Boston Public Radio Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: GBH News

Join hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan for a smart local conversation with leaders and thinkers shaping Boston and New England. We feature our favorite conversation from each show. To hear the full show, please visit wgbhnews.org/bpr To share your opinion, email bpr@wgbh.org or call or text 877-301-8970 during the live broadcast from 11AM-1PM Monday through Friday.

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Best of BPR (Sept.14-18 2026): Ken Casey, Queer AF Runway, & Rhinoceros
Best of BPR (Sept.14-18 2026): Ken Casey, Queer AF Runway, & Rhinoceros episode artwork
Yesterday at 11:00 AM

WWelcome to our new rendition of the Best of BPR Podcast! In this new version, we will be publishing the week's top segments. In case you're missing us over the weekend... now you have something to listen to!

On today's Show: 

Ken Casey, frontman of the Dropkick Murphys, on the pressures on artists to not be political these days, and why the Murphys have been Very Punk about that since the 1990s.

We hosted a special BPR/BPL red carpet fashion show, with “Love Your Labels” President and Founder Joshua Croke, and designer Anita...


BPR Talks 9/18/26: More Recess for Kids?
BPR Talks 9/18/26: More Recess for Kids? episode artwork
Last Friday at 8:00 PM

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: 

As Trump’s endless Iran excursion continues, gas and diesel prices get higher everyday. From candidate Trump who promised lower gas prices on day one, we’re opening the phone and text lines to hear about your pain at the pump and pocketbook. Are you considering that EV instead of a gas guzzler? 

We’ll end the w...


BPR Full Show 9/18/26: Paul Giamatti Joins Us
BPR Full Show 9/18/26: Paul Giamatti Joins Us episode artwork
Last Friday at 8:00 PM

Sue O'Connell discusses the upcoming hearing for Lindsay Clancy, the potential for a new trial, and the backlash against reporting about the lone holdout juror.

Boston Baroque joins for Live Music Friday.

Paul Giamatti and Diana Paulus discusses Rhinoceros at the ART.

Former cannabis regulator Shannon O'Brien joins to discuss her lawsuit against the CCC and Treasurer Deb Goldberg.


BPR Full Show 9/17/26: Impacts of TPS Removal on Haitian Community
BPR Full Show 9/17/26: Impacts of TPS Removal on Haitian Community episode artwork
Last Thursday at 8:00 PM

Chuck Todd on the latest national political headlines, including the imminent closure of the Kennedy center and FBI director Kash Patel's bestiality comments. 

Andrea Cabral, former sec of public safety, on the Clancy mistrial and the public outrage over the holdout juror. 

Jeffrey Thielman of the International Institute of New England joins with Casamir, a local Haitian immigrant who recently lost her TPS status. We'll talk with her about how this has affected her ability to support herself and continue her education.

And GBH's Paris Alston joins with WNYC's Brian Leher to preview to...


BPR Talks 9/17/26: Ed Sheeran & Macklemore Beef
BPR Talks 9/17/26: Ed Sheeran & Macklemore Beef episode artwork
Last Thursday at 8:00 PM

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show:  Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft are still making headlines after the rapper Macklemore was booted from Sheeran’s tour for pro-Palestinian comments. Then it's Thursday’s Am I The A-Hole… is it okay to open new products, like say- a bottle of ketchup, before the old one is empty?

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 9/16/26: Ask the Governor
BPR Full Show 9/16/26: Ask the Governor episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 8:00 PM


Governor Maura Healey 11-12 for Ask the Gov.

Ken Casey, frontman of the Dropkick Murphys, on the pressures on artists to not be political these days, and why the Murphys have been Very Punk about that since the 1990s.

Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung on Boston's new economic chief and other business headlines.


BPR Talks 9/16/26: Snacks Policing in Kids
BPR Talks 9/16/26: Snacks Policing in Kids episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 8:00 PM

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: because we love lunch, and politics. How are you navigating the minefield of other parents about the decision to include sweet treats like Oreos in little Timmy’s lunchbox? Should the whole class, or office, be ultra-processed and sugar-free to remove any temptation…or joy…from lunchtime?

