Nightside With Dan Rea

Dan had a wild experience with the lightning storm on Tuesday. He wanted to know if it was bad in your area, and where could he get a good lightning rod?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benny Sharoni, the Consul General of Israel to New England, will join us this evening on NightSide to discuss the latest in the war with Iran as the U.S. enters its 7th week of ceasefire with Iran. Where does Israel stand in the ongoing conflict with Lebanon? We'll discussed it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discussed another case of a Massachusetts incarcerated individual who was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole when they were 17, a juvenile back in 1995, who is now seeking parole since their conviction occurred before the current law that bans life without parole sentences for people under 21. Gerard McCra III, now known as Kuluwn Asar, murdered his family 33 years ago after his parents told him he was not allowed to have his girlfriend sleep over the house...Asar was originally sentenced to 3 counts of first-degree murder, three life sentences without the possibility of parole. As Dan broke down this case, we asked the audience, does this individual deserve to be paroled? Has he shown rehabilitative progress? Does it matter?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: The American Academy of Pediatrics finds kids of all ages K-12 need regular recess for physical and mental health. First new guidance in 13 years about this unstructured time at school and how it needs to be protected. Guest: Dr. Charles Hannum, MD, General Pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center 8:15PM: Boston 2026 World Expo offers 8 days of free, first-class fun for all ages. Happening May 23-30, 2026 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.- Sponsored by the United States Postal Service, Boston 2026 will play host to all sorts of collectors, former collectors and folks interested in history, geography and art. With over 1,000 fascinating displays and 300+ presentations on all sorts of topics (many of them provided by the Smithsonian Institution). Guest: Lloyd de Vries - former ABC/CBS/NPR Writer/Producer - President of two of the stamp collecting organizations participating in this show, the Writers Unit and the American First Day Cover Society. Both have meetings and seminars at the show. 8:30PM: Red Sox inconsistency, clubhouse dynamics, trade deadline outlook, and front-office scrutiny. Guest: Peter Abraham – Boston Globe sportswriter and columnist 8:45PM: Women’s football finally gets its Olympic spotlight & Women’s flag football could become an NCAA sport… Guest: Andra Douglas - former national champion in rugby and quarterback in women’s tackle football, she later became a creative executive at Atlantic Records—and for nearly two decades owned the two-time national champion New York Sharks women’s pro football team, She also wrote a book that just came out: Changing Cadence: Friendship, Football and the Art of TransitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After about 5 weeks of combat between the U.S. and Iran that started on February 28th when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, killing its supreme leader and targeting military and government infrastructure, we now are coming to the end of a 6th week of ceasefire with Iran. The ceasefire has been going on longer than the actual war, raising the question, what is President Trump’s strategy here? We’ve yet to see a deal or really any military offense against Iran despite the President’s threats that if Iran doesn’t come to a peace deal, the U.S. will come down on Iran with more strikes and bigger bombs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll that was released Tuesday by Polity Research Consulting, commissioned by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, asks Massachusetts voters about the most important issues facing the state today. And in this hour, it was your turn to share with Dan what you think the most important issue facing Massachusetts is. What would bring you to the polls to vote? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll that was released Tuesday by Polity Research Consulting, commissioned by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, asks Massachusetts voters about the most important issues facing the state today. The poll reveals that the top two issues for residents are the cost of living and affordable housing. In addition, when asked if they think Massachusetts is generally headed in the right direction, or heading off on the wrong track, 45% believe the state is heading off the wrong track. That percentage has gone up over the last couple of years from 29% in 2023. What do you think are the most important issues facing MA? Polity Research Consulting CEO Ernie Paicopolos joined us to discuss the poll results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: New Statewide poll commissioned by Retailers Assoc. of MA asks MA registered voters the most important issues facing MA. Results indicate voters are laser-focused on the “pocketbook” issues they have to face every day such as the “cost of living” & “cost of housing”. Guest: Jon Hurst - President & CEO of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts 8:15PM: Turning Corners – Tom McCann’s memoir. It brings alive the places of his past, from his Brooklyn upbringing to his Boston life, and the people he knew along the way, from close friendships with Katharine Hepburn and Bill Russell to memorable encounters with Lauren Bacall and Robert De Niro. Guest: Tom McCann – writer, filmmaker, producer - 92 years old – just published a memoir filled with fascinating stories from his life. Big player with United Fruit back in the day and went on to start Commonwealth Films in Boston for decades. 