Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd talks about former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL, arguing that the league has unfair hiring practices far removed from current corporate standards. 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 about the state of sports following Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL and controversy surrounding the Beijing Olympics. Andrea Cabral discusses the neo-Nazi group that protested outside of Brigham and Women’s Hospital against doctors’ focus on anti-racist medical practices. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Jared Bowen talks about the Boston Lyric Opera’s “Svadba,” and the Lyric Stage Company’s “Mr. Parent.” He also previews this week’s edition of “Open Studio.” Bowen is GBH’s executive arts editor and the host of Open Studio. Lynd

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan weighs in on Denmark getting rid of all COVID restrictions, desires for the U.S. to do the same, and ethical approaches to the metaverse following reports of sexual assault online. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. Then, we ask listeners their thoughts on whether the U.S. should follow the path of Denmark and ramp down COVID restrictions, or continue fighting the spread. Juliette Kayyem discusses the latest in the Jan. 6 committee news, tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border and a report into Miami’s dangerous condo development history following Surfside. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, 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. Michelle Singletary prepares listeners for tax season, including tips on how to deal with income through Venmo and Paypal and a racially biased IRS fac

Sen. Elizabeth Warren sat down with Mass Restaurants United and local restaurateurs in Cambridge for a roundtable discussion on Jan. 25 to hear the struggles they’ve faced throughout the pandemic. Chief among them is a call to replenish the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) as restaurateurs enter a third year of uncertainty during the pandemic. Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio to share his thoughts on the major takeaways from the roundtable, as well as replenishing the RRF. “It was a lot of restaurant people saying, ‘Hey, what is it with this administration? They promised us something,’” Kummer told Boston Public Radio. “But more than just complaining, they're advocating for [an additional] $60 billion in federal aid to the depleted Restaurant Revitalization Fund.” Some participants at the Jan. 25 roundtable shared that their restaurants would not have survived if it weren’t for money received from the RRF; others expressed frustrat

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by opening phone lines, asking listeners for their thoughts on Tom Brady’s retirement. Trenni Kusnierek weighs in on Tom Brady’s retirement, and Rafael Nadal’s record 21 Grand Slam tennis titles. She also talks about athletes’ COVID-19 precautions at the Beijing Olympics. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Carol Rose shares her analysis of a federal judge rejecting a hate crimes plea-deal for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, and Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement. Rose is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. Alexandria Onuoha discusses the crisis of missing Black women and girls in Mass., and calls for increased community and political support to protect Black women and girls. Onuoha is the Director of Political Advocacy for Black Boston, a nonprofit focused on fighting injustice and creating community in Boston’s Black community. Corby Kummer talks about the rest

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by opening phone lines, talking with listeners about youth mental health during the pandemic. John Della Volpe talks about Gen Z’s relationship to political activism, and the events that pushed them to action. Della Volpe is director of polling at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics and a former Biden campaign adviser. His new book is: “Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Fear And Passion To Save America.” EJ Dionne discusses a surge in book ban efforts across the country. He also weighs in on the road ahead for President Joe Biden’s first nominee to the Supreme Court. 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.” Dan Adams updates us on the latest headlines from the local marijuana industry, including Gov. Charlie Baker’s filing of the Clardy Law, which would treat driving impairment from alcohol and marijuana the same way. Adams is a cannabis

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by talking with listeners about the blizzard heading towards Massachusetts this weekend. Judge Nancy Gertner discussea Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement, and the current state 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 talka about the states fighting back against threats to voting rights, and the students at Wharton who believe that the average American worker makes over six-figures per year. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black. Anthony Everett shares the legacy of the WCVB television series “Chronicle,” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Everett is the Emmy Award-winning anchor of “Chronicle,” WCVB Channel 5's nightly news magazine. Its 40th Anniversary special airs tonight at 8 on WCVB.  Sarah Harmon talks about organizing “Primal Scream” events around Greater

Today on Boston Public Radio: Gov. Charlie Baker discusses current vaccination rates in Mass., and overpaid unemployment benefits in the state. He also takes listeners’ calls during “Ask the Governor.” Andrea Cabral shares her thoughts on the delay of Mayor Michelle Wu’s vaccine mandate for city workers, and a new gun law in San Jose that requires gun owners to have liability insurance and pay an annual fee. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, focusing on President Joe Biden’s potential picks for Justice Stephen Breyer’s replacement and rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. 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. Attorney General Maura Healey discusses her decision to run for governor, and the dismissed charges in the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home case.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan shares his thoughts on DJ Ferguson, a 31-year-old man who was denied a heart transplant at Brigham and Women’s after he refused to get vaccinated. He also talks about Neil Young urging Spotify to remove Joe Rogan from the platform – or face the removal of all of his music. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. We then ask listeners for their thoughts on refusing a heart transplant in order to remain unvaccinated. Juliette Kayyem discusses Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement, and concerns over potential cyber attacks from Russia. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, 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. Ali Noorani weighs in on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempt to kick migrant children who arrived in the country without their parents out of Florida shelters and from transitio

