Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today: Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung fill in for Jim and Margery.They host a panel with the leaders of two local nonprofits to discuss the current environment for organizations dealing with federal pressure and losing federal funding –  Molly Baldwin from the violence reduction group Roca and Jenna Leschuk of 826 Boston.Then, Live Music Friday with Grammy-nominated violinist Christina Day Martinson. She joins with filmmaker Nathaniel Hansen, who's made a documentary about Christina, called “A Second Movement.” 

Margery and Jim have the day off. BPR regulars Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung take over the mics.It's Live Music Friday with Grammy-nominated violinist Christina Day Martinson and filmmaker Nathaniel Hansen. Martinson is a Grammy-nominated violinist with Handel and Hyden and Boston Baroque, and the focus of Hansen's documentary A Second Movement.Molly Baldwin leads the community violence reduction nonprofit Roca and Jenna Leschuk is Senior Director of Development at 826 Boston. They join to discuss resisting federal pressure even as they continue to embrace DEI.Boston Medical Center's Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses HHS secretary RFK Jr. rolling back vaccine recommendations and the primary care physician shortage in Massachusetts.  It's "Press Play" with GBH's Callie Crossley and The Bay State Banner's Ron Mitchell, who discuss a rise in local news nonprofits, NPR's lawsuit against the Trump administration, and more.

Today:Ambassador Nicholas Burns was the United States' top diplomat in China under the Biden administration. He discusses Trump's tariffs, and international diplomacy writ large.Then we get listener reaction to news that another family feud is brewing at Market Basket, more than a decade after CEO Arthur T DeMoulas garnered massive community support in the last brouhaha over his business model and shareholder profit.

BPR Full Show 5/29: Market Basket Drama

Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the State Department ordering a pause on all student visas, the Heritage Foundation's plan to stifle pro-Palestinian speech, and updates on the killing of two Israeli Embassy aides in Washington, DC.Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins for Ask The Mayor.Naturalist and author Sy Montgomery discusses a Florida woman who rescued a tangled shark and how one Chicago building made a simple change to stop birds from crashing into its windows. Massachusetts Governor's Council member Mara Dolan calls in to discuss the public defender work stoppage. 

 Today:Greg Weiner, President of Assumption University, argues Trump has a point about liberal campus ideology. And Rick Steves joins for a conversation about the importance of immersing yourself in other cultures.

BPR Full Show 5/27: Trump Vs. Massachusetts

Abdullah Shahid Sial and Leo Gerdén are two international students from Harvard University. They react to the Trump administration's move yesterday to revoke the school's ability to enroll international students. Then it's Live Music Friday with Jessye DeSilva, ahead of an appearance at Club Passim's Campfire Festival. Passim Managing Director Matt Smith also joins. NBC Boston's Sue O'Connell gives us the latest on the Karen Read trial. Plus, thoughts on the Sean Combs trial and the Boston City Hall staffer love triangle.Katie Theoharides is President & CEO of the Trustees of Reservations. She discusses concerns about federal cuts to conservation and the environment. Lylah Alphonse (Boston Globe) and Adam Reilly (GBH News) join for this week's edition of Press Play.

Today:We start the show with two Harvard international students, with reaction to President Trump revoking their school's ability to enroll international students just like them.Then it's Live Music Friday ahead of the Campfire Festival at Club Passim this weekend in Harvard Square. Jessye DeSilva performs for us here at the library … And we hear from her and Passim managing director Matt Smith.

Today: A music panel highlighting some great local events and artists, from the Newport Folk Festival to the jazz offerings around town. We talk with Brian McCreath of CRB, James Bennett II of GBH News, and Berklee's Emmett Price. 

BPR Full Show 5/22: I Forgot The Butter!

GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen discusses "The Light in the Piazza" at the Huntington, penguins getting a retirement home at the New England Aquarium and the Kennedy Center's MAGA makeover.Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses her new 8-part documentary series on the American West, with Kevin Costner, premiering on Memorial Day.Chris Dempsey and Rep. Bill Straus join for a transportation panel, discussing former T chief Brian Shortsleeve joining the GOP race for governor, a turbulent start for South Coast Rail and how to spend the $1.3 billion from the millionaire's tax.Attorney General Andrea Campbell joins for Ask The AG. We ask her about ICE raids and local law enforcement, Question 1, consumer protections and more.

