Boston Public Radio Podcast

Former New York Times editor Jill Abramson joins for Press Play to discus her latest column that asks why the press is still struggling to cover Trump, even as he governs increasingly like a king. Shannon O'Brien, reinstated chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, discusses her return and what's ahead for the pot industry in Massachusetts.The co-organizers of "Which Side? A Protest Music Teach-Out" join for Live Music Friday, ahead of a Burren Back Room session on Jan. 20. Our guests are organizers Joyce Linehan, James Sullivan, and musicians Jon Butcher, Ali McGuirk, Magen Tracey, and Erica Mantone.Rep. Bill Keating zooms in to discuss Trump's aggressive posture towards Greenland, and investigations into the killing of Renee Good. NBC10 Boston' media maven Sue O'Connell on the hot, hockey series phenomenon on HBO: Heated Rivalry…A gay love story that has women swooning. Plus, how the internet is turning press for the new Melania Trump documentary into a meme.

Political analyst and podcaster Chuck Todd on the MAGA-fication of CBS news, and the first amendment implications of a federal investigation into a Washington Post reporter. Former Massachusetts secretary of public safety Andrea Cabral on ICE's gestapo-like tactics in Minnesota and one woman's story of how she was recruited into the agency. Amherst College's Ilan Stavans on what Latino voters are making of Trump's Venezuelan takeover. Plus, the lengths American citizens are going to protect their undocumented parents, including enlisting in the military.Environmentalist Bill McKibben gives a rundown on the global damage the Trump administration is inflicting on the climate, including the EPAs new air pollution rules and oil in Venezuela. Then, it's Am I The A Hole day. Today's scenario involves a man at our beloved Costco, calling out a woman who cut him in line. Who's the bigger jerk, the flippant line cutter or the man who swore at her for cutting him? 

The Culture Show's Jared Bowen on a new PBS series “Breaking the Deadlock,” that explores the role of government in life and death decisions. Plus, we'll get his thoughts on the new Bradley Cooper movie “Is this thing on?” and other arts headlines.Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley discusses her calls for an independent investigation into the ICE killing in Minnesota, and for extended ACA subsidies.Tufts international affairs expert Daniel Drezner on violence in Iran – where the death toll of protesters against the regime has soared past 2,500.Food policy analyst Corby Kummer on the closing of Time Out Market in Fenway, the environmental impact of the new dietary guidelines and how restoring wild oyster reefs in Massachusetts is a win for conservationists and seafood bars. Dr. Atul Gawande is the former assistant administrator for global health at USAID. He explains how the shutdown of the aid organization has had ripple effects around the world…including contributing to the deaths of over half a million people worldwide, most of them children. It's the topic of his Oscar-shortlisted documentary “Rovina's Choice.”

MA Attorney General Andrea Campbell joins for Ask the AG.Andris Nelsons of the Boston Symphony Orchestra joins to preview their special America250 programming.Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discusses her latest column on the impact of Boston's liquor license expansion and what Trump's pressure on the Federal Reserve mean for businesses in Massachusetts.Retired judge Nancy Gertner on the resignation of several top Minnesota attorneys, the Supreme Court trans athlete case, and Trump's push to change how the midterms are conducted, through redistricting, tighter voter registration rules and by gutting cybersecurity protections.

We talk to former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, about what President Trump's continued threats of taking over the Danish territory of Greenland would it all mean for Europe, NATO and beyond.Chris Dempsey, former assistant transportation secretary, and former state Rep. Bill Straus, join for a transportation panel. They discuss the FIFA World Cup coming to Gillette Stadium and whether our transit system is capable of handling the influx of riders.Boston Medical Center's Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett explains this year's brutal flu season. Plus, HHS secretary RFK Jr.'s new guidelines for nutrition and childhood vaccine schedule updates. Princeton University scholar Khalil Gibran Muhammad on President Trump's saying he thinks Civil Rights-era protections have led to white people being “very badly treated.” And we talk about the administration's continued war with Harvard University. 

