Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by asking listeners what perks their offices could give to get them back at the workplace. Sue O’Connell updates us on the leadership shakeup at Boston Pride, and the Boston City Council’s vote to change its rules so that they can remove a council president by a two-thirds vote. She also shares her thoughts on the Department of Justice (DOJ) stating that they would “vigorously” defend federally-funded religious schools in a case on LGBT+ discrimination. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and the South End News, as well as NECN's political commentator and explainer-in-chief. Emily Rooney weighs in on Jeffrey Toobin’s reinstatement at CNN, and talks about the announcement of an independent review into the 2010 police-involved death of college student DJ Henry. She also shared her famous list. Rooney is the host of Beat the Press, which you can watch Friday nights at 7 p.m. Brian Stelter speaks about the relationship between Fox News, its viewers, and

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, from President Joe Biden’s upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin at the G7 Summit to Vice President Kamala Harris’ trips to Guatemala and Mexico. Todd is the moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, host of “Meet The Press Daily” on MSNBC and the political director for NBC News. Then, we ask listeners whether they supported imposing tax hikes on millionaires. Andrea Cabral discusses the firing of former Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White, and shares her thoughts on growing public distrust of the Boston Police Department. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Joe Spaulding talks about the struggles facing performing arts venues due to the pandemic, and updates us on the Boch Center’s upcoming shows. Spaulding is the president and CEO of Boston’s Boch Center, overseeing both the 3,500-seat Wang Theatre and the 1,50

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio on Thursday about self-pouring alcohol machines and legislation. “Connecticut is about to allow these self-pour alcohol machines,” he said. “You’ve all seen the vending machines, especially from Coca-Cola, that pre-mixes your drink and you pick exactly what you want, and that’s a huge innovation in the soft drink industry. This is the same thing for alcohol and cocktails.” Currently, Connecticut is one of just five states, including Massachusetts, where self-pour alcohol machines are not permitted to be used. “As far as I can tell, the only place where it’s legal in Massachusetts is behind a lock and key with a valid ID for bartenders at a casino,” Kummer said. “But it might be coming here sooner.” 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: Dr. Tina Opie discusses the rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) trainings in the corporate world, and explained how companies can foster more inclusive work environments. She also shares her thoughts on whether it’s time to retire dress codes mandating strict business attire. Dr. Opie is an Associate Professor in the Management Division at Babson and the founder of Opie Consulting Group. Next, we talk with listeners about the return to office dress codes, post-pandemic. Juliette Kayyem updates us on the release of a Senate report on the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, explaining how threats were not taken seriously by law enforcement agencies. She also talks about the ransomware attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and the Steamship Authority. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Art Caplan shares his thoughts on the

Today on Boston Public Radio: Saraya Wintersmith talks about the firing of Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White for alleged domestic violence. Wintersmith covers Boston City Hall for GBH News. Then, we asks listeners whether they’ve lost trust in law enforcement due to recent scandals facing the Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Trenni Kusnierek updates us on COVID-19 precautions at the Tokyo Olympics, and the NFL’s decision to end the use of “race-norming” to assess athletes’ brain injuries. She also talks about golfer Jon Rahm’s withdrawal from the PGA TOUR Memorial Tournament after testing positive for COVID-19. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Carol Rose explains her concerns behind a surveillance network proposal that would connect nine communities across Greater Boston, and how the pandemic highlighted the need for the passage of the VOTES Act. Rose is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachuse

Today on Boston Public Radio: EJ Dionne updates us on the latest political headlines, from former President Donald Trump’s speech at the North Carolina Republican Convention to Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) statement that he would not support Democrats’ voting rights bill. Dionne is a columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution. His latest book is "Code Red: How Progressives And Moderates Can Unite To Save Our Country.” Next, we talk with listeners about Sen. Manchin (D-WV) and bipartisanship in Congress. Charlie Sennott weighs in on Israeli politicians’ agreement to form a new government, and Vice President Kamala Harris’ trip to Guatemala and Mexico. He also talks about a chemical cargo ship that burned for two weeks before sinking off the coast of Sri Lanka. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Douglass Williams talks about what the past year has been like for his South End restaurant MIDA, and the recent opening of a secon

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start the show by opening the phone lines, talking with listeners about whether they’re reassessing their relationships as we emerge from the pandemic. Sue O’Connell explains how LGBTQ activists are challenging Boston Pride to diversify its board, and the nationwide debate over involving police in pride. She also talks about George P. Bush announcing his run for attorney general in Texas. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and the South End News, as well as NECN's political commentator and explainer-in-chief. Emily Rooney shares her thoughts on a government report which found that there was no conclusive evidence that unidentified aerial phenomena were alien spacecraft, but could not identify what the UFOs were. She also previews tonight’s Beat the Press. Rooney is the host of Beat the Press, which you can watch Friday nights at 7 p.m. Next, we ask listeners if they would swim in London’s Sky Pool. Yamiche Alcindor discusses her experiences covering former Presi

