The Culture Show Podcast

Josh Ritter, the prolific singer-songwriter, joins The Culture Show to talk about his forthcoming album, “I Believe in You, My Honeydew,” and to preview his upcoming performance at the Lowell Summer Music Series. He’ll be performing with The Royal City Band on August 24th. To learn more go here.From there Ian Coss, an award-winning podcast producer joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest podcast, “We’re Doing ‘The Wiz’,” which he co-created, co-hosted and co-produced with Sakina Ibrahim. To learn more go here.Finally Erica Hirshler, the Croll Senior Curator of American Paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, joins The Culture Show for our recurring series, “American Revolution: Frame by Frame.” Each month the curators and experts from the MFA join the show to talk about works in their collection that offer insight into the American Revolution. This is an extension of Museums 250. This month the focus is on John Singleton Copley’s “Watson and the Shark.”

We reflect on the legacy of the late NASA astronaut Jim Lovell with Cady Coleman. She’s a retired NASA astronaut, U.S. Air Force colonel, scientist, pilot and musician. She spent months working and living aboard the International Space Station. Her latest book is titled “Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change.” We’ll also get her take on what the future of space exploration and education will be if President Trump’s proposed budget cuts to NASA become a reality.From there Culture Show contributor Pedro Alonzo joins us for his monthly appearance. He is a Boston-based independent curator who specializes in public art projects. He is also the Artistic Director of the Boston Public Art Triennial.Finally we head to the North End by way of the 115th annual Fisherman’s Feast, which kicks off August 14th and runs through August 17th. Domenic Strazzullo, the president of the Fisherman’s Feast, and The Boston Guido, one of the meatball competition judges, join us for the ultimate overview. To learn more go here.

The Broadway hit “The Wiz” is onstage at Citizens Opera House August 12 through August 24 by way of Broadway in Boston. The book was updated by comedian, writer and actress Amber Ruffin. She joins The Culture Show to talk about giving the musical a contemporary spin. Amber Ruffin hosted the late-night talk show, “The Amber Ruffin Show” on Peacock. She has been a writer for “Late Night with Seth Meyers” since 2014. To learn more about this production of “The Wiz,” go here.From there Armenian-Lebanese restaurateur Nina Festekjian, Founder and Executive Chef of Anoush’ella, joins The Culture Show to talk about their pop up experience Cafe Anoush. Every Thursday they will provide an open air dining experience at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center. To learn more, go here. Finally Eric Rosen, Artistic Director of The Cape Playhouse, joins The Culture Show to talk about his vision for the historic theater and to give an overview of upcoming productions. To learn more go here.

Today Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III, and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons go over the latest arts and culture headlines on our week-in-review.First up, the Palace de Versailles is bringing some of its statues to life, using AI to make them interactive. From there, it’s been 10 years since Hamilton bounded on to Broadway. We’ll look at how it changed the way people think about musicals and produced them.Plus with Great Gatsby 100 years old this year we’ll endeavor to decode its iconic book cover.And Steve Martin is the ambassador for the Frick Collection, filming a series of videos encouraging visitors to return to the Fri’s revamped home on 5th Avenue.

Michael Ansara spent years as an activist and an organizer, starting with the civil rights movement of the 1960s, going on to be a regional organizer for Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). He spent 10 years organizing opposition to the war in Vietnam. For 15 years, he was a community organizer, including directing Mass Fair Share. He has worked on political campaigns, coordinated voter registration efforts, and trained many organizers. He joins The Culture Show to talk about his new memoir “The Hard Work of Hope,” which takes us into his days of activism. Ansara is also a published poet and co-founder of Mass Poetry. To learn more about his upcoming book events go hereChristine Baranski has played a variety of strong women on stage and screen, including Agnes van Rhijn in HBO’s “The Gilded Age” and attorney Diane Lockhart on “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight.” She joins The Culture Show ahead of “The Gilded Age’s” season finale and to preview her event tonight, headlining a special edition of the John G. Winslow Lecture at The Elms, one of the famous Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. To learn more go here.Finally Katie Hanson, William and Ann Elfers Curator of Paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, joins The Culture Show for an overview of their exhibition “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits.” It’s on view through Sep 7, 2025. To learn more, go here.

Dennis Lehane, known for writing literary crime novels such as “Mystic River,” “Gone, Baby, Gone,” and “Shutter Island,” joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest collaboration with Apple TV+, the new crime series “Smoke.” Created by Dennis Lehane, the nine-episode drama – inspired by true events – follows an arson investigator who teams up with a police detective to stop two serial arsonists. The series is gripping, full of twists, secrets, and believably complex characters. Lehane also serves as writer and executive producer. Episodes drop every Friday. The series finale is on August 15th. To learn more go here.From there we look at the Boston Mayoral candidates and their vision for Boston’s arts and culture sector. Emily Ruddock, Executive Director of MASSCreative, joins The Culture Show to recap last week’s Mayoral forum on arts and culture, which was organized by MASSCreative as part of its Create the Vote Boston 2025 campaign.Finally, Mahesh Daas, president of Boston Architectural College joins The Culture Show to talk about development and construction in Boston and what the city’s skyline can accommodate when it comes to building skyscrapers. Mahesh Daas is a Culture Show contributor who joins us monthly. He is co-author of the graphic novella about artificial intelligence, titled “I, Nobot.”

