The Common

From mid-May to early June, a brood of periodical cicadas (Brood XIV) are emerging for the first time in 17 years. Today on The Common, WBUR Digital News Producer Katie Cole tells us everything we need to know about these noisy summer insects, and what makes this particular brood special. Also, we end with a note from Host Darryl C. Murphy about the conclusion of The Common. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

This week Team Common is bringing you a story from WBUR arts and culture reporter Amelia Mason. It's a story about one of hip-hop's greatest wordsmiths Lupe Fiasco. Lupe, a visiting scholar at M.I.T., has been writing new music using the artwork on campus, and Amelia got the opportunity to talk to him about it. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

In February, references to the words 'transgender' and 'queer' were quietly purged from various National Parks Service websites. That includes pages dedicated to Boston's many national parks.  Among the resources that were taken down from Boston's National Parks was an audio tour of Downtown and Beacon Hill titled “Their Dreams, Their Rights, and Their Love.” The tour was meant to show how Boston's LGBTQ+ community has lived and thrived despite oppression and erasure. The tour still exists on the History Project's website, where it was posted after it was removed from the National Parks Service website.  To get a sense of what the "Their Dreams, Their Rights, and Their Love" tour has to offer, The Common met up with Theo Linger, History Project board member and former National Parks ranger; and Meaghan Michel, History Project volunteer and former National Parks ranger.    Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR's Candice Springer shares three awesome, local events that will get you outside in May. Check them out: Big Queer Food Fest Boston Public Art Triennial WBUR Festival Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Local organizers plan to mark MLK Jr.'s historic 1965 Freedom Rally in Boston by holding a march of their own. Journalist and Historian  Dart Adams is the co-chair of Everyone250. The organization's mission is to highlight stories and histories that often get overlooked — especially during celebrations marking America's independence. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Martinus Evans' doctor told him he either had to lose weight or risk early death. So he took up running - both out of necessity and perhaps a little spite. Evans has since run several marathons. He also founded the Slow AF Run Club, which is an organization meant to inspire and encourage runners of all shapes and abilities. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Little self-published booklets known as 'zines' have long been a staple of DIY and counter-culture movements. They have deep roots in underground music scenes like punk. Today, zines are having a renaissance, with more DIY-ers returning to the medium to spread information and stories - as well as to avoid increased censorship. The Common recently visited the Boston Public Library's Jamaica Plain branch to check out the BPL's zine collection with children's librarian and local punk drummer, Chris Strunk. Where to find zines in Boston For the month of April, public libraries across the Boston Area are encouraging patrons to dive into zines with their 2025 Zine Library Crawl. Explore these Boston-area zine libraries to participate, or explore on your own any time. Boston Public Library Zine Collection Participating branches include: Central, Codman Square, Connolly, Egleston Square, Grove Hall, Jamaica Plain, Parker Hill, Roslindale, Roxbury, Framingham Public Library Harvard University's Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America   MassArt Morton R. Godine Library School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University's W. Van Alan Clark Jr. Library Somerville Public Library (all locations) Watertown Free Public Library If you're looking for digital zines, you can also visit the online archive of Cambridge's Papercut Library, a free and volunteer-led collection featuring zines and other media from over 16,000 independent creators. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Catholic nuns and priests led Boston's anti-war movement during the Vietnam era. A new podcast tells the story of the lengths many Irish Catholics went through to protest the war — including breaking into official buildings to steal draft cards. The Common spoke to Host and Producer Brendan Patrick Hughes about his new podcast  "Divine Intervention." Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

When Tim Colegrove decided to open a computer repair store in 2021, it was partially because he was interested in entrepreneurship. He also really needed a place to keep the vintage computers and gear that were piling up in his home. So, The BYTE Shop was born: A computer repair shop AND museum to the modern home computer in Jamaica Plain. The Common visited Tim at The BYTE Shop to talk about the store's fully operational computer history exhibit (that is open for the public to come and try), as well as how community and sustainability play into its mission. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR contributing arts critic Lloyd Schwartz joins The Common to discuss classical music. The Somerville poet laureate and Fresh Air classical music critic also shares recommendations from his arts guide to Greater Boston classical events on offer this spring. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