Today:Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett of Boston Medical Center discusses Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis.And, Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart calls in with July 4 news.

NBC Sports Boston's Trenni Casey discusses the Celtics out of the playoffs and breaking news about Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson.Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis and new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines from the FDA.Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson joins for a summer movie preview and reflects on 50 years since Jaws premiered. CNN's John King joins remotely to discuss the opposition to Trump's big, beautiful tax bill.

BPR Full Show 5/19: Feeling Bleh

Carbon Leaf joins for Live Music Friday, head of a performance at the Spire in Plymouth.Dan Primack is the business editor for Axios. He joins to talk about Trump's business deals in the Middle East, Walmart's tariff price hikes and HBO's big re-re-re-brand to HBO Max.Director Gene Tempest & American Experience EP Cameo George talk about their latest project, “Mr. Polaroid,” a new documentary about the invention of the Polaroid camera (which started in Cambridge). Armani Thomas is a local artist who makes mini-paintings of Boston scenes and leaves the canvases up around the city. He chronicles his work on TikTok as @armoneythomas. Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner discusses yesterday's SCOTUS arguments on the 14th Amendment, along with other contested Trump executive orders and the sense that "rule of law" is ending in America.

Political analyst Chuck Todd with his weekly D.C. rundown.Rep. Ayanna Pressley talks about the return of Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk. And, her new bill to stop the garnishment of wages for people with student loans in default. Dr. Sarah Fortune leads a tuberculosis research team at Harvard whose NIH funding was just cut by the Trump administration. She talks about the importance of scientific research and the future of her lab.MIT economist Jon Gruber explains how cuts to higher education will impact the biotech, medical and education economy in Massachusetts.

Today:Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley tells of her visit to constituent Rumeysa Ozturk in a Louisiana detention center, of the fight to get her released, and how Democrats are fighting back against the Trump administration.And, Dr. Sarah Fortune, chair of the department of immunology and infectious diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, discusses how a surprise philanthropic donation is keeping her scientific research alive – despite cuts from the Trump administration. 

Today:National security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the amount of work that will have to go into retro-fitting the Qatari airplane to suit Trump's presidential needs.And, naturalist Sy Montgomery discusses warming climate's impact on ticks and the humans who get bit by them.

GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen discusses the no-nudity dress code at Cannes and 'Kimberly Akimbo' at the Emerson Colonial Theatre.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem explains why the Qatari plane gifted to President Donald Trump poses security problems. Food policy analyst Corby Kummer discusses new FDA-approved 'natural' food colorings, the golden age of the fried-chicken sandwich and Michelin stars coming to Boston restaurants.Naturalist and author Sy Montgomery on this season's tick problem and new research on the rhythmic capabilities of sea lions.

Today:Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft joins Jim and Margery at the Boston Public Library to discuss his mayoral challenge to Michelle Wu.And, Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart discusses the current spring Pops season, his 30th with the orchestra.

NBC Sports Boston's Trenni Casey discusses a private equity in the Celtics' purchase bid and their devastating loss last night in game four against the Knicks. Josh Kraft joins to discuss his campaign for Mayor of Boston.Conductor Keith Lockhart on his 30th anniversary with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and what's in store for the Pops' spring season.CNN's John King joins via zoom to discuss the latest national political headlines.

Today:Olga Cherevko of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, zooms into the show from Gaza City to discuss the humanitarian crisis there.Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett G Price discuss the new Pope's Creole heritage.

BPR Full Show 5/12: Crisis In Gaza

Today:Gov. Maura Healey joined Jim and Margery at the Boston Public Library on May 9, 2025.

For Live Music Friday we hear from Brockton-based artist Latrell James, who won Album of the Year at 2024's Boston Music Awards. He's performing at Boston Calling this month. We also speak to Boston Calling co-founder Mike Snow."Ask The Governor" with Maura Healey. We ask Gov. Healey about tariffs, the latest ICE raids, potential cuts in the state budget and more. Democratic Whip Katherine Clark joins is to talk about dysfunction within the Democratic party, what the party's message should be moving forward, and her recent petition to protect Medicaid and SNAP.

