Nightside With Dan Rea

Most of us probably imagined we'd end up in a different career than the one we actually have. Maybe you dreamed of being a firefighter, a teacher, a doctor, or even a radio talk host…but life had other plans. Dan wants to know what career you thought you'd have and why it didn't pan out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a move to improve voter turnout, Swampscott is considering allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections. The proposal is part of a broader effort that also includes moving town elections from the spring to November and providing childcare during annual town meetings. If residents support the measure, town officials would still need approval from the Massachusetts Legislature before lowering the voting age could take effect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grocery prices continue to be a major concern for many Americans, as families feel the pinch every time they shop. President Trump has been touting falling prices, especially pointing to the cost of eggs, saying they have dropped significantly since he took office. The debate continues over whether prices are truly coming down, and Dan wants to know which products you have stopped buying because of their price?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston is taking on a problem that many cities know all too well…rats. The city is hosting a national summit this September, bringing together experts and officials to discuss new ways to combat rodent infestations, from smarter trash management to innovative control methods. The goal is to find solutions that can help Boston and other cities keep rat populations under control. Joining Dan in this podcast is Dr. Bobby Corrigan, the renowned urban rodentologist whose city-commissioned report helped shape Boston’s Rodent Action Plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about the war with Iran as it intensifies with President Trump ordering another round of U.S. airstrikes after Iran attempted a ballistic missile attack on American forces in Jordan. The strikes hit what U.S. officials say were Iranian military targets, and Saudi Arabia has now joined U.S. operations against Iran-backed militias.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan was joined by retired Vice Adm. John Miller, whose nearly four-decade Navy career included flying F-14 Tomcats, commanding aircraft carriers and strike groups, and leading U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the 5th Fleet. A Naval Academy graduate with more than 3,500 flight hours and 1,000 carrier landings, Miller also served in key leadership roles at the Pentagon, NASA, and U.S. Central Command. He shared his perspective on Iran, drawing on a career spent at the forefront of American naval operations and national security.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration rolled out a new initiative designed to help military veterans get behind the wheel of commercial trucks while also stepping up enforcement against truck drivers who aren't legally authorized to work in the U.S. or who fail to meet federal commercial driver's license requirements. The plan aims to recognize veterans' military driving experience and help address ongoing driver shortages in the trucking industry. Dan took a closer look at the proposal and what it could mean for veterans, truckers, and America's highways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a proposal that would let cities and towns use automated cameras to ticket speeding drivers. Supporters say the cameras would make roads safer by slowing drivers in school zones, designated safety zones, and construction zones, while critics warn about privacy and government overreach. Dan spoke with State Sen. William Brownsberger, the primary sponsor of the legislation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment several times during the recent Senate hearing on the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing not to answer questions from lawmakers. The hearing, led by Sen. Rand Paul, focused on long-running disputes over COVID's origins and allegations that NIH-funded research in China contributed to the pandemic. Dan reviewed what happened at the hearing and discussed what impact Fauci's decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment might have on public opinion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment several times during a recent Senate hearing on the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing not to answer questions from lawmakers. The hearing, led by Sen. Rand Paul, focused on long-running disputes over COVID's origins and allegations that NIH-funded research in China contributed to the pandemic. Dan reviewed what happened at the hearing and discussed what impact Fauci's decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment might have on public opinion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flock Safety cameras are popping up in communities across the country, but their use has sparked controversy over privacy and public safety. A new bill from Rep. Thomas Massie would block federal funding for cities and police departments that use the controversial license-plate reader technology, arguing it goes too far. Supporters say the cameras help solve crimes and keep communities safer, while critics worry they create a system of constant surveillance. Dan talked with Flock Safety’s Chief Legal Officer, Dan Haley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Wedge, a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, podcast host, and award-winning former Boston Herald reporter, has released his latest book, Blizzard of Lies: Karen Read, John O'Keefe, and the Shocking Unsolved Murder in Cop Town, USA. The book examines the high-profile Karen Read trial, exploring the competing narratives, claims, and controversy surrounding the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe and the case that captured national attention. Dan talked with Wedge about this captivating trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continued to discuss the trial of Lindsay Clancy where prosecutors allege the former Duxbury labor and delivery nurse deliberately killed her three young children in January 2023 before attempting to take her own life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halftime returns with Paul Wahlberg.Jill Suzanne Kornetsky has spent more than a decade working on the ground in Afghanistan, helping local communities and building organizations focused on economic opportunity, food security, and women's empowerment. Even after the Taliban returned to power, she remained committed to the Afghan people and continues to work on practical, long-term solutions to help the country move forward. Jill joined Dan to talk about what's happening in Afghanistan today and why she remains hopeful about its future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about postpartum psychosis which is a rare but serious mental health emergency that can occur after childbirth, causing symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and severe mood changes. Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis can involve a loss of touch with reality and requires immediate medical attention. The condition is at the center of the Lindsay Clancy trial, which is now underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health emergency that can occur after childbirth, causing symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and severe mood changes. Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis can involve a loss of touch with reality and requires immediate medical attention. The condition is at the center of the Lindsay Clancy trial, which is now underway. Dan spoke with Dr. Nicole Harrington Cirino, a psychiatrist, member of the Perinatal Psychosis Task Force at Postpartum Support International, and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, who explained the condition, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan introduced the Nightside listeners to the Democratic Socialists of America, and their desire to get rid of America's government. Listen in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of 87-year-old Maude Hinds says they were blindsided after learning the Massachusetts Parole Board voted to release the man convicted of strangling her during a 1991 robbery in Boston. Relatives say they believed his life sentence meant he would never be released and are now questioning how the board reached its decision. Dan spoke with George "Chip" Greenidge Jr., the great-nephew of Hinds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts may seem primed for a political shake-up, with frustrated voters, competitive primaries, and a record nine ballot questions this fall. But political analyst Jon Keller says the state's political establishment has a long history of surviving challenges, noting that incumbents like Gov. Maura Healey and Sen. Ed Markey continue to poll well. Keller joined Dan for discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The highly anticipated murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is underway in Plymouth Superior Court, where prosecutors allege the former Duxbury labor and delivery nurse deliberately killed her three young children in January 2023 before attempting to take her own life. The jury first heard opening statements from Assistant District Attorney Shanan Buckingham and defense attorney Kevin Reddington. Patrick Clancy, the children's father and Lindsay Clancy's former husband, was the first witness to testify. Joining Dan for analysis was attorney Philip A. Tracy Jr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the final hour of the week, Dan shared a story about a couple he recently had dinner with. Each had created their own bucket list without knowing what was on the other's list. When they finally compared them, they were amazed to discover they had both chosen the very same destination! Curious where it was? Listen to the podcast to find out. Dan also awarded a NightSide mug to the first listener who guessed the destination correctly!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war with Iran is now approaching its fifth month, with no clear end in sight as U.S. and Iranian forces continue exchanging strikes and tensions remain high across the Middle East. The fighting has extended beyond Iran’s borders, affecting U.S. bases, regional allies, and key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about global energy supplies and the risk of a broader regional war. Is this a conflict without end? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has unveiled a street safety plan following the death of city transportation planner and cyclist Louisa Gag, pledging more permanent protected bike lanes, stronger truck safety measures, and an outside review of the city's Streets Cabinet. The plan also calls for evaluating the Mission Hill intersection where Gag was killed, expanding durable bike lane barriers, improving school-zone safety, and upgrading technology to better enforce traffic and parking laws. What will these enhanced safety measures mean for bicyclists and motorists moving forward?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts voters will get the chance this November to weigh in on whether the state’s recreational marijuana law should be repealed. Supporters of the ballot question say legalization has led to public health and safety concerns, while opponents argue the industry has created jobs, brought in tax revenue, and provides a regulated way for adults to buy cannabis. The vote will determine whether Massachusetts sticks with the law approved by voters in 2016 or takes a different path. Ryan Dominguez, Stop the Repeal Campaign Chair, joined Dan to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan opened up the phone lines for callers to continue discussions from earlier in the night, or bring up new topics they'd like to hear us cover!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deadly attack in Boston has sparked calls for action. A Bedford man is facing charges in connection with two violent incidents, including the death of a man found with serious injuries near Boylston and Tremont streets and a separate assault near Beach Street. The Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association is calling for a renewed task force to address public safety concerns, and co-founder Rishi Shukla joined Dan to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclospora cases have surged across the U.S., sickening thousands in a foodborne outbreak linked to fresh produce, including iceberg lettuce. The parasite can cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss, and outbreaks are often difficult to trace because symptoms may not appear for up to two weeks. Dan spoke with Timothy Lytton, Regents' Professor at Georgia State University College of Law and author of Outbreak: Foodborne Illness and the Struggle for Food Safety, about why cyclosporiasis is just one part of a much larger food safety problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Massachusetts Senate is considering a proposal to eliminate Chapter 62F, a voter-approved law that requires excess state tax revenue to be returned to taxpayers. Republican candidate for Governor Brian Shortsleeve says repealing 62F would amount to a permanent tax increase by allowing Beacon Hill to retain billions in excess revenue rather than returning it