Nightside With Dan Rea

Former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, wrote a book called “China’s War on Faith”, that is a “bold warning about the Chinese Communist Party’s assault on religious freedom and the global consequences of digital authoritarianism”. Brownback is urging the Trump Administration to confront China’s Communist Party about the human rights violations and religious repression going on by their hand. With President Trump’s visit to China this week, there’s no time like the present to discuss why defending religious freedom is critical to preserving democracy and the future of the free world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, wrote a book called “China’s War on Faith”, that is a “bold warning about the Chinese Communist Party’s assault on religious freedom and the global consequences of digital authoritarianism”. Brownback is urging the Trump Administration to confront China’s Communist Party about the human rights violations and religious repression going on by their hand. With President Trump’s visit to China this week, there’s no time like the present to discuss why defending religious freedom is critical to preserving democracy and the future of the free world. Sam Brownback spoke with us on this topic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest in Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s battle to audit the State Legislature is that MA Attorney General Andrea Campbell has given DiZoglio permission to hire an outside attorney to represent her office in her lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Legislature. The lawsuit stems from the Legislature’s lack of cooperation over DiZoglio’s efforts to audit their chambers, a ballot measure that was largely backed by the citizens of Massachusetts. Diana checked in to discuss her small victory in this ongoing legal battle with the State Legislature!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: The Matt Brown Foundation & the impact they have been able to have on those battling paralysis. Highlighting some of their big fundraising events. Guest: Matt Brown - former Norwood High School hockey player and Founder of the Matt Brown Foundation 8:15PM: How it’s been a disappointing spring sports season in Boston… Guest: Dan Watkins – WBZ NewsRadio Anchor 8:30PM: Trump Admin halts windfarm projects on land. What about offshore wind farms? Are the turbines dangerous or a national security threat as some suggest? Is offshore wind a threat to commercial fishing? Guest: Bonnie Brady - New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) Policy Director 8:45PM: 10 Questions Every Consumer Should Ask Before Choosing an Auto Body Shop… Guest: Brian Bernard, Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) Board Member and Legislative Representative as well as the owner of Total Care Accident Repair in Raynham, MASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll published this week by NewsGuard/YouGov, finds that nearly one third of Americans (30%) believe that at least one of the three attempts on President Donald Trump’s life over the last two years was staged. Of the 1,000 Americans surveyed, only 38% believe that all three assassination attempts were authentic. Do you believe any of the assassination attempts were staged? If so, why? There is no evidence that any of the attempted assassinations of Trump were “staged” …See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a current Massachusetts bill sponsored by MA Senator Brendan Crighton, S.1061 “An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for youths” that aims to gradually raise the juvenile-court age to 21 years old. Massachusetts currently treats anyone 18 or older as an adult in criminal court so if this bill passes, that will change. Do you support raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction to 21 years of age? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a current Massachusetts bill sponsored by MA Senator Brendan Crighton, S.1061 “An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for youths” that aims to gradually raise the juvenile-court age to 21 years old. Massachusetts currently treats anyone 18 or older as an adult in criminal court so if this bill passes, that will change. Do you support raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction to 21 years of age? Sen. Crighton joined us to discuss his bill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: Rare earth minerals power everything from advanced defense systems and AI infrastructure to smartphones. With Pres. Trump visiting China we’ll discuss why rare earth independence is increasingly tied to broader U.S.-China economic competition. Guest: James Morrone Jr. – energy & policy analyst at Americans for Prosperity 8:15PM: What is the “Biblical Diet”? It has found a new audience online in the Make America Healthy Again era… Guest: Paul Fulford - Healthy Living expert with Cynosure Lutronic, a leader in the field of medical treatment systems. 