also discusses broadening student debt relief from President Joe Biden’s proposed plan to forgive $10,000 per borrower in student loans.

Juliette Kayyem discusses the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) announcement of an investigation into the police response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and diminishing attention towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 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.

Shirley Leung talks about recent crypto scams targeting Asian Americans, and the out-of-state journey some women in Mass. take to get an abortion. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe.

Jerrod Carmichael joins us ahead of his June 3 show at The Wilbur, sharing his vision behind the HBO special “Rothaniel.” Carmichael is a comedian, actor, and filmmaker.

Corby Kummer talks about Taco Bell’s five-city drag brunch tour, and Guy Fieri’s cult icon status. Kummer is 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.

We end the show by asking listeners how their spring cleaning projects have gone.

Corby Kummer: Adding Fuel to the Fieri Fire Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

It’s been nearly 15 years of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and Guy Fieri’s imprint on America’s cultural landscape has reached new heights. Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Wednesday to share his thoughts on the Fieri fandom, following a recent New York Times profile of the celebrity chef.

“The [New York Times] decided they were really going to celebrate Guy Fieri, and if he's raised $20 million [for restaurant workers, let's celebrate him, too,” Kummer said.

During the wide-ranging interview, Kummer also shared his thoughts on Taco Bell’s touring drag brunch, the discontinuation of mission-driven brand Honest Tea, and more.

Kummer is 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.

BPR Full Show: Housing, gun reform, and the state of the Republican party May 31, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by talking with listeners about gun reform.

Trenni Kusnierek updates us on the Celtics’ win over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the U.S. Open’s return to The Country Club in Brookline this June. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor.

Chris Doughty talks about his run for Mass. governor, and shared his thoughts on the state of the Republican party. Doughty is a Republican candidate for governor.

Jenifer McKim and Rose Webster-Smith discuss the corporations buying up Springfield single family homes, following McKim’s reporting for GBH News. McKim is a senior investigative reporter for the GBH News Center for Investigative Reporting. Webster-Smith is the program director for the nonprofit Springfield No One Leaves.

Dr. Katherine Gergen-Barnett talks about the latest news regarding monkeypox cases in the U.S., and answers listeners’ questions during this month’s edition of “Ask the Doctor.” Gergen-Barnett is the vice chair of Primary Care Innovation and Transformation and residency director in the Department of Family Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Medical School.

We end the show by returning to our conversation on gun reform.

BPR Full Show: What it's like growing up with Joe Biden, how to learn falconry and more May 30, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio we’re on tape, bringing you some of our favorite conversations from recent months:

John Della Volpe talks about Gen Z’s relationship to political activism, and the events that pushed them to action. Della Volpe is director of polling at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics and a former campaign adviser to President Joe Biden. His new book is: “Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Fear And Passion To Save America.”

Howard Mansfield previews his book, "Chasing Eden: A Book of Seekers," about communities throughout American history that sought freedom, happiness and utopia. Mansfield is an author who writes about history, architecture and preservation.

Kim Kelly tells stories about the history of labor movements in the United States, and how they connect to renewed union pushes today. Kelly is a journalist, columnist for Teen Vogue and author of “FIGHT LIKE HELL: The Untold History of American Labor.”

Rosa Brooks discusses her book, “Tangled Up In Blue: Policing The American City,” and describes her experiences as a reserve police officer in Washington, D.C. Brooks is a former Pentagon official in the Obama administration and a professor of law and policy at Georgetown Law.

Valerie Biden Owens shares what life was like growing up in the Biden family, and talks about her experiences as the longtime campaign manager and political adviser to her older brother, President Joe Biden. Biden Owens is chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware, a partner at Owens Patrick Leadership Seminars and a senior advisor to Diversified Search Group. Her book, “Growing Up Biden: A Memoir,” was released on Tuesday.

Jelani Cobb explains how he positioned the Kerner Commission Report in today’s political context for his book, “The Essential Kerner Commission Report.” Cobb is a staff writer at The New Yorker and the Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism at the Columbia Journalism School.