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, from former President Donald Trump shutting down his blog to his claims that he’ll be reinstated as president in August. Todd is the moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, host of “Meet The Press Daily” on MSNBC and the political director for NBC News. Then, we ask listeners what pandemic hobbies and behaviors they’re giving up. Andrea Cabral walks us through Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White’s termination hearing, and discusses Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema’s (D-AZ) defense of the filibuster. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Corby Kummer discusses calls for the Massachusetts legislature to extend pandemic-era cocktails to-go and caps on delivery service commissions. He also talks about the ransomware attack against meat packer JBS. Kummer is the executive director of the Food and Society p

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio on Thursday about the cyberattack against JBS, the world’s largest meat processing company. “Plants were closed down because they were unable to schedule workers and it interrupted the entire supply chain,” he said. “The idea that you’ve got cattle and need a slaughterhouse to be open to continue the supply chain, that’s being broken and it can impact farmers as well as raise meat prices.” The result of this cyberattack could cause waste, Kummer noted. “Probably these slaughtered animals are not going to meat, just euthanized, and buried the way the supply chain disruptions of the early pandemic did last year,” he said. “It’s dangerous to be subject and this vulnerable to a cyberattack.”

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by talking with listeners about searching for childcare services as they return to the workplace. Art Caplan talks about Moderna’s application to the FDA for approval of its vaccines. He also shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court hearing of a Mississippi case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, and the International Olympic Committee requiring athletes to sign COVID-19 waivers for the 2021 Tokyo Games. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. Juliette Kayyem discusses the increase in ransomware attacks in the wake of hacks on the Colonial Pipeline, JBS, and the Steamship Authority. She also talks about ocean safety for the summer. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Shirley Leung speaks about the lack of child care accommodations offered

Today on Boston Public Radio: Acting Mayor Kim Janey discusses the investigation into Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White, and Northeastern University’s plans to build a 25-story dorm and classroom space in Roxbury. She also answers listeners’ questions during “Ask the Acting Mayor.” David Leonard speaks about the reopening of the Boston Public Library, and explained how their operations changed throughout the pandemic. He also shares which genres library patrons gravitated to during quarantine. Leonard is president of the Boston Public Library. Trenni Kusnierek discusses Naomi Osaka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open following her comments on post-match press conferences, and the arrest of a Boston Celtics fan for allegedly throwing a water bottle at Kyrie Irving. She also shares her thoughts on calls to cancel the Tokyo Olympics. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Ken Gloss talks about how The Brattle Book Shop adapted dur

We're on tape today, replaying some of our favorite conversations, which includes: Ron Chernow joins Jim and Margery to talk about his biography, GRANT Harvard Business School's Michael Norton discusses his latest research, which looks at what is more valuable to people, saving money of saving time Author Karl Ove Knaussgard discusses his book, Autumn Patti Smith discusses why she considers herself a writer above all of the other talents. It’s the subject of her memoir, Devotion (Why I Write) Salman Rushdie discusses his novel, The Golden House Sy Montgomery and Elizabeth Marshall Thomas discuss their book, Tamed and Untamed: Close Encounters of the Animal Kind

We’re on tape today, replaying some of our favorite conversations, which include: James Beard award winning pastry chef Joanne Chang discussing her book, Pastry Love: A Baker’s Journal of Favorite Recipes. Former commercial fisherman Bren Smith discussing his book, Eat Like a Fish: My Adventures Farming the Ocean to Fight Climate Change. Jacques Pepin and his granddaughter Shorey Wesen discussing their latest collaboration, the cookbook A Grandfather’s Lessons: In the Kitchen with Shorey. Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association, discussing why her work remains as relevant today as it did in the 1960s. Chris Kimball, founder of Milk Street, discussing his latest cookbook Tuesday Nights Mediterranean: 125 Simple Weeknight Recipes from the World's Healthiest Cuisine. Andrew Li and Irene Li discuss their latest cookbook, which they wrote with their sister Margaret Li, Double Awesome Chinese Food: Irresistible and Totally Achievable Recipes from Our Chinese-American Kitchen.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd speaks about the San Jose Valley Transit Authority (VTA) rail yard shooting, and weighs in on what it would take for Congress to pass meaningful gun reform legislation. Todd is the moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, host of “Meet The Press Daily” on MSNBC and the political director for NBC News. Next, we talk with listeners about Massachusetts reopening for Memorial Day weekend. Andrea Cabral discusses New York prosecutors convening a grand jury to decide whether to indict former President Donald Trump and Trump Organization executives under a criminal investigation into the business. She also updates us on Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White’s ongoing legal battle. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Paul Reville talks about Boston Public Schools ending a partnership with a nonprofit due to alleged “cult-like” counseling sessions with students, and

