Explain Boston to Me

Just a couple of elder millennials waxing nostalgic about how things used to be — what could go wrong?? In this episode, I'm joined by friend and music writer Sean Maloney to talk about Boston's amazing and resilient college radio scene. He shouts out the big players, expounds these stations' impact on his life, and takes a detour into one particularly "sinister" job. (You'll get that pun once you...

In this episode, I'm joined by Daniel Dan, author of A History of Boston .  We're talking about the forces that have shaped downtown, from pre-colonial pandemics to urban renewal to shifting corporate cultures. You'll never look at this neighborhood the same again.   Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...

Just a couple of transplants talking mild trash on the local restaurant scene — what could go wrong??? This week, I'm joined by Erika Adams, the editor of Eater Boston, to talk about the barriers to entry for upstart eateries, the risk averse culture of the city's diners, and some our favorite places to eat here.  Come for the discourse, stay for the restaurant recommendations.  Send us a text Hos...

Why is it so hard — and expensive — to rent an apartment here? Why does everyone move on the same day? Why do so many landlords suck? In this episode, we're talking local real estate with the satirical whiz behind The Boston Accent.  Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we're talking rivalries! What team is the biggest Celtics rival of all time? What exactly makes a fanbase hate another franchise with the heat of a thousand suns? Does intimacy breed contempt? And why do we love overachievers so much? Jake Issenberg, co-host of the Celtics podcast First to the Floor has all the answers — and even a few kind words for Allen Iverson.  Send us a text Hosted by...

"It's like 'Succession,' but with more discounted top-round." On this episode, artist and Somerville resident Stephanie Vecellio tells talks with me about Market Basket, the beloved local grocery chain that has it all: low prices, family feuds, interior design out of the 1950s, sawdust on the floor, and multiple people named Arthur. Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...

In the inaugural installment of our Boston Movie Club, we're talking about Good Will Hunting.  To get into all the good stuff — Stellan Skarsgaard’s scarf, whether or not a burger is ever called a "sandwich" interchangeably, and Robin Williams’ recent role as a spiritual advisor to a cult leader — I’m joined by a very special guest. Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm....

This one is a doozy! I get to talk about the impeccable strangeness of Tom Brady  while digging into how the unholy alliance of hard-nosed coach and superstar quarterback changed the destiny of the New England Patriots. We're asking big questions: Who one of these weirdos would you rather take a road trip with?  What happens to all those sweatshirt sleeves? And is Belichick any good without his go...

It's finally here!!! After months of anticipation and countless — well, I could probably count them — mentions in random episodes of the podcast, I'm finally getting someone to explain The Seaport to me. How did this area of South Boston go from parking-lot-palooza to sparkly poster child for runaway development? Do we need to print urban planning bingo cards? What do you do with a kid who orders...

The history of Black Bostonians goes far beyond abolition and busing, just ask the co-directors of Tuft's African American Trail Project. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kerri Greenidge and Dr. Kendra T. Field to talk about how public history is evolving to tell a more complete story of Black Boston. We dig into the profound impact that the African-American community has had on local politics a...

Did you know that Boston — as in the actual city — is actually quite small, while it could be argued that the metro area stretches for hours in several directions? How did it get this way? And why are so many distinct municipalities sandwiched together? Turns out there's an answer. Or several answers. Garrett Dash Nelson, head of the Leventhal Map & Education Center At The Boston Public Library, i...

In honor of the holiday season, we present this magical tale of underdog grit, triumph over evil, and old men weeping in the streets. Lifelong Red Sox fan Tyler Rotman joins me to tell me the tale of how the curse was broken and the city liberated from its insidious vice — even if Pedro did throw that old man to the ground. Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.c...

We're back from vacation and learning all about this iconic Boston neighborhood. Our guest Pat Toomey (not the former senator!) explains old working-class-Irish Southie and new frat-bro-central Southie, and even gets in a few digs at "The Departed." Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adverti...

