Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: It seems like just yesterday that Joe Biden was against the Hyde Amendment. Oh wait…that’s because it was *yesterday. We opened up the lines and asked you about Biden’s change of heart, but also more broadly about how you feel when people you know *change their minds. Then we examined a species on the verge of extinction: the American diplomat. Author George Packer shared his new biography of Richard Holbrooke, “Our Man.” Emily Rooney, host of Beat the Press, shared her famous list of observations and frustrations. Food writer Corby Kummer explained what it is about working in an office that turns people into snack fiends. Boston Globe business reporter Shirley Leung looked at the slew of store closings in Harvard Square. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko explained YouTube’s new anti-harassment policies. Will they be enforced? Former U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra Alan Solomont and Susan Lewis Solomont, author of “Lost and Found In Spain,” faced off on our Friday News Quiz.

Why does working in an office give people an insatiable appetite for snacks? Food writer Corby Kummer explained. 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: Washington Post reporter Annie Linskey discussed former Vice President Joe Biden's place in the vast field of 2020 Democratic candidates for president. Andrea Cabral discussed the grim reality that awaits Paul Manafort at Rikers Island. Marco Werman and Daniel Ofman of PRI's The World discussed their recent series on millennial Russians, who have only ever known the country under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. Harvard Business School historian Nancy Koehn broke down the movement to get Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. Science correspondent Heather Goldstone examined President Donald Trump's climate change comments from his meeting with Prince Charles. Jonathan Alsop, founder of Boston's Wine School previewed his upcoming Boston Talks at WGBH next week: Rosé All Day.

Today on Boston Public Radio: While campaigning in New Hampshire, Joe Biden emphasized his plans to try to work with congressional Republicans if he wins the presidency in 2020. We opened up the lines and asked listeners: Is Biden being smart, and appealing to Republicans and independents who have tired of President Trump? Or will he alienate progressive Democrats and younger voters? Maine could soon be the seventh state in the nation to legalize assisted suicide. Medical ethicist Arthur Caplan discussed. Caplan is the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Chair and director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center, and the co-host of the "Everyday Ethics" podcast. In the aftermath of mass shootings there is always talk about passing laws about background checks, high-capacity magazines, and improving policies and treatment for mental health. Is it time to add silencers to that list? National security expert Juliette Kayyem weighed in. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN and on the fac

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened up the lines and asked our listeners: Is it time to get rid of the SAT? Trenni Kusnierek, NBC Sports Boston anchor and reporter, examined the debate over putting up netting in baseball stadiums to protect fans from being hit by foul balls. Carol Rose, executive director of ACLU of Massachusetts, discussed the ROE Act and other efforts to protect abortion access in the state. The Boston Globe’s travel writer, Christopher Muther, told us about his favorite new travel destination: a cat sanctuary in Hawaii. Sue O’Connell, host of NECN’s “The Take,” looked at the legacy of the Stonewall Riots 50 years on. CNN’s John King, host of “Inside Politics,” shared the latest national news. We opened up the lines and asked you about whether airlines should get rid of carry-on bags to make it easier for people to evacuate planes in case of emergencies.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Our political roundtable with analyst Charlie Chieppo and former state treasurer Shannon O’Brien tackled the latest headlines. Charles Sennott, founder of The GroundTruth Project, discussed President Donald Trump’s state visit to the U.K. We opened up the lines and asked listeners about the movement to go flightless (no, we’re not talking about penguins.) Some people are eschewing flights in favor of ground transportation like trains out of concerns about the environmental impacts of air travel. Would you do the same? Reverend Irene Monroe and Reverend Emmett Price shared their thoughts on Robert F. Smith vacating student loan debt for graduates of Morehouse College and other topics on “All Revved Up.” Television expert Bob Thompson looked at the return of Deadwood, Ava DuVernay’s new film about the Central Park Five, and other must-see moments in TV this week. Then we opened up the lines and asked listeners about a new study on the adverse health effects of binge-watching TV.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Senate President Karen Spilka discussed charter schools, a bill on sex education, and more. Author Ben Mezrich shared his latest book: “Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption.” It’s our favorite sporting event of the year: the National Spelling Bee! We opened up the lines and tested our listeners on their spelling chops. Emily Rooney, host of Beat the Press, shared her thoughts on a decades-old serial killer case. Former state secretary of education Paul Reville looked at a proposal from The College Board to add an “adversity score” to a student’s SAT scores. Homeland security expert Juliette Kayyem analyzed former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s statements to the public earlier this week. Playwright Ryan Landry examined the culture of the “beach read.” Louise Riley Sacco and Michael Frank of the Museum of Bad Art in Somerville faced off on our Friday News Quiz.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Journalist Chuck Todd joined us on the line to discuss Special Counsel Robert Mueller's statement to the public about the Russia investigation. Todd is the moderator of "Meet the Press," host of "Meet the Press Daily" on MSNBC, and the political director for NBC News. Then we opened up the lines and asked our listeners: Did Mueller make it harder yesterday for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to tune out the drumbeat for impeachment? Joining for another edition of "Law and Order" was Andrea Cabral, former Suffolk County sheriff, former state secretary of public safety, and current CEO of Ascend. We hear a lot about 2020 candidates focusing on our health care, but should there be just as much attention put on policies that affect our health? Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of Boston University's School of Public Health, discussed his new book "Well: What We Need to Talk About When We Talk About Health." Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey took our questions and yours on "Ask the AG."

