Best BPR News Podcasts (2024)

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BPR Full Show 10/18: Audit The Legislature? 2:35:57

17m ago2:35:57

2:35:57

We had our Ballot Question 1 debate with Mary Connaughton from the Pioneer Institute arguing yes, and political science professor Jerold Duquette arguing no. Adam Ezra for Live Music Friday performed and talked about his work raising hundreds for homeless veterans. Gina McCarthy & Johanna Neumann discussed the stakes for this November’s election as…

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Best Of BPR 10/18: Ballot Question 1 Debate - Auditing The Legislature 28:16

44m ago28:16

28:16

Today: BPR hosts a debate on Ballot Question 1, which would grant the state auditor authority to audit the finances and workings of the legislature. Mary Connaughton, director of government transparency and COO at the Pioneer Institute, argues for YES on 1. Jerold Duquette, professor of political science at Central Connecticut State University and …

1
Best Of BPR 10/17: Ballot Question 3 - Rideshare Driver Unions 16:16

1h ago16:16

16:16

Today: Roxana Rivera, co-chair of the Yes on 3 coalition and Assistant to the President at 32BJ SEIU, joins to discuss Ballot Question 3 - which would allow rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft to collectively bargain for better working conditions. Mass Fiscal Alliance wrote the opposition memo for this ballot question in the Secretar…

1
BPR Full Show 10/17: Live on Zoom from YouTube 1:52:31

1h ago1:52:31

1:52:31

Roxanna Rivera joins as a representative for Yes on 3 and United Justice. She makes the case for ballot question 3, which would allow ride share workers the right to unionize. Representatives from the group Mass. Fiscal Alliance, who wrote the official language for the “no” side, say they are not a ballot question committee and declined our invitat…

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Best Of BPR 10/16: Ballot Question 2 Debate - MCAS & Astronaut Suni Williams 41:54

1h ago41:54

41:54

Today: We bring you our debate on ballot question 2 - whether to eliminate the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement. Representing YES on 2 is Deb McCarthy, vice president of the Massachusetts Teachers Union. Representing NO on 2 is Keri Rodrigues, co-founder of the National Parents Union. And, Sunita Williams, NASA astronaut and commander of exped…

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BPR Full Show 10/16: Eliminate MCAS? 2:14:14

25m ago2:14:14

2:14:14

Ballot question #2 debate: Deb McCarthy, VP of the Mass Teachers Association represents YES on 2; Keri Rodrigues, founder of the National Parents Union. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams joined over Zoom into the show from the International Space Station We opened the lines to hear from listeners about their opinions on question 2 National security ex…

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Best Of BPR 10/15: Ballot Question 4 Debate - Legalize Psychedelics 27:18

26m ago27:18

27:18

Today: We host a debate on Ballot Question 4 - whether to legalize certain psychedelic drugs. Representing Yes on 4: Emily Oneschuck from Massachusetts for Mental Health Options. Representing No on 4: Dr. Nassir Ghaemi, a psychiatrist and researcher specializing in depression and bipolar illness.By WGBH Educational Foundation

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BPR Full Show 10/15: Legalizing Psychedelics? 2:13:53

1h ago2:13:53

2:13:53

Ballot Question #4 debate with Emily Oneschuk, grassroots campaign director for Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, representing YES; and Dr. Nassir Ghaemi, professor of psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center and clinical lecturer at Harvard Medical School, representing NO Attorney General Andrea Campbell spent the hour taking listener questions f…

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Best Of BPR 10/14: Ballot Question 5 Debate - Tipped Wages 27:53

20m ago27:53

27:53

Today on the podcast: BPR hosts its first of five ballot question debates, starting with Question 5 - to eliminate the tipped minimum wage, and bring tipped workers up to the state minimum wage, currently $15 an hour. Alex Galimberti, organizer for One Fair Wage Massachusetts and a former restaurant worker, argues in favor of eliminating the tipped…

1
BPR Full Show 10/14: Raise Minimum Wage For Tipped Workers? 2:31:32

1h ago2:31:32

2:31:32

Our first debate of the week on Question 5 - the minimum wage for tipped workers -- with Alex Galimberti, founder of the organization’s Mass. chapter of One Fair Wage and former restaurant worker representing YES, and Doug Bacon, head of Red Paint Hospitality, on behalf of the Committee to Protect Tips, representing NO. We then opened the lines to …

