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Dan opened the phone lines for discussion of any topic. He asked what the listeners would like to hear on "NightSide!" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian Shortsleeve is on a mission to fix what’s broken in Massachusetts. The former head of the MBTA is running for governor of Massachusetts and is focused on fiscal reform and government efficiency. At a recent press conference, Shortsleeve said that, if elected, he would block funding for the Legislature in an effort to force compliance with Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s probe, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2024. Shortsleeve checked in with Nightside. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you were trapped on a deserted Island, what item would you bring with you to help you get by until you’re rescued?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Gallup reports that nearly half of college students say AI has made them reconsider their majors. Should students choose majors based on industry trends? Or is it better to find the right fit for their natural talents and strengths despite what's popular? Guest: Alix Hogu - author of From Hidden to Limitless: The Secret to Reaching Your Highest Potential, is a mentor with over 20 years of professional coaching experience, specializing in confidence building and discovering natural talents. 8:15PM: A Journey of Honor: Flag Sojourn 250. The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office is honored to host Flag Sojourn 250, a solemn year-long tribute celebrating our flag, nation, its people, and the enduring spirit of unity and service. Guest: Sheriff Donna Buckley – Barnstable County Sheriff 8:30PM: Ever had someone in your life stuck who cannot get out of their own way with unhealthy habits? What is it that stops or gets people in your life to change, and why is it so hard? Guest: Kristy Ellmer – co-author of the book: How Change Really Works & managing partner and director at the Boston Consulting Group. 8:45PM: Extended Weekend Weather Forecast. What you can expect. Guest: Brian Thompson – AccuWeather MeteorologistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: An upcoming Cold Case Video Series by Emily Sweeney of the Boston Globe is in the works. What you can expect! Guest: Emily Sweeney – Social Video Journalist for the Boston Globe (she just got promoted to this new title) 8:15PM: Around 1 in 5 young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice, survey finds. Guest: Alice Connors-Kellgren, PhD, Director of Psychology at Tufts Medical Center 8:30PM: The Squeeze on Mass. Drivers: Car Payments Are Skyrocketing. Average monthly payments for new vehicles have jumped to an all-time high. Guest: Mike Deehan – Axios Boston Reporter 8:45PM: The Scrum – A New Political Newsletter from The Boston Globe. The first issue: The quiet parts get loud in Markey-Moulton Senate primary. Guest: Kelly Garrity – Political Reporter for the Boston Globe – now writer behind The Scrum political newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Journey Forward’s 16th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser hosted by Christopher Knight on Thursday June 4th at Kings in Dedham. Guest: Christopher Knight – Hollywood actor (The Brady Bunch) & supporter of Journey Forward 8:15PM: Addressing the broken elevators at Boston Public Housing. How one disabled veteran couldn’t access his apartment… Guest: Ed Flynn – Boston City Councilor 8:30PM: The Celtics' pivotal offseason, roster-building decisions, trade rumors, ownership expectations, and what comes next for Boston's championship aspirations. Guest: Khari A. Thompson – Sports reporter for Boston.com 8:45PM: The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division To Give Away Free Donuts on June 5 for National Donut Day! The sweet holiday traces its roots to WWI volunteers who fried donuts for troops on the front lines. Guest: Captain Bree Barker from The Salvation Army in CambridgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed what they are describing as a “transparency bill” called, An Act Promoting Transparency and Public Access in State Government. The bill is in direct response to the ongoing legal battle brought forth by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, to audit the State Legislature. The measure would allow DiZoglio to audit the administrative functions of both the House and Senate but would not allow an audit of “constitutional functions.” House Speaker Ron Mariano says it would, “establish a clear framework for legislative audits conducted by the State Auditor.” Diana checked in with us on Nightside to discuss!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Summer Travel Is Getting More Expensive. Here's How to Spend Less. Guest: Tim Smart - U.S. News contributor who writes about the economy 8:15PM: Champions for Peace: An Evening of Life, Legacy, and Action - a special gathering dedicated to raising critical funds for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s National Center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning. Guest: Clementina Chery – CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 8:30PM: Millions of Americans may be sitting on hidden cash and not even realize it… Guest: Tarek Saab- gold and silver expert and the CEO of Texas Precious Metals, one of the largest precious metals retailers in the country. - He starred in Season 5 of The Apprentice with Donald Trump. 