Explain Boston to Me
Episodes
Don't Take Fenway Park for Granted with Glenn Stout
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We're learning about a true Boston icon: Fenway Park. According to author Glenn Stout, this baseball paradise "changed his life" — it also...
Roxbury with Dr. Rufus J. Faulk
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist with Geoff Kelly
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
John and Abigail Adams with Audrey Stuck-Girard
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Li...
A new look at Irish immigration to Boston with Hidetaka Hirota
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Tufts University with Mark Buccella & Hannah Jiang
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Stuck in Boston traffic with Chris Dempsey and Jeff Speck (REWIND)
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
Inside Boston's Private Clubs with Ken Turino
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Puritans were misunderstood with Lori Rogers-Stokes
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're reconsidering the Puritans with historian Lori Rogers-Stokes, author of Gathered Into a Church: Indigenous-English Congregation...
Jamaica Plain with Gretchen Grozier
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting about a Jamaica Plain, a beloved and eclectic Boston neighborhood. Longtime resident and amateur historian Gretchen Gr...
South Shore Bar Pizza with Josh Davis
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 to...
The Boston Massacre with Daniel Berger-Jones and John J King
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Com...
400 years of Boston's seaport with James O'Connell
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Boston is a seafood town LIVE at Wulf's Fish
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Antcz...
The Beanpot with Tom Burke
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're exploring one of Boston's most storied and beloved traditions: The Beanpot. This annual tournament brings the college hockey pr...
State of the Show 2026
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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?? — fi...
Boston Movie Club: The Departed (REWIND)
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
On being a Boston Brahmin with R.J. Lyman (REWIND)
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. Ly...
The Patriots are back! with Christopher Price
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The show welcomes Christopher Price, Patriots beat reporter for The Boston Globe and host of "The Patriots Report" podcast. Now that the tea...
Is Boston secretly an Asian food mecca? with Christian Doan aka Chopstick Murphys
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Boston Legacy FC and women's sports in Boston with Rachel Duranwood
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Cranberries with Steve Ward (Happy Thanksgiving!)
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 decade...
Larry Bird with Dan Shaughnessy
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Bi...
Live at Mount Auburn Cemetery with Michael Kuchta and Karen Weintraub
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Roslindale with Adam Rogoff
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 cha...
Eating out in Boston RIGHT NOW with Rachel Blumenthal
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting with Rachel Blumenthal, food editor of Boston Magazine, about that publication's annual Top 50 Restaurants List and wh...
Never go to Salem in October with Adam & Art Antczak (REWIND)
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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: Hallo...
Boston on the cheap with Emily Schario
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Gl...
Ben Affleck with Kelli Williams
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. J...
Brattle Street with Beth Folsom
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about Cambridge's most iconic boulevard. Beth Folsom from History Cambridge discusses Brattle Street's complicated hist...
Boston Movie Club: Fever Pitch
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the latest installment of Boston Movie Club where we're talking about Fever Pitch, the 2005 romcom starring Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, a...
Jordan’s Furniture with Danny Webster
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's finally happening!!!! Join me and guest Danny Webster as we discuss Jordan's Furniture, the furniture store/IMAX/eatery/ropes course/birthday par...
Marshmallow Fluff with Sarah Dudek
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The South Shore with Morgan Doherty
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting with Morgan Doherty, realtor and self-admitted townie, about her native South Shore. We discuss the essential towns, t...
Nancy Kerrigan, the pride of Stoneham, with Meredith Lynch
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about a local legend: Olympic silver medalist Nancy Kerrigan. Guest Meredith Lynch (@meredithmlynch on Instagram and Ti...
REWIND: Lobstah and New England's fishing legacy with Curt Brown
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 subj...
We need to talk about Charles Sumner with Stephen Puleo
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, author Stephen Puleo is helping us place Bostonian Charles Sumner on the "starting five" of American history. This well-spo...
Boston nightlife with Corean Reynolds
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 B...
Martha's Vineyard with Shayla Martin
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Vineyar...
The 1960s and its protest movements in Boston with Michael Ansara
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Mayor Ray Flynn with Don Gillis
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Tripledeckers with Matthew Dickey aka Streetscape Curator
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're talking tripledeckers, that iconic piece of the local urban fabric with Matthew Dickey, aka Streetscape Curator. What are the origins of this ve...
Boston in mass media with Stanley Corkin
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Market Basket Part II: Boston's very own 'Succession'-style saga with Grant Welker
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. Demou...
Boston Movie Club: The Town
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Charlestown with Lee Eiseman
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Boston is uniquely obsessed with ice cream feat. Judy Herrell (REWIND)
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are people in Boston — and New England more generally — especially obsessed with ice cream? Consider this an Explain Boston to Me investigation. T...
