Boston Public Radio Podcast

Latest Episodes:

BPR Full Show: AG Maura Healey calls for resignation of Everett Councilor May 20, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Attorney General Maura Healey answers questions from listeners, including on criminal justice reform, housing prices skyrocketing and racism from officials in Everett. Healey is attorney general of Massachusetts and a candidate for governor.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh shares insights from his move to the federal government, and takes calls from listeners on income inequality, the state of inflation, workers rights and more. Walsh is Secretary of Labor, and former mayor of Boston.

James Bennett II discusses the latest news in arts and culture, including praise of the new film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Olivia Rodrigo’s local appearance at Roadrunner and the rise and fall of comedian Dane Cook. Bennett II is GBH’s arts and culture reporter.

Sue O’Connell talks about the baby formula shortage, the faltering future of People Magazine’s print addition and LGBTQ teachers leaving Florida in the wake of the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and South End News, and contributor to Current, on NBC LX and NECN.

Elena Spencer and Kristo Kondakçi previews the upcoming “Symphony for Science,” raising money for the Science Club for Girls. Also, orchestra members Sophia Szokolay, Elena Spencer, Victoria Suha, Alan Toda-Ambaras and Leina Xu perform a few pieces. Spencer is co-founder, president and CEO of the Kendall Square Orchestra. Kondakçi is musical director.

We end the show asking listeners about their workplace nemesis.

BPR Full Show: Jim Braude's Day Off May 19, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by asking listeners their experiences navigating a difficult housing market.

Gregory Fried and Phillip Martin discuss Martin’s investigation into Massachusetts’ growing neo-Nazi movement, and why white supremacy is taking a hold. Martin is GBH’s Senior Investigative Reporter. Fried is a Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, where he studies white supremacy. His most recent book is “Towards a Polemical Ethics: Between Heidegger and Plato.”

Kara Baskin breaks down her latest stories, including on the baby formula shortage, and the work of Eleanor Forbes, who directs mental health support for Boston Uncornered, a Dorchester nonprofit working with ex-gang members. Baskin is a Food & Parenting writer for the Boston Globe, and a humor writer for McSweeney's.

Shirley Leung talks about how Gen-Z is affecting the workplace, the state of inflation and cryptocurrency as an option for retirement plans. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe.

Maine State Senator Chloe Maxmin and Canyon Woodward shares tips on how politicians can connect with rural America, in the wake of Democratic losses in red regions. Maxmin is the youngest person ever elected to Maine’s State Senate, where she serves Maine’s 13th District. Woodward was her campaign manager in both 2018 and 2020. The book they wrote together is “Dirt Road Revival: How to Rebuild Rural Politics and Why Our Future Depends on It.”

Jonathan Gruber explains how the potential end of Roe v. Wade would affect the economy. Gruber is the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. His latest book is "Jump-Starting America How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream."

We end the show by asking listeners how they enjoy days off.

BPR Full Show: An ode to buffets May 18, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by discussing the latest slew of midterm primaries.

Art Caplan discusses the baby formula shortage, and a new study that could predict traumatic brain injury outcomes. 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 talks about the Buffalo shooting, and why the “lone wolf” framing does not capture the state of white supremacy in the U.S. 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.

Stacy Thompson makes the case for better bike infrastructure, and talks with listeners about the debate between bike lanes and parking. Thompson is executive director of Livable Streets.

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow discusses her viral speech defending herself against Republican “groomer” attacks, and why her identity as a “straight white Christian married suburban mom” inspired her to take political action. McMorrow is a State Senator representing Michigan’s 13th District.

Neal Thompson tells stories from the Kennedy family, tracing the political family’s lineage from Ireland to the U.S. Thompson’s new book is “The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty.”

We end the show by discussing the return of restaurant buffets.

BPR Full Show: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena May 17, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by discussing the state of white supremacy in the U.S. following the Buffalo shooting.

