Under the Radar with Callie Crossley

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Under the Radar with Callie Crossley looks to alternative presses and community news for stories that are often overlooked by big media outlets. In our roundtable conversation, we aim to examine the small stories before they become the big headlines with contributors in Boston and New England. For m…

WGBH Educational Foundation


    • Aug 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 615 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Under the Radar with Callie Crossley

    Amid growing disapproval ratings, President Trump tries to appeal to his base. Will it work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 58:00


    We've just passed the half year mark  into the second Donald Trump presidency. This month, President Trump called for the end of mail-in ballots. What could that mean for future elections?States are pushing back against White House policies, and California Governor Gavin Newsom is taking a very public – and very snarky – approach. And early voting in Boston starts on August 30! We examine the latest news from the Boston mayoral race, as lead candidates Mayor Michelle Wu and challenger Josh Kraft battle over campaign finances. It's an hour of political analysis with the Mass Politics Profs!

    Low-waste chefs craft exciting new recipes as readers grow hungry for change

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 27:37


    Don't throw out your leftovers; they might be the best part of your next meal! Repurposing leftovers and using food scraps in recipes is part of the movement to reduce food waste. Cookbook authors Tamar Adler and Anne-Marie Bonneau join Callie Crossley to make the case for low and zero-waste tasty recipes that'll save home chefs time and money while being environmentally friendly.

    Efforts to reduce food waste in Massachusetts inspire innovation and community action

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 30:22


    Massachusetts is a leader in the nationwide effort to reduce food waste, setting statewide standards on food scraps, supporting community-led efforts for food recovery, and ramping up assistance to schools and businesses. With fresh new insights and creative solutions, the fight against food waste is drawing new enthusiasts to an old environmental issue. How effective are the policies to reduce, donate and divert food waste?

    Asian-led media in 2025 is breaking box-office records and topping best-of lists

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 57:59


    In the past few years, Asian directors, actors, cast and crew have dominated award seasons – from “Parasite” to “Shogun” to “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” And culturally relevant Asian stories in film, on TV, and on streaming platforms continue to resonate with audiences – and bring in big bucks – around the world. So what Asian-led movies and shows should we be adding to our watchlists this summer?

    Meet three authors who wrote some of the most banned books in America

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 58:01


    A novel about a fictional school shooting, which captures the perspectives of all involved. A memoir which begins with a young person's complicated journey questioning their sexual identity. And a novella detailing a year in the life of a young Latina living in Chicago as she approaches adolescence. In many cities and states, these storylines are at the heart of best-selling, critically acclaimed books that are no longer available in local schools or public libraries, because they've been banned. In this special edition of “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club,” we're showcasing three authors who have written about subject matter targeted by organized book-banning campaigns. This episode is also part of Unbound Pages, our year-long series examining the anti-book-banning movement in America.

    With the future of offshore wind up in the air, solar power shines on

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 34:31


    Artificial intelligence data centers rely on electricity – and lots of it – which is leading to the draining of vital resources for local communities. President Donald Trump's administration has shut down the EPA's research arm and now plans to repeal the agency's climate change rule aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. And with the future of offshore wind up in the air,  is it solar power's time to shine? It's our environmental news roundtable!

    As dining trends evolve, restaurateurs rush to meet the moment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 23:28


    Restaurants are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Some of them didn't make it, while the survivors adapted to the moment and have continued to evolve. The recent changes in dining out have reshaped the dining experience for customers who are more discerning than ever, as their entertainment budgets become tighter. Is it working?

    Despite massive success, new 'Superman' movie derided as super 'woke' by right-wing pundits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 31:12


    It's time for the Emmys! HBO Max lands the most nods it's ever received, and RuPaul becomes the most nominated host in Emmys history. Plus, there's been plenty of critical acclaim for the new “Superman” movie, which drew big crowds – and big money – at the box office. So what's with the controversy among right-wing circles? And how an AI-generated band got 1 million streams on Spotify in just a few weeks – it's our pop culture news roundtable!

    In 'Kufre N' Quay,' audiences cross the halfway point in a generational story arc

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 26:48


    What happens when a 12-year-old African boy connects with a Black American girl after settling down in New York City's Little Senegal? Emmy-nominated playwright Mfoniso Udofia explores that ensuing friendship in her latest project, the fifth production of nine in the Ufot Family Cycle: “Kufre N' Quay.”

