Nightside With Dan Rea

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideBradley would like to pose a question to the listening audience on whether honesty is really the best policy. Has being honest ever backfired on you and was it worth it?

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhether it's examples of deepfakes or chatbots with negative messaging, the public has its concerns over the future of AI. Is there anything to be worried about? Where is the line between reality and fiction when it comes to what we can expect with future development and progression of artificial intelligence? Matt Rosen is the CEO & Founder of Allata, a company that helps automate companies using AI. Matt checked in to address the fine line between reality and fiction when it comes to public perception of AI and its future.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhether it's examples of deepfakes or chatbots with negative messaging, the public has its concerns over the future of AI. Is there anything to be worried about? Where is the line between reality and fiction when it comes to what we can expect with future development and progression of artificial intelligence? Matt Rosen is the CEO & Founder of Allata, a company that helps automate companies using AI. Matt checked in to address the fine line between reality and fiction when it comes to public perception of AI and its future.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideDid you know that there is an encrypted sculpture at CIA headquarters, called “Kryptos.” The sculpture holds a special code that for 35 years codebreakers nor anyone has been able to break! Now the sculpture's artist Jim Sanborn will auction off the solution on his 80th birthday through RR Auction. Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction, joined Bradley to talk about not only the upcoming Kryptos auction but notable past and present auctions as well as some unique items that were up for sale.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideHave you ever had a paranormal experience? While some are skeptics, there are people who claim they've seen, felt or had a run in with a ghost. There is a whole industry dedicated to paranormal investigating. Charles Rosenay is a paranormal investigator with the ghost hunting team, The Shaman and the Showman and joined Bradley to discuss the upcoming Salem Paranormal Convention and took your calls sharing your paranormal encounters!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideHave you ever had a paranormal experience? While some are skeptics, there are people who claim they've seen, felt or had a run in with a ghost. There is a whole industry dedicated to paranormal investigating. Charles Rosenay is a paranormal investigator with the ghost hunting team, The Shaman and the Showman and joined Bradley to discuss the upcoming Salem Paranormal Convention and took your calls sharing your paranormal encounters!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideAs of January 31, 2026, annual car inspections will no longer be mandatory in the state of New Hampshire. Is this relief from the heavy hand of government or a public safety nightmare? Would you get your car inspected if you didn't have to? Craig Fitzgerald, Automotive Editor with DCI Marketing, and former auto editor with Hemmings, The Boston Globe, and GateHouse Media, joined Bradley to discuss the pros and cons of New Hampshire's decision to strike mandatory inspection as well as Waymo testing self-driving vehicles in Boston.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideAs of January 31, 2026, annual car inspections will no longer be mandatory in the state of New Hampshire. Is this relief from the heavy hand of government or a public safety nightmare? Would you get your car inspected if you didn't have to? Craig Fitzgerald, Automotive Editor with DCI Marketing, and former auto editor with Hemmings, The Boston Globe, and GateHouse Media, joined Bradley to discuss the pros and cons of New Hampshire's decision to strike mandatory inspection as well as Waymo testing self-driving vehicles in Boston.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideLast week Cracker Barrel, known for their restaurant and country store with a Southern, down-home draw, decided to change their long-time logo removing the “old timer” leaning on a barrel, to reflect just the name “Cracker Barrel” against a mustard yellow background. The change was met with such backlash that President Trump even chimed in criticizing the change. Flash forward Wednesday the company announced they will be resorting back to their original logo. Why did the company change the logo in the first place? 

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideLast week Cracker Barrel, known for their restaurant and country store with a Southern, down-home draw, decided to change their long-time logo removing the “old timer” leaning on a barrel, to reflect just the name “Cracker Barrel” against a mustard yellow background. The change was met with such backlash that President Trump even chimed in criticizing the change. Flash forward Wednesday the company announced they will be resorting back to their original logo. Why did the company change the logo in the first place? Scott Baradell, CEO of the marketing company Idea Grove, joined us to discuss the power of brand marketing and examples of companies that have changed their branding for better or worse!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideLyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder for killing their parents, José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The Menendez Brothers were sentenced to life in prison. Both brothers have long said they killed their parents because they feared for their lives, and that their father had sexually abused them both for years. Both Lyle and Erik were up for parole this August and much to their family's displeasure, they were both denied parole for 3 years. Michael Coyne, the Dean of the MA School of Law discussed the Menendez Brothers' case and get into the debate on whether life behind bars is worse than the death penalty.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideLyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder for killing their parents, José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The Menendez Brothers were sentenced to life in prison. Both brothers have long said they killed their parents because they feared for their lives, and that their father had sexually abused them both for years. Both Lyle and Erik were up for parole this August and much to their family's displeasure, they were both denied parole for 3 years. Michael Coyne, the Dean of the MA School of Law discussed the Menendez Brothers' case and get into the debate on whether life behind bars is worse than the death penalty.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideAre you a fan of horror movies? How about the macabre genre? This evening on NightSide, we were joined by a horror movie actor, Leah Voysey, who is known for her work in Terrifier 2, among other films. Leah discussed the world of horror entertainment and the cult following of horror fans who descend upon various conventions such as the upcoming Silver Scream Con.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideThe Cabot Theatre in Beverly was closed all summer long for extensive renovations to the theatre where they updated 850 all-new seats, interior remodeling, and a new marquee. Brian Ridolfo, the Executive Director of the Cabot Theatre, stopped by to talk about the latest updates as well as the theatre's upcoming shows and concerts!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideThe American new wave band Devo really hit their stride and broke through to mainstream in the 1980s with hits like “Whip It” and “(I Can't Get Me No) Satisfaction”. Bradley Jay is a longtime Devo fan, who saw them live in Boston and considers the show in his top ten best concerts of all time! Netflix just released a documentary on the band that explores the evolution of Devo. Mark Mothersbaugh, co-founder and member of Devo joined Bradley to discuss their successful career!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhile marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, it's not legal everywhere across the United States. Studies show that there are some medicinal benefits of marijuana and many use marijuana to treat various ailments like depression and anxiety, epilepsy, chronic pain and more. Should cannabis be federally legal? Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as an instructor at Harvard Medical School has 25 years of experience specializing in cannabis medicine joined Bradley to talk about the pros and cons of cannabis.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideIt seems like every U.S. state has some outdated or downright weird laws that are surprisingly still on the books and Massachusetts is no exception. For example, did you know it's illegal to put tomatoes in clam chowder? Or that it's illegal to give beer to a hospital patient unless it's prescribed by a doctor! 