Does Boston still drink? with Rachel Slade
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a recent Boston Magazine article, journalist Rachel Slade asked the question, "Does Boston still drink?" She's here to explain her findin...
How Urban Renewal Transformed Boston with Lizabeth Cohen
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Evacuation Day with Brendan Hughes
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ob...
A Kiwi in Boston with Jacinda Ardern, former PM of New Zealand
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have a very special guest: Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. She also happens to be a local — at least for a few mo...
Public transit in Boston with Seth Kaplan
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are the worst things about Boston's aging transit system? What are the best? And, most importantly, what does the future of the MBTA look like an...
REWIND: Dunkin’ Donuts with Megan Johnson
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While I'm on vacation, please enjoy my most popular episode of all time! This conversation with writer Megan Johnson touches on the mustachioed man (&...
The Winter of 2015 with Chris Laudani aka the “Boston Shoveler”
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we take a trip back to 2015, aka the snowiest winter in Boston history. Our guest was just a humble bartender when he was thrust into...
Massachusetts loves scratch tickets with Ian Coss
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you grow up with scratch tickets? GBH's Ian Coss joins returns to the show to talk about the story behind his new podcast series, Scratch & Wi...
Boston Public Library with Katherine Mitchell and Anna Fahey-Flynn
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're talking about the Boston Public Library, a beloved institution that started in two rooms and grew into a palace of learning. My guest...
Influencers in Boston with JQ Louise
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're joined by local influencer JQ Louise to learn about how the sausage is made — how local restaurants go viral, the most photog...
Mayor Tom Menino with Wilbur C. Rich
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas Menino was mayor of Boston for over 20 years. What made him such a successful politician? How did the city change under his watch? What were so...
An African warlord in Boston with Nate Homan
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that Liberian dictator and international war criminal Charles Taylor broke out of prison in Massachusetts? He also earned an accounting d...
The Rat and Boston's Rock Heyday with Evan McGonagill and Peter Laurence
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we riff on The Rat, Boston's answer to CBGB and an essential piece of the city's music history. We're looking back through the lens o...
Kowloon with Mona Xia and Erin Ramirez
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about Kowloon, a North Shore staple that has hosted generations of prom afterparties, post-game hangs, and family gathe...
Announcement: Send me your Kowloon stories!
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I need your help! I want to fill out my upcoming episode on Kowloon with your stories. What does this North Shore stalwart mean to you? What makes the...
Local mill towns and the Industrial Revolution with Steve Guerriero
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Steve Guerriero of the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation tells us about how the Industrial Revolution transformed New...
Rats! with Dave Power (plus, a Super Bowl recap)
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're talking about the local war against rats with Dave Power from the City of Cambridge. Spoiler alert: It is ongoing! As you'll hear, th...
The Boston Bruins and New England Hockey Culture with Cam Hasbrouck and Drew Johnson
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're joined by Cam Hasbrouck and Drew Johnson from the Brews & Bruins podcast to chat about Boston's beloved professional ice hockey t...
Steak Tips with Rachel Leah Blumenthal
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Rachel Leah Blumenthal, food editor at Boston Magazine, takes us deep on this meaty regional specialty. We're grilling her to get all...
Boston Crime Movies with Sean Burns, plus N.Y.C. versus Cambridge in a water taste test sequel
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Burns, film critic for WBUR, joins the podcast to talk about Boston crime movies — the good, the bad, and the Casey Affleck. We chat about why ...
Making land, from the Back Bay to Logan Airport, with Jake Sconyers
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're talking with Jake Sconyers, host of the Hub History podcast, about the work it took take transform Boston from a 475 acre peninsula surrounded b...
Old North Church and Paul Revere with Nikki Stewart
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting with Nikki Stewart of Old North Illuminated. She tells us about the history of this Freedom Trail icon, the legend of ...
REWIND: Southie with Pat Toomey
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're revisiting one of my favorite early episodes: Guest Pat Toomey's family has been in Southie for generations. He talks us through the contours of...
Coolidge Corner with Rebeckah Orsatti
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Christmas Day drop, we're talking about Coolidge Corner, the neighborhood in Brookline with the most urban juice. Guest Rebeckah Orsatti talks...
The Great Turkey Invasion with Tia Pinney
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why are there so many wild turkeys in this town? Mass Audubon's Tia Pinney has answers and tips for avoiding confrontation with our feathered friends,...
On being a Boston Brahmin with R.J. Lyman
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just don't call him that! In this week's episode, we're talking to lawyer, father, Bostonian and — according to some — Boston Brahmin, R.J. Lyman....
