Explain Boston to Me

Sometimes episodes of EBtM deal with the "what" — this one deals with the "why." Boston Globe reporter and podcaster Shirley Leung joins us to explain how Boston's restaurant scene has long been stymied by esoteric liquor regulations. This has a profound trick-down impact on the area's culture, its retention of young creatives, and its low-income neighborhoods. Fortunately, help might finally be on the way. Hey, State Legislature, do happy hour next! Be sure to check out Leung's podcast Say More (the series "Beating Burnout" comes out this month) and her reporting on Boston's liquor license laws. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo. If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line. 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.

In this episode, we're learning all about the incredible history of candy manufacturing in Boston. With Jeremy Spindler of Spindler Confections as our guide, we cover the meteoric rise and slow demise of a signature New England industry — it's a bittersweet tale, to say the least. And as a bonus, it's taste test time! Listen as I sample some of the area's classic candies, including the famous/infamous Necco wafers. Let's just say that times — and tastes — have changed. Here's video of the Gloucester Greasy Pole and info on the upcoming St. Peter's Fiesta (June 16-30). Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send me a voice memo. If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. 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.

This week, we're kicking off summer by chatting about Cape Cod. Sharing his thoughts, feelings, and shark avoidance tips is Joe Fenti, standup comedian and corporate drone, who recently went viral for his video about the Seaport — one of our favorite topics over here at EBtM. Check out Joe's content on Instagram (@fentifriendchicken) and Tiktok, or book him to produce a standup show in any space via Comedy Coop Standup. He has several events coming up this month. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send me a voice memo. If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. 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.

First, we've got fashion episode feedback! Then I'm chatting with Kelly McGrath, executive director of Brighton Main Streets, about her neighborhood — its past, present, and future. Can this working-class haven balance the enticements of development with the downsides of gentrification? Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send me a voice memo. If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. 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.

In this week's episode, I'm joined fashionable lady Margo Lindauer of the podcast JustUS. We're asking the big question: Why don't people dress better in Boston? We've got theories, we've got equivocation, we've got thoughts on Lilly Pulitzer. If you want to tell me why we're wrong about local fashion — or share your own hot takes — please DM me on Instagram, email me, or send me a voice memo. If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. 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.

This weekend is Mother's Day, which means it's also Duckling Day. In this episode, I chat with the president of the Friends of the Boston Public Garden about the park's history, its dire state in the 1970s, and the iconic children's book that inspired both the city's favorite statue and this annual tradition. Plus, a crude Ben Franklin bumper sticker, questions about Sam Adams beer and Celtics' fans, and a book recommendation. If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please send me an email. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. Follow me on Instagram @explainbostontome. 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.

In 1919, a wall of molasses washed through the North End. I don't think we talk about this enough! In this episode, we're talking with Lisa Mullan Perkins of Uwila Warrior about this sticky incident and its impact on the city. Plus, my pitch for the next great HBO Miniseries, working title: Sweet Nightmares: The Great Molasses Flood. We've also got an update on my emotional state and a lot of questions about Wally, the Red Sox's wall-dwelling mascot. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. Follow me on Instagram @explainbostontome. 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.

I'm taking the week off, but I'm not leaving you hanging. In honor of NBA playoff season, I'm rerunning my conversation with Jake Issenberg, co-host of the Celtics podcast First to the Floor. There's even a new intro where I reveal how Jalen Brunson is ruining my marriage and tease upcoming episode topics. Jake and I dig in on 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? Why do we love overachievers so much? And perhaps most importantly: Is this the year the Celtics finally break through?For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. Follow me on Instagram @explainbostontome. 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.

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. Here's the iconic Ben Franklin tweet. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. 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.

We're digging back into the Boston Marathon, one of the city's most beloved and enduring events. This time, the focus is on what makes this race so special and on the rich, passionate local running culture that is its beating heart. Pacing us on this journey is Matt Taylor, founder and and CEO of Tracksmith, a running gear brand with a classic New England aesthetic that was conceived by runners, for runners. Taylor is taking his second stab at the Marathon this week — we're rooting for him. Here is Dan McQuade's original Philadelphia Magazine story on Rocky's training run; and here is the follow up on Defector. For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com. 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.