While many think the suburbs have a “boring, white bread reputation,” the pandemic has caused a wave of restaurateurs to set their eyes on suburbia over the big city. Food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Monday to share why increasing numbers of restaurateurs are choosing to open restaurants in the suburbs rather than the big city – and how new of a trend this really is. Although the pandemic spurred many people to move from urban areas to suburbia, Kummer notes that independent, award-winning restaurants have long pre-dated the pandemic. “There's lots of different groups that are opening restaurants, and I think there's a more discerning customer base that wants higher quality,” Kummer noted. Kummer pointed to Il Capriccio Ristorante e Bar in Waltham, an award-winning Northern Italian restaurant that first opened in 1981. The original owner of IL Capriccio, Enzo Danesi, worked at Barsanti’s in Boston and Le Bocage in Cambridge before opening his restaurant in Waltham. Il Capriccio recen

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners for their thoughts on the state of ‘Jeopardy!’ after Amy Schneider continued her streak to become the second-place record holder for consecutive game wins. Trenni Kusnierek talks about the athletes taking extreme caution around COVID-19 before the Beijing Olympics, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Buffalo Bills this past weekend. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka discusses the Mass. legislature moving forward with a $55 million COVID-19 response bill, and the possibility of passing same-day voter registration in the state. Spilka is president of the State Senate. Billy Baker shares the challenges of making friends in adulthood, especially for men. Baker is a Boston Globe reporter. His memoir, “We Need To Hang Out,” is out today in paperback. Bob Luz talks about how the restaurant industry has been impacted by Mayor

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners about their marijuana habits, after a report showed cannabis tax revenue has surpassed alcohol revenue in the state. Lylah Alphonse updates listeners on the latest news from Rhode Island, including the status of marijuana legalization and the state of hospitals amid the Omicron surge. Alphonse is the Rhode Island editor for The Boston Globe. Charlie Sennott weighs in on growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the Biden Administration’s foreign policy decisions. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Edgar B. Herwick III looks back on this season of the Curiosity Desk, including answering questions about fruit flies, right-on-red rules and unwritten rules of Boston. Edgar B Herwick III is host of the Curiosity Desk at GBH, which just wrapped up season one of its YouTube show.  The Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III discusses Dorothy Day’s legacy after the Archdiocese of New York

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners what parts of pre-pandemic life they have left behind as we enter year three of COVID-19. LaTosha Brown weighs in on what the fight for voting rights and recent legislative failure means for the country’s Black community. LaTosha Brown is the co-founder of Black Voters Matter.  Callie Crossley talks about the death of fashion journalist and Vogue editor André Leon Talley, and where to find the best comfort food in Boston. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black. Andy Ihnatko updates listeners on all things tech, including a study by the Fed into whether the U.S. should create a “digital dollar” and debates over the effect of 5G on airports. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com. Sue O’Connell discusses a viral clip of a TV reporter getting hit by a car while on live air, the death of Meat Loaf and controversial updates to the M&M characters. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and the Sout

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd updates listeners on all things politics, including the failure of Democrats to pass voting rights legislation and the state of President Joe Biden’s term. 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 ask listeners their thoughts on Attorney General Maura Healey’s announcement that she is running for governor. Andrea Cabral tells the story of a con artist from Rhode Island arrested after faking his own death, and discusses debates over the efficacy of road tests for driving while high. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and the former Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She is currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Paul Reville explains how things are going in schools amid the Omicron surge and mental health crisis. Reville is the former Massachusetts secretary of education and a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he a

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan weighs in on the CDC’s messaging around Omicron, and threats to trans healthcare in Arkansas. Caplan is director of the division of medical ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. Then, we ask listeners their thoughts on the U.S. sending citizens free at-home tests and masks.  Juliette Kayyem talks about the unique challenges of protecting synagogues following the hostage standoff at Congregation Beth Israel in Texas. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, 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. Blair Miller and Elizabeth Bartholet discuss the state of adoption laws and child welfare amid the disappearance of Harmony Montgomery. Miller is a Boston Channel 25 reporter and the adoptive father of Harmony Montgomery’s brother. Bartholet is the Morris Wasserstein Professor of Law, Emeritus, at Harvard Law School, and Faculty Director of

