Explain Boston to Me

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 of the new book, Thirteen Perfect Fugitives: The True Story of the Mob, Murder, and the World's Largest Art Heist. He's here to tell us about what went down at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on the night of March 18, 1990. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum $80!!!!! 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 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 Lin Manuel Miranda decided to yada yada his contributions. Helping us talk through this fascinating history is return guest Audrey Stuck-Girard. The Phanatic goes Colonial. Jordan's Furniture makes another big bet. EBtM: The Great Turkey Invasion. Listen to Cory Branan. Also, ME on Cory for the Nashville Scene back in 2012. 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 wave of Irish immigrants that arrived in Boston in the 19th century — and how the response to their arrival led to policies and prejudices with an enduring impact on the region and the nation. Helping us talk through these thorny issues is Professor Hidetaka Hirota, author of Expelling the Poor: Atlantic Seaboard States and the Nineteenth-Century Origins of American Immigration Policy. RIP Isaiah Zagar. Philly versus the Robots. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts! 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 the first of our long-anticipated 'Local Colleges' series. We're chatting about Tufts University with alum Mark Buccella and senior Hannah Jiang. They let me in on the campus culture, the storied traditions, and the Jumbo of it all. Plus, a Gillette Stadium traffic rant and info on the first EBtM live event. Come see Explain Boston to Me LIVE at the Athenaeum! Tesiny is fire. "Everybody Hurts" 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 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? How can we change the structural incentives that keep people in their cars? Hint: the answer is not bigger roads. To traverse the conversational terrain of transit, congestion pricing, gas taxes, and bike lanes, we're joined by Chris Dempsey and Jeff Speck, the men behind the urban design firm Speck Dempsey. These guys really know what they're talking about, even if they've never seen the Cameron Crowe classic Singles. This conversation took place in April 2024 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 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 Turino, a member of the St. Botolph Club and The 'Quin House. What is the enduring appeal of these institutions? How are they modernizing? And what does their resurgence say about contemporary life? V.J. Edgecombe goes into the seats. The President's House gets its signs back. 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 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.