Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd weighed in on ongoing negotiations around federal coronavirus relief, and recapped the latest political headlines. We opened lines to ask listeners: with Federal unemployment benefits set to expire tomorrow, do you worry that the economic hole in the U.S. is about to get deeper? Andrea Cabral, former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety and CEO of Ascend, discussed the passing of Herman Cain, and talked about her problem with the statewide requirement that cannabis shops foot the bill for security details. Mass. State Rep. Mike Connolly discussed details of the state’s extended eviction moratorium, and the status of the COVID-19 Housing Stability Act, which he co-authored alongside Rep. Kevin Honan. Food writer Corby Kummer talked about the mysterious packages of seeds being delivered to the U.S. from China, and the valuable role that mutual aid societies are playing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We opened lines to

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio on Thursday about the meat industry's transgressions amid the pandemic. "[The meat industry execs] are the evil actors - they won't release the number of people in their slaughterhouses who are infected or are dying, and OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] has been completely asleep at the wheel doing nothing to sue the slaughterhouses," he said. Kummer is a *senior editor at The Atlantic*, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with teachers about the complications that come with a return to school in the fall.  Boston NAACP President Tanisha Sullivan previewed the 2020 NAACP virtual convention, and talked about the state of racial inequity in Mass.  CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed news that national security advisor Robert O’Brien tested positive for COVID-19, and recapped Tuesday’s congressional hearing with AG Bill Barr.  Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about challenges with distributing a potential COVID-19 vaccine, and recapped the recent outbreak of coronavirus cases in Major League Baseball.   – Saida Grundy, author and assistant professor of sociology and African American studies at Boston University, discussed her latest writing for The Atlantic on the limits of anti-racist literature.  – Politico’s Stephanie Murray discussed the latest news on the Senate race between Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Joe Kennedy ahead of the September 1st primary, and talked about

Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Davis Rosman, president of the Mass. Medical Society, discussed an uptick in the rate of positive COVID-19 cases across Mass., and why he thinks Gov. Baker should consider scaling back the state’s reopening.   We opened lines to ask listeners: are the rewards of backing off on reopening worth it to keep coronavirus at bay? FRONTLINE filmmaker Michael Kirk talked about episode two of “United States of Conspiracy,” which reports on the career of InfoWars host Alex Jones.  NBC Sports Boston reporter and anchor Trenni Kusnierek discussed an outbreak of coronavirus within the Miami Marlins, and what it could mean for Major League Baseball in 2020.  Naturalist Sy Montgomery discussed her latest book, “Condor Comeback,”  about the efforts to save the endangered bird from extinction.   CNN’s John King talked about congressional negations around further coronavirus relief, and other national headlines.  Playwright Ryan Landry gave an update on his newfound painting career, and

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the new coronavirus travel restrictions, announced Friday by Gov. Baker. Drs. Meabh O’Hare and Josh Budhu discussed their recent writing on excited delirium, a medical condition they describe as "junk science" with strong ties to police brutality. WGBH News Analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott explained the rationale behind his concern for the health of American democracy, and discussed the U.S.’ deteriorating relationship with China.  TV expert Bob Thompson reflected on the life of TV host Regis Philbin, and explained why he’s not impressed with the simulated crowds in MLB broadcasts.  Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, reflected on the passing of local civil right advocate Mimi Jones, and talked about the recent speech by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, decrying derogatory remarks made against her by a congressional colleague.  Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung d

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the return of baseball, on opening day for the Red Sox. Media maven Sue O’Connell discussed the rebuke from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to derogatory comments made by Rep. Ted Yoho, as well as news that the Hallmark Channel will include LGBT storylines in their 2020 holiday movie lineup.  Beat the Press host Emily Rooney talked about the release of President Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen from jail, and read her weekly list of fixations and fulminations. Food writer Corby Kummer talked about the decision by Trader Joe's to discontinue racist branding on their ethnic food packaging, and several ways that supermarkets are repurposing space that used to be used for salad and hot-food bars.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed news that Facebook ignored research about racial biases on their platforms, and controversy around comments made on the livestream feed of the U.S. Army's Esports team.  Under the Radar host Callie Cr