8:30PM: RFK Jr. launches plan to address ‘overuse’ of psychiatric medications…how will that play out? What patients who use SSRIs need to know. Is “overuse” of SSRIs a real problem as RFK Jr. suggests? Guest: Dr. Varsha Radhakrishnan - Psychiatrist at Tufts Medical Center 8:45PM: An analysis of NYC’s new budget that closes a two-year $12 billion gap "without slashing the services people depend on, without raising property taxes and without asking working families to pay for a crisis they did not create." Could Boston adopt something similar? Guest: Seth Barron – NY Post Columnist & AuthorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continued the topic of Mayhem on Memorial Drive. Then, after that discussion wound down, Dan introduced a new topic. A new poll published this week by NewsGuard/YouGov, finds that nearly one third of Americans (30%) believe that at least one of the three attempts on President Donald Trump’s life over the last two years was staged. Of the 1,000 Americans surveyed, only 38% believe that all three assassination attempts were authentic. Do you believe any of the assassination attempts were staged? If so, why? There is no evidence that any of the attempted assassinations of Trump were “staged”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday afternoon chaos erupted when a 46-year-old man carrying a rifle started walking down Memorial Drive in Cambridge and randomly opened fire towards people along the Charles River and motorists driving by. The shooter is believed to have shot between 50-60 rounds before being shot by a state trooper and a Marine veteran. Two drivers were shot and critically injured. We discussed the latest on this incredibly dangerous situation that erupted on Memorial Drive, that some witnesses are describing as being like a video game with the gunman “shooting all over the place” and “blood everywhere.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday afternoon chaos erupted when a 46-year-old man carrying a rifle started walking down Memorial Drive in Cambridge and randomly opened fire towards people along the Charles River and motorists driving by. The shooter is believed to have shot between 50-60 rounds before being shot by a state trooper and a Marine veteran. Two drivers were shot and critically injured. We discussed the latest on this incredibly dangerous situation that erupted on Memorial Drive, that some witnesses are describing as being like a video game with the gunman “shooting all over the place” and “blood everywhere.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: Therapeutic Medical Clowning for Children & Older Adults Throughout Greater Boston. How local clowns provide a much-needed service! Guest: Cheryl Lekousi – A clown who performs as Miss Millie (in elder clowning), Tic Toc (in pediatrics), and is the Executive Director of Hearts & Noses Hospital Clown Troupe 8:15PM: A ballot question to eliminate party primaries in Massachusetts is dividing state Democrats. Guest: Chris Van Buskirk – Boston Globe Political Reporter 8:30PM: A new MA bill that would grant cities and towns in Massachusetts the option to mount traffic cameras on roads in their community. Guest: MA Senator William Brownsberger (D-Suffolk & Middlesex) – sponsor of the bill 8:45PM: Addressing the Memorial Drive shooting - how incidents like this unfold from a law enforcement response standpoint & the role and impact of rapid response in limiting casualties. Guest: George Price - former police officer, Senior Special Agent with the DEA, and Special Assistant District Attorney with the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office & now a prosecutorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump suggested suspending the national gas tax to reduce the high gas prices thanks to the war with Iran. Will it work? Do you have any idea on reducing gas prices?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you considering receiving a medical procedure overseas? Over the last decade or so, medical tourism, the process of traveling outside one's country for medical care, has been on the rise. Is it safe? The global medical tourism market was estimated at $48.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $154.79 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 15.58% from 2026 to 2033, according to Grand View Research. What are the major factors driving medical tourism? Dr. Brett Bolton, a hair restoration surgeon, joined us to give tips, advice, and insight into how medical procedures overseas compare to those in the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political analysis Jon Keller joined us to discuss the GOP gubernatorial primary race here in Massachusetts between candidates Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve. Shortsleeve has been challenging Minogue to a debate for months and thus far, Minogue has brushed Shortsleeve off. While Minogue had a roughly 70% convention endorsement to Shortsleeve’s roughly over 15% endorsement, Shortsleeve is still an opponent worthy of debating. Keller believes, “refusal to debate a legitimate opponent is a sign of weakness.” Keller discussed & Shortsleeve also checked in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: Ending the “easy A” at Harvard. Harvard University Proposes A 20% Cap On A’s To Fight Grade Inflation…Faculty votes this week. Guest: Mike Deehan – Axios Boston Reporter 8:15PM: Why overthinking and anxiety are nervous system issues, not just mindset and what you can do to find relief. -Has book coming out June 2nd – Calm Your Body, Heal Your Mind: Transcend Pain, Anxiety, Anger, and Repetitive Unwanted Thoughts Guest: Dr. David Hanscom - Orthopedic spine surgeon 8:30PM: Boston received a B- for its preterm birth rate (9%) in the latest March of Dimes Report Card – with 1 in 11 babies still born too soon. Preterm birth remains the leading cause of infant death, even here. -March of Dimes just held their annual March of Dimes walk – how much was raised and the impact the funds raised will have on area moms, babies and local programs. Guest: Chloe Schwartz - March of Dimes maternal and infant health director for Boston 8:45PM: Trump administration