Today on Boston Public Radio: Special Counsel Robert Mueller issued his first public address since the release of his report on Russian interference in the 2016 election. We broadcast his remarks, and then asked our listeners for their thoughts. Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Tom Perez discussed the upcoming primaries, voting cybersecurity, and more. As the death toll on Mount Everest hits a four year high, some are wondering if the Nepalese government should begin to limit the number of permits it issues to climbers hoping to summit the world’s highest peak. Medical ethicist Arthur Caplan weighed in. Harvard Business School professor Mike Norton shared his latest research on the ‘ask-braggart’: the technique of asking someone a question just as a way to talk about themselves. Then we opened up the lines and asked listeners if they’ve experienced this in their own lives. Animal behaviorist Sy Montgomery explained how climate change is threatening Bengal tigers. WGBH executive arts editor Jare

Today on Boston Public Radio: We asked listeners about Red Sox player Bill Buckner, who passed away over the weekend. Was he unfairly defined by a single moment? NBC Sports Boston anchor and reporter Trenni Kusnierek also discussed Buckner and other top news in sports. A federal judge is blocking Trump from building parts of his border wall. Ali Noorani, Director of the National Immigration Forum, shared his analysis. Is Trump’s latest aid package for farmers affected by his trade policies going to be enough? Food writer Corby Kummer explained. We spoke to the team behind the new documentary film “Eat Up,” which looks at an effort to bring healthier food to Boston Public Schools. John King, CNN’s Chief National Correspondent and host of “Inside Politics,” went over the latest national political news. Author Ben Mezrich discused his new book “Bitcoin Billionaire: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption.”

Food writer Corby Kummer believes that, despite promised bailouts to affected farmers, the administration's trade policies have inflicted lasting damage on the American agricultural industry.

The full broadcast of Boston Public Radio from Monday, May 27th, 2019.

The full broadcast of Boston Public Radio from Friday, May 24th, 2019.

The full broadcast of Boston Public Radio from Thursday, May 23rd, 2018 Chuck Todd walked through the latest national headlines, including President Donald Trump's infrastructure meeting with congressional Democrats, and his Rose Garden news conference about impeachment, where he affixed a sign on his podium that declared "No collusion, no obstruction." Todd is moderator of Meet the Press, host of Meet the Press Daily on MSNBC, and the Political Director for NBC news. Is it time for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to get behind other Democrats, and one Republican, and start the process of impeaching President Donald Trump? We opened up the lines to hear our listeners' takes. Andrea Cabral joined for her weekly segment of Law and Order. Cabral, former Suffolk County Sheriff, former secretary of Public safety, and now CEO of Ascend, discussed the implications of facial recognition software for law enforcement and consumer privacy. Alex Beam broke down the latest public shaming craze: "milkshaking," where peopl

Today on Boston Public Radio: A bill in the Massachusetts legislature would compel schools that teach sexual education to use medically accurate information — but it still wouldn't make sex ed mandatory. Medical ethicist Art Caplan weighed in. Caplan is a the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Chair and director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center. He’s also the co-host of the "Everyday Ethics" podcast. Then we opened up the lines and asked our listeners: Do you think sex ed should be mandatory in schools? What's the best way for the government to deal with "sin taxes" on behaviors like smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, and unhealthy foods? MIT economist Jonathan Gruber shared his thoughts. WGBH Executive Arts editor and "Open Studio" host Jared Bowen shared his rundown of the latest arts and cultural events around town. We opened up the lines and asked our listeners: Should Massachusetts implement a statewide soda tax? Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo discussed her pr