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhat is a harbor pilot? A harbor pilot is a mariner responsible for the navigation and maneuvering of vessels, particularly in congested or challenging waters such as harbors, rivers, and canals. When a big container ship, cruise ship, or tanker comes into Boston Harbor, the law says that a licensed Boston Harbor pilot must guide the ship through the harbor. Somebody must get that pilot to the ship so they can bring it in or go pick the pilot up after they have gotten the ship out of the harbor. That's where the Boston Pilot boat captains come in. They deliver and retrieve the pilots. Captain Shawn Kelly of Boston Pilots joined Bradley to share the details of their high-risk life on the harbor.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideBiographer, critic, and musician Bill Janovitz detailed the formation, rise, and career of the hit band, The Cars in his book, “The Cars: Let The Stories Be Told.” Bill joined Bradley in studio to discuss the impact The Cars had on New Wave music and the musical, cultural, and commercial impact of the band.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideBiographer, critic, and musician Bill Janovitz detailed the formation, rise, and career of the hit band, The Cars in his book, “The Cars: Let The Stories Be Told.” Bill joined Bradley in studio to discuss the impact The Cars had on New Wave music and the musical, cultural, and commercial impact of the band.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideHave you ever wondered where some of the weird phrases we use originated from? For example, chances are you've heard the phrase, "over my dead body" or "riding shotgun". How about the term “hungover”? Why do we use such bizarre expressions or terms? Bradley discussed these phrases and terms and their origins! We also want to hear your example of an odd expression you might hear a lot!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideHave you ever wondered where some of the weird phrases we use originated from? For example, chances are you've heard the phrase, "over my dead body" or "riding shotgun". How about the term “hungover”? Why do we use such bizarre expressions or terms? Bradley discussed these phrases and terms and their origins! We also want to hear your example of an odd expression you might hear a lot!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhat general tricks do companies use to get you to purchase something or sign up for something you don't want? Kevin Brassler, the Executive Editor of Consumers' Checkbook joined us to discuss consumer red flags. In addition, Kevin can give examples of throwing away money on services and items that, while marketed as useful, are bad buys as well as worthwhile services and products that you could get for free.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhat general tricks do companies use to get you to purchase something or sign up for something you don't want? Kevin Brassler, the Executive Editor of Consumers' Checkbook joined us to discuss consumer red flags. In addition, Kevin can give examples of throwing away money on services and items that, while marketed as useful, are bad buys as well as worthwhile services and products that you could get for free.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideThe New York Times is telling the world and Bostonians alike what the top 25 restaurants in Boston are with their “Where to Eat: Boston” list. Are we going to listen to what NEW YORK has to say about our restaurants? What do real Bostonians think are the best restaurants in town?

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWrestling is mankind's oldest and most basic form of recreational combat, tracing its origins back to the dawn of civilization. The WWE has made international stars out of wrestlers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Hulk Hogan, local John Cena, and Killer Kowalski to name a few. Author and former host of the radio program Wrestle Radio, USA, joined us to talk about the evolution of pro wrestling!

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideCultural archivist David Bieber, who was an important part of WBCN and WFNX, joined us to chat about items in his archive that helped define Boston in the 70's. Included will be the detailed recounting of the night that Mayor Kevin White likely prevented a riot at the Boston Garden by springing the Rolling Stones from jail and getting them to the Garden in time to do the show! David was at that show and has the ticket stub. What events, venues, stores, restaurants, and more pop into your mind as helping define the seventies in Boston?

