Under the Radar with Callie Crossley

There is no national museum of AAPI history in Washington, D.C. But last year, Rhode Island became home to a one-of-a-kind AAPI History Museum, right in the heart of Providence. We learn more about the mission of the museum – and how visitors have responded – from its founder and executive director, and a New England scholar.

144 tiles, often green and white in color, always clicking and clacking throughout the strategic, four-person game. It's been around since the 1800s, and it crossed the biggest ocean in the world to arrive here in America, where decades later, it's become a phenomenon. Mahjong is taking over social clubs, senior centers, kitchen tables and even breweries around the country – and here in Boston. Two local experts give us the inside scoop on all things Chinese mahjong.

Some of President Trump's most loyal Cuban followers are starting to backslide. Hispanic candidates are winning seats in local elections at an unprecedented rate. And Alex Cora is out as the manager of the Red Sox. What's the reaction from local Latinos? It's our Latinx news roundtable!RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

Mother's Day is a holiday not easily ignored. Though it is not the most popular holiday, it is one of the most commercially successful, with the ubiquitous marketing of flowers, cards, restaurants and jewelry. But for the millions of Americans who are motherless, it's a sharp reminder of their loss. What is the meaning of Mother's Day for those who no longer have mothers? And how can they honor memories of their mothers as they manage their grief?RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

Two new drugs offer hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer, how communities around the country are pushing back on proposed data centers and after more than two decades, the Cape Cod herring run is back in action. It's our inaugural science and tech news roundtable!RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

Her funny and frank books for kids, tweens, teens and young adults have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide, resulting in a loyal, multigenerational fandom. So how did Judy Blume, a mother and homemaker, become one of the most successful and beloved children's authors in history? Author Mark Oppenheimer chronicles her life and career in his new biography, “Judy Blume.” It's our May selection for Bookmarked: The "Under the Radar" Book Club.RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

“As American as apple pie” — it's a phrase that's come to be known as something quintessentially American, symbolic of tradition and patriotism. The irony is that apples are not actually native to America at all! Though they've become a symbol of the United States, apples originate far from North America. We trace Apple's tasty history from Asia to America and westward as part of our celebration of the country's 250th anniversary.RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

Romantic relationships are full of joy, but they're also prone to complexities and challenges. What happens when you add multiple partners or nonmonogamy to the mix? We dive into the world of polyamory and ethical nonmonogamy as part of our yearlong series, "How We Love."RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its new class of inductees, including Phil Collins, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan. April is Jazz Appreciation Month! And the new Michael Jackson biopic hits theaters soon. Will audiences flock to see it despite the controversies surrounding the late legendary artist? It's our pop culture roundtable!

All year round, Boston is home to dozens of run clubs: social organizations where athletes of all levels can come to connect with friends, raise money for charitable causes, and improve their physical and mental health. From addiction recovery to LGBTQ+ representation to after-school exercise programs, there's a group for everybody — even if you prefer walking. We speak to three members of local run clubs to learn more.

President Donald Trump may be staunchly against renewable energy sources, but a new poll shows a majority of his supporters want to expand solar energy in the U.S. Winter woes in ski zones: How will record-low snowfall impact the West this summer? Plus, warmer waters and acidity rates in the Gulf of Maine may affect the future of New England's lobster industry. It's our environmental news roundtable!

Author J.R. Thornton's latest novel “Lucien“ explores the college friendship of scholarship student Chris and high society, wealthy Lucien -- roommates who become fast friends. But Lucien soon holds the upper hand in the relationship, leading Chris to push aside his values and even engage in criminal acts. In this dark academic thriller, “Lucien” explores male friendship, the power of manipulation, and the seduction of wealth and status. It's our April pick for Bookmarked: The "Under the Radar" book club!

Of the 53 million Catholics in America, 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.*This segment originally aired in April 2025*

The "I Dream A World" Youth Choral Showcase is bringing together three groups of talented young local singers to perform a variety of pieces centering the work of Langston Hughes and Boston's own Phillis Wheatley, the first published African-American poet. The performance includes the world premiere of a composition by B.E. Boykin performed by all three choirs combined. We speak with Boykin, the showcase's organizer and a young singer who will take the stage at the showcase.

A Pittsfield manufacturer has more than $5 million in contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. State leaders and activists are urging the company to reconsider more collaborations with ICE. Hampshire College is at risk of losing its accreditation due to financial issues and declining enrollment. Does the institution have a future? And this year marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark healthcare legislation known as Romneycare! It's all on our Massachusetts news roundtable!

This spring – it's lavender over matcha! Cabbage, cinnamon rolls and grandmacore are trending in kitchens this year. And move over rose – it's “blouge” wine's time to shine! It's our food and wine roundtable!

Last month, we kicked off our new "How We Love" series with a conversation about romance fanfiction. But what's it like to go from fanfic to the New York Times best-seller list? In this podcast-exclusive interview, Callie speaks with Christina Lauren (Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings), authors of celebrated romance novels like "The Unhoneymooners," "The True Love Experiment," "Love and Other Words" and "The Paradise Problem," among many others. Their new book, "The Romance Revival" comes out in July. They tell us more about how "Twilight" brought them together and how their work in fanfiction prepared them for the traditional romance-publishing world.