8:45PM: Advice for Motorcyclists Hitting the Road After a Hard Winter Guest: Mark Schieldrop – Senior Spokesperson for AAA NortheastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Micah Q. Jones is a U.S. Army Veteran, attorney, father, and husband running for U.S. Congress to represent MA’s 6th District. Jones is running unopposed on the Republican side, for Rep. Seth Moulton’s open seat, as Moulton is running for U.S. Senate. Jones joined us on NightSide to discuss his campaign, the issues he’s ready to tackle if elected!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Radio Veteran Jordan Rich Among 2026 MBA Hall Of Fame Honorees! Guest: Jordan Rich – Longtime WBZ NewsRadio Talk Host 8:15PM: Gen X is quietly driving the new cannabis boom… Guest: Shane Leonard - an addiction expert and heads up Into Action Recovery Centers 8:30PM: Nantucket Comedy Festival Marks 20 Years - Announcing Global Expansion of Free Youth Education Program. Guest: Kevin Flynn - award-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer, and host, launched the Nantucket Comedy Festival as an annual fundraiser in the summer of 2006, transforming a local effort into a year-round program that continues to support students on Nantucket and beyond. 8:45PM: Sharon Timlin Memorial Event-A Race to Cure ALS – Coming up Saturday June 13th. Guest: Mike Timlin – Former Red Sox Relief Pitcher 4x World Series Champ (2x Red Sox – 2x Toronto Blue Jays)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NightSide’s last hour of the week we like to keep it light and fun. On the coat tails of the previous hour, Dan wanted to share stories about what was the craziest, and/or most dangerous thing you've ever done? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Gas prices have fallen for 7 days straight. The national average has dropped 13 cents since its peak of the Iran conflict, with six states now averaging below $4. Guest: Rey "R.T." Trevino - Runs Pecos Country Energy, a privately owned oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Fort Worth. 8:15PM: Worst Red Sox Offense in Decades? Guest: Chad Finn – Boston Globe Sports Reporter 8:30PM: New colon/rectal cancer screening recommendations from the American Cancer Society. Guest: Dr. Lilian Chen – Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Tufts Medical Center 8:45PM: Weekend Weather will be a stark contrast compared to hot summerlike temps earlier this week…! Weekend washout: Heavy rain and cold air headed for New England Guest: Ken Mahan – Boston Globe MeteorologistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Mass State Lottery’s Megabucks jackpot is now up to $18.95 Million! It’s the third largest jackpot in the game’s history, and the largest jackpot since 1986! The next drawing is Sat. May 30th. Guest: Mark Bracken - Executive Director of the Massachusetts State Lottery 8:15PM: The Government Bailout Prevention Act. Guest: Thomas Aiello - Vice President of Government Affairs for National Taxpayers Union 8:30PM: Boston-Area Mom Turned Stage IV Cancer Diagnosis Into National Nonprofit Supporting Thousands.-WeGotThis.Org has upcoming fundraiser - their 5th Annual Golf Tournament - Monday June 8th 2026 at the Indian Ridge Golf Club in Andover Guest: Elissa Kalver - Stage IV metastatic breast cancer survivor & founder of the non-profit WeGotThis.org – it’s been 5 years since her diagnosis. 8:45PM: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is fast outpacing containment efforts in the region as questions and concerns mount in the U.S. What is the risk status for the U.S. and should we be concerned? Guest: Rayne Guest - infection prevention specialist, and founder and CEO of ArrowClean (a cleaning company)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: The 43rd annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl to support lifesaving cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Tuesday, June 2 through Thursday, June 4 from 12 to 8 p.m. at a new location - 88 Seaport Boulevard in Boston’s Seaport District. Guest: Caitlin Fink - Vice President of the Jimmy Fund 8:15PM: Massachusetts rideshare drivers become first in U.S. to unionize. Guest: Mike Deehan – Axios Boston Reporter 8:30PM: The latest Boston Red Sox sports news. Guest: Dan Watkins – WBZ NewsRadio Anchor 8:45PM: Every year 2 million kids are bitten by a dog, with 1 million being a family pet that often kids either squeeze or don't know how to interact with…Local children’s book author wrote a new book, “Pet Safety with Lola & Sophie” to help children learn safe, positive interactions with pets while also encouraging kindness and empathy toward animals. Guest: Christine Devane – Children’s Book Author & former teacher, Mom of 3 and advocate of rescue dogsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is politics ruining relationships in your life? How so? A recent study done by PNAS Nexus found that 37% of Americans reported losing a relationship with a friend, family member, romantic partner, or coworker because of political differences. That’s roughly four in ten adults who say politics ended a relationship in their life. Aaron Perlut, author of “The Death of Compromise,” who authored a book on this very topic, joined us on NightSide as we asked you how politics have impacted the relationships in