When you walk in the doors of justBook-Ish in Fields Corner, it is immediately clear that it is more than just a bookshop. The space invites patrons to stay for a while. There is a bar with a menu of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Visitors can take a seat at the communal table and chairs, or snuggle up in one of several window reading nooks. JustBook-Ish was founded by Porsha Olayiwola, who is a former Boston Poet Laureate, and Bing Broderick, who previously served as the executive director at Haley House. Porsha and Bing wanted to provide a 'third place' in the neighborhood. The concept of a 'third place' is one that's gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It refers to a space that isn't work or school or home, where folks can relax and connect with their community. The Common recently took a trip to justBook-Ish to talk to Porsha about why our community needs more 'third places' and why that drives their mission. Here are other bookstores and 'third places' to check out:  Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street Narrative Bookshop in Somerville Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston-based Comedian Bethany Van Delft thinks the Boston comedy scene is having a moment. Check out Bethany's recommendations for a good laugh in Boston: Favorite up-and-coming local comedian: Carolina Montesquieu A venue for a good show: Goofs Comedy Club in Somerville Comedy show producers: Men in Comedy and Don't Tell Comedy Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy drives to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to see its world-class fire lab. He sits down with internationally-recognized fire expert and head of the fire engineering department, Albert Simeoni. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy sat down with Historian, Author and Newton-native David Greenberg to discuss his latest biography "John Lewis: A Life." The book offers a deep look into the life of the Late John Lewis. The iconic civil rights activist eventually became one of the most revered politicians of his time. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

If you had $2 million to invest in your community, how would you spend it? If you're a resident of Boston, you have until Feb. 15 to cast your vote in Boston's first city-wide participatory budget. Participatory budgeting is when residents come together to collectively decide how to spend public dollars. Bostonians can vote for up to five projects from a list of 14 ideas proposed by fellow residents. Kendra Patterson is a steering committee member of the Better Budget Alliance, a local coalition advocating for greater democratic control over Boston's budget. She joined WBUR's The Common to discuss this year's projects and the role of participatory budgets in a democracy. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

This interview originally aired on The Common in 2024.  Chinatown's streets will come to life on Feb. 9 with thunderous drums and a clang of cymbals as nine lion dance troupes celebrate the Year of the Snake in the Chinese New Year Parade. WBUR's Cici Yu joined The Common to talk about the vibrant history and tradition of the lion dance in Boston. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The seafood industry in New England generates more than $20 billion in sales each year and employs more than a quarter million people. But WBUR's climate and environment correspondent Barbara Moran found it's not moving fast enough to meet the challenges of climate change, and a new Trump presidency could make things more complicated. This story was produced as part of the Pulitzer Center's StoryReach U.S. Fellowship with additional reporting from Columbia University's Duh Linh Tu. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On January 20th, President Elect Donald Trump will take the reins from outgoing President Joe Biden and make his return to the Oval Office. But this Inauguration Day is a little different than most others, because it also falls on Dr. Martin Luther King Day. We saw this as an opportunity to step back and look at King's legacy, how he's remembered, and if we'll ever truly see the progress he's envisioned. Joining us on The Common to discuss is Donathan Brown, Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity at Northeastern University and co-editor of Dream and Legacy, Revisiting King in a Post Civil Rights Era. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston Globe's food reporter Kara Baskin spoke to multiple local chefs and restaurateurs who struggled with ADHD and dyslexia in school but thrive in the restaurant industry. They said their differences are their superpower. Darryl C. Murphy spoke with Baskin and Dan Bazzinotti, head chef at Boston's Blue Ribbon Restaurants and instructor at Johnson & Wales University, for Radio Boston about why the industry supported him in a way the traditional education system never did. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What do a "rage room," a thought-provoking play, and sandwich recipes of yesteryear have in common? They're all recommendations from Candice Springer, assistant director of WBUR CitySpace, for kicking off 2025. Candice joins Darryl to discuss these events and experiences, as well as share personal goals for the new year that just might inspire some of your own. Out and About in Greater Boston Letz Rage Dancing with the Stars Live! "Ain't No Mo'" from Speakeasy Stage and Front Porch Arts Collective Museum of Illusions Boston January Highlights at WBUR CitySpace Sandwiches of History: Live! Jack the Whipper (with a guest appearance by Ses Carny)   Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