Podcaster Chuck Todd returns for his Thursday D.C. roundup.Andrea Cabral on the latest law and order headlines: an appeals court ordering the return of Rumeysa Ozturk and to Vermont. Environmentalist Bill McKibben returns for his monthly climate check-in. Culture reporter James Bennett II discusses why Americans are obsessed with the movie Conclave and the real-life conclave. While on air, the current conclave ended and the new pope was announced. We talk with James about the historical significance of the first Pope from the United States, Leo XIV.

Today:National security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the start to the secretive process to pick the next pope.NPR host Ari Shapiro zooms in ahead of two local shows on his cabaret tour.

Jared Bowen discusses the local arts groups impacted by cancelled NEA grants.Juliette Kayyem discusses what you need to know about Real ID requirements.Ari Shaprio joins ahead of his one-man cabaret show: "Ari Shapiro: Thank You For Listening" stopping in Nashua and Lexington this weekend.Ana Sortun, executive chef of Oleana and chef/co-owner of Sofra, joins with Maura Kilpatrick, chef/co-owner of Sofra — for our latest edition of How Do You Two Know Each Other?

Today:Senator Ed Markey discusses Trump's tariff plan, and his recent visit to Rumeysa Ozturk in Louisiana.And, Chuck Collins from the Institute for Policy Studies discusses the uber-wealthy forces trying to expand Bedford's Hanscom Field to accommodate more fossil-fueled private jets.  

Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, discusses the appeals court hearing today in the case of Rümeysa Öztürk. Plus, the Trump Justice Department taking the same position as the Biden admin on a major abortion access case.Senator Ed Markey zooms in to discuss national politics: the impacts of tariffs on small business, Republican rule-breaking, Harvard, and Trump's deportations.Lee Pelton of the Boston Foundation discusses how Trump's nonprofit policies will devastate vulnerable communities, and the Boston Foundation's $2.6 million in Safety Net grants. Chuck Collins of the Institute for Policy Studies discusses the American oligarchs — Zuckerberg, Musk and Bezos --- and their impact on politics. He also joins to discuss the proposed Hanscom Field expansion as it relates to private jet use and climate change.

Trenni Casey discusses the Kentucky Derby, the Celtics first playoff game tonight against the Knicks and the benefits of deep breathing.Comedian W. Kamau Bell joins ahead of a show at The Wilbur later this month.GBH News investigations editor Jennifer McKim and Tyngsboro homeowner Trevor Nkuubi join to discuss some shady practices in the solar panel industry.Jeanne Kempthorne, retired attorney and former State Ethics Commissioner, gives her perspective on the legal battle brewing between auditor Diana DiZoglio and AG Andrea Campbell over the auditor's efforts to audit the legislature.Then we re-air our conversation with Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa.

Today, we bring you the first episode of friend-of-the-show Shirley Leung's new series The C-Word, where she discusses her own experience with breast cancer, something she's kept to herself for years.Shirley's podcast "Say More" can be found here.

Skylark is a multi Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble here for this week's Live Music Friday. Shirley Leung on her recent episode of “Say More” where she speaks – for the first time publicly – about her experience with cancer. Evan Dalton & Nathan Senner are two birding experts, we'll put their skills to the test, discuss how climate change impacts bird populations, as well as the threats to science funding.Matt Gertz for Press Play; we peak behind the curtain of the Fox News universe on tariffs, and get an update on the latest with Paramount/60 Minutes.

Today:Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist, author of "How to Stand Up to a Dictator," discusses standing against authoritarianism and confronting disinformation. Her message is clear: the future of American Democracy depends on the willingness of Americans to fight for it.And, president of American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts Jessica Tang joins to discuss today's international day of action for the labor movement, amid widespread attacks on laborers, educators, and civil society more broadly from the Trump administration.

Maria Ressa is the CEO and co-founder of the Filipino news service Rappler. In 2021 she won the Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to a free press, reporting on dictator Rodrigo Duterte.  Amy Spitalnik is CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. She'll discuss antisemitism in America and those who argue it's being politicized by the far-right.  Jessica Tang is President of AFT Massachusetts, she joins ahead of an appearance at a May Day rally on Boston Common.  Jelani Cobb is Dean of the Colombia Journalism School and writer for the New Yorker. He talks about Columbia in Trump's crosshairs and journalism's role holding Trump 2.0 to account.

Today:Patty Talahongva discusses her new film for Frontline, documenting climate devastation in Alaska for native communities; and the cultural impacts of forced relocation, first at direct hands of the American government, and now at the hands of its inability to deal with climate change.Then, it's our favorite Hancock NH resident, author and naturalist Sy Montgomery on boozy chimps caught on camera getting loaded off of fermented breadfruit. 

GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen discusses an Edvard Munch exhibit at the Harvard Art Museum and Francis Ford Coppola at a 'Megalopolis' showing at the Coolidge Corner Theater.Patty Tahalongva is director, producer and writer of PBS Frontline's latest film "Alaska's Vanishing Native Villages." She joins via zoom to discuss the film, which follows the immediate impacts of climate change on indigenous communities forced to relocate.Naturalist and author Sy Montgomery talks about crows with math skills, booze-fueled feasts for wild chimps and the Cape Ann woodpecker.Former Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral on the Justice Department halting funds for victims of hate crimes and child abuse, and a new report from Harvard University report on antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus.

Today:Lawyers Defending American Democracy Executive Director Lauren Stiller Rikleen and former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbargar discuss attacks on the American legal system, and what their group is doing to hold bad actors to account.

NBC Sports Boston's Trenni Casey discusses the Bill Belichick CBS interview, the NFL draft and someone who heckled Jarren Duran over his disclosure of suicidality.Lauren Rikleen and Scott Harshbargar of Lawyers Defending American Democracy join to discuss their efforts to defend the rule of law. Harshbargar is the co-founder and Rikleen is executive director.Sisters Vanessa and Casey White of Jaju Pierogi join at the BPL to discuss their growing pierogi business and their Shark Tank appearance, which airs on May 2.CNN's John King zooms in to discuss how Trump supporters are feeling about the first 100 days and the leftward turn in Canada's election. 

Today:Legendary Boston broadcaster Liz Walker joins us in Studio 3 to talk about her memoir and experience building community for decades, “No One Left Alone”.And, president of the Boston chapter of the Ukraine Congress committee, Vsevolod Petriv joins with Brian Nolen, founder of New Hampshire-based aid group NH4Ukraine, who has just returned to the states after a year-long stint in Kharkiv.

Evan Horowitz of Tufts Center for State Policy Analysis discusses the economy as it relates to Trump's unpredictability and the Massachusetts' ability to plan for spending.Ilan Stavans of Amherst discusses the religious solidarity of Pope Francis and the surge of nationalism in Mexico amid Trump threats.Rev. Liz Walker discusses her memoir "No One Left Alone"A Ukraine panel with Vsevolod Petriv, president of the Boston chapter of the Ukraine Congress Committee, and Brian Nolen, New Hampshire man who founded an aid group and has spent the past year in Kharkiv delivering aid directly to the front lines.

Paul Willis is a Boston-based rapper and educator who's spent his career in nonprofits helping youth through hip hop & the arts. His latest project is “Hip Hop Leadership,” a combination album / book / teaching curriculum about what hip hop can teach about leadership. Andera Cabral on the Wisconsin Judge who was arrested. Shirley Leung on nonprofit 826 Boston rejecting $250k in federal grants to maintain their DEI programs. Ken Zuckerman from the national mustard museum & chef Wil Gilson join to promote a liverwurst festival happening Sunday at First Street Market called “Best of the Wurst.”Adam Reilly & Sue O'Connell are our guest for this week's edition of our media analysis segment Press Play. Main story this week is CBS News & the 60 Minutes chief resigning over editorial pressures.

Twisted Pine performed for Live Music Friday, ahead of shows at the Spire in Plymouth and Lowell's The Town and The City festival. Sue O'Connell on the Blue Origin flight & the latest on Karen Read.Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett on RFK's ongoing vaccine disinformation campaign.BAA CEO Jack Flemming joined to preview this year's Boston Marathon. He'll join alongside championship athlete and first-timer Boston runner Barry Keane.Callie Crossley & Yawu Miller on proposed slashes to NPR & PBS

Today:GBH's Adam Reilly & NBC10's Sue O'Connell are here for media analysis segment “Press Play” – The nation's journalistic bulwark “60 Minutes” has just lost its lead producer, who quit over loss of journalistic integrity at CBS. Plus, Sue's dispatch from the Karen Read courtroom.And, Live Music Friday with Paul Willis, a Boston-based rapper and educator who's spent his career in nonprofits helping youth with his artistry. His latest project is “Hip Hop Leadership,” part album, part teaching curriculum.