Boston Public Radio Podcast

The Subway tuna sandwich saga continues: Food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio to discuss new claims in a lawsuit against the sandwich chain that its tuna subs don’t contain tuna at all. “This is one of the best stories ever,” he said. “Everybody wants to test Subway tuna sandwiches and find out what’s in it.” Earlier this year, the New York Times sent out samples of Subway tuna sandwiches to a laboratory, only to find that “no amplifiable tuna DNA was present” and the species couldn’t be identified. Subway has repeatedly denied the allegations. 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.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Spencer Buell and Erica Walker talk about the rise of noise complaints in Boston, and what -- and if -- residents and politicians should do about it. Spencer Buell is a staff writer for Boston Magazine. Erica Walker is a noise researcher who founded Noise and the City. She is an assistant professor of epidemiology at Brown. Then, we asked listeners their experiences with noise in the city. Juliette Kayyem updates listeners on the latest in the Jan. 6 committee investigation, including Steve Bannon’s contempt charge. 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. Corby Kummer discusses the pros and cons of emerging grocery delivery services that promise groceries in 15 minutes, which have arrived in New York City. Kummer is the executive director of the food and society policy program at the Aspen Institute, a senior editor a

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners their reactions to the latest slew of racist incidents at local schools. Trenni Kusnierek discusses New York Marathon runners coming to the aid of a competitor who had a heart attack during the race, and family members meddling in the lives of professional athletes. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, as well as a Boston Public Radio contributor. Then, we broadcast the live swearing in of Boston’s newest mayor Michelle Wu, and ask listeners for their reactions to history in the making, as Wu becomes the first woman and first person of color elected as mayor of the city. Farah Stockman talks about how class divides manifest themselves culturally and politically in the United States, and why higher class, well educated communities struggle to understand and represent the majority of Americans. Farah Stockman is a member of the New York Times editorial board, and a Pulitzer prize winning reporter. Her latest book is “A

Today on Boston Public Radio: Ella McDonald and Maya Mudgal begin the show by sharing their reactions to the COP26 climate summit and their thoughts on mayor-elect Michelle Wu’s climate platform. McDonald is a senior at Tufts University, and communications director at Act on Mass, a non-profit working towards more transparency at the state house. Mudgal is a senior at Northeastern University, and organized for Wu during the campaign. They both have been involved with Sunrise Movement’s Boston chapter. Then, we ask listeners how best they think society should tackle climate change. Charlie Sennott discusses his thoughts on the outcome of the COP26 climate summit, and the state of the Taliban today. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Dan Adams reflects on five years of marijuana legalization, and what still needs to happen to make legalization just and equitable. Dan Adams is cannabis reporter for Boston Globe and author of the “This Week in Weed” email newslet

Today on Boston Public Radio: Shirley Leung talks about what GE’s split will mean for Massachusetts, and Tito Jackson’s seven-story cannabis venture near Faneuil Hall. Leung is a business columnist for The Boston Globe and a Boston Public Radio contributor. Then, we ask listeners about if the latest surge in COVID-19 cases is changing their behavior at this point in the pandemic. Bill McKibben reports back from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, and why the summit did not rise to his hopes without a strong climate agenda passed from the U.S. 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?” Andy Ihnatko updates listeners on the latest news from the tech industry, including new accessibility tools in development for speech-impaired smartphone users, and smartphone features that allow users to designate people to access their data when they die. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd weighs in on the blowback from Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers lying about his vaccination status, and updates listeners on the latest political headlines, including 13 House Republicans voting for the infrastructure bill. 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 the floundering state of bipartisanship, and how -- or if -- we should work to bring the country together. Andrea Cabral provides updates on the latest in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, and mob members starting podcasts. 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. Former Army Captain Erik Edstrom shares his experiences in the military, including how he helped get his interpreter out of Afghanistan, and where he thinks the government has gone wrong when it comes to the milita

Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Wednesday to explain why outdoor dining could destroy neighborhoods, following a recent New York Times article on issues with outdoor dining sheds in the Lower East Side. Small business owners in the neighborhood have lodged complaints about high noise levels, increasing rat populations, and trash generated from restaurants’ outdoor dining sheds, claiming that the area has become “unlivable.” “It's other businesses that are trying to keep alive next to [outdoor dining sheds] now,” Kummer said. “I hope that Boston will do a better job of responding to complaints. [Small businesses] are on margins as thin as a lot of the restaurants.” While outdoor dining has served as a boon for restaurants throughout the pandemic, Kummer notes that long-term solutions for both restaurants and local businesses must be found. “Cambridge, for example, has been so ahead of other cities in terms of bike-friendly lanes and pedestrian zones,” Kummer said. “I th