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 9/15/26: Queer AF Fashion Show
BPR Full Show 9/15/26: Queer AF Fashion Show episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 8:00 PM

Trenni Casey discussing the start of the NFL season, and Robert Kraft barring Macklemore from playing at Gillette for his pro-Palestine statements.

Joshua Croke, founder/president of Love Your Labels joins ahead of Worcester's Queer AF fashion show; models Ray and Audacious will walk the BPR red carpet.

Dr. Vanessa Kerry, CEO of Seed Global Health, joins to discuss the status of global health systems.

Retired psychoanalyst Leonard Glass zooms in to discuss Trump's mental status and the Goldwater Rule.


BPR Talks 9/15/26: Macklemore and Gilette Stadium
BPR Talks 9/15/26: Macklemore and Gilette Stadium episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 8:00 PM

Welcome to our new rendition of the Best of BPR Podcast! In this new version, we will be publishing the week's top segments. In case you're missing us over the weekend... now you have something to listen to!

On today's Show: Patriot’s owner Robert Kraft has banned rapper Macklemore from performing at Gillette over his pro-Palestinian comments. Is this a free speech issue? And have we all forgotten about the horrors continuing in Gaza and the West Bank? Then,  we’ll end the show with some tittle-tattle. Is it possible to be an ethical gossip? Or does...


BPR Full Show 9/14/26: New England Innocence Project
BPR Full Show 9/14/26: New England Innocence Project episode artwork
Last Monday at 8:00 PM

Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory joining for a Monday news roundup.

Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discussing the do's and don'ts of using AI for your health questions and other headlines in health.

Eddie Wright, an exoneree who spent 40 years in prison, and Jacqueline Fonseca, intake coordinator at the New England Innocence Project, join to discuss the "Voices of the Innocent" event at City Winery this week, and 

Corby Kummer discusses the collapse of our food system — even "expensive" groceries are getting less safe to eat, millions have been dropped from SNAP food assistance, and...


BPR Talks 9/14/26: is AI Coming For All of Us?
BPR Talks 9/14/26: is AI Coming For All of Us? episode artwork
Last Monday at 8:00 PM

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We ask listeners how they feel about AI, is it coming for all of us? should we be concerned? Then, we opened the lines to get your thoughts on little treats... not the big dinner plans type of treats, but rather that $12 Starbucks coffee you love so much.

Listen in to find out!


Best of BPR (9/7-9/11 2026): R.F. Kuang, Beth Noveck &
Best of BPR (9/7-9/11 2026): R.F. Kuang, Beth Noveck & episode artwork
09/12/2026

Welcome to our new rendition of the Best of BPR Podcast! In this new version, we will be publishing the week's top segments. In case you're missing us over the weekend... now you have something to listen to!


On today's Show: 

We’ll speak with best-selling author R.F. Kuang, ahead of the launch of her latest “Taipei Story,” and her event at The Wilbur


We’ll speak with Northeastern professor Beth Simone Noveck on her new book “Reboot: AI And The Race To Save Democracy.” 

We’l...


BPR Full Show 9/11/26: Remembering 9/11
BPR Full Show 9/11/26: Remembering 9/11 episode artwork
09/11/2026

Laura Ogonowski and Mike Casey reflect on 9/11 25 years later.

Catalyst New Music and Boston Singer's Resource are our Live Music Friday guests, ahead of an event called "FUSE: Collaborations in Song" debuting on Sept. 19.

Sue O'Connell joins us to discuss the Lindsay Clancy mistrial.


BPR Full Show 9/10/26: What We Carry
BPR Full Show 9/10/26: What We Carry episode artwork
09/10/2026

Chuck Todd on the latest national political headlines. 

Andrea Cabral on what's next in the Clancy civil cases. 

Cristina Quinn on her podcast "Fighting Crime," including the role of GLP-1s in reducing crime. 

And the filmmakers behind "What We Carry," a documentary theater project based on the lived experiences of veterans and refugees of the War on Terror.