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Best Of BPR 10/11: Where Deplatformed YouTubers Go To Spew Hate + LMF Odyssey Opera 35:32

44m ago35:32

35:32

Today: GBH investigative reporter Phillip Martin, journalist Tim Biba and Megan Squire of the Southern Poverty Law Center tell us about Odysee, an alternative YouTube for the alt-right. And, Grammy-winner Gil Rose, baritone Aaron Engebreth and soprano Heather Buck, preview “Of Thee I Sing” and “Let ‘Em Eat Cake” tomorrow night at Jordan Hall with O…

1
BPR Full Show 10/11: Bucket Lists 1:52:42

2h ago1:52:42

1:52:42

Gil Rose is our guest for Live Music Friday. He's leading a first-of-its-kind opera production that fuses two political satires from songwriting legends George & Ira Gershwin at NEC’s Jordan Hall. GBH News investigative reporter Phillip Martin, Tim Biba & the SPLC’s Megan Squire join to talk about the proliferation of Odysee, LBRY and other online …

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Best Of BPR 10/10: Barbara Lynch Closes Shop + AITA For Hiring A Maid 25:28

1h ago25:28

25:28

Today: Food policy analyst Corby Kummer discusses Boston restaurateur Barbara Lynch announcing she's closing all her locations. And, we open the lines for Am I The A-Hole. This week's prompt involves an exhausted new mother fed up with her husband not helping out around the house, so she cancels his streaming services and hires a maid with the extr…

1
BPR Full Show 10/11: In The Eye Of The Hurricane 1:58:25

16h ago1:58:25

1:58:25

We opened the lines to discuss on why we can't turn the TV off to hurricane coverage. Paul Reville on a new federal class action lawsuit against 40 colleges, accusing them of conspiring to overcharge on tuition. Andrea Cabral on Fox News’ official misinformation fact sheet Corby Kummer reflected on Barbara Lynch restaurant closures Shirley Leung on…

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Best Of BPR 10/09: Popcorn Finance & Harris' Media Blitz 34:22

1h ago34:22

34:22

Today: In Somerville, bomb threats forced workers at the public library to cancel a children’s reading event featuring local drag queens. NBC10's Sue O’Connell discusses that story, Trump’s close relationship with Putin, and Kamala Harris' media blitz before Nov. 5. And financial consultant Chris Browning is host of Popcorn Finance, a snackable pod…

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BPR Full Show 10/9: Dude, Don't Fact Check Me 1:59:17

1h ago1:59:17

1:59:17

We opened the lines to continue the discussion about Hurricane Milton. GBH's Jared Bowen discussed his star turn in Nassim, tonight. And, Schlock & Awe at the Coolidge NBC10's Sue O'Connell discussed the Harris campaign's media blitz, AG Campbell joining suit against TikTok, Boston Globe advice/relationship columnist Meredith Goldstein discussed he…

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BPR Full Show 10/8: Among the Vegetables 2:32:09

10d ago2:32:09

2:32:09

Hurricane Milton is barreling towards the west coast of Florida, barely two weeks after Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction in the same area. We asked listeners how this natural disaster-riddled autumn is shaping their views on climate change. NBC Sports Boston anchor/reporter Trenni Casey discusses the Patriots in disarray, and the latest …

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Best Of BPR 10/7: For Maya Roman, Every Day Is Oct. 7 & Ilan Stavans On Shared Grief 34:10

1d ago34:10

34:10

Today: We mark one year since Hamas terrorists from Gaza invaded Israel, killing more than 1,000 Israelis, and taking 250 hostage. In the 12 months since, Israel’s military response has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths of Palestinians – the majority civilians. We talk with Maya Roman, a relative of one of the hostages, Carmel Gat, who was killed…

1
BPR Full Show 10/7: One Year Since Hamas Attack 2:31:18

1d ago2:31:18

2:31:18

We started the show with Maya Roman, family member of Carmel Gat, who was held hostage by Hamas for months until her death. Charlie Sennott of The GroundTruth Project on the 1 year mark of the deadly Hamas attack in Israel, and subsequent war(s) in response. Ilan Stavans of Amherst College will discuss how Oct. 7 marked a turning point in Israel's …

