Nightside With Dan Rea

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder last week, the fallout has the country very publicly and politically divided, arguably even more so than we already were. To pay respects to Charlie, President Trump ordered all flags across the nation, at military posts, and at embassies to remain flown at half-staff until Sept. 14th. In Lexington, MA, police are investigating alleged vandalism after someone raised the flag at the Battle Green back to full staff on Saturday by cutting the flag's rope and adding more rope to hoist it back to the top of the pole. The Battle Green is a national historical landmark and one of the only places in the United States where Congress authorizes the American flag to fly 24 hours a day. Dan addressed the divisive nature our country is in right now and asked the question, whether there is anything we can do to meet in the middle.

Daryl Davis is a civil rights activist and author who has devoted his life to bridging the gap between racial divide by seeking out the roots of racism. In doing so, Daryl has attended countless Ku Klux Klan rallies, come face-to-face with Klansmen and Klanswomen and as a result successfully been the impetus for over 200 Klan members to leave their hatred behind and hang up their robe. Daryl joined us on NightSide to share his fascinating and inspiring life's work of turning hatred, racism and bias into friendship and admiration. He literally has a closet full of robes and hoods of KKK members who he helped reverse course away from racism and a life of hatred! You don't want to miss this hour of radio!

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder last week, the fallout has the country very publicly and politically divided, arguably even more so than we already were. To pay respects to Charlie, President Trump ordered all flags across the nation, at military posts, and at embassies to remain flown at half-staff until Sept. 14th. In Lexington, MA, police are investigating alleged vandalism after someone raised the flag at the Battle Green back to full staff on Saturday by cutting the flag's rope and adding more rope to hoist it back to the top of the pole. The Battle Green is a national historical landmark and one of the only places in the United States where Congress authorizes the American flag to fly 24 hours a day. Dan addressed the divisive nature our country is in right now and asked the question, whether there is anything we can do to meet in the middle.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!With more than 4 million New Englanders avoiding gluten, the demand for safe, trusted options is huge. Wicked Gluten Free's New England Expo, coming September 20 to Fitchburg, brings 100+ vetted vendors, samples and experts together under one roof! Guest: Abby Helman Kelly - founder of Wicked Gluten Free Are You Quiet Cracking? The Latest Workplace Trend Is Growing… Guest: Dr. Kamin Samuel, PhD in Positive Neuropsychology The share of workers taking mental health leave is up 300% from pre-pandemic levels. Guest: Dr. Ashley Nazon – licensed clinical social worker & owner of "A Holistic Therapy Group, LLC Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Presents Wasn't That a Time: The Boston Folk Revival 1958 – 1965. One-Day Symposium September 27, 2025, at the Arrow Street Arts Center in Cambridge. Guest: Deana McCloud - curator of the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame & founding Executive Director of the Woody Guthrie Center

Dan wants to help cool down the temperature of the country and enouraged listeners to take a pledge to reach out to people whom they've broken or lost contact with over political disagrements and come together. 

After a 33-hour manhunt, authorities have identified and arrested a suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder. The suspect has been identified as a 22-year-old man from Utah. Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while conducting an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit. The suspect is being held without bail.

After a 33-hour manhunt, authorities have identified and arrested a suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder. The suspect has been identified as a 22-year-old man from Utah. Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while conducting an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit. The suspect is being held without bail. Former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill joined us to discuss the investigation and arrest.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!TSO's 2025 tour, “Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More” will be an ALL NEW SHOW and promises to be the biggest & best TSO tour to date! Coming 11/29/25 to Worcester, MA - DCU Ctr. Guest: Jeff Plate – Member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra - drums / original member InBoston Magazine's Latest Edition, Featuring Dan Rea! Guest: AnnMarie LaFauci – Editor of InBoston Magazine New results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveal a 4-point drop for 8th graders in science, reinforcing the urgent need to expand high-quality, engaging science education for all K–12 students. Guest: Christine Cunningham - Senior Vice President, STEM Learning, Museum of Science and National Assessment Governing Board MemberThe electricity is back at Fenway. And so is the late Luis Tiant. Guest: Rich Tenorio – Boston Globe journalist

Governor Healey called for all public schools to teach students about 9/11, as many of them today weren't around then. Dan is all on board. What do you think? Should it be mandatory?