BPR Talks 9/10/26: Am I The A-Hole
BPR Talks 9/10/26: Am I The A-Hole episode artwork
09/10/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: 

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 9/9/26: Ask The Mayor
BPR Full Show 9/9/26: Ask The Mayor episode artwork
09/09/2026

Northeastern professor Beth Noveck, discussing her book "Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy"

Juliette Kayyem, discussing her latest piece on the "disturbing feeling of 9/11 nostalgia" and other national security headlines.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu from 12-1 for Ask the Mayor.


BPR Talks 9/8/26: End of Summer
BPR Talks 9/8/26: End of Summer episode artwork
09/08/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We start the show by asking listeners about the back-to-school season and check in on whether students should be using AI or cellphones in the classroom. Then, we ask listeners about the end of summer.. are you excited that the summer is over or dreading the cold seasons ahead?

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 9/8/26: RF Kuang Joins Us
BPR Full Show 9/8/26: RF Kuang Joins Us episode artwork
09/08/2026

CNN chief national correspondent John King zooms in with the latest politics headlines.

ACLUM executive director Carol Rose discusses their public records lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's restriction of mail ballots ... and their local legal win compelling state police to disclose license plate reader locations and audit records.

Author R.F. Kuang discusses her book Taipei Story, ahead of an event tonight at the Wilbur.


Best of BPR (Aug. 31- Sept. 4 2026) Common Man for Ukraine, Independent Senate Race Panel & Paula Cole
Best of BPR (Aug. 31- Sept. 4 2026) Common Man for Ukraine, Independent Senate Race Panel & Paula Cole episode artwork
09/05/2026

Welcome to our new rendition of the Best of BPR Podcast! In this new version, we will be publishing the week's top segments. In case you're missing us over the weekend... now you have something to listen to!

On today's Show: Lisa Mure and Susan Mathison from Common Man for Ukraine, fresh back from their latest aid visit, Plus a panel with Former Massachusetts Lt Gov Kerry Healey (R), and two independents challenging the two-party system: Todd Achilles,  challenging Senator Jim Risch (R) in Idaho… and Brian Bengs, challenging Senator Mike Rounds (R) in South Dakota. Both Ach...


A Republican and a Socialist react to the Massachusetts primary results
A Republican and a Socialist react to the Massachusetts primary results episode artwork
09/04/2026

Not My Politics is a new show from GBH News focusing on young people in politics, produced and hosted by Zoe Mathews.

In this episode: Two candidates who will appear on the November ballot in Massachusetts discuss the primary results from the opposite sides of the political spectrum: Joe Tache is running for Senate as a Socialist, and Micah Q Jones is a Republican running for the MA-6th Congressional district.

Follow us on Instagram @GBH_NotMyPolitics and stay tuned for more episodes.


BPR Full Show 9/4/26: Paula Cole Joins Us
BPR Full Show 9/4/26: Paula Cole Joins Us episode artwork
09/04/2026

Michael Curry of the Mass League of Community Health Centers discusses CVS' plan for a pharmacy in Roxbury ... Plus, the general increase of healthcare costs expected in 2027.

Paula Cole joins us for Live Music Friday ahead of a show 9/18 at the Wilbur.

Sue O'Connell zooms in from the Duxbury courthouse where jurors in the Lindsay Clancy case remain deadlocked, as of this email.


BPR Talks 9/4/26: Lindsay Clancy Breaking News
BPR Talks 9/4/26: Lindsay Clancy Breaking News episode artwork
09/04/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We ask listeners what their thoughts are on the latest on Lindsay Clancy. Then, we ask about avoiding cliques this back-to-school season. 

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 9/3/26: AI in the Classroom
BPR Full Show 9/3/26: AI in the Classroom episode artwork
09/03/2026

Political commentator Chuck Todd on the failure of both the Dem and Republican parties to function as they're intended. 

Paul Reville, former education secretary, discusses the return to school, and the latest re: AI in the classroom.

Environmentalist Bill McKibben discusses some of his recent writing, including about the data center/AI battle.


