The Culture Show Podcast

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.

Nemr is a Lebanese-American stand-up comedian who is credited with pioneering the stand-up comedy scene throughout the Middle East. On June 13th he’s bringing his “Extremely Unextremist” show to The Wilbur. He joins The Culture Show for a preview. From there we continue our countdown to 2026 with a look at the role Somerville played in the American Revolution, it’s the focus of the Somerville Museum’s programming “History on the Line.” Stephanie Marlin-Curiel, the museum’s Executive Director and Jennifer Dorsen join The Culture Show. To learn more about the Somerville Museum’s programming go here. Finally Mahesh Daas, President of Boston Architectural College, joins The Culture Show for a conversation about the enduring legacy of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 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.”

Don Gillis and Ray Flynn join The Culture Show to discuss Gillis’ new book “The Battle for Boston: How Mayor Ray Flynn and Community Organizers Fought Racism and Downtown Power Brokers.” On June 5th at 6:00 Don Gillis will be at a book event at the Roslindale Public Library. To learn more go here.From there comedian and actress Lane Moore joins The Culture Show to talk about turning online dating into an enduring hit comedy show “Tinder Live! With Lane Moore.” Lane Moore will be taking her show to Arts at the Armory on on June 5th. To learn more go here.Finally Oliver Barker, Director of Cape Ann Museum, joins the culture show to talk about their summer programming, which includes a range of interesting walking tours,which are designed to highlight the natural landscape of Gloucester that has inspired so many artists. To learn more about all that the Cape Ann Museum has to offer go here.

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. On June 16th Husbands will be at a book signing event at WBUR’s City Space. To learn more go here.From there Boston-based artist Massiel Grullón joins The Culture Show to talk about being TD Garden’s 2025 House Artist. Last month she debuted her mural at TD Garden, which celebrates women in sports.Finally Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture at Native Plant Trust joins The Culture Show to talk about how to plant a garden that is both beautiful and ecologically sound. Uli Lorimer is the author of “The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden.” To learn more about Native Plant Trust go here. And to learn more about lawn alternatives Cornell university has a great resource.

Today Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B. Herwick III co-host our arts and culture week-in-review starting with a reflection on the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Holocaust museum in Boston’s Downtown Crossing.From there they discuss Harvard University, which will give up ownership of historic photos of enslaved people, following a legal fight with Tamara Lanier, a descendent of one of the people who was photographed.Then they’ll explore the Labubu mania and why the plush toy has become a must have accessory and the forthcoming Harry Potter series on HBO Max.Finally they remember rocker Rick Derringer whose hits include “Hang on Sloopy,” and “Rock & Roll, Hootchie Koo.”

Vincent Valdez is an American artist who explores identity, social justice, and American history. Not to mention our particular capacity, as a society, to forget our episodes of violence. Just a Dream… is the artist’s first major museum survey including work from over twenty years across all media. He joins The Culture Show to talk about his process, vision and this exhibition, which is on view now at MASS MoCA. To learn more go here.From there musical theatre writing duo Kit Buchan and Jim Barne join The Culture Show to talk about their hit musical comedy “Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York),” which is onstage now at the American Repertory Theater. To learn more go here.Finally Culture Show contributor Julia Swanson takes us on a tour of public art hiding in plain sight with a focus on buildings, from IDEO’s office in Central Square to the United Shoe Machinery Corporation Building in the financial district. 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.

Ron Chernow―prizewinning author of seven books, including the National Book Award winner “The House of Morgan,” the Pulitzer Prize winner “Washington: A Life,” and the George Washington Book Prize winner “Alexander Hamilton”―joins The Culture Show to talk about his new biography “Mark Twain.” On June 2nd he’ll be at the First Parish Church at a book event presented by Harvard Book Store. To learn more go here.From there we talk to National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts. She joins The Culture Show to talk about her book “Written in the Waters: A memoir of History, Home and Belonging.” Tonight The Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket, in collaboration with GBH, presents an evening with Tara Roberts. To learn more go here.Finally we get a preview of the 46th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Gail Wang, President of the festival’s board and Jeff Wang, the festival’s Vice President of Racing join The Culture Show to talk about what goes into hosting nearly 70 teams and 50,000 athletes and attendees. The Festival is on June 8th. To learn more go here.

