Boston Public Radio Podcast

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio on Tuesday about returning to eat at restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic. "The problem is always going to be 'How do we get diners to wear masks and behave?' - that's the real problem for restaurants and is why they're opening and reclosing," he said. "We're working on a diner code of conduct on how to enforce this, because this is the central problem." Restaurants are coming up with various ways of enforcing health safety to a customer base that doesn't want to abide by the rules, Kummer noted. "Applebee's is hiring employees who just go around with a tub of cleaning products constantly disinfecting," he said. "But Applebee's should hire someone who also very nicely stands at the door of the restaurant saying 'I think you've forgotten your mask, can we give you one?' so that they have the equivalent of a bouncer enforcing this." Hiring a person to enforce mask-wearing among customers is a good investment of money that restaurants could be taki

Today on Boston Public Radio: MIT's Justin Steil and City Live/ Vida Urbana's Lisa Owens discussed their new report on how Boston’s evictions hit Black communities particularly hard, and what the disparity means ahead of the statewide eviction moratorium lift on August 18. Comic and writer Maeve Higgins discussed her recent New York Times piece, "To the White People Who Want to Be One of the "Good Ones.” Carol Rose from the Mass. ACLU talked about the Supreme Court’s recent decisions on abortion rights, and attempts by President Donald Trump to end the federal DACA policy. Food writer Corby Kummer talked about issues stemming from restaurant patrons refusing to wear facemasks, and worker abuses by meat-processing giant Tyson Foods. Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, talked about recent reporting on the attitudes of white evangelicals around President Trump, and recent statements from the great-grandson of the woman who portrayed Aunt Jemima, who’s upset about the co

On today's pre-taped episode of Boston Public Radio:  Jim and Margery talked to New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik about his latest book, "A Thousand Small Sanities: The Moral Adventure of Liberalism."  Harvard Business School behavioral economist Michael Norton looked at the pathology of the “ask braggart,” the person whose sole motivation behind asking you a question is to tell you about themselves. Jim and Margery talked to Norman Mineta, the former statesman who served as cabinet secretary for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, about a new PBS documentary, "Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story." New Yorker Staff writer George Packer discussed his latest book, "Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century." Filmmaker, writer, artist John Waters talked to Jim and Margery about his latest book, "Mr. Know-It-All: The Tarnished Wisdom of a Filth Elder." Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of “Bojack Horseman” discussed his collection of short stories, "Someone Who Will Lo

On today's pre-taped episode of Boston Public Radio: New Yorker staff writer Patrick Radden Keefe discussed his latest book, "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland." Cartoonist Roz Chast and humorist Patricia Marx discussed their latest collaboration, "Why Don't You Write My Eulogy Now So I Can Correct It? A Mother's Suggestions." Comedian Jay Pharaoh joined us to talk about his latest projects, which includes a new standup tour, web series, and the movie "Unsane," directed by Stephen Soderberg. Judge Richard Gergel discussed his latest book, "Unexampled Courage," which recounts a racist attack on a South Carolina native after World War II and how that episode sparked the civil rights movement. Harvard Businesses School’s Michael Norton joined us to explain his latest research, which looks at identity branding. Michael Norton is the Harold M. Brierley Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. His latest book is "Happy Money, the Science of Happier S

On today's pre-taped episode of Boston Public Radio: Jim And Margery talked to New York Times Magazine staff writer and lecturer at Yale Law School, Emily Bazelon whose latest book, "Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration," looks at the causes of Mass Incarceration Environmentalist and journalist Bill McKibben, the founder of 350.org, discussed his latest book, "Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?" MIT economists Jonathon Gruber and Simon Johnson discussed their latest book: "Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream." Author TC Boyle joined Jim and Margery to talk about his latest novel, "Outside Looking In." Poet Richard Blanco gave a crash course on the literary tools that can make your poetry more poetic.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about the problem with relying on a quick COVID-19 vaccine, and his worries about this year’s flu season.  MIT economist Jon Gruber discussed healthcare options for people who’ve lost coverage after losing their jobs, and responded to caller questions.  Ahead of Gov. Baker’s press conference, we opened lines to talk with listeners about Tuesday's decision by the Boston Art Commission to remove a Park Square statue depicting Abraham Lincoln and a former enslaved person.   We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference.  CNN analyst and national security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed ramifications of rising COVID-19 rates across the U.S., and news about the Trump Administration’s handling of intel that Russia offered bounties on the lives of U.S. troops. Pulitzer-prize winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen discussed his latest writing in the New York Times, about what director Spike Lee got wrong in his new Vietnam Wa

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the widespread use of illegal fireworks in Massachusetts, and hear your thoughts on how and whether to address the issue.  NBC Sports Boston reporter and anchor Trenni Kusnierek gave her take on Cam Newton, the prospective new Patriots quarterback, and talked about why she doesn’t expect fans will be able to attend baseball games in 2020, despite Red Sox President Sam Kennedy saying he hopes they’ll be able to.  Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther talked about restrictions for traveling in New England, and his experience lodging at a “glamping” resort in the White Mountains. Ahead of Gov. Baker’s press conference, we opened lines to talk with listeners about the latest national headlines.   We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Tuesday press conference.  Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the DA."

