Boston Public Radio Podcast

We started the show by asking listeners about the future of public beaches. Are private landowners buying up coastline and how can towns protect public beach access?  Chuck Todd gave us the latest out of Washington, including what’s going on with the potential Trump indictment. Andrea Cabral discussed local law & order headlines. This week it’s the anti-vax former cop who has been following Mayor Wu around in a car. There was also the story of worker exploitation by the owner of Stash’s Pizza, some MIT students who rescued a stolen dog and the Trump supporters who are likening his arrest to the crucifixion of Christ. Marcela Garcia weighed in on some of her latest pieces. She talked TikTok bans, teen mental health and Haitian migrants in need of local sponsors. Nancy Gertner brought her judicial background to the Trump indictment story. She also talked about a free speech case involving Jack Daniels and a parody chew-toy, plus the latest in the Fox v. Dominion suit. NPR television reviewer Eric Degga

Two animal rights activists charged with stealing two chickens from a truck headed for slaughter have just been acquitted, drawing attention to the cruelty of factory farming in America. According to Vox, the chickens — worth $8.16 each — were both severely ill and struggled to stand: One of the chickens (Ethan) died four days after the rescue, while the other (Jax) recovered after intensive veterinary care and now lives on a farm sanctuary. “Of course they wanted this to be publicized they set it up they wanted to be arrested and they wanted it to be brought to trial,” said Kummer. “It’s great, what the discovery led to in the trial. For example these animals were too sick to be slaughtered, they had bacteria in their systems that could’ve led to human illness.” 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

Sports betting is now legal in Massachusetts. We opened the phones to hear listener opinions. Are they concerned about the occasional gambler sliding to addict, or are they all-in on the potential to win big? Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed a company setting up shop in Massachusetts to offer full body scans powered by AI, and how Boston scientists are getting closer to growing human eggs in a lab. National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the potential Trump indictment and new reporting out of Uvalde that police feared the shooter’s “battle rifle.” Roger Berkowitz join Jim and Margery in the studio to talk about his new business Roger’s Fish Co., which launched earlier this month. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discussed the growth of Upham’s Corner, the sale of real estate in Newton forcing the closure of a Catholic school and how some Asian students in Boston Public Schools feel like an afterthought. Food policy writer Corby Kummer discussed the development of an American

The UN climate change report was released on Monday and we opened the lines to get listener’s reactions to impending climate disasters. NBC Sports Boston anchor/reporter Trenni Casey continues to cover March Madness and the slippery slope of placing online bets. Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition, discusses various transparency issues in the state, including Healey's pledge to be the most transparent governor, and a Supreme Judicial Court ruling in favor of the right to be rude at public meetings. Arlo Guthrie, folk singer-songwriter, joins via zoom ahead of an event at the Shubert Center April 1. GBH's Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen discusses Don Quixote at the Boston Ballet, and the Gardner celebrates the 33 year anniversary of their heist by closing down over the weekend because of a climate protest. CNN chief national correspondent John King joins via zoom for a politics segment. We closed the show with the discussion of the city’s proposal of the ba

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to ask listeners what their thoughts are surrounding the impending indictment of Former President Donald Trump. A national/local politics panel with Charlie Chieppo of Pioneer Institute and Michael Curry of Mass League of Community Health Centers & NAACP national board A transit panel with former transportation secretary Jim Aloisi & executive director of Livable Streets Stacy Thompson A discussion of the American banking system with Frontline correspondent James Jacoby, on their latest film “Age of Easy Money” All Rev’d Up on BPR, with Revs Irene Monroe and Emmett Price joined us again. Travel guru Rick Steves joins to discussed European travel in 2023, and specifically how the Netherlands is grappling with climate change. We wrapped up our show with discussion of expensive concert tickets and how the live music experience is slowly becoming exclusive to the affluent.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to ask listeners what their thoughts were on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision’s right to be rude at public meetings. Marty Baron joins us in person to talk about the state of journalism and the legacy behind him. Baron to be editor of the Globe before switching over to lead the Washington Post. He's in town wrapping up a two day fellowship award ceremony at Brandeis and has a book due out in October. Environmentalist Bill McKibben is back to discuss Biden’s approval of the Willow Project, and other climate change headlines. Comedian Fortune Feimster is touring her latest show, “Live Laugh Love!” She’ll be stopping by the Wilbur tonight and tomorrow. Callie Crossley is on to talk about SCOTUS oversight (and lack of it), a lawsuit involving Amazon stores and the collection of face data, “Naatu Naatu” winning best song at the Oscars, and debate over the best fast-food fish sandwich. Folks from Boston’s Metropolitan Chorale and the Celtic o