your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: MA bill proposes that aspiring police officers receive the equivalent of an associate’s degree before they can be sworn in. Guest: Colleen Cronin – Boston Herald Reporter 8:15PM: NASCAR racer and superstar Kyle Busch recently died of sepsis at the age of 41 shocking the world. What exactly is sepsis and what causes it? Guest: Dr. TJ Faugno (pronounced: pronounced: FOG-no) - Critical Care Intensivist at Tufts Medical Center 8:30PM: New data/survey shows nearly half of hiring managers will train AI instead of hiring 2026 college grads…what do these findings mean for the Class of 2026 and what can young workers do about it? Guest: Julia Toothacre - Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com - spent more than a decade coaching college students and early-career professionals 8:45PM: This week’s weather forecast after a long rainy Memorial Day Weekend… Guest: Jon Feerick – AccuWeather MeteorologistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner recently passed away. Whether you liked Ted or not, many people believe he carried a certain "swagger" or charisma about him. He had this magnetic energy that just drew people in. We asked the listeners which other public figures have or had a certain charm or "swagger" about them, and why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Patriots offseason reset under Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye’s development, training camp battles, and expectations for 2026. Guest: Chris Price – Boston Globe Sports Reporter 8:15PM: For Memorial Day weekend, Military Friends Foundation’s “Field of Heroes” tribute will be placed in front of Swampscott Town Hall to honor Massachusetts servicemembers who gave their lives in service to the nation. Massachusetts Bridges Will Shine Gold for Fallen Service Members on Memorial Day. Guest: Sarah Sweeney - Executive Director of the Military Friends Foundation and Army wife 8:30PM: Healing Childhood Trauma - Research found that positive childhood experiences can help counteract the negative impact of childhood trauma and can help keep these kids on the right path as they become adults. Guest: Dr. Bob Sege – Pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center & Director of the HOPE National Resource Center located within the Center for Community-Engaged Medicine at Tufts Medicine-Just published new paper/research on childhood trauma & positive childhood experiences counteracting the negative impact of childhood trauma: Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health and Economic Outcomes | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics 8:45PM: Post Card Show happening at the Boston 2026 World Expo this Memorial Day Weekend. Guest: Kathy Alpert – Founder of The New England Post Card Club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Boston Globe Reporter Emily Sweeney (a regular guest on NightSide) on her newfound “fame” after taking her reporting to social media and going viral for her Boston accent. Guest: Emily Sweeney – Boston Globe Reporter 8:15PM: With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, these are some timely, practical safety tips for parents and grandparents to help keep kids safe all season long. Guest: Dr. Alexy Arauz Boudreau – Primary Care Physician with Mass General Brigham 8:30PM: A New Survey by The Harris Poll Highlights the Rising Issue of Misinformation in Science and Health…Survey of over 2,000 US adults reveals a profound “Misinformation Paradox” around science that cuts at the heart of American life… Guest: Matthias Berninger - Bayer’s Head of Public Affairs, Sustainability and Safety 8:45PM: How the U.S. Senate is taking legislative steps to prevent government shutdowns from happening ever again… Guest: Kurt Couchman - Senior Fiscal Policy Fellow at Americans for ProsperitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Benny Sharoni, the Consul General of Israel to New England, will join us this evening on NightSide to discuss the latest in the war with Iran as the U.S. enters its 7th week of ceasefire with Iran. Where does Israel stand in the ongoing conflict with Lebanon? We'll discussed it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: The American Academy of Pediatrics finds kids of all ages K-12 need regular recess for physical and mental health. First new guidance in 13 years about this unstructured time at school and how it needs to be protected. Guest: Dr. Charles Hannum, MD, General Pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center 8:15PM: Boston 2026 World Expo offers 8 days of free, first-class fun for all ages. Happening May 23-30, 2026 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.