Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan weighs in on the latest with COVID as states drop mask mandates and pushes to legalize psychedelic-assisted therapies. 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. Then, we ask listeners their thoughts on the end of mask mandates and the state of the pandemic. Juliette Kayyem explains the latest on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 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. Her forthcoming book is: “The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters.” Corby Kummer talks about Chef Jose Andres feeding Ukrainian refugees, people forcing dietary restrictions on their pets and the death of Legal Seafoods founder George Berkowitz. Kummer is executive director of the Food and Society policy program at

Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by asking listeners their latest thoughts on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Trenni Kusnierek talks about how the sports world is responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and a Swedish speed skater giving his Olympic gold medal to the daughter of a Swedish publisher detained in China. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, she’s also a BPR contributor. Christine Abely explains what the sanctions against Russia are, how they work and the effect they have. Abely teaches international business transactions and contracts at New England Law in Boston.  Lee Pelton weighs in on the reparations bill the U.S. House of Representatives is considering, and what he would like to see from Boston’s new Superintendent. Pelton is the President and CEO of The Boston Foundation. Dorothy Stover discusses why she’s bringing a proposal to make all beaches in Nantucket topless. Stover is a Nantucket-based sex educator, and the advocate behind Nantucket Top

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners their reactions to the latest news from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. EJ Dionne weighs in on the increasingly violent Russian invasion of Ukraine. Dionne is a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution. His latest book is “Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save Our Country.” Elizabeth Turnbull Henry updates listeners on where the state stands on its emissions goals, and why Massachusetts is falling behind and running out of time. Henry is president of the Environmental League of Massachusetts. Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III talk about President Joe Biden’s nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, and the 10 year anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death. Rev. Monroe is a syndicated religion columnist and the Boston voice for Detour’s African American Heritage Trail. Rev. Price is founding pastor of Community of Love Christian Fellowship in Allston, and the Inaugural Dean of Africana Studies

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by opening phone lines, asking listeners if they felt that the U.S. government's sanctions and rhetoric against Russia were enough of a response. Tom Nichols shares his analysis of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, discussing paths to nuclear confrontation and the motives of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nichols is a contributing writer and proprietor of “Peacefield” newsletter at The Atlantic, a professor of national security affairs at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and a five-time Jeopardy winner. Callie Crossley discusses President Joe Biden's nomination of Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black. Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) talks about his recent trip with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Munich Security Conference, and shares his thoughts on U.S. sanctions against Russia. Congressman Keating represents Massachusetts’ 9th Congressional Di

Today on Boston Public Radio: Throughout the show, we speak with listeners about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Chuck Todd updates us on the latest headlines out of Ukraine, focusing on the future of NATO. Todd is the moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, host of “Meet The Press Daily” on MSNBC and the political director for NBC News. Andrea Cabral discusses the resignation of the Manhattan prosecutors leading New York’s investigation into former President Donald Trump and his business practices. She also talks about the vandalism of a Maya Angelou bust during an anti-vaccine protest at the Boston Public Library. Cabral is the former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety. She’s now the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Israr Akakhil and Jeffrey Thielman discuss efforts to relocate Afghan evacuees six months following the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. Akakhil is a former interpreter for the U.S. Army forces in Afghanistan, and a resident of Charlestown, Mass. Thielman is president and CEO of

Today on Boston Public Radio: Juliette Kayyem tells listeners everything they need to know on the escalating situation at the Russia-Ukraine border. 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. Her forthcoming book is: “The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters.” Then, we ask listeners for their opinions on U.S. foreign policy surrounding Russia and Ukraine. Art Caplan discuss growing research on long-lasting effects of COVID, and some patients asking doctors to refrain from weighing them at doctor's visits. 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. Brian McGrory shares the latest work from the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team, including a story on Brigham Health helping create a Chinese hospital for elites, and the Globe’s Fre

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by talking with listeners about avoiding work emails until work hours. Trenni Kusnierek talks about the end of the Beijing Olympics, and a community of women in the Arctic circle who have taken up curling to help their mental health. She also updates us on Brian Flores’ decision to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, she’s also a BPR contributor. David Abel discusses the latest in climate change news, focusing on rising sea levels in Boston and the rest of the northeast. Abel is a Boston Globe reporter, where he covers the environment.  He was part of the Globe’s team that won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News. Julio Ricardo Varela explains why U.S. immigration courts are facing a backlog of cases due to understaffing. He also shares his thoughts on Latino representation in Hollywood. Varela is the founder of the news blog Latino Rebels, and the co-host of the “In The Thick” political podcast. He’s

