Boston Public Radio Podcast

Princeton University professor of African American Studies and Public Affairs, Khalil Gibran Muhammad, discusses the Trump admin's newest investigations into Harvard. And we check in on the broader higher ed crackdown.Tufts food policy expert Corby Kummer explains how the war in Iran is impacting your grocery bill, and how Big Food continues to push back against the MAHA food policy agenda. Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner preview's the birthright citizenship case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court this week, and weighs in on the case of a 98-year-old federal judge who won't give up her seat.

Gov. Maura Healey joins for "Ask the Governor," answering our questions and yours. Then, it's Live Music Friday with bassist Oscar Stagnaro and the band Triad.Finally, Rebecca Winter of 50501 previews the Boston No Kings rally this weekend.

BPR Full Show 3/26: DHS Shutdown & TSA Lines

Attorney General Andrea Campbell joins for "Ask the AG."Salt Lick Incubator artists Dani Offline and Claire Ernst perform ahead of a show in Concord.Dropkick Murphy's Ken Casey stops by to discuss the band's political legacy and playing at the No Kings protests this weekend.

Michael Curry discusses the growing life expectancy gap between Black residents and other Bostonians — the gap has doubled over the past decade.John King discusses the latest national political headlines.Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses the rise in sepsis cases in Mass., and the rise in IV drip bars in BostonBobbi Gibb in person discusses her legacy as the first woman to run Boston Marathon.

Amherst College's Ilan Stavans discusses the sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez.Comedian and The View host Joy Behar zooms in ahead of her "My First Ex-Husband" performance at the Huntington.Evan Horowitz of Tufts Center for State Policy Analysis walks us through his reports on rent control and income tax ballot questions.GBH's Jared Bowen joins us briefly to discuss "the unmasking of Banksy" and preview what's ahead on The Culture Show this week.

GBH News politics reporter Adam Reilly and Under The Radar's Callie Crossley join for 'Press Play' media analysis. For Live Music Friday, Puerto Rican singer, drummer, and composer David Rivera performs ahead of a show at Regattabar.Phil Eng, MBTA General Manager and interim secretary of transportation, joins for 'Ask the GM,' to answer our questions and yours.

BPR Full Show 3/19: Who Wants To Bring Back Dueling?

Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on war in the Middle East and the resignation of Joe Kent, the now-former director of the National Counterterrorism Center.Chris Dempsey and Bill Straus join for a transit panel, focusing on plans for White Stadium, the Everett stadium for the Revs and World Cup plans at Gillette.Linda Bilmes, co-author of "The Three Trillion Dollar War" and Harvard Kennedy School public policy lecturer, discusses the financial cost of going to war in Iran.Meredith Goldstein of the Boston Globe Love Letters column discusses why some heterosexual women are hiding their boyfriends, how to make friends as an adult, and and update on the library phone booth. 

CNN's John King on national politics, food policy analyst Corby Kummer and NBC Sports Boston's Trenni Casey

We start the week by checking in on Trump and Israel's now 17 day war in Iran. Then, it's Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther on the TSA's latest struggles and why he's a headphone evangelist. Author Janice Page discusses her memoir “The Year of the Water Horse."And retired federal judge Nancy Gertner discusses the ongoing legal battles after one year of Trump's immigration crackdown. 

NCB10 Boston's Sue O'Connell discusses the rescission of a Biden-era rule on LGBTQ foster care placements and what the filibuster has to do with the SAVE Act.Live Music Friday with Irish musicians Matt & Shannon Heaton and flutist Kozo Toyota, one of three members of the Japanese band O'Jizo that plays traditional Irish music. Tonight, they all collaborate on a show at Club Passim.Dr. Megan Ranney of Yale School of Public Health discusses measles concerns and the epidemic of American gun violence.Iranian-American owners of La Saison bakery return ahead of Persian New Year, and to discuss the impacts of war on their family. 

BPR Full Show 3/12: How To Load The Dishwasher

Alan Khazei, founder of City Year, discusses the value of public service.Alex Green talks about his book A Perfect Turmoil: Walter E. Fernald and the Struggle to Care for America's Disabled, which is a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Senator Ed Markey zooms in to discuss the cost of war with Iran.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses AI-assisted warfare, and the bomb threat near Gracie Mansion in New York City. Then, Juliette sticks around for our conversation about popcorn. 