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners their experiences with Massachusetts overpaying jobless claims and asking for money back. Trenni Kusnierek talks about Novak Djokovic’s expulsion from Australia, Naomi Osaka’s return to tennis and the state of the Patriots. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Mayor Michelle Wu takes questions from listeners, including on the response to the first few days of the city’s vaccine mandate, protests she faces outside her home and issues with the MBTA. Wu is mayor of Boston. Tiffani Faison shares why she closed her iconic Boston restaurant Tiger Mama, her upcoming new ventures and how she has stayed resilient during a challenging time for the industry. Faison is an award-winning chef and restaurateur. She plans to open in March three new eateries: Dive Bar, Tenderoni’s and Bubble Bath. Vivian and Elisa Girard tell the story of what inspired them to take housing issues into the

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rev. Cornell William Brooks discusses the Black faith leaders that engaged in a hunger strike for voting rights, and shares why he likens the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks to the Confederate attack at Fort Sumter. Brooks is the Hauser Professor of the Practice of Nonprofit Organizations and Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership and Social Justice at the Harvard Kennedy School. Brooks is the former president and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a civil rights attorney, and an ordained minister. We then ask listeners about failed voting rights legislation, and what it means for midterms and the 2024 presidential election. Simon van Zuylen-Wood talks about Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance’s run for U.S. Senate, and his decision to tag himself as a conservative outsider. van Zuylen-Wood is a freelance journalist based in NYC, who’s recently written about the radicalization of JD Vance. Evan Horowitz updates us on how Mass. could br

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners their thoughts on incentives and disincentives to raise vaccination rates, like free doughnuts or higher health insurance. Bill McKibben reviews the apocalyptic climate film “Don’t Look Up,” and talked about the state of climate change as parts of the world see record temperatures. McKibben is co-founder of 350.org and the author of numerous books about climate change. His latest book is “Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?” Callie Crossley talks about Maya Angelou becoming the first Black woman to appear on a U.S. quarter, laws requiring beauticians to undergo domestic violence prevention training and Oreos turning 110 years old. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black. Andy Ihnatko explains a chip shortage affecting printer companies and allegations of bullying over green and blue chat bubbles on iPhones. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com. Christopher Muther shares tips on weighi

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd updates listeners on the latest political headlines, including the state of voting rights and filibuster reform. 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 ask listeners whether they support activists going to politician’s doors to protest. Andrea Cabral discusses Governor Charlie Baker commuting the sentences of Thomas E. Koonce and William Allen and legal fights over vaccination mandates. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and the former Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She is currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Then, we ask listeners for their housing horror stories with rent on the rise. Dr. Katherine Gergen-Barnett takes questions on all things health from listeners, including the state of Omicron and latest mask guidance. Gergen-Barnett teaches in the family medicine department at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Medical School

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners if they think the lies of the 2020 election will repeat themselves in the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential race. Rep. Ayanna Pressley calls for President Joe Biden to cancel student loan debt, criticizes Governor Charlie Baker’s pandemic response and pushes for urgent action on voting rights. Pressley is the U.S. Representative for Massachusetts 7th District. Rep. Mike Connolly weighs in on state debates over rent control, and whether he thinks there is enough momentum to get Mayor Michelle Wu’s housing plan passed. Connolly is a Massachusetts State Representative and co-sponsor of the Tenant Protection Act. Shirley Leung talks about today’s tent demolitions at Mass. and Cass, and luxury apartment buildings providing access to rapid tests. Leung is a business columnist for The Boston Globe and a Boston Public Radio contributor. Corby Kummer updates listeners on changes to SNAP benefits that would allow people to purchase hot meals and

Numerous states are looking into extending food stamp use to restaurants and prepared meals to keep up with what academics are calling the lack of time, skills, resources, and physical abilities of some SNAP users. Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Wednesday to share why more states are looking into joining the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program, and where food policy needs to change. “When it comes down to it, realistically, the people who need and rely on nutrition assistance often work two jobs, they’re supporting families, and they have no time at all to cook and prepare the wholesome food that SNAP was originally designed to restrict them to buying,” Kummer said. When Restaurant Meals started in 2003, 19 states participated in the program. That number shrank to just four states by 2018. Now, six states — Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia — let some people who receive SNAP benefits use food stamps at restaurants. Illinois and New York are