Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed the U.S.’ defunding of a program to study potentially crippling diseases, and a new study indicating that 45% of Americans have driven drowsy.  We opened lines to callers to ask: do you ever drive while drowsy? National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the U.S. raid to kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and Tuesday’s impeachment hearing testimony from Lt. Col. Alexander Vindam.  Susan Rice, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., discussed her legacy in the Obama administration in light of her new book, “Tough Love.” Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam discussed tensions between Gen Z-ers and Baby Boomers over the older generation's response to climate change.  Media maven Sue O’Connell discussed President Trump’s relationship to dogs, and the resignation of California Rep. Katie Hill.  WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed Moonbox Productions’ rendition of “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and Greater Boston Stage Company’s production

Ractopamine is a controversial feed additive that many pork manufacturers give to their market hogs in order to increase size and production. The feed additive is banned in the European Union, China, and over a hundred other nations, but is allowed to be used in the United States. Yet earlier this month, Tyson Foods, the largest American pork processor, announced it will prohibit ractopamine from its hogs beginning in 2020. Food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio *on Tuesday to talk about why some American manufacturers are rethinking the use of ractopamine and why the feed additive is banned in many countries. "This is one of the many drugs fed to animals that fattens pigs faster so they gain weight and come to market much faster," Kummer said. "Obviously it's cheaper for producers because they can sell their pigs off and kill them sooner." Ractopamine's effects are harmful to both humans and hogs, Kummer said. "It's really dangerous and it causes crazed behavior, as if you're completely hop

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to callers to hear your thoughts on the latest regarding the House impeachment inquiry. NBC Sports Boston Reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed a series of headlines surrounding this year's World Series. Boston Globe cannabis reporter Dan Adams discussed the impact of Massachusetts’ vaping ban on local marijuana retail shops,** **and other headlines related the state’s marijuana sector. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed new revelations about ethical cocoa farming in West Africa, and a spiking interest in healthy vending machine options. We opened lines to callers to ask: do you want to see healthier options in your vending machines? CNN’s John King discussed Tuesday's impeachment hearing testimony from Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, and Rep. Scott Lynch's ambitions to become chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Joshua Foer, co-author of “Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders,” discussed the guide’s second edition.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Jennifer Braceras and Steve Kerrigan joined us for our political round table. Braceras is a political columnist, senior fellow with the Independent Women’s Forum, and a former Commissioner of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Kerrigan is President and co-founder of the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, and former CEO of the DNC. Charlie Sennott discussed the death of ISIS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Sennott is a WGBH News Analyst and CEO of the GroundTruth Project. MIT economist and Affordable Care Act architect Jonathan Gruber discussed Elizabeth Warren’s Medicare For All plan, and the possible ways she might finance it.  We opened our lines to callers to hear your thoughts on Medicare For All.  Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed newly uncovered links to slavery at Boston’s Old North Church, as well as rapper Kanye West's latest gospel-inspired album, “Jesus Is King.” TV critic Bob Thompson reviewed the latest s

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed a measles outbreak at Disney Land, and a California doctor accused of gross negligence over vaccine exemptions.  Emily Rooney, host of WGBH News' Beat The Press, joined us for her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh discussed plans to manage opioid addiction in Boston, took questions from callers, and announced news that Boston Public Libraries will no long charge late fees to kids under 18.  Media maven Sue O’Connell discussed the supposed controversy over Chick-Fil-A’s plans to open a location in Boston.  Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony to Congress, and Google's new Pixel 4 smartphone.  Catherine Allgor and Peter Drummey of the Massachusetts Historical Society joined us for our weekly news quiz to promote an upcoming exhibit on the Boston Massacre. 

Today on Boston Public Radio: MSNBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed the latest headlines regarding the House impeachment inquiry. Boston Globe opinion columnist Shirley Leung discussed Tom Brady’s Netflix appearance, and a recent interview with the ex-wife of disgraced former Providence mayor Buddy Cianci. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed an increase of pretrial incarcerations in Massachusetts. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed a new California law legalizing the consumption of roadkill, and news that Amazon is delivering customers expired food. ** ** WGBH science editor Heather Goldstone discussed recent innovations to clean ocean waste, and the threats they pose to ecosystems floating on the ocean's surface. We opened the lines to callers to ask: why aren’t more Americans interested in protesting Trump? Journalist and author Ronan Farrow joined to discuss his new book, “Catch and Kill."