Governor Healey called for all public schools to teach students about 9/11, as many of them today weren't around then. Dan is all on board. What do you think? Should it be mandatory?

In 2001, Salem-native Ron Gaudette was working as a pharmacist at Mass General Hospital and had recently joined a group called the International Medical Surgical Response Team, which provides critical care to areas impacted by disasters. This specialized volunteer team was soon deployed to the World Trade Center, making it Gaudette's inaugural mission. He spent 11 days at Ground Zero and shared his experiences 24 years later.

Who killed Ruth Bayla Pearson? A cold case from 1975. Guest: Emily Sweeney – Boston Globe Cold Case Files Reporter What kids can get out of humanities education with many parents looking for a return on investment. An English professor writes a book sharing his account of how he helps skeptical first-year students discover the transformative, real-world value of a humanities education.Guest: Carlo Rotella - Professor of English at Boston College. A regular contributor to the New York Times Magazine, he has written books about cities, boxing, music, and literature. Here comes the bridal panhandler! How Bachelorette parties are flooding small businesses with shameless requests for free merchandise! Guest: Jeff Jacoby – Boston Globe Columnist Red Bull Cliff Diving Returns to the ICA in Boston's Seaport- 9/19 and 9/20 as Only US Stop and Final Stop! World's best cliff divers to dive up to 90 feet off of Institute of Contemporary Art!Guest: James Lichtenstein – Red Bull Pro Cliff Diver

Continued conversation about the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA's CEO and co-founder, Charlie Kirk, during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when a single shot rang out and hit him in the neck. This was the first stop on Turning Point USA's planned 14-city American Comeback Tour. Dan shared updates throughout the night and invited callers to express their thoughts.

Continued conversation about the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA's CEO and co-founder, Charlie Kirk, during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when a single shot rang out and hit him in the neck. This was the first stop on Turning Point USA's planned 14-city American Comeback Tour. Dan shared updates throughout the night and invited callers to express their thoughts.

Turning Point USA's CEO and co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot today during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when a single shot rang out and hit him in the neck. President Donald Trump posted messages of sympathy on Truth Social. This was the first stop on Turning Point USA's planned 14-city American Comeback Tour. Dan shared updates throughout the night and invited callers to express their thoughts.

8:05PM:  Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience: Opens in Worcester Sept. 11. The life of artist Monet and how his most renowned work did not begin till be turned 50 years old!Guest: John Zaller - Executive Producer, Exhibition Hub's "Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience," a curator and distributor of world-renowned immersive exhibition. 8:15PM:  Irish Music/Dance Sensation taps its way into Massachusetts and New Hampshire this Month!Guest: Brittany Pymm – dancer and member of the Taste of Ireland Dance Team 8:30PM:  Broadway superstar Mandy Gonzalez joins Keith Lockhart & The Boston Pops to perform Lin-Manuel Miranda's “Everything I Know.” Premiere on Sept. 20th at Boston Symphony Hall.Guest: Mandy Gonzalez – Broadway singer, actor, performer 8:45PM:  Protein is everywhere amid a new cultural obsession. How much do we really need?Guest: Paul Fulford – healthy living expert with a company called Cynosure Lutronic

Continued conversation about the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack that rocked our nation and whether the history of 9/11 should be a mandatory part of the MA public schools curriculum.

This Thursday is the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack that rocked our nation. In collaboration with the city of Boston and the state of MA, the Mass 9/11 Fund will hold their annual MA 9/11 Commemoration. Pat Bavis, a member of the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund and brother of a 9/11 victim, joined the program to discuss the upcoming Commemoration at the State House. In addition, the history of 9/11 is not part of the mandatory curriculum for MA public schools. Should it be?