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideCultural archivist David Bieber, who was an important part of WBCN and WFNX, joined us to chat about items in his archive that helped define Boston in the 70's. Included will be the detailed recounting of the night that Mayor Kevin White likely prevented a riot at the Boston Garden by springing the Rolling Stones from jail and getting them to the Garden in time to do the show! David was at that show and has the ticket stub. What events, venues, stores, restaurants, and more pop into your mind as helping define the seventies in Boston?

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhat does life look like in war torn Ukraine? How has the ongoing war with Russia impacted financial, cultural, and political institutions in Ukraine? Jason Jay Smart is a special correspondent for the Kyiv Post who is currently living in Kyiv. Jason checked in to paint a picture of what life is currently like for those living in Ukraine.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhat is nuclear energy and how does it work? Physicist and astronomer Doug Arion used to assess nuclear sites to see if they could withstand strikes from Russia or any political foe. Doug joined Bradley to discuss the pros and cons of nuclear energy and how it's changed over the years.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideThe city of Boston is considered one of the country's oldest cities and it's filled with a lot of history. Boston played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Suffolk University Professor Bob Allison, an expert on Boston history specializing in Revolutionary Boston, joined us to share some secrets of Boston historical sites, including the iconic ship, USS Constitution.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideThe city of Boston is considered one of the country's oldest cities and it's filled with a lot of history. Boston played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Suffolk University Professor Bob Allison, an expert on Boston history specializing in Revolutionary Boston, joined us to share some secrets of Boston historical sites, including the iconic ship, USS Constitution.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideFollowing an Alaska meeting between President Trump and Russian Pres. Putin, Trump says he's setting up a second meeting between Putin and Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy. Will anything be accomplished because of the meeting? Can Russia and Ukraine find peace and put an end to the war? Russia appears to be taunting Ukraine in a new viral propaganda video that shows a Russian military vehicle flying a U.S. flag. Political expert Dan Snell joined us to discuss.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideFollowing an Alaska meeting between President Trump and Russian Pres. Putin, Trump says he's setting up a second meeting between Putin and Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy. Will anything be accomplished because of the meeting? Can Russia and Ukraine find peace and put an end to the war? Russia appears to be taunting Ukraine in a new viral propaganda video that shows a Russian military vehicle flying a U.S. flag. Political expert Dan Snell joined us to discuss.

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideHave you ever wondered what it's really like living under the world's most repressive regime? For citizens of North Korea, life is restrictive to say the least, where they have limited freedoms and are subject to government surveillance and propaganda. Author Barbara Demick wrote a book titled: Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, which follows and tells the real-life stories of 6 North Korean residents and all they endured over a 15-year span. Demick joined us to discuss life in North Korea as well as her latest book, an equally powerful and engaging real life story: Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins? 

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideHave you ever wondered what it's really like living under the world's most repressive regime? For citizens of North Korea, life is restrictive to say the least, where they have limited freedoms and are subject to government surveillance and propaganda. Author Barbara Demick wrote a book titled: Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, which follows and tells the real-life stories of 6 North Korean residents and all they endured over a 15-year span. Demick joined us to discuss life in North Korea as well as her latest book, an equally powerful and engaging real life story: Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins? 

Bradley Jay filled in on NightSide:Bradley asked if a red light arrow is on, can you still take a right on red? And, would it be okay to wear an opposing team's merch when visiting a guest box for the other team?

Bradley Jay filled in on NightSide:What is STEAM education and why is it important? STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. STEAM education equips students with a well-rounded set of skills and mindsets that are essential in today's rapidly evolving world. Educators believe it sets students up for success. Bianca Mauro, co-founder of the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race joined Bradley to discuss not only the importance of STEAM but their upcoming 8th annual race!

Bradley Jay filled in on NightSide:The legendary music and art festival known as Woodstock that occurred in 1969 was 3 days of peace and music that drew a staggering crowd of more than 460,000 people! Boston Globe reporter Steve Kurkjian experienced and covered the iconic festival. While Bradley was not in attendance for the 1969 festival, he did attend Woodstock 99, which attempted to emulate the original 1969 Woodstock festival. How did music culture change in the 30 years that passed between the two festivals and how did the festivals differ? Did you attend either festival and if so, what was your experience like? Steve and Bradley swapped festival stories!

Bradley Jay filled in on NightSide:The legendary music and art festival known as Woodstock that occurred in 1969 was 3 days of peace and music that drew a staggering crowd of more than 460,000 people! Boston Globe reporter Steve Kurkjian experienced and covered the iconic festival. While Bradley was not in attendance for the 1969 festival, he did attend Woodstock 99, which attempted to emulate the original 1969 Woodstock festival. How did music culture change in the 30 years that passed between the two festivals and how did the festivals differ? Did you attend either festival and if so, what was your experience like? Steve and Bradley swapped festival stories!

NightSide's last hour of the week, where we tend to choose a light and conversational topic. This week a favorite returns, Brushes with Celebrity. Did you bump in to a famous person "out in the wild?" Were they a good person, or downright mean? 

President Trump heads to Alaska Friday for a meeting with Russian President Putin, with hopes of finding a way to end the war in Ukraine. The White House has called this meeting a "listening exercise," and Trump has said he plans to assess whether any type of peace deal can be made. We discussed this breaking news summit between Trump and Putin.