Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: MassINC Polling Group President Steve Kozcela discussed his organization's latest polling around how Mass. residents are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We opened our lines to ask: how do you handle interactions where people don’t follow social distancing norms?  CNN analyst and national security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed her latest piece for The Atlantic, where she predicts that American could be in lockdown for the next 18 months.  Medical ethicist Art Caplan gave his reaction to President Trump’s latest statements about re-opening the U.S. economy by Easter.  Partners in Health Co-Founder Dr. Paul Farmer discussed the world's preparedness in confronting the coronavirus pandemic, and took questions from listeners. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to hear your reactions to the president floating the idea of re-opening the U.S. economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Robert Kuttner, professor at Brandeis and co-founder of American-Prospect, discussed his latest writing for the New York Times on how the U.S. government's response to the COVID-19 epidemic could send our economy into a major depression.  We opened lines to callers to talk about coronavirus and how you’re faring in the midst of the pandemic.  We aired live audio of Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker’s public address on the state’s pandemic response.  Shannon Liss-Riordan, founding member of the Lichten & Liss-Riordan law firm, discussed protections that workers have amid the Coronavirus outbreak when it comes to paid sick leave and compensation. Lyndia Downie, president and executive director of the Pine Street Inn, discussed how her organization is supporting Boston’s homeless population throughout the pandemic.  CNN’s John King discussed t

Today on Boston Public Radio: Media Maven Sue O’Connell weighed in on how state officials and the Trump Administration are handling the coronavirus pandemic. We opened our lines to check in on callers, asking how you’re doing in these worrisome times.  Dr. Thomas Tsai, surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, discussed the latest news on how hospitals are preparing for the expected surge in COVID-19 cases.  TV expert Bob Thompson discussed how COVID-19 is changing the TV landscape, from late-night shows broadcasting from home to ESPN’s coverage of stone skipping and sign twirling.  We re-opened lines to hear your opinions on whether a full-scale shutdown is the best way the handle the COVID-19 pandemic.  Journalist and author Sy Montgomery discussed the ways pets and zoo animals are keeping us sane through stay-at-home measures.  We opened our lines once more to continue the COVID conversation with listeners. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Sandro Galea, Dean of BU’s School of Public Health, discussed what we can expect from the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming months, and answered listener questions about the coronavirus.  “Beat the Press” host Emily Rooney discussed the media’s coverage of COVID-19, and gave her weekly list of fixations and fulminations.  Boston Mayor Marty Walsh gave an update on how Boston is dealing with the outbreak, and answered caller questions. Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Boston’s economy.  Environmental journalist Bill McKibben talked about what the current pandemic signals in the context of the ongoing climate crisis.  “Under the Radar” host Callie Crossley broke down the inherent racism of the president’s characterization of the coronavirus as the "Chinese Virus."

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the coronavirus pandemic.  We aired live audio from the President’s daily coronavirus task force briefing.  NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed President Trump’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and how it could impact his 2020 re-election campaign.  Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey called in to discuss the resources her office has made available to help those struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed the impact of coronavirus on Boston’s local art scene.  Maura Healey called back to talk about her office’s “COVID Hub” resource for anyone with questions about legal protections amid the coronavirus outbreak.  We re-opened our lines to talk about the COVID-19 pandemic with listeners.  Rep. Ayanna Pressley called in to discuss how she and others in Washington are working to provide federal aid for Americans struggling financially because of the coronav

Today on Boston Public Radio: Sen. Ed Markey called in to discuss the national impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and what he’s doing to help lessen the crisis.   We opened lines to talk with callers about everything to do with the coronavirus.  We aired live audio of President Trump’s coronavirus task force briefing.  We re-opened our lines to continue the coronavirus conversation with listeners.  Ali Noorani, Executive Director for the National Immigration Forum, discussed President Trump’s characterization of COVID-19 as the "Chinese Virus.” Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed the big ethical dilemma for Americans stuck in quarantine: should you be avoiding sex?

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with callers about the coronavirus outbreak.  NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek talked Tom Brady’s announcement that he’ll be leaving the Patriots, andthe latest on the sports world’s response to COVID-19.  We re-opened our lines to continue the coronavirus conversation with listeners.  We aired live audio of President Trump’s coronavirus task force briefing.  Former Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi and Chris Dempsey, Director of Transportation for Massachusetts, discussed the MBTA’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and whether clearer roads might nudge state lawmakers to consider congestion pricing.  We re-opened our lines to talk with listeners about coronavirus.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s press conference on the state’s coronavirus response.  We took a break to continue our coronavirus conversation with listeners.  CNN’s John King broke down Tuesday’s press conference, talked Tuesday’s Democratic p

