Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: We kick things off by opening phone lines to talk with listeners about the state of the pandemic moving into fall of 2021. Trenni Kusnierek discusses the latest news on COVID-19 in the world of sports, including a recent outbreak within the Boston Red Sox. She also touches on news of tennis champion Naomi Osaka’s indefinite exit from the sport. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, and a Boston Public Radio contributor. Carol Rose weighs in on the broader, grim constitutional implications of Texas’ new abortion law. She also discusses the Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene. Rose is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. Michael Curry talks about COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, and whether state leaders are doing enough to get residents vaccinated and quell the spread of the Delta variant. Curry is the president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and a member of Governor Charlie Baker’s COVID Vaccine Advisory

Today on Boston Public Radio we’re on tape, bringing you some of our favorite conversations from the not too distant past: Bishop Michael Curry joins us to preach the power of love in dark times, in a conversation sparked by his new book "Love Is The Way: Holding Onto Hope In Troubling Times.” Curry is the current presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. Bill Buford discusses differences between attitudes around restaurant dining in France and the U.S., in a conversation about his new book, "Dirt: Adventures In Lyon As A Chef In Training, Father, And Sleuth Looking For The Secret Of French Cooking." Buford is an author and journalist. Alan Alda talks about the joy of creating his new interview podcast, and his trip to the New England Aquarium with BPR contributor Sy Montgomery. Alda is an actor, and hosts the podcast "Clear + Vivid With Alan Alda." Rick Steves shares his memories of his first visit to Afghanistan in 1978 and what travel may look like with the rise of the Delta variant. Steves is an autho

Boston Public Radio is on tape today, bringing you some of our favorite conversations from the not too distant past. Sebastian Junger speaks about his latest book, “Freedom,” which looks at the meaning of freedom in its many iterations. Junger is a journalist, author and filmmaker. Michelle Singletary discusses her latest book, “What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide.” 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. Michael Moss previews his new book and explained how some drug addiction experts are shifting their attention to food addiction. Moss is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. His latest book is “Hooked: Food, Free Will And How The Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions.” Dr. Marcia Chatelain discusses the historic role McDonald’s plays in the Black community and the origins of Black capitalism. Dr. Chatelain is a professor of history in Afri

Today on Boston Public Radio we’re on tape, replaying some of our favorite conversations with a focus on author interviews: Don Lemon tells stories from his book, “This Is The Fire: What I Say To My Friends About Racism." Lemon anchors “CNN Tonight with Don Lemon,” airing weeknights at 10 p.m. He’s also a #1 bestselling New York Times author.  Chasten Buttigieg discusses his memoir, “I Have Something to Tell You,” and the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities in the U.S. Buttigieg is a teacher and the husband of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Sy Montgomery dives into the world of hummingbirds with her latest book, “The Hummingbirds’ Gift: Wonder, Beauty And Renewal On Wings.” Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist and a BPR contributor. David Byrne talks about the film adaptation of his tour, "American Utopia," and his accompanying illustrated book. Byrne is a singer, songwriter and guitarist, and founding member of the Talking Heads. Nancy Schön discusses her recent work and the mysteri

Boston Public Radio is on tape today, bringing you BPR’s cookbook – conversations with some of our favorite chefs from over the years. Joanne Chang talks about her latest book inspired by her baking journals, “Pastry Love: A Baker’s Journal of Favorite Recipes.” Chang is a James Beard award winning pastry chef. Bren Smith shares different ways to eat kelp in his book “Eat Like a Fish: My Adventures Farming the Ocean to Fight Climate Change.” Smith is a former commercial fisherman and executive director of the non-profit GreenWave, focused on regenerative farming in water ecosystems. Jacques Pépin and Shorey Wesen discuss cooking together as grandfather and granddaughter as part of their latest collaboration, the cookbook “A Grandfather’s Lessons: In the Kitchen with Shorey.” Pépin is a chef, author and PBS contributor. Wesen is his granddaughter and cookbook collaborator. Dolores Huerta talks about why her work as a labor leader for farm workers’ rights remains as relevant today as it was in the 1960s, an

Today’s Boston Public Radio is on tape. We’re bringing you the ultimate book club — back-to-back conversations from over the years with some of our favorite writers: Kevin Young shares from his collection of poetry, “Brown.” Young is the poetry editor of The New Yorker and the director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Ann Patchett discusses the autobiographical elements of her book “Commonwealth,” and makes a pitch to all readers to shop at local, independent bookstores. Patchett is an author and the owner of Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tenn.  Sy Montgomery explores animal intelligence and what people can learn from animals. Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist and a BPR contributor. Her latest book is “The Hummingbirds’ Gift: Wonder, Beauty, and Renewal on Wings.” David Duchovny talks about his book, “Miss Subways: A Novel.” Duchovny is an actor and writer, and recently appeared in the Netflix series “The Chair.” Elizabeth Gilbert discusses he