- Sponsored by the United States Postal Service, Boston 2026 will play host to all sorts of collectors, former collectors and folks interested in history, geography and art. With over 1,000 fascinating displays and 300+ presentations on all sorts of topics (many of them provided by the Smithsonian Institution). Guest: Lloyd de Vries - former ABC/CBS/NPR Writer/Producer - President of two of the stamp collecting organizations participating in this show, the Writers Unit and the American First Day Cover Society. Both have meetings and seminars at the show. 8:30PM: Red Sox inconsistency, clubhouse dynamics, trade deadline outlook, and front-office scrutiny. Guest: Peter Abraham – Boston Globe sportswriter and columnist 8:45PM: Women’s football finally gets its Olympic spotlight & Women’s flag football could become an NCAA sport… Guest: Andra Douglas - former national champion in rugby and quarterback in women’s tackle football, she later became a creative executive at Atlantic Records—and for nearly two decades owned the two-time national champion New York Sharks women’s pro football team, She also wrote a book that just came out: Changing Cadence: Friendship, Football and the Art of TransitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: New Statewide poll commissioned by Retailers Assoc. of MA asks MA registered voters the most important issues facing MA. Results indicate voters are laser-focused on the “pocketbook” issues they have to face every day such as the “cost of living” & “cost of housing”. Guest: Jon Hurst - President & CEO of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts 8:15PM: Turning Corners – Tom McCann’s memoir. It brings alive the places of his past, from his Brooklyn upbringing to his Boston life, and the people he knew along the way, from close friendships with Katharine Hepburn and Bill Russell to memorable encounters with Lauren Bacall and Robert De Niro. Guest: Tom McCann – writer, filmmaker, producer - 92 years old – just published a memoir filled with fascinating stories from his life. Big player with United Fruit back in the day and went on to start Commonwealth Films in Boston for decades. 8:30PM: Legendary NBC Reporter Reveals Assassination Threats During His Investigation/Coverage into the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Guest: Marvin Kalb - Award-winning former NBC News diplomatic correspondent/reporter 8:45PM: Tales From the Wildcats: 90-year history of Wilmington High School Football. Guest: Jamie Pote – longtime sportswriter in Greater Boston – worked for the Eagle Tribune, Lowell Sun, Boston Herald – now the Salem NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05-8:30PM: Local resident and NightSide listener spoke to us LIVE from China about her time visiting China simultaneously during President Trump’s state visit. Guest: Betty Chin – Local Melrose resident & NightSide listener who called into NightSide LIVE Thursday night from China 8:30PM: Study: Politics is destroying friendships, and it’s getting worse. Guest: Aaron Perlut - author of the just-released book The Death of Compromise. 8:45PM: The one thing that kills job prospects… Advice for grads entering the job market… “Desperation is NOT hirable”. The best ways to follow up with a potential employer without seeming desperate. Guest: Dr. Ivan Misner - the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization & New York Times & Wall Street Journal Bestselling authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this 20th hour, Dan asked listeners how do they know if they're old? For example, you know you're old if you left bottles out for the Milkman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: The Matt Brown Foundation & the impact they have been able to have on those battling paralysis. Highlighting some of their big fundraising events. Guest: Matt Brown - former Norwood High School hockey player and Founder of the Matt Brown Foundation 8:15PM: How it’s been a disappointing spring sports season in Boston… Guest: Dan Watkins – WBZ NewsRadio Anchor 8:30PM: Trump Admin halts windfarm projects on land. What about offshore wind farms? Are the turbines dangerous or a national security threat as some suggest? Is offshore wind a threat to commercial fishing? Guest: Bonnie Brady - New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) Policy Director 8:45PM: 10 Questions Every Consumer Should Ask Before Choosing an Auto Body Shop… Guest: Brian Bernard, Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) Board Member and Legislative Representative as well as the owner of Total Care Accident Repair in Raynham, MASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Rare earth minerals power everything from advanced defense systems and AI infrastructure to smartphones. With Pres. Trump visiting China we’ll discuss why rare earth independence is increasingly tied to broader U.S.-China economic competition. Guest: James Morrone Jr. – energy & policy analyst at Americans for Prosperity 8:15PM: What is the “Biblical Diet”? It has found a new audience online in the Make America Healthy Again era… Guest: Paul Fulford - Healthy Living expert with Cynosure Lutronic, a leader in the field of medical treatment systems. 8:30PM: RFK Jr. launches plan to address ‘overuse’ of psychiatric medications…how will that play out? What patients who use SSRIs need to know. Is “overuse” of SSRIs a real problem as RFK Jr. suggests? Guest: Dr. Varsha Radhakrishnan - Psychiatrist at Tufts Medical Center 8:45PM: An analysis of NYC’s new budget that closes a two-year $12 billion gap "without slashing the services people depend on, without raising property taxes and without asking working families to pay for a crisis they did not create." Could Boston adopt something similar? Guest: Seth Barron – NY Post Columnist & AuthorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Therapeutic Medical Clowning for Children & Older Adults Throughout Greater Boston. How local clowns provide a much-needed service! Guest: Cheryl Lekousi – A clown who performs as Miss Millie (in elder clowning), Tic Toc (in pediatrics), and is the Executive