Explain Boston to Me

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 the essay Tyler mentions: "In defense of Fever Pitch, the greatest Red Sox movie of all-time" When your baseball team loses (TikTok) "Here comes the pizza" 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 looks: Harvard sweatshirt and bike shorts; Kelly green jacket. 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo. Try ZipRecruiter for FREE at ZipRecruiter.com/work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union, is out now, and don't miss his Italian restaurant recs at the end of the ep. Yes, Philly fans threw snowballs at Santa, but there's more to the story. The Tom Brady statue is unveiled. The head is too small, right?? 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Athletic on importing the entrance from Minnesota.  Boston getting a WNBA team? "Dershowitz Takes Issue With Farmers' Market After Pierogi Denial" Berry Pond in Harold Parker State Forest. (Come for the nature, stay for the audible gunfire.) City of Boston's Summer Dance Party Series. 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Somerville Community Path (yes, it's all cats) 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Time is a flat circle. In this episode, we're joined by Michael Ansara, author of the recently released memoir, The Hard Work of Hope, to talk about the 1960s and its mass protest movements in Boston. A community organizer and student leader at Harvard during this tumultuous era, Ansara has insight into how that historical moment roiled the region — and how its echoes reverberate today. This is a can't-miss conversation! The Phillie Phanatic riffs on the Coldplay cheating scandal The Delaware River Hot Dog man Somebody Feed Phil comes to Boston 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're talking about Ray Flynn, who served as mayor of Boston from 1984-1993. As described by guest Don Gillis, author of The Battle for Boston, that decade was transformative for the city. It was an era in which the city's progressive identity was solidified and the neighborhoods were brought back into the political process. Plus, did you know Flynn almost played for the Celtics?! "That's what's in" will haunt me forever Cam Schlittler, son of a Massachusetts police chief, wins his Major League Baseball debut for the hated Yankees The Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival is coming up; here's our ep on Revere Charles River swim cancelled 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 renaissance? Pork Roll Egg & Cheese Vodka 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're chatting about how the idea of Boston — its reputation, its brand, its character — has been shaped by popular media, from movies to journalism. Joining us is Stanley Corkin, author of Boston Mass-Mediated Urban Space and Culture in the Digital Age. Step right up: 10 best walkable cities for tourists in the US In Her Shoes  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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're getting the inside scoop on the latest Market Basket drama from Grant Welker, a reporter for the Boston Business Journal. Why is Arthur T. Demoulas being pushed out again? Who will take over the company? How will this impact consumers and devotees of the beloved local grocery chain? Plus, more chatter on what makes Market Basket so special, and thoughts on Karen Read and Rafael Devers. Check out EBtM's first Market Basket episode HERE (it's one of our most popular ever) The Double Slide Section 10 podcast losing it about the Rafael Devers trade "Rapper Slaine brings Hub street cred to Affleck flick Man about ‘Town’" Leaving by Roxana Robinson 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Movie club is back! As a companion to last week's episode on Charlestown, we're chatting about the 2010 crime thriller "The Town," directed by and starring Ben Affleck. Dylan Gottlieb returns to the show to chat about the magic of shooting on location, Blake Lively slumming it, and our desire for a little levity. CLICK HERE to listen to EBtM: Charlestown. 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're joined by Lee Eiseman, who has lived in Charlestown for over 50 years. We cover a lot of ground, from the Battle of Bunker Hill (and its upcoming anniversary celebrations), to Irish immigration, to busing, to hot tips for contemporary visitors coming to the neighborhood. CLICK HERE for a list of upcoming events commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, including the reenactment of the monument corner stone laying. Next week: Boston Movie Club tackles The Town. Max Kepler is bae. Leave me a nice Apple Podcasts review! News from Market Basket. 250th-themed license plates from the RMV. EBtM: Catholics! 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hydrox cookies. This episode originally ran in September 2023.  Next week: Charlestown and the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. While you wait for that ep, put these events on your calendar.  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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a recent Boston Magazine article, journalist Rachel Slade asked the question, "Does Boston still drink?" She's here to explain her findings and to talk about local drinking culture. We get into the rise of NA options, the death of the neighborhood drive bar, and Gen Z's changing tastes. Quinta Brunson talks MAC machines.  The Tush Push lives! RIP George Wendt Help Massachusetts come up with a new state seal Making It in America: The Almost Impossible Quest to Manufacture in the U.S.A. (And How It Got That Way) By Rachel Slade 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're joined by Harvard professor Lizabeth Cohen to talk about how the era of Urban Renewal — and the arrival of Ed Logue — impacted Boston. From bulldozed neighborhoods, to a new city hall, to housing in Roxbury and Charlestown, this particular moment left its mark on the city. Cohen's award-winning book, Saving America's Cities: Ed Logue and the Struggle to Renew Urban America in the Suburban Age, takes a more complex view of this oft-reviled movement. RIP the POOP scorebug. Philly taco. Loving the new Boston Red Sox Fenway-inspired City Connect jerseys. (The Phillies' City Connects are a crime against baseball.) Dog loses Dorchester mayoral election. 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's episode, we're tackling one of the "Only in Boston" holidays. Marking a major moment in the Revolutionary War, this annual observance also happens to fall on St. Patrick's Day. Coincidence?!? Podcaster Brendan Hughes has the inside scoop on the history and politics of Evacuation Day. Check out his 10-episode series, Divine Intervention, where ever you listen to podcasts. Villanova Pope Michelin Guide comes to Philly AND Boston Real Housewives of Rhode Island Bill Burr roasts Philadelphia. 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.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.