Today on Boston Public Radio: Are you a TikTok addict? We opened the lines to ask listeners about their thoughts on the proposed ban on TikTok in the United States. Chuck Todd NBC News’ political director joins for his weekly Washington roundup. Andrea Cabral discusses details around three fired Boston Police Department officers, plus Biden’s executive order on guns. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joins to talk about the SVB collapse and whether we need to bring back banking regulations, as well as student loan debt relief and more. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discusses mobile sports betting, MBTA/housing law enforcement, and SVB closure’s impact on Boston. Jacqueline Novak is a standup comedian and storyteller who’s been on Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers. She joined Boston Public Radio ahead of a weekend performance at The Wilbur. We ended the show by hearing from listeners about their favorite dog breeds and the special bond between human and K9.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Our show began by opening up the lines for our listeners to share if they believe our country is goin backwards as state legislatures fight to roll back trans and gay rights, reproductive rights, and child labor laws. GBH’s Jeremy Siegel and Nicci Kadilak of the Burlington Buzz join to discuss Jeremy’s reporting on local news Medical ethicist Art Caplan discusses the GOP trap of the COVID lab leak theory: He argues we should be talking about lousy security, underfunding, poor pay, etc in labs, not just “zoonotic spillover” Food policy writer Corby Kummer discusses the end of COVID SNAP benefits, and food makers pushing ‘sleep’ snacks (night cereal) Alejandra Caraballo, clinical instructor at Harvard Law’s cyberlaw clinic and a former staff attorney at the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, discusses pushes to roll back trans rights. Nick Quah, Vulture mag’s podcast critic discusses his favorite podcasts of the year so far, and delves into podcasting’s market shif

Today on Boston Public Radio: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined for “Ask the Mayor,” discussing the Globe's public records request stating that she does not use text for anything work related and taking listener calls. NBC Sports Boston anchor and reporter Trenni Casey discussed March Madness, online betting’s launch in Mass., and the Natural Selection snowboarding competition. GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen covered the MFA exhibiting enslaved Black potters’ work in ‘Hear Me Now’, the biggest showing of Vermeer paintings ever at the Rijksmuseum selling out, and U.S. Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally comments on suggestive Instagram photos. Lee Pelton, CEO & President of the Boston Foundation, discussed Boston’s reparations task force, and a new round of funding from TBF from the “Business Equity Fund”, and the high costs of childcare. John King joins for the latest political headlines including Biden's administration approval of The Willow Project. King is CNN’s chief National Correspondent and

Today on Boston Public Radio: We started off the show by asking listeners about their financial concerns following the U.S. bank failures. Jennifer Nassour & Jesse Mermell joined for a political panel and discussed Sen. Elizabeth Warren's comment on Boston Public Radio that made national headlines regarding her support for President Joe Biden's reelection. When asked if she would support Vice President Kamala Harris on the 2024 ticket, she said, “I really want to defer to what makes Biden comfortable on his team.” Soon after, she told GBH News that she “fully” supports a Biden-Harris ticket. Boston Globe columnist Renée Graham joined to discuss her latest columns, from Fox News and Tucker Carlson’s “big lies” to growing watching and loving the drag character Geraldine Jones played by Flip Wilson. She would even be allowed to stay up past her bedtime to watch this show. Matt Ruskin wrote and directed Hulu’s new movie focused on the two women who broke the Boston Strangler story. He came on Boston Pub

