Explain Boston to Me

We're joined by Zach Remi aka @new_england_dad to talk about what your New England summer vacation says about you. From Maine to Martha's Vineyard, New Hampshire to Cape Cod, we're parsing the delights, drawbacks and expectations of iconic local warm-weather destinations.

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We're talking with Joseph Nevins, a professor and co-author of A People's Guide to Greater Boston, about this seminal decade in Boston history. From busing to the Bicentennial to the Vault, the 1970s showcased a city in transition.

Lebron is a Sixer and people are freaking out.

Nantucket influencer drama.

Jimothy.

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We're chatting with Jim Varney of Wavelength Coffee Roasters about local coffee culture — from Dunkin and Coffee Connection to Keurig and $8 pour-overs. What does it mean that this regional prizes both affordable, utilitarian caffeine delivery AND serves as a hot-bed for java-centric innovation?

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This conversation focuses on Boston's wealth of historic buildings — and the advantages and challenges that result. Peter Vanderwarker and Dr. Rebecca Kemper from Historic Boston Incorporated share their thoughts on the evolving city, when a building crosses the rubicon and becomes "historic" (paging City Hall), and lament some of their favorite lost structures.

Philly's best cheesesteak is in the visiting clubhouse. 

Duck Boat disaster. 

'The Five-Star Weekend' filmed on Nantucket. 

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We're hopping on a ferry and heading to the "The Little Grey Lady of the Sea." Author Julie Gerstenblatt is here to talk us through her personal relationship to Nantucket, detail the island's particular charms, and explain how the whaling-mecca-turned-posh-summer-destination has evolved over the years.

Primo's Hoagie Trays!

Jaylen Brown to the Sixers.

@Carly gets her own Nantucket lightship basket.

Julie's Website.

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I'm down the [Jersey] shore, so it's rerun time! This is one of the show's most popular episodes ever. We’re talking tripledeckers, that iconic piece of the local urban fabric with Matthew Dickey, aka Streetscape Curator. What are the origins of this vernacular architectural style? How has their identity — and their residents — changed over the years? And are we ready for a tripledecker renaissance?

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In this episode, we're chatting with chef and restauranteur Nick Dixon about what it actually takes to run a successful spot in the city of Boston, from the cost of doing business to picking the right plates, to sending back food. His new spot Dalia just opened in South Boston.

Calder Gardens wows.

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Crack a cold one! In this episode, we're talking about Polar Seltzer, a staple of fridges and coolers across New England. This Worcester-based company has been in business for 144 years, and it remains the gold standard for the seltzer obsessed, including our guest, food writer Jacqueline Cain. We chat about the best flavors, the recent rebrand and the Willy Wonka-esque mystery surrounding Polar.

The curse of the Rocky statue strikes Ecuador. 

Coop Social Club in JP. 

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In this episode, we're chatting with Chris Wrenn, author of Fenway Punk: How a Boston Indie Label Scored Big on Baseball's Greatest Rivalry. He talks "Yankees Suck," going legit with Sully's Brand, and the city's enduring punk and hardcore scene. It's a true Boston story with plenty of only-in-Beantown insights.

AJ Brown's AI silliness

Boston has the NBA's most passionate — and most obnoxious — fans

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This week, it's just the tip — of Cape Cod! We're talking Provincetown with Courtney Trautman a South End transplant with a deep love of this seaside gay mecca.

Philly artist Clancy Philbrick explains his very special replica of the World Cup trophy. Check our his work HERE.

The Broad Street Bulletin.

Bathtub Marys.

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It's re-run time, as Lee is off getting ready for the launch of ArtPhilly's What Now: 2026 festival. To that end, we're kicking off summer by chatting about Cape Cod. Sharing his thoughts, feelings, and shark avoidance tips is Joe Fenti, standup comedian and corporate drone/content creator. Follow him on Instagram (@fentifriedchicken) and TikTok.

For more on Boston Children's Choir and to register, head to bostonchildrenschorus.org or call 617-245-6036. 