8:30PM: Legendary NBC Reporter Reveals Assassination Threats During His Investigation/Coverage into the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Guest: Marvin Kalb - Award-winning former NBC News diplomatic correspondent/reporter 8:45PM: Tales From the Wildcats: 90-year history of Wilmington High School Football. Guest: Jamie Pote – longtime sportswriter in Greater Boston – worked for the Eagle Tribune, Lowell Sun, Boston Herald – now the Salem NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay filled in on NightSide: Schlitz beer will be no longer...One of America's oldest beers that "made Milwaukee famous" will no longer be produced after over 175 years of production. Pabst Brewing Co., the beer parent company, said they have seen the “continued increases in our costs to store and ship certain products and have had to make the tough choice to place Schlitz Premium on hiatus." Do you have a favorite beer that if discontinued you'd be devastated? Maybe it's Schlitz...whatever it is, listeners checked in with their beer of choice as we discussed beer culture and iconic beer brands of today and yesteryear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In your opinion, what is the best venue to see a show/concert in New England? Or beyond? To kick off the topic, Matt Smith, Managing Director of Club Passim in Cambridge joined Bradley for a segment before we opened it up to the audience on their go to concert venues/where they saw the best live performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay filled in on NightSide: Michael Coyne, The Massachusetts School of Law’s President, Dean, and a Professor of Law joined Bradley to discuss the latest legal news, including the latest in the Mangione trial (the alleged CEO United Healthcare Killer). Monday, a judge ruled that a gun and notebook that prosecutors say link Luigi Mangione to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson can be used as evidence at his murder trial, rejecting a defense argument that they were seized illegally before a search warrant was obtained.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay filled in on NightSide: Michael Coyne, The Massachusetts School of Law’s President, Dean, and a Professor of Law joined Bradley to discuss the latest legal news, including the latest in the Mangione trial (the alleged CEO United Healthcare Killer). Monday, a judge ruled that a gun and notebook that prosecutors say link Luigi Mangione to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson can be used as evidence at his murder trial, rejecting a defense argument that they were seized illegally before a search warrant was obtained.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 20th hour, Dan asked listeners how do they know if they're old? For example, you know you're old if you left bottles out for the Milkman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pentagon recently released over 100 files on UFOs. Some files date back to the 1940s. The files were made available as they were originally reported with no clarification or government explanation. Some accounts are from farmers, some from commercial pilots and Navy pilots and others from laypeople. What are your thoughts on UFOs? Harvard Professor and Astrophysicist Avi Loeb joined us to discuss UFOs!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2020, the Cambridge Memorial Drive shooter, Tyler Brown, was convicted of firing over 13 rounds from a handgun at police officers and sentenced to five to six years in state prison. Prosecutors at the time originally called for a sentence of 10-12 years. Gov. Maura Healey is criticizing the MA judge, Judge Janet Sanders, at that time a Suffolk Superior Court Judge, for the light sentence she gave Brown saying, “the judge provided a sentence that was way too low. And that’s a serious problem. There’s no way he should have been receiving that sentence. He should have received a much stiffer sentence.” Dan agrees with Gov. Healey. Former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross joined us to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05-8:30PM: Local resident and NightSide listener spoke to us LIVE from China about her time visiting China simultaneously during President Trump’s state visit. Guest: Betty Chin – Local Melrose resident & NightSide listener who called into NightSide LIVE Thursday night from China 8:30PM: Study: Politics is destroying friendships, and it’s getting worse. Guest: Aaron Perlut - author of the just-released book The Death of Compromise. 8:45PM: The one thing that kills job prospects… Advice for grads entering the job market… “Desperation is NOT hirable”. The best ways to follow up with a potential employer without seeming desperate. Guest: Dr. Ivan Misner - the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization & New York Times & Wall Street Journal Bestselling authorSee 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. 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.