Arrival - a new biannual art fair. The inaugural edition features exhibitors from across the country. It kicks off on June 12th and runs through June 15th and is situated in North Adams at the TOURSITS hotel. Two of the founders join The Culture Show for an overview. Yng-Ru Chen is owner of the Boston-based Praise Shadows Art Gallery and Crystalle Lacouture is an artist based in Boston and North Adams. To learn more about Arrival go here.From there the versatile actor Tituss Burgess joins The Culture Show. He has graced both screen and stage, appearing in the musical comedy series Central Park, the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect, and in Broadway’s “Moulin Rouge!” Most recently, he stepped into the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit Broadway Show “Oh, Mary!” Now Burgess is coming to town, for two nights only–with a concert performance at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord on Friday and Saturday. It’s billed as “An Evening with Tituss Burgess.” To learn more go here.Finally Jane Eaglen, a Grammy-winning dramatic soprano who’s performed on the world’s greatest stages joins The Culture Show to preview Wagner & Vino: Spring 2025, a night of music and merlot. It’s at The Burren in Somerville May 28th at 7:00. To learn more go here. Jane Eaglen is on the faculty at New England Conservatory and is the President of the Boston Wagner Society.

Actor and author Marianne Leone joins The Culture Show to talk about her latest book, “Five-Dog Epiphany: How a Quintet of Badass Bichons Retrieved Our Joy,” From there New Bedford poet Erik Andrade joins The Culture Show to talk about poetry as activism. Erik Andrade is an award winning spoken word poet. Recently his work was included in “Black Fire This Time Vol. 2,” a groundbreaking anthology celebrating the legacy and future of the Black Arts Movement. Finally, the music duo Eric and Will. Eric Vloiemans is a Dutch trumpet sensation, Cambridge native Will Holshouser is an accordion master – together they create original, evocative compositions that build on jazz, classical and folk music.

Edgar B. Herwick III, Callie Crossley and James Bennett II co-host our arts and culture week in review. First up, reconstructing the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese feud timeline, focusing on how the media are fanning the flames and how outside commentary about race is making this an ugly rivalry.From there it’s an analysis of another feud, Bruce Springsteen versus President Trump. Springsteen has been criticizing the Trump administration while on tour and the president is retaliating on social media.Then we raise a glass to actor George Wendt who was best known for his portrayal of Norm Peterson, a regular at the bar Cheers and on the eponymous hit sit-com.Finally, “Mission Impossible: A Final Reckoning” hits theaters. Are we ready to say goodbye to this blockbuster franchise?

Actor and activist George Takei joins The Culture Show to talk about his debut with the Boston Pops. He’s narrating a multimedia program that explores the intersection of music, space, and science fiction. This program was developed in partnership with the Museum of Science, Boston and its Center for Space Sciences. This concert also offers a post-performance meet and greet with Astronaut Sunita Williams and George Takei. This event is on May 23rd and Mary 24th at 7:30pm at Symphony Hall. To learn more go here.From there the social media star B. Dylan Hollis joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Baking Across America: A Vintage Recipe Roadtrip.” On May 24th he’ll be at First Parish Church at an event presented by Harvard Book Store. To learn more go here. Finally with Boston Calling – the three day, multi stage music festival–kicking off this Friday we get the ultimate overview. Victoria Wasylak, an award-winning journalist and Boston music editor at “Vanyaland,” joins The Culture Show to talk about the national and local acts to listen out for.