BPR Full Show 3/10: Ask The Mayor With Mayor Wu

Emerald Necklace Conservancy President Karen Mauney-Brodek and NAACP Boston's Ed Burley join to discuss their group's opposition to Mayor Wu's White Stadium plan.NBC Sports Boston anchor-reporterTrenni Casey on the battle over security funding for the FIFA World Cup in Foxborough.Boston Medical Center's Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses a new study that finds Tylenol use in pregnant women declined after President Trump and RFK Jr.'s made unfounded claims last fall that the drug cases autism. GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen joins us to discuss the BSO declining to renew Andris Nelsons' contract.

Anand Giridharadas of The.Ink Substack and MSNBC commentator joins for Press Play, our weekly media analysis segment, to discuss Pete Hegseth's Iran press conferences in front of a new, friendlier press corps this week.Flutist Jamie Baum joins us for Live Music Friday, ahead of a show at Scullers on Saturday. Steve Elman, former jazz host and one of Jamie's professional cheerleaders, also joins us in Studio 3.NBC10 Boston's Sue O'Connell discusses the bar owner facing sanctions for Patriots players' bad behavior, and a rise in homophobic bullying at school hockey programs across the state, in the wake of Heated Rivalry's popularity.

Political commentator Chuck Todd discusses the latest national political headlines and how Republicans are walking a tight-rope between Trump and the party's anti-interventionists. Olga Cherevko is  head of communications for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. She joins us again via zoom to discuss how the US-Israel war on Iran is impacting Palestinians.Former secretary of public safety Andrea Cabral on why the Minneapolis prosecutors office is launching an investigation into top border patrol officials.The Culture Show host Jared Bowen joins us briefly to discuss why composer Philip Glass chose to withdraw his Symphony No. 15: Lincoln from the Kennedy Center.And for this week's Am I the A-hole: rims-up or rims-down for storing coffee mugs? 

Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses misinformation and cyberwarfare shaping the conflict in Iran.ACLU of Massachusetts' Carol Rose discusses how the Trump immigration policies are making us less safe: since the administration starting denying bond hearings to immigrants detained inside the country, a number of habeas cases have overwhelmed prosecutors and offices are dropping cases.Priya Tahiliani is Superintendent of Brockton public schools. She joins us to discuss her tumultuous career -- after essentially being driven out of Everett when she pushed for change in the schools there -- and the challenges facing gateway city schools across the state.

It's been four days of attacks on Iran. Six Americans are dead. Global markets are down. We open the phones to get more of your reactions to the unfolding situation and what comes next.Then, CNN's John King on the primaries today around the country, and takeaways from Clinton's Epstein depositions.The Boston Foundation's Lee Pelton on how nonprofits like his are managing under Trump, and how TBF is supporting our immigrant neighbors.Sebastian Walker was correspondent for PBS Frontline's 2025 film "Strike On Iran: The Nuclear Question." He joins us to talk about the current situation in Iran.NBC Sport Boston's Trenni Casey discusses how the war may impact Iran's soccer team ahead of the World Cup. Then, in the latest example of eminent domain fights: a Somerville family refuses to give up their home to make room for the YMCA's modern expansion. Would you hold on to your home of four decades, or take the millions in the name of so-called progress?

We start the show on Iran. Daniel Drezner is a Distinguished Professor of International Politics and Academic Dean at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.  He gives the latest on the U.S.-led attacks on Iran and what comes next for the region under fire. Joanna Lydgate heads the States United Democracy Center, which aims to protect free and fair elections in the United States. She talks about what states can do to protect the midterms in November. Congressman Jim McGovern calls in to share his thoughts on what he's calling an "illegal war" against Iran.Throughout the show we take listener calls, asking is this another endless regime change effort by the U.S., or the right move for the region?

Author and journalist Rachel Hartigan discusses her book "Lost: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life."Jazz, neo‑soul and reggae artist Safiya performs for Live Music Friday.NBC10Boston's Sue O'Connell on Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and the Clintons' testimony on Jeffrey Epstein.Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther zooms in to discuss his harrowing experience in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where violence broke out in response to the killing of the New Generation drug cartel leader "El Mencho."

Chuck Todd with his State of the Union analysis Andrea Cabral discusses the 'Dalilah Law' & Trump's proposal to target immigrant driver's licenses and how it would impact Mass, which passed the Work and Family Mobility Act in 2023.Shirley Leung discusses her reporting on deaths of homeless people outside South Station ... plus, the surge on pot shops during the winter storm.