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to hear from listeners three years into COVID-19. Boston Medical Center’s Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discussed the real-world impact of corporations and big money on our health and wellness. GBH's Callie Crossley, host of Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, discussed the announcement this week from the Justice Department that Louisville Police Department routinely discriminates against Black residents. The Department of Justice investigated the police department in the wake of Breonna Taylor's killing in 2020. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed the ethics of medical tourism. He’s 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. Sue O’Connell discussed Tennessee's push to revoke marriage equality. She's the co-publisher of Bay Windows and South End News, and contributor to Current, on NBC L-X and NECN. We heard from the LGBT-centered chorus Coro

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd joined for his weekly roundup of political news. We opened the lines to hear from listeners about the housing crisis, as Boston City Council approved Mayor Wu's rent control proposal this week. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung joined to discuss We re-aired a conversation Jim and Margery had with former president Jimmy Carter from 2014, about his book "A Call To Action." Former education secretary Paul Reville discussed Governor Healey's call for tuition-free community college. Jazz singer Nnenna Freelon and violinist Chelsey Green joined the show ahead of their concert Friday as part of the Boston celebrity series. For more information, go to CelebritySeries.org. We ended the show by hearing from listeners about mess. Are you, like Marie Kondo, rethinking the so-called lifechanging magic of cleaning up?

Today on Boston Public Radio: We started the show by opening the lines to hear from listeners about a backslide of women’s rights, on International Women's Day. Joseph Feaster, chair of Boston's Reparations Task Force, joined with task force member Carrie Mays to discuss their work. National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the latest news on four Americans kidnapped in Mexico, two were found dead; Fox News lying to its viewers about the 2020 election; and CPAC's radicalization. GBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed impressionist artists of the 1800s giving us a climate change warning in their blurred landscapes; and a roundup of arts and culture events to explore in and around Boston. GBH Reporter Liz Neisloss discussed her reporting on Everett's school committee not renewing their superintendent of schools' contract, amid a broader culture of discrimination and retribution allegations against City Hall. Naturalist and author Sy Montgomery joined to discuss her recent trip swimming w

Fox News host Tucker Carlson aired “new” footage from the Jan. 6 riot using it to downplay violence and further the narrative that “mainstream media” has lied. How do we confront the alternative facts movement around the Jan. 6 insurrection? We opened the phone lines to hear from listeners. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox joined BPR for the first time to discuss reform initiatives and a rise in violence in Boston Public Schools. Commissioner Cox also commented on why the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency has not sustained civilian complaints against the police department. Trenni Casey discussed the Celtics blowing a massive point lead against the Nets; the Bruins being the team to beat this year; and a juicy anonymous survey from the NFL Players Association. Carol Rose discussed why Walgreens is pulling abortion pills from its stores in some states that have threatened legal action, President Biden’s new asylum restrictions and a story in the Boston Globe about local elected officials

We started the show to get the listener's thoughts on “do nothing days.” Are they happier for setting aside time for nothing, or are they dedicated to their to-do list? Michael Curry discussed the 300,000 people likely to be dropped from MassHealth this year, and Black employees, vendors, and convention guests alleging discrimination by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. Corby Kummer examined the allegations of ‘cookie espionage’ at a shop in Central Square, the future of SNAP food assistance and the restaurant kitchen fee trend.   Evan Horowitz from the Center for State Policy Analysis, delved into Gov. Healey’s budget and tax package.  Christopher Muther discussed a new low-cost airline running from Boston to London this fall and how Montreal has embraced winter into its city culture.  The Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III discussed President Biden’s visit to Selma to mark the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. How much would you throw down to snag an exclusive adults-only pla