Trenni Kusnierek discusses the Celtics latest wins, and an ironman triathlete returning to the races after surviving a mid-race heart attack. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor.

Victoria Reed tells stories behind some of the stolen art pieces she has helped return to their rightful owners, and how she goes about researching the ownership history of art. Reed is the MFA’s curator for provenance.

Jared Bowen talks about the latest from Boston’s arts scene, including “Ain’t Misbehavin” at the Central Square Theater and unseen Georgia O’Keeffe photos at the Addison Gallery of American Art. Bowen is GBH’s executive arts editor and the host of Open Studio.

Keith Lockhart previews Boston Pops’ upcoming season, including pieces from “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter” and Disney. Lockhart is conductor for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and will be leading the Boston Pops' spring season, which launches Thursday.

John King breaks down recent political headlines, including the Pennsylvania Republican Senate primary and President Joe Biden’s remarks on the Buffalo shooting and white supremacy. 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 discussing the House panel today on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.

BPR Full Show: The lives lost in Buffalo, N.Y. May 16, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:
We begin the show by discussing the “Great Replacement Theory,” the racist, antisemitic ideology cited by the Buffalo shooter who killed 10 in a supermarket over the weekend.
Tom Nichols updates listeners on the latest news from Ukraine. Nichols is a contributing writer and proprietor of “Peacefield” newsletter at The Atlantic, a professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and a five-time "Jeopardy!" winner.
Michael Curry responds to the Buffalo shooting, and discusses U.S. health disparities for communities of color. Curry is chair of the NAACP Advocacy and Policy Committee, and is president and CEO of the Mass League of Community Health Centers.
Corby Kummer talks about an investigation into meatpacking plants lying to stay open during the pandemic, and McDonalds withdrawing from Russia. 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 share the names and stories of the victims in the Buffalo shooting. 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.
Marcela García breaks down her latest columns, including on the potential end of Roe v. Wade and Texas Governor Greg Abbott busing migrants to Washington D.C. García is an associate editor and columnist for the Globe’s op-ed page.
We end the show by asking listeners their thoughts on Goldman Sachs' new unlimited vacation policy.

Corby Kummer: A Conspiracy To Keep Meatpacking Plants Open During The Pandemic May 16, 2022

Show notes

Food policy writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio to discuss a new congressional report showing meat industry CEOs had a direct line to the Donald Trump administration in the early stages of the pandemic, enabling their facilities to stay open — and their profits to grow — despite the safety risks to workers.

Smithfield CEO Ken Sullivan misled the public about an impending meat shortage that they said would result if plants closed temporarily, the congressional report found.

“It was this evilly-sealed deal,” Kummer said. “And among the many scandalous parts of this, which we all kind of guessed at the time: profits went up 300% during the pandemic. There was no shortage, it was completely wrong.”

Sullivan reached out to Tyson CEO Noel White about getting then-President Donald Trump to sign an executive order declaring meat processing plants essential facilities, allowing them to stay open during the most stringent pandemic-era restrictions. The report found that a draft executive order written by Tyson’s legal team bore striking similarities to the one signed by the president just days later.

Corby 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: A Tremendous Machine May 13, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by opening up the phone lines, asking listeners about baby formula shortages across the U.S.

Rick Steves shares the highlights of his recent return to Europe, where he spent over a month and a half updating his guidebooks to reflect how the continent has changed after two years of the pandemic. Steves is an author, television and radio host and the owner of the Rick Steves' Europe tour group. You can catch his television show, "Rick Steves’ Europe," weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on GBH 2 and his radio show, “Travel With Rick Steves,” Sundays at 4 p.m. on GBH.

Callie Crossley talks about a mother in Mattapan alleging that Boston Public Schools delayed calling 911 as her teen son had a stroke. She also shares her thoughts on DuoLingo opening a taqueria next to their Pittsburgh headquarters to help customers practice Spanish. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black.