Today on Boston Public Radio: Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone explained how he and other Massachusetts mayors are confronting the coronavirus outbreak.  We opened our lines to talk with callers about your experiences dealing with the coronavirus.  WGBH News Analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott explained the virus’ global impact, and how other countries are dealing with the outbreak.  TV expert Bob Thompson discussed the best TV to watch while you’re social distancing.  We re-opened our lines to talk with callers about the coronavirus.  Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius explained how city schools are dealing with coronavirus, and what she’s doing to ensure that all kids can access meals amid school cancellations.  Boston restaurateur Tiffani Faison discussed the impact of coronavirus on Boston's food industry, and how her restaurants are accommodating the city through the outbreak.  Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, who also leads the Massachusetts Sheriff

Today on Boston Public Radio: Bina Venkataraman, former chief policy advisor on the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology under President Obama, discussed the latest news on coronavirus. Rep. Joe Kennedy discussed the state’s response to coronavirus, and how it’s impacting his campaign for Senate. *Beat the Press *host Emily Rooney talked about the media’s coverage of coronavirus and gave her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey joined us for our monthly edition of “Ask the AG.” Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed the impact coronavirus is poised to have on Boston’s economy. Under the Radar host Callie Crossley discussed “Race to Dinner,” a program that hosts conversations about racism for wealthy white liberal women over dinner. Moe Isaza and Matt Conner of Teeling Whiskey joined us for our weekly news quiz.

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd weighed in on the Trump administration’s handling of coronavirus, and Tuesday night’s Democratic primaries.  Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, medical director of the Special Pathogens Unit at B.U.’s School of Medicine, talked about coronavirus and took questions from listeners.  Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the 23-year prison sentence for disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, and the threat coronavirus poses to prison populations. Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam talked about how the rich are prepping for coronavirus, and his latest Globe piece on the popularity of Bernie Sanders in the wealthy city of Newton.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed best methods for sanitizing your tech, and news that Amazon will begin selling their cashier-less "Go” system to retailers.  Former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville explained how schools and universities are responding to cor

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the phone lines and asked our listeners to weigh in on the Democratic presidential primary. MIT Economics Professor Jonathan Gruber discussed President Trump’s economic proposals for handling COVID-19. Juliette Kayyem discussed various responses to containing COVID-19. Kayyem is a 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. Medical ethicist Art Caplan provided some insight about how to handle the spread of COVID-19. Caplan is the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty chair and director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU’s Langone Medical Center. Jenifer McKim joined us to discuss her recent reporting on homeless students in Massachusetts. Dr. Robin Cook joined us to share his thoughts on COVID-19. Jared Bowen discussed the impact COVID-19 has had on the local arts community. Bowen is WGBH’s Executive Arts Editor.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask listeners: are you buying into the coronavirus hype? NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed how anxieties around coronavirus are impacting the world of sports, and the positive impact that napping has on athlete recovery. Sheila Hemani and Pete Miraglia from Draper Labs discussed their "Globe Initiative Challenge," which seeks to boost research on microplastics and coral reef restoration. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed a surge in food delivery orders amid coronavirus anxiety, and the heightened risks posed to delivery drivers. Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins joined to discuss her first year in office, the February attack on two Spanish-speaking East Boston residents, and take questions from callers. CNN’s John King discussed the latest headlines around coronavirus and Tuesday’s primaries. We re-opened our lines to ask callers: who would you like to see as vice president on the Democratic ticket in November?

In the time of coronavirus, we all still have to eat. As people fear gathering in large spaces, online food delivery orders are going up, but food writer Corby Kummer told Boston Public Radio on Tuesday there's likely no benefit to online ordering, in fact you may just be putting the couriers at risk. Kummer said various companies are instituting protocols to leave food at the door, instead of interacting directly with customers. "One irony is, people who are ordering are really worried about coming into contact with these deliverers, so they're saying 'Keep them out I don't want them contaminating me,'" said Kummer. "But it’s much more dangerous for the workers because they're going to house after house, door knob after door knob." While you may be able to control more external factors in your own home than in a restaurant, the food prepared through an online order still goes through the same preparation it would through a seated restaurant experience. "People think when they get online food delivery it'

Today on Boston Public Radio: Shannon O’Brien and Charlie Chieppo joined us for a politics roundup, covering the latest on coronavirus and the 2020 presidential race. We opened our lines to ask callers: do you think President Trump’s coronavirus response will impact his chances at re-election in November?  WGBH News Analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed the latest headlines around the peace deal between the U.S. and the Taliban, and talk about the possibility of a unified Ireland.  WGBH’s Senior Investigative Reporter Phillip Martin broke down his reporting on the controversial relationship between M.I.T. and Russian technology institute Skoltech.  Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed a D.C. church rector who tested positive for coronavirus, and Rev. Jesse Jackson’s endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders.  TV writer Bob Thompson discussed the end of “Judge Judy” and reviewed Hulu’s "the Devs.”  We re-opened our lines to ask callers whether