Robert Reich served in three presidential administrations, including as Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. He’s served as an advisor– endeavoring on behalf of working people exploited by the system. As a professor he has been the ultimate explainer about rising inequality. As a public intellectual he pulls no punches–calling out the bullies: anyone and any institution that threatens democracy and human decency. It’s a life’s work on which he reflects in his new book “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America.” He joins The Culture Show to talk about it. On September 2nd he’ll be at Harvard Book Store. To learn more go here.From there the filmmaking duo, brothers Frank Ciota and Joe Ciota, join The Culture Show to talk about their years of collaboration and their new film, “Cassino in Ischia.” It’s a romantic comedy that follows the misadventures of Nic Cassino, a fading action hero who is fighting for an ultimate cinematic comeback. Finally comedian and story teller Phoebe Potts joins The Culture Show to talk about her one-woman show “Too Fat for China,” centers on the ups and downs of her quest to adopt a child. It’s onstage at Central Square Theater August 7th through August 10th. To learn more go here.

Imari Paris Jeffries, President and CEO of Embrace Boston, joins The Culture Show to talk about the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project, in partnership with Embrace Boston, a life-size bronze monument of W.E.B. Du Bois was recently unveiled in Great Barrington, MA, Du Bois’ hometown and birthplace. The unveiling marks the beginning of a statewide initiative through the Everyone250 coalition – a statewide effort to commemorate untold stories and elevate inclusive history as part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.From there Culture Show producer Kate Dellis takes us to Woonsocket, Rhode Island for a night at Chan’s Home of Egg Rolls and Blues, one of the best jazz and blues venues hiding in plain sight.Finally we’re joined by Elijah Wald. On August 6, the musician and historian, whose book inspired the Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown," will perform his show "Bob Dylan in Greenwich Village" at Club Passim. In this historical concert, Elijah will weave together music and storytelling to trace Dylan's evolution from a young folk and blues singer into the iconic voice of a generation. To learn more go here.

Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B. Herwick III host our arts and culture week-in-review.First up, Elon Musk releases “Ani,” an AI anime sexualized chatbot. From there we look at how an anti-pronography group has pressured Itch.io and Steam to de-index thousands of titles that have adult and NSFW content.Then we head to DC to look at Republican lawmakers' push to rename the Kennedy Center after President Trump, and we’ll look at Trump’s plans to build a $200 million ballroom at the White House.Plus American Eagle and Dunkin’ have stirred things up with ads that focus on genetics, perpetuating notions about beauty norms, on that front Vogue has introduced an AI model, furthering unrealistic notions of beauty.Finally we raise a glass to the “Golden Girls.” The sassy sitcom is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

David M Stewart joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest book is “There's No Going Back: The Life and Work of Jonathan Demme.” Stewart is a film journalist who teaches film and media studies at Emerson College, Plymouth State University, South College and Southern New Hampshire University. His latest book is “There's No Going Back: The Life and Work of Jonathan Demme.” He has some upcoming book events: On August 4th he’ll be in New York City at the Bryant Park Reel Talks Series and on August 7th he’ll be in Concord, New Hampshire at Gibson's Bookstore. You can find him on social media @filmnerddave.From there Emily Falk joins The Culture Show to talk about her recent piece for the New York Times, which explains the science behind doomscrolling. Emily Falk is a leading neuroscientist and expert in the science of behavior change. She is a professor of communication, psychology, and marketing at the University of Pennsylvania and Vice Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication. Her new book is “What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change.” Finally we enter Zone 3 on Western Ave. Julia Swanson takes us on a tour of the public art hotspot. She’s a multidisciplinary artist and award winning photographer who is the creator of The Art Walk Project – a series of self-guided micro tours of art across Greater Boston.

“Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out,” is a concert and discussion series celebrating protest music. The series is inspired by James Sullivan’s book Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs. James Sullivan, a journalist, author and longtime contributor to the Boston Globe, joins The Culture Show to talk about his book and this series. The next event is scheduled for August 13th at The Lizard Lounge. To learn more go here.From there Alan Price, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, joins The Culture Show for an overview of their current exhibition “Presidential Pets.” To learn more go here.Finally Mary Grant, president of MassArt, joins The Culture Show for her monthly appearance. Today she discusses how President Trump is changing the arts and culture landscape, as well as the continued impact of federal funding cuts on higher education.

The Hub Theatre Company of Boston’s production of Theresa Rebeck’s "The Understudy," is onstage at Club Café through August 2nd. Paula Plum, a five-time Elliot Norton Award winner, is directing the play. The acclaimed actor, director, writer and educator joins us for an overview, To learn more about the production go here.From there sociologist and writer Tiffany Jenkins joins The Culture Show to talk about her new book, “Strangers and Intimates: The Rise and Fall of Privacy.” From ancient times to our digital present, Jenkins takes us through the emergence of private life and the forces – from social media to surveillance – that are now threatening it.Finally we continue our series “Countdown to 2026.” Ashley Payne, Director of Tourism & Marketing for the City of New Bedford, joins The Culture Show to talk about the role that the whaling city played in America’s fight for independence.