Sebastian Smee is a Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic at The Washington Post. He joins The Culture Show to talk about his recent piece, which breaks down Bob Dylan’s “Ballad of a Thin Man.” Sebastian Smee’s latest book is “Paris in Ruins: Love, War and the Birth of Impressionism.”From there 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. On June 22nd, he’ll be at a special event at The Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, titled “Jaws Revisited," as a part of Amity Week. To learn more, go here.Finally we continue our “Countdown to 2026” series with a look at the Battle of Chelsea Creek, which marks its 250th anniversary on May 27th-May 28th. Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, which is leading the Massachusetts 250 campaign and Lourdes Alvarez, the Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Manager at City of Chelsea, join The Culture Show to preview events celebrating the battle’s anniversary. To learn more go here.

Marc Sheehan, Executive Chef and Owner of Northern Spy in Canton and Will Gilson, Chef and Partner of Cambridge Street Hospitality Group, join The Culture Show to talk about the Michelin Guide coming to Boston and what it will take for local restaurants that are contenders to prepare.From there playwright Jocelyn Bioh joins The Culture Show to talk about her Tony Award nominated play “JaJa’s African Hair Braiding,” which is presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company, onstage at Calderwood Pavilion at Boston Center for the Arts through May 31st. To learn more go here.Finally Mahesh Daas, President of Boston Architectural College, joins The Culture Show for his analysis of what makes for an effective public space. 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.”

The Sandwich Glass Museum is featuring the artistry of Josh Simpson in the exhibition “50 Years of Visionary Glass.” Josh and his wife, retired NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, will be signing books and giving a joint presentation on May 31st. Cady Coleman’s new book is “Sharing Space: An Astronaut’s Guide to Mission, Wonder and Making Change.” Josh Simpson’s new book is “Josh Simpson: 50 Years of Visionary Glass.” They join The Culture Show to talk about their complementary careers and upcoming event. To learn more go here.From there we get a preview of the Boston Public Art Triennial. Ahead of opening day on May 22, culture show contributor and Triennial Artistic Director Pedro Alonzo, and one of the featured artists, Laura Lima, join The Culture Show to talk about Lima’s work. To learn more about the Boston Public Art Triennial go here.Finally Chris Robinson joins The Culture Show. He’s an American Sign Language/English interpreter who is a leader in the field of Disability Access and Equity.He is the Founder and Vice President of Think Outside the Vox and he is organizing Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s entire access program for their Shakespreare on the Common production of “As You Like It,” which will be onstage July 23rd through August 10th. To learn more about Think Outside the Vox go here and to keep abreast of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s programming go here.

Today Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons – artistic and executive director of the Roxbury International Film Festival and program manager at Mass Cultural Council– go over the latest headlines on our arts and culture week in review.First up, the Michelin guide will officially debut in Boston. From there Waymo, the driverless car company, has plans to come to Boston. And from left field, Major League Baseball has reinstated Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, making them eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Finally, Tom Cruise at 62 is still doing his own stunts. Culture Show cohosts reflect on his career now that he’s completed the Mission Impossible franchise with the ultimate film “The Final Reckoning.”

“New York Times” bestselling author Alison Bechdel joins The Culture Show to talk about her new comic novel “Spent.” Bechdel will be at The Brattle Theatre on May 22nd at an event sponsored by Harvard Book Store. Tickets to this event are sold out but there will be a stand-by line at the Brattle Theatre. To learn more go here.From there it’s a celebration of landmark women composers. Betsy Hinkle, a violinist and Founder of The Boston Public Quartet and Jason Amos, a violist in the Boston Public Quartet join The Culture Show to preview their concert “A Radical Welcome: Source Code.” The Boston Public quartet will perform works by five women composers from the late romantic period to the present. The concert is May 22nd at The Strand Theatre. Tickets are “pay what you want.” To learn more go here.Finally Kayla Tabb joins The Culture Show to talk about her new role as the Chef-in-Residence at the Boston Public Library. She runs the Nutrition Lab at their Roxbury branch, cultivating cooking programs and teaching nutritional literacy. To learn more go here.Kayla Tabb's book recommendations:On Food And Cooking: The Science And Lore Of The Kitchen - Harold McGeeThe Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science - J. Kenji Lopez-AltStart Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook - Sohla El-Waylly

