Explain Boston to Me

In this episode, we're exploring one of Boston's most storied and beloved traditions: The Beanpot . This annual tournament brings the college hockey programs from Boston University, Boston College, Harvard and Northeastern together for an epic clash. I'm joined by local sports maven Tom Burke — his family owned the Celtics and Boston Garden, and plays a role in the Boston Marathon to this day — to...

As 2026 begins, it's a great moment to check in on the state of Explain Boston to Me. In addition, we're asking for help — what else is new?? — finding guests for a slate of exciting topics. Plus, what Lee did on her winter vacation. Are you or someone you know of a good fit for these topics? DM me on  Instagram or email me. Local college (for example: Harvard, Tufts, Emerson, BU, BC) The Kennedys...

In this installment of Boston Movie Club, I’m joined by Southie native and former EBtM guest Pat Toomey (check out his episode here ) to chat about  The Departed . I was new to this Scorcese gangster flick —  cranberry juice! Nicolson in a bucket hat! Wahlberg! rats! — and was thrilled to have a local talk me through its complicated legacy. What are your thoughts on  The Departed ? DM me on  Insta...

Just don’t call him that! In this week’s rerun, we’re talking to lawyer, father, Bostonian and — according to some — Boston Brahmin , R.J. Lyman. He teaches us about the origins of the term, its place in local culture, its institutions, the accent, and the values that the caste espouses. Two Boston Brahmins talkin’ Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on  Instagram , ...

The show welcomes Christopher Price , Patriots beat reporter for The Boston Globe and host of "The Patriots Report" podcast. Now that the team has emerged from its — short lived — time in the wilderness, how does that impact local fandom? Where are Patriots supporters, emotionally? Also, we chat Brady, parade fatigue, and sacred Sundays in New England. My L.L. Bean "bus stop shoe&qu...

In this episode, we're chatting with Christian Doan aka Chopstick Murphys about Boston's robust Asian food scene — and try determine whether or not its underrated. We also touch on the life of a food influencer, offer lots of restaurant recommendations, and bond over our mutual love of stereotypes. Follow Christian on Instagram and Tiktok . Big Shot. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upco...

In this episode, we're talking about the new professional sports franchise coming to Boston. Rachel Duranwood from Boston Legacy FC yaps with me about local culture, the failed NWSL team that came before, money in women's sports, and the evolving state of women's pro soccer, both locally and nationally. It's a fun chat that goes far beyond the pitch. Oh, and we touch on the team's original botched...

It's a special Tuesday pre-holiday release! Tis the season to talk about Cranberries. Guest Steve Ward has been farming this gem-like fruit for decades. He has both a deep knowledge of the local industry and a deep love of this work. We chat about how exactly one grows cranberries, learn the secrets of the bog, and even banter about favorite recipes. Michelin Awards for Philly and Boston . Mobster...

It's a legend talking about a LEGEND! In this very special episode, I'm joined by iconic Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy to talk about Larry Bird. We discuss the life of a 1970s beat writer, Bird's rivalry with Magic Johnson, and why this town remains so in love with the kid from French Lick, Indiana. Shaughnessy actually wrote a book on the Celtic superstar: Wish It Lasted Forever: Life wi...

In this very special episode, we're joined by Michael Kuchta and Karen Weintraub, authors of Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators , for a stroll (both literal and figurative) through Mount Auburn Cemetery and its history. In part one, we chat in-studio about this iconic garden cemetery's origins. And in part two, we visit a few notable graves to get a sense of the incredible Boston...

In this episode, we're learning all about Roslindale, a Boston neighborhood with a deep sense of community. Talking us through its history and its character is Adam Rogoff, owner of The Substation . He spills on his favorite spots, fires some strays at JP, and flexes about sharing a neighborhood with Mayor Wu. Celebrate five years of The Substation on Friday, November 7. Talking about practice. Lo...

In this episode, we're chatting with Rachel Blumenthal, food editor of Boston Magazine , about that publication's annual Top 50 Restaurants List and what it says about local dining culture at this particular moment in time. What are the latest trends? How is the culinary geography of the city changing? Will the sticker shock ever wear off? And how do these kinds of lists make the very culture they...

This week, we're revisiting an all-timer. Salem, the North Shore city with a long and complicated history, is now in the midst of a new chapter: Halloweenmania! Beginning before the first leaf even turns, its annual Halloween Happenings attracts tourists from around the globe, packing the streets and causing headaches in surrounding towns. How did it get this way? To chat about this spooky phenome...