Lightroom and Paquin Entertainment Group have brought The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks to Boston. This is an immersive experience combining storytelling and rare NASA archival footage to bring the stories of the Apollo missions to life. It is narrated and co-written by Tom Hanks. Producer Richard Slaney, CEO of Lightroom, joins The Culture Show for an overview. This exhibition is on view at the Saunders Castle at Park Plaza. To learn more go here. From there Culture Show contributor Jane Eaglen, a Grammy-winning dramatic soprano, joins us to talk about opera as a contact sport. Jane Eaglen is on the faculty at New England Conservatory and is the President of the Boston Wagner Society. Finally we head to Boston’s North End with a look at Old North Church’s exhibition “Unearthing Childhood: 300 Years of North End Kids.” Emily Spence, Director of Education at Old North Illuminated and Nadia Kline, Public Archaeologist for the City of Boston, join The Culture Show for an overview. To learn more about this exhibition go here.

Today Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons go over the latest arts and culture headlines on our week-in-review.First up, the latest developments in Coldplaygate. From there it’s onto Netflix, which has decided to not renew their $100 million contract with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The Streaming network also has a hit on its hands with “K-Pop Demon Hunters”Then we review UNESCO’s 2025 list of World Heritage Sites, which doesn’t include anything in the United States because the Trump administration has withdrawn from the organization for a second time.Finally, it’s a huge loss for pop culture this week. We reflect on the legacies of three major figures who died this week starting with actor and director Malcolm Jamal-Warner who was best known as the teenager Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show;” Ozzy Osbourne, The Prince of Darkness who was a heavy metal icon and reality TV star; finally, Hulk Hogan, the man who became the face of pro-wrestling and popularized the theatrical sport.

Elisa New joins The Culture Show to talk about her recent op-ed in the New York Times, “Walt Whitman Would Have Hated This,” a reflection on how the poet would have responded to federal cuts to humanities education. Elisa New is the Director and Host of the PBS series “Poetry in America,” and she leads the Educational Media Innovation Studio at Arizona State University.From there Robin Givhan joins The Culture Show to talk about her new book “Make it Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh.” Robin Givhan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and the Washington Post’s senior critic-at-large, writing about politics, race and the arts. To learn more about “Make it Ours,” go here.Finally former Boston City Councillor Mike Ross joins The Culture Show to talk about his father, Holocaust survivor Steve Ross, When Steve Ross was 14 years-old he was liberated from the Dachau concentration camp. One of the first people he encountered was Lt. Steve Sattler, an American tank commander. Lt. Sattler embraced Steve, offered him food, and gave him a small American flag. Now Mike Ross and his sister Julie Ross are donating this flag to the Holocaust Museum Boston.

Anna Barber, Curator of Exhibitions at Martha's Vineyard Museum joins The Culture Show for an overview of their sprawling exhibition “Jaws’ at 50: A Deeper Dive,” It’s on view through September 7th. To learn more go here.From there Culture Show contributor Joyce Kulhawik joins us for our recurring feature, Stage and Screen Time–a look at the latest movies and plays in theaters now. Joyce Kulhawik is an Emmy-award winning arts and entertainment reporter and president of the Boston Theatre Critics Association. You can find her reviews on Joyce’s Choices.Finally we continue our “Countdown to 2026,” with Zara Anishanslin on her latest book “The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution.” Zara Anishanslin is a Professor of History and Art History at the University of Delaware. To learn more go here.

Vanessa Bumpus, Exhibit Coordinator at Museum of Worcester, joins The Culture Show for an overview of their permanent installation celebrating Worcester’s industry since the early 19th century. It’s an expansive survey of the innovators, workers, investors who have made industry the story of Worcester. To learn more go here. From there, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company brings “As You Like It,” to the Parkman Bandstand for their annual - and free - Shakespeare on the Common production. Actress Nora Eschenheimer, who stars as Rosalind, and actor Michael Underhill, who stars as Orlando, join The Culture Show for an overview. “As You Like It” runs July 23rd through August 10th. To learn more go here.Finally, Culture Show contributor Pedro Alonzo takes us on a tour through Europe, with stops at museums and art installations in rural Spain, Berlin and beyond. Pedro Alonzo is an independent curator and the Artistic Director of the Boston Public Art Triennial.

Actor and playwright William Jackson Harper is known for his Emmy Award-nominated performance as Chidi Anagonye on “The Good Place.” He also has an esteemed film and theater career. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance as Dr. Astrov in the Broadway revival of “Uncle Vanya.” He joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest role, playing Jim in Tennessee Williams' rare prison drama, “Not About Nightingales." It’s onstage through August 3rd as part of Williamstown Theatre Festival’s current season. To learn more about Williamstown Theatre Festival and “Not About Nightingales,” go here.From there Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Richard Russo joins The Culture Show, to talk about his new book "Life and Art.” It’s a COVID-era meditation on his childhood, adulthood and what it means to be an artist. Finally we head to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for an overview of their exhibition “Ming Fay: Edge of The Garden.” Gabrielle Niu, the Gardner’s Assistant Curator of the Collection and Exhibitions, leads the way. To learn more about the Ming Fay exhibition go here.