On Friday, food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio to discuss a recent article in "The Conversation," positing that city rat populations could be lowered not by increasing the use of rodenticides, but by wasting less food. "This a story saying, stop wasting so much food. Be a lot more careful about throwing out food, and be a lot more careful when you do throw it out,” Kummer said. In January, Malibu, Calif., banned rodenticides in an attempt to protect the local non-rat wildlife. A bill to make that ban statewide failed to pass the state Senate, but may reappear. Boston, meanwhile, continues to use rodenticides. Read More: Rethinking The Way We Handle Rats “Rats are like people,” Kummer said. “They like exactly the same food that people do, and in fact they have evolved in different countries — in Paris … they like butter, cheese and croissants!” (Readers will of course recall the iconic New York City Pizza Rat, who went viral in 2015.) “[Rats] like what people dump and put into open garbag

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask callers: would you enjoy a two week self-quarantine?  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed a slew of ways that coronavirus fears have impacted the tech sector. Emily Rooney, host of WGBH News' Beat The Press, discussed the departure of anchor Chris Matthews from MSNBC, and read us for her famous list of fixations and fulminations. “Under the Radar” host Callie Crossley discussed Bernie Sanders' role in the split-up of Public Enemy, and why the Southern Black voters voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden on Super Tuesday. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed fine dining as art at a New York restaurant, and Coca-Cola’s acquisition of Honest Tea. Media maven Sue O’Connell discussed the legacy of Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, and the coming out of former GOP Rep. Aaron Schock.  Gilbert Tsang and Meg Tartaskyof MEM Tea imports joined us for our weekly news quiz.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Washington Post reporter Annie Linskey reflected on the end of Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. We opened our lines to continue the conversation about Elizabeth Warren’s election bid. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed ICE agents on Peter Pan buses and Chief Justice John Roberts’ rebuke of statements by Sen. Chuck Schumer. Heather Goldstone, Chief Communications officer at the Woods Hole Research Center, discussed Jeff Bezos’ climate change pledge, and the role climate change has played in this winter's unusually warm weather. Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung talked about the impact of coronavirus on Boston’s economy, and the passing of business executive Jack Welch. Director James Jacoby discussed his latest "Frontline" documentary, "Amazon Empire: The Rise and Reign of Jeff Bezos." Alex Beam talked about Harvey Weinstein’s prison consultant, and the passing of architect Henry Cobb. We re-opened lines to

Today on Boston Public Radio: Jennifer Nassour and Steve Kerrigan joined us for a political roundtable. Nassour is a former Chairwoman of the Mass GOP and founder of Conservative Women For A Better Future, and Kerrigan is the CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center and former CEO of the DNC. We opened our lines to talk with callers about the Super Tuesday results.  CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed the vegan protestors at Tuesday night's Joe Biden rally, and gave a primer on coronavirus preparedness.  Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed President Trump’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, and the ethical argument for cognitive tests for the elderly.  We opened our lines to talk with callers about your strategies for not touching your face.  NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek recapped the latest rumors around Tom Brady’s future in the NFL, and the International Olympic Committee’s decision to not postpone the Tokyo games amid coronavirus worries.  WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bo

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with callers about your experiences voting on Super Tuesday. Former Trump 2016 Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski weighed in on Super Tuesday, and commented on recent statements from Donald Trump Jr., on the politicization of the coronavirus.  We returned to listener calls, to talk about who you’re voting for. Carol Rose from the ACLU broke down some of the 25 voting rights cases they’re currently fighting in court. Director Sarah Burns and Aseelah Muhammed from the new Ken Burns documentary “East Lake Meadows” discussed the film, which centers around a housing project on the outskirts of Atlanta.  Rep. Stephen Lynch called in to advocate for former Vice President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. CNN’s John King gave his thoughts on Joe Biden’s surging campaign, and other Super Tuesday headlines. Former Massachusetts governor and 2020 Republican presidential candidate Bill Weld called in to make his case for voters. We re-opened our lin

Today on Boston Public Radio: Joanna Weiss of Experience Magazine and WGBH News' Adam Reilly joined us for a politics roundup, discussing the South Carolina primary and what to expect on Super Tuesday. Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of BU’s School of Public Health, discussed all things coronavirus, including the slew of misconceptions surrounding it. Mass. Cannabis Control Commission Chair Steven Hoffman discussed the state of legal cannabis in Massachusetts, and took questions from callers. We opened the lines to talk with callers about your thoughts on the 2020 race ahead of Super Tuesday. Mass. Senator Elizabeth Warren phoned in to make her pitch to voters ahead of Super Tuesday. We re-opened lines to continue the Super Tuesday conversation. Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed Joe Biden’s win in South Carolina, and a scrapped memorial to Boston's history with slavery at Faneuil Hall. WGBH News Analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed a deter