Boston Public Radio Podcast

Amherst College’s Ilan Stavans on what independence means in America in 2025. Plus, his thoughts on the chilling effect ICE raids are having on immigrant communities in New England.Brian McGrory, Boston University head and former Boston Globe editor, gives his take on the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and larger attacks on free speech, plus the Pentagon’s new media restrictions. Axios business editor Dan Primack on the AI race with China, the latest on TikTok’s sale, and why the Fed’s interest rate reduction might not be enough to stop a recession. The Revs, Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III, on how Charlie Kirk’s death and evangelical roots are being received by Black Christians. Then, we open the phones lines to hear how listeners are embracing the season of flannel, pumpkin spice everything and cozy sweaters.

It's our weekly “Press Play” media analysis segment with NBC10 media maven Sue O’Connell, and The Bay State Banner’s Ron Mitchell. They talk about the first amendment fallout in the wake of Charlie Kirk, and more.Former congressman Joe Kennedy on the third on the future of the Democratic Party, his work with the Groundwork Project and standing up to authoritarian threats. It's Live Music Friday with activist singer/songwriter Evan Greer, ahead of an album drop tomorrow. “I’m not religious enough for her” and “My partner does all the talking at parties”...those are some recent love-related dilemmas from Boston Globe Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein. She joins to discuss all matters of the heart. This weekend marks the 20th annual What the Fluff festival in Somerville. We open the phone and text lines for all things marshmallow fluff – from fluffernutters to rice crispies -- how do you enjoy this local pantry treat? 

BPR Full Show 9/18: Jimmy Kimmel Off The Air

Jared Bowen discusses the death of Robert Redford, the Emmys, and Mrs. Doubtfire at Broadway in Boston Juliette Kayyem, national security expert, discusses the US striking another military attack on a boat from Venezuela ... Plus, the expected crackdown on liberal groups in the wake of Charlie Kirk's killing.Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Mass., discuses the SCOTUS decision on ICE arrests in LA, and press freedoms under attack.Sy Montgomery + Matt Patterson join to discuss their latest book "The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle" — they're on tour, and issuing public safety announcements as turtles are crossing roads to find their winter hibernation spots. 

Today, We start the show from NEPM in Springfield with Sarah and Ryan Voiland of Red Fire Farm in Granby to discuss what it’s like to run a working farm in 2025, and their lawsuit against the Trump administration to unfreeze USDA grant money.Then, Ephraim Akiva and Tokyo Baldwin join to discuss their work running peer respite homes with the Wildflower Alliance, which offers peer support services in western Mass.

Day two of our broadcast from NEPM in Springfield! FBI director Kash Patel heads to congress today to defend his leadership. We talk to CNN’s John King about this and other political headlines, after the assassination of Charlie Kirk.  The Wildflower Alliance offers peer support services in western Mass. We talk to Ephraim Akiva and Tokyo Baldwin about their harm reduction and mental health work.We check in with the Mass League of Community Health Center's Michael Curry on the impact of private equity in healthcare, the efforts by the Trump administration to erase Black history, and why Black students are flocking to HBCU’s in the Trump era.NEPM executive editor Elizabeth Román joins with Big E vendor Joe Deedy, owner of Moolicious Farm. Attorney General Andrea Campbell joins for Ask The AG.

It's the first day of our special broadcast from NEPM studios in Springfield. Former Gov. Deval Patrick discusses the deep polarization of this moment and how citizens and Democrats should respond. Congressman Jim McGovern discusses ballooning grocery prices as Trump tariffs pile up, and his new constitutional amendment to end big money in politics. And we get his thoughts on security in Congress after the assassination of Charlie KirkNew England tourism takes a hit as Canadians stay home to protest trade sanctions. PBS European travel guru Rick Steves joins us to talk about that, plus, sights and travel tips from his recent trip – a vacation? – to Italy. Sarah and Ryan Voiland of Red Fire Farm in Granby to discuss what it’s like to run a working farm in 2025, and their lawsuit against the Trump administration to unfreeze USDA grant money.

GBH's Adam Reilly and The Boston Globe's Lylah Alphonse join for Press Play, discussing the widely spread video of Charlie Kirk's shooting in this current era of content moderation online. Plus, the Murdoch succession plan, and Bari Weiss at CBS.GBH's Callie Crossley discusses the firing of Artie T, Josh Kraft's "most unlikeable campaign for mayor in Boston history" and more.White Snake Projects joins us for Live Music Friday. They are unveiling a new directory for Native American performing artists. Cerise Jacobs of WSP, Jean-Luc Pierite of North American Indian Center of Boston and singer/songwriter Thea Hopkins are our guests.Mara Dolan of the Massachusetts Governor's Council discusses flags at half-mast and gives an update on bar advocates. Joanne Chang join with Efrain Gutierrez to discuss Flour Bakery's partnership with Pine Street Inn for job training. Efrain is a graduate of the program and is now employed at Flour.

Chuck Todd, political commentator, opens the show with reactions and updates from the killing of Charlie Kirk.Former public safety secretary Andrea Cabral reactions to Kirk news. Former education secretary Paul Reville discusses how young conservatives on college campus are responding to the killing of Charlie Kirk, and the reality for BPS and schools across the state around ICE family separations.National security expert Juliette Kayyem joins to discuss the increasing normalization of political violence.Lindsay O'Donovan, Maeve Gilchrist and accordion player Diarmuid Ó Meachair discuss the Rockport Celtic Festival, starting tomorrow.

The Culture Shows Jared Bowen discusses Howard Stern's radio stunt, Downton Abbey's grand finale and the Boston Art Triennial on City Hall Plaza.Comedian Steve Sweeney and director Ian Barrett discuss their film "Townie."Will and David Willis of Bully Boy Distillers join for a spirited discussion.Embrace Boston CEO Imari Paris Jeffries on the Embrace Massó “¡Con Salsa!” International Music Festival.