Nightside With Dan Rea

Bradley Jay fills in on NightSideBradley shared a story this evening of an experience he had while at a ballpark that ruined his time. We asked the audience in 20th hour style fashion, what experiences you've had that ruined your time at a restaurant, movie theatre, concert, etc. Whether it's people talking in the movie theatre, an extremely loud restaurant you can't have a conversation at, whatever it is, we want to hear from you!

Bradley Jay fills in on NightSideWhile we're in the month of October, what better time than now to talk about horror and Halloween movies! Bradley will mention his favorite horror film and ask you, what's your favorite horror or Halloween movie and why? And, what was you favorite Halloween candy?

Bradley Jay fills in on NightSideHave you ever asked yourself why you love music so much? What's the science behind that? Why do different people like different types of music? Music has a way of emitting emotions in us that is sometimes unexplainable. Dr. Robert Zattore, a neuroscientist and expert of musical cognition and its brain mechanisms, will join us this evening to answer these questions and explain how we get from perception of sound patterns to pleasurable responses.

Bradley Jay fills in on NightSideWhile we're in the month of October, what better time than now to talk about horror and Halloween movies! Bradley will mention his favorite horror film and ask you, what's your favorite horror or Halloween movie and why? And, what was you favorite Halloween candy?

Bradley Jay fills in on NightSideThe e-bike and motorized scooter debate has been raging in Boston as we continue to see more e-bike and scooter related accidents. Residents have been complaining about the lawless behavior happening in bike lanes, on sideways and on the roadways at the hands of these motorized bikes and scooters. Do motorized vehicles belong in bike lanes?

There's always next  year, as the Red Sox lost to the Yankees 0-4. Dan started to discussed it, opening the phones to other topics as well, but fans called in to talk baseball.

The latest government report shows common cold infections this month are at the highest level since 2022. Roughly 31% of weekly tests are coming back positive for rhinovirus and enterovirus. Doctors say this signals a rough cold and flu season ahead.

The latest government report shows common cold infections this month are at the highest level since 2022. Roughly 31% of weekly tests are coming back positive for rhinovirus and enterovirus. Doctors say this signals a rough cold and flu season ahead. Infectious Disease Dr. Shira Doron of Tufts Medical Center checked in to talk about how to best stay protected this Fall against not only the common cold but the Flu, Covid, RSV and more!

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Combat Boots to Campus Blues: Veterans' Struggle for Belonging in Civilian Life. Challenges they face with integrating into civilian life. & What's needed to help them? Guest: Glenn Baker – Veteran, recording artist & Patriot Fall is the best time to check out New Hampshire's covered bridges. Here are some fascinating facts from the state's expert on the subject! Guest: Kim Varney Chandler - University of New Hampshire graduate and a full-time high school counselor who spent countless hours researching and visiting the state's covered bridges & wrote a book about them: Covered Bridges of New Hampshire Boston Rare Coin Treasure Hunt Oct. 7-11! - Stack's Bowers Galleries Will Celebrate 90 Years of Rare Coin Auctions with a Free Treasure Hunt Featuring Rare Coin and Currency Prizes Valued Over $40,000! Guest: Mark Schimel - Stack's Bowers Director of East Coast Retail Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shames 'Fat Troops' and generals  and reveals new military weight requirements  Guest: Brian Maddocks - Retired Air Force Major - For over 20 years, he was an elite Air Force pilot flying the most technologically advanced fighter jets on the planet.

This podcast date begins year 19 of NightSide! Dan invited callers to chime in with what they like, what they don't like and guest/topic suggestions for future shows!

Due to the U.S. Senate's failure to pass a short-term funding bill, the federal government shut down starting just after midnight Wednesday. How might the shutdown impact everyday people, not just federal workers? What does this mean for travel/flights, social security payments, national park visits, or USPS mail delivery? Are you at all worried about delays or disruptions to your everyday life? Kurt Couchman, from the group Americans for Prosperity joined Dan to discuss. 