Outdoor dining in Boston remains a contentious issue this year, as Mayor Michelle Wu released plans that curtail what restaurants in the North End are allowed to offer. “This is bedeviling a lot of cities,” said Corby Kummer on Boston Public Radio on Monday, citing ongoing debates in New York City about traffic and trash concerns. Last year, North End businesses were required to pay an extra fee for al fresco dining. This year’s plan limits North End businesses to outdoor space only on sidewalks, and only those of “adequate” width, according to the Boston Globe. The Globe’s Editorial Board also published a piece calling for the city to make the North End a pedestrian zone for the summer to allow North End restaurants to offer more outdoor dining on par with the rest of the city. “I think the access should be equalized for all parts,” said Kummer. "The Globe is saying one-way traffic is one thing in the summer, shut it down, make it a pedestrian zone. That’s a great idea in principle, but you try re-routi

Today on Boston Public Radio, live from the Boston Public Library: South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh was found for guilty of the murder of his wife and son. We opened the phone lines to hear from listeners about their thoughts on the verdict. Shirley Leung discusses Healey’s tax proposal, Wu’s plan to revitalize downtown Boston, and the new leadership at MassBio and John Hancock. Callie Crossley discusses Melvin B. Miller passing the torch over at the Bay State Banner, Brian Flores’ discrimination case against the NFL, diverse casting in Disney’s Peter Pan remake, and her excitement for the return of McDonald’s Shamrock Shake and her love for Breakfast all day. James Bennett II talks Cocaine Bear, Academy Award categories that deserve more recognition, A.R.T’s “The Wife of Willesden,” a women in cartography exhibit on the BPL, and the Celebrity Series of Boston Jazz Festival. Vincent Pastore who played “Big Pussy” on the Sopranos joins to reflect on the show before his Sopranos Q&A with a few other

Today on Boston Public Radio, live from the Boston Public Library: We opened the phone lines to hear from listeners about the future of automation and what it means for their careers and livelihoods. Nancy Gertner gave us the rundown on the latest legal headlines, including the Supreme Court’s opinion on student loans, and a case on whether the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is constitutional. Judge Gertner also reflected on a recent Texas judge’s ruling on abortion pills. Gov. Maura Healey joined live from the Boston Public Library for “Ask the Governor.” She answered questions on her new tax plan & budget, housing, Massachusetts State Police reform, transparency, the new Black Empowerment Council, plus climate & MBTA dysfunction. Alison King & Shira Stoll from NBC News talked about their series “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of New Hampshire.” President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden recently dined at The Red Hen in DC and ordered the same meal. Is this weird to order the exact s

It’s official! Jim and Margery have been on the GBH airwaves for 10 years. To celebrate their tin anniversary, we’re publishing their first-ever show as hosts of Boston Public Radio. Take a listen to see how much has changed – and how much hasn’t – with guests Rep. Stephen Lynch, political analysts Peter Kadzis and Todd Domke, Harvard’s Daniel Shrag, GBH’s Jared Bowen and culture reporter Joyce Kulhawik. An enormous thank-you to all you listeners who’ve with us over the last decade! Looking at you, John in Gardner.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Reuters recently documented 220 instances of death threats and harassment against school board members. We opened the lines to hear thoughts from teachers, students, and everyone in between. Juliette Kayyem discuss her latest column on how Musk destroyed “disaster response Twitter” and clears up the facts surrounding the COVID lab leak theory. She also touched on Murdoch's acknowledgement on Fox News hosts endorsing election fraud lies. Kayyem was former assistant secretary for homeland security under President Barack Obama, and is faculty chair of the homeland-security program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. For the remainder of the show, we were on tape replaying some of our favorite recent conversations with Satirist Andy Borowitz; Drag queen Nina West – also known as Andrew Levitt; Elle Simone Scott from America’s Test Kitchen and Ray Angry, keyboardist for the legendary Roots.