Today Edgar B. Herwick III, Callie Crossley and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons go over the latest arts and culture headlines on our week-in-review.First up, we look at the future of public media now that Congress has stripped more than $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.From there it’s “Fight for America!,” a live, immersive performance centered around a large-scale tabletop wargame that explores the events of January 6th at the U.S. Capitol. It’s onstage in London and will land in Washington DC next January.Then we review the notable Americans who president Trump will honor in his National Garden of American Heroes. And speaking of heroes, how the super hero “Superman” movie is sparking controversy among conservative critics who say it’s a super woke.Finally a piece of cinematic history, Rosebud the sled from Citizen Kane, sells at auction for $14.75 million.

Science Journalist and author Chris Berdik joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take It Back.” It details our chronic exposure to noise, how it's affecting our health, and the people who are working to bring the noise down and improve our quality of life.From there it’s another episode of “Sound Files.” Our ongoing series when we invite local musicians and cultural critics to zero in on one of their favorite entries in the US National Recording Registry. On tap today, Janie Barnett has chosen to go deep on Cyndi Lauper’s “She’s So Unusual.” Janie Barnett is a singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her latest album is “Under My Skin: Reimagining Cole Porter.” Finally, the acclaimed flute player Emi Ferguson joins us to talk about her collaboration with the baroque ensemble Ruckus. They’ve released a new album “Fly the Coop: Bach Sonatas and Preludes.” On July 25th they'll be performing at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. The show is presented by Music Worcester. To learn more go here.

Adam Aleksic—founder and former president of the Harvard Undergraduate Linguistics Society, and content creator posting educational videos as the “Etymology Nerd”—joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language.” Tonight he’ll be at the Harvard Book Store. To learn more go hereIn 1985 Marty McFly skateboarded onto the silver screen — and into cinematic history — with the blockbuster, “Back to The Future.” In this sci-fi classic, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown turns a DeLorean into a plutonium-powered time machine. Then, in an experiment gone awry, Marty McFly finds himself taking a ride of his lifetime, going back to 1955 where he meets his parents when they were teenagers. Now audiences can time travel back to 1985 by way of “Back to the Future, The Musical.” It’s onstage at Citizens Opera House by way of Broadway in Boston through July 20th. To learn more go here.Finally, artist Steve Locke. His exhibition at Mass MoCA, “The Fire Next Time,” is a nod to James Baldwin’s 1963 book by the same name. Like Baldwin, in this exhibition Steve Locke contemplates American history, racism and violence directed at Black and queer people. Steve Locke is a professor of fine art at Pratt Institute. He joins The Culture Show to talk about his work.

What happened to young Elphaba before she was saddled with the wicked mantle? Almost 30 years after the publication of “Wicked,” Gregory Maguire offers readers Elphaba’s origin story in a new book titled “Elphie: A Wicked Childhood.” He joins The Culture Show to talk about it.From there comedian, actress and singer-songwriter Margaret Cho joins The Culture Show to talk about her new album “Lucky Gift.”Finally, the film “Maria,” tells the story of a diva in decline: Maria Callas, one of history's most celebrated opera sopranos. The reviews from film critics are mixed, but what does Jane Eaglen, the Grammy award-winning soprano think about the biopic? Jane Eaglen is on the faculty at New England Conservatory and is the President of the Boston Wagner Society.

Reginald Dwayne Betts is an award-winning poet, a lawyer and founder of Freedom Reads, a first of its kind organization working to transform access to books in prisons. He joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest book “Doggerel: Poems.” From there David Grann, author of “The Wager,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon," is a #1 “New York Times” best selling author and an award-winning staff writer at “The New Yorker” magazine. He joins The Culture Show to talk about his writing and reporting process, and adapting his work for the screen.Finally comedian, television host, advocate and New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Handler joins The Culture Show to talk about her new book “I’ll Have What She’s Having.” It’s a collection of hilarious and heartfelt essays that detail what it took for her to become the woman she always wanted to be.

Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, the cofounders of the new wave band Devo join The Culture Show to talk about cultural de-evolution, the genesis of their band, how they came to be one of the most original groups in the history of rock music.From there “New York Times” bestselling author Alison Bechdel joins The Culture Show to talk about her new comic novel “Spent.” Finally James Parker, a staff writer at “The Atlantic,” joins The Culture Show to talk about his piece “When Robert Frost was Bad.” James Parker runs the Black Seed Writers Group—a weekly writing workshop for homeless, transitional, and recently housed writers–and he edits “The Pilgrim,” a literary magazine from the homeless community of downtown Boston. His latest book is “Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes.”

Today writer Noah Gittell joins The Culture Show to talk about his book “Baseball: The Movie.” Gittell, a sportswriter and film critic, takes us through the history of the baseball movie; tracking how they have changed over the years from being mostly feel good to nostalgic to to cynical. Gittell says that the way the baseball film has changed reflects how American values have changed. From there we launch our inaugural episode in our series “Sound Files.” We’ll be inviting local musicians and cultural critics to zero in on one of their favorite entries in the US National Recording Registry. First up, Dart Adams. The journalist, historian and lecturer has chosen to go deep on De La Soul’s “3 Feet High and Rising.” Finally, Medford’s new poet Laureate, Max Heinegg joins The Culture Show to talk about his vision for making poetry more accessible. Heinegg is a high school English teacher, published poet, recording artist and he co-owns Medford Brewing Company. To learn more go here.

