Explain Boston to Me

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-unite in Pennsylvania! Thanks, Quakers. The Simpsons go to Philadelphia.   The Gold Medal-winning U.S. women's hockey team has a Boston flavor. Go to Comfort Kitchen! 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 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 crashes out.  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, 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 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.

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 theoretical violence becomes real violence. Yup. RIP Dan McQuade. (The beloved compilation he created.) WBUR on local animal weather forecasters. Cape Cod potato chips factory closes. 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 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, 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 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 Dylan Gottlieb! Snapper Soup is a Philly tradition. Sad baseball corner.  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 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 tell me all about its origins and its evolution. He is also co-author of Tales from the Boston College Hockey Locker Room: A Collection of the Greatest Eagles Hockey Stories Ever Told. Attend the Beanpot.  OMG there is a Wing Bowl doc!!! It is called "No One Died." And here is an insane Buzzfeed feature. Big Papi singing his heart out. Send me New Bedford recs. DM me on Instagram or email me. 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.

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 John Adams Clam Chowder Winter Hill Gang East Boston Mattapan Jamaica Plain Any other neighborhood New Kids on the Block The Wahlberg Family Tom Brady Nantucket Summer in New England New Balance Gillette  Fenway Park The Puritans The Mayflower Boston Private Clubs The Boston Massacre Irish immigration in Boston South Shore Bar 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.

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 Instagram, email me, or send along 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.

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, 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.

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" "Hello" Brady Returns promo — bonkers! 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 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 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 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 roll out. They did have a televised reveal of Phang. Marra's closes after 98 years. The most memorable play from Monday's Patriots' game.  Aquarium Bar in Valencia. Watch Listers! Listen to Chris Crofton's I'm Your Man. 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 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. Mobsters & Lobsters.   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 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 with the Larry Bird Celtics. You can catch him Boston Globe Sports Report, in collaboration with NESN, on Mondays. The last penny. O-lineman who sing xmas songs. Charles, the local alligator.  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 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 Bostonians buried there. 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 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. Love Park is reborn in Sweden.  "Toronto Will Never Get Over This" (Defector gift link) EBtM: The Modern Lovers & 70s 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 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 are assessing? To celebrate the issue, Boston Magazine's Taste is happening on November 5; click here for tickets. RIP Hitchbot, 10 years later.  HipHop is 55 years old.  Jaylen Brown hair incident.  Cheeky Spidey D.  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.

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 phenomenon, I'm joined by brothers Adam and Art Antczak, a couple of dudes who have lived in and around Salem for decades. “A reject from Sesame Street” — the initial reaction to Gritty. 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.

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 issues we discuss in this episode? Check out conversations on local NIMBYs, $600,000 liquor licenses, and why Boston restaurants suck. Pain.  HipHop returns. Kowloon atrocity.  Voyage of the Mimi Explain Boston to Me: Head of the Charles 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.