Due to President Trump's sweeping federal cuts to medical research, many colleges and universities are faced with financial uncertainty. Why does the government want to make cuts to medical/science research? How worried are you about delays in potentially lifesaving research? UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor Dr. Michael F. Collins joined us on NightSide to discuss.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Uncle John's Know It All Bathroom Reader is back with its 38th annual edition! A collection of short articles for trips to the “Throne Room”. Guest: Brian Boone – One of the writers/contributors – spokesperson for the Uncle John's series. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases are expected to rise — posing serious risks to infants whose immune systems are still developing. Guidance and practical tips for protecting infants as well as yourself from RSV this season. Guest: Dr. Juanita Mora - immunologist with the American Lung Association While we are in the World Series playoffs, we check back in with baseball author Jeff Rodimer about Memorable and Offbeat World Series Stories  Guest: Jeff Rodimer – Author National Menopause for All Educational Program Comes to Boston – A free event open to the public about a medical transition that happens to all women at some point in their lives. Guest: Claire Gill - CEO/Founder of the National Menopause Foundation (NMF)  

Monday, President Trump presented Israel and Hamas with a 20-point peace deal to end the ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli has accepted the deal, as Trump gives Hamas 3-4 days to accept the offer. Part of the deal includes an immediate release of all hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza, decommission the military capabilities of Hamas, and destruction of all tunnel infrastructure among other things. What happens if Hamas does not accept the peace deal?

Monday, President Trump presented Israel and Hamas with a 20-point peace deal to end the ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli has accepted the deal, as Trump gives Hamas 3-4 days to accept the offer. Part of the deal includes an immediate release of all hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza, decommission the military capabilities of Hamas, and destruction of all tunnel infrastructure among other things. What happens if Hamas does not accept the peace deal?

Erika Kirk, the widow of the late Charlie Kirk who was murdered earlier this month, received widespread admiration across the political aisle when she forgave her husband's killer during Charlie's memorial service. Boston Globe opinion columnist Jeff Jacoby wrote a recent piece addressing the limits of personal forgiveness. Jeff joined us to explain and discuss.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!2025 Jimmy Fund Walk - Sunday, October 5th Guest: Jessica Abbott - Assistant Vice President of the Jimmy Fund Walk Big Apple Circus Returns to Boston at Suffolk Downs October 9th-November 2nd, 2025 - The Long Awaited Homecoming Guest: Joe Gold - Big Apple Circus producer The 41st All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Topsfield Fair!  It will be held on Friday, October 3rd.Guest: George Hoomis - co-chair of the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off What Late-Night Eating Does to Your Gut and Sleep… New research suggests dairy can trigger unsettling or vivid dreams by disturbing digestion and disrupting sleep. How to Rest Easier with Dr. Julie's Tips… Guest: Dr. Julie Gatza - Co-founder of the Florida Wellness Institute, Health educator

The latest MCAS test results were released, and it shows that Massachusetts students' test scores are still below pre-pandemic levels. The results showed that high schoolers fared worse on the MCAS than grades 3-8. This was the first year that high schoolers took the test knowing that a passing MCAS score is no longer a graduation requirement…which may be playing a role in the results. What can be done to reverse course and get those tests scores back up? Should we be worried?*Pedro Martinez, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, denied our invitation to join the conversation.*

The latest MCAS test results were released, and it shows that Massachusetts students' test scores are still below pre-pandemic levels. The results showed that high schoolers fared worse on the MCAS than grades 3-8. This was the first year that high schoolers took the test knowing that a passing MCAS score is no longer a graduation requirement…which may be playing a role in the results. What can be done to reverse course and get those tests scores back up? Should we be worried?*Pedro Martinez, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, denied our invitation to join the conversation.*

The Sagamore Bridge replacement project is something that many Massachusetts drivers are looking forward to, hoping to have an easier drive to the Cape. However, not everyone is excited as part of the project includes taking 13 local properties by eminent domain. Property owners Marc and Joan Hendel spent decades of savings and two years waiting for their Cape Cod home to be built, only to be given a notice one month after moving in that their home was going to be taken away. Marc and Joan joined us to share their story as we discuss the Sagamore Bridge replacement project.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!LinkedIn survey, only 30% of individual contributors want to be promoted into management anytime soon. Guest: Jon Bowerman - Cofounder, Stealth ConsultingThe Paul Mahoney Memorial Golf Tournament Coming up at the Norwood Country Club Oct. 11th Guest: Richard Laham Why do movie theaters just keep rereleasing movies we've already seen? Hollywood's new formula for success is apparently rereleasing old movies… Guest: Dr. Andy Draper – co-hosts the podcast, Off Script Film Review & a Web content manager at Meadows School of the ArtsHealey-Driscoll Administration Issues Evidence-Based COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance to Ensure Access for Residents Guest: Dr. Shira Doron - Chief Infection Control Officer for Tufts Medicine and Hospital Epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center

For NightSide's last hour of the week we like to keep it light and have fun. This week, we bring back Brushes with Celebrity, a listener favorite.

we will discuss the real-life story of the biggest FBI corruption scandal in history! The late Roger Wheeler, businessman and former owner of the World of Jai Alai, was murdered by the mob after uncovering an embezzlement scheme at the World of Jai Alai. How? By speaking with his head of security, Paul Rico, who unbeknownst to Wheeler was a former corrupt FBI agent with ties to the mob, about his embezzlement discovery. Dan was joined by the retired Tulsa police detective Mike Huff, who investigated Wheeler's murder and took down Rico for his involvement, as well as David Wheeler, the son of Roger, who spent years fighting for justice.