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In this episode, writer Tanya Edwards tells us about the rise and fall of Boston Market (née Boston Chicken), which just closed its final Massachusetts location. From two young Northeastern grads with a rotisserie and a dream, to Carver Sandwiches, to private-equity mismanagement, this story has everything. Check out Tanya's feature on the death of this local institution in the Boston Globe.

Philadelphia man eats chicken on abandoned pier in front of raucous crowd. 

A Schwarbomb at Fenway. 

A key to Black Point Beach goes for $325,000.

Novo Mundo in New Bed...

Whether it was cow paths or Puritan obstinance, the roots of Boston's grid-less city run deep. To talk about the city's unique geography, we're joined by Andy Woodruff, author of the new book Boston in 50 Maps.

Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles

Strangers by Belle Burden

Widow's Bay on AppleTV

What's the Best Way? (SNL)

Jason Kelce in goes full Mummer.

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Explain Boston to Me took to the stage at the Boston Athenaeum, a storied institution that reflects the history and values of its home city. Guests Leah Rosovsky and John Buchtel spoke about 19th century Boston, the origins of the Athenaeum, and the legends who have stalked its halls. Plus, some poor Sixers/Celtics prognosticating.

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In this episode, we're exploring the origins of Boston's vibrant Chinatown — and reexamining myths around the city's first Chinese restaurant — with lawyer and historian Richard Auffrey aka The Passionate Foodie. From the first Chinese immigrant to Boston to Hong Far Low and Ruby Foo, this is a fascinating and vital part of the region's history.

Put Sky Cafe and Hardena on your when-in-Philly lists.

Search Engine comes to Boston to talk AVs (Part One and Part Two).

Lisa McManus' Zoe's recs.

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We're learning about a true Boston icon: Fenway Park. According to author Glenn Stout, this baseball paradise "changed his life" — it also would have been unrecognizable to current fans back in 1912 when it opened. The ballpark's transformation over the last 100-plus years tells us so much about the city and its continued evolution. And don't you dare take its endurance for granted: There were moments when Fenway was in real peril, and it might be in the future, too.

Stout is the author of Fenway 1912.

The Best Free Restaurant Bread in America.

EBtM LI...

It's time to talk about, as our guest puts it, "Bobby Brown Boston." Dr. Rufus J. Faulk loves Roxbury deeply and has plenty to say about its people and its history. After all, this town-turned-neighborhood that has been vital to local culture since 1630. That's right: 1630!!!

Vrabel...

EBtM LIVE at the Athenaeum.

Pre-order YUPPIES.

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The biggest art theft in history remains unsolved — but the former lead FBI agent on the case has some theories. That would be Geoff Kelly, author of the new book, Thirteen Perfect Fugitives: The True Story of the Mob, Murder, and the World's Largest Art Heist. He's here to tell us about what went down at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on the night of March 18, 1990.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

$80!!!!!

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We're going deep on Boston's very own founding father. John Adams — and his wife Abigail — had a powerful impact on our nascent nation, even if Lin Manuel Miranda decided to yada yada his contributions. Helping us talk through this fascinating history is return guest Audrey Stuck-Girard.

The Phanatic goes Colonial.

Jordan's Furniture makes another big bet. 

EBtM: The Great Turkey Invasion.

Listen to Cory Branan. Also, ME on Cory for the Nashville Scene back in 2012.

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In this episode, we're talking about the wave of Irish immigrants that arrived in Boston in the 19th century — and how the response to their arrival led to policies and prejudices with an enduring impact on the region and the nation. Helping us talk through these thorny issues is Professor Hidetaka Hirota, author of Expelling the Poor: Atlantic Seaboard States and the Nineteenth-Century Origins of American Immigration Policy.

RIP Isaiah Zagar.

Philly versus the Robots.

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

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It's the first of our long-anticipated 'Local Colleges' series. We're chatting about Tufts University with alum Mark Buccella and senior Hannah Jiang. They let me in on the campus culture, the storied traditions, and the Jumbo of it all. Plus, a Gillette Stadium traffic rant and info on the first EBtM live event.