to taxpayers. Shortsleeve joined Dan to talk about his pledge to protect Chapter 62F and oppose any effort to repeal or weaken it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent video statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that the city does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits for the United Nations General Assembly. However, Mamdani said he still believes the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant should be enforced and urged the federal government to join the ICC and execute the warrant. In response, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said it is Mamdani, not Netanyahu, who should be arrested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new investigation by ProPublica and the Anchorage Daily News found that a federal broadband subsidy program is providing more than $340,000 a year to deliver internet service to hundreds of mostly empty buildings on Alaska’s remote Adak Island. The funding comes through the Universal Service Fund, a fee collected from telecommunications customers that helps bring internet access to rural communities. Residents who remain on the island say they’ve turned to Starlink because it offers faster service. Dan talked with Anchorage Daily News investigative reporter Kyle Hopkins about whether this money is being spent where it’s needed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Boston man convicted of killing 87-year-old Maude Hinds in 1991 has been granted parole after decades behind bars for the brutal attack. Dionicio Delvalle was sentenced to life in prison for her death, but the Massachusetts Parole Board cited his rehabilitation efforts, prison record, and acceptance of responsibility in approving his release. The decision has sparked debate over whether people convicted of violent crimes like this should be allowed to return to the community. Dan reviewed the case with Boston Herald reporter Rick Sobey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Solet is a longtime Middlesex County prosecutor running for district attorney, with 24 years of experience handling serious criminal cases. He led the office’s Cold Case Homicide Unit from 2019 to 2025, working on unsolved murders and major investigations, and says his focus is on public safety, supporting victims, and using modern tools like DNA and digital evidence to solve crimes. Dan spoke with Solet about his campaign and his vision for the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation continued about how New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he will seek to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he comes to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani argues he has the authority to do so based on an International Criminal Court warrant alleging war crimes in Gaza. Critics question whether the mayor has the legal authority to make such an arrest, sparking a broader debate over U.S. law and diplomatic protections..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he will seek to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he comes to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani argues he has the authority to do so based on an International Criminal Court warrant alleging war crimes in Gaza. Critics question whether the mayor has the legal authority to make such an arrest, sparking a broader debate over U.S. law and diplomatic protections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he will seek to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he comes to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani argues he has the authority to do so based on an International Criminal Court warrant alleging war crimes in Gaza. Critics question whether the mayor has the legal authority to make such an arrest, sparking a broader debate over U.S. law and diplomatic protections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents across Boston continue to raise concerns about unlicensed and off-leash dogs. Several years ago, a 4-year-old girl was bitten by an unleashed dog, and just last year, a man was attacked, suffering extensive injuries. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will chair a July 30 hearing examining animal control enforcement, leash law compliance, dog licensing, and public safety. He checked in to discuss the concerns and what can be done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You leave the house and you're halfway to your destination when panic sets in…you left your phone at home! Suddenly, you feel "naked" and completely out of touch. Or maybe you're rushing to meet someone and can't find your keys…or your wallet. Maybe you're traveling and suddenly can't remember if you packed your laptop before leaving the hotel. It's happened to all of us, and Dan wanted to hear your stories!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final whistle has blown, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially over. For millions of fans, it marked the end of an unforgettable month of drama, heartbreak, and celebration. But Dan never quite caught "FIFA Fever." Did you? Were you glued to the matches, or did soccer never make it onto your radar? Let us know!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final whistle has blown, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially over. For millions of fans, it marked the end of an unforgettable month of drama, heartbreak, and celebration. But Dan never quite caught "FIFA Fever." Did you? Were you glued to the matches, or did soccer never make it onto your radar? Let us know!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jury selection is underway in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Duxbury, MA, mother charged with killing her three young children in 2023. Clancy has pleaded not guilty, with her defense expected to argue she was suffering from severe postpartum mental illness, while prosecutors maintain the killings were planned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jury selection is underway in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Duxbury, MA, mother charged with killing her three young children in 2023. Clancy has pleaded not guilty, with her defense expected to argue she was suffering from severe postpartum mental illness, while prosecutors maintain the killings were planned. Dan spoke with attorney Philip A. Tracy Jr. about the key legal issues in the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer is just about half over! In this last hour of the week, Dan wanted to know if you’ve accomplished all your goals for this season, or are there still some things left on your bucket list? And, how do you like your hot dogs?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.