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened up the lines and asked our listeners about traffic congestion in Boston. Has it gotten so bad that you've considered moving out of town? The Bruins have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals once again. Anchor and reporter with NBC Sports Boston Trenni Kusnierek weighed in. Filmmaker Michael Kirk discussed his new FRONTLINE documentary, "Supreme Revenge," about the partisan fight to control the Supreme Court, from the Robert Bork confirmation process to Brett Kavanaugh. Joining with the latest news coming out of City Hall was Andrea Campbell, Boston City Council President. We opened up the lines and asked our listeners about grudges. Do you let a grudge take over your life? Or are you good at letting them go? Going over the latest national news was CNN's Chief National Correspondent and host of "Inside Politics," John King. Businessman Robert F. Smith made headlines when he paid off $40 million of student loan debt for Morehouse’s class of 2019. Nancy Koehn, an historian

Today on Boston Public Radio: We went over the latest political headlines with our roundtable, featuring conservative commentator Jennifer Braceras and former Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Steve Kerrigan. Charles Sennott, founder of The GroundTruth Project, looked at the latest escalation of tension between the U.S. and Iran. We examined Kamala Harris’s plan to close the wage gap and then asked our listeners for their take. Television expert Bob Thompson examined the final episode of the cultural phenomenon “Game Of Thrones.” Tech writer Andy Ihnatko shared his favorite finds from MIT’s Swapfest. We opened up the lines and asked you about a controversial new feature on the Uber app that allows you to tell your driver you’re not interested in engaging in conversation. The King of Camp himself, John Waters, joined to discuss his new book “Mr. Know-It-All: The Tarnished Wisdom of a Filth Elder.”

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to hear our listeners' takes on Senator Elizabeth Warren refusing a Fox News town hall. Is this a winning strategy, or did she alienate the 2.5 million viewers who might have tuned in? Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, gave our listeners a preview of an event May 20 in partnership with the Kendall Square Orchestra: Symphony for Science. Bruce Bean, Wade Regehr, and John Gabrieli, neuroscientists from Harvard and MIT, will use a $9 million donation from Bob Broderick to study the effects of cannabis on the brain. They joined Jim and Margery at the Boston Public Library to discuss their research. Emily Rooney joined the show as she does every Friday for her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Boston Globe's interim editorial page editor Shirley Leung on a proposal for a marijuana equity fund. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus say a Joe Biden/Kamala Harris ticket would be a dream. Harris considers that option more of a n

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd, host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” joined us on the line to talk about the debate over impeachment, Bill DeBlasio jumping into the 2020 race, and other political headlines. Then we opened up the lines and asked our listeners: Will the new anti-abortion laws in states like Georgia and Alabama turn you into a single-issue voter on abortion? Could it change the dynamics of the presidential race for you? Fifteen years ago this week, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to allow same-sex marriage. WGBH News reporter Gabrielle Emmanuel spoke with the couple who started it all. Former State Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret Marshall, who wrote the landmark opinion that legalized same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, looked back on the decision. Harvard health policy professor John McDonough looked at the role health care could play in the 2020 campaign. Former industrial trawler-turned-kelp-fisherman Bren Smith discussed his new book, “Eat Like A Fish.” Playwr

Today on Boston Public Radio: The Alabama state legislature has passed a near-total ban on abortion, even in cases of rape or incest. We spoke to medical ethicist Arthur Caplan about the slate of anti-abortion legislation across the country, including a law passed recently in Georgia and bills being considered in Ohio and other states. Caplan is the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Chair, director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center, and co-host of the "Everyday Ethics" podcast. Then we opened up the lines and asked our listeners: Do you fear for the future of safe, legal abortion in the United States? Homeland security expert Juliette Kayyem examined rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Kayyem is on the faculty of Harvard’s Kennedy School and a CNN analyst. We looked back at Massachusetts’s trailblazing case to legalize same-sex marriage 15 years ago. Sue O’Connell examined the decision’s legacies and the cultural changes it created. O'Connell is co-publisher of