Boston Public Radio Podcast

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke to Boston Public Radio *on Friday about undocumented restaurant workers who are unable to get a stimulus check or file for unemployment. "We need to figure out how to protect undocumented workers and how to get them the kind of social safety nets that they're completely locked out from, even though in order to work, they pay taxes," he said. "They pay umemployment taxes which they're never able to access." A lot of restauranteurs are prioritizing hiring back undocumented workers during reopening, Kummer added. "Because they are the backbone of the restaurant industry, they're the dishwashers and prep cooks," he said. "What are we going to do moving forward to protect these workers?" *Kummer is a *senior editor at The Atlantic*, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed former Secretary of Defense James Mattis’ rebuke of President Trump in The Atlantic, as well as pusback from current Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on the issue of using military force to quell Black Lives Matter protests.  We opened lines to talk with listeners about James Mattis’ condemnation of President Trump, and hear your thoughts on the president's response to Black Lives Matter protests.  Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the role that police unions play in perpetuating police violence, and weighed in on the purported significance of officers who take a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters.  We reopened lines to ask listeners: is peaceful protesting too peaceful to be heard? Partners in Health Co-Founder Dr. Paul Farmer spoke on the state of Massachusetts’ contact tracing initiative, and responded to question from listeners.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about the risks of protesting during a pandemic, and his views on the danger of rushing a COVID-19 vaccine.  We opened lines to ask listeners: are you worried about the spread of the coronavirus at Black Lives Matter protests?  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference.  Boston Globe cannabis reporter Dan Adams discussed ties between racist marijuana prohibition laws and the current Black Lives Matter protests, as well as the looting on Sunday of Pure Oasis, the state's first Black-owned legal pot shop.  CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed new charges expected to be brought against the three additional police officers present during the killing of George Floyd, as well as the president’s authority within the 1807 Insurrection Act. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius talked about what her administration is doing to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and responded to questions from listeners. We opened lines to hear your thoughts on President Trump’s condemnation of Black Lives Matter protesters. Carol Rose from the Mass. ACLU talked about President Trump’s vow to enact the 213-year-old Insurrection Act, and her thoughts on reforms Massachusetts can and should enact to better protecting resident liberties. Civil Rights Attorney Harvey Silvergate remembered the life of his wife, photographer Elsa Dorfman, who passed away on Saturday. CNN’s John King discussed Trump’s photo-op Monday in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, and other national headlines. We reopened our lines to continue the conversation about Black Lives Matter protests.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rep. Ayanna Pressley spoke about the protesting that took place in Boston on Sunday, and discussed her latest legislation, co-authored with Rep. Ilhan Omar, to address police brutality. We opened lines to talk with callers about the killing of George Floyd, and Sunday’s protests. WGBH News reporter Tori Bedford recapped her experience covering the protests. Dr. David Fajgenbaum discussed his new memoir, "Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope Into Action.” Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed their views on the nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd, and what they make of Gov. Baker’s decision to prioritize the reopening of churches amid the ongoing pandemic. We aired live audio from Gov. Marty Walsh’s Monday press conference. We closed the show by reopening our lines to continue the conversation with listeners about Sunday's protests.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the nationwide protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd.  Media maven Sue O’Connell reflected on the life of LGBT activist Larry Kramer, and explained what’s happening with this year’s pride parade in Boston.  Beat the Press host Emily Rooney discussed the arrest of CNN reporter Omar Jimenez on live TV, and gave her take on whether Twitter is right to fact-check the president.  CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed guidelines for safe reopening amid coronavirus, and talked about  the value of mail-in voting.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which President Trump is attempting to limit with a new executive order.  Under the Radar host Callie Crossley talked about her feelings on the death of George Floyd, as well as the woman who called 911 on a Black man after he asked her to leash her dog in Central Park.  Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discu

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed the U.S. passing a grim milestone in COVID-19 deaths, and the uproar over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.  Jim and Margery briefly weighed in on the death of George Floyd Former Mass. Education Secretary Paul Reville discussed the surge in de facto student dropouts in Boston Public Schools, and the litany of other challenges for schools systems adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the police killing of George Floyd, and her thoughts on why outrage over his death alone won’t be enough to affect systemic change in U.S. police forces.  Heather Goldstone talked about troubling data on this year’s hurricane season, and how the ongoing pandemic will affect how governments handle the fallout.  We opened lines to talk with listeners about your thoughts on the police killing of George Floyd.  Brattle Book Shop owner and “Antiques Ro