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Best Of BPR 10/04: EPA's David Cash + LMF Will Dailey 33:27

5d ago33:27

33:27

Today: New England EPA administrator David Cash talks about the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act, and what’s next for climate in 2024 – from offshore wind to the threatened coastline. Live Music Friday with great local singer/songwriter Will Dailey. He’s got a new album “Boys Talking” out soon – and a show at the Sinclair next week.…

1
BPR Full Show 10/4: Please...Clean Up 2:37:06

5d ago2:37:06

2:37:06

We opened the lines to discuss election workers. Will Dailey performed for Live Music Friday Callie Crossley on election threats here in Mass ahead of November David Cash, New England’s EPA administraton on climate policy differences in a Harris or Trump administration Corby Kummer on FAS sewage sludge, threats to SNAP benefits for millions, and th…

1
BPR Full Show 10/3: The Unsealed Indictment 2:31:51

6d ago2:31:51

2:31:51

Chuck Todd on VP debates & more… We opened the lines to discuss reactions to the Jack Smith case Andrea Cabral talked about Gov. Healey using executive powers to put newly passed gun regulations into effect. Shirley Leung discussed her latest liquor license reporting. Joe Curtatone introduced us to another player in New England’s clean energy secto…

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Best Of BPR 10/03: The Unsealed Jan. 6 Indictment 25:47

6d ago25:47

25:47

Today: NBC's Chuck Todd and former Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral parse through the newly unsealed Jack Smith indictment charging Donald Trump with conspiring to overthrow the 2020 election, culminating in the riots on January 6, 2021.By WGBH Educational Foundation

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Best Of BPR 10/02: Israel Weighs Response To Iran & Holding Steward Healthcare Accountable 33:24

7d ago33:24

33:24

Today: Andrea Cabral fills in for Margery. Iran fired nearly 200 missiles at Israel last night, mostly intercepted with help from the US – but the regional war is on. We talk with national security expert Juliette Kayyem about Israel’s response, and its three-front war with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. And, Michael Curry of the Mass League of Commun…

1
BPR Full Show 10/2: RIP Fat Bear 402 2:32:25

7d ago2:32:25

2:32:25

Last night JD Vance and Tim Walz faced off on the debate stage. We discussed and got your thoughts. GBH News executive arts editor Jared Bowen discusses the legal drama around "Baby Reindeer," Jeffrey Gibson's new mural in Dewey Square and a gun violence memorial project at the ICA. Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the lat…

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Best Of BPR 10/01: Previewing Tonight's VP Debate & SCOTUS' New Term 36:39

12d ago36:39

36:39

Today: We preview tonight’s Vice Presidential debate with CNN’s John King. And, the Supreme Court starts their new term next week. We talk with American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts executive director, Carol Rose, about the cases her organization is watching.By WGBH Educational Foundation

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BPR Full Show 10/1: Pumpkin Spice And Everything Nice 2:33:37

8d ago2:33:37

2:33:37

We opened the lines to ask what listeners are expecting in tonight's Vice Presidential debate. Trenni Casey, anchor/reporter for NBC Sports Boston, discussed the WNBA playoffs and Boston Marathon registrations. Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, discussed their calls for investigation into the State Police recruit's death.…

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Best Of BPR 9/30: Congressman Seth Moulton On Hezbollah & Trump's Loyalty Tests To Religious Voters 39:50

9d ago39:50

39:50

Today: Congressman Seth Moulton of Massachusetts' 6th district discusses Israel's military victories against Hezbollah, and his effort to enlist more veterans like him to Congress. Reverends Irene Monroe & Emmett Price discuss Donald Trump's loyalty tests for religious voters.By WGBH Educational Foundation

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BPR Full Show 9/30: The Art of the Yard Sale 2:33:29

9d ago2:33:29

2:33:29

Congressman Seth Moulton discusses war in the Middle East, Ukraine, and his efforts to get more veterans elected to Congress. And we get caller reactions to hurricane Helene-caused flooding and wind that devastated the south east. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discusses the resignation of Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre, and a U.S. woman wh…