On Tuesday, Boston voters headed to the polls for the preliminary election to vote for mayor and city council. Four candidates are running for mayor: incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu, Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, and Robert Cappucci. Discussion included the latest election results and Christopher Anderson, President of Massachusetts High Tech Council, also joined to discuss ballot questions being proposed in 2026.

8:05PM: State Treasurer's office seeks to return 6 Purple Hearts found in unclaimed safe deposit boxes.Guest: Deb Goldberg – MA State Treasurer8:15PM: New Study Reveals Dusky Sharks Preying on Seals for the First Time Off the Coast of Nantucket. What are dusky sharks?Guest: John Chisholm - Adjunct Scientist with the New England Aquarium8:30PM: Things only people from New England say or do!Guest: Stacy Milbouer – Reporter for The Granite Post8:45PM: 4 types of bad bosses — and how to work with each oneGuest: Brandy Schade - workplace expert and Gallup-Certified Executive Leadership Performance Consultant

The Trump administration announced it has sunk a Venezuelan "Drug boat" in open seas. Was this a good idea? Was the action legal? Dan asked listeners what they thought of this move in the war on drugs. 

The average ticket prices for NFL tickets have decreased slightly since last year, but they're still pricey. Average ticket prices dropped from $289 to $272 this year. How expensive is too expensive for a ticket to a professional sporting event? We talked about some of the numbers of the most expensive tickets like the Eagles (Super Bowl Champs) selling tickets for $475 per game, and how that compares to current Patriots tickets.

It's the eve of Boston's preliminary election and according to a new poll from Emerson College, incumbent mayor Michelle Wu is leading top rival Josh Kraft by 50 points. Wu drew 72 percent support from likely voters, compared with just 22 percent for Kraft. Two lesser-known candidates, Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci, drew 2 percent and 1 percent. Who is your mayoral candidate and why? Spencer Kimball, the Executive Director of Emerson College polling joined us to discuss what the polls say.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Jeremy Piven coming to Boston, MA and performing at The Wilbur Theater on Friday, September 19 as a part of his ongoing National Stand-up Comedy Tour. Guest: Jeremy Piven – Hollywood actor & comedian Following Grandparents Day (Sept. 7th) A book called “GOOD GRANDPA: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood” - a light-hearted, yet guideful how-to on how grandfathers, once background figures, are becoming emotional anchors in families, quietly transforming how love, wisdom, and legacy get passed down. Guest: Ted Page – Lexington-based NYT Profile writer & creator of the blog: The Good Grandpa The veteran suicide rate is 57% higher than the national average. Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.  What can be done to reduce the rate? Guest: Maj. Gen. Mark Graham - U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Deputy Chief of Staff (ret.) & Executive Dir. Of Vets4Warriors Boston set to welcome a professional women's soccer team, and fresh buzz around the city being in line for a WNBA franchise. Impact of Boston's new women's teams on the city's sports scene, visibility, and fan base. Guest: Dina Gentile - Sport Science professor at Endicott College, and former collegiate women's soccer coach

NightSide's last hour of the week we like to keep it light and fun. This week Dan asked what have you wanted to do or go during the summer, but haven't yet.

Over the last couple of months, tragedy has struck two MA families unexpectedly. At the end of June, a UMass Amherst student who was interning in D.C. got caught up in a violent act as an innocent bystander who was murdered. Two teenagers have been charged with Eric Tarpinian-Jachym's murder. Then, in August, a Shrewsbury father was murdered on his way home after dropping his 6-year-old son off at school. Kevin Doherty confronted a man he saw spray-painting graffiti, to which the two men got into a spat where the suspect pulled out a gun and shot Doherty, who tragically died from his injuries. We discussed the senseless acts of violence as of late, felt here in Massachusetts.