Boston on the cheap — does it even exist? To answer that rich question, we're joined by Emily Schario (aka Emily. In. Boston ) of The B-Side , Boston Globe 's newsletter for hidden gems, exciting deals, and things-to-do. She shares her ideal budget date night, the best neighborhoods for affordable fun, and commiserates over the local happy hour ban. Want to learn more about the cost of living issu...

We're chatting about one of Boston's most iconic dudes with Kelli Williams of the podcast Beyond the Blinds and the Instagram account laguna_biotch . Join us as we discuss Ben Affleck's career choices, his passion for Dunkin (both the ads and the paparazzi shots), and his place in local culture. Ads starring Boston actors: Smaht Pahk , Dunkin , New Era . Affleck pap shots: Arms full of Dunkin , Sm...

In this episode, we're talking about Cambridge's most iconic boulevard. Beth Folsom from History Cambridge discusses Brattle Street's complicated history, its lux built environment, its role in local culture, and its aggressive turkey population. The return of the black Sixers jerseys. Calder Gardens. Those blueberry muffins. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on  In...

Welcome to the latest installment of Boston Movie Club where we're talking about Fever Pitch , the 2005 romcom starring Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, and the 2004 Red Sox. Joining me to dig into this divisive film is Tyler Rotman, who you might remember from EBtM: The 2004 Red Sox . We talk about Fallon as a leading man, the last-minute script changes, and why some locals loathe this movie. Here's...

It's finally happening!!!! Join me and guest Danny Webster as we discuss Jordan's Furniture, the furniture store/IMAX/eatery/ropes course/birthday party location (yup, normal) and local icon. Cooper deJean endorses Cooper Sharp. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on  Instagram ,  email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswi...

We're talking about Marshmallow Fluff with artist and food obsessive Sarah Dudek . From its genesis as a door-to-door delicacy to its enshrinement as the state sandwich, this sweet treat has a story to tell. This is all in anticipation of the annual Fluff Festival , happening in Union Square, Somerville, on September 20, 2-6 p.m. Check out Sarah's work HERE . Eagles' Spit-gate . The Princess Diana...

In this episode, we're chatting with Morgan Doherty , realtor and self-admitted townie, about her native South Shore. We discuss the essential towns, the traffic, and the strange goings on in the Bridgewater Triangle. McGlinchey’s closes.  Trea Turner walks it off. Tommy Cutlets comes to town . "I feel bad for you." "I don't think about you at all." Have feedback on this episod...

In this episode, we're talking about a local legend: Olympic silver medalist Nancy Kerrigan. Guest Meredith Lynch ( @meredithmlynch on Instagram and TikTok ) brings her lifelong love of this polarizing figure to the conversation as we go deep on '90s culture, "cat fights," monoculture, and Boston's figure skating scene. "Why? Whyyyyyy? Whhhhhhyyyyyy????" Have feedback on this e...

While I'm in Maine, enjoy this thematically appropriate episode exploring an iconic part of New England culture: Lobster. To go deep (sea) on the subject, I’m joined by Curt Brown, a Maine lobsterman and marine biologist with a passion for this industry and clawfuls of optimism for its future. Check out  Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine, a NOVA Special Presentation . Have feedback on this episode or...

In this episode, author Stephen Puleo is helping us place Bostonian Charles Sumner on the "starting five" of American history. This well-spoken, prickly senator was one of the leading voices for abolition during the lead up to the Civil War and even earned Lincoln's ear as the president navigated a grueling chapter for the nation. Oh, and then there's the caning. Puleo's new book, The Gr...

What does Beantown have going on after dark? To answer that question, we're joined by Corean Reynolds , Director of Nightlife Economy for the City of Boston. She's got plenty of insight on the unique challenges and strengths of local nocturnal culture — and even some tips of her own. Love is Blind is casting in Philadelphia.  Jhoan Duran's First Entrance as Phillies' closer ; Matt Gelb in the Athl...

In this episode, we're talking with travel and culture writer Shayla Martin of 'The Road We Travel' Substack about her experiences on Martha's Vineyard. From Black culture and lobster rolls to Jaws Bridge and Eric Holder eating an ice cream cone, this is the perfect conversation for summer. The Eagles' obscene Super Bowl rings (and the famous Tom Brady ring photo ) The race for mayor of the Somerv...