Boston's Queer History with Joan Ilacqua
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we're talking about Boston's LGBTQ history and identity with Joan Ilacqua of The History Project, a community archive, reposit...
REWIND: BMC presents Good Will Hunting
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What movie should we do next? And who should be the guest? Email me This is a great weekend to get the family together for a viewing of the 1997 class...
Karen Read with Susan Zalkind
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special episode, we solve the Karen Read case! JK. We actually talk about what the obsession with this murder says about Boston, its subu...
Boston baked beans with Amy Traverso
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's a reason they call it "Beantown." In this week's episode, Yankee Magazine food editor Amy Traverso takes us through the history of t...
Boston's water supply with Elena Palladino (plus, a wet and wild taste test)
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is there anything we take for granted more than clean, safe water flowing out of our taps? In this episode, I'm learning all about Boston's municipal ...
Lexington with Trisha Pérez Kennealy
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we're learning all about Lexington, aka the "birthplace of American Liberty." Or so they say! Giving us the 411 on t...
Fenway (the neighborhood not the ballpark) with Michael Minichello
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're talking Fenway — or "The Fenway" — which has everything from baseball (duh) to world-class art to gorgeous parks. The i...
Head of the Charles with Brendan Mulvey
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we're chatting about the city's most famous rowing race: The Head of the Charles, happening October 19-20. Joining us is Brend...
REWIND: The 2004 Red Sox with Tyler Rotman
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of October baseball, we're revisiting this magical tale of underdog grit, triumph over evil, and old men weeping in the streets. Lifelong Red...
The West End is dead, long live the West End with Sebastian Belfanti
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're joined by Sebastian Belfanti of the West End Museum to talk about the history of the neighborhood — and its tragic fate at th...
Never go to Salem in October with Adam & Art Antczak
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Boston Tea Party (PART TWO) with Audrey Stuck-Girard
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the dramatic conclusion of our discussion of the Boston Tea Party! Living history interpreter Audrey Stuck-Girard walks us through the aftermath ...
The Boston Tea Party with Audrey Stuck-Girard
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In part one of our inaugural two-parter, we're talking with living history interpreter Audrey Stuck-Girard about one of Boston's most iconic incidents...
Lobstah with Curt Brown
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Not even COVID could keep me away from you! I'm back from vacation with an episode exploring an iconic part of New England culture: Lobster. To go dee...
REWIND: Allston Christmas with Matt Shearer
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Oh how far we've come! I'm on vacation, so here's an oldie but a goodie — with a new intro! On the first ever episode of "Explain Boston to Me,...
The whitewashing of Boston with Dart Adams
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we're joined by Dart Adams, author, journalist, historian, and Black Bostonian. He talks about how the culture being exported ...
The North End with James Pasto
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're talking about one of Boston's most iconic neighborhoods, the North End. James Pasto grew up in this Italian enclave and now teaches a...
Boston's best dive bars with Zach Servideo
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're grabbing a drink where everyone knows your name. Oops. Not that place — we'll save that for another day. Zach Servideo of Value Cre...
Boston's NIMBYs with Jacob Anbinder
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're talking about the housing crisis. And affordability. And development. And density. What could go wrong? Historian Jacob Anbinder is a...
Revere Beach with Jan Dumas
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's hit the sand! We're talking about Revere Beach with Jan Dumas, a proud resident and city booster. We get into the area's history, its rough repu...
How to survive moving in Boston with Premium Q
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy first birthday to Explain Boston to Me! In this episode, I'm joined by Marian Esanu and Victor Chaves of Premium Q Moving & Storage to talk ...
Boston Movie Club: The Departed
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the second installment of Boston Movie Club, I'm joined by Southie native and former EBtM guest Pat Toomey (check out his episode here) to chat abo...
Catholics! with Craig Tichelkamp
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How did Boston's Catholics go from a scorned minority to the dominant force in local politics and culture? Lots of reasons! Here to walk us through it...
Dunkin' Donuts with Megan Johnson
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's finally time. We're chatting about the brand that is perhaps most closely associated with the Boston region. The conversation touches on the must...
The curious case of the $600,000 liquor license with Shirley Leung
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes episodes of EBtM deal with the "what" — this one deals with the "why." Boston Globe reporter and podcaster Shirley Leu...
Boston's candy-coated history with Jeremy Spindler
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're learning all about the incredible history of candy manufacturing in Boston. With Jeremy Spindler of Spindler Confections as our...
Summer in Cape Cod with Joe Fenti
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're kicking off summer by chatting about Cape Cod. Sharing his thoughts, feelings, and shark avoidance tips is Joe Fenti, standup comedia...