Today on Boston Public Radio: Boston Medical Center’s Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett talked about how Massachusetts is faring in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and responded to questions from listeners. We opened lines to talk about Whole Food’s ban on employees wearing Black Matter masks.  Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung talked about the treatment of workers at Boston's Four Seasons hotel, and the looming evictions for Boston renters hit economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, talked about the politics behind white depictions of Jesus, and the president’s choice to retweet video of someone shouting “white power” at Black Lives Matter protesters.  We opened our lines to talk with listeners about President Trump retweeting video of an apparent white supremacist yelling at Black Lives Matter protesters in Florida.  TV expert Bob Thompson reviewed Jon Stewart’s film “Irresistible,” "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am,” and “

Today on Boston Public Radio: Media maven Sue O’Connell talked about the new tell-all book about the Trump family from the president’s niece, and the decision by the Dixie Chicks to change their name to the Chicks.  We opened lines to her listeners' thoughts on the president’s response to the ongoing pandemic.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference.  Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the Mayor.” WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed Jon Stewart’s “Irresistible,” and discussed a Provincetown art exhibit honoring the life of local icon and art collector Napi Van Dereck.  “Under the Radar” host Callie Crossley talked about the real meaning of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On," and a recent string of white celebrities apologizing for their use of blackface. We opened lines to talk with listeners about Vice President Mike Pence’s Friday assertion that the U.S. is making "truly remarkable progress" with COVID-19, despite the current res

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd talked about the rise of coronavirus cases throughout the U.S., and how it’s impacting the president’s poll numbers.  We opened lines to talk with listeners about the rise of COVID-19 across the nation, and hear your thoughts on the state’s reopening.  Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral talked about a recent Boston Globe profile of BPD Captain John "Jack” Danilecki, and her views on corruption within AG William Barr’s Department of Justice.  We reopened lines to talk with listeners about coronavirus.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Thursday press conference.  Former Mass. Secretary of Education Paul Reville talked about the new guidelines for the reopening of schools in Massachusetts.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed questionable use of face recognition technology by Detroit law enforcement, and news that Rhode Island is using remote learning to ditch snow days altogether. 

Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, it’s time to face the hard truth: now is not the best time for America’s buffets.  With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise across the country, the buffet’s communal eating factor has made it unlikely that people will want to return any time soon. Food writer Corby Kummer, however, says that might not be the worst thing in the world.  The award-winning writer and senior editor at The Atlantic returned to Boston Public Radio on Thursday, where he reflected on why it’s probably for the best that Americans aren’t being tempted by the allure of the hot bar.  The first upside Kummer gave (aside from the obvious) was cost. “Paying by the pound,” he said, is "always more expensive than just buying and making the food yourself.” Also on the table is the over-eating factor. “It’s this whole idea that you’re pulling a fast one at a buffet,” he said. "You’re getting a lot of food for nothing. Somehow, when nobody’s looking, you’re going and you’re getting another portion–

Today on Boston Public Radio: WGBH News reporter Adam Reilly discussed new polling from WGBH, in partnership with the Boston Globe, MassLive, State House News Service, and Suffolk University, about the attitudes of Mass. residents towards police reform and the state’s reopening. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the findings from the newly released polling. Rep. Joe Kennedy called in to discuss his issues with the president’s handling of COVID-19, and how he believes the federal government needs to address racism and police brutality.  Jim and Margery made their pitch for donations to WGBH, as part of Wednesday’s single-day pledge drive.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference, where he discussed the conclusions of the official report on malpractice at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.  Medical ethicist Art Caplan explained why he doesn’t expect a readily available COVID-19 vaccine in 2020, and discussed whether the MLB will be able to mitigate coronavirus tran

Today on Boston Public Radio: We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Tuesday press conference.  We opened lines to talk with listeners about your experiences with racism in the classroom. Mass. AG Maura Healey called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the AG." FRONTLINE producer and director Tom Jennings discussed his latest documentary, “Opioids, Inc.” CNN’s John King talked about Tuesday’s primary elections, and broke down the latest Washington headlines.  We opened lines to ask listeners: with Summer nearly in full swing, are you pining for baseball’s return? 