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by talking with listeners about Boston’s failed 2024 Olympic bid in the wake of the Beijing Olympics. Ghenya Grondin and Kate Porter discuss their experiences with longhaul COVID-19, and share resources for fellow COVID-19 longhaulers. Grondin is the owner of Sweet Ride Candy Co., which can be found on their website and on Instagram. Porter is the creator of C19RecoveryAwareness.com, a website that provides resources for long COVID patients. Charlie Sennott updates us on the latest news on Russia and Ukraine, as President Joe Biden warns of an imminent Russian invasion of the country. Sennott is a news analyst for GBH, where he also heads up the Groundtruth Project. Randall Kennedy discusses the 20th anniversary of his book on the legacy of the N-word, reflecting on how the word has evolved in the last two decades. Kennedy is Michael R. Klein Professor at Harvard Law School where he teaches courses on contracts, criminal law, and the regulation of race relat

Today on Boston Public Radio: We open the show by asking listeners about their anxiety over climate change. Interim DA Kevin Hayden discusses his intention to revisit the conviction of Charles Bogues in the 1993 murder of Louis Chéry, and his agenda as interim DA. Hayden is the interim District Attorney for Suffolk County, and he’s running for election for a full term as DA this fall. Jared Bowen talks about the “Immersive Frida Kahlo” exhibit in Boston, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s recent 2022 Moby-Dick Marathon. Bowen is GBH’s executive arts editor and the host of Open Studio. Andy Ihnatko updates us on the latest tech headlines, focusing on China’s use of bots and fake Twitter accounts to push against controversy ahead of the Olympic games. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com. Callie Crossley discusses Prince Andrew’s settlement with Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, and the dismissal of Sarah Palin’s defamation lawsuit against the New York Times. Crossley hosts

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd talks about the latest news from the Russia-Ukraine border and the recall of San Francisco School Board members. Todd is the moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, host of “Meet The Press Daily” on MSNBC and the political director for NBC News. Then, we ask listeners their thoughts on the state of all things education. Andrea Cabral weighs in on RMV staff getting fired for issuing thousands of licenses without drivers tests, and undocumented immigrants potentially getting access to drivers licenses. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Paul Reville discusses whether Boston Public Schools should keep its school committee following yet another quick superintendent turnover, and the Harvard affirmative action case. Reville is the former Massachusetts secretary of education and a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he also heads

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by talking with listeners about the state legislature looking at allowing driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Art Caplan talks about the International Olympic Committee’s handling of figure skater Kamila Valieva testing positive for banned substances. He also shares his thoughts on whether COVID-19 has become an endemic, rather than a pandemic. 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 updates us on the latest news from Russia’s potential invasion of Ukraine, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to the “Freedom Convoy” in Ottawa. 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. Her forthcoming book is: “The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disa

Today on Boston Public Library: We begin the show by opening phone lines, asking listeners about whether they’re returning to pre-pandemic activities as COVID-19 cases wind down. Trenni Kusnierek shares her thoughts on the International Olympic Committee allowing Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva to continue competing despite testing positive for banned substances. She also discusses Roger Goodell’s recent statement on diversity in the NFL. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Stacy Thompson and Jim Aloisi discusses Mayor Michelle Wu’s announcement of a two-year, fare-free program for MBTA bus routes 23, 28, and 29 beginning March 1, 2022, and how the program relates to Mayor Wu’s mission to make the T free. 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. Carol Greenwald talks about the end of “

Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Katherine Gergen-Barnett takes questions from listeners on the latest mask guidance from the state, when to replace your mask, the importance of booster shots and more. Gergen-Barnett teaches in the family medicine department at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Medical School. Meredith Goldstein gives out Valentine’s Day advice and takes listener calls on all things love. Goldstein is an advice columnist and features writer for the Boston Globe. Her advice column, “Love Letters,” is a daily dispatch of wisdom for the lovelorn that has been running for more than a decade. She also hosts the “Love Letters” podcast. Richard Blanco reads his favorite love poems, including his poem “Killing Mark,” his poem “Maybe” and “You Are Who I Love” by Aracelis Girmay. He’s the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. His latest book, “How to Love a Country,” deals with various socio-political issues that shadow the United States. Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Pri