MF DOOM was a legendary emcee known for wearing a mask and keeping a distance from fame in a genre where artists usually embrace the spotlight. DOOM passed away in 2020, but his life is documented in a biography recently released called The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Hip-hop's Masked Iconoclast. In the book, Writer and journalist S.H. Fernando Jr aka SKIZZ sheds light on DOOM's story, which includes his time spent right here in Boston.  Today on The Common, Darryl's conversation with SKIZZ and local hip-hop aficionado Dart Adams about the book and DOOM that aired on Radio Boston earlier this year. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Franz and Heroina Edouard and their family are among the thousands of Haitians who left their home country for a better life in the US, and made their way to Massachusetts. The Edouards shared their decades-long journey with WBUR reporter Simon Rios. Today on The Common, Simon joins us to tell us their story, and about their experience with the Massachusetts' emergency shelter system. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

It's been a minute, but Candice Springer, assistant director for WBUR CitySpace, is back to give you the low down on what's happening in the city this December. After a quick recap of the biggest musical movie event of the year ("Wicked"), here's what Candice recommends: Out and About in Boston Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE) Now in its 15th year, MICE is New England's longest-running independent comics expo. At this totally free event there is something for everyone: workshops for artists of all levels, panel discussions and, of course, a marketplace where you can peruse comics and other work by dozens of independent artists -- just in time for holiday shopping! At Boston University's Fuller Building, Dec. 7 to 8. A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin This is the first of two opportunities to see "Home Alone" in Boston this holiday season. On Sunday, Dec. 15, head over to the Chevalier Theater in Newton for a screening of the holiday movie classic, and an exclusive moderated talk with Kevin himself, Macaulay Culkin. 'Home Alone' in concert Can't make it to the movies before Christmas? We don't blame you. Luckily, the Boston Pops is giving "Home Alone" its own treatment with a live score just after the holidays at Symphony Hall on Dec. 27, 28 and 29. This Month at WBUR CitySpace Curated Cuisine: Historian Jessica B. Harris on the culinary and cultural traditions of Kwanzaa James Beard Award-winning culinary historian Jessica B. Harris joins Tamika R. Francis, founder of Food & Folklore, for a conversation about the updated edition of her book, “A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook: Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community and Tradition.” Additionally, guests will get to enjoy a spicy three-cheese mac and cheese, and holiday gingerbread with molasses whipped cream from the book after the event on Dec. 9. Ones to Watch: The Floor Lords empower local youth through the positivity of hip hop dance The Floor Lords, a Boston-based breakdancing crew, will perform at CitySpace on Dec. 11. After some dancing, they'll talk with WBUR arts reporter Arielle Gray about the crew's mission to empower local youth. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

When Jessie Little Doe Baird was growing up on Cape Cod in the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, she didn't have a relationship with her native language. Now, she reteaches her language to her community and family through the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project, which she co-founded. Today on The Common, we hear Darryl C. Murphy's conversation with Baird on Radio Boston from earlier this fall. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

When a 2022 Supreme Court ruling ended nationwide protection for abortion access, Massachusetts abortion rights advocates predicted an influx of people from out of state seeking abortions. Now, WBUR's Martha Bebinger found the number of people who obtained abortion care from Massachusetts providers was up at least 37% in 2023. The increase was mostly driven by patients from outside the state. Today on The Common, Martha and Dr. Angel Foster, co-founder of Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants, discuss the future of abortion access in Massachusetts. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

It's been a little over a week since President-elect Donald Trump won a second term in office over Vice President Kamala Harris. Regardless of how you feel about it, another Trump presidency is almost certain to leave a lasting impression on our political reality, including here in deep-blue Massachusetts. Today on The Common, WBUR Senior Politics Reporter, Anthony Brooks, and WBUR State House Reporter, Walter Wuthmann, join us to discuss reactions since the election, and look ahead to what the results could mean for our state. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