National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussing the State of the Union and cartel violence in Mexico.Danielle Bell, head of the UN's human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, discusses this week marking 4 years of Russia's invasion in Ukraine.Haley Fortier (haley.henry and nathalie wine bars) and Alicia Towns Franken (Wine Unify and Towns Wine Co.), two leaders in Boston's wine community, join ahead of the Femme Fête wine festival, this Saturday.

BPR Full Show 2/24: Snow Much Snow

As a massive blizzard bears down on New England, Jim and Margery keep talking on the airwaves. They take calls from listeners on how they're faring during the storm and help Jim answer questions about his pellet stove. Plus:MassDems chair Steve Kerrigan and MassGOP chair Amy Carnevale join us for our regular political check-in.Princeton University professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad discusses the state of Black voter support for the Trump administration, and corporate DEI efforts.Ali Noorani, the Barr Foundation's new president, joins to share his hopes and goals for the philanthropic organization under his leadership.We dedicate hour three of the show to special snow coverage, talking with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston mayor Michelle Wu, meteorologist David Epstein, NBC 10 Boston's Sue O'Connell, GBH's Jeremy Siegel, CAI's John Basile, MassDOT's Jonathan Gulliver, the MBTA's COO Ryan Coholan, and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. 

For Press Play media analysis we talk to NBC10 Boston's Sue O'Connell and GBH's Callie Crossley. Live Music Friday with saxophonist Zishi Liu. He's headlining a Lunar New Year concert at Regattabar later this month.Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner discusses today's SCOTUS ruling that bars President Trump from enacting sweeping tariffs.  We play our conversation with Andy Freed, author of “Lead Like The Boss: The Bruce Springsteen Framework to Elevating Your Leadership.”

Juliette Kayyem on Democratic mayors across the country moving to limit ICE action in their citiesAndrea Cabral on the Colin Gray case, father of a school shooter.Federico Rossano on a GBH event screening NOVA's “Can Dogs Talk?”

We remember documentarian Frederick Wiseman and actor Robert Duvall with The Culture Show's Jared Bowen. And he reviews the new Wuthering Heights movie.Boston Globe technology writer Hiawatha Bray discusses why more people are turning to AI for health-related questions (and what it means for their health). Plus, why Healey's social media regulation plan faces an uphill battle.NBC Sports Boston's Trenni Casey gives us a dispatch from the winter Olympics: on how a cheating scandal is upheaving the friendly sport of curling, and how, per usual, the Olympic Village has already run out of condoms. 

BPR Full Show 2/17: The Nancy Guthrie Case

NBC10 Sue O'Connell joins to discuss NYC officials re-raising the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, after the Trump administration ordered it removed. Will Nelson Jr. and Loren Benn perform for Live Music Friday, ahead of a Valentine's Day show at Coquette.Boston University researcher Joan Donovan joins for Press Play media analysis, discussing the misinformation stemming from the DOJ's release of the Epstein files, and the internet sleuths claiming they're able to un-redact them.Boston Globe Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein unveils the new Love Letters "Telebooth" at the Boston Public Library, where people can leave a message in a giant phone booth. Then, Meredith sticks around to help answer your love questions ahead of Valentine's Day.

BPR Full Show 2/12: Don't Touch My Stuff

Ian Coss of the Big Dig and John Bullard, former New Bedford mayor and Sustainable Development director at NOAA, discuss season three of the podcast, "Catching the Codfather."Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on security at the Olympics and the Super Bowl, plus the crypto currency grift within the Trump family.Naturalist and author Sy Montgomery zooms in to discuss inter-species communication between dogs and the humans who give them buttons. Plus, the Indigenous-led declaration recognizing whales as legal persons.And, Joe Hanson, host of High School Quiz Show, checks in ahead of the new season.

NBC Sports' Trenni Casey with updates on the games and the Super Bowl.CNN's John King on the latest national political headlines.Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins for Ask the Mayor taking listeners questions

Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory discusses the American politicians booed at the Olympics and the athletes speaking out against the Trump administration. Plus, more local Epstein connections on college campuses.Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung on the updated White Stadium figures released by Mayor Wu, and why South Station is still kicking out homeless people at night even when temps are below freezing.Boston Medical Center's Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett on the use of AI by both patients and providers, updates on measle outbreaks, and how to navigate end-of-life conversations with loved ones.Finally, GBH executive arts editor and host of The Culture Show, Jared Bowen, on the joyous performance by Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Ruth Marcus, formerly of the Washington Post, joins for Press Play to talk about the sweeping layoffs at her former employer.John Barros, interim executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, discusses his new post, after serving as Boston's economic development chief.Legendary singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor joins for Live Music Friday to play some tunes and talk about his role as Winnie the Pooh in a new adaptation.NBC10 Boston's Sue O'Connell on the apparent kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's mother. 