BPR Talks 9/2/26: Heirlooms & You
BPR Talks 9/2/26: Heirlooms & You episode artwork
09/02/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We ask listeners what their response is following primary election results and we end the show by asking listeners about their family heirlooms, do we still care for them? We let listeners chime in with their thoughts

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 9/2/26: Wendell Berry
BPR Full Show 9/2/26: Wendell Berry episode artwork
09/02/2026

Corby Kummer discusses the death of Wendell Berry, poet and extoller of agrarian principles. Plus, we'll look at the growth of urban farming across the country and discuss Canada's retaliatory tariffs on food/dairy items.

Trenni Casey discusses private equity in college sports, and the growth of youth football despite CTE concerns.

Juliette Kayyem discusses the growing number of military leaders warning Hegseth against extending Iran war operations ... and the latest on election interference ahead of November.


BPR Full Show 9/1/26: Independent Senate Races
BPR Full Show 9/1/26: Independent Senate Races episode artwork
09/01/2026

Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung about money in politics this election cycle.

Former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, executive chair of the Forward Party, joins with two Senate candidates, Todd Achilles and Brian Bengs, who are running as independents.

CNN chief national correspondent John King joins to discuss national political headlines.


BPR Talks 9/1/2026: GLP-1s & Diet Culture
BPR Talks 9/1/2026: GLP-1s & Diet Culture episode artwork
09/01/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: Happy Primary Day! We discuss what people are paying attention to for today's primaries, then, we talk about GLP-1s and diet culture today.

Listen in for more!


BPR Full Show 8/31/26: Common Man for Ukraine
BPR Full Show 8/31/26: Common Man for Ukraine episode artwork
08/31/2026

Retired judge Nancy Gertner discusses the latest legal battles over mail-in voting ahead of the election, and discuss the rarity of a NGBRI finding for Lindsay Clancy.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins to talk about Congress + her endorsement of Ed Markey.

Manikka Bowman, a Seth Moulton surrogate, discusses his campaign.

Lisa Mure + Susan Mathison of Common Man for Ukraine join to discuss results of their Ukrainian Children's Health Retreat.


BPR Talks 8/31/26: Lindsay Clancy Trial
BPR Talks 8/31/26: Lindsay Clancy Trial episode artwork
08/31/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show:  As we await the verdict in the Lindsay Clancy triple murder trial, we’ll open the phone lines to get your thoughts on the case. Have you been following and what do you see in it? Then, we’ll end the show on Allston Christmas-Eve: the next two days are the busiest moving days of the year. Are you taking...


Best of BPR (Aug. 2026): Stephen Pina & Sean Ellis, Mary Oliver, & Anthony Bourdain Biopic
Best of BPR (Aug. 2026): Stephen Pina & Sean Ellis, Mary Oliver, & Anthony Bourdain Biopic episode artwork
08/22/2026

Welcome to our new rendition of the Best of BPR Podcast! In this new version, we will be publishing the week's top segments. In case you're missing us over the weekend... now you have something to listen to!

On today's Show: Stephen Pina and Sean Ellis join to discuss their journeys from accused, convicted, incarcerated, to free men who have maintained their innocence throughout. Suffolk prosecutors just announced they will not re-try Pina for a decades-old murder for which he served 28 years in prison. Then, our conversation with Matthew Miller, co-writer and producer of the new Anthony...


BPR Full Show 8/21/26: Accused, Imprisoned, & Now Free
BPR Full Show 8/21/26: Accused, Imprisoned, & Now Free episode artwork
08/21/2026

Odie Henderson discusses some of his latest movie reviews, and the latest around AI in the industry.

Diego Herrera, Peruvian saxophonist and composer, is our LMF guest today.

Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses a 'paradigm shift' in Moderna's cancer vaccine results — and the systemic difficulties in properly diagnosing and addressing acute postpartum psychosis.

Stephen Pina and Sean Ellis join to discuss their journeys from accused, convicted, incarcerated, to free men who have maintained their innocence throughout. Suffolk prosecutors just announced they will not re-try Pina for a decades-old murder for which he served 28 ye...


BPR Talks 8/21/26: Sending Your Kids To School
BPR Talks 8/21/26: Sending Your Kids To School episode artwork
08/21/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We ask listeners how their feeling in this back to school season, are you a parent ready to get rid of your kids, or missing them? Are you getting ready to go back to school, or are you an empty nester.. happy and unbothered by the holiday.