Come see Explain Boston to Me LIVE at the Athenaeum!

Tesiny is fire.

"Everybody Hurts"

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Boston was once declared the most congested metropolitan region in the country. So, yes, the traffic here is terrible — but what can we do about it? How can we change the structural incentives that keep people in their cars? Hint: the answer is not bigger roads.

To traverse the conversational terrain of transit, congestion pricing, gas taxes, and bike lanes, we're joined by Chris Dempsey and Jeff Speck, the men behind the urban design firm Speck Dempsey. These guys really know what they're talking about, even if they've never seen the Cameron Crowe classic Singles.

This...

We're going behind the doors of Boston's private clubs, a key part of the city's social life since the 19th century. Serving as our tour guide is Ken Turino, a member of the St. Botolph Club and The 'Quin House. What is the enduring appeal of these institutions? How are they modernizing? And what does their resurgence say about contemporary life?

V.J. Edgecombe goes into the seats.

The President's House gets its signs back. 

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In this episode, we're reconsidering the Puritans with historian Lori Rogers-Stokes, author of Gathered Into a Church: Indigenous-English Congregationalism in Woodland New England. So much to learn! And so much to unlearn! This devout group of colonists had a tremendous influence on the culture and governance of New England, and the stereotypes don't do them justice. This one is a banger!

Self-unite in Pennsylvania! Thanks, Quakers.

The Simpsons go to Philadelphia.  

The Gold Medal-winning U.S. women's hockey team has a Boston flavor.

Go to Comfort Kitchen!

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In this episode, we're chatting about a Jamaica Plain, a beloved and eclectic Boston neighborhood. Longtime resident and amateur historian Gretchen Grozier talks about the area's long history, its major landmarks, and its particular charms.

Zach Wheeler has rib in closet. (Bryce Harper removes blood.)

Reading "Iced Coffees"

Jordan's Furniture loves making sports bets.

Norwegian skier crashes out. 

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In this episode, guest Josh Davis is helping us go deep on a regional specialty: South Shore Bar Pizza. What makes a good one? What are some of the top spots? Where does this particular style fit in the pizza pantheon?

Mexican pizza in Philly.

30 for 30: Philly Special trailer.

Jordon Hudson! The shade!!!!

Latest Ben Affleck Dunkin Super Bowl ad. Blech. 

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Let's call this the "time is a flat circle" episode. Daniel Berger-Jones and John J King from the Get Shocked podcast and Boston History Company are here to talk about the Boston Massacre. We discuss the myths behind this seminal Revolutionary era event, clashes between occupiers and the occupied, local proclivities towards self-government, and the moments throughout history when theoretical violence becomes real violence. Yup.

RIP Dan McQuade. (The beloved compilation he created.)

WBUR on local animal weather forecasters.

Cape Cod potato chips factory closes.

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In this episode, we're joined by James O'Connell, a professor at BU and author of the book, Boston and the Making of a Global City. He explains how the city's port opened it up to the world, transformed its economy, and shaped its culture. In short, Boston would not be the city it is without this vital connection.

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We're doing something a little different this week, heading down to record on location at Wulf's Fish in the Seaport. Richard Taylor and Desiree Antczak (Wulf's) and Bill Mantia (John Mantia & Sons) share their insights on Boston's seafood industry — how it has evolved, what it means to the city, and how it endures next to some of the priciest real estate in the country. With special guest Dylan Gottlieb!

Snapper Soup is a Philly tradition.

Sad baseball corner. 

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In this episode, we're exploring one of Boston's most storied and beloved traditions: The Beanpot. This annual tournament brings the college hockey programs from Boston University, Boston College, Harvard and Northeastern together for an epic clash. I'm joined by local sports maven Tom Burke — his family owned the Celtics and Boston Garden, and plays a role in the Boston Marathon to this day — to tell me all about its origins and its evolution. He is also co-author of Tales from the Boston College Hockey Locker Room: A Collection of the Greatest Eagles Hockey Stories Ever Told.