    'Dear Summer: Volume 3' returns to highlight more emerging artists and DJs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 26:30


    Summer in Boston just got a new soundtrack: the third edition of its citywide mixtape. The City of Boston's “Dear Summer Vol. 3” features a variety of genres representing neighborhoods across the city, including up-and-comers from the Berklee College of Music, local legends and artists with Boston roots who've received national attention. We speak to two of its co-producers.

    A Congressional race in New Hampshire already has eight candidates. The election is next year.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 31:29


    Offshore wind farms were poised to provide energy to millions in New England. Now those plans are stalled – maybe indefinitely. Broken promises are leading Rhode Island politicians to face plummeting approval ratings. Meanwhile candidates are lining up in the race to replace U.S. Representative Chris Pappas in New Hampshire. And bridges on Cape Cod and Rhode Island need more than a facelift – will the government pay up? It's our regional news roundtable!  

    Music and mystery unite in Brendan Slocumb's latest novel, ‘The Dark Maestro'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 23:51


    Curtis Wilson escaped his father's troubled world and grasped his lifelong dream of becoming a cellist. Then, he almost lost it all. The protagonist of writer, educator and classical musician Brendan Slocumb's new book “The Dark Maestro” reflects the author's own experience as a performer. “The Dark Maestro” is our July selection for Bookmarked: the “Under the Radar” book club.

    Natalism 101: What's behind President Trump's desire for a second baby boom?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 34:08


    The pro-birth movement, known as pronatalism, has long been popular in certain politically conservative circles. But in recent years, it has begun to gain traction more broadly. Many view it not only as a means to slow the declining population, but also as a way to preserve culture. But others worry that the singular focus on having more babies is intentionally exclusive and ignores the issues of economic inequality and women's reproductive rights. What exactly is pro-natalism? And why does it stir passionate debate?

    Latinx news: Celebs speak out for immigrants as Trump admin touts ‘Alligator Alcatraz'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 32:17


    The Los Angeles anti-deportation protests may not be on the front page, but the National Guard is still on the ground in LA. President Donald Trump wants to build “Alligator Alcatraz,” a detention center in the Florida Everglades. And the Milford teen who was held by ICE denies ICE's claims that he lied about the conditions of his detention. It's our Latinx news roundtable!

    Summer food and drinks bring the heat with sweet-and-spicy treats

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 25:41


    With warmer weather arriving, food and drinks are getting “swicy” – that's sweet and spicy. The adventurous blend has been trending for some time with the rise of hot honey and, now, as an added kick to already bold white wines. Plus, international food trends make a splash locally and could the Michelin guide boost much-needed dine-in traffic to local restaurants? Our food and wine experts tell us more!

    Unbound Pages: Authors Against Book Bans unites authors fighting for the freedom to read

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 33:01


    Thousands of books are facing scrutiny throughout the country as the book-banning movement continues to gain supporters. Now, authors are joining together to fight back and use their voices off the page to spread awareness about how book bans threaten democracy and free speech. We speak with three members of Authors Against Book Bans in the latest installment of Unbound Pages, our yearlong series on the anti-book-banning movement in America.

    Donna Summer Disco Party boogies onto City Hall Plaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 24:59


    In 1975, Boston native Donna Summer released her single, “Love to Love You Baby,” a sexy disco tune featuring shimmering strings and a funky bassline that would become a global smash. Fifty years later, her hometown will celebrate Summer's artistry and the lasting impact of her work with its eleventh Donna Summer Disco Party on City Hall Plaza. We speak with one of its organizers and UTR's pop culture expert to learn more.

    The music of ‘Jaws' continues to delight and frighten, 50 years later

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 35:49


    It started as a minimalist, eerie musical phrase – one ominous note, then two, signifying the looming, underwater danger of a great white shark. Fifty years later, the theme to the 1975 Steven Spielberg blockbuster “Jaws” is just as recognizable and iconic as the film itself. We take a deep-dive into this musical masterpiece with two expert music professors.