Every year snowy owls fly from the Arctic to Boston's Logan Airport to find food. Norman Smith catches them and releases them far away to keep the owls and passengers safe. While he is the only owl catcher at Logan Airport, other airports are following his lead. Norman Smith is a raptor specialist who has worked at Mass Audubon for nearly 60 years and rescued more than 900 Snowy Owls since 1981. Photographer Raymond MacDonald has been collaborating with Smith for more than 15 years, chronicling his rescues. They join the Culture Show to talk about their shared possession for wildlife.From there Tomasina Ray, Director of Collections at RMS Titanic Inc., joins The Culture Show with an overview of “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.” The exhibition brings us face to face with the dramatic maritime disaster. Visitors encounter artifacts from all manner of life aboard the Titanic, all recovered from the ocean floor. “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” is on view at The Castle at Park Plaza through June 1st.

David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library, joins The Culture Show to talk about how public libraries are under siege, from book bans to funding cuts. He wrote about this, and the need to defend these institutions, in a recent piece for the Boston Globe. To keep abreast of all of the programming and resources the Boston Public Library has to offer go here.From there it’s politics and eggs. Mike's City Diner, the legendary South End breakfast and lunch hotspot is turning 30. It’s famous for big portions and for being the spot where bigwig politicians meet. It’s also a beloved Boston institution among neighborhood locals, cabbies, cops and employees at the nearby hospitals. Jay Hajj opened Mike’s in 1995. He joins us to talk about building a mainstay of the Boston dining scene. To learn about all things Mike’s City Diner and anniversary specials go here.

Ryan Miller, co-lead singer of Guster and Guster’s drummer Brian Rosenworcel join The Culture Show to talk about their recent performances at The Kennedy Center, which Miller wrote about for The Atlantic. They also previewed two shows in the region; one in North Adams at MASS MoCA on July 26th and Guster’s On the Ocean music festival, August 8-August 10 in Portland, ME. To learn more go here.From there Kirk Carapezza joins The Culture Show to talk through a recent episode of College Uncovered, the podcast that he co-hosts with Jon Marcus. In “The Revenge of the Humanities,” they explore how some colleges are rebranding liberal arts as “applied humanities” or “leadership studies” to better connect with career paths and market demand. Kirk Carapezza is the Managing Editor and Correspondent for higher education at GBH News. College Uncovered is a collaboration between GBH News and The Hechinger Report.Finally, former US poet laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy K. Smith. She joined us the day after the election and she chose to share her poem titled “Declaration,” from her book “Wade in the Water.”

Today Culture Show co-hosts Callie Crossley, Jared Bowen and Edgar B. Herwick III go over the latest headlines on our arts and culture week-in-review.First up, Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope. What are the cultural implications and did pop culture anticipate this moment? From there it’s a review of the MET Gala, which celebrated dandyism, Black excellence and menswear. Then it’s a look at President Trump’s plans to put a 100 percent tariff on foreign films. Finally, a production that will be filmed in the United States: “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”

Alex Alvear is an Ecuadorian composer, bassist, and vocalist who has three shows at Long Live Roxbury, which is a weekly music series bringing top-notch acts to the Long Live Beerworks taproom. The performances are free and the programming is the brainchild of Michael Feldman, the CEO of Feldman Geospatial. Alex Alvear and Michael Feldman join The Culture Show to talk about upcoming shows and how Long Live Roxbury is reviving Boston’s jazz scene. Alex Alvear and musicians Curi Cachimuel and Roberto Cachimuel also previewed tonight’s show with in-studio performances. To learn more about Alex Alvear’s shows and Long Live Roxbury and their other upcoming shows go here.From there Mary Grant, president of MassArt, joins The Culture Show to recap Creative Sector Advocacy week, to preview the MassArt Fashion Design Fashion Show and to reflect on what’s next for MassArt’s class of 2025 with graduation on the horizon.

