Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by talking with listeners about the two-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, and current dysfunction in Congress. Lyndia Downie weighed in on Gov. Maura Healey’s plans to support the homeless through supportive housing. Downie is the president and executive director for the Pine Street Inn. Callie Crossley talked about Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin’s collapse under cardiac arrest earlier this week during the Bills-Bengals NFL game. Crossley is the host of “Under the Radar,” which you can catch Sunday nights on 89-7 at 6 p.m. She’s also the host of “Basic Black,” which airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Her “Callie Commentaries” can be heard on Mondays for GBH’s “Morning Edition. Andrea Cabral shared her thoughts on how Attorney General-elect Andrea Campbell may handle an appeal against the dismissal of criminal charges for leaders of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, where at least 76 veterans died from COVID-19. Cabral is the former Suffolk County she

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC’s Chuck Todd zoomed in to discuss Republican Kevin McCarthy’s repeated failures to secure the support of his party to become the next Speaker of the House. He also discussed how the concessions McCarthy’s made to rally support could affect his ability to control legislative debates if he is voted in. Chuck Todd is the Moderator of Meet the Press, host of Meet the Press Daily on MSNBC, and the Political Director for NBC news. Then we took our listener’s calls about how they feel regarding the ability of this Congress to effectively legislate for the next two years in the wake of the Republican’s inability to choose a leader. Then we broke programming and broadcast President Joe Biden’s announcement that he is expanding the government's efforts to deport immigrants who cross the U.S. southern border illegally Following President Biden's remarks, Boston Globe Business Columnist Shirley Leung came on to discuss her interviews with local reporters Janet Wu and Alison King on t

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rep. Ayanna Pressley discussed her priorities for 2023 with a Republican majority in the House of Representatives, and shared her thoughts on Tuesday’s failed House Speaker vote. Congresswoman Pressley represents Massachusetts’ 7th district. Then, we opened the phone lines, talking with listeners about the turbulent start to this year’s Congressional session. Marcela García weighed in on how more immigration could help America’s growing economic problems, and concerns over user security on TikTok. García is an associate editor and columnist for the Boston Globe. Former State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz discussed the latest news from Beacon Hill. Chang-Díaz is a former State Senator for Mass. and a former public school teacher. She was the first Latina and first Asian-American State Senator in Mass. history. Jared Bowen talked about the upcoming Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and the American adaptation of “A Man Called Otto.” Bowen is GBH News’ executive art

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by asking listeners whether they’re optimistic or pessimistic for the year to come. Trenni Casey updated us on the status of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who collapsed mid-game on Monday under cardiac arrest. She also shared her thoughts on broader safety concerns in the world of sports, from lacrosse to hockey. Casey is an anchor and reporter with NBC Sports Boston, and a BPR contributor. Juliette Kayyem weighed in on a recent attack in New York, where a man from Maine attacked police officers in Times Square with a machete. She also dissected Republican Rep. George Santos' various lies, and shared how a potential re-opening of a criminal investigation into his past by Brazilian officials could complicate his time in Congress. 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. Gina McCarthy discussed the future of cli

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by talking with listeners about the many lies and controversies of Republican Rep.-elect George Santos. Michael Curry shared his thoughts on Gov. Charlie Baker’s legacy, and Massachusetts’ new Behavioral Health Help Line. Curry is the president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. He’s also a member of the National NAACP Board of Directors, where he chairs the board’s Advocacy & Policy Committee. He serves on Governor-elect Maura Healey’s transition team, and Attorney General-elect Andrea Campbell’s transition team. Charlie Sennott discussed the life and death of Pope Benedict, and the passing of legendary journalist Barbara Walters. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and editor-in-chief of the Ground Truth Project. Kara Baskin talked about societal judgment for mothers foregoing breastfeeding, and managing your emotions as a parent. Baskin writes about food and parenting for Boston Globe. Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price II

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by talking with listeners about the future of Twitter and TikTok, as the social media platforms face increasing scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers. Jeremy Siegel and Sonja Tengblad explained how the development of Logan Airport destroyed a Frederick Law Olmsted park, and shared how East Boston residents face negative health impacts as a result. Siegel is a co-host on GBH’s Morning Edition. Tengblad is a coordinator with the group Mothers Out Front – East Boston. Andrea Cabral discussed changes to mental healthcare for those incarcerated in Mass. correctional facilities. Cabral is the former sheriff of Suffolk County and former secretary of public safety here in the Commonwealth. Andy Ihnatko talked about increasing scrutiny of TikTok by members of Congress. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger. Shirley Leung shared her thoughts on Mayor Michelle Wu’s distant relationship with Boston’s business community, and supportive housing for those experiencing chronic homeles

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by asking our listener's if they've continued to follow the news from Ukraine as Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy prepared to meet U.S. President Joe Biden. Arthur Caplan came on to discuss a study which found that residents living in conservative parts of the country were more likely to experience higher levels of illness and death related to COVID-19. He also discussed how conservative policies on immigration is affecting staffing levels at nursing homes. Arthur 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. Juliete Kayyem discussed how the Supreme Court has temporarily upheld a Trump-era policy known as Title 42. The immigration policy allows the federal governemnt to deport undocumented immigrants based on public health grounds. Kayyem is former assistant secretary for homeland security under President Barack Obama, and the faculty ch