Director of Hearts & Noses Hospital Clown Troupe 8:15PM: A ballot question to eliminate party primaries in Massachusetts is dividing state Democrats. Guest: Chris Van Buskirk – Boston Globe Political Reporter 8:30PM: A new MA bill that would grant cities and towns in Massachusetts the option to mount traffic cameras on roads in their community. Guest: MA Senator William Brownsberger (D-Suffolk & Middlesex) – sponsor of the bill 8:45PM: Addressing the Memorial Drive shooting - how incidents like this unfold from a law enforcement response standpoint & the role and impact of rapid response in limiting casualties. Guest: George Price - former police officer, Senior Special Agent with the DEA, and Special Assistant District Attorney with the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office & now a prosecutorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Ending the “easy A” at Harvard. Harvard University Proposes A 20% Cap On A’s To Fight Grade Inflation…Faculty votes this week. Guest: Mike Deehan – Axios Boston Reporter 8:15PM: Why overthinking and anxiety are nervous system issues, not just mindset and what you can do to find relief. -Has book coming out June 2nd – Calm Your Body, Heal Your Mind: Transcend Pain, Anxiety, Anger, and Repetitive Unwanted Thoughts Guest: Dr. David Hanscom - Orthopedic spine surgeon 8:30PM: Boston received a B- for its preterm birth rate (9%) in the latest March of Dimes Report Card – with 1 in 11 babies still born too soon. Preterm birth remains the leading cause of infant death, even here. -March of Dimes just held their annual March of Dimes walk – how much was raised and the impact the funds raised will have on area moms, babies and local programs. Guest: Chloe Schwartz - March of Dimes maternal and infant health director for Boston 8:45PM: Trump administration considering suspending federal gas tax temporarily. Guest: Steve Cotton – Financial strategist & President of Cotton Wealth Management AssociatesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bradley Jay Fills in On NightSideThis Sunday is Mother’s Day so this hour of NightSide, we paid tribute to the moms in our lives, past and present, and how they made an impact in our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Award winning Boston photojournalist Bill Brett joined us on NightSide to discuss the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and his latest book, Boston Veterans Appreciation. His book highlights powerful and inspiring local stories of Bostonians who served our country. Listen to this podcast for an hour devoted to veterans with a focus on local appreciation for our own residents!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: What you need to know about MassDOT’s statewide “Kick the Drive” campaign to reduce traffic and keep people moving safely during the seven FIFA World Cup matches that will be held in Massachusetts this summer. Guest: Jonathan Gulliver – MassDOT Undersecretary of Transportation and Highway Administrator 8:15PM: MA retailers get rounding guidance as the penny is phased out… Guest: Colin Young – Deputy Editor for the State House News Service 8:30PM: Mother's Day: Stay-at-home moms should be paid over $160,000 a year to care for their kids, according to a Salary.com study. How did they calculate that? Guest: Natalie King – Mother of 5, with Family Circle (a women’s magazine established in 1932) 8:45PM: New poll shows Americans trust parents not government to oversee kids’ social media… Guest: Angela Erickson – FIRE’s Vice President of ResearchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Loud piledriving expected at Sagamore Bridge next few months as MassDOT load testing begins. What residents & drivers should know. Guest: Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of MassDOT's Mega Projects Delivery Office 8:15PM: AAA Study Finds Street Racing on Public Roads Is a Growing Concern. Nearly a third of respondents said they regularly see racing drivers weaving through traffic. Guest: Mark Schieldrop – Senior Spokesperson for AAA Northeast 8:30PM: May is National Burger Month! Americans consume an average of 2.4 burgers per day according to the USDA, which is about 50 billion burgers per year! We’ll discuss some facts about hamburgers you might not know! Guest: Christopher Carosa – Hamburger historian & author of Hamburger Dreams: How Classic Crime Solving Techniques Helped Crack The Case Of America’s Greatest Culinary Mystery 8:45PM: Nearly 4 in 10 job candidates have bailed on a hiring round because it required an AI interview… Guest: Matt Rosen - the CEO & Founder of Allata. It's a technology consulting firm that's helping automate companies through AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: FBI Boston Recovers 17th Century Reliquary Urn Stolen from Italian Church. Guest: Pasquale Morra – FBI Boston Special Agent 8:15PM: The FTC is cracking down on “Ghost Cars” – how some car dealers are pulling bait and switch tactics promoting or advertising cars that have already been sold or don’t exist at all to get folks into the dealership to sell them something else! What you need to know… Guest: Ray Shefska - Automotive retail analyst & founder of CarEdge 8:30PM: Hundreds of MNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Rallied at the State House Tuesday to reinforce the urgent need for Senate action on An Act Requiring Health Care Employers to Develop and