Today on Boston Public Radio: Ahead of Gov. Baker’s press conference, we opened lines to talk with listeners about your thoughts on using public transit during the coronavirus pandemic.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference.  Former Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi called in to offer context around what the Baker administration had to say regarding the MBTA and Mass. transportation.   Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed why long-term care facilities were unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether parents should feel safe sending their kids to Summer camp this year.  Food writer Corby Kummer talked about ethical problems with how food delivery service Instacart treats its workers, and safety guidelines for people ordering food during the pandemic.  We reopened lines to ask parents: are you prepared to send your kids off to Summer camp this year? 

Instacart, an American grocery delivery service company, has been receiving criticism over its treatment of workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio *on Wednesday about how many Instacart workers haven't received safety kits or extended pay for having to quarantine. Instacart had announced back in March that it would offer two weeks of extended pay to in-store shoppers diagnosed with COVID-19, or placed in quarantine by an authority. "[Instacart] did everything they could to break their promise, and essentially break the health of workers," Kummer said. "A number of Instacart workers claimed the two weeks of pay, that Instacart promised them if they were ill, but Instacart denied the claims and made them go through red tape hurtles until the workers would give up." Instacart is not following through on its new guidelines to support the health of its workers, Kummer added. "They say that they care and that they're putting millions into healthcare, but a

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask listeners: with hair salons and barbershops back open in Mass., will you be heading out to get your hair cut? TIME Magazine journalist Molly Ball discussed her new biography on Speaker Nancy Pelosi, titled “Pelosi." Environmental journalist Bill McKibben discussed the minor impact of quarantine on global carbon emissions, and the lessons we can gleam about our current climate crisis from the U.S.’ sluggish COVID-19 response. We opened lines to talk with listeners about the state’s gradual reopening, ahead of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Tuesday press conference.  We aired live audio from Gov. Baker’s press conference.  Behavioral economist Mike Norton talked about the exclusionary power of the inside joke, and responded to comments and questions from listeners. CNN’s John King discussed the politicization of the COVID-19 crisis, and President Trump’s efforts to quash mail-in voting. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with listeners about your concerns around the reopening of Massachusetts, and the people disregarding safety protocols. TV expert Bob Thompson commemorated the lives of actor Fred Williard and sportscaster Phyllis George, and discussed CBS' purchase of John Krasinski's "Some Good New" YouTube series. Travel guru Rick Steves showed off his piano skills on the blues scale, and talked about what he envisions for the slow reopening of European travel. Playwright Ryan Landry discussed the coronavirus politics that are causing issues in Provincetown, and gave his thoughts on virtual theater. Poet Richard Blanco called in for the latest edition of “Village Voice,” where he read a selection of poems by U.S. Poet Laureate Jo Harjo. Writer and naturalist Sy Montgomery discussed animal war heroes, in commemoration of Memorial Day.

For cities and states loosening their drinking restrictions, a new fad is gaining popularity– and it even has its own cute little portmanteau.  Speaking on Boston Public Radio Friday, food writer Corby Kummer explained what “walktails” are, and why they might not be such a terrible thing for communities in quarantine.  “It’s drinking while walking!” he said. “It’s getting a takeout cocktail." One of the benefits, Kummer noted, is the extra money it directs towards struggling bars and restaurants. "As we all know, alcohol is where the margins are,” he said. "Alcohol, and desserts in restaurants, which people unfortunately aren’t ordering so much of.” For those on a budget, the walktail can just as easily be made at home. Kummer also added that it can offer an additional outlet for of-age adults to socialize, all while maintaining a safe distance.  "It’s another way of meeting your neighbors, keeping social distance, and having a drink,” he said.  For Mass. residents, while you can’t drink outdoors, you*