Ken Burns dives into Benjamin Franklin’s life, previewing his latest documentary on Franklin’s early life and work as a scientist and inventor. Burns is an award-winning documentarian.

Sy Montgomery talks about her encounters with birds of prey while learning falconry. Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist and a BPR contributor. Her latest book is "The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty.”

BPR Full Show: How to cook vegetables, what "aubade means" and more May 27, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio we're on tape, bringing you some of our favorite conversations from recent years:

Imani Perry talks about parenthood and how Black parents talk to their children about race. Perry is a professor of African American Studies at Princeton University. Her latest book is "Breathe: A Letter To My Sons.”

Richard Blanco reads his favorite “aubade” poems — about lovers departing at dawn — including “Aubade with Burning City” by Ocean Vuong and “Ghosting Aubade” by Amie Whittemore. Blanco is the fifth inaugural poet in U.S. history. His latest book, "How To Love A Country," deals with various sociopolitical issues that shadow America.

Lizzie Post weighs in on cannabis culture in her book, “Higher Etiquette: A Guide to the World of Cannabis, From Dispensaries to Dinner Parties.” Post is a writer, co-director of The Emily Post Institute and great-great-granddaughter of etiquette writer Emily Post.

Christopher Kimball previews his latest cookbook “Vegetables,” sharing his favorite ways to bring vegetables to the center of the plate. Chris Kimball co-founded America’s Test Kitchen, and now runs Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street in Boston. His latest cookbook is “Vegetables.”

Farah Stockman talks about how class divides manifest themselves culturally and politically in the United States, and why higher-class, well-educated communities struggle to understand and represent the majority of Americans. Farah Stockman is a member of the New York Times editorial board, and a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter. Her latest book is “American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears.”

Howard Bryant discusses his book, "The Heritage: Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism." Bryant is a columnist and commentator for ESPN.

Lindy West previews her latest book, "The Witches Are Coming," a collection of essays about feminism in the #MeToo moment. West is a writer, comedian and activist.

Joshua Foer talks about “Atlas Obscura: An Explorers Guide To The World’s Hidden Wonders.” Foer is a freelance journalist and author of "Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art And Science Of Remembering Everything.”

BPR Full Show: Leadership tips from Charlie Baker and the First Lady of Iceland May 26, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Chuck Todd shares his thoughts on the reaction from Washington D.C. in the wake of the Uvalde shooting, and why politicians refuse to take action on gun control. 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 their thoughts on a growing sense that political action feels hopeless, in a moment where policy often does not match the desires of Americans.

Andrea Cabral responds to the Uvalde shooting, the failings of the Supreme Court and a romance novelist convicted for killing her husband after writing a blog post titled “How to Murder Your Husband.” Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and secretary of public safety, and former CEO of the cannabis company Ascend.

First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid previews her book, “Secrets Of The Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women And How They Are Changing The World,” and explains why Iceland is leading the globe in gender equity. Reid is the First Lady of Iceland.

Governor Charlie Baker and Steve Kadish discuss their recently released book on public governance. Then, Baker takes questions from listeners on topics including gun control, the MBTA and Boston public schools. Baker is Governor of Massachusetts. Kadish is a senior research fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School, and previously served Baker’s Chief of Staff and Chair of the Commission on the Future of Transportation. Their book is “Results: Getting Beyond Politics to Get Important Work Done.”

BPR Full Show: "What are we doing?!" May 25, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by opening the phone lines, talking with listeners about gun violence in America in the wake of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

Art Caplan shares his thoughts on the moral apathy Congress seems to have in cases of gun violence, and cases of monkeypox in the U.S. Caplan is the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU School of Medicine in New York City.

Juliette Kayyem explains how language is used to sanitize stories of gun violence, and updates us on the latest news out of Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers. Kayyem is former assistant secretary for homeland security under President Barack Obama, and the faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

We continue our discussion with listeners on the epidemic of gun violence in America.

