Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rep. Ayanna Pressley discussed her recent appeal to Gov. Baker to rescind COVID-19 crisis guidelines in order to address racial disparities in communities impacted by the coronavirus.   CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem recapped her latest writing for The Atlantic on the “strange purgatory” awaiting Americans post-quarantine, and criticized President Trump’s calls to pull funding for the World Health Organization.  Beat the Press host Emily Rooney recounted her bizarre experience walking down an empty Newbury Street in Boston, and read a Covid-themed list of fixations and fulminations.  Media maven Sue O’Connell discussed the sexual assault allegation against former Vice President Joe Biden, and criticized the still-standing FDA restrictions on gay men donating blood. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed a new contract-tracing app from Google and Apple, and local privacy concerns over Chinese regulations on the video game Animal Crossing.  Under the Radar host Callie Crossley discu

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed the president’s authority the re-open the country, and talked about Joe Biden’s limited public presence during the pandemic.  Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung talked about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on small businesses, and how it could shape the identity of U.S. cities for years to come.  We opened our lines to talk with callers about how you think Massachusetts ought to go about reopening its economy.  Former Massachusetts Democratic chair Steve Grossman discussed his views on what needs to be done to protect small businesses and under-resourced communities.  We reopened or lines to continue the conversation about how the state’s economy and the coronavirus pandemic. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Thursday press conference.  Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam previewed an upcoming edition of the “Boston Public Radio” book club, and dissected the #pantsdrunk internet trend. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners ahead of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference.  We aired live audio of the governor's press conference.  A.G. Maura Healey called in to address the range of issues her office is confronting amid the coronavirus pandemic, and took questions from callers. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed President Trump’s decision to suspend funding for the World Health Organization, and racial disparities in COVID-19 victims. Writer and naturalist Sy Montgomery discussed whether house cats can catch the coronavirus, and pandas mating at a vacated Hong Kong zoo. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with listeners about President Trump’s heated Monday press conference. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed the slow reemergence of sports in the U.S., and athletic companies who’re pivoting to produce personal protective equipment.  Writer and TIME Editor-at-Large Anand Giridharadas discussed issues with the U.S. relying on billionaires to offer aid during the coronavirus pandemic.  Former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville explained how the coronavirus pandemic is widening the gap between students from low and high-income families.  Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart talked about what the coronavirus pandemic has meant for his orchestra's annual July 4th concert, and what he’s been up to in quarantine. CNN’s John King broke down the latest national headlines. We re-opened our lines for a check-in with listeners to see how you’re doing. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Sandro Galea, Dean of BU’s School of Public Health, discussed the likelihood of racial disparities in cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, as well as the implications surrounding the president’s potential firing of Dr. Anthony Fauci.   We opened our lines to ask: if President Trump fires Dr. Anthony Fauci, will he make America sick again? TV expert Bob Thompson reviewed the work-from-home edition of "Saturday Night Live," and the series finales of “Modern Family” and “Schitt’s Creek.” WGBH news analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed issues with Sweden’s lax approach to the coronavirus, and U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s release from an ICU after contracting COVID-19.  Food writer Corby Kummer discussed clogged distribution channels in the food industry, and the current state of safety conditions for grocery store workers across the country. We continued the conversation about Anthony Fauci’s potential firing with listeners.  We aired live

The closure of schools, businesses, and restaurants, due to the coronavirus pandemic, has created a problem of abundance with farmers across the country. Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio *on Monday, about farmers who have excess food. "There's this double problem of not enough farm workers to harvest food, and food not being distributed," he said. "A single chicken processor is smashing 750,000 unhatched eggs every week and the nation's largest dairy cooperative estimates farmers are dumping 3.7 million gallons of milk each day, because cows don't stop giving milk, chickens don't stop laying eggs, but the distribution channels are getting clogged." This newfound problem is a terrible irony of fresh food going to waste, Kummer added. "Then, what's going to come down the line are all of these crops that are going to ripen, and there won't be labor to pick them and they will be plowed under." *Kummer is a *senior editor at The Atlantic*, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lectur

Today on Boston Public Radio: — NBC's Chuck Todd discussed the 2020 race, and whether Joe Biden will be able to woo Bernie Sanders supporters. — CEO of Ascend, Andrea Cabral, spoke about how the coronavirus pandemic is an opportunity for prison reform. — Rep. Richard Neal, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, analyzed the coronavirus stimulus package. — We then broadcasted Governor Charlie Baker's press conference, discussing Massachusett's surge of unemployment claims.

