Explain Boston to Me

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 lights...

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 renaissan...

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 . Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on  Instagram ,  email me , or se...

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....

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 obn...

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. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on  Instagram ,...

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 regist...

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 . Phil...

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. Have feedback on this episode...

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. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me...

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 lis...

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: Ther...

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 . Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming to...

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 Wild...

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...

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 o...

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...

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...

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'...

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-u...

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...

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.  Have feedback on this episode or ideas fo...

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 theoret...

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. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on  Instagram , ...

We're doing something a little different this week, heading down to record on location at Wulf's Fish in the Seaport. Richard Taylor and Desiree Antczak (Wulf's) and Bill Mantia ( John Mantia & Sons ) share their insights on Boston's seafood industry — how it has evolved, what it means to the city, and how it endures next to some of the priciest real estate in the country. With special guest D...