Implement Programs to Prevent Workplace Violence (H.4767/S.1718). Guest: Liz Taylor - nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Plymouth – who was at the rally 8:45PM: What is hantavirus? The rare and deadly virus that killed 3 on a cruise ship. Guest: Dr. Zoe Weiss - Director of Clinical Microbiology at Tufts Medical CenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Massachusetts GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve is a former Marine, MBTA chief administrator and acting general manager who just secured his place on the September Republican primary ballot along with opponent Mike Minogue. Shortsleeve has been calling on Minogue to debate him for months now ahead of the primary election, to which Minogue has brushed off his requests, instead challenging Gov. Healey herself to debate. Brian Shortsleeve joined us on NightSide and took your calls and discussed the issues he’s prepared to tackle if elected governor!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: The Price is Right Live, an interactive stage show coming to the Chevalier Theatre in Medford on May 8th! Guest: Todd Newton – Host of The Price is Right Live & Author & Entertainment Reporter 8:15PM: The 2026 Red Sox Hall of Fame! Includes Mike Timlin, Johnny Damon, and Bill Mueller. Guest: Mike Timlin – former 2x Red Sox World Series pitcher 8:30PM: Voters Sound Alarm on Mental Health System Failure in New National Poll. New April 2026 survey of voters and affected families finds near-universal agreement that serious mental illness is poorly treated and requires urgent federal action .Guest: Dr. Tim Murphy – Psychologist, board chairman of the Schizophrenia Policy Action Network (SPAN) & former member of Congress 8:45PM: "May the 4th Be With You!" Why May 4th has become a “holiday” for many… Guest: Dan Mazella – Traffic Reporter and Director of Operations for Total Traffic’s Boston Division by day – Stars Wars Expert by night!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dan asked the listeners if they've ever had an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction, or a moment where someone asked who dressed you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: El Niño has been making headlines lately as this year, we're in for a “Super” El Niño. What exactly does that mean, and how will it affect Massachusetts and beyond? Guest: Dr. Emily Becker, Research Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Studies 8:15PM: Local kids facing serious illness & disability take the field with college athletes at Boston College for Team IMPACT’s 4th annual Boston College Field Day this Sunday, May 3, from 2-4 PM. Guest: Maura Ambrose, Regional Executive Director, Northeast at Team IMPACT 8:30PM: It’s college graduation time, and today’s graduates will be setting off to pursue careers they’ve spent years preparing for. They believe they have it all figured out, but this year’s college graduates are expected to change careers at least 5 times. Why is this? Guest: Marcy Fitzgerald, author of the critically acclaimed new book, “Finding Your Space: A Permission Slip for High Achievers to Evolve, Pivot, and Thrive on Their Own Terms” 8:45PM: Nuclear medicine may just be the answer for many cancer patients. Nuclear medicine uses radioactive material, and doctors say it can be a lifesaver. With radiation exposure known for causing cancer and damaging DNA, how could it possibly heal? Guest: Dr. Phil Mulugeta, Clinical Director, Division of Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Therapy at Penn Medicine and Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at Perelman School of Medicine, UPennSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the last half hour of the show, Dan opened up the topic floodgates and invited callers to bring up any topic, or topic suggestions they'd like to hear on Nightside with Dan Rea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Heart disease is by far the leading cause of death in the U.S. Recent medical data indicate a significant and troubling rise in stroke rates among younger Americans (those under 65). What you need to know and how you survive a stroke!- Survive Stroke Week 2026 is coming up May 3–9. It aims to raise awareness of stroke symptoms (BE FAST) and ensure immediate, lifesaving emergency treatment to improve survival and recovery rates. Guest: Mahesh V. Jayaraman, MD – Chief of Diagnostic Imaging, Brown University Health; Director, Neurovascular Center, Rhode Island Hospital 8:15PM: Even with $100 fines, many in no-tow Cambridge aren’t moving their cars for street sweeping! Guest: John Fitzgerald – Cambridge DPW Environmental Services Manager 8:30PM: Massachusetts eases teacher licensing rules to tackle teacher shortage. Guest: Samantha Drysdale – State House News Reporter 8:45PM: More than 30 million people have unclaimed money or assets. Are you one of them? How you can find out! Guest: Bill Dendy - CPA and money manager with Raymond JamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: The Bruins cleaned up their turnovers and simplified their game, and they live to fight another day. Guest: Kevin Paul Dupont – Boston Globe Senior Staff sportswriter and columnist 8:15PM: A Pen to Change the World: The Life of J.K. Rowling-The only complete biography of the world’s most famous author, which includes exclusive interview content with relatives of Rowling. Guest: Solomon Schmidt - Author 8:30PM: Bridges Homeward - a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families through innovative programs and services that promote safety, stability, and opportunity.