Explain Boston to Me

In the second installment of Boston Movie Club, I'm joined by Southie native and former EBtM guest Pat Toomey (check out his episode here) to chat about The Departed. I was new to this Scorcese gangster flick — cranberry juice! Nicolson in a bucket hat! Wahlberg! rats! — and was thrilled to have a local talk me through its complicated legacy. What are your thoughts on The Depar

How did Boston's Catholics go from a scorned minority to the dominant force in local politics and culture? Lots of reasons! Here to walk us through it is Craig Tichelkamp, a Harvard Divinity School-educated scholar who teaches at Stonehill College. Also, Dunkin' feedback! And an update on the next Movie Club installment. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? D

It's finally time. We're chatting about the brand that is perhaps most closely associated with the Boston region. The conversation touches on the mustachioed man ("time to make the donuts"), the iconic color scheme, the kinds of people you find in a Dunkin', music festival brand activations, Coolattas, Ben Affleck, and so much more. Here's a link to Casey Affleck's SNL sketch. And

Sometimes episodes of EBtM deal with the "what" — this one deals with the "why." Boston Globe reporter and podcaster Shirley Leung joins us to explain how Boston's restaurant scene has long been stymied by esoteric liquor regulations. This has a profound trick-down impact on the area's culture, its retention of young creatives, and its low-income neighborhoods. Fortunately, help

In this episode, we're learning all about the incredible history of candy manufacturing in Boston. With Jeremy Spindler of Spindler Confections as our guide, we cover the meteoric rise and slow demise of a signature New England industry — it's a bittersweet tale, to say the least. And as a bonus, it's taste test time! Listen as I sample some of the area's classic candies, includi

This week, we're kicking off summer by chatting about Cape Cod. Sharing his thoughts, feelings, and shark avoidance tips is Joe Fenti, standup comedian and corporate drone, who recently went viral for his video about the Seaport — one of our favorite topics over here at EBtM. Check out Joe's content on Instagram (@fentifriendchicken) and Tiktok, or book him to produce a standup s

First, we've got fashion episode feedback! Then I'm chatting with Kelly McGrath, executive director of Brighton Main Streets, about her neighborhood — its past, present, and future. Can this working-class haven balance the enticements of development with the downsides of gentrification? Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or s

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

This weekend is Mother's Day, which means it's also Duckling Day. In this episode, I chat with the president of the Friends of the Boston Public Garden about the park's history, its dire state in the 1970s, and the iconic children's book that inspired both the city's favorite statue and this annual tradition. Plus, a crude Ben Franklin bumper sticker, questions about Sam Adams beer

In 1919, a wall of molasses washed through the North End. I don't think we talk about this enough! In this episode, we're talking with Lisa Mullan Perkins of Uwila Warrior about this sticky incident and its impact on the city. Plus, my pitch for the next great HBO Miniseries, working title: Sweet Nightmares: The Great Molasses Flood. We've also got an update on my emotional state a