Romance is in the air on this week's episode as we chat with Meredith Goldstein, The Boston Globe's dating advice columnist and host of the companion podcast Love Letters. She offers insight on finding the right person in the right neighborhood, men with fishing pictures in their app profiles, and the region's strange cocktail of Puritanism and progressive politics — did you know that you can legally register a polyamorous relationship in Somerville? Share your thoughts on J.D. Drew via email ([email protected]) or DM me on Instagram. And for merch that will help spark conversations in bars, head to Explainbostontome.com. 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.

This week's episode is all about the Combat Zone, Boston's erstwhile vice district located right in the heart of the city. To talk peep shows, strip clubs, neon signs, and organized crime, we're joined by writer Stephanie Schorow, author of Inside the Combat Zone: The Stripped Down Story of Boston's Most Notorious Neighborhood, along with many other books on local history. Click here for merch: Explainbostontome.com. 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.

We're going deep on fried clams, with forays into other New England seafood classics, the woes of the local fishing industry, and why rivalries are good for business. To enlighten us on the clam wars in Essex and so much more, we're joined by Ted Reinstein, a longtime reporter for Chronicle on WCVB Channel 5 and author of Wicked Pissed: New England’s Most Famous Feuds.If you'd like to send me a recording of you pronouncing "Billerica," email me: [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Click here for merch: Explainbostontome.com. 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.

In this episode, we're learning all about candlepin bowling, the region's scrappy counterpoint to "ten-pin" or "big ball." Tom Giordano has been working at Wakefield Bowladrome for almost 50 years and he has plenty of insight into what makes this local past time endure in the hearts and minds of New Englanders. We chat about the demise of the pin boys, candlepin on local television, and the recent filming of The Holdovers at Wakefield. Also, here is that promised Malice at the Palace footage. 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.

In this episode, we're going deep on Cambridge's nerdiest neighborhood, tracing its history from industrial mecca to biotech playground. Scott Kirsner, longtime Boston Globe tech columnist and co-founder of The Innovation Trail, explains the role of MIT in the area's growth, shoots down some JKF-centric conspiracy mongering, and muses on the future of this riverside boomtown (hint: it might depends on how this whole A.I. thing goes). 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.

Is the Boston accent endangered? I'm joined by Medford native Joe DiMeo to chat about what it means to drop your Rs, Ben Affleck’s late-in-life code-switching, and how to get a discount from your plumb-ha. And, as promised, here is my travel-influencer play in The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/02/17/business/taxis-logan-airport-uber-lyft/ 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.

Lisa McManus, foremost expert in all things kitchen gear, joins me to talk about Julia Child. This culinary icon spent 40 years living in Cambridge, just a short walk from where I currently sit. We chat about what brought Julia to the area, her favorite local butcher shop, sending knives through the mail, and how her legacy of home-cook demystification continues with ATC. Plus, we've got merch! Head to explainbostontome.com to pick some up. 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.

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 hear the episode). 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.

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 personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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

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 golden boy? Plus, an update on the Boston Movie Club.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.

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 most expensive thing on the menu? All these questions and more will be answered. 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.

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 and intellectual life, and discuss the neighborhoods that are key to that legacy. 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.

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, is here to explain how forces as disparate as pilgrim culture, school snobbery, and taxation (of course) shaped the region's fractured political geography. 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.

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

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 advertising.

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

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

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 the Liberty Bell. 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.

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

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 Phillies.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.

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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 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. 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.

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 sports fan or a rabid Boston sports fan.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.

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 school. 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.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, things are taking a slightly more serious turn. It can’t be all orange dinosaurs and curbside sectionals over here. We’re talking about the Boston Marathon, and we can’t really do that without also talking about the 2013 Marathon Bombing. With help from journalist Kevin Koscwara, I learn about what this annual event means to the region . #BostonStrongSend 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 about the North Shore, and about Route 1 — that mecca of kitsch and nostalgia — in particular. To learn more, I spoke with a woman who’s mom was sent into labor by a lobster pie at Hilltop Steakhouse.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.

On the first ever episode of "Explain Boston to Me," we’re talking about Allston Christmas, the smorgasbord of free curbside stuff that happens every September 1. To explain this phenomenon — and to give the overall scoop on Allston — host Lee Stabert is chatting with Matt Shearer, a reporter for WBZ News Radio. You might have heard him over the airwaves, but if you’re under 40 you’re probably more likely to have seen one of his viral “man on the street” segments pinging around the internet. Check him out @reportermatt on instagram or @WBZnewsradio on TikTok. 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.