BPR Full Show 1/9: Truth Is In The Video

BPR Full Show 1/8: Minneapolis ICE Shooting

The Culture Show's Jared Bowen discusses the growing number of artists canceling their Kennedy Center appearances, his take on Marty Supreme and more cultural news from across the region. Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on what President Trump's threats of military action beyond Venezuela mean for security at home. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung on the Kraft Group finally striking a deal to open a new professional soccer stadium in Everett, just before the deadline. Eric Segal, Nastasia Lawton and Rev. Fred Small were all arrested when they tried to deliver care packages – with food, bedrolls and menstrual products – to detainees at an ICE processing center in Burlington. They join to talk about their arrest and why they're standing up to the Trump administration's gestapo.  Then, it's soup season. We open the phone and text lines, and Jim reveals which soup is the most erotic.

CNN's John King with the latest national political headlines.Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Mass on oral arguments in Boston over their NIH grants lawsuit. She'll also discuss the anniversary of J6 and the Trump administration's efforts to rewrite history.Lee Pelton of the Boston Foundation discusses the problem of rental deserts in Greater Boston, and the issue of affordability generally.Congressman Jake Auchincloss zooms in to discuss Democrats' response to Trump's actions in Venezuela.Trenni Casey of NBC Sports Boston discusses the Patriots being good on the field, and bad off the field. Plus, a whole new year of Jordon Hudson obsession in sports media.

Tufts University's international affairs scholar Daniel Drezner on the United States' weekend invasion of Venezuela to depose its authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro. Tufts food policy analyst Corby Kummer forecasts 2026 food trends and how to stick to New Year's resolutions. Plus, he updates us on how the Trump administration's agriculture investments will impact farmers. Bioethicist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel discusses his new book “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life.”There are more lawmakers of color than ever on Beacon Hill. But the legislature still remains disproportionately white. We talk to Mass League of Community Health Center's Michael Curry about that, and what a boost in rural health system federal funding could mean for western Mass.

BPR Full Show 12/24: Jim Is Not The Grinch

BPR Full Show 12/23: December Ask the Governor

BPR Full Show 12/22: Holiday Fruitcake

Today:Juliette Kayyem and Andrea Cabral fill in for Jim and Margery.GBH political reporter Adam Reilly and Bay State Banner publisher Ron Mitchell join for our media analysis segment Press Play.And, Atikin Rose joins for Live Music Friday, accompanied on piano by Hawk of "God-Tier Entertainment" and joined in the studio by the CEO of PUTINWORK Rob Kelley-Morgan.

GBH's Adam Reilly and The Bay State Banner's Ron Mitchell join for Press Play media analysis. This week, they talk about media reaction to Trump's White House address, Brian McGrory returning to the Globe and a profile of the photographer who captured Trump staff for the Susie Wiles Vanity Fair profile.  Boston Medical Center's Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett on the CDC reversing its position on Hepatitis B vaccines for infants, cutting funding for the American Academy of Pediatrics, RFK Jr.'s move to ban gender affirming care for young people, and the so-called "Christmas Coronary effect." Atikin Rose is an up-and-coming R&B singer songwriter with a new EP due out next year. She joins for Live Music Friday alongside talent manager Rob Kelley-Morgan.Tony Williams and Peter Gwiazda celebrate 25 years of the Urban Nutcracker. Tony is the show's founder and creative visionary. Peter is a dancer with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.NBC10 Boston media maven Sue O'Connell talks Epstein files, Brian Walshe, and a NYTimes profile of the woman caught in that Coldplay kiss-cam last summer.

BPR Full Show 12/18: A Christmas Story.... 24/7

Today:Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, discusses the organization's work.

Volker Türk is the United Nations High Commissioner on human rights. We talk to him about the agency's continued campaign against human rights violations worldwide, despite the U.S. pulling back support.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on the latest in the Brown University shooting investigation, as detectives scramble for footage of a possible suspect. Plus her thoughts on that Susie Wiles Vanity Fair article.Step aside vinyl, CDs and DVDs are BACK — at least for Gen-Z. We talk to The Culture Show's Jared Bowen about that, plus the mythology of Hamnet and its connection to the Bard's most famous soliloquy.While State auditor Diana DiZoglio's effort to audit the legislature still hasn't happened, despite the voters' will, she's launching a new ballot question that would subject both the Legislature and the governor's office to the state public records law. She joins us.