Earlier this week, we spoke with Global Partners about the feud over who received the 35-year multimillion-dollar contract to renovate and operate 18 service plazas along Massachusetts roadways. Applegreen, a company founded in Ireland, won the bid for the contract, much to Global Partner's displeasure. Global tried legally challenging the decision with not much luck. Diana Prosciotta, a representative for Applegreen joined us to address the bidding feud and discussed their plan to restore and operate the 18 MA service plazas.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Only 37% of U.S. employees strongly agree they are treated with respect at work - a record-low level, according to Gallup. Here's 5 ways to get more respect at work… Guest: Marcy Syms, social entrepreneur, former chair, & CEO of Syms Corp., philanthropist, and author of Leading with Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer Winter Weather Forecast from The Old Farmer's Almanac! Guest: Sarah Perreault – Managing Editor of the Old Farmer's Almanac 78-year-old defies the odds, becomes oldest police rookie in California history! Guest: John Myers – the 78-year-old police rookie & a Law Professor at UC Law San Francisco.The Angel Fund for ALS Research ALS will be hosting the Walk of Hope for ALS - TOMORROW, September 6th at Wakefield Lower Common in Wakefield. Guest: Ann Hadley with the Angel Fund

Back in 2020, Massachusetts agreed to pass a bill to create a committee to study and redesign the state seal. Now in 2025, Massachusetts has unveiled the finalists for the new state seal, flag, and motto. The state received more than 1,150 submissions. The three finalists for the state flag include one with a blue hill with six blue and white waves. Another with a simple blue background with the state flower, the mayflower and the third has a crimson background with six turkey feathers, representing Massachusetts as the sixth state to enter the union. Of the finalists, which would you choose and why?

Back in 2020, Massachusetts agreed to pass a bill to create a committee to study and redesign the state seal. Now in 2025, Massachusetts has unveiled the finalists for the new state seal, flag, and motto. The state received more than 1,150 submissions. The three finalists for the state flag include one with a blue hill with six blue and white waves. Another with a simple blue background with the state flower, the mayflower and the third has a crimson background with six turkey feathers, representing Massachusetts as the sixth state to enter the union. Of the finalists, which would you choose and why?

Boston mayoral candidate and philanthropist Josh Kraft joined us on NightSide as we inch closer to next week's preliminary election. Despite a bit of a shakeup to Kraft's campaign staff this week with two advisors mutually parting ways, Kraft says he remains focused on Tuesday the 9th. Kraft discussed Boston's pressing issues took listeners' calls. 

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!The first Black author to write a book on the Ku Klux Klan from in-person, face-to-face interviews with leaders and members, called The Klan Whisperer. Guest: Daryl Davis – civil rights activist, author, co-founder and Global Ambassador for the Prohuman Foundation. His new book, The Klan Whisperer, shares his courageous story, a lifetime of victories over darkness and ignorance You Got In! Now What?: 100 Insights into Finding Your Best Life in College! Guest: James (“Jay”) Hamilton - Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Hearst Professor of Communication at Stanford University Children's Book: Elephant Beach Guest: Christine Devane – Author of children's book, former elementary school teacher Local artist creates unique fish prints using the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, Gyotaku, a practice which dates back to the mid-1800s. We'll talk about what the art form entails and the public interest in it. Guest: Joe Higgins – Owner of Joe's Fresh Fish Prints

Does it feel like more people you know are struggling with a mental health condition? Maybe you're struggling or the parent of a child who is struggling and not sure why or how to help. According to the CDC as well as the American Psychological Association, kid's mental health is in crisis. What's contributing to or causing rising mental health issues? Former New Hampshire Chief Justice John Broderick has now devoted his life to speaking to middle and high school kids about their mental health struggles. After speaking with thousands of kids across New England about the societal and cultural forces impacting their mental well-being, Judge Broderick along with Jeffrey Levin, a former middle school teacher, therapist and now life coach, joined us on NightSide to discuss what's harming kids' mental health and what can be done about it.

Does it feel like more people you know are struggling with a mental health condition? Maybe you're struggling or the parent of a child who is struggling and not sure why or how to help. According to the CDC as well as the American Psychological Association, kid's mental health is in crisis. What's contributing to or causing rising mental health issues? Former New Hampshire Chief Justice John Broderick has now devoted his life to speaking to middle and high school kids about their mental health struggles. After speaking with thousands of kids across New England about the societal and cultural forces impacting their mental well-being, Judge Broderick along with Jeffrey Levin, a former middle school teacher, therapist and now life coach, joined us on NightSide to discuss what's harming kids' mental health and what can be done about it.