Today on Boston Public Radio: Charlie Sennott talks about the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, and ISIS-K’s attacks on the Kabul airport and a nearby hotel that killed as many as 170 people and injured at least 200. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Then, we talk with listeners about the recent attacks in Afghanistan, and President Joe Biden’s handling of the evacuation. Dr. Daniela Lamas discusses the toll of COVID-19 on hospitals, and how TV medical dramas can provide opportunities to educate viewers about the world of medicine. Lamas is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, a pulmonary and critical-care physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a co-producer on the TV medical drama “The Resident.” Andy Ihnatko sheds light on the role of social media in the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, including new security measures Facebook and Twitter have taken to increase security and protect Afghans. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger,

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd talks about President Joe Biden’s declining approval ratings, and the administration’s response to COVID-19 and the evacuation of Afghanistan. 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 talk with listeners about Delta Air Lines’ decision to cut pay protection for unvaccinated employees. Andrea Cabral weighs in on the Massachusetts State Police officers and corrections officers pushing back against Gov. Charlie Baker’s vaccine mandate, and a study from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences showing that most law enforcement calls are not for mental health issues. 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. Omar Hernandez updates listeners on efforts to rebuild infrastructure in Haiti following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Hernandez is the Director of Engineering f

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan shares his thoughts on the FDA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine, explaining how the approval impacts arguments against vaccine mandates. 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 talk with listeners about starting the school year with mask mandates. Juliette Kayyem talks about Congressman Seth Moulton’s (D-MA) unauthorized trip to Afghanistan, and devastating flooding in Tennessee. 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. Jonathon Gruber gives an economist’s perspective on the ethics of wealthier countries moving on to COVID-19 booster shots while underdeveloped nations struggle with vaccine supplies. Gruber is Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. He was instrumental in creating b

Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Tuesday, highlighting the Biden administration’s revision in nutrition standards for SNAP. The changes made to the food stamps program are the largest in its history. The U.S. Department of Agriculture specifically revised the Thrifty Food Plan, which is a list of two dozen food groups that the government uses to estimate a low-cost, healthy diet. The Thrifty Food Plan remains largely unchanged since its creation in the early 1960s, and has only been adjusted for inflation. “Republicans and Democrats said, ‘go back to the drawing board — diets have changed, food availability has changed — what is the thrifty meal plan of today?’” Kummer said. Kummer is the 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 start the show by talking with listeners about President Joe Biden’s handling of U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trenni Kusnierek talks about the return of COVID-19 safety precautions at sports stadiums, and racist harassment towards Los Angeles Angels player Shohei Ohtani. She also remembers the life of former Bruins player Jimmy Hayes. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. David Scharfenberg shares the latest news from Boston’s mayoral race, giving his analysis of where the candidates stand as the mayoral preliminary election approaches. Scharfenberg is an editorial writer and staff writer for the Globe’s Ideas section. Rep. Jake Auchincloss weighs in on the Biden administration’s response to the fall of the Afghan government. Rep. Auchincloss is the Democratic congressman representing Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District. Corby Kummer explains how some low-income Americans are grappling with

Today on Boston Public Radio: Attorney General Maura Healey discusses her lawsuit against the Boston Police Department over its refusal to provide internal affairs records on former Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White, and shares her thoughts on Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision to mandate vaccines for Executive Department employees. She also answers listeners’ calls. Michael J. Bobbitt explains how the arts and culture sector weathered the pandemic, and talks about what the future of performing arts spaces could look like as more venues reopen. Bobbitt is the executive director  of the Mass Cultural Council. We then play the All Rev’d Up podcast episode “Blackness and Cultural Appropriation.” Next, we talk with listeners about Amazon’s bid to get a warehouse distribution center in Boston. Ethan Murrow shares the process behind his wall drawing “The Greenhouse,” which references the old-growth forests that once covered Cape Cod. Murrow is the contemporary artist behind “The Greenhouse,” which is on view

Today on Boston Public Radio: Michelle Singletary explains why she believes remote working should become a permanent employee benefit, and talks about how the extension of the eviction moratorium impacts renters. 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. Congressman Seth Moulton shares his thoughts on President Joe Biden’s response to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, calling on the administration to do more to protect Afghan allies and refugees. Congressman Moulton represents Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional district. Then, we ask listeners how their lives would change if remote working and the Child Tax Credit became permanent benefits. Rudy Hypolite and Robert Lewis Jr. discusses the Emmy-nominated documentary “This Ain’t Normal,” which looks at gang-involved youth in Boston and the organizations trying to change their lives. Hypolite is an award-winning independent