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners if they have quit their job or gone on strike, as many use this stage in the pandemic to try something new in their lives. Lylah Alphonse reports on the latest news from Rhode Island, including a coach fired from a South Kingstown school after conducting “fat tests” on naked male athletes, and the latest political headlines from the state. Alphonse is the Rhode Island editor for the Boston Globe. Juliette Kayyem updates listeners on the status of the Jan. 6 investigation, and what happened at the tragedy at Astroworld Festival in Houston, where eight people died during a crowd surge at a Travis Scott concert. 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. Corby Kummer weighs in on the pros and cons of outdoor dining, and recent investigations into sexual harassment at fast food joints. K

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners their reactions to a recent wave of harassment in youth sports, after Danvers school officials faced calls to resign amid reports of hazing on a boys hockey team. Trenni Kusnierek discusses recent reporting on hazing rituals on a boys hockey team in Danvers, including sexual misconduct and pressure to use racist and antisemitic epithets. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, as well as a Boston Public Radio contributor. Lyndia Downie talks about the wake of last week’s tent clearing at Mass. and Cass, and why it’s so hard for people to get into long term treatment for drug addiction. Downie is the president and executive director of Pine Street Inn, one of the largest agencies serving homeless people in New England. Will Fitzgibbon and Evan Williams previews their reporting on the Pandora Papers, which showed how some of the wealthiest people across the globe hide their wealth from authorities and the public. Williams

Today on Boston Public Radio: EJ Dionne weighs in on what the infrastructure bill, the Virginia mayoral race and the status of voting rights and the filibuster all mean for Democrats in 2022. Dionne is a columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution. His latest book is "Code Red: How Progressives And Moderates Can Unite To Save Our Country." Then, we ask listeners about whether they have hope in the U.S. political system, or if the country is doomed to political silos. Acting Mayor Kim Janey reflects on her time as the first woman and first person of color to lead the city, how she brought her lived experiences to the job and what’s next for her after mayor-elect Michelle Wu takes office. Janey is acting mayor of Boston. Michael Curry discusses the state of the pandemic, including the availability of COVID-19 treatment pills, and a push from legislators to save local hospitals. Curry is the president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and a

Today on Boston Public Radio: Shirley Leung discusses what Mayor-elect Michelle Wu’s win means for the Asian American community, and her latest piece on how female entrepreneurs secure venture funding in a male-dominated industry. Leung is a business columnist for The Boston Globe and a Boston Public Radio contributor. Then, we ask listeners about whether they plan to vaccinate their children aged 5-11. Callie Crossley talks about Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers lying about his vaccination status following his COVID-19 diagnosis. She also critiques the omnipresence of pink products for breast cancer awareness, as a form of “pinkwashing” in which companies fail to actually contribute to breast cancer research. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black. Andy Ihnatko criticizes Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook’s rebranding as Meta, and tells listeners how to proactively maximize their phone’s emergency features. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com. Sue O’Connell d

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd begins the show by unpacking Tuesday’s election, including what Glenn Youngkin’s win for Virginia mayor means for Democrats and the role of education as a dividing issue. 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 about their reactions to the election, including Youngkin’s win and Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu’s win. Andrea Cabral talks about why only one Black juror was chosen in the trial of Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Bryan, who shot Ahmaud Arbery in February 2020. 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 weighs in on why he maintains hope following Tuesday’s election, and his thoughts on Wu’s education plan. Reville is the former Massachusetts secretary of education and a professor at Harvard University’s Gradu

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners about their reactions to the results of election day yesterday. Art Caplan weighs in on how the country should approach vaccinating children aged 5-11, and why even some vaccinated parents might be hesitant to vaccinate their young children. 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 breaks down the latest news across the political divide, including the meaning of new Republican catchphrase “let’s go Brandon,” and a QAnon rally in Dallas yesterday, where supporters expected John F. Kennedy Jr. to emerge, despite having died over 20 years ago. 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. Meredith Goldstein takes questions from listeners on all things l

Craigie on Main, The Asgard, Tiger Mama, The Kinsale — these are just a few examples from a long list of Boston-area restaurants that have shuttered during the pandemic. With the end to outdoor dining this winter and uncertainty around the future of COVID, more restaurants could meet the same fate. “It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” Corby Kummer told Boston Public Radio on Tuesday. “There's so many factors, all of them precipitated by the close downs of the pandemic.” Long-term, industry-wide issues, such as low profit margins and low pay for restaurant staff, were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, restaurants are facing new pandemic-era challenges in the high number of staffers leaving the industry and “fights over rent,” as was the case of Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar in Kenmore Square. Kummer notes that some restaurants, however, may have closed due to inadequate business planning. “Some very sharp business people are saying [that] there are so many