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio on Friday about Trader Joe's racist labeling on certain products, such as 'Trader Ming's' and 'Trader José's.' "Trader Joe's is finally saying no to racist branding that perpetuates the worst kind of stereotyping," he said. Kummer is a *senior editor at The Atlantic*, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Mass. Cannabis Commission Control Commission Chairman Steve Hoffman and Commissioner Shaleen Title discussed the bureaucratic hurdles keeping Black-owned cannabis shops from getting off the ground, four years after marijuana legalization in Mass.   We opened lines to hear your thoughts on the years-long delay of the Mass. legislature in getting Black-owned marijuana businesses off the ground.  Ali Noorani, Executive Director for the National Immigration Forum, talked about news of ICE’s concealment of a COVID-19 outbreak at one of their detention centers, and weighed the President’s authority to restrict whether undocumented immigrants get counted in the 2020 census.  WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen talked about the reopening of Boston’s museums, and new art from local muralist Rob Gibbs and photographer Raina Matar.  Former Mass. Education Secretary Paul Reville discussed new guidelines for school reopening in Mass., and offered his take on pushback to school reform

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan recapped the president’s Tuesday night reprise of coronavirus briefings, and offered his take on the anxieties around a rushed COVID-19 vaccine. We opened lines to talk with listeners about Gov. Charlie Baker’s extension of the state’s eviction moratorium. CNN analyst and national security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the deployment of militarized federal troops in Portland, Ore., and talked about the various groups raising doubt over the effectiveness of a rushed COVID-19 vaccine. Boston Police sergeant and Mass. Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers President Eddie Chrispin offered his take on the current legislation to address policing in Mass., and why he believes police officers ought to have more input on reform. Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey discussed the state's extension of the eviction moratorium, and responded to listeners' questions and comments as part of our monthly “Ask the AG” segment.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: do you have concerns about the prospect of a “warp speed” coronavirus vaccine? NBC Sports Boston reporter and anchor Trenni Kusnierek talked about San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem at a Monday night game, and the latest headlines around how sports leagues are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Journalist Daffodil Altan talked about her latest project for FRONTLINE, a documentary titled “COVID’s Hidden Toll,” that reckons with the treatment of meat packing industry and farm workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Charles Stewart III, Kenan Sahin Distinguished Professor of Political Science at MIT, discussed mail-in voting preparedness and other election security questions ahead of the November election. Bay State Banner Senior Editor Yawu Miller talked about the state of Mass. police reform, and recounted his experience being questioned by Boston Police officers while reporting on Bosto

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask callers: why do you think Americans aren’t taking to the streets over the 140,000 coronavirus deaths in the U.S.?  Litigator Kevin O’Connor talked politics, and his campaign for Sen. Ed Markey's Senate seat on the Republican ticket.  Dr. Katherine Dallow, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Strategy at Blue Cross Blue Shield, spoke about the state of COVID-19 in Mass., and responded to questions from callers.  Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, reflected on the legacy of Rep. John Lewis, and C.T. Vivian, who both died last week.  TV expert Bob Thompson reviewed the season six premiere of W. Kamau Bell’s “United Shades of America,” and explained why NBC affiliate stations opted out of airing the “30 Rock" reunion special. With the launch of NBC’s Peacock streaming service, we opened our lines to ask listeners: do you feel overwhelmed with the number of options for watching TV? 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: are you hesitant about the return to physical classrooms in the fall? Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discussed the influence of Gov. Charlie Baker on the Mass. Supreme Judicial Court, and the dire need for housing assistance ahead of the August 18 eviction moratorium lift.  Under the Radar host Callie Crossley talked about hurdles with the current mail-in voting system, and renewed efforts to bring justice to family of DJ Henry, an Easton teenager who was killed by police in New York in 2010. We opened the lines to talk with listeners about your thoughts on mail-in voting ahead of the November election.  Christopher Wilkins, Music Director of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, talked about their online Summer concert series, and why the orchestra is highlighting works by Black American composers. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the Mayor.”

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd broke down the latest headlines around the coronavirus pandemic and the November election.  Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the Supreme Court’s Monday ruling on federal executions, and a Michigan teenager sent to juvenile detention for falling behind on her homework. Ahead of the governor’s press conference, we opened lines to ask listeners: should Mass. schools with Native American mascots follow the example of Washington's football team and adapt to the times?  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Thursday press conference.  Travel guru Rick Steves talked about the E.U.’s ban on travelers from the U.S., and offered some of his cures for travel withdrawal. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko talked about a wide-scale Twitter hack that took place Wednesday night, and news that certain MacBook camera covers are cracking screens.  We reopened our lines to continue the conversation with li