considering suspending federal gas tax temporarily. Guest: Steve Cotton – Financial strategist & President of Cotton Wealth Management AssociatesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills in On NightSideThis Sunday is Mother’s Day so this hour of NightSide, we paid tribute to the moms in our lives, past and present, and how they made an impact in our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills in On NightSideOn Friday, the Pentagon began releasing a new batch of files on UFOs that had never been available to the public previously. The release comes as part of the Trump Administration’s commitment to "maximum transparency to the public, who can ultimately make up their own minds about the information contained in these files.” We asked you about your thoughts on UFOs. Have you ever seen one? We will also dive into local lore about UFO sightings right here in New England!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills in On NightSide In the wake of the deadly Hantavirus outbreak on an expedition vessel where so far, there are nine confirmed or suspected cases connected to the ship, including three deaths; it recalls the idea of traveling by ship in general. Some travelers swear by cruises, saying it’s the best type of vacation to take, whereas others would never step foot on a cruise. Do you think cruises are worth it? Would you ever go on a cruise? Why or why not? If you have gone on a cruise or long-term boat expedition, would you go again? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills in On NightSideIn the wake of the deadly Hantavirus outbreak on an expedition vessel where so far, there are nine confirmed or suspected cases connected to the ship, including three deaths; it recalls the idea of traveling by ship in general. Some travelers swear by cruises, saying it’s the best type of vacation to take, whereas others would never step foot on a cruise. Do you think cruises are worth it? Would you ever go on a cruise? Why or why not? If you have gone on a cruise or long-term boat expedition, would you go again? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here on the 16th hour of the week, Dan opened up the phones to any topic listeners wanted to discuss. It's the rare Caller's Choice hour! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award winning Boston photojournalist Bill Brett joined us on NightSide to discuss the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and his latest book, Boston Veterans Appreciation. His book highlights powerful and inspiring local stories of Bostonians who served our country. Listen to this podcast for an hour devoted to veterans with a focus on local appreciation for our own residents!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman Seth Moulton is running against incumbent Senator Ed Markey as Markey’s U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs this Fall. The race between the two Democratic opponents is tightening. Rep. Moulton checked in to discuss why he is running and the issues he's ready to tackle if he’s elected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: What you need to know about MassDOT’s statewide “Kick the Drive” campaign to reduce traffic and keep people moving safely during the seven FIFA World Cup matches that will be held in Massachusetts this summer. Guest: Jonathan Gulliver – MassDOT Undersecretary of Transportation and Highway Administrator 8:15PM: MA retailers get rounding guidance as the penny is phased out… Guest: Colin Young – Deputy Editor for the State House News Service 8:30PM: Mother's Day: Stay-at-home moms should be paid over $160,000 a year to care for their kids, according to a Salary.com study. How did they calculate that? Guest: Natalie King – Mother of 5, with Family Circle (a women’s magazine established in 1932) 8:45PM: New poll shows Americans trust parents not government to oversee kids’ social media… Guest: Angela Erickson – FIRE’s Vice President of ResearchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier Wednesday morning, State Trooper Kevin Trainor, a 30-year-old officer who has served with the MA State Police for 3 years, was killed in a head on collision while trying to stop a wrong-way driver on RT 1 in Lynnfield. The wrong way driver was also killed. The State Police are remembering Trainor as a hero with State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, saying he's "confident that had this tragedy not occurred, there would have been countless other tragedies down the road. He will be remembered as a hero." We discussed this tragedy and the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Robbins, former delegate to the U.N. Human Rights Commission, joined us to talk about the Maine Senate Race that has gained a lot of attention after Gov. Janet Mills (the Democrat favorite and front runner) dropped out of the race paving the way for Graham Platner, a newcomer and more progressive type of Democrat who can really shake things up for the Democratic Party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier Wednesday morning, State Trooper Kevin Trainor, a 30-year-old officer who has served with the MA State Police for 3 years, was killed in a head on collision while trying to stop a wrong-way driver on RT 1 in Lynnfield. The wrong way driver was also killed. The State Police are remembering Trainor as a hero with State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, saying he's "confident that had this tragedy not occurred, there would have been countless other tragedies down the road. He will be remembered as a hero." Colonel