In August, Mayor Michelle Wu introduced Boston's first Office of Climate Resilience. She appointed Chris Osgood, previously Chief of Staff and Chief of Streets, as the office's director. Osgood joined us in September to discuss what Bostonians can expect from the Office of Climate Resilience in the coming years. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Happy Halloween! We wish you safe and spooky celebrations this week. That said, Tuesday, November 5th is the 2024 general election. And there is nothing scarier than getting to the polls unprepared. Five statewide ballot questions are before voters this November, and frighteningly, there are quite a few misconceptions about them. Evan Horowitz, director of The Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, joins us in breaking down each question and outlines what is being asked of voters on Election Day. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Offshore wind projects like Vineyard Wind are set to be a huge part of our state's energy future. But for such a huge infrastructure project, it's not that easy to get out and see for yourself. For one thing, you need to charter a boat to take you out to look at the Vineyard Wind turbines located miles offshore.  This is exactly what a group of New England reporters did in September – including WBUR's own senior climate reporter, Miriam Wasser. She joins The Common to tell us about the experience.  Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston's theater-goers are overwhelmingly white: 89%, according to a report by the nonprofit ArtsBoston. At the same time, more than half of the city's residents are people of color. Some theater companies are fostering inclusion with Black Out nights. Performances are taken off sale to the general public and made accessible with a code distributed to Black organizations and social media groups. Maurice Emmanuel Parent is an actor, educator and co-founder and co-producing artistic director of Front Porch Arts Collective, a Black theatre company promoting racial equity in Boston. He speaks with us about the history and intention of Black Out experiences. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Each year, WBUR highlights a group of artists of color in Greater Boston. These "Makers" are spreading joy and building community while practicing their craft. We meet three of the artists from this year's cohort. Dancer Beth Mochizuki is helping dancers bring more of themselves to the stage with her company, the Asian American Ballet Project. Saxophonist Jonathan Suazo is combining his Puerto Rican identity with his Dominican heritage through jazz. Musician Pranav Swaroop is fusing classical Indian traditions with rock and electronics as part of the band, Project MishraM. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Experts say climate change is increasing the risk of a “double disaster” — a large-scale chemical spill caused by extreme weather. Massachusetts is especially vulnerable, as a coastal state with industrial ports. WBUR's senior investigative reporter Patrick Madden took a closer look at this risk in New Bedford, a city with a high concentration of warehouses that use chemicals for cold storage in the fishing industry. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On this episode of  The Common, Boston Globe Reporter Diti Kohli breaks down the evolution of Stop and Shop, and where the grocery store is headed. Then, listen to an excerpt from host Darryl C. Murphy's WBUR CitySpace interview with Chef and TikTok influencer Jon Kung. ____ Stop and Shop opened a swanky upgraded location in Allston Yards this summer. A couple of weeks later, the company announced that it would be closing more than 30 of its stores in New England, including 15 in Massachusetts. Both moves are part of a strategy that Stop and Shop hopes will keep it in the game. The Boston Globe's business reporter Diti Kohli recently did a deep dive into Stop and Shop's legacy, and what it shows about the current grocery industry in the state. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Last spring, the City of Boston welcomed its inaugural Director of Nightlife Economy, Corean Reynolds. You might have heard some people refer to her as the “night czar,” though that's not her official title. Now that she's been in her position for a year, we wanted to catch up with her about some of the initiatives her office is working on, as well as challenges to improving nightlife in the city. You'll also hear producer Frannie Monahan hit the streets to ask Bostonians about their thoughts on the city's nightlife scene, and their suggestions for improving it for everyone. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On September 12, 1974, Boston Public Schools bused the first students across town as a part of a highly controversial school integration program. The program was a result of Judge W. Arthur Garrity's federal court order that mandated that both black and white students be bused to schools outside of their neighborhoods. What followed was a series of protests and riots that helped cement Boston's reputation as an exceptionally racist city. While this moment is a major flashpoint in Boston's history, it is not the whole story. Busing was the culmination of a years-long fight between a Black community that wanted a better education for its children and a white community resistant to change. Today on The Common, Boston journalist, lecturer, and historian Dart Adams, joins us to break down this history. If you want to learn more about the history of busing in Boston, check out WBUR's series “Busing's Legacy in Boston, 50 Years Later,” which was done in collaboration with The Emancipator. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On this episode of The Common, WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins the show to discuss what impacts the presidential candidates would have on Massachusetts' climate goals if they get elected. Then, we get suggestions for how to spend the month of September in Greater Boston. -------- Classes might be back in session now that it's September, but that doesn't mean you can't still get out there and enjoy some culture this month. Here are WBUR CitySpace Assistant Director Candice Springer's picks for September: Out and About in Boston Gabe Gibbs at Laugh Boston Emerson College alum Gabe Gibbs returns to Boston with a comedic musical extravaganza, featuring spoofs of popular numbers as well as original songs. Bostonians will be treated to this performance just once on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. at the local comedy club Laugh Boston. Fiesta en la plaza  Boston City Hall Plaza is at it again with another fabulous free community celebration. This time, it's Fiesta en la plaza, which celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with hours of programming including musical performances, art and film screenings topped off with a salsa dance party. Happening at Boston City Hall Plaza Sept. 15-27. Cirque de la Symphonie: Cirque goes to the Cinema This one is for lovers of the symphony, cinema and the circus alike. Join the Boston Pops and Cirque de la Symphonie for a night of stunning acrobatics set to classic movie scores at Symphony Hall on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. This Month at WBUR CitySpace Curated Cuisine: Nini Nguyen Nini Nguyen is a New Orleans-based chef who has developed her own version of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. She recently released a new cookbook, "Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook." Join Nguyen and The Common host Darryl C. Murphy on Monday, Sept. 9 for a discussion and an on-stage cooking demonstration. Sound On: Axel & Lolo Axel & Lolo were chosen as WBUR's favorite local submission to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Come see the best friend duo perform a set live at WBUR CitySpace on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On this episode of The Common, tenant association leader and volunteer with City Life/Vida Urbana Selena Eutsay joins the show to discuss renters rights ahead of Boston's unofficial move-in day on the first of September. Then, producer Frannie Monahan hits the streets to talk to Boston residents about their greatest challenges renting in the city.  ____ Sept. 1 is fast approaching. On that day, about 70% of Boston leases turn over, according to the city of Boston. In preparation for the big move-in day, we sat down with Selena Eutsay, a tenant association leader and volunteer with City Life/Vida Urbana to discuss what renters in Boston should know about their rights, her experience as a life-long resident of Boston, as well as other major issues plaguing renters in the area. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On this episode of The Common, Boston Globe Climate Reporter Erin Douglas joins the show to discuss how many Boston neighborhoods are built on artificial land, putting them at risk of flooding due climate change. Then, Team Common takes over the WBUR kitchen with senior correspondent Deborah Becker. ____ If you listen to WBUR, you are probably familiar with Deb Becker's voice. You might have heard any number of her reports as a senior correspondent on issues like mental health, addiction and the criminal legal system. Or, maybe you're more familiar with her as a host on many WBUR Programs. But, we learned when she has some time away from her work Deb loves to cook. So, a little while back, Team Common took over the WBUR kitchen so Deb could show us how to make one of her signature summer side dishes, while also dishing about her love of food, and her long journalism career. ____ Deborah Becker's vegan summer orzo salad Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes, halved Cucumbers, peeled, seeds removed and diced Scallions, roughly chopped One jar pitted calamari olives One can of garbanzo beans Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (lots of it!) A good olive oil Balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon sugar Orzo Salt and pepper to season Instructions Bring a pot of water to boil, season boiling water with salt. Add orzo. While orzo cooks, prepare vegetables and herbs, combine in a large bowl. When orzo is cooked, strain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Coat lightly with olive oil to keep pasta from sticking together. Combine balsamic, olive oil and sugar in a small bowl to create a dressing Combine strained and cooled orzo with vegetables in bowl. Mix together with dressing and season with and salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On this episode of The Common, WBUR associate producer for digital Katie Cole joins the show to discuss Massachusetts' various shark species and the important role they play in our ocean ecosystem. Then, we sit down with author and podcast host Mark Cecil to talk about the value of deep conversations among men and why it is difficult for some men to open up with one another. ____ Sharks get a bad rap, especially around these parts where great white sightings are a normal part of Massachusetts' summer. But great whites are far from the only shark species cruising through Bay State waters, and for the most part, they're all just minding their own business. After the episode, take our quiz to test your shark knowledge! Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

