Explain Boston to Me

Your local Boston expert-in-training is back to recap second batch of episodes from the Netflix dating show Love is Blind. What is the current state of our couples? Where the hell do they live?? And how many opaque wine glasses are in the production budget???

Next week, there will be a regular episode of EBtM and a final Love is Blind recap.

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Lee Stabert, your local Boston expert-in-training, is here to recap season 11 of the Netflix dating show Love is Blind. This time, the whole cast is based in the Boston area. Will the region's singles find love in the pods? How many times will Dunkin' be mentioned?? Did Tom Brady's Super Bowl triumph against the Falcons beat out Jesus for the "best comeback ever"??? So many big questions, plus my thoughts on Sarah (sweet baby angel), Rob, Morrey (RIP), and the ubiquitous shiny monochromatic cocktail dresses.

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As promised! In this episode, we're joined by Michael Omenazu, a Roxbury resident and  and  former director of community engagement for Boston Legacy FC. He talks me through the development plans for White Stadium, the history of its disrepair, the unique public/private funding model, and the much-discussed the transit plan!

Want to see the chippy comments that inspired this episode? Click here.

Wawa tests sushi.

Elizabeth Banks is Karen Read.

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Ian Coss is back! This time, he's discussing season four of his GBH podcast, The Big Dig. This iteration — titled "Mitt & Ted, a healthcare story" — centers on the passage of Romneycare and the unlikely duo who pushed it across the finish line. We get into Mitt Romney as a fascinating American character, the Heritage Foundation, the Affordable Care Act, and what the bill looks like 20 years later.

Lemon. Wet. Good.

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In this episode, we're speaking with returning guest Dart Adams about Celtics legend Bill Russell. He goes deep on the superstar's personality, his activism, his groundbreaking play style, and his relationship with the city of Boston.

The Double Doink.

Jayson Stark on the biggest MLB late-season implosions.

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In this episode, we're chatting with Gregory Cordeiro of Easymoc. This shoe industry vet talks about the history of making footwear in New England, the talent base that keeps companies in Boston, and why he has dedicated his life to making high-quality leather shoes in Maine. Plus, a clip from Pretty Woman and too much talk about Jumanji.

But his shoes HERE; and/or follow Easymoc on Instagram.

Matt Cord is back.

Bar Cici.

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We're talking about a project that transformed downtown Boston, for good or for ill. City planner Noah Harper talks us through the history of Government Center, from Scollay Square to Urban Renewal, Brutalism to the Cop Slide. Plus, the tragic tale of a lost earring.

Check out Harper's substack, Power and Place; here is his piece on Government Center.

Previous Relevant Episodes: Urban Renewal, The West End, The Big Dig.

My lost earring on Reddit. Cash reward! Also GO TO ZUSAMMEN.

Malala says "Go Birds!"

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In this episode, we're talking about East Boston with researcher and resident Joshua Lown. How did this series of soggy islands become a dense urban neighborhood? What is residents' relationship with their noisy neighbor, Logan Airport? And how did fights over runways and run-off contribute to a legacy of community resistance on Maverick Street and beyond? Plus, the White Stadium conversation continues and a vacation report.

Jalen Hurts is nice to look at: Topping the Hottest QB rankings and appearing in the pages of GQ.

Tortilla San Roman in Philadelphia. 

Ride the Codzilla. 

There’s a reason they call it “Beantown.” In this week’s rerun, Yankee Magazine food editor Amy Traverso takes us through the history of this iconic food — and explains why its place on the Mount Rushmore of local cuisine might be in jeopardy.

I made beans! 

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In this Boston Movie Club REWIND, we’re talking about Fever Pitch, the 2005 romcom starring Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, and the 2004 Red Sox. Joining me to dig into this divisive film is Tyler Rotman, who you might remember from EBtM: The 2004 Red Sox. We talk about Fallon as a leading man, the last-minute script changes, and why some locals loathe this movie.

This episode originally aired on September 24, 2025. 

Here’s the essay Tyler mentions: “In defense of Fever Pitch, the greatest Red Sox movie of all-time”

When your baseball team loses (TikTok)

“Here come...

In this episode, we're talking with economics professor Victor Matheson about the history of Gillette Stadium and Boston's aversion to stadium funding more broadly. The conversation touches on Fenway, the new ballpark in Worcester, Robert Kraft's new Revs home, and the one public stadium project the city IS funding.

The Red Sox are going to the CORN. 

The Union build a "Sportsplex" in Chester. 

Check out Ghostlander! You could be their new drummer/pedal steel/keyboard player.

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On this episode, we're talking about an intellectual movement that changed the world — and was born right here in the Boston area. From Walden Pond to "Self-Reliance" to one of the first great feminist thinkers, Transcendentalism produced enduring literature and revolutionary ideas. Princeton professor Peter Wirzbicki is here to explain it all.

Zoo360.

A.J. Brown drama. 

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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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