BPR Full Show 2/5: I Changed My Mind... Don't Yell At Me

Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on the latest tranche of Epstein files and Trump's comments about nationalizing elections.A special live music Wednesday performance by jazz and contemporary composer Farayi Malek, ahead of a performance at the Umbrella Arts Center in partnership with the Salt Lick Incubator. We also talk to Eileen Williston, executive director of The Umbrella Arts Center. Journalist and author Howard Bryant discusses his book, "Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America."

John King on the latest national political headlines.Corby Kummer discusses how food delivery apps have reshaped diningReggie Ramos of Transportation4Mass joins for a transit discussionAri Snider of Maine Public on the federal immigration surge in that state

We start the show by getting listener's thoughts on the messy DOJ Epstein file release that leaked several victim identities. What do you do when the government doesn't have you back? Sarah Sherman-Stokes of BU Law and Leah Hastings of Prisoner Legal Services of Massachusetts discuss Gov. Maura Healey's latest actions on immigration enforcement. They both argue that Healey isn't using her full power as governor to keep Massachusetts residents safe.George Howell of George Howell Coffee joins Jim and Margery to celebrate his 50th anniversary in the coffee industry as a roaster and entrepreneur, and brews a couple cups of joe. The Culture Show's Jared Bowen on the premiere of the Melania documentary and anti-ICE speeches at the Grammy awards. Then we open the phone lines to get your thoughts on how to make the most perfect, fluffiest scrambled eggs. 

NBC10 Boston media maven Sue O'Connell joins for Press Play to discuss the arrest of Don Lemon, Bari Weiss' "scoops" based strategy and the FCC revisiting the equal time rule. Governor Maura Healey joins for this month's Ask the Governor.Electric harpist Deborah Henson-Conant serenades us for Live Music Friday, ahead of a weekend show at The Center for Arts in Natick.

Chuck Todd joins for news of the day, asking a novel question: "Is This a Tipping Point" in America?Andrea Cabral discusses the legislators moving to restrict ICE in their states; and new deportation data in New England.Nancy Gertner discusses the Supreme Court's slow walk on Trump tariff case, and how Minnesota's chief judge is taking on ICE.Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley zooms in from Minnesota.Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins on zoom to discuss his effort to establish ICE-free spaces in his city, and other local politics from Rhode Island.

GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen on how even apolitical spaces — film festivals, online niche communities — have become political in the wake of ICE's actions in Minnesota. Plus, "Job" at the SpeakEasy Stage and his conversation with actress Claire Foy.Nicholas Burns, former U.S. ambassador to China and NATO, discusses Trump's Greenland push and China's response to Trump's tariff warning shots. Imari Paris Jeffries of Embrace Boston and Reverend Jeffrey Brown of My City at Peace discuss the abrupt change in city plans for Parcel 3 in Roxbury.Boston Globe Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein marks 17 years of giving advice and we explore her most recent columns, like one writer who raises the red flag when a boyfriend buys the wrong hair dryer. And Margery learns she's not alone in not knowing that Venmo payments aren't automatically private.

BPR Full Show 1/27: When Enforcement Becomes Extremism?

We open the lines to hear reactions to yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis – this time of a 37-year-old ICU nurse, Alex Pretti. Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory weighs in on coverage of protests in Minneapolis and the Trump administration's attempts to lie their way out of another extrajudicial killing, and the media's role in calling out those lies. Michael Curry sits on the national board of the NAACP and leads Massachusetts' community health centers. He joins us to discuss ICE's incursion into Minneapolis – where robust social and refugee/immigrant services turned it into a target by the federal government. And live from Minneapolis, we also hear from Leslie Redmond, former president of the Minneapolis NAACP. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan on how local law enforcement in Minneapolis is on a collision course with federal agents, and local leaders can do to keep their communities safe. MIT economist Jon Gruber gives a macroeconomic view on President Trump's action on the world stage and how he's shredding our international alliances. Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton has called for ICE to be prosecuted for the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He joins us to explain why he thinks the agency needs to be defunded.