1
BPR Full Show 9/27: We Love Moo Deng 2:35:00

12d ago2:35:00

2:35:00

We opened the lines to discuss taking care of your lawn. Live Music Friday with a performance from the Berklee Music Inclusion Ensemble, all about creating space for musicians with disabilities to play & innovate. Leola Hampton & her daughter Maya Scott are featured in GBH’s fabulous new documentary commemorating 50 years since the start of busing …

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Best Of BPR 9/27: Leola Hampton's Busing Story & LMF Berklee Music Inclusion Ensemble 37:48

12d ago37:48

37:48

Today: Leola Hampton and her daughter Maya Scott are featured in GBH’s new documentary – Never Cried – commemorating 50 years since the start of Boston’s forced integration plan – busing. They discuss the anniversary and reflect on the intergenerational impacts of busing today. Live Music Friday with the Berklee Music Inclusion Ensemble – with the …

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Best Of BPR 9/26: Lewis Black + Melissa Ludtke 37:26

13d ago37:26

37:26

Today: Comedian Lewis Black is in town for two shows at The Wilbur this weekend. He Zooms in to tell us all about his final comedy tour: “Goodbye Yeller Brick Road” And, trailblazing sports journalist Melissa Ludtke joins us ahead of two events in Massachusetts promoting her book “Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside” – all about her …

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BPR Full Show 9/26: NY Mayor Eric Adams Indicted 2:35:01

13d ago2:35:01

2:35:01

Chuck Todd on VP debate preparations Andrea Cabral reacted to the execution of Marcellus Williams, and the indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams Lewis Black, the longest running correspondent on the Daily Show, and the voice of that angry red guy in the Pixar movie, joined to discuss his final tour, called “Goodbye Yeller Brick Road" Melissa Ludt…

1
Best Of BPR 9/25: The Manosphere 4 Trump & What The Manta Ray Knows 32:39

14d ago32:39

32:39

Media maven and local woman Sue O’Connell has thoughts on Donald Trump and JD Vance courting the young man vote through a new generation of "dude" influencers like Logan Paul and Adin Ross. Then, naturalist Sy Montgomery tells us of her recent trip to Ecuador diving with giant oceanic manta rays. And, we get her take on news a little closer to home…

1
BPR Full Show 9/25: Worm Brain 2:31:36

14d ago2:31:36

2:31:36

Yesterday, Missouri executed 55-year-old Marcellus Williams, ignoring calls from prosecutors and the victim’s family asking the state to spare his life. We discussed the ethics of the death penalty and how listeners feel about it. GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen discussed a notorious vandal who smashed an Ai Wei Wei sculpture, plus, "Laughs i…

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Best Of BPR 9/24: Denouncing Dehumanizing Rhetoric & The PBS Veepstakes 38:24

15d ago38:24

38:24

Today: It’s not just Ohio: Around the country, Haitian communities are facing threats of violence after incendiary lies made by former president Trump and JD Vance. We talk with former State Rep -- the first Haitian-American to hold public office in Massachusetts -- Marie St. Fleur. And, we speak with two award-winning GBH filmmakers about their wo…

1
BPR Full Show 9/24: Going Bananas 2:33:59

15d ago2:33:59

2:33:59

We opened the lines to discuss whether kids should be in contact sports that lead to injuries. NBC Sports Boston anchor/reporter Trenni Casey discussed the WNBA awards American Experience executive producer Cameo George and Frontline executive producer Raney Aronson-Rath discussed their two films in the works on the Vice Presidential candidates. Ma…

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Best Of BPR 9/23: Israel's War With Lebanon Begins & The Religious Vote 28:16

16d ago28:16

28:16

Today: Israel’s war against Hamas rages on in Gaza, while Netanyahu appears emboldened to open a second front on its northern border with Lebanon and Hezbollah. We talk with GBH news analyst Charlie Sennott about the destabilizing Middle East. And, how are the presidential candidates reaching out to Americans of faith? We talk with Reverends Irene …

1
BPR Full Show 9/23: The Eight Bulls of North Attleboro 2:31:40

23d ago2:31:40

2:31:40

We opened the show by asking listeners what issues matter to them this presidential election. We spoke again to John Deaton, Elizabeth Warren's senate challenger. Then, the GroundTruth Project's Charlie Sennott discussed the escalating war in the Middle East and other world headlines. NYU medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about renewed calls to ab…

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Best Of BPR 9/20: LMF James Carter & Leopoldstadt 36:58