CNN's John King on the latest national political headlinesNBC Sports Boston's Trenni Casey joins in person to discuss outrageous ticket prices for the World Cup and John Cena's retirementFood policy analyst Corby Kummer zooms in to discuss the Market Basket family back in court todayMahsa Khanbabai, attorney for Rumeysa Ozturk, zooms in to discuss her client's caseBoston Mayor Michelle Wu answered listener questions for Ask The Mayor 1-2.

Cristina Quinn, of The Washington Post's Try This podcast, co-hosts with Jim today. Amherst College professor Ilan Stavans discusses a far-right win in the the Chilean presidential elections and the mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia.Daniel Drezner, dean of international politics at Tufts Fletcher School, discusses the Trump/MAGA foreign policy evolution.Bertil Jean-Chronberg of Bonde Fine Wine Shop and Alexandra Whiznant of Zuzu's Petals wine and dessert bar join for a wine panel. They bring some bubby, crème brûlée...and a blow torch.MIT economist Jon Gruber talks about his appearance on 60 Minutes talking about pros and price tag of genetic therapies.Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III discuss a new poll that finds no religious revival among young Americans, despite a different media narrative. Plus, the Democrats in Congress trying to take back faith from the right.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem gives the latest on the deadly Brown University mass shooting.Then we espouse on the benefits of using cold, hard cash to stay within your shopping budget. 

Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung are in the host seats. They talk with: NPR critic-at-large Eric Deggans on journalism ethics in the wake of Olivia Nuzzi, AI taking over podcast jobs at the Washington Post, and more media news.GBH's Callie Crossley on why Greater Boston's gender wage gap is shrinking…while the racial wage gap is growing. And on DEI in Boston business, and about a student from her alma mater who's bringing Black dolls to local kids.It's a holiday edition of Live Music Friday with students from the Boston Latin School Concert Choir, ahead of their annual Family Holiday Concert this Sunday.NBC10 Boston media maven Sue O'Connell is fresh back from covering the trial of Brian Walshe, accused of murdering his wife. She gives us the latest in the case and tries to explain to us why everyone is obsessed with these grisly murder trials. 

Today: Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung fill in for Jim and Margery.“Status: Venezuelan" is a new documentary co-produced by FRONTLINE and ProPublica, following a family trying to hold on to their legal status in the U.S., as the second Trump administration targets Venezuelans. ProPublica filmmakers Mauricio Rodríguez Pons and Almudena Toral join us on zoom to discuss.

Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung are in the host seats today. Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner discusses a number of Supreme Court-related topics: gerrymandering, religious vaccine mandates, and presidential power.Mauricio Rodriguez Pons and Almudena Toral are behind Frontline's latest film, in partnership with ProPublica: Status Venezuelan. They zoom in to discuss.Trenni Casey discusses early controversy in the World Cup draw, as Egypt and Iran protest being drawn to play in Seattle during the tournament's 'Pride Match.' Plus, the grandpa playing quarterback in the NFL.MIT economist Jon Gruber on Trump's plan to deliver direct cash to kids; and the latest on ACA subsidies.

The Culture Show's Jared Bowen discusses ABC signing Kimmel to a one-year contract a social media ban for kids in Australia and his interview with Patti Smith.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on cracks showing in the Trump Cabinet — namely, Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem.Franchie Viaud of JustBookish in Dorchester and Cathy and Bruce Jacobs of Turtle Books in Brookline join for an indie bookstore panel.Musician Will Dailey performs ahead a show at the Paradise Rock Club this weekend.Naturalist Sy Montgomery joins via zoom for the Afternoon Zoo to talk piano-playing octopuses and falcons protecting cherry crops in Michigan.

Today:Franchie Viaud, bookstore manager at Just Book-ish in Dorchester, and Cathy and Bruce Jacobs, co-owners of Turtle Books in Brookline, discuss the importance of independent bookstores.And, musician Will Dailey joins ahead of a show at the Paradise Rock Club.

Today: We get your thoughts on the nativity scene put up by St. Susanna Parish, featuring a sign reading "ICE was here" in the spot where Jesus, Mary and Joseph are usually centered in the manger.