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners about their experiences with election day, and talking with Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George about their final pitches for their candidacy as voters head to the polls. Tenni Kusnierek discuss former Chicago Blackhawks Kyle Beach’s accusations against the team for mishandling his report of sexual assault by former Assistant Coach Brad Aldrich. She also previews the U.S. Curling Team’s journey to the 2022 Winter Olympics. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, as well as a Boston Public Radio contributor. Carol Rose weighs in on the Supreme Court’s consideration of the Texas abortion law, and how she thinks Boston’s government should approach the crisis at Mass. and Cass. Rose is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. Then, we talk with listeners about a recent Boston Globe report showing how racial segregation persists in Boston. Corby Kummer update listeners on all things food, including the carbon

Today on Boston Public Radio: Adam Reilly and Saraya Wintersmith give final insights from the Boston mayoral race before tomorrow’s election. Reilly is a reporter for GBH News and co-host of the Scrum politics podcast. Wintersmith covers Boston City Hall for GBH News. They co-host “Election 2021: Boston’s Race Into History” on GBH 2. Then, we ask listeners their thoughts on tomorrow’s mayoral election. Charlie Sennott updates listeners on the state of climate change and statements from leaders at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP62. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Michelle Singletary talks about the importance of the child tax credit and paid child leave, sharing her experiences facing racism and caring for her brother as a young adult. She also gives tips on how to avoid internet scams. Singletary is a nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, whose award-winning column "The Color of Money" provides insight int

Today on Boston Public Radio: Attorney General Maura Healey answers questions from listeners in this month’s Ask the AG, including queries about fraudulent contractors, electric vehicle rebates, Facebook and more. Maura Healey is the Massachusetts Attorney General. Callie Crossley weighs in on Facebook’s new branding and Republican politicians’ mocking actor Alec Baldwin, after his discharging of a prop gun killed director of photography Halyna Hutchins. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black. Michael Norton answers questions from listeners about his latest research on friendship and human behavior, which showed that people feel more content when connecting with a wide variety of people, as opposed to a small number of close friends. Norton is a behavioral economist, the Harold M. Brierly Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School and a member of Harvard’s Behavioral Insights Group. His latest book is “Happy Money, the Science of Happier Spending.” Ryan Landry calls

Today on Boston Public Radio: Shirley Leung weighs in on clashes between activists and the government over clearing tents at Mass. and Cass, and debates over sports betting and a proposed footbridge between Somerville and the Encore Casino in Everett. Leung is a business columnist for The Boston Globe and a Boston Public Radio contributor. Then, we ask listeners about whether President Joe Biden should compromise or call Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema’s bluffs in negotiations over the spending bill. Dr. Trisha Pasricha tells stories of the sexism she has faced in the field of medicine, and emphasizes the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant people. Pasricha is a gastroenterologist at Mass General Hospital, a physician at Harvard Medical School and a health contributor at the Washington Post. Andy Ihnatko talks about how to protect technology from storms, in the wake of this week’s nor’easter. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com. Arthur Brooks discusses the key

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan weighs in on Deborah Birx, who helped run the pandemic response under the Trump Administration, testifying to Congress about how many lives could have been saved from COVID-19 had Donald Trump taken preventative measures. 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 about their experiences with the ongoing nor’easter, and worsening extreme weather across the world. Juliette Kayyem gives an overview of the recently released Facebook files, and talks about what might happen if the Democrats cannot push through their spending bill. 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. Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu talks about her plan to improve housing, address the crisis at Mass

Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Tuesday to discuss a pandemic-era increase of wage theft in the restaurant industry, following a recent report by the nonprofit restaurant advocacy group One Fair Wage. “[Forty-three] states still allow a tipped minimum wage, which means as low as $2.13 an hour,” Kummer said. “Employees who are waitstaff have the liberty to take home all their tips based on that. The catch is that it’s on the restaurant manager to look to see, ‘what’s the average hourly earning of those tipped minimum wage staff members of mine,’ and ‘did it equal or better the state’s minimum wage.’ And if it didn’t, they — the managers — have to make up for it by paying them enough money to make them whole.” “There’s never been much enforcement of this, and there’s less than ever enforcement now,” Kummer added. “There’s evidence that there’s more of this failure to make up for any of these losses than there was before the pandemic.” Kummer is the executive director of t