Listen in to find out!


BPR Talks 8/20/26: Beach Etiquette
BPR Talks 8/20/26: Beach Etiquette episode artwork
08/20/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: 

As Trump turns to domestic bliss, tending to his White House lawn, ignoring his sagging poll numbers, his MAGA election losses, and the war he started in Iran… Are you tired of this? Are you expecting change for the 2028 elections? Call or Text.

We’ll end the show with a beach edition of Am I The A Hol...


BPR Full Show 8/20/26: Tony Movie Interview
BPR Full Show 8/20/26: Tony Movie Interview episode artwork
08/20/2026

Margaret Sullivan calls into the show to analyze the media's coverage of Trump, and the value/integrity of a newspaper endorsement these days.

Andrea Cabral discusses the police officers misusing Flock, and the White Stadium SJC ruling.

Matthew Miller is writer and producer of "Tony" the new film about Anthony Bourdain; he joins to discuss. Then, we'll re-air a 2017 conversation Jim and Margery had with Bourdain at the BPL.


BPR Talks 8/19/26: Costco & You
BPR Talks 8/19/26: Costco & You episode artwork
08/19/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We start the show by asking listeners what they think about driverless cars coming to Boston, do you feel safe? Should we be doing more to stop this new technology? Then, we end the show with an ode to Costco, do you love buying a variety of products in bulk and stopping at the food court for a hot dog...


BPR Full Show 8/19/26: Dolly Parton Truck Stop
BPR Full Show 8/19/26: Dolly Parton Truck Stop episode artwork
08/19/2026

Hilary Burns and Brian Bergstein of the Boston Globe discuss their new College Town newsletter.

Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther discusses Dolly Parton's new truck stop ... the grand dame of Copley Square .. And he rates the Boston hotel that was named best in the country.

We'll host an e-bike safety panel with Dr. Cornelia Griggs, a pediatric surgeon, and state Rep. James Arciero, chair of the house joint committee on transportation.

Then, Sue O'Connell zooms in briefly for the latest on the Lindsay Clancy trial.


BPR Talks 8/18/26: Kids at Restaurants
BPR Talks 8/18/26: Kids at Restaurants episode artwork
08/18/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We ask listeners about Ossoff's criticism of Donald Trump during a recent rally speech, then we end the show by asking listeners about taking kids places, should kids be allowed to sit at the bar as long as they behave well?

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 8/18/26: Ukraine Demining Efforts
BPR Full Show 8/18/26: Ukraine Demining Efforts episode artwork
08/18/2026

Paul Heslop, UN Senior Mine Action Advisor in Ukraine, zooms in to discuss the demining efforts in Ukraine.

Dan Primack, Axios business editor, delivers a private equity explainer and discusses the Amazon AI training facility shredding rare books once they scan them.

CNN's John King discusses the Dems changing up the voting calendar, and the Trump administration's campaign for private state voter data.


BPR Talks 8/17/26: Sneaking in Food to Fenway Pahk
BPR Talks 8/17/26: Sneaking in Food to Fenway Pahk episode artwork
08/17/2026

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.

Today on the show: We ask listeners how they are dealing with back to school shopping with inflation on the rise. Then, we ask listeners what they're sneaking into Fenway Park and the movie theater.

Listen in to find out!


BPR Full Show 8/17/26: AI Slop
BPR Full Show 8/17/26: AI Slop episode artwork
08/17/2026

We air a conversation Jim and Margery had with Sasha Waters, filmmaker behind the new Mary Oliver documentary.

Hiawatha Bray joins to discuss the AI slop and datacenter backlash.

Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Princeton professor, discusses the dismissal of Trump's antisemitism lawsuit against Harvard, and Tyler Austin Harper's Atlantic piece on quitting the tenure track.

Sy Montgomery zooms in to discuss Jinny Lu, the world's ugliest dog ... a group of marmots turning to OnlyFans to raise some money ...  and a pet goose named Goosey who honked to alert their family of a barn fire, s...