March is Women's History Month -- time to reflect on the incredible women who shaped American history, many of whom were based in Massachusetts. Often left out of portrait galleries, forgotten in walking tours or passed over when considering honorary statues, two local women leaders are finally putting their stories on display.

Dr. Toyoima Ufot is in trouble. The Harvard scholar is accused of plagiarizing. Now the middle child of Abasiama and Disciple Ufot is struggling to defend herself without losing her emotional footing. That's the core of the storyline in “Lifted,”  the seventh play of the nine-part Ufot Family Cycle. We speak with the playwright and two actors from the cast about this unique, work-in-progress production.

Immigrants get a financial boost for services like legal aid and advocacy through a new public-private partnership, frustrated lawmakers and laid-off residents wrestle with the state's unemployment system, and what makes a “gateway city”? It's our local news roundtable!

It's been a miserable slog of cold, snow and ice this winter. Spring is coming, but we're not there yet. So what better time to embrace some end-of-winter communal joy with 10 days of singing and dancing? That's the goal of Maine's first Mudfest. We speak with two of the creators of the event, happening from March 22 through March 29.

In recent awards seasons, Asian-centric films have twice dominated the Academy Awards,  with “Parasite” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once” taking home the top prizes. This year, Chloe Zhao's "Hamnet" is a Hollywood darling on the big-screen, while Asian actors like Greta Lee and Hudson Williams are shining on the small-screen. So has the roaring success of Asian and AAPI media continued? Our two experts return for a special hour-long conversation on Asian representation in media!Get your tickets now to our Bookmarked: LIVE! event at Lovestruck Books in Cambridge on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/miasosaUTR

A Burlington, Vermont company helps topple Trump's tariffs. A Sandwich resident heads to Milan Cortina for the Paralympic Games. And Rhode Island's got a $70,000 rug problem at the state house. It's our regional news roundtable!Get your tickets now to our Bookmarked: LIVE! event at Lovestruck Books in Cambridge on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/miasosaUTR

In the 1950's, two young women were born poor and motherless in rural Louisiana. From the cradle to adulthood, the two are bonded for life as each searches for love and belonging. “Kin,” the latest novel by author Tayari Jones, is the heartfelt and tender story of their unbreakable bond. It's our March selection for “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.” See Tayari Jones live at The Brattle Theatre on Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m.! More information here: https://www.harvard.com/event/tayari-jones  Get your tickets now to our Bookmarked: LIVE! event at Lovestruck Books in Cambridge on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/miasosaUTR

The Pride flag is flying over New York's Stonewall Inn once more, despite calls from the Trump administration to remove the symbol from the historic landmark. LGBTQ+ athletes are making history at this year's Winter Olympics. And remembering civil rights icon and queer rights ally, the Rev.Jesse Jackson. It's our LGBTQ+ news roundtable!Get your tickets now to our Bookmarked: LIVE! event at Lovestruck Books in Cambridge on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/miasosaUTR

What if your favorite TV show or movie series didn't end when the credits rolled? That's at the heart of fanfiction: the social, collaborative, and imaginative community of amateur writers creating new adventures – and new love interests – from established stories and franchises. We kick off our new series, How We Love, with a conversation about the intersection of romance and fanfiction.Get your tickets now to our Bookmarked: LIVE! event at Lovestruck Books in Cambridge on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/miasosaUTR

Massachusetts mayors brace for an ICE surge, while Boston and Worcester mayors declare city property off-limits to ICE. President Donald Trump's call for Republicans to lead an effort to nationalize elections is met with resistance, including from one of the President's strongest supporters: Texas Governor Greg Abbott. And State Auditor Diane Dizoglio amps up her campaign for an audit of the legislature–with a lawsuit and financial support from a state GOP candidate. It's a full hour of political analysis with the Mass Politics Profs!

The ICE arrest of a 5-year-old and his father in Minneapolis has amplified the fear and outrage in Latinx communities across the country and calls for immigration reform legislation from Massachusetts' Black and Latino legislators. President Donald Trump wants to open up Venezuela's oil sector to U.S. investment. Will this “Make Venezuela Great Again”? And Bad Bunny isn't the only one making history at this year's Super Bowl. It's our Latinx news roundtable!

It's been nearly four years since 15-year-old high school basketball player Preston Settles suddenly collapsed on the court, dying 22 days later. Now his parents are supporting legislation that could expand the use of AEDS -- or automated external defibrillators -- in the state, especially at gyms and sporting arenas. The proposed bill is making its way through the Massachusetts Legislature right now. 

Award season is in full swing, and now, it's the Recording Academy's turn onstage. This weekend marks the 68th Grammy Awards, with decorated stars like Kendrick Lamar, up-and-comers like Olivia Dean and global icons like Lady Gaga all vying for a chance to take home a trophy. Two music experts give us the inside scoop on this year's Grammys.