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: are you ready for Massachusetts to enter the next phase of reopening?  TV expert Bob Thompson talked about the Juneteenth special of “Sherman’s Showcase,” and broke down the best and the worst of what’s on TV. WGBH News analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed the recent UN resolution on systemic racism, and American exceptionalism in the age of COVID-19.  Boston Public Library President David Leonard spoke about the library system’s “BPL to Go” program, which launches this week.  Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, talked about the controversy surrounding a Milton middle school’s response to classroom discussions about police brutality, and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross’ meeting last week with AG William Barr.  Poet Richard Blanco read and discussed “Let There Be Pride,” a poem he wrote for Sam Adams as part of their “Love Conquers All” campaign for Pride Month.  We opened

Today on Boston Public Radio: CNN analyst and national security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the Supreme Court’s ruling on DACA, and why she thinks Trump’s Tulsa rally could get cancelled.  Media maven Sue O’Connell discussed the Supreme Court’s ruling on LGBT discrimination in the workplace, and commemorated the passing of Jean Kennedy Smith.  Beat the Press host Emily Rooney discussed Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s public withdrawal from Joe Biden’s VP pool, and defended her disdain for monuments and memorials.  We aired live audio from Gov. Baker’s Friday press conference.  We opened lines to hear your thoughts on Gov. Baker’s announcement that Massachusetts will move into the next phase of reopening on Monday.  Under the Radar host Callie Crossley talked about the legacy of Juneteenth, and discussed new accusations that the Atlanta police officer who killed Rayshard Brooks of covering up the 2015 killing of Jackie Harris. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed the political ramifications of former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s new book, and the president’s upcoming indoor rally in Tulsa, Okla. We opened lines to talk with listeners about the rise of COVID-19 in states outside of New England. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the current BPD payroll, and her thoughts on Gov. Charlie Baker’s  police reform proposals.  Andrew Bacevich, a former army colonel and President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, discussed his writing for The New Republic on how the U.S. fetishizes war. Travel guru Rick Steves discussed his new documentary, “The Story of Fascism in Europe,” and the parallels between the Trump Administration and the rise of fascism in 20th century Europe. AG Maura Healey called in to discuss the Supreme Court’s Thursday decision to uphold the DACA program.  Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam talked

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners: why do you think it’s taken so long for white America to denounce racism? MIT economist Jon Gruber talked about the value in repurposing generic drugs to treat COVID-19, and the politics around cure and vaccines developments.  We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference.  Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed the risks of rushing a COVID-19 vaccine, and the unsurprising spike in Americans binging on junk food in quarantine.  Writer and naturalist Sy Montgomery talked about what to do if you spot a turtle in the road, and offered some tips on helping your pets adjust to life post-quarantine. 

Today onBoston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask listeners: are you ready to come out of your coronavirus cocoon? NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek talked about why she doesn’t expect to see baseball in 2020, and a new coalition of NBA players raising questions about the league's reopening plan. FRONTLINE reporter Martin Smith discussed his latest documentary on the coronavirus pandemic, “The Virus: What Went Wrong?" Former Mass. state trooper, Green Beret, and C3 policing architect Michael Cutone talked about the principals behind C3 policing, which he implemented in Springfield. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discussed the termination of nearly half the staff at Boston’s Four Seasons Hotel, and her latest writing on “a Me-Too reckoning on race." CNN’s John King discussed President Trump’s newly signed executive order on police reform, and Monday’s Supreme Court ruling on LGBT discrimination in the workplace. We opened lines to continue the coronavirus conversation with

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with listeners about the police killing of Rayshard Brooks, and the significance of his death in the context of ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.  Massachusetts Director of Transportation Chris Dempsey talked about the return of drivers to Mass. roads, and why he’d like to see Gov. Baker ride the MBTA amid coronavirus worries. We reopened lines to talk with business owners and consumers about how you’re adjusting to phase two of the state’s reopening. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Monday press conference. TV expert Bob Thompson discussed “8:46,” the latest standup special from Dave Chappelle, and the cancellation of Paramount Network’s “Cops."  Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed the Supreme Court’s Monday ruling on transgender discrimination in the workplace, and whether Boston ought to remove a controversial statue of Abraham Lincoln in Park Square.  Author Bill Buford discussed his n

Today on Boston Public Radio: Media maven Sue O’Connell talked about J.K. Rowling’s controversial stance on transgender issues, and the commencement address to a Kansas college from Ivanka Trump.  We opened lines to talk with listeners about everything that’s going on around police reform, coronavirus, and election 2020. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko talked about Microsoft’s ban on police use of their facial recognition technology, and explained how to “protest-proof” your phone.  Under the Radar host Callie Crossley discussed President Trump’s scheduled Juneteenth rally in Tulsa, Okla., and a new charity founded by LeBron James to protect the voting rights of Black Americans. Joe Spaulding, president and CEO of the Boch Center, talked about plans for the theater’s gradual reopening, and previewed their “Ghost Light Series" that’ll be streaming in the fall.