Hope you're hungry! We're digging into this regional delicacy with the man behind a 50k-strong community dedicated to discussing North Shore roast beef.  Andy Ferg tells me what makes a great sandwich — freshness matters — and why some of the most famous shops rest on their laurels. Warning: This episode  contains adult language. Lots of it. Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company....

In this episode we're joined by the host of GBH News' "The Big Dig" podcast to talk about the city's most infamous infrastructure boondoggle. Who were the major players? Why did America spend so much of the middle of the 20th century running highways through historic urban cores? And in the end, was The Big Dig worth it? Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...

This week, I'm learning about the Boston Pops, a  beloved local institution. We're talking Arthur Fielder, we're talking John Williams, we're singing the Superman theme, we're hearing about the largest firework in history (spoiler: it was a dud), and the creation of the field of acoustics. Plus, giant pumpkins floating on the the Charles, Phillies talk, and musings on what it's like to live with t...

We're diving into Boston's comedy boom with Nick Zaino. The Boston Globe writer tells us about the legend of the Ding Ho, swears in the name of Dennis Leary, and awes me with the names of famous comedians that just happen to be from here. Plus, a story about how to make an enemy of host Lee Stabert: It involves being tall and wearing a large hat.  Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz co...

This week I'm learning about how, in the 1970s, Boston became the poster child for desegregation strife in the North. Professor Matthew Delmont of Dartmouth University shares his insights on the deep structural issues that led to the busing crisis, the role of the media, and how the city's reputation as the "cradle of liberty" led to a fascination with its racial woes.  Plus, I talk about the Phil...

I'm joined by Leila Cohan, TV and movie writer extraordinaire, to talk about running errands in the suburbs, the joys of a bad mall, killing time in Copley Place, and how Legacy Place personifies the new, pricier, more chain-happy Boston metro.  Send us a text Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising...

If you heard the phrase "Massachusetts Miracle,"  would you also assume it was a famous sports play? Please tell me I'm not alone. In this week's episode, we're joined by Cambridge native and history professor Lily Geismer to talk about Route 128, the associated tech boom, suburban liberals, and famous loser Michael Dukakis. Plus, I've got more to say about Duck Boats. Send us a text Hosted by Sim...

This week I'm joined by a transit influencer, which is a thing I just made up. Fellow Boston transplant Jed Paul (@jeddeo1 on TikTok and Instagram) is a lifelong train enthusiast who has made it his mission to explore the MBTA, warts and all. Come for the deadpan, absurdist humor, stay for tales of the mysterious blue line, bulging walls in green line stations, and Mark Wahlberg.  Send us a text H...

Are people in Boston — and New England more generally — especially obsessed with ice cream? Consider this an Explain Boston to Me investigation. To help me navigate these frigid waters, I'm joined by Judy Herrell, who has been in the business for over 40 years. We talk about Steve's Ice Cream in Somerville inventing the mix-in, how the ice house begat a local passion, and the resurrection of Hydro...

In this episode, we're taking a walk down one of Boston's most iconic commercial corridors. Courtney Flynn is the second generation running Trident Booksellers & Cafe, which has been located on the "wrong side" of Newbury Street for almost 40 years. We  chat about running a small business in a city notorious for red tape, Newbury Comics, and who you'd rather sit next to at a bar: a rabid Philly sp...

This week, I'm joined by two former Harvard Square Pit rats to talk about why suburban kids were drawn to this spot, the legacy of counter-culture in Harvard Square, and the spiritual — and physical — death of The Pit. We touch on the woes of gentrification, Soul Asylum, town versus gown tensions, and why it's always important to test out your vinyl shirt in a safe space before you wear it to high...

Local writer Sean Maloney explains how the '70s scene in Boston set the stage for the Modern Lovers, and why Jonathan Richman continues to provide inspiration for some of the biggest acts of all time. He also claims it used to be cheap to live in Cambridge. What a life! In addition, we've got tangents on famous male virgins, coaching trees, and the local-music Mount Rushmore.  Send us a text Hoste...