Boston Arts Academy and Wheelock Family Theater with support from The Huntington present the fifth installment of Mfoniso Udofia’s Ufot Family Cycle, “Kufre n’ Quay.” Mfoniso Udofia joins The Culture Show to talk about reaching the midpoint of her none-play cycle. “Kufre n’ Quay” is onstage July 10 - July 26th. To learn more go here.From there artist, arts-educator and co-founder of Street Theory Collective Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs joins The Culture Show to talk about an upcoming exhibition, From The Page To The Stage. This is a dynamic mural exhibition by the Street Theory Collective. The Wagner Foundation is partnering with them to host this exhibition, which is on view July 10th through December 5th at the Wagner Foundation Gallery in Central Square. The opening reception is tomorrow night. To learn more go here.Finally we continue our ongoing series “Countdown to 2026,” our recurring dive into the events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country. Today we look at the experiences of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War period; it’s the focus of a new exhibition at the Museum of African American History titled “Black Voices of the Revolution.” Dr. Noelle Trent, President and CEO of the Museum of African American History, joins The Culture Show for an overview. To learn more about the exhibition go here.

Music legend Peter Wolf has had a long solo career and rose to recognition as former lead singer of the J. Geils Band–famous for its high-octane shows and top 40 hits. Wolf joins The Culture Show to talk about his new memoir “Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters and Goddesses.”. From there, Imari Paris Jeffries, CEO and President of Embrace Boston, joins us for a recap of the Embrace Ideas Festival. Plus, as the Pentagon considers stripping Harriet Tubman’s name from the Navy Ship that bears it, we reflect on her role as a military leader during the Civil War.

We continue our coverage of “Jaws” at 50 with Wendy Benchley. She is the wife of the late author Peter Benchley, who wrote the bestselling novel “Jaws.” Since the success of the book and subsequent film, Wendy Benchley has dedicated much of her life to conservation. She is an award-winning ocean advocate and scuba diver. She is cofounder of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards. Along with Laura Bowling, Wendy Benchley is the Executive Producer of the new film “Jaws at 50: The Definitive Inside Story.” It's a National Geographic documentary produced in partnership with Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films. To learn more go here.From there we’re joined by country music sensation Mandy Barnett. The acclaimed vocalist opens the Wequassett Resort's 21st Annual Cape Cod Jazz and Arts Festival on July 9th. And to celebrate Wequassett’s 100th anniversary, Barnett is performing a one-night-only tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary.To learn more go here.Finally we end where we began, wading into the ocean with another look at “Jaws” at 50. Writer Christopher Shaw Myers joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of JAWS and Beyond.” You can catch Christopher Shaw Myers tonight at an event at Harvard Book Store. To learn more go here.

Director Carson Lund joins The Culture Show to talk about his debut feature film “Eephus,” a quintessentially New England baseball film. Find out more, here.From there Andy Husbands, chef and owner of The Smoke Shop BBQ, has co-authored the “Quick and Easy Burger Cookbook,” which will bump your burger game with creative recipes. He joins The Culture Show to talk about how we can turn our nothing burger into a something burger. Finally we talk to John Flansburgh, one half of the iconic alt-rock duo They Might Be Giants. TMBG have charmed audiences with their eclectic, genre-bending style for decades. They’ve released countless albums, contributed music to TV shows such as “Malcolm in the Middle,” and wriggled their way into the public consciousness with songs like “Doctor Worm” and “Birdhouse in your Soul.”

James Parker joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest book “Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive.” He’s a staff writer at “The Atlantic.” Since 2011 he has been running the Black Seed Writers Group—a weekly writing workshop for homeless, transitional, and recently housed writers–and editing “The Pilgrim,” a literary magazine from the homeless community of downtown Boston.From there Fabiola Méndez, the celebrated Puerto Rican cuatrista and singer, joins The Culture Show for an in-studio performance. Finally, Kiernan Schmitt joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide,” which takes us into the curious corners and around town. Kiernan Schmitt co-hosts the “Out of Office” travel podcast with Ryan Davis.

Ahead of Independence Day when we celebrate the rejection of King George III and his monarchy Danielle Allen joins The Culture Show for her take on the state of our democracy. Danielle Allen is the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation and of the Democratic Knowledge Project.From American history it’s an exploration of family history. Ryan Woods, President and CEO of American Ancestors joins The Culture Show to talk about their Family Heritage Experience. It’s a series of interactive and innovative exhibits that will inspire questions about your own family’s origins, voyages and traditions. To learn more go here.Finally, Mahesh Daas, president of Boston Architectural College joins The Culture Show to reflect on the legacy of the acclaimed architect and philanthropist Graham Gund. Mahesh Daas is a Culture Show contributor who joins us monthly. He is co-author of the graphic novella about artificial intelligence, titled “I, Nobot.”