Today on* Boston Public Radio:* We opened the lines to hear from listeners about how best to enforce stay-at-home orders. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discussed the pandemic's effect on the local economy, especially small businesses. WGBH's Emily Rooney was back with her famous list, and more. Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell discussed how COVID-19 is disproportionately hitting minority communities nationwide, including some in her district. We closed out the show by opening the lines to hear from listeners again, about their experiences with life in the age of coronavirus.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: do you feel guilty going to grocery stores and putting clerks at risk? MIT economist Jon Gruber explained why he believes the stimulus package’s $100 billion for hospitals won’t be enough. CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed the string of inspector general firings by President Trump, and the resignation of Navy Secretary Thomas Moldy. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed proposals for how hospitals will ration care under the stress of the current pandemic, and troubling racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths. Cannabis reporter Dan Adams explained why many recreational pot shops are at risk of shutting down for good, and discussed his reporting on the mutual aid groups springing up around the state to help people in need. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed how various theater companies are adapting to social-distancing, uploading shows online and offering opportunities to talk one-on-one with actors over the phone. We opened our line

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners whether you’re also addicted to the president's daily coronavirus briefings. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek recapped a husband’s tragic bungle of his wife’s virtual triathlon, and weighed in when sports might make their return to the U.S.  Carol Rose from the ACLU of Massachusetts spoke on how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the U.S. court system, and discussed the ongoing debate over whether to release certain prisoners to protect them from COVID-19.  Travel writer Christopher Muther discussed whether U.S. airlines deserve the $50 billion bailout they’re asking for, and reviewed some freeze-dried meals to try while you’re social-distancing.  CNN’s John King discussed Tuesday’s Wisconsin primaries and why they’re still happening, as well as what we could see in future stimulus packages from Congress. We opened our lines to ask: one month into quarantine, what have you learned you can live without?

Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Vanessa Kerry, founder and CEO of Seed Global Health, talked about the week ahead in the COVID-19 crisis, and took questions from callers.  WGBH News analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed Sunday’s coronavirus address from Queen Elizabeth II, and news of a Russian doctor who was detained for criticizing the Kremlin’s COVID-19 response. TV expert Bob Thompson weighed ethical concerns surrounding CNN anchor Chris Cuomo’s interviews with his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and talked about the launch of the short-form streaming service Quibi.  Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich discussed his latest book, titled “The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It.” We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the role and value of socialism, and whether it’s been elevated in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.    Poet Richard Blanco joined us for a social distancing-themed edition of "The Village Voice." 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with listeners about the financial strains brought by the coronavirus pandemic.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed how weak or nonexistent internet access is exacerbating the COVID-19 crisis for low-income Americans, and reviewed medical tech for those looking to monitor their health from home. *Beat the Press *host Emily Rooney talked about the Patriots plane that brought medical supplies to Massachusetts from China, and recent sexual assault allegations made against Joe Biden.  Food writer Corby Kummer discussed the toll that COVID-19 is taking on the food and restaurant industry, and the resurgence of Americans raising chickens.  Media maven Sue O’Connell criticized Jared Kushner’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, and drew parallels between our current situation and the AIDS crisis. *Under the Radar *host Callie Crossley discussed misinformation about coronavirus on Fox News, and technology that companies are using to spy on employees workin

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio *on Friday about whether the restaurant industry will survive the coronavirus crisis. "I've been talking this week to a lot of restaurateurs to - most of them are saying they have so little operating capital left, even if they've tried to stay open to do takeout or help feed front line health workers." Restaurant owners have had to make tough choices whether to remain opened or closed during this time, Kummer added. "The ones who are heroically staying open - all their legal advice is 'Do not stay open, it's going to be less complicated to reopen if you're shut down tight,'" he said. "All of the legal liability is much easier and less complicated if restaurants have shut down, so what a choice these restaurant owners have been facing." *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.