Nobel joined us to speak about this tragedy and the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: Loud piledriving expected at Sagamore Bridge next few months as MassDOT load testing begins. What residents & drivers should know. Guest: Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of MassDOT's Mega Projects Delivery Office 8:15PM: AAA Study Finds Street Racing on Public Roads Is a Growing Concern. Nearly a third of respondents said they regularly see racing drivers weaving through traffic. Guest: Mark Schieldrop – Senior Spokesperson for AAA Northeast 8:30PM: May is National Burger Month! Americans consume an average of 2.4 burgers per day according to the USDA, which is about 50 billion burgers per year! We’ll discuss some facts about hamburgers you might not know! Guest: Christopher Carosa – Hamburger historian & author of Hamburger Dreams: How Classic Crime Solving Techniques Helped Crack The Case Of America’s Greatest Culinary Mystery 8:45PM: Nearly 4 in 10 job candidates have bailed on a hiring round because it required an AI interview… Guest: Matt Rosen - the CEO & Founder of Allata. It's a technology consulting firm that's helping automate companies through AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities believe that the suspected arsonist in the devasting Palisades/LA fires is a man who shares the same mindset as Luigi Mangione (the United Healthcare CEO killer), a resentment towards the rich. Prosecutors in the case say they have evidence of the suspected arsonist praising Mangione, expressing a strong dislike of capitalism and evidence of a fascination with fire, all of which they believe point to a motive. We discussed the alarming "trend" of when resentment towards the rich and a capitalist society/culture (such as the case in the Mangione trial and now seemingly the LA arson case) rears its ugly head and sends a dangerous message.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities believe that the suspected arsonist in the devasting Palisades/LA fires is a man who shares the same mindset as Luigi Mangione (the United Healthcare CEO killer), a resentment towards the rich. Prosecutors in the case say they have evidence of the suspected arsonist praising Mangione, expressing a strong dislike of capitalism and evidence of a fascination with fire, all of which they believe point to a motive. We discussed the alarming "trend" of when resentment towards the rich and a capitalist society/culture (such as the case in the Mangione trial and now seemingly the LA arson case) rears its ugly head and sends a dangerous message.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Based on data from a new Gallup World Poll used to put together the 2026 World Happiness Report, young people are less happy than they were a decade ago, with heavy social media use linked to lower life satisfaction and higher levels of stress and sadness. The data shows that declines in interpersonal trust, institutional trust, perceived social activity and social meeting frequency account for much of the wellbeing loss among Gen Z and millennials. With young Americans more digitally connected than ever yet seemingly overall feeling lonelier than ever, how can we turn that around and rebuild human connections that lead to greater happiness? Mimi Nicklin, a global empathy advocate and best-selling author on human connection, stopped by to discuss!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: FBI Boston Recovers 17th Century Reliquary Urn Stolen from Italian Church. Guest: Pasquale Morra – FBI Boston Special Agent 8:15PM: The FTC is cracking down on “Ghost Cars” – how some car dealers are pulling bait and switch tactics promoting or advertising cars that have already been sold or don’t exist at all to get folks into the dealership to sell them something else! What you need to know… Guest: Ray Shefska - Automotive retail analyst & founder of CarEdge 8:30PM: Hundreds of MNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Rallied at the State House Tuesday to reinforce the urgent need for Senate action on An Act Requiring Health Care Employers to Develop and Implement Programs to Prevent Workplace Violence (H.4767/S.1718). Guest: Liz Taylor - nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Plymouth – who was at the rally 8:45PM: What is hantavirus? The rare and deadly virus that killed 3 on a cruise ship. Guest: Dr. Zoe Weiss - Director of Clinical Microbiology at Tufts Medical CenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, New Hampshire lawmakers passed a measure to eliminate their annual motor vehicle inspection requirement, effective Jan. 31, 2026. The vendor that had overseen the state’s vehicle inspections, Gordon-Darby Holdings Inc., challenged that measure, filing a lawsuit. The state was made aware by federal and state officials that repealing the inspection program without first obtaining the EPA’s approval regarding federal environmental law would violate the Clean Air Act. The program was repealed without approval first, leading to further legal proceedings and public confusion. What are your thoughts on eliminating annual motor vehicle inspections?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, New Hampshire lawmakers passed a measure to eliminate their annual motor vehicle inspection requirement, effective Jan. 31, 2026. The vendor that had overseen the state’s vehicle inspections, Gordon-Darby Holdings Inc., challenged that measure, filing a lawsuit. The state was made aware by federal and state officials that repealing the inspection program without first obtaining the EPA’s approval regarding federal environmental law would violate the Clean Air Act. The program was repealed without approval first, leading to further legal proceedings and public confusion. What are your thoughts on eliminating annual motor vehicle inspections? NH House Majority Leader Rep. Jason Osborne checked in to bring clarity to the topic!