Robert Ellis Orrall is a singer-songwriter, producer and owner of the indie label Infinity Cat Recordings. He has worked in Nashville collaborating with Taylor Swift and Reba McEntire. Now he has a new live album, “The Bear is the Mountain,” which revisits the early 80’s, featuring recordings from live performances throughout Boston. He joins The Culture Show ahead of a busy season of live performances, starting with July 5th at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts. To learn more go here.From there Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Sam Waterston joins The Culture Show to talk about the role that launched his career, Nick Caraway in the 1974 film adaptation of “The Great Gatsby.” Waterston will be at an event at Rosecliff mansions; a conversation celebrating the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel and the movie, which was filmed partially at Rosecliff, Marble House and other Newport properties. To learn more go here.Finally, we top the show off by topping one off. Mixologist Marsha Lindsey, a fixture in some of Boston’s greatest bars, serves up her summer drink suggestions.

Today we continue our series with the Museum of Fine Arts, looking at works in their collection that give us insight into the people and pivotal moments that shaped America's fight for freedom. We’re joined by Lucía Abramovich Sánchez, the MFA’s Carolyn and Peter Lynch Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, and medalist and sculptor Heidi Wastweet. They’ll discuss Heidi Wastweet’s ’s medals, Abbreviated Liberty and Liberty/Anarchy. These will be on view with The Passage of the Delaware in the America at 250 gallery reinstallation next June. From there we head to New Bedford. Culture Show contributor Julia Swanson takes us on a tour of the city’s booming public art scene. Julia Swanson is a multidisciplinary artist and award winning photographer who is the creator of The Art Walk Project – a series of self-guided micro tours of art across Greater Boston. Finally acclaimed author André Aciman joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Room on the Sea: Three Novellas.” Tonight you can catch him at the Boston Public Library Central Library in Copley Square in conversation with local author Allegra Goodman. To learn more go here.

Today Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons go over the latest arts and culture headlines on our week-in-review.First up, Anna Wintour. She is stepping down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue after 37 years at the helm. For decades she has coolly controlled the rhythms of fashion the world over…all with a steely precision. Which is why she’s also not really stepping down. She’ll remain Global Editorial Director and Chief Content officer for Condé Nast, which oversees more than nearly two dozen publications– including "GQ," "Vanity Fair," and "Bon Appetit" magazines.From there; President Trump drops the f-bomb on live TV. For someone who uses coarse language it was still shocking and it sent the media scrambling about how to report on a president swearing while saying something newsworthy.Then it’s off to Florence and Verona where tourists have damaged works of art while taking selfies.Finally, Boston Calling announces that it’s taking a gap year, returning in June 2027, and the Boston Public Library Roxbury branch will be renamed in honor of Sara-Ann Shaw, the city’s first Black woman TV reporter.

In April, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture announced that Ghanaian American poet, editor, and educator Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah will serve as Boston’s next Poet Laureate. Oppong-Yeboah will officially assume the role in July 2025 and serve until July 2029. They join The Culture Show to talk about their poetry and vision for their role as Poet Laureate.From there the widely acclaimed conceptual Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar joins us. This Sunday he’ll be honored with the 65th Annual Edward MacDowell Medal In recognition of his contributions to American culture. MacDowell, the nation’s oldest artist residency program, has awarded the Medal to artists such as Toni Morrison, Aaron Copland, and David Lynch. This award ceremony is a public and free event. It starts at 12:15 at MacDowell in Peterborough, New Hampshire. To learn more go here.Finally Victor Oliveira, Director of Merchandising for the Peabody Essex Museum, joins The Culture Show to talk about his approach to retail, his commitment to sustainability, and supporting local artists and institutions. To learn more about recent developments, go here.

This summer Commonwealth Shakespeare Company brings “As You Like It,” to the Parkman Bandstand for this year’s annual - and free - Shakespeare on the Common production. Actress Nora Eschenheimer, who stars as Rosalind, and actor Michael Underhill, who stars as Orlando, join The Culture Show for an overview. “As You Like It” runs July 23rd through August 10th. To learn more go here.From there we revisit Frederick Douglass’ 1852 Fourth of July speech, which confronted the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom in a country that still endorsed the forced labor and bondage of more than 3 million people. It’s a speech with deep resonance today. This is why Mass Humanities sponsors public readings of it, which happen across the region. Brian Boyles, executive director of Mass Humanities, and Kyera Singleton, Executive Director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters join The Culture Show to talk about this year’s events. To learn about upcoming readings go here.Finally Giselle Byrd, Executive Director of The Theater Offensive, previews their inaugural “Queer [RE] Public Festival” showcasing art and performance by and about queer and trans artists of color. It kicks off on June 26th and runs through June 29th at Arrow Streets Arts in Cambridge. To learn more go here.