The Wildlife Traffic Safety Act, also known as the 'roadkill bill,' was signed into law in California this month. Part of the bill allows people to collect the meat of animals that they have accidentally killed from vehicle collision. Food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio *on Thursday to speak about the bill. "It all sounds like it's a very good idea not to waste this meat if you tragically kill this animal," Kummer said. "But it's not so good if you can't certify food safety, it's really eat at your own risk." *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 the lines and asked callers: following diplomat Bill Taylor’s testimony on Tuesday, what are your thoughts on the road ahead for President Trump? National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the House impeachment inquiry, and the continuing fallout from President Trump’s decision to pull troops from northeastern Syria. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker stopped by for our monthly "Ask the Governor" series to discuss Massachusetts’ vaping ban, a new healthcare bill, and answer questions from listeners. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed "Spongebob Squarepants the Musical,” as well as a new exhibit at the Mystic Seaport Museum displaying the watercolor works of painter J.M.W. Turner.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to callers to ask: should Boston push forward with its proposal to ban face masks in public demonstrations? NBC Sports Boston anchor Trenni Kusnierek discussed controversy surrounding Tom Brady’s cameo in Netflix’s “Living With Yourself.” Former Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi and Chris Dempsey, Director of Transportation for Massachusetts, joined Boston Public Radio for their monthly transportation round-up. Harvard Business School historian Nancy Koehn and CNN Senior Political Analyst David Gergen talked about Alexander Hamilton’s intentions when pushing for impeachment powers, and how he might’ve perceived the current headlines around the House impeachment inquiry. Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam discussed a 1964 American Museum of Natural History jewel heist in light of the museum’s 150th anniversary. CNN’s John King broke down the latest political headlines.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to callers to hear your thoughts on Sen. Mitt Romney’s secret Twitter account, and Mick Mulvaney's backpedaling of last week’s quid-pro-quo admission. WGBH News analyst Charlie Sennott discussed Canada’s federal election, as well as the UK Parliament’s vote to delay Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan. Filmmaker Michael Kirk discussed “Zero-Tolerance,” the latest documentary from Frontline,* *on President Trump’s immigration policy and the forces behind it. Award-winning* *author Tim O’Brien joined to discuss his new novel on parenthood, titled “Dad’s Maybe Book.” Irene Monroe and Emmitt Price III, co-hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed the role of racial slurs in light of a Wisconsin high school's decision to fire a security guard for repeating the slur used against him. TV expert Bob Thompson reviewed Amazon’s new series “Modern Love,” as well as HBO's “Watchmen,” and Netflix’s “The Kominsky Method."

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to callers to ask: How to you feel about Dunkin' Donuts and Honey Dew Donuts ending their use of Styrofoam cups? New York Times Columnist Gail Collins discussed her new book, “No Stopping Us Now,” which deals with the realities of womanhood and aging in America. Emily Rooney, host of WGBH News' Beat The Press, joined us for her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Boston Globe Columnist Shirley Leung discussed a recent piece she wrote on the need for legislation to increase affordable housing. Callie Crossley, host of WGBH’s Under The Radar, discussed the life and legacy of Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, who passed away this week. Curiosity Desk* *Reporter Edgar B. Herwick III and WGBH Producer Andy Hicks stopped by for a Jim and Margery-themed news quiz.

Today on Boston Public Radio: MSNBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed the passing of Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, as well as the latest headlines regarding President Donald Trump’s conduct. We opened lines to callers to hear your thoughts on the House impeachment inquiry. Legal analyst Michael Zeldin discussed the road ahead for impeachment proponents. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed a set of new guidelines urging doctors not to take patients off opioids too abruptly. Paul Reville, former Massachusetts Secretary of Education, discussed the ongoing debate over funding in an education bill currently before the Massachusetts Legislature. Artisan baker Daniel Leader stopped by the *BPR *studios to discuss his latest cookbook, “Living Bread.”

Today, on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to callers to hear your thoughts on Tuesday night’s Democratic presidential debate. Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam discussed the passing of Alexi Leonov, the first man to walk in space. National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the repercussions of Trump’s decision to pull troops from Northeast Syria, along with the latest on the House impeachment inquiry. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral stopped by to talk about an appeal by attorneys representing Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Author and naturalist Sy Montgomery discussed a recent study indicating that dog ownership may lead to a longer life, along well as a “karaoke parlor” phenomenon among Humpback whales. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead,” now showing at the Huntington Theater. He also discussed A24’s upcoming film “The Lighthouse,” and a documentary on the Cocoanut Cove fire called “Six Locked