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.

Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart joins The Culture Show to reflect on his 30th anniversary with the Boston Pops. He also gives an overview of the Boston Pops spring season, which includes an opening night concert with Cynthia Erivo, JAWS in Concert, and the musician, composer, and singer-songwriter Cody Fry. To learn about all of their programming go here. From there, Imari Paris Jeffries, President and CEO of Embrace Boston, joins The Culture Show to reflect on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter from a Birmingham jail and the lessons it offers for leading peaceful protests in 2025.Finally Jameson Johnson joins The Culture Show to talk about Boston Art Review. She is Founder and Executive Director of this organization, which is a magazine, an online platform and so much more. To learn about BAR, go here.

Nonie Gadsen, Katharine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture at the Museum of Fine Arts, and the MFA’s Benjamin Weiss, the Leonard A. Lauder Senior Curator of Visual Culture, join 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. Today Nonie Gadsen and Benjamin Weiss discuss the "Goddess of Liberty" weathervane. From there David Coffin, a musician, music-educator and a maritime specialist is also a guide for Boston Harbor City Cruises. He joins The Culture Show for an overview of their “Lighthouses and Tales of Boston Harbor,” cruises, which run through May 15th. To learn more go here. Finally, we get an overview of “Utopian Hotline,” a theatrical experience that asks the question: “How would you envision a more perfect future?“ It’s staged by Theater Mitu and here in Boston, it’s presented by ArtsEmerson and the Museum of Science. It plays through May 18th at the Museum of Science Charles Hayden Planetarium. Denis Butkus, Theater Mitu Company Producer and co-creator of “Utopian Hotline,” joins The Culture Show. To learn more go here.

Today on our arts and culture week-in-review Culture Show co-hosts Jared Bowen, James Bennett II and Edgar B. Herwick III go over the latest headlines.First up, Bill Belichick’s controversial interview on CBS Sunday Morning. From there, it’s the viral debate that the Internet can’t get enough of: 100 men vs. one gorilla.Then it’s a look at the Tony nominations and a listen to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 inductees. Finally, how a former employee at Market Basket has recreated its soundtrack as a Spotify playlist.

David Lindsay-Abaire is a Boston native and a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright. He joins The Culture Show to talk about the “Kimberly Akimbo,” which is coming to the Emerson Colonial Theatre by way of Broadway in Boston. The 2023 Tony-winner for Best Musical is based on David Lindsay-Abaire's play of the same title. It features a score by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. To learn more go here.From there we get a jump of “May the Fourth Be With You,” the unofficial holiday for “Star Wars” fans. This Sunday at the Somerville Theatre, the New England Film Orchestra presents May the Fourth Concert, celebrating the music of Star Wars. Gina Naggar, conductor, founder, and music director of NEFO joins us for a preview. To learn more go here.Finally we mark Native Plant Trust’s 125th anniversary,the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants. Uli Lorimer, their Director of Horticulture joins us. He’s the author of “The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden.” To learn more about Native Plant Trust go here.

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 coming to PBS KIDS with a special and a short-form series produced by GBH. This will feature “Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band” a one-hour special, and “Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams,” a new animated series of 20 shorts that will introduce viewers ages 3-5 to jazz music. To learn more, go here.From there Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll joins The Culture Show to talk about what the state can do when it comes to funding the arts and culture sector now that so many federal grants for museums and libraries have been cut. Finally, the pink wave makes a splash at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. “Mean Girls” the musical is onstage through May 4th. Two of the lead actors, Katie Yeomans and Maya Petropoulos join The Culture Show to talk about this satirical take on teenage drama and the perils of popularity. To learn more, go here.