There is an ongoing spat over the bidding procedure for a multimillion-dollar contract to renovate 18 service plazas along Massachusetts roadways. Waltham-based Global Partners LP, a fuel delivery company that currently runs the convenience stores at many of the plazas, lost the bid to Applegreen, a company founded in Ireland with an extensive presence along the Eastern Seaboard. Global Partners legally challenged MassDOT's procurement, evaluation, and operator selection process. President and CEO of Global Partners, Eric Slifka joined us to discuss the latest in this spat.*Applegreen will join us on NightSide, this Friday evening to share their side of the feud*

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Comcast Supports Small Business Growth, Awarding 100 Grant Packages to Greater Boston Entrepreneurs –Highlighting how Comcast works 1 on 1 with businesses & how the Comcast RISE grant will help winners. Guests: Becca Fracassa - Director of Community Impact for Comcast's New England Region & Winner: Rary from Rubato in Quincy, MA The Topsfield Fair to Host 7th annual hot dog eating contest! Guest: Marc Freedman – Runs the Hot dog eating contest Bug Farms! What are they and what do they do? Most are tasked with eating food waste, which in turn they'll be crushed, dried and sold as an alternative form of protein powder! Guest: Nicolas Rivero – Washington Post Reporter King Richard's Faire returns for their 44th season! This year at their new venue, the Edaville Entertainment Venue in Carver, MA. New England's largest and longest-running Renaissance festival runs weekends August 30 - October 19, 2025. Guest: Aimée Sedley - King Richard's Faire General Manager and Producer

We started with Caller's Choice, but the dominate topic became crime in U.S. cities, and the President's use of troops to assist law enforcement. Do you feel your area is safe? Would you like the National Guard to patrol your streets?

The long-awaited Market Basket mediation is set to take place this week in Delaware between CEO Arthur T Demoulas and his three sisters, who have all been feuding for months. What's there to mediate? Amidst the ongoing family feud, the future of Market Basket is a key factor, according to many embroiled in the feud. The grocery chain has 90 stores in four states: MA, RI, NH, and ME. Are you hopeful that there will be a mutually successful resolution? What do you think the future of Market Basket will look like and are you at all concerned that prices would change?

Massachusetts Colonel Geoffrey Noble has been leading the MA State Police for nearly a year now and has taken on the large task of reshaping the force and restoring public trust after a series of scandals. After the overtime scandal, the firing of trooper Michael Proctor, and the tragic death of an academy recruit, it has not been an easy task. For the first-time fielding questions from the public, Col. Noble joined us on NightSide to discuss reform and took listener's calls!https://www.mass.gov/guides/cadet-program

After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History – Telling of This Story Guest: Jessica Balboni – Co-Author of the book – also a writer and editor Baseball in the Roaring Twenties: The Yankees, the Cardinals, and the Captivating 1926 Season Guest: Thomas Wolf - Author 9/11 Day National Day of Service and Remembrance - volunteers will pack almost 400,000 healthy, non-perishable meals for people experiencing food insecurity in the community. This event is the largest annual event benefiting The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). Guest: Jay Winuk - co-founder and executive vice president of 9/11 Day, the nonprofit organization that annually organizes the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Which Are the Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars? Guest: Paul Glastris – Editor-In-Chief of Washington Monthly

Morgan White Jr. filled in on NightSide:No, not the 1960 classic Western film starring Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen, but rather the magnificent seven WBZ Radio talk hosts from the 1960s and up! Morgan and Media Historian Donna Halper chatted about seven of WBZ's greatest, such as Larry Glick, Dave Maynard, and David Brudnoy.

Morgan White Jr. filled in on NightSide:No, not the 1960 classic Western film starring Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen, but rather the magnificent seven WBZ Radio talk hosts from the 1960s and up! Morgan and Media Historian Donna Halper chatted about seven of WBZ's greatest, such as Larry Glick, Dave Maynard, and David Brudnoy.