Juliette Kayyem discusses the January 6 committee’s subpoenas to five GOP lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. 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.

Mass. Senate President Karen Spilka discusses Beacon Hill’s measures to protect abortion rights in Mass., and shares her thoughts on the potential for legalizing sports betting in the Commonwealth. Spilka is president of the State Senate.

Sue O’Connell explains why the U.S. is facing a nationwide baby formula shortage, and weighs in on Elon Musk’s decision to pause his deal to buy Twitter. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and South End News, and contributor to Current, on NBC L-X and NECN.

We end the show by asking listeners how they romanticize their lives.

BPR Full Show: No Mow May May 12, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by asking listeners how they’re handling COVID amid the latest surge.

Brian McGrory shares insights from the latest Globe reporting, including the Federal Transit Administration’s investigation into the MBTA, the state settlement over the deaths at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and the state of national politics. McGrory is the Editor of the Boston Globe.

Andrea Cabral talks about the Senate’s failed vote on a bill that would codify Roe v. Wade, and the Mario Batali and Johnny Depp court cases involving harassment. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and secretary of public safety, and former CEO of the cannabis company Ascend.

Then, we open up the lines to hear from listeners what they want Jim and Margery to talk more about.

Eric Deggans previews his latest TV commentary, including his review of “Bosch: Legacy” and who he wants to see succeed James Corden. Eric Deggans is NPR’s TV critic and author of the book “Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation.”

Art Caplan talks about the divide between red and blue states over abortion, and renewed advocacy around the right to die. 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.

We end the show by asking listeners their thoughts on “no mow may,” where some homeowners are opting to let their yards grow wild to benefit pollinators.

BPR Full Show: All things Oprah May 11, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by asking listeners their thoughts on upper age and term limits for politicians.

Shirley Leung discusses UMass Lowell’s new chancellor Julie Chen and new robots that weed gardens. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe.

Kellie Carter Jackson and Leah Wright Rigueur share insights on all things Oprah, from their podcast Oprademics. Jackson is an associate professor in the department of Africana studies at Wellesley College. Rigeur is an associate professor of history at Johns Hopkins. They host the Oprahdemics podcast from Radiotopia.

Jamahrl Crawford weighs in on the latest on Boston police reform, and recent news about former Police Union President Patrick Rose, who was sentenced to prison for sexually abusing children. Crawford served on the city’s police reform task force in 2020 and edits the Blackstonian.

Kim Kelly tells stories about the history of labor movements in the U.S., 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.”

Paul Reville talks about the lasting impact of pandemic-induced school shutdowns in education. 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.”

We end the show by asking listeners if they feel they can show their real selves at work.

BPR Full Show: Gassing Up May 10, 2022

Show notes

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by talking with listeners about protests against the leaked Supreme Court opinion draft on Roe v. Wade.

Trenni Kusnierek talks about Rich Strike’s major win at the Kentucky Derby, and the growing need for increased mental health services for young athletes. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor.

State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz discusses her run for Mass. governor, and talks about the current status of the State House’s sports-betting legislation. State Senator Chang-Diaz is running to be governor of Massachusetts.

Jim Aloisi and Stacy Thompson share their thoughts on the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) inspecting the MBTA after numerous safety incidents, and the potential for an East-West rail system. Aloisi is the former Massachusetts transportation secretary, a member of the Transit Matters board and contributor to Commonwealth Magazine. Thompson is executive director of Livable Streets.

Jared Bowen talks about the Boston-area events surrounding the bicentennial of landscape architect and city planner Frederick Law Olmsted’s birth. Bowen is GBH’s executive arts editor and the host of "Open Studio."

John King updates us on the latest political headlines, focusing on President Joe Biden’s response to rising inflation. King is CNN's Chief National Correspondent and anchor of "Inside Politics,” which airs weekdays and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m.

We wrap up the show by asking listeners about rising gas prices.