Boston Public Radio Podcast

Today:Marc Dunkelman argues the abject failure of progressive politics to get things done played a role in the rise of Trumpism. He joins to discuss his book “Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress – and How to Bring It Back.”And, despite their name, there’s actually very little that we know about the mating habits of the majestic humpback whale. We talk about the first recorded mating observance of the humpback, between two male whales, with naturalist Sy Montgomery.

BPR Full Show 3/18: Massachusetts Women's Hall Of Fame

Today:Princeton public affairs professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad warns that the Trump administration’s actions against Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil puts higher education on the front lines of authoritarianism, right here in America.Plus, environmentalist Bill McKibben joins to discuss what the majority of Americans who support a transition away from fossil fuels can do during Trump 2.0.

Environmentalist Bill McKibben discusses EPA rollbacks, despite the majority of Americans supporting policies to protect the climate.Michael Curry of the Mass League of Community Health Centers and the NAACP discusses the reshaping of our reality through selective data sharing by the federal government. Food policy analyst Corby Kummer discusses the RFK Jr.-backed proposal to cut certain foods from SNAP benefits.Princeton University's Khalil Gibran Muhammad focuses in on the detention of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, and the threat to academic freedom and free speech on campus and beyond.

Today:“A Man of No Importance” is the latest musical from SpeakEasy Stage Company. We move the show to GBH’s stunning Fraser Performance Studio to hear performances from the cast and speak with some of the actors for this week’s Live Music Friday. Watch the performance here.Then, our media analysis segment Press Play features Chuck Todd this week. We talk about the latest spat between the White House and Associated Press – all because the AP dared to present the facts. And, the oligarchic obedience of media moguls to Trump fueling mistrust of the media.

“A Man of No Importance” is the latest musical from SpeakEasy Stage Company.. We hear performances from the cast and speak with actors Eddie Shields, Billy Meleady & Kathy St. George for this week’s Live Music Friday.GBH's Callie Crossley discusses federal pressure on Maine's governor over a trans student athlete. She also discusses the removal of the “Black Lives Matter” mural in D.C., and Attorney General Andrea Campbell joining other AGs who are suing Trump about the dismantling of the education department.Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther gives a eulogy for free checked luggage on domestic flights and provides tips for traveling on the cheap in Thailand.Political analyst Chuck Todd joins for our "Press Play" media analysis segment.

Today:Anand Giridharadas of The.Ink argues the left-right political spectrum doesn’t apply anymore. We should be thinking about things through a “who’s fighting for me” frame. Then, Massachusetts’ Veterans Services Secretary Dr. Jon Santiago discusses the litany of ways the Trump administration is making life more difficult for those who served our country. 

BPR Full Show 3/13: AITA For Avoiding Friends With Kids?

Gov. Maura Healey joins for Ask The Governor. We'll talk threats to federal funding and ask about her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen discusses the MIT dome, the cabaret star Meow Meow and "Death Becomes Her" on Broadway.National security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the latest on a Russia/Ukraine ceasefire, Trump's plans for a renewed travel ban for people from specific countries, and the universities pushing back against Trump's attack on DEI.MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng joins for "Ask the GM." We'll ask him about findings by recent audits, T safety and a new south coast rail. 

Today:Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined Jim and Margery at the Boston Public Library on March 11, 2025 to discuss her appearance in a Congressional hearing about Boston's immigration policies, the growing field of contenders for Boston mayor, and of course, bike lanes.