Today on Boston Public Radio: – We opened our lines to talk with listeners about how you’re planning to spend this upcoming Memorial Day.  – Food writer Corby Kummer discussed the Trump administrations crackdown on food stamp recipients, and the emergence of “walktails” for people looking to socialize while social distancing.  – Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam talked about his harrowing experience at a nudist resort in the early 90’s, and his recent column on “the revenge of the coronavirus nerds." – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called in for “Ask the Mayor,” where he discussed his administration’s measured approach to reopening the city, and responded to questions from listeners.  – We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference.  – We reopened our lines to continue to coronavirus conversation with listeners. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd discussed President Trump’s failures in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and the latest headlines out of Congress regarding future aid funding. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed her concerns around the Missouri execution of Walter Barton, and the impact of Trump’s string of inspector general firings on the health of U.S. democracy. Gov. Charlie Baker called in to talk about coronavirus testing, the deaths at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and everything his administration is doing to help Massachusetts recover from the pandemic. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed the emergence of Zoom theater, with the Arleen Players Theatre’s “State Vs. Natasha Banina,” and the “Pandemic Play” series from the Liars and Believers theater group. WGBH News Analyst Charlie Sennott discussed the harmful impact of President Trump’s nativist policies on the global health crisis, and what the current pandemic

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about the President’s use of hydroxychloroquine, and ethical dilemmas raised by an expedited coronavirus vaccine. We opened lines to ask listeners: should people be deliberately exposed to COVID-19 if it means getting a vaccine faster? CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem explained why she thinks Americans shouldn’t rush to return to the office, and talked about how the U.S. ought to go about reopening. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference. Massachusetts Director of Transportation Chris Dempsey discussed what the next few months are going to look like for Mass Transit under Gov. Baker’s reopening plan, and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s proposal to open up more streets to pedestrians and businesses. We reopened our lines to ask listeners: are you ready to return to the office, or are you happy working from home? 

Today on Boston Public Radio: Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed Gov. Baker’s reopening plan, and how businesses and health experts are responding to the news.  NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed the slow return of recreational sports to Massachusetts, and the slim likelihood that the Boston Marathon will take place in September. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about eating and shopping out in the open, and whether steps like these would make you feel better about the state reopening its economy.  Filmmaker Sasha Joelle Achilli talked about her new FRONTLINE documentary, "Inside Italy’s COVID War.” CNN’s John King went over the latest political news out of D.C., from the debate in Congress over aid spending, to the recent firing of the State Department's inspector general. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We aired live audio of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Monday press conference, where he unveiled his administration’s plan for reopening Massachusetts.  We opened our lines to hear your thoughts on the governor’s reopening strategy.  Boston Medical Center’s Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discussed health concerns around COVID-19, and took questions from callers. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with listeners about reopening the streets of Boston to pedestrians, and the upsides of having fewer cars on the road. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed the damaging impact anti-vax conspiracies could have on an eventual coronavirus vaccine, and the memorials people are creating in the video game Animal Crossing. Beat the Press host Emily Rooney discussed concerns over coronavirus misinformation, and read her weekly list of fixations and fulminations. Media maven Sue O’Connell talked about gun-toting, anti-lockdown protesters, and gave her take on teenagers ordering alcohol in quarantine. Basic Black host Callie Crossley discussed the latest news on the death of Amaud Arbery, and the Texas salon owner who garnered media attention for defying lockdown orders while quietly accepting $18,000 in PPP loans. We reopened our lines to talk with listeners about cooking in quarantine.

Food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio *on Thursday to speak about his new set of guidelines to help restaurants reopen. Kummer has noticed many different restaurant safety guidelines regarding COVID-19. "I saw those, and thought maybe it would be good if there was one streamlined set of guidelines, and through my Aspen Institute program, I was able to line up funding." Through the Aspen Institute, Kummer has released a set of guidelines this week called "Safety First: Serving Food and Protecting People During Covid-19." "They're focused entirely on worker safety in back of the house and everything in these guidelines is to keep workers safe during COVID-19," he said. "The most important thing is figuring out who is sick, keeping them out of work, and of course having flexible sick time." *Kummer is a *senior editor at The Atlantic*, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd talked about the influence of conspiracy theories and misinformation on the upcoming election, and his thoughts on whether House Republicans are going back Nancy Pelosi’s new coronavirus relief package.  Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the latest news around former national security advisor Michael Flynn’s perjury charges, and whether former Trump Campaign manager Paul Manafort deserved to be released from prison over fears he might contract COVID-19. We opened our lines to ask listeners if you’re ready to see local businesses begin to reopen.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Thursday press conference.  We continued the conversation about reopening Massachusetts with listeners.  New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell called in to talk about his plans for how and when to reopen his city.  Food writer Corby Kummer broke down his guidelines for reopening restaurants.