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve is a former Marine, MBTA chief administrator and acting general manager who just secured his place on the September Republican primary ballot along with opponent Mike Minogue. Shortsleeve has been calling on Minogue to debate him for months now ahead of the primary election, to which Minogue has brushed off his requests, instead challenging Gov. Healey herself to debate. Brian Shortsleeve joined us on NightSide and took your calls and discussed the issues he’s prepared to tackle if elected governor!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: The Price is Right Live, an interactive stage show coming to the Chevalier Theatre in Medford on May 8th! Guest: Todd Newton – Host of The Price is Right Live & Author & Entertainment Reporter 8:15PM: The 2026 Red Sox Hall of Fame! Includes Mike Timlin, Johnny Damon, and Bill Mueller. Guest: Mike Timlin – former 2x Red Sox World Series pitcher 8:30PM: Voters Sound Alarm on Mental Health System Failure in New National Poll. New April 2026 survey of voters and affected families finds near-universal agreement that serious mental illness is poorly treated and requires urgent federal action .Guest: Dr. Tim Murphy – Psychologist, board chairman of the Schizophrenia Policy Action Network (SPAN) & former member of Congress 8:45PM: "May the 4th Be With You!" Why May 4th has become a “holiday” for many… Guest: Dan Mazella – Traffic Reporter and Director of Operations for Total Traffic’s Boston Division by day – Stars Wars Expert by night!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan asked the listeners if they've ever had an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction, or a moment where someone asked who dressed you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump said he is not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal and called the War Powers Resolution “unconstitutional.” The May 1 resolution deadline is now set to pass without action as lawmakers have left town for a week. Meanwhile, the U.S. is still facing pain at the pump, and tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union are set to increase to 25%.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Boston Mayor Michelle Wu continues to look for ways to generate revenue for affordable housing, she has signed a bill imposing a 2% fee on high-ticket real estate sales exceeding $2 million. Mayor Wu outlined that this is the fourth time the city has petitioned the state legislature for permission to impose such a fee, and it would have already generated $160 million had it been adopted the first time. Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, is opposed to transfer taxes and says they really don't work. Vasil joined Dan to explain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: El Niño has been making headlines lately as this year, we're in for a “Super” El Niño. What exactly does that mean, and how will it affect Massachusetts and beyond? Guest: Dr. Emily Becker, Research Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Studies 8:15PM: Local kids facing serious illness & disability take the field with college athletes at Boston College for Team IMPACT’s 4th annual Boston College Field Day this Sunday, May 3, from 2-4 PM. Guest: Maura Ambrose, Regional Executive Director, Northeast at Team IMPACT 8:30PM: It’s college graduation time, and today’s graduates will be setting off to pursue careers they’ve spent years preparing for. They believe they have it all figured out, but this year’s college graduates are expected to change careers at least 5 times. Why is this? Guest: Marcy Fitzgerald, author of the critically acclaimed new book, “Finding Your Space: A Permission Slip for High Achievers to Evolve, Pivot, and Thrive on Their Own Terms” 8:45PM: Nuclear medicine may just be the answer for many cancer patients. Nuclear medicine uses radioactive material, and doctors say it can be a lifesaver. With radiation exposure known for causing cancer and damaging DNA, how could it possibly heal? Guest: Dr. Phil Mulugeta, Clinical Director, Division of Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Therapy at Penn Medicine and Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at Perelman School of Medicine, UPennSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last half hour of the show, Dan opened up the topic floodgates and invited callers to bring up any topic, or topic suggestions they'd like to hear on Nightside with Dan Rea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how President Trump has signed an executive order designed to fast-track both research on and access to the medicinal use of psychedelic drugs, including a $50 million investment in state governments to study how psychedelics might help people struggling with mental health illnesses. Dr. Kristen Cherian, a researcher of psychedelic medicine at Stanford University, joined the program to answer questions, break down the pros and cons of psychedelic use, and discuss how drugs like ibogaine, which have not been approved by the FDA, have been used to decrease opioid cravings and treat severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in veterans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.