-Upcoming event: 2026 Circle of Friends Celebration and Gala at Fenway Park. Guest: Yoyo Yau – CEO of Bridges Homeward 8:45PM: S.S. Pierce: A Boston Tradition – The story and history of Samuel Pierce’s iconic gourmet food and wine emporium. Guest: Anthony Sammarco - renowned Boston historian and authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Who’s Really Running Boston? The Most Influential Bostonians of 2026 Guest: Chris Vogel - Boston Magazine editor 8:15PM: His Majesty King Charles Ongoing Visit to the U.S.! What’s on the agenda for the first US visit by a British monarch in nearly 20 years? What does this mean for New England 250 years after independence? Where does the UK/US relationship stand? Guest: Minister Stephen Doughty – Minister of State (Europe, North America and Overseas Territories) 8:30PM: Why Avoiding Workplace Anxiety Makes It Worse and What to Do Instead. Guest: Jonathan Berent – Psychotherapist & author of the book: Work Makes Me Nervous: Overcome Anxiety and Build the Confidence to Succeed 8:45PM: Bourne Bridge lane restrictions begin ahead of Cape Cod season. Guest: Dan Mazella - Traffic Reporter & Operations Director for Boston’s Total Traffic & Weather Network HubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Excessive Napping May Be a Warning Sign of Underlying or Developing Health Conditions in Older Adults. What your napping habits could reveal… Guest: Dr. Chenlu Gao (pronounced CH-EN-LOU – G-AH-OW) – lead author of the study & an investigator in the Department of Anesthesiology in the Mass General Brigham, who is also an affiliated research fellow in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders in the Department of Medicine 8:15PM: Project Bread's Walk for Hunger Returns to Boston Common Sunday, May 3rd. Now in its 58th year, the event draws participants for a family-friendly 3-mile loop as well as virtual walkers across the Commonwealth and country to raise $1 million annually to support Project Bread’s work connecting children and families across Massachusetts to reliable, nutritious food. Guest: Erin McAleer – CEO of Project Bread 8:30PM: The broader employment landscape in the veteran community. What types of options are available for our veterans when they finish their service? Guest: Chris Newsome - SVP Government Services & US Army Veteran with RecruitMilitary 8:45PM: Somerville rolls out tools and tips to tackle rodent activity head on! This week is “DeRATification” Week for taking on Somerville Rats! Guest: Somerville Mayor Jake WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For NightSide’s last hour of the week we like to keep it light and have fun. Nightside's ever popular "What Grinds Your Gears?" topic is on the table this hour. What grinds your gears? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Everwild (a women’s mountain biking festival) invites female mountain bike riders of all skill levels to come out and participate in their mountain biking weekend May 1st-3rd! Hosted by Hale Education in Westwood, MA. Guest: Jocelyn Bergeron -organizer of Everwild mountain biking festival at Hale Education, where she leads fundraising and strategic philanthropic partnerships. 8:15PM: The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce warned Wednesday that a "distressing number" of young people are planning to leave the Greater Boston area, citing a new survey conducted for the business interest group. Guest: Ella Adams – State House News Reporter 8:30PM: An inside look at a 50-year-old career advocating for animals, saving animals’ lives and helping to shape the regulations and laws pertaining to animals in Massachusetts. Guest: Lt. Alan Borgal - Special State Police Officer who worked with the Animal Rescue League of Boston for 50 years! 8:45PM: New Gallup data shows young people are less happy than they were a decade ago, with heavy social media use linked to lower life satisfaction and higher levels of stress and sadness…How young people or anyone, rebuild real human connections? Guest: Mimi Nicklin - author of multiple bestselling books on empathy and human connection, with her newest title, The Connection Prescription, releasing this MaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, which aims to protect roadside workers as construction season ramps up. A look at MA’s Slow Down, Move Over law, which according to AAA research, many drivers don’t understand the law. We'll discuss what you need to know… Guest: Jillian Young – Director of Public Relations for AAA Northeast 8:15PM: Are School Cell Phone Bans A Solution or a Symptom? Guest: Christine Miles - a leading psychologist, author of the critically acclaimed book: What is It Costing You Not To Listen and founder of The Listening Path (The first scalable system for teaching listening as a foundational skill) 8:30PM: Oil soars as U.S. and Iran vie for Strait of Hormuz control. Guest: Jay Young - Founder & CEO, King Operating Corporation 8:45PM: A Millionaire Mascot Is Dividing a Wealthy Massachusetts Town! Lenox is considering scrapping its high school’s nickname and Monopoly-man avatar. It’s sparked a generational rift… Guest: Owen Tucker-Smith – Wall Street Journal ReporterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: American Lung Association State of the Air report. What grade did the Boston Metro area receive for air quality? Guest: Daniel Fitzgerald – Director of Advocacy for RI & MA with the American Lung Association 8:15PM: As the highly anticipated 2026 summer travel season approaches, consumer behavior is shifting, and the way Americans travel is changing. How? Are Americans pulling back on travel, or simply adjusting? What’s the #1 tip for saving money and avoiding hassles? Guest: Regina Lewis - Consumer Analyst and Travel Industry Expert 8:30PM: This year marks the 30th anniversary of Gov. Bill Weld’s jump into the Charles River promoting healthy water! How is the Charles River’s health today? The 27th Annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup is happening this Friday April 24 & Saturday April 25! How can people get involved? Guest: Laura Jasinski, Executive Director of the Charles River Conservancy 8:45PM: Crypto/AI scammers are zeroing in on America’s seniors, with the losses exploding. How scammers groom and manipulate elderly victims and the red flags families need to know before it’s too late! Guest: Courtney Werning – Principal attorney at Meyer Wilson WerningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Gov. Healey signs a Cannabis Reform Bill for MA. A look at the changes that will be made to Massachusetts' marijuana industry and the state agency that oversees it.Guest: Steve Reilly - Head of Government Relations for Insa (a vertically integrated, independent cannabis company) 8:15PM: A Mickey Mantle 1965-67 Yankees Game-Used Bat Sells for $84k, a 1957-58 Topps Basketball Unopened 5 Cent Wax Pack NM 7 Nets $74k, and an Extremely Rare 1914 Boston “Miracle” Braves Ring Fetches $72k in Auction! A look at how much vintage baseball memorabilia is worth nowadays! Guest: Jordan Gilroy - Director of Acquisitions at Lelands (the world’s first sports memorabilia and card auction house) 8:30PM: The National Association of Convenience Stores Foundation Nationwide Campaign To Honor First Responders with National Award Opens up Nominations for 2026 Including K9 Officers for the First Time. Guest: Kevin O’Connell - Executive Director of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Foundation 8:45PM: What is the trend 'Nonnamaxxing'? Experts reveal why this trend may improve mental, physical health… Guest: Dr. Christopher S. Taylor - mental health expert/therapist who heads up the Taylor Counseling GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8:05PM: Following up on the WBZ NewsRadio story of two friends who took on the T-Stop Challenge, visiting every T-Stop in one day! Guest: Charles Franklin & Adam Oppenheimer – Two Friends Who Took Up The T-Stop Challenge 8:15PM: Who are the celebrities that ran Monday’s Boston Marathon? Guest: Kyle Bray – WBZ NewsRadio Reporter 8:30PM: Former Market Basket CEO Artie T’s firing ‘valid,’ Delaware court rules. Guest: Colleen Cronin – Boston Herald Reporter 8:45PM: Hampshire College Set To Close at the end of this year… Guest: Scott Merzbach – Reporter at the Daily Hampshire GazetteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As part of our continuing news coverage this evening, we’ll discuss Boston Marathon traditions, lore, and unique history you might not know. 8:05PM: The Thomas E. Smith Foundation – raising awareness and funds for those living with paralysis. About their Boston Marathon Team… Guest: Thomas Smith – Founder of the Thomas E. Smith Foundation (whom it is named after). He's had three paralyzing spinal cord injuries. He participates in the Boston Marathon annually to raise money and awareness on behalf of those affected by paralysis. He will be walking alongside Mark and Denise Richard and TESF Board Member, Zdeno Chara. 8:15PM: Boston Marathon traditions, lore, and unique history you might not know. Guest: Paul Clerici – Author (wrote numerous books on the Boston Marathon), Speaker & Marathon Runner (ran 23 Boston Marathons) 8:30PM: Celtics to face Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of NBA playoffs. Guest: Khari Thompson – Boston Globe sports reporter 8:45PM: What do Americans misunderstand about what is happening in present-day Iran? Born an American citizen but raised under Iran’s theocracy, Dr. Nizam Missaghi shares his account of living in Tehran and risking everything to escape. Guest: Dr. Nizam Missaghi – Author of the book: Passport To Freedom: From Tehran To TriumphSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sweet Cheeks Bakery in Amesbury, MA is a local bakery known for their cookies. To help kids learn about running a business, owner Renee Terry introduced the “Mini Manager” program that allows kids to experience firsthand what it looks like to run a business. The program received lots of positive feedback from kids, parents, and the community so that’s why it came as a surprise to Renee when she received a letter from the Attorney General’s office stating they received a complaint alleging she was violating MA Child Labor Laws. Renee joined us to discuss her business, the Mini Manager program and the AG’s letter. *The MA AG’s Office contacted us here at NightSide informing us that they are not investigating Sweet Cheeks and that the letter sent to Sweet Cheeks was to inform the business of the complaint and provide guidance on the state’s Child Labor Laws*See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.