26d ago36:58

36:58

Today: Saxophonist James Carter is back in town for two shows Saturday night at Scullers Jazz Club. But first, he and his band swing by the BPL. And, Tom Stoppard's Leopoldstadt is on stage now at the Huntington. We speak with director Carey Perloff and actor Rebecca Gibel about the play, about a Jewish family in Vienna at the rise of the 20th cent…

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BPR Full Show 9/20: Stressed But Blessed 2:31:00

26d ago2:31:00

2:31:00

People are more stressed than ever. We opened the lines to hear what listeners are stressed over. James Carter performed for Live Music Friday, ahead of his return to Boston this weekend at Scullers. Longtime Boston broadcaster/music critic Steve Elman joined as well. Callie Crossley on Harris/Oprah interview. Director Carey Perloff and actress Reb…

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Best Of BPR 9/19: The Choice & Taxachusetts 38:20

26d ago38:20

38:20

Today: Legendary Frontline filmmaker Michael Kirk previews their latest film highlighting “THE CHOICE” voters have between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. And, Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discusses a murky new pro-business group fighting Massachusetts' high-tax reputation.By WGBH Educational Foundation

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BPR Full Show 9/19: Get Out Of My Seat 2:31:16

20d ago2:31:16

2:31:16

The GOP keeps throwing insults at Kamala Harris. Will this do anything to do the polls? Listeners weighed in. Shirley Leung on a new nonprofit started by local businesspeople looking for a tax break, and new reporting on the demographics of people leaving Mass. Andrea Cabral on the controversy around Gov. Healey’s pick for head of state police Jimm…

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Best Of BPR 9/18: A BPR Busing Panel 26:56

21d ago26:56

26:56

Today: We talk with two people who were bused in the city of Boston -- a decision 50 years ago with lasting impacts -- Michael Curry, later head of the Boston NAACP, and Kim Janey, who would go on to become the city’s first Black, first female Mayor. Joining them in conversation is Ted Landsmark, whose image came to define the moment by way of the …

1
BPR Full Show 9/18: Liverwurst Ep. 2 2:32:42

1M ago2:32:42

2:32:42

We opened the show to get your thoughts on the threats of and actual violence this election season. GBH executive arts editor Jared Bowen discusses the return of Boston Film Fest and "Laughs in Spanish" at Speakeasy Stage. National security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses leaders around the world reacting to the potential for election violence in …

1
Best Of BPR 9/17: AG Campbell On Harris' Mentorship And Addressing Hate In Schools 39:34

22d ago39:34

39:34

Today: Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell joins Jim and Margery at the BPL on September 17, 2024.By WGBH Educational Foundation

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BPR Full Show 9/17: Attorney General Q&A 2:36:01

22d ago2:36:01

2:36:01

Attorney General Andrea Campbell answered questions from listeners. NBC Sports Boston anchor/reporter Trenni Casey discussed Caitlin Clark's 35 point game. Media maven Sue O'Connell takes a look at Trump's misinformation campaign beyond the rhetoric around Haitian migrants in Ohio CNN's John King on the latest political headlines We opened the line…

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Best Of BPR 9/16: From Laura Loomer's Lips To Trump's Ears & Fewer Black Students At College 36:42

1M ago36:42

36:42

Today: Boston University Journalism Department Chair Brian McGrory discusses the second attempt on Trump's life and Khalil Gibran Muhammad discusses how the end of race-based admissions changed college campuses this year.By WGBH Educational Foundation

1
BPR Full Show 9/16: Monday Clutter 2:33:16

1M ago2:33:16

2:33:16

After another apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump yesterday, we opened up the phone and text lines to hear from parents of how they're talking to kids about political violence this election. Brian McGrory of BU's Journalism department discusses the Globe's Spotlight coverage on Steward Healthcare. Plus, various political stories on Laura…

1
BPR Full Show 9/13: Honda Civics 2:31:49

1M ago2:31:49

2:31:49

Is our country in a civics education crisis? We got your thoughts. Fabiola Mendez & Elsa Mosquera are our guests for Live Music Friday this week, ahead of the free Fiesta en la Plaza taking place throughout Latinx Heritage Month in Boston. Ela is the co-founder of Agora Cultural Architects, who organized the festival. Fabiola is an award-winning cu…

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