    LabCentral's Juneteenth event showcases how local artists express resilience and joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 22:10


    It's been 160 years since the last enslaved people in the United States heard the news they were free. What was once celebrated on a city or state level is now celebrated nationwide as a federal holiday on June 19, also known as Juneteenth. In the spirit of the holiday, Cambridge's LabCentral is hosting a special exhibit and panel discussion, centering local Black artists and community activists in an event called “Juneteenth: Freedom & Form.” We speak with one of the artists and the event organizer.

    Despite federal pushback, budget cuts and anti-trans executive orders, Pride Month forges on

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 34:17


    It's Pride Month … or is it Title IX Month? President Donald Trump's administration continues to push back on the LGBTQ+ community through its ban on trans troops – and newly graduated trans cadets – in the military, potential federal budget cuts to a vital suicide prevention hotline that helps queer youth, and renaming a Navy ship dedicated to gay rights icon Harvey Milk. But Pride celebrations are still happening across the country, including an inaugural parade in a small town in West Virginia! All that and more in this week's LBGTQ+ news roundtable.

    More than the ‘Big Head': MFA hosts largest, decades-spanning exhibit of Roxbury artist John Wilson's work

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 23:42


    Throughout his career, artist John Wilson was inspired to capture the faces of his community: Black people who lived in Roxbury. He chose to do figurative paintings, drawings and sculptures, rather than abstract work, because he was determined  that Black people should be seen in the fullness of their humanity. That was the overall theme of his work, which is now in an exhibit at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts – “Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson.” Callie speaks with a curator and a John Wilson collector to learn more about Wilson's work.

    Kick back and relax with one of our summer-reading picks of 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 58:00


    It's nearly summertime, which means plenty of sunshine, slower days and lots of time to kick back with a new book. Whether it's a mystery, thriller, romance, fantasy or nonfiction, there's a perfect summer read for every book lover to enjoy by the beach, on an airplane or curled up on the couch. Three local librarians joined Callie Crossley for “Under the Radar”'s annual summer-reading special to share what they're adding to their summer-reading wishlist.For the full list of books – including Callie's picks! – go to gbhnews.org/UTR

    A moment or a movement? Reflecting on the death of George Floyd, five years later

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 32:09


    On May 25, 2020, millions of people around the world watched in horror as white police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to the neck of George Floyd, a Black man, on a Minnesota street. Nine minutes and 29 seconds later, Floyd was dead. His murder led to what some called a racial reckoning, sparking global protests, demands for police reform, community dialogues and corporate pledges to fund opportunities and programs addressing the racial divide. So where do Americans and the United States stand, five years later? Experts in psychiatry, law enforcement and DEI tell us more.

    ‘Runboyrun' takes Ufot Family Cycle from the stage to your earbuds

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 25:51


    In “Sojourners,” the first play of Mfoniso Udofia's Ufot Family Cycle, audiences are introduced to Disciple, a graduate student who eventually becomes the Ufot patriarch. But as the drama unfolds play after play, Disciple grows increasingly erratic and intense, often prone to fits of rage. And it's not until the third play in the cycle – “runboyrun” – that playwright Udofia focuses on Disciple, peeling back what's led to his unraveling by centering his story and his past. What's more is his story is told not in a theater but on the air as a podcast. We speak with the playwright and the actor playing Disciple to learn more about this unique production.

    Unbound Pages: Former Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden explains why libraries are central to democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 32:10


    In 2016, President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Carla Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress, making her the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Dr. Hayden's tenure as Librarian of Congress abruptly ended on May 8, when she was fired from the position. Eight days before her dismissal, Dr. Hayden spoke with Callie Crossley in one of her final interviews with the media as part of our year-long anti-book banning series, Unbound Pages. 

    ‘Jaja's African Hair Braiding' showcases the joys and struggles of African women immigrants in America

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 25:50


    For many Black women, the hair salon is a cultural safe space, where stories and secrets help build an intimate community. In SpeakEasy Stage's production of the Tony-winning play, “Jaja's African Hair Braiding,” the West African immigrants who do the braiding and the customers seeking their services come together in a funny play that also explores serious current-day immigration policies. Three members of the cast and crew join Callie to talk more about the production.