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about news of a promising COVID-19 vaccine from Cambridge-based Moderna Therapeutics, and his prescient writing in 2016 on "The End of Civilization and the Real Donald Trump.” MIT economist Jon Gruber talked about President Trump’s attempts to limit immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighted all the ways that immigrants fuel the U.S. economy.  CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem talked about the surge of COVID-19 across the U.S., and the ongoing question of how to safely reopen schools.  Mass. Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz broke down a new police reform bill, which passed in the state Senate early Tuesday morning. In light of tax day, we opened lines to ask listeners: has the COVID-19 pandemic made you more or less likely to skirt the rules when filing?  Journalist and naturalist Sy Montgomery called in to talk about the reopening of the New England Aquarium, and how to tell if your dog is suffering from heat stroke.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: should society be more forgiving to people with criminal records?  NBC Sports Boston reporter and anchor Trenni Kusnierek talked about challenges for fitness studios trying to reopen, and how Boston’s sports teams are faring as they work to sort out their upcoming seasons. Sen. Ed Markey called in to discuss the possibility of more federal aid for struggling families and businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer his take on who bears responsibility for deaths at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.  Former Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi talked about the likelihood that Mass. legislators will enact the gas tax, and challenges with getting commuters to return to the T.  Food writer Corby Kummer talked about public blowback to Goya president Robert Unanue's remarks in praise of Donald Trump, and new economic pressures on independent restaurants sorting out how to reopen safely.  CNN’s John King discussed the latest political headlines, f

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio on Tuesday about the boycott against Goya Foods, after the company's CEO, Robert Unanue, praised President Donald Trump last week. "If indeed Goya sales drop, not just for two weeks but for a couple of months, marketers are going to pay a lot of attention and be a lot more careful about their messaging," Kummer said. Kummer is a senior editor at The Atlantic, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: how much harm do you think President Trump is doing by sidelining Anthony Fauci? Massachusetts Education Commissioner Jeff Riley and MGH infectious disease specialist Dr. Sandra Nelson weighed the various approaches for reopening Massachusetts schools. WGBH News analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott talked about Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explained the controversy behind Turkish President Recap Tayyip Eddogan’s decision to convert the historic Hagia Sophia back into a mosque.  TV expert Bob Thompson talked about Colin Kaeperinck’s deal with Disney, and reviewed “Elvis from Outer Space." Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed Kanye West’s bid for President, and why U.S. school curriculums have done such a poor job of teaching the history of American racism. “Make Way for Ducklings” sculptor Nancy Schon discussed her latest work, a memoria

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: Is Massachusetts taking a gamble on our health by reopening casinos? Boston Globe Business Columnist Shirley Leung talked about whether Massachusetts residents can handle phase three of reopening, and offered her take on the myriad organizations addressing Boston’s racial inequity. Beat the Press Host Emily Rooney reflected on the passing of local talk radio figure Jay Severin and read her weekly list of fixations and fulminations. Comedian Tom Papa discussed his new book, "You're Doing Great! And Other Reasons to Stay Alive,” and talked about the joys of living a simple life. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed a damning civil rights audit at Facebook and new features coming to iPhone users with the smartphone's latest operating system. Under the Radar Host Callie Crossley talked about the decision from the New York Times and the Associated Press to capitalize the “b” in Black, and her love of “Hamilton,” which just had its streaming d

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd talked about the US’ standing as the nation with the most COVID-19 cases and discussed the latest national headlines. With coronavirus cases spiking across the country, we opened lines to ask listeners: Are you ready for the long haul of living with COVID? Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump's tax returns, and whether Amy Cooper — who gained notoriety for calling the police on a Black man in Central Park — deserves to have her false reporting charge dropped. Dr. Karilyn Crockett, Boston's newly appointed and first-ever chief of equity, talked about her goals and what she believes it's going to take to change racism and classism in the city. Former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville talked about where Massachusetts stands with respect to reopening schools, and the Trump administration’s latest order prohibiting international

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about research from the WHO into whether the coronavirus can be transmitted through tiny droplets in the air, and how that research stands to impact how the U.S. reopens.  WGBH News senior investigative reporter Jenifer McKim talked about the latest reporting from the The WGBH News Center for Investigative Reporting, on failures of the Mass. parole system.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference.  Harvard behavioral economist Michael Norton discussed his latest research on consumer attitudes around how companies respond to economic pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also responded to questions and comments from listeners. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s Peggy Fogelman talked about the museum’s reopening, as well as their ongoing exhibit, titled “Boston’s Apollo: Thomas McKeller and John Singer Sargent.”  Emmy Award winning performing artist Wyatt Jackson and Latin Grammy Award winner Gen Rubin t