Attend the...

As 2026 begins, it's a great moment to check in on the state of Explain Boston to Me. In addition, we're asking for help — what else is new?? — finding guests for a slate of exciting topics. Plus, what Lee did on her winter vacation.

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In this installment of Boston Movie Club, I’m joined by Southie native and former EBtM guest Pat Toomey (check out his episode here) to chat about The Departed. I was new to this Scorcese gangster flick —  cranberry juice! Nicolson in a bucket hat! Wahlberg! rats! — and was thrilled to have a local talk me through its complicated legacy.

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Just don’t call him that! In this week’s rerun, we’re talking to lawyer, father, Bostonian and — according to some — Boston Brahmin, R.J. Lyman. He teaches us about the origins of the term, its place in local culture, its institutions, the accent, and the values that the caste espouses.

Two Boston Brahmins talkin’

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The show welcomes Christopher Price, Patriots beat reporter for The Boston Globe and host of "The Patriots Report" podcast. Now that the team has emerged from its — short lived — time in the wilderness, how does that impact local fandom? Where are Patriots supporters, emotionally? Also, we chat Brady, parade fatigue, and sacred Sundays in New England.

My L.L. Bean "bus stop shoe"

"Hello" Brady Returns promo — bonkers!

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In this episode, we're chatting with Christian Doan aka Chopstick Murphys about Boston's robust Asian food scene — and try determine whether or not its underrated. We also touch on the life of a food influencer, offer lots of restaurant recommendations, and bond over our mutual love of stereotypes.

Follow Christian on Instagram and Tiktok.

Big Shot.

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In this episode, we're talking about the new professional sports franchise coming to Boston. Rachel Duranwood from Boston Legacy FC yaps with me about local culture, the failed NWSL team that came before, money in women's sports, and the evolving state of women's pro soccer, both locally and nationally. It's a fun chat that goes far beyond the pitch. Oh, and we touch on the team's original botched roll out.

They did have a televised reveal of Phang.

Marra's closes after 98 years.

The most memorable play from Monday's Patriots' game. 

Aquarium B...

It's a special Tuesday pre-holiday release! Tis the season to talk about Cranberries. Guest Steve Ward has been farming this gem-like fruit for decades. He has both a deep knowledge of the local industry and a deep love of this work. We chat about how exactly one grows cranberries, learn the secrets of the bog, and even banter about favorite recipes.

Michelin Awards for Philly and Boston.

Mobsters & Lobsters.  

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It's a legend talking about a LEGEND! In this very special episode, I'm joined by iconic Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy to talk about Larry Bird. We discuss the life of a 1970s beat writer, Bird's rivalry with Magic Johnson, and why this town remains so in love with the kid from French Lick, Indiana. Shaughnessy actually wrote a book on the Celtic superstar: Wish It Lasted Forever: Life with the Larry Bird Celtics. You can catch him Boston Globe Sports Report, in collaboration with NESN, on Mondays.

The last penny.

O-lineman who sing xmas...

In this very special episode, we're joined by Michael Kuchta and Karen Weintraub, authors of Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators, for a stroll (both literal and figurative) through Mount Auburn Cemetery and its history.

In part one, we chat in-studio about this iconic garden cemetery's origins. And in part two, we visit a few notable graves to get a sense of the incredible Bostonians buried there.

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In this episode, we're learning all about Roslindale, a Boston neighborhood with a deep sense of community. Talking us through its history and its character is Adam Rogoff, owner of The Substation. He spills on his favorite spots, fires some strays at JP, and flexes about sharing a neighborhood with Mayor Wu.

Celebrate five years of The Substation on Friday, November 7.

Talking about practice.

Love Park is reborn in Sweden. 

"Toronto Will Never Get Over This" (Defector gift link)

EBtM: The Modern Lovers & 70s Boston

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