Paul Reville discusses the impact of school shootings on survivors. He also talks about the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) audit of Boston Public Schools. Reville is the former secretary of education and a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he also runs the Education Redesign Lab. His latest book, co-authored with Lynne Sacks, is “Collaborative Action for Equity and Opportunity: A Practical Guide for School and Community Leaders.”

Sy Montgomery talks about the dolphins using coral mucus to heal, and new research into how Asian elephants mourn the dead. Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist and a BPR contributor. Her latest book is "The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty.”

We end the show by revisiting our discussion with listeners on mass shootings in America.

BPR Full Show: Fairweather Friends May 24, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Mayor Michelle Wu takes questions from listeners on topics including the state of Boston’s public schools, the latest at Mass. and Cass and failures that led to former Boston Police Union President Patrick Rose remaining on patrol after reports of child sexual assault. Wu is Mayor of Boston.

Trenni Kusnierek discusses the most recent Celtics win, the murder of elite cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson and controversy over Qatar hosting the World Cup due to its anti-LGBTQ policies. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor.

Then, we ask listeners their thoughts on the Celtics’ playoffs run.

Melissa Etheridge previews her upcoming concerts, and recalls her three months at Berklee College of Music and her experience coming out as lesbian. Etheridge is a multiple Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and activist. She’s coming to town to perform at the City Winery on June 5, 6, 8 and 9.

Mark Esper talks about his recent book, insights from his time working in the Trump Administration and whether he thinks Former President Donald Trump could find success running in 2024. Esper is the former Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump. His new memoir is “A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times.”

John King updates listeners on the state of national politics, including the recent slew of Republican primaries, and concerns over Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman’s health following a stroke. 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 whether they’re ready to return to concerts this summer.

Corby Kummer: Big Dairy's Fight for the Definition of Milk May 23, 2022

Show notes

In their fight against the alternative milk and nut-milk industries, Big Dairy has been lobbying Congress and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reserve the term “milk” for fluids obtained through “lacteal secretion” — and the FDA looks like it may enforce a stricter definition for “milk” soon.

Chief among the National Federation of Milk Producers’ concerns are that consumers are “being misled about the nutritional content of plant-based imitators relative to real dairy products.”

Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Monday to share his thoughts on the situation.

“I think it's ridiculous,” Kummer said. “I think anybody who buys almond milk understands it's not cow’s milk.”

In the wide-ranging interview, Kummer also discussed the latest news from the nation’s baby formula shortage, and talked about the lack of nutrition education in medical schools.

BPR Full Show: Let's go to the beach, beach May 23, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by asking listeners how they’re finding positivity amid a slew of bad news.

Michael Curry discusses federal funding to combat hate crimes in the wake of the Buffalo shooting, and the conflict between politics and public health as COVID cases rise again. Curry is chair of the NAACP Advocacy and Policy Committee, and is president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.

Chris Burrell shares insights from his investigative reporting into the inaccessibility of Massachusetts beaches. Burrell is an investigative reporter for GBH News. The first story in his series “Barriers at the Beach” is now out, GBHnews.org.

Then, we take calls from listeners about their experiences with Massachusetts beaches.

Corby Kummer talks about how the baby formula shortage became so dire, and the problems with the Food and Drug Administration. Kummer is 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.

Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III weigh in on a new report on decades of sex abuse cover-ups in the Southern Baptist Church. Monroe is a syndicated religion columnist and the Boston voice for Detour’s African American Heritage Trail. Price is founding pastor of Community of Love Christian Fellowship in Allston, and the Inaugural Dean of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music. Together they host the “All Rev’d Up” podcast.

Richard Blanco reads poetry on motherhood, including his poem “Mother Picking Produce,” and “Different Mothers” by Kim Dower. Blanco is the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. His latest book, “How to Love a Country,” deals with various socio-political issues that shadow the United States.

We end the show by discussing a recent study that showed women receive higher emotional benefits from hugs than men.

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