Today on Boston Public Radio: John Rosenthal, co-founder of Newton based nonprofit Stop Handgun Violence, discussed the gun safety organization’s 25th anniversary. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed a recent PSA likening youth tackle football to smoking cigarettes. She also discussed Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge’s record-breaking marathon run. Pediatrician Dr. Jon Winickoff spoke with listeners about the risks of vaping, in light of a Tuesday hearing on Massachusetts’ temporary vaping ban. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed the temporary closure of 111 year old New York deli Barney Greengrass, along with a controversial video revealing how Panera Bread prepares its Mac and Cheese. Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther spoke about Logan airport’s low rating in a recent airport satisfaction survey, as well as a new bus service offering travel from Boston to New York for five dollars. CNN chief national correspondent John King previewed Tuesday night’s Democratic presidential deb

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Saturday that assures all California public school students a state-funded meal regardless of whether they have unpaid meal fees or not. "It's preventing lunch shaming," Kummer said. One student helped raise awareness about the problem of lunch shaming before the bill was signed, Kummer noted. "A nine year old boy in Napa County saved up all his money and used it to pay off his 3rd grade classes lunch debt," he said. Bills like this need to become national policy, Kummer added. "The appropriate solution is universal free lunch in public school systems," he said.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Charlie Chieppo and Michael Curry joined us for our political round-table to speak about the latest in national and local politics. Charlie Chieppo is principal of Chieppo Strategies, Senior Fellow at the Pioneer Institute and Adjunct Professor at Suffolk University. Curry is senior vice president and general counsel at Mass League of Community Health Centers, and a member of the National NAACP Board of Directors. Television expert Bob Thompson reviewed the latest in TV and movies, including the upcoming Netflix show 'Living with Yourself,' featuring Paul Rudd. Boston Globe columnist Nestor Ramos spoke about his reporting on climate change is hitting Cape Cod. We opened the lines to talk with our listeners about the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, called in to give the latest developments with Trump's immigration policies. Poet Richard Blanco spoke about the creative process and inspiration behind writing poetry. We o

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to callers to ask: in light of the whistleblower news in Washington, have there ever been times when you’ve had to take a stand against authority? Was it the right choice? Tech Writer Andy Inathko discussed big tech’s relationship to China, following Apple’s choice to pull an app that helped pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong track police whereabouts. NBC Sports Boston Reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed the NBA’s catering to Chinese interests, as well as basketball player Enes Kanter’s essay about refusing to be silent on Turkey President Erdogan’s authoritarian leadership. Author Imani Perry joined Boston Public Radio to discuss her latest book: "BREATE: A Letter To My Sons.” Harpreet Sareen, Assistant Professor at the Parson School of Design, discussed his research on cyborg botany, and the movement to make plant-robot hybrids. Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed her latest column on why local craft breweries are pushing for more diversity.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Washington Post national politics correspondent Annie Linskey discussed the latest news surrounding the 2020 Democratic presidential race. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed pushback to a Trump administration move to end limits on slaughterhouse line speeds, and news that grocery chain Dean & Deluca has closed their flagship location. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed the latest on the House impeachment inquiry, and updates regarding President Trump’s removal of troops from northeastern Syria. Nancy Koehn, Harvard Business School historian, spoke about Silicon Valley's move away from big spending in favor of profit. We opened the lines to callers to hear your thoughts on balancing motherhood and work life. Journalist & author Naomi Klein discussed her new book: “On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal” Jonathan Alsop, founder of the Boston Wine School, previewed WGBH’s upcoming Food & Wine Festival.

An effort backed by the Trump administration to speed up slaughter lines of pigs is facing legal challenges from food workers' unions that argue the new rules will put laborers in danger. Food policy expert Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio Thursday to discuss the new rule, and the workers' safety complaint. "This makes my blood boil. Already the line speeds, the industrial processing allowed in big meat slaughterhouses is hugely dangerous to workers," said Kummer. "They get mad cow brain disease if they're working on the line slicing open brains of pigs and beef and they do, and they have progressive neurological diseases, and meat companies just through them out the door and say, 'We don't owe you any disability.'" The suit challenges the Department of Agriculture's move to eliminate maximum speed guidelines that the agency estimated would provide annual savings in the millions of dollars for large plants. Kummer said this rule expressly throws worker safety out the window in favor of industry bene

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to callers to hear their thoughts on Trump’s choice to not comply with House impeachment proceedings. Media maven Sue O’Connell discussed three LGBT descrimination cases that the Supreme Court heard on Tuesday. CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed President Trump’s decision to pull troops out of northeast Syria, as well as the latest on the House impeachment inquiry. WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed Trinity Rep’s production of “Prince of Providence,” as well as “Homer at the Beach,” a gallery of Winslow Homer paintings on display at the Cape Ann Museum. Listeners phoned in to discuss whether cell phones have any place in theaters and schools. Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam discussed his latest piece, which bemoans a new interior design trend:  Judging books exclusively by their covers and using them as decorative objects. Listeners phoned in to give their thoughts on reading in 2019.