The new book “The Dream of a Common Movement” collects essays, interviews, and speeches by the late Urvashi Vaid, whose writing and organizing fundamentally shaped the LGBTQ+ movement. It’s edited by Jyotsna Vaid and Amy Hoffman, who will be at Porter Square Books tomorrow and at RiffRaff Bookstore and Bar in Providence this Thursday. Amy Hoffman - a writer, editor, activist, and the author of five books - joins The Culture Show.From there Ian Berg, a choreographer, composer and founder of Subject:Matter, the Boston-based tap ensemble, joins The Culture Show to talk about their latest album “With Far Hand.” Finally Mary Grant, president of MassArt, joins The Culture Show for her monthly appearance. Today she discusses Governor Healey’s BRIGHT Act, which aims to invest money to modernize college campuses and create jobs. Mary Grant’s summer list:To read: Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters, and Goddesses by Peter WolfTo watch (television): Dept Q and The Four SeasonsTo watch (film): I’m Still Here

Today we’re continuing our exploration of The Boston Public Art Triennial, with Culture Show contributor, Pedro Alonzo, the Triennial’s Artistic Director and one of the featured artists, the widely acclaimed Indigenous sculptor Nicholas Galanin. Galanin’s works are on view at the MassArt Art Museum, and Evans Way Park, 1 Evans Way. To learn more go here. From there we get the inside scoop on J.P. Licks with the owner and founder Vincent Petryk. He discusses new, seasonal flavors, a collaboration with Levain Bakery, and how he has built a community and a beloved institution that has been a fixture in the region for more than 40 years.Finally Bridget O’Leary, Director of New Play Development at Moonbox Productions, previews Moonbox’s 4th annual New Works Festival, which features seven new plays by local playwrights. To learn more about the festival go here

Today Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons go over the latest arts and culture headlines on our week-in-review.First up, “Jaws” at 50. They look at how it changed the film industry, it’s mixed legacy on shark conservation, the iconic score and how it has managed to frighten audiences with a mechanical shark named Bruce.Then it’s off to Europe where the Louvre abruptly closed when workers spontaneously went on strike amid unmanageable crowds and in Venice locals are threatening to disrupt Jeff Bezos’ and Laura Sanchéz’s multi-million dollar wedding.Finally, public art as a stress test for an authoritarian regime and Miss Sassy, the cat at the center of a pet eating controversy gets her moment in the spotlight–an art exhibition.

Regie Gibson, an assistant professor at Berklee College of Music and an instructor at Clark University, has been selected as Massachusetts’ first Poet Laureate. He joins The Culture Show to talk about how he’ll define this role, his path to poetry and to share some of his work. Gibson is a songwriter, author, spoken-word poet and former National Poetry Slam Individual Champion. From there Michael Busack, the new Executive Director of Club Passim, joins The Culture Show to talk about his vision for the legendary music venue.Finally the best-selling author Nina MacLaughlin joins The Culture Show to talk about her essay book “Summer Solstice,” which is a meditation on a season full of long days, hot nights and fat red tomatoes.

Historian, lawyer and Pulitzer-prize winning author Annette Gordon-Reed joins The Culture Show to talk about her latest book “On Juneteenth,” which explores the holiday commemorating the day Union troops announced the end of slavery in Texas. From there best-selling author J. Courtney Sullivan joins The Culture Show to talk about her latest novel, “The Cliffs.” It is an intricately layered novel of family, spirits, and secrets set on the seaside cliffs of Maine.Finally, we top things off with a preview of this year’s Boston Pizza Festival. The festival co-directors, Raffaele Scalzi and Giancarlo Natale, join the Culture Show to talk about New England’s largest pizza festival. It’s this Saturday and Sunday at City Hall Plaza. To learn more go here.

Imari Paris Jeffries, President and CEO of Embrace Boston, joins The Culture Show to preview the Embrace Ideas Festival. Kicking off on Juneteenth, this year’s festival is a celebration of joy, power, prosperity and black creativity. Imari Paris Jeffries also gives an overview of Embrace Boston’s latest report, which explores how cultural festivals can help build and strengthen communities. To keep on top of everything Embrace Boston is doing, go here.From there, it’s the interdisciplinary artist Dread Scott. In 1989, the US Senate outlawed his artwork and President Bush declared it "disgraceful" because of its transgressive use of the American flag. Dread became part of a landmark Supreme Court case when he and others burned flags on the steps of the Capitol. He is a revolutionary artist who gives us a new way to see some ugly truths about America. He joins The Culture Show ahead of his event at the Boston Public Library. Tomorrow night you can catch him at the Central Library in Copley Square. His appearance is part of the Lowell Lecture series. To learn more go here.From there we get a jump on the real shark week. As Martha’s Vineyard prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” with Amity Week, Culture Show producer Kate Dellis finds out how the blockbuster film forever changed the island.

Frederick Douglass had a life that could be described as operatic. The late composer Ulysses Kay, in his last major work, saw that it was. The Boston Modern Orchestra Project, in partnership with Odyssey Opera, is presenting the New England premiere of “Frederick Douglass ” on June 20th at Jordan Hall. The piece centers on a fictionalized account of the final year of the renowned Black abolitionist and statesman. It’s conducted by Gil Rose, who is the founder and conductor of the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and founder and General-Artistic Director of Odyssey Opera. The lead vocalist is bassist Kenneth Kellogg as Douglass. They join The Culture Show at GBH’s Fraser Performance studio to talk about the work and to perform. To learn more about the opera go here.From there we head to the Berkshires for the 93rd annual Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, which runs from June 25 to August 24 in Becket, MA. Pamela Tatge, the Executive & Artistic Director of Jacob's Pillow, joins The Culture Show for an overview. To learn about their lineup go hereFinally we continue our countdown to 2026 with a look at the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the upcoming reenactment. Sheila Green, the MA 250 Coordinator for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and Annie Harris, CEO of Essex National Heritage Commission join The Culture Show for an overview. The Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment is June 21st at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA. To learn more go here.