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by talking with listeners about yesterday’s Jan. 6 committee hearing, focusing on criminal referrals for former President Donald Trump. Jenny Slate and Ben Shattuck talked about the Golden Globes nomination for “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” and the legacy of Henry David Thoreau. Slate is a comedian, an alum of shows like “Parks and Rec,” “Saturday Night Live,” and the filmmaker behind “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” Shattuck is a writer, the author of “Six Walks in the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau,” and co-owner of Davoll’s General Store in South Dartmouth. Governor-elect and Attorney General Maura Healey discussed her focus on keeping innovation in Mass. competitive, and prioritizing climate policy in order to meet the state’s climate goals. She also answered listeners’ questions during “Ask the Governor-elect.” Jared Bowen shared his thoughts on Damien Chazelle’s film “Babylon,” and the Front Porch Arts Collective’s play “Chicken & Biscuits.”

We opened the show by taking our listeners’ calls about the final public hearing held by the January 6th Committee. The Congressional panel voted to ask the Department of Justice to charge former President Donald Trump with crimes related to the attack on the Capitol. NBC Sports Reporter Trenni Casey discussed the dramatic conclusion to the World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina beat France via penalty kicks. She then contrasted that victory with the utter debacle of the final play between the Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Casey is an anchor and reporter with NBC Sports Boston, and a Boston Public Radio contributor. Charlie Sennott talked about the latest developments in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also discussed the return of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and how his far-right leaning government under his control will likely derail any form of peace talks between Palestine and Israel. Sennott is the founder and editor-in-chief of the GroundTruth Project and a GBH News Anal

Today on Boston Public Radio: David Leonard joined the show to talk about book-banning attempts across the country. Leonard has been president of the Boston Public Library since 2016. We opened our phone lines and heard from listeners about their thoughts on former President Donald Trump’s new line of NFTs — like this one that imagines him dressed as a wrestler, going for $99. Callie Crossley discussed Harvard’s new president Claudine Gay, a settlement for Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend and more. Crossley is the host of GBH’s Basic Black and Under the Radar with Callie Crossley. Tony Williams and Khalid Hill from “Urban Nutcracker” joined the show to talk about the 2022 edition of their show and gave us a very special tap-dancing performance. The show runs from December 17th to the 23rd at the Shubert Theatre in Boston. Sue O’Connell dug into the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act by President Joe Biden, a hot-mic moment for New Zealand’s prime minister and more. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Wi

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by talking with listeners about getting to know your neighbors. Shirley Leung talked about the housing groups calling for $3.2 billion in aid for Mass. renters, and concern over sports betting at Plainridge Park Casino due to the casino’s connection with Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy. Leung is a business columnist for The Boston Globe. Andrea Cabral discussed Jack Smith’s appointment to special counsel for the Department of Justice’s investigations into former President Donald Trump. She also talked about FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s recent arrest in the Bahamas. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and the former secretary of public safety. Jared Bowen shared his latest local arts and cultural rundown, focusing on “Torch Song” at The Moonbox Theatre and “Life of Pi,” adapted for Broadway. Bowen is GBH’s executive arts editor. Brian and Lindsay O’Donovan, Jenna Worden, and Karan Casey joined us to discuss this year’s “A Christmas Celtic So

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by talking with listeners about the debate over Christmas trees in public spaces. Jon Abbott weighed in on the future of public media as his tenure at GBH comes to a close. Abbott is GBH’s outgoing President and CEO. Sen. Ed Markey discussed the need for stronger tech regulations, and Congress’ omnibus spending bill. Michelle Singletary explained how listeners can manage gift-giving expectations when they’re in debt. Singletary is a nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, whose award-winning column, "The Color of Money,"  provides insight into the world of personal finance.  Her latest book is: “What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide.” Art Caplan talked about the military’s vaccine mandate rollback, and a recent survey on physicians’ attitudes towards treating anti-vaxxers. 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

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our show with a call-in segment, asking listeners about their thoughts regarding the recent spike in COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases, and if they are choosing to mask again. Nancy Gertner discussed the latest news coming out of the U.S. Supreme Court and former President Donald Trump’s legal woes. Gertner is a retired federal judge and a senior lecturer at Harvard Law School. Trenni Casey joined the show to talk about the sudden death of American journalist Grant Wahl in Qatar, and the return of Brittney Griner from Russia. Casey is a sports anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined us for this month's edition of “Ask the Mayor.” She fielded questions from listeners at home and members of the audience at the Boston Public Library. Wu has been the mayor of Boston since her election in 2021. Comedian Chris Fleming joined the show ahead of his performance at the Wilbur on Dec. 17. We closed the show with Jim and Jared's thoughts regardin