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start the show by asking listeners whether schools should have police officers on campus. Art Caplan shares his thoughts on the CDC’s decision to not investigate breakthrough COVID-19 cases among vaccinated people, and the rollback of mask mandates across the country. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. Juliette Kayyem discusses scientists’ increasing interest in the lab-leak origin theory of COVID-19. She also explains how Republicans who sought to overturn the 2020 election are now seeking roles as election officials. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Chris Dempsey and Jim Aloisi talks about the MBTA’s return to pre-pandemic service levels, and safety issues with new Orange Line cars. They also share their thoughts on how Boston’s next mayor co

Today on Boston Public Radio: Attorney General Maura Healey discusses the investigation into Hopkinton teen Mikayla Miller’s death, the use of no-knock warrants in the Commonwealth, and allegations of domestic violence against Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White. She also answers listeners’ questions during “Ask the AG.” Dr. Renee Crichlow talks about vaccine hesitancy among parents, and laws allowing minors to get vaccinated without their parents’ permission. Dr. Crichlow is the chief medical officer at Codman Square Health Center and the incoming vice chair of health equity at the Boston University Department of Family Medicine. Michael Curry discusses how the murder of George Floyd reverberated in Boston, from police reform to the city’s mayoral race. Curry is the president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and a member of Governor Charlie Baker’s COVID Vaccine Advisory Group. He’s also a Member of the National NAACP Board of Directors, and the Chair of the Board’s Advo

Today on Boston Public Radio: EJ Dionne talks about Democrats’ responses to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, and the generational divide among American Jews on Israel and Palestine. Dionne is a columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution. His latest book is "Code Red: How Progressives And Moderates Can Unite To Save Our Country.” Next, we open phone lines, asking listeners whether they want to continue working from home or return to the office. Rebecca Ostriker discusses the Boston Globe Spotlight team’s recent investigation into the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Ostriker is a news reporter for the Boston Globe. Trenni Kusnierek talks about golfer Phil Mickelson’s historic win as the oldest major champion to win the PGA Championship. She also discusses the Tokyo Olympics' COVID-19 restrictions. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III share their

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rep. Jim McGovern shares his thoughts on GOP opposition to the formation of a commission to look into the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. House Rules Chairman McGovern (D-MA) represents the 2nd Congressional district. District Attorney Rachael Rollins discusses the investigation into Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White, focusing on an affidavit provided by former Commissioner William Gross and the blue wall of silence. Rollins is the district attorney for Suffolk County. Emily Rooney weighs in on a Washington Post report that found that Chris Cuomo took part in strategy calls regarding sexual harassment allegations against his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. She also previews tonight’s edition of “Beat the Press.” Rooney is the host of Beat the Press, which you can watch Friday nights at 7 p.m. Sue O’Connell explains the complicated legacy of Ellen DeGeneres as an LGBTQ icon. She also talks about the youth activists of Massachusetts. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Window

Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio on Thursday about how Oatly, a company that sells oat milk products, made its Wall Street debut. “It turns out there’s very big Chinese and big business money behind it,” he said. “Today is a very big day for Oatly, because now it has an IPO and it is maybe going to be valued at $10 billion by the end of the day.” Many environmentally conscious consumers are drawn to oat milk and plant-based products as a way to lower their carbon footprint, Kummer noted. “More and more consumers are making these choices that favor the environment,” he said. “But there’s also the complicated factors that the products we’re exposed to that have the money to get into stores have big international money behind it that we might not like.” 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 begin the show by opening phone lines, talking with listeners about the House’s passage of a bill that would establish a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. Andrea Cabral discusses former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross’ claims that former Mayor Marty Walsh knew about the domestic violence allegations against Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Gov. Charlie Baker updates us on current vaccination rates and equity in Massachusetts, and weighs in on calls for an independent investigation into the death of Hopkinton teen Mikayla Miller. Corby Kummer shares his thoughts on Swedish oat milk company Oatly’s public market debut, and Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s decision to drop their in-store mask mandates. Kummer is the executive director of the Food and Society policy program at the Aspen Institute,