Earlier this week on Monday evening we interviewed Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch in which he made spontaneous comments about the Catholic Church child sexual abuse scandal of several years ago in which he said, “That was mostly homosexual issues, not pedophilia.” Koch went on to say that “the level in which it happens with teachers and coaches is higher than it was percentage wise than the church.” The comments received lots of backlash from the public, Quincy school board and abuse survivors with some even calling for the mayor's resignation. Tonight, Dan will address the comments made as we are joined by a sexual abuse survivor who was abused as a child by a Catholic priest, Father Porter, who was convicted. We invite other abuse survivors to share their story and let their voices be heard on NightSide

Earlier this week, President Trump and his Administration made claims about the correlation between autism and Tylenol or acetaminophen use during pregnancy, warning pregnant women not to use the drug. A mounting backlash has followed with medical and autism experts alike disagreeing with Trump's claims. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to recommend acetaminophen in pregnancy and childhood when used at the lowest dose for the shortest duration. 

Earlier this week, President Trump and his Administration made claims about the correlation between autism and Tylenol or acetaminophen use during pregnancy, warning pregnant women not to use the drug. A mounting backlash has followed with medical and autism experts alike disagreeing with Trump's claims. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to recommend acetaminophen in pregnancy and childhood when used at the lowest dose for the shortest duration. Mayo Clinic trained Rheumatologist Dr. Alfred Miller takes aim with the claims and believes the Trump Admin. is ignoring scientific studies regarding autism. Dr. Miller joined us to discuss.

During this age of AI, we will talk about the national movement, Responsible AI for America's Youth, which is a movement that ensures every child in the United States has the opportunity to become a responsible and confident user of artificial intelligence (AI). This effort puts students and educators at the center of shaping how AI is brought into schools, elevating their voices in the national conversation. Jeff Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, now the Executive Director of Day of AI, checked in to discuss.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Why the brain hangs on to some memories but lets others fade…BU researchers sought out an answer to this…Guest: Leo Chenyang Lin (goes by Leo) How to best prepare for a job interview. What type of questions might come up? What's the best way to present yourself?Guest: Laura Brown – Interview and Business Coach - co-author of the new book, Interview Speak: What Your Interviewer Really Wants You to Know What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)? There is an upcoming Walk Sept 28th to raise funds & awareness for CMT.Guest: Jill Ricci – a Mom and representative for the CMT Association - & Son Vittorio Ricci – Individual living with CMT is walking and cycling to end the rare, incurable disease her son lives with every day. A Cursed Brick Returns To the Old North Church after a string of Misfortunes…Guest: Nikki Stewart - Executive Director of Old North Illuminated, which operates the Old North Church Historic Site  

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!The disappearance of Christopher Bird…disappeared on Sunday, July 29, 1984. He was last seen by a friend at the D&Q Stables in Windham. Guest: Emily Sweeney – Boston Globe Cold Case Files Reporter & Blotter Tales columnist Mass General Brigham will soon bill you when your doctor consults a specialist about your care. Guest: Jonathan Saltzman – Boston Globe reporter Gov. Maura Healey releases ‘vision' for statewide high school graduation requirements Guest: Chris Van Buskirk – State House Reporter for the Boston Herald What is the disorder PANDAS or PANS? 33,000 (or one in 200) children in Massachusetts suffer today from what is now known as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (P.A.N.D.A.S.) or Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (P.A.N.S). -Upcoming Walk – Making Strikes for PANS & PANDAS. Saturday, Oct. 4 – Boston Common. Guest: Jennifer Vitelli – Executive Director of the Look Foundation – also her son has PANDAS  

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has a new book out on her short run for the White House. Have you read "107 Days"? Dan shared his thoughts and prediction from 2019. What did you think? 

After much drama and legal challenges over winning the 35-year multimillion dollar contract with the MassDOT to redevelop and operate 18 Massachusetts highway service plazas, Applegreen, has backed out of the deal. Will rival contract bidder Global Partners be awarded the contract or will the whole project get rebid? How will this shake out as MassDOT originally had a goal of beginning redevelopment this coming January…Jon Chesto, business reporter from the Boston Globe joined us to kick off the topic.