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed Florida’s bungled response to the coronavirus outbreak, and the death threats being made against Dr. Anthony Fauci. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse called in to discuss the 15 COVID-19-related deaths at a state-run veteran’s home in his city. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about how you’re dealing with the grimness of the coronavirus pandemic. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral talked about the gun industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and debate in federal courts over whether to release detained migrants to protect them from the coronavirus. Dr. Gary Gottlieb, former CEO of Partners Healthcare and Partners in Health, discussed his recent Boston Globe piece on how healthcare systems need to adapt to handle the stress brought by COVID-19. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the coronavirus. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Thursday press confere

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask callers: are you donning a facial mask to slow the spread of the coronavirus? MIT economist Jon Gruber broke down how the recently passed stimulus bill will impact everyday Americans, and discussed what he hopes to see in any future aid packages. CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed gun stores being deemed “essential” during the coronavirus pandemic, and how authorities around the world are enforcing stay-at-home policies. Medical ethicist Art Caplan answered questions about COVID-19 symptoms, and discussed why it’s important that hospitals plan for what to do if they can't keep up with demands for care. Dr. Katherine Dallow, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Strategy at Blue Cross Blue Shield, discussed what we currently understand about the coronavirus, and answered questions from callers. Ali Noorani, Executive Director for the National Immigration Forum, discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting immigrant communities and the U

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask listeners: how long can do you think you can self-quarantine? Legendary actor Alan Alda discussed his “Clear+Vivid” podcast, where he recently interviewed frequent BPR contributor Sy Montgomery. Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed the unique challenges facing Boston’s undocumented immigrants amid coronavirus, and the latest on how the pandemic is affecting local small businesses. Journalist Laura Sullivan discussed "Plastic Wars,” the latest Frontline film on plastic waste and the failures of the global recycling system. Heather Goldstone, Chief Communications officer at the Woods Hole Research Center, discussed the parallels between coronavirus and the climate crisis, and whether we ought to put our conservation efforts on hold while we focus on the pandemic. CNN’s John King discussed the government’s ongoing pandemic response, and the latest on the 2020 presidential race. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed the pos

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and who you trust to provide accurate information during confusing times. Writer and physician Dr. David Katz talked about his recent New York Times piece calling for a "surgical strike” approach to limiting fallout from COVID-19.  WGBH News Analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed how countries around the world are handling coronavirus, and the importance of maintaining strong local journalism. Washington Post columnist EJ Dionne discussed his latest book “Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save Our Country.” We opened our lines to talk with callers about coronavirus.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Monday press conference.  Sen. Elizabeth Warren called in to discuss Congress’ newly passed stimulus package, and assessed Trump Administration's COVID-19 response. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We aired live audio of Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference.  Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory discussed how the paper is adapting to cover the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Clayton Dalton, an ER doctor at MGH and writer for publications like the New Yorker, discussed the challenges hospitals are preparing to face as COVID-19 cases begin to spike.  Food writer Corby Kummer discussed how the pandemic is impacting the food service industry, and touted the role that grocery store clerks are playing in the current pandemic.  Rep. Steve Lynch called in to talk about the emergency stimulus bill before the House on Friday.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko offered some tricks of the trade for video chatting, and discussed how social media companies are handling misinformation on COVID-19. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed the how local art institutions are keeping programs alive, by moving online.  We opened our lines to ask: is your weekend still a weekend while you’re quarantined

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio *on Friday about the revival of 'victory gardens' during the coronavirus crisis. "Victory gardens in World War I and especially in World War II were promoted as ways to keep reserves from farms for fighting troops," he said. "And if you, the consumer, grew your own produce, you would be self-sufficient and allow the country's farmers' produce to be bought by the military and used for the war effort." Food supply anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic has caused a demand for personal gardens, Kummer noted. "Now 'victory gardens' are being revived to feed people," he said. "Even though the idea of self-sufficiency is very appealing, I would much rather be helping farmers trying to stay in business." *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.

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed the staggering spike in U.S. unemployment, and how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting candidates in the 2020 presidential race. We opened lines to ask you: is this $2 trillion stimulus package easing your worries about the economy? Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed whether prisons should be freeing certain detainees to protect them from COVID-19. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed Tom Brady’s dismissive coronavirus Instagram post, layoffs at TD Garden, and the postponing of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Former Mass. Secretary of Education Paul Reville discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting schools and colleges. We opened lines to talk with callers about how you’re doing in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. Mass Rep. Joe Kennedy offered some critique of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response, and broke down the latest on the emergency stim