    What does it mean to be a ‘good mom' in 2025?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 33:03


    Societal and cultural norms say mothers must be kind and nurturing, they must have endless patience for their children, they must be doting, attentive and protective, and they should be able to do it all — and be thrilled to do it all. But what does it mean to be a “good” mother in this day and age? We explore the complex and nuanced nature of motherhood in honor of Mother's Day.

    ‘Joy Goddess' spotlights Madam C.J. Walker's daughter A'Lelia, who forged her own path

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 24:57


    Rags-to-riches entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker and her daughter, A'Lelia Walker, built one of the most successful African American hair care businesses in American history. But it was only after A'Lelia broke free of her mother's singular vision that she found her calling in 1920s Harlem. That search for independence and purpose is at the center of A'Lelia Bundles' new book, “Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance.” It's our May selection for Bookmarked: the “Under the Radar” book club.

    What clues can Trump's first 100 days offer for the rest of his second presidency?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 58:00


    April 29, 2025 marked 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term in office. In a little over three months, the president, alongside administration officials, Cabinet members, and Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency – or DOGE –  have kept Trump's promise to reshape the government. What can Americans expect for the rest of Trump's presidency? And how have these first 100 days affected Massachusetts? It's a full hour of political analysis with the Mass Politics Profs!

    The Genius Next Door: Media artist Tony Cokes recontextualizes history through mixed-media video installations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 21:45


    Tony Cokes, a professor of modern culture and media at Brown University, is transforming the moving image to shine new light on some of history's darkest moments. By using text, music, found footage, journalistic writing and more, Cokes recontextualizes traumatic moments in American history and creates video-based artwork.  He is one of three local MacArthur “Genius” grant awardees, and the final installment of our annual series, “The Genius Next Door.”

    Environmental experts: Massive changes at the EPA will roll back much-needed scientific research

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 36:14


    Within his first 100 days, President Donald Trump and his administration have made major changes when it comes to environmental and climate-related policy and action. What will come of the significant shake-up of the Environmental Protection Agency? Plus, previously off-limits fishing grounds are open for business, wildfires as an East Coast problem and the relevancy of Earth Day – it's our environmental news roundtable!

    Black Catholics create connection between ancient Christian practice and today's Black culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 30:32


    Of the 50 million Catholics in America, only about 3 million are African American. The history of Black Catholics in the United States spans from colonization and enslavement to Black parishes founded by the church during the Jim Crow era. And throughout that history, Black Catholic communities have found ways to make the oldest form of Christianity their own. In honor of Easter, we examine Black Catholicism in Boston and beyond.

    Unbound Pages: Will Massachusetts be the next state to pass 'freedom to read' legislation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 27:28


    Book bans have been on the rise across the country in recent years prompting lawmakers to pass legislation to protect libraries and librarians. “Freedom to read” legislation has been adopted in four states, aiming to safeguard access to diverse materials in public and school libraries, and some lawmakers are hoping to make Massachusetts the fifth state on that list. This is the latest installment of Unbound Pages, our year-long series on the anti-book-banning movement in America.

    New children's book tells the behind-the-scenes story of the first presidential Passover Seder

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 24:38


    Each year, thousands of Greater Bostonians observe Passover through Seder, the ceremonial meal of prayers, blessings and wine retelling the story of the Jews' exodus from ancient Egypt. It's a tradition passed down from generation to generation all over the world, but it didn't reach the White House until 2009. Author Richard Michelson wrote about this unique seder in his new children's picture book, “Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama's First Presidential Seder.”

    Paul Revere House and Old North Church reexamine its history in preparation of 250th anniversary of Revere's ride

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 33:20


    He's known as a silversmith, a messenger and a patriot. But Paul Revere's role and contribution to the American Revolution was much more than a midnight ride.We take a walk through Revere's neighborhood and visit two pivotal locations – the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church – to learn more about the revolutionary and the world in which he lived in honor of the 250th anniversary of his famous ride.