Do students really need a college degree? With growing criticism over higher education, how is higher ed reinventing itself? For a parent or student who might be worried about a future career mixed with the daunting reality of student loan debt, is a college education still a sound investment or is it unnecessary considering today's changing economy? Newly instated President of Brandeis University, Arthur Levine is looking beyond the horizon on what higher education should be in the future joined us to discuss.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!As fall officially begins, the American Red Cross urges people to mark the new season with a lifesaving blood or platelet donation to help keep the blood supply strong. Guest: Jeff Hall – with Red Cross of Massachusetts Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham Lincoln. This book touches on the relationship between Douglass and Lincoln. Guest: Jonathan White – co-author of this book & professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University and vice chair of The Lincoln Forum. & Author of over 20 books. Memorial set for prosecutor Assist. AG Paul McLaughlin who was gunned down by a gang member in 1995. Guest: Judge Jeffrey Locke The Massachusetts State Lottery's new “Ghostbusters™” instant ticket game & more that's new with the state lottery. Guest: Mark William Bracken - Executive Director of the MA Lottery

With the breaking news that Applegreen, the company with the winning bid to take control of Massachusetts' service areas, walking away from the lease talks, Dan opened the phones to Caller's Choice, with so many stories to discuss! 

Late night host Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC Tuesday after being suspended and his show previously removed "indefinitely" after he made controversial comments regarding Charlie Kirk's murder. Disney decided to reinstate Jimmy if you will after much Hollywood backlash and boycotts however not all media companies or networks that have ABC affiliates are going to air Kimmel. Local TV station owners Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group each announced this week they would not be carrying the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on their ABC affiliates. Will you be watching Kimmel's return if it's available for you to watch? Why or why not?

Tuesday President Trump spoke to the 80th United Nations General Assembly. During the President's speech he touched on climate change, U.S. funding cuts, bashed the U.N. over teleprompter and escalator issues, told other European leaders their countries are “going to hell” over open border policies and rejected recognition of a Palestinian statehood calling it a reward for Hamas. We discussed an overview of all that occurred during the U.N. General Assembly.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!These are New England's most picture-perfect fall foliage towns Guest: Diane Bair - Boston Globe reporter/contributor The Big E Fair in West Springfield is well underway! What are some of the wild foods featured this year & things happening at the fair? Guest: Eugene (Gene) Cassidy – President & CEO of the Big E (Eastern States Exposition) Are we on the verge of a youth unemployment crisis? Guest: Lisa Miller - senior marketing, strategy and innovation consultant The 1775 British bombardment and burning of present-day Portland, Maine. A largely forgotten horror of the Revolutionary War. Guest: Holly K. Hurd, the executive director of the Tate House Museum

Monday, President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said taking acetaminophen during pregnancy is linked to higher risk of autism, and will instruct the FDA to recommend doctors suggest limiting the drug's use during pregnancy. What do you think? Dan invited listeners to call in with their thoughts. 

This week the U.N. General Assembly will take place in New York for its 40th session where talks of a two-state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict is expected to dominate the conversation. The U.K., Australia and Canada have already formally recognized a Palestinian state, prompting an angry response from Israel. What other countries will join in support of a Palestinian state?

The city of Quincy is facing a lawsuit over its plan to erect two statues in front of their new public safety building to honor first responders. The statues in question depict St. Michael and St. Florian, the patron saints of police and fire departments. A “multifaith group of Quincy residents and taxpayers” being represented by the ACLU take aim with the statues saying they violate the Massachusetts Constitution by promoting one religion over another. Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said the selection of the statues had nothing to do with the Catholic religion, that they were chosen in “an effort to boost morale and to symbolize the values of truth, justice, and the prevalence of good over evil.” Mayor Koch joined us to discuss.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows . . .Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life Guest: Steven Pinker, PhD - Johnstone Professor of Psychology at Harvard University – author of this new bookProstate Cancer Awareness Month Guest: Ed Randall - Founder + Chief Advocacy Officer of Fans For The Cure Is ‘career catfishing' real? What is it and what do you need to be on the lookout for? Guest: Johnnie Garmon - founder and managing partner of The Perissos Group, a mission-driven consulting business   Does Tylenol Use during Pregnancy Cause Autism? Guest: Dallas Reed, MD, Chief of Genetics and an OB/GYN at Tufts Medical Center  

NightSide's last hour of the week we like to keep it light and fun. With Autumn knocking on the door, Dan asked what's your favorite thing about this season?