Two giants of African American History share a connection few understood … until now. Jackie Robinson, the first Black player to integrate Major League Baseball, and artist and activist Paul Robeson became opposing voices amid the anti-communist fervor of the 20th century. Author Howard Bryant reveals a never-before-told story of how their historic intersection helped shape racial progress for decades to come in his latest book, “Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America” -- our February selection for Bookmarked: The "Under the Radar" Book Club and part of our tribute to Black History Month.

It's been scientifically proven that taking time to reflect on what you're grateful for is good for your health – emotionally, mentally and physically. But in recent years, these documented benefits have been overshadowed by a huge cottage industry of wellness influencers promoting gratitude merchandise and practices. So is practicing gratitude worth the hype?

What would you do if you had all the money you needed to create your own vision of the world you want to live in? For multimillionaire Fergie Chambers, it meant building a self-described communist revolutionary base in Alford, Massachusetts. Fergie and his mission are the story in a new documentary, “All About the Money,” premiering at this year's Sundance Film Festival. We speak with the film's director, Sinead O'Shea.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the federal holiday honoring The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – 40 years of community gatherings, public forums and special activities to pay tribute to the civil rights icon. And throughout most of the holiday's history, millions of Americans have commemorated the day by volunteering for civic engagement and service projects in their communities, including local efforts like Many Helping Hand 365's Cambridge MLK Day of Service and Learning.

Her maps push the boundaries of the form beyond the typical two-dimensional depictions of static, and defined spaces, centering the history, environment, and political narratives of Indigenous people in North America. Cartographer Margaret Wickens Pearce is one of 4 local 2025 MacArthur “Genius” Fellows. She joins us for our annual series, “The Genius Next Door.” 

A new report declares 2025 as one of the costliest years when it comes to climate disasters. Environmental groups are cautiously optimistic about the environmental commitments for the proposed Everett Soccer Stadium. And will YOU add shellfish harvested from Boston Harbor to your dinner table? It's our environmental news roundtable!

It's easy to mistake Jeremy Frey's baskets for fine china when you see them from afar. But up close, his intricate, tiny weaves, coupled with surprising colors, patterns and forms, elevate the ancient craft of basket-making from utility to high art. Visual artist Jeremy Frey is one of four local 2025 MacArthur “Genius” Fellows. We speak with him for our annual series, “The Genius Next Door.”

Forget about baseball and apple pie: Ice is the real cultural symbol of America. From fancy ice cubes to high-tech refrigerators and coolers and an ongoing love affair with the Zamboni, ice is literally and figuratively carved into every aspect of American lifestyles and traditions. How did it happen? Author Amy Brady traces the history in her book, “Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks – A Cool History of a Hot Commodity.”*This segment originally aired in September 2023*

Archaeologists trace the earliest clay containers to the Stone Age when people used crude stone tools to make clay pots for cooking and storage. Today's potters use special types of clay and sophisticated techniques to produce fine craft ceramics. Once crafted mostly by artists, pottery is now one of the hottest hobbies in the country. Ceramics classes are full to bursting, some kilns are running 24 hours a day and the British show, “The Great Pottery Throwdown” has millions of rabid fans. What kicked off this ceramics craze that shows no signs of slowing down?*This segment originally aired in December 2024*

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.*This episode originally aired in August 2025*

For more than three decades, PRX and GBH's "The World" engineer Mike Wilkins has created a mixtape -- now a playlist -- of holiday music full of quirky, weird and sometimes way-out-there songs. We take a listen and learn more about this year's playlist in this special hour-long all-music episode!

She wrote just six novels in her short life, but her literary influence is enormous. Jane Austen's prose and characters have enthralled millions on the page and in films and TV adaptations for decades. On this week's special episode, we cordially invite you to celebrate the life and legacy of Jane Austen in honor of her 250th birthday!

An up-and-coming director, a cast of veterans alongside actors on the verge of their big breaks, an ethereal tinkling piano score and muddy hems! The 2005 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is one of the most loved versions of Jane Austen's work. What makes it stand out from the many adaptations that came before it? Screenwriter Deborah Moggach gives us a behind-the-scenes look into what it took to get the iconic novel onto the big screen like never before.

His admirers and supporters have long thought his artistry has been overlooked. Now, 18 years after his death, Boston artist Allan Rohan Crite is finally receiving the recognition many fans and critics agree is well-deserved, with two decades-spanning exhibitions on display. We speak about Crite's work and legacy with exhibit co-curator Ted Landsmark, and local artists and former mentees of Crite, Ekua Holmes and Johnetta Tinker.

She's travelled the globe studying the hidden politics of borders. Recently, she's turned her focus to the U.S.-Mexico border, attempting to peel back the animosity toward migrants, and why the gun and drug trade is able to skirt regulation. Cultural anthropologist Ieva Jusionyte is one of four local 2025 MacArthur “Genius” Fellows. She joins us as part of our annual series, “The Genius Next Door.”