    Boston Comedy Festival celebrates 25 years of laughter and competition

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 24:46


    Poet Tiana Clark's mastery of the language of emotions is fully displayed in “Scorched Earth,” her new deeply personal collection of poems, which takes readers from the charred landscape of divorce to searing moments where the intersection of history, race and gender explode on the pages. “Scorched Earth” is our April pick for Bookmarked: the “Under the Radar” book club. Callie spoke with Tiana Clark at the Boston Public Library as part of our new community-centric in-person book-club events: Bookmarked LIVE!

    ‘I've seen poetry save lives': Local and Grammy-winning spoken-word poets celebrate their art

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 33:13


    April is National Poetry Month! Enthusiasm for spoken-word poetry has skyrocketed in recent years, helping to increase the popularity of all poetry. We're diving into the art form and the poets who use their voices and bodies in staged performances. Who are the lyrical wordsmiths at the top of their game, including here in Massachusetts? We speak with Boston-based award-winning poet Amanda Shea, 2025 Poetry Out Loud Massachusetts champion Abigail Drumm and Grammy Award-winning spoken-word artist J. Ivy.

    Boston Comedy Festival celebrates 25 years of laughter and competition

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 24:13


    The Boston Comedy Festival has been showcasing comedic talent for 25 years! With so much competition from social media and digital platforms, what continues to make the festival a stand-up destination for comedians in greater Boston and across the country? We speak with the brother-sister duo who founded the festival and an up-and-coming comedian hoping to win this year's comedy competition.

    From the pitch to the scrum, women's pro sports are in high demand

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 33:47


    It's not a moment – it's a movement. Women's sports teams from the WNBA to women's rugby teams are selling out games from coast to coast. Breakout stars like Olympian Ilona Maher, illustrious former collegiate turned pro players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and celebrity-backed teams like Angel City Football Club are in the spotlight. So are women's professional sports teams FINALLY getting the recognition they deserve?

    Two eldest daughters and their mother strive for connection in ‘Her Portmanteau'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 24:13


    Mfoniso Udofia's nine-play Ufot Family Cycle forges on! The latest onstage installment, “Her Portmanteau,” hits Central Square Theater later this month. And it picks up a loose thread from the very first play  — the story of Iniabasi, matriarch Abasiama's true eldest daughter. We speak with the playwright and the actress who portrays the daughter as part of our continuing coverage of the Ufot Family Cycle.

    Hollywood banks on starry comebacks and nostalgic film reboots

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 33:47


    Will Smith, Jonathan Majors and Lizzo are all traveling the same road: the comeback trail. Nostalgia continues to reign – everything old is new again! Reboots and returns on the big and little screen. And Bad Bunny bares all … well, mostly all. That and more on our pop culture roundtable!

    Gen Z drinking habits, social media and Irish interest fuel rise in Guinness' popularity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 21:15


    Most beer-drinking Americans choose lagers – crisp, pale beers like Modelo Especial, Bud Light or Coors Light. But Gen Zers and celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Olivia Rodrigo and Kim Kardashian have boosted renewed enthusiasm for the Irish stout, Guinness. We've drafted top beer experts to mark St Patrick's Day with a heady discussion about Guinness' culinary cache.

    Local news: Why have businesses in Mattapan left liquor licenses on the table?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 36:44


    Boston's former ICE office director is chosen as acting director of the national agency, the latest in the controversy about the MBTA Communities Act, and can new liquor licenses in Dorchester and Mattapan help existing businesses … or are they too much trouble for restaurants AND the neighborhood? It's our local news roundtable!

    Covid upended everyday life. What's stuck around five years after lockdown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 41:32


    It's been five years since the Covid-19 lockdown of spring 2020. Covid changed every aspect of our lives – from the way we work, to how kids went to school and even some people's views on science and vaccines. What changes have stuck around since the pandemic? And which will become so ingrained in our lives that future generations will forget they were brought about by the pandemic?

    Unbound Pages: Artist Karen Moss raises book-banning awareness through a series of portraits

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 16:27


    Artist and avid reader Karen Moss felt overwhelmed by the never-ending news of book bans happening all across the country. As she'd previously done in addressing other social justice issues, Karen used her canvas to make a statement — this time, intimate portraits of her loved ones and their favorite banned books. The portraits are showcased in a new exhibit at the Boston Public Library's central branch. This is the latest edition of  “Unbound Pages,” our year-long series on the book-banning movement in America.

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