CNN's John King zooms in for a politics roundupACLU of MA executive director Carol Rose discusses some of their high profile cases this year; the ACLU birthright citizenship case picked by SCOTUS to debate the merits, their work monitoring Flock's surveillance network, and moreAuthor Jeff Pearlman discusses his book "Only God Can Judge Me" about Tupac ShakurState Rep. David Muradian and David Nangle, Executive Director of SIGMA (Stop iGaming) discuss the state's new proposed gambling rules

Today: We speak with GBH News reporter Sarah Betancourt and Project Citizenship executive director Gail Breslow about an incident at a Faneuil Hall naturalization ceremony last week, where people were pulled out of line based on their country of origin and prohibited from finishing the years-long process, based on new guidance from the Trump administration.And, award-winning cookbook author Dorie Greenspan discusses her latest book, "Dorie's Anytime Cakes."

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt isn't supporting her nephew's mother, a Brazilian woman detained by ICE. We talk to BU journalism's Brian McGrory about that, and why CNN has become the unwanted stepchild in the new Netflix-Warner Brothers deal. If a new state proposal takes hold it would allow sewage to be dumped into the Charles and Mystic Rivers indefinitely, backsliding on decades of progress to end the practice. We talk to Emily Norton and Patrick Herron from the Charles and Mystic River watershed associations. James Beard award-winning cookbook author Dorie Greenspan joins us to talk about her latest book: “Dorie's Anytime Cakes" and why everyone should always have a cake on the kitchen counter.We check in with GBH reporter Sarah Betancourt and Project Citizenship's Gail Breslow on ICE's latest cruelty: targeting immigrants on the cusp of citizenship at their swearing-in ceremony at Faneuil Hall. Tufts' food policy analyst Corby Kummer on the latest threats to SNAP: withholding benefits from blue states like Massachusetts over immigration data. Plus, why it might be the wrong (or right) week to quit caffeine.And we take your calls and texts on whether you believe in astrology. 

Today: Live music with the Black Hole Symphony, performing “Mars Symphony,” ahead of a December 14th show with the New England Philharmonic.And two co-founders of 404 Media, Jason Koebler and Emanuel Maiberg, discuss their independent journalism outlet, and reporting at the intersection of surveillance, artificial intelligence, and immigration policy.

Former public safety secretary Andrea Cabral joins Margery at the library. Jason Koebler and Emanuel Maiberg are co-founders of 404 Media. They join for Press Play media analysis to talk about their reporting on Flock, an automatic license plate reader company used by police departments and federal immigration agencies.Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung recaps her latest columns on Mayor Wu and Boston's economy, liquor stores near Boston College and Boston's worsening traffic. Black Hole Symphony returns for Live Music Friday. They perform at the New England Philharmonic on Dec. 14. We talk with founder David Ibbett and Shep Doeleman.Edgar B. Herwick III joins to answer a few recent questions submitted to the Curiosity Desk. NBC Boston's Sue O'Connell discusses her coverage of the Brian Walshe trial, rats in Camberville, and that Dedham church putting up an "ICE was here" sign in their nativity scene.

Today:Adam Gardner of Guster and David Schneider of The Zambonis are also members of The LeeVees – a band that exclusively performs songs about Hanukkah. They grace us with some live music in Studio 3.And, Massachusetts Congressman Bill Keating discusses the latest news related to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth – Signalgate and Venezuelan boat strikes.

Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner is among dozens of former judges calling out the targeted and intentional deterioration of the rule of law in the U.S. court systemAndrea Cabral, former public safety secretary, discusses Trump's targeting of Somali migrants including Rep. Ilhan OmarDr. Megan Ranney, dean of Yale School of Public Health, discusses myriad public health issues: a vaccine advisory panel meeting today, the latest on mass shootings/gun violence, and restoring trust in public health/scientific institutionsCongressman Bill Keating discusses Admiral Bradley's appearance before the Senate to answer questions about the Sept. 2 boat strikesAdam Gardner & David Schnieder reunite in Studio 3 as The LeeVees, their Hanukkah themed band

The Culture Show's Jared Bowen discusses Wicked: For Good, the latest AI-generated pop song, plus, his art-filled tour of Berlin.National security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the war crimes allegations against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. And her thoughts on the attack on national guardsmen in D.C.Imari Paris Jeffries of Embrace Boston and Rev. Jay Williams of Union Combined Parish discuss their big plans for the upcoming MLK weekend and for the nation's 250th anniversary.Evan Horowitz of Tufts' Center for State Policy Analysis joins for a year-end roundup of state policy challenges: Medicaid work requirements, fiscal pressure on municipalities, and his new class at Tufts, "AI and the Future of American Politics."