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, from President Joe Biden’s handling of U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan to California’s recall election. 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 open the phone lines, talking with listeners about COVID-19 booster shots. Andrea Cabral discusses the death of Stephanie Gerardi, who was shot and killed by a Saugus Police officer responding to a mental health call. She also talks about the verbal altercation between Larry David and Alan Dershowitz in Martha’s Vineyard. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Nancy Schön shares the process behind her latest sculpture, which is based on Edward Lear’s poem, “The Owl and the Pussy Cat.” Schön’s latest public art installation is titled “Diversity — The Owl and the Pussy C

Today on Boston Public Radio: Gov. Charlie Baker discusses Massachusetts’ COVID-19 vaccination and hospitalization rates, and defends his decision to not mandate masks in schools statewide. He also talks about the Biden administration’s statement on booster shots, claiming that he was given no guidance on formulating a booster shot plan. Then, we open the phone lines, talking with listeners about mask mandates in schools. Juliette Kayyem shares her thoughts on the U.S. response to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, and whether airlines should require passengers to be vaccinated before traveling. 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. Acting Mayor Kim Janey discusses current vaccination rates in Boston, and the investigation into former Boston Police officer Patrick Rose over claims of child sexual abuse. She also highlights her plans for the

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners whether Gov. Charlie Baker should reinstate a statewide mask mandate. Trenni Kusnierek talks about long-distance runner Molly Seidel’s run in the Falmouth Road Race, and shares her thoughts on Naomi Osaka’s press conference walkout. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Jelani Cobb explains how he positioned the Kerner Commission Report in today’s political context for his book, “The Essential Kerner Commission Report.” Cobb is a staff writer at The New Yorker, and is the Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism at the Columbia Journalism School. Rachel Miller shares her experiences from working in the restaurant industry, and how she kept her business afloat during the pandemic. She also talks about the decision to create a mask and vaccine plan for her restaurant. Miller is the chef and owner of Nightshade Noodle Bar in Lynn. Michael Curry and Derrick Johnson discuss the cu

Today on Boston Public Radio: We open the show by talking with listeners about Afghanistan's fall to the Taliban. Andrew Sullivan weighs in on President Joe Biden’s withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and the future of conservatism. Sullivan is an author, editor, and blogger. His latest book is “Out on a Limb.” Charlie Sennott discusses the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, sharing the latest updates from the country. He also calls for international aid to Afghanistan. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell talks about how she would approach issues of opioid addiction and homelessness along Mass Ave. and Melnea Cass Blvd., and incentives to increase vaccination rates. She also shares her thoughts on rent control. Campbell is running for mayor of Boston, and represents District 4 on the Boston City Council. Everett City Councilor Gerly Adrien explains how the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti is reverberating among E

Today on Boston Public Radio: Adam Reilly updates us on the latest headlines from Boston’s mayoral race, sharing his thoughts on where the candidates stand as Election Day moves closer. He also explains how City Councilor Michelle Wu centers climate change in her mayoral campaign. Reilly is co-host of GBH’s Politics podcast, “The Scrum.” Next, we talk with listeners about the upcoming tax free weekend. Callie Crossley explains what new census data has to say about how Massachusetts has changed, and shares her thoughts on the controversy surrounding “Jeopardy!” host Mike Richards. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black. Corby Kummer talks about calls to end the “ethnic aisle” in grocery stores, and a price increase in coffee. Kummer is the 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. Andy Ihnatko weighs in on Apple’s new child safety feature

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ response to rising COVID-19 cases to the Senate’s passage of the infrastructure bill. 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. Next, we ask listeners how they stay cool during the summer months. Andrea Cabral discusses former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen’s claim that former President Donald Trump asked him to provide a legal strategy to overturn the results of the 2020 election. She also talks about the Texas House Democrats who are now facing arrest warrants after fleeing the state to protest a restrictive voting measure. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Ali Noorani discusses the experiences of teen immigrants in emergency centers, and the anti-immigration Republicans who are fal

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan shares his thoughts on vaccine mandates, calling on schools and workplaces to penalize those who refuse to get vaccinated. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. Then, we talk with listeners about the patchwork of vaccine and mask mandates across Massachusetts. Juliette Kayyem discusses college officials’ concerns over falsified vaccine cards, and the upcoming 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. She also offers tips on hurricane preparedness. 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. Mayor Thomas McGee highlights Lynn’s new unarmed crisis response team, sharing his hopes for the pilot program. McGee is the mayor of Lynn, Mass. Liz Kowalczyk talks about the physicians and medical students calling for stronger ethics rules to prohibit hospital exec