Culture Show cohosts Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B. Herwick III go over the latest headlines on our arts and culture week-in-review.First up, they remember and celebrate the legacies of Brian WIlson, the musical genius behind the Beach Boys and Sly Stone, the frontman, singer and songwriter of Sly & the Family Stone. From there they recap the latest developments in the legal feud between Justin Baldoni and superstar couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds; they discuss pioneering ballerina Misty Copeland who has decided to retire and they look at the return of the cigarette, no longer a taboo people are lighting up on the big and small screens.Finally, it’s Follow up Friday, an update on the stories they’ve been tracking, which includes the financial future of public media as the House of Representatives votes to claw back 1.1 billion dollars of federal funding.

The American Revolution frame by frame. Today we continue our series with the Museum of Fine Arts, looking at works in their collection that give us insight into the people and pivotal moments that shaped America's fight for freedom. Today, it’s where poetry meets pottery with the work of David Drake. Joining us to discuss Drake's work and what it symbolizes are Ethan Lasser, John Moors Cabot Chair, Art of the Americas at the Museum of Fine Arts and Charmaine WIlkerson, a New York Times bestselling author. From there, Hello Dolly. We won’t let the parade pass you by on a new production of the classic musical about the toiling matchmaker with designs on her own romance. We're joined by Maurice Emmanuel Parent, the show's director, and Elliot Norton award winner Aimee Doherty, who stars as the larger than life Dolly Gallagher Levi. For more information, click here.And, it’s screen time. We get a preview of the Roxbury International Film Fest. Rox Film is the largest New England film festival highlighting films by, for and about people of color. This year's program includes features, documentaries, shorts, and the largest number of local films ever. Artistic and executive director Lisa Simmons joins us. For more information, go here.

Adam Met—member of the multi-platinum band AJR, climate advocate, and educator—joins The Culture Show to talk about his book Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World. On June 13th he’ll be at the First Parish Church in Cambridge for a Harvard Book Store event. To learn more go here.From there we continue our celebration of the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” with playwright and actor Ian Shaw, son of late “Jaws” star Robert Shaw. He brought the story behind the movie to the stage with the play “The Shark Is Broken,” which he co-wrote with Joseph Nixon.Finally Artist Mike Glier joins The Culture Show to preview the inaugural Arrival Art Fair in North Adams. Arrival Art Fair kicks off on June 12th and runs through June 15th and is situated at the TOURISTS hotel. To learn more about Arrival go here.

Since 1938 researchers at Harvard have been studying the lives of hundreds of people and their families to discover what makes us happy. Some of the key findings were in the New York Times bestselling book, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness,” by Dr. Robert Waldinger and Marc Shulz. Now out in paperback, Dr. Robert Waldinger joins The Culture Show to talk about this research. He is the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development.From there we get an overview of the New England Aquarium’s “retirement home” island for aging penguins. Kristen McMahon, the aquarium's curator of pinnipeds and penguins, joins The Culture Show.Finally Emmy Award-winning director Lauren Stowell joins The Culture Show to talk about the HBO documentary series “Celtics City,” which is available to stream on Max.

Award winning writer and poet Kwame Alexander joins The Culture Show to talk about the PBS Kids debut of “Acoustic Rooster.” Based on Alexander’s beloved children’s book “Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band,” the “Acoustic Rooster” universe is now on PBS KIDS. To learn more, go here.From there the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Elizabeth Strout joins The Culture Show to talk about her latest book “Tell Me Everything.” Finally Oliver de la Paz, the poet laureate of Worcester and associate professor at The College of the Holy Cross joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest collection of poetry “The Diaspora Sonne

Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III, and Joyce Kulhawik co-host this week’s arts and Culture week-in-review. Joyce Kulhawik is a Culture Show contributor, Emmy-award winning arts and entertainment reporter and president of the Boston Theatre Critics Association. You can find her reviews at Joyce’s Choices.First up, a recap of the Elliot Norton Awards, from there a preview of the Tonys, which includes a pregame by way of CNN broadcasting a live production of George Clooney’s Tony-nominated play “Good Night and Good Luck.”Then remembering writer Edmund White, a groundbreaking novelist who wrote about the gay experience. And on the opposite side of the cultural spectrum, Hooters closes dozens of restaurants after filing for bankruptcy.Finally, the Nintendo Switch 2. The release of the new console excited gamers across the globe who lined up for a midnight launch.

Dr. Greg Skomal joins The Culture Show to talk about preparing for white shark season and how the movie “Jaws,” which is nearing its 50th anniversary, inspired him to become a marine biologist. Greg Skomal is an underwater explorer, photographer, and author. He is a fisheries scientist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and heads the Massachusetts Shark Research Program. From there Director Igor Golyak, founder of Needham’s Arlekin Players Theater and the internationally acclaimed actress Chulpan Khamatova, join the Culture Show to talk about the play “Our Class,” which will be onstage at the Calderwood Pavillion June 13th through June 22nd. To learn more go here.Finally Al Wilson, the founder of Beyond Walls, a nonprofit that enriches gateway cities with public art, joins The Culture Show to talk about their latest projects. To learn more about Beyond Walls go here.