Local restaurateur Garrett Harker announced the return of long-beloved Boston restaurant Eastern Standard in 2023, just down the street from the original restaurant. The famous Kenmore Square establishment — along with Harker’s Island Creek Oyster Bar, and Hawthorne — shuttered in 2021 after negotiations with their landlord fell through. “This is just fantastic news,” award-winning food writer Corby Kummer told Boston Public Radio on Monday, “But what’s great about Eastern Standard is you could go at any time with any mix of people, and having restaurants creates that sort of equalizing effect in a city, from the most elite, rich people to families just out for a really good time.” 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.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the show by taking calls from our listeners to ask if they are returning to public transit following the grand opening of a new branch on the Green Line. The Medford branch connects Tufts University to downtown Somerville. Washington Post Columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr. discussed some of his latest columns, including his plea to conservative Christians to change their mind on same-sex marriage. He also discussed Senator Kyrsten Sinema's decision to switch her party registration. Stephanie Leydon and Frances Amador of City Life/Vida Urbana discussed the latest installment of "Priced Out,” a GBH News series covering the rising rental costs in Boston, and the tenants organizing for the right to stay housed. Food Policy writer Corby Kummer discusses the return of the restaurant Eastern Standard, free school lunches for children, an angry Olive Garden manager and "Pilk.” Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III talk about the end of Trevor Noah's tenure on "The Daily Show,

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by asking listeners for their thoughts on Brittney Griner’s homecoming. Shirley Leung discussed her latest columns on fighting homelessness and “not in my backyard” sentiments as well as local ties to FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe. Callie Crossley gave her thoughts on the latest in culture: Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez being investigated by the House ethics committee, and Bill Cosby being sued for sexual assault and drugging. Crossley is the host of GBH's Under the Radar and Basic Black. Sue O’Connell talked about Brittney Griner’s release from prison, and the recent affair between the hosts of Good Morning America. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and South End News, and contributor to Current on NBC LX and NECN. Jacques Pepin chatted about his career, and gave us some insight into the process behind his new book “Art of the Chicken.” Pépin is a chef, author and PBS contributor. Cha

Today on "Boston Public Radio" : NBC's Chuck Todd zoomed in to discuss how Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock's victory over Republican candidate Herschel Walker in Georgia was the latest sign that former President Donald Trump's brand of conservatism is waning in popularity. He also discussed the latest upheaval to the media industry following the closing of the Washington Post Magazine, a strike at the New York Times and the continuing closures of local newspapers under control by large conglomerates. Chuck Todd is the Moderator of Meet the Press, host of Meet the Press Daily on MSNBC, and the Political Director for NBC News. We then held a call-in segment, where our listeners talked about where they receive their news and how they miss the local coverage provided by smaller newspapers. Governor Charlie Baker came into the studio for his last segment of "Ask the Governor" on BPR before he leaves office in January. He talked about how he doesn't own a car and is confused by newer models, some of his pr

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by talking with listeners about recent criminal charges against members of the Trump Organization, and potential criminal referrals from the Jan. 6 Committee. Michael Curry argued for a statewide strategy in maintaining hospital bed expansions. Curry is the President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. He’s also a Member of the National NAACP Board of Directors, where he chairs the board’s Advocacy & Policy Committee. He also serves on Governor-elect Maura Healey’s transition team, and Attorney General-elect Andrea Campbell’s transition team. Juliette Kayyem discussed the arrest of multiple people in Germany for planning to overthrow the government, and an attack on a power grid in North Carolina that has left tens of thousands without power for days. 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 Gov

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse discussed dark money’s influence on the Supreme Court. Sen. Whitehouse’s latest book is “The Scheme: How The Right Wing Used Dark Money To Capture the Supreme Court.” Then, we opened the phone lines, continuing our conversation on the Supreme Court with listeners. Lee Pelton talked about the Boston Foundation’s Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report, which finds that Boston is behind in its goals for carbon emissions. Pelton is the president and CEO of The Boston Foundation. Next, we spoke with listeners about charitable donations during the holiday season. Carol Rose shared her analysis of the Supreme Court’s hearing of a case involving a Christian graphic designer arguing that she has the right to refuse serve same-sex couples on religious grounds. She also discussed alleged case leaks from Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. Rose is the executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. John King updated us

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rep. Seth Moulton discussed last week’s vote to impose a labor agreement on U.S. rail workers, and why he feels Congress ought to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act to protect refugees from deportation. We opened our lines to ask viewers about their thoughts regarding the challenges of building high-speed rail lines in Massachusetts and the state of this mode of transportation locally and nationally. Sean P. Murphy discussed a handful of consumer advocacy issues addressed in his “Fine Print” columns for the Boston Globe. Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett Price III reflected on former President Trump’s faltering relationship with the Jewish community, and recent reporting on Christian church services in Qatar. Jamie Morton, James Cooper and Alice Levine of the UK podcast “My Dad Wrote a Porno” talked about the climactic close to their six-season podcast, which airs next week. We closed the show asking listeners about their thoughts on self-checkout kiosks.