Today:Evan Horowitz, executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University's Tisch College, discusses the state's economy, the certified ballot questions for 2026's election, and more.

Today:Actor Ethan Hawke zooms into BPR ahead of an event at the Coolidge Corner Theater this week. His latest film is "Blue Moon."

Massachusetts is considering new regulations for elderly home care. We talk with Mass League of Community Health Center's Michael Curry about that, and the latest on rising health insurance costs as Affordable Care Act subsidies sunset. Tufts food policy analyst Corby Kummer breaks down the rising costs of pantry staples bananas and even… pasta. Plus, he'll tell us why Bostonians pay some of the highest prices in the country for their daily caffeine fix. Boston Medical Center's Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses her argument for stable housing and why it's vital for keeping people healthy. And, she explains what the latest CDC vaccine changes mean for people in Massachusetts. Plus, we remember English playwright and screenwriter Tom Stoppard and revisit our 2019 interview with him at Tanglewood. The Trump administration is imposing new restrictions on all refugees from Afghanistan after an Afghan national was charged in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC last week. We check in with Fariba, an Afghan refugee with U.S. citizenship, about what that means for her community. And we talk with Xan Weber of the International Institute of New England about the impact on refugee communities.

Today: After an Afghan national was charged in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC last week, the Trump administration is imposing new restrictions on all refugees from Afghanistan. We check in with Fariba, an Afghan refugee with US citizenship, about what that means for her community. And, we talk with Alexandra Weber of the International Institute of New England about the impact on refugee communities.

Today:Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of the War on Cars podcast join to discuss their new book "Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile"

Today:Javier Marin is executive chairman of El Planeta, the leading Spanish-language newspaper in Massachusetts. He discusses his new book "Live From America: How Latino TV Conquered the U.S.”

Today:National security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the chaotic few days of peace negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.

Former secretary of public safety, Andrea Cabral, discusses how federal immigration forces are misusing "less lethal" weapons against protesters.Harvard's national security expert Juliette Kayyem on the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia deal, plus Congressman Mark Kelly under Pentagon investigation for his involvement in a video from Democratic lawmakers calling on troops to defy illegal orders.Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear discuss their new book "Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile."Playwright Ryan Landry previews this year's Gold Dust Orphans holiday show.Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discusses this year's holiday squeeze as consumers are expected to cut Black Friday spending for the first time since 2021.

CNN's John King zooms in for the latest national political headlinesTrenni Casey discusses Killington's independent era for skiing in the NortheastAbdallah Fayyad, Globe ideas writer, joins via zoom to discuss his latest piecesCongressman Jim McGovern calls into the show on the annual March for the Food Bank of Western Mass. Javier Marin, executive chairman of El Planeta, joins in person to discuss his new book:  “Live From America: How Latino TV Conquered the U.S.”

Paul Reville, former education secretary, discusses the federal influence in our education systems — from efforts to dismantle the Education Department to Harvard Vocational School.Oscar-winning documentarian Mstyslav Chernov on his latest FRONTLINE PBS film "2000 Meters to Andriivka" that captures the Ukraine-Russia war from the point of view of frontline fighters.Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III join for All Rev'd Up on BPR. They discuss how the multiethnic faith community of New Bedford is faring amid immigration attacks. Giselle Byrd reflects on her appointment to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Byrd, a community activist, executive director of Theater Offensive performing company, and a Black transgender woman, has received death threats since the news of her appointment.Folk singer/songwriter Tom Rush zooms in to celebrate his induction into Boston's Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame.

Today:Ukrainian journalist and Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov presents his latest film “2000 Meters to Andriivka” tomorrow night on PBS. It offers a vantage point of war rarely seen in non-fiction films: a first-hand look at the toll of war on the frontline soldiers.