On this episode of The Common, WBUR State House reporter Walter Wuthmann joins host Darryl C. Murphy to recap the end of the state's legislative session. He tells us about the few bills that did get passed, and more importantly all the ones that didn't, and why. Then, Team Common hikes the Boston Walking City Trail with with founder, Boston-based journalist and trail builder Miles Howard. Listen to the podcast to hear the full episode.  Looking to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city? The Boston Walking City Trail might be the perfect thing. Established in 2022 by Miles Howard (a journalist and urban trail builder based in Boston), the Walking City Trail is a community project connecting many of the city's most immersive green spaces into a continuous 27-mile route. The Common's team hiked the Franklin Park section with the trail-builder to learn more about how it came to be, as well as the benefits of urban hiking as an accessible entry into the outdoors for city residents. Here are some of our favorite things along the route: The Wizard of Franklin Park: Miles Howard claims that there's a hollowed out tree trunk in which someone painted a depiction of a Gandalf-like wizard. (We couldn't get through the brush to see it in person, though. But maybe you can! Send us a picture if you do.) Roxbury puddingstone: There's a lot of this in Franklin Park, and even around the neighborhood. It's a natural conglomerate, with small rocks and pebbles embedded inside. Fun fact: it's Massachusetts' official state rock. Bear dens: When the Franklin Park Zoo was built back in the late 1800s, it housed bears in these circular, caged-in dens, with spikes along the top to keep bears from climbing out. The abandoned cages are still there, all overgrown with plants, and all creatures are free to pass in and out these days. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Common is back. Thank you to the listeners who stuck around while we planned for our new weekly format, and if you're new here, welcome to the party! Today, WBUR transportation reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins host Darryl C. Murphy to give us the full download on the MBTA's new contactless fare system. Then, to kick off August, WBUR CitySpace assistant director Candice Springer gives us suggestions for how to spend the final hazy days of summer. Candice recommends... The Queen of Versailles Musical Bostonians have the opportunity to see this brand new, Broadway-bound musical adaptation of the 2012 documentary of the same name until Aug. 25. "The Queen of Versailles," starring Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, is being staged at the Emerson Colonial Theater in Boston. Independent Film Festival Boston's Hot Summer Nights IFFBoston, inspired by the series on the podcast You Must Remember This about erotic films from the '80s and '90s, presents a month-long retrospective into steamy movies from that era. You can catch classics like "Showgirls" (1995) and "Cruel Intentions" (1999) until Aug. 31 at the Somerville Theatre. Archery Games Boston Speaking of steam, maybe you need to let off a little with this unconventional athletic activity. Archery Games Boston lets you play out your wildest Katniss Everdeen dreams with competitive combat archery. Join a communal game or reserve a private one with friends, family or coworkers or at the Chelsea location. Don't worry, all projectiles are foam-tipped so no one will be taking an arrow to the knee here any time soon. (Please note that you have to be 7 years or older to join in a communal game.) The Moth StorySLAM: HOT MESS The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition, open to anyone with a five-minute story to share on the night's theme. The theme of this month's StorySLAM on Aug. 13 is "HOT MESS." Participants should prepare a five-minute story about spectacular chaos. Disheveled dramas and situations so tangled there is no hope of straightening things out. Come tell a story...or just enjoy the show! Field Trip: Board Game Night Back by popular demand, WBUR CitySpace is hosting another game night on Aug. 14. Free to all, come with friends or meet new ones playing a variety of games provided by Knight Moves Board Game Cafe. Snacks will be provided, grog available for purchase. Greater Boston's weekly podcast where news and culture meet.