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners for their thoughts on newly released details about former President Donald Trump’s toilet habits, including that he clogged White House toilets by trying to flush documents. Judge Nancy Gertner discusses Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins’ comments about Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and the death penalty, and the ethics of the Supreme Court. Judge Gertner is a retired U.S. District Judge for the U.S. District Court here in Massachusetts. She’s currently a Senior Lecturer on Law at Harvard University. Callie Crossley talks about a bipartisan bill passed by Congress strengthening protections for victims of sexual misconduct, the Obama Portraits headed to the MFA and research showing homes on streets named after Confederate leaders are valued lower than homes on other streets. She’s currently a Senior Lecturer on Law at Harvard University. Matt Gilbert rounds up the best in television, including “Maid,” “A Teacher,” “Uno

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners how they’re coping with the high levels of inflation. Paul Reville weighs in on Governor Charlie Baker’s decision yesterday to end mandatory masking in schools, and Superintendent Brenda Cassellius announcing her resignation. Reville is the former Massachusetts secretary of education and a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he also heads 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.” Andrea Cabral talks about new technology in detecting stoned drivers, and a new report from the state detailing the racial breakdown of traffic stops in Mass. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Andy Ihnatko discusses the Justice Department charging two people with laundering $4.5 bill

Concern is growing over what the Boston Globe is calling a potential “spudpocalypse” threatening Massachusetts’ potato supply. Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Wednesday to explain whether Massachusetts residents might see a drop in potato stock at their local grocery stores. The spuds most at-risk are grown on Prince Edward Island (PEI), where farmers ship between 250 million to 300 million pounds of potatoes to the U.S. annually. According to the Globe, “Massachusetts residents consume an average of 75 million pounds of PEI potatoes each year, second only to Puerto Rico.” Lately, potato crops on Prince Edward Island have been decimated by potato wart, a fungus that poses no threat to humans but produces spores and appendages on potatoes. “It's been very bad for the [Prince Edward Island] potato industry; not all that bad for the Massachusetts potato supply,” Kummer said. “We have to be worried about Prince Edward Island farmers and their access to markets. They're hopin

Today on Boston Public Radio: We open the show by asking listeners for their thoughts on the “Freedom Convoy” of truckers and conspiracy theorists protesting COVID-19 precautions and vaccine mandates. Art Caplan shares his thoughts on a recent neo-Nazi demonstration outside Brigham and Women’s Hospital that targeted two physicians for their efforts to make healthcare more equitable, as reported on by GBH senior investigative reporter Phillip Martin. 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 discusses the “Freedom Convoy” protests against vaccine mandates, and Senator Mitch McConnell’s pushback on the Republican National Committee labeling the Jan. 6 Capitol riots as “legitimate political discourse.” 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

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start the show by opening phone lines, checking in with listeners about how their kids have been faring at school. Trenni Kusnierek talks about a decline in viewership during the Beijing Olympics, and tennis player Peng Shuai’s meeting with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, and a BPR contributor.  Imran Ahmed discusses the spread of misinformation on social media, and explains how social media platforms should combat misinformation online. Ahmed is CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, an international not-for-profit organization working to stop the cycle of online hate and misinformation. Robert Lewis Jr. shares the latest on his community youth outreach work through the BASE. He also talks about his new role as the head of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. Lewis Jr. is founder of The BASE in Roxbury, which he’s led for the past nine years. In March, he will become president of the

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by talking with listeners about the Republican National Committee labeling the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks as “legitimate political discourse.” U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins discusses the decision to dismiss criminal charges against MIT professor Gang Chen, who was accused of hiding ties to China. She also talks about her priority of combatting human trafficking. Rollins is the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, and the former Suffolk County District Attorney. Katie Murphy and Tami Hale talk about the burnout and staffing shortages facing nurses across the state. Murphy is president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and a nurse at Brigham and Womens. Hale is a school nurse at Gates Lane Elementary School in Worcester. Emily Channell-Justice explains the foreign policy implications behind Russia’s threat to invade Ukraine, and what Ukrainian sovereignty means in the 21st century. Channell-Justice is the director of the Temerty Contemporary Ukra

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners their thoughts on whether it’s time for workers to return to the office. Shirley Leung argues that businesses need to bring workers back in person, and discusses self-driving cars doing poorly in Southie. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe. Billy Costa quizzes Jim and Margery on trivia questions, until they turn the tables and quiz Costa himself. Costa co-hosts Kiss 108’s Matty in the Morning,  Dining Playbook on NESN and the host of GBH’s High School Quiz Show – season 13 of which will premiere on GBH 2 tomorrow at 6 PM. Andy Ihnatko weighs in on the Spotify controversy with Joe Rogan and Neil Young and other streaming options, and worries about the growing threat of deepfakes. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com. Melinda Lopez and Maurice Emmanuel Parent preview their one-man show about an actor who begins working as a teacher. Emmanuel Parent is an actor and the star of the fabulous one-man sho