In this episode, we're talking about Ray Flynn, who served as mayor of Boston from 1984-1993. As described by guest Don Gillis, author of The Battle for Boston, that decade was transformative for the city. It was an era in which the city's progressive identity was solidified and the neighborhoods were brought back into the political process. Plus, did you know Flynn almost played for the Celtics?!

"That's what's in" will haunt me forever

Cam Schlittler, son of a Massachusetts police chief, wins his Major League Baseball debut for the hated Yankees

The Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival is coming up; here's our ep on Revere

Charles River swim cancelled

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We're talking tripledeckers, that iconic piece of the local urban fabric with Matthew Dickey, aka Streetscape Curator. What are the origins of this vernacular architectural style? How has their identity — and their residents — changed over the years? And are we ready for a tripledecker renaissance?

Pork Roll Egg & Cheese Vodka

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In this episode, we're chatting about how the idea of Boston — its reputation, its brand, its character — has been shaped by popular media, from movies to journalism. Joining us is Stanley Corkin, author of Boston Mass-Mediated Urban Space and Culture in the Digital Age.

Step right up: 10 best walkable cities for tourists in the US

In Her Shoes 

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We're getting the inside scoop on the latest Market Basket drama from Grant Welker, a reporter for the Boston Business Journal. Why is Arthur T. Demoulas being pushed out again? Who will take over the company? How will this impact consumers and devotees of the beloved local grocery chain? Plus, more chatter on what makes Market Basket so special, and thoughts on Karen Read and Rafael Devers.

Check out EBtM's first Market Basket episode HERE (it's one of our most popular ever)

The Double Slide

Section 10 podcast losing it about the Rafael Devers trade

"Rapper Slaine brings Hub street cred to Affleck flick Man about ‘Town’"

Leaving by Roxana Robinson

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Movie club is back! As a companion to last week's episode on Charlestown, we're chatting about the 2010 crime thriller "The Town," directed by and starring Ben Affleck. Dylan Gottlieb returns to the show to chat about the magic of shooting on location, Blake Lively slumming it, and our desire for a little levity.

CLICK HERE to listen to EBtM: Charlestown.

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In this episode, we're joined by Lee Eiseman, who has lived in Charlestown for over 50 years. We cover a lot of ground, from the Battle of Bunker Hill (and its upcoming anniversary celebrations), to Irish immigration, to busing, to hot tips for contemporary visitors coming to the neighborhood.

CLICK HERE for a list of upcoming events commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, including the reenactment of the monument corner stone laying.

Next week: Boston Movie Club tackles The Town.

Max Kepler is bae.

Leave me a nice Apple Podcasts review!

News from Market Basket.

250th-themed license plates from the RMV.

EBtM: Catholics!

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Are people in Boston — and New England more generally — especially obsessed with ice cream? Consider this an Explain Boston to Me investigation. To help me navigate these frigid waters, I'm joined by Judy Herrell, who has been in the business for over 40 years. We talk about Steve's Ice Cream in Somerville inventing the mix-in, how the ice house begat a local passion, and the resurrection of Hydrox cookies. This episode originally ran in September 2023. 

Next week: Charlestown and the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. While you wait for that ep, put these events on your calendar. 

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In a recent Boston Magazine article, journalist Rachel Slade asked the question, "Does Boston still drink?" She's here to explain her findings and to talk about local drinking culture. We get into the rise of NA options, the death of the neighborhood drive bar, and Gen Z's changing tastes.

Quinta Brunson talks MAC machines. 

The Tush Push lives!

RIP George Wendt

Help Massachusetts come up with a new state seal

Making It in America: The Almost Impossible Quest to Manufacture in the U.S.A. (And How It Got That Way) By Rachel Slade

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We're joined by Harvard professor Lizabeth Cohen to talk about how the era of Urban Renewal — and the arrival of Ed Logue — impacted Boston. From bulldozed neighborhoods, to a new city hall, to housing in Roxbury and Charlestown, this particular moment left its mark on the city. Cohen's award-winning book, Saving America's Cities: Ed Logue and the Struggle to Renew Urban America in the Suburban Age, takes a more complex view of this oft-reviled movement.

RIP the POOP scorebug.

Philly taco.

Loving the new Boston Red Sox Fenway-inspired City Connect jerseys. (The Phillies' City Connects are a crime against baseball.)

Dog loses Dorchester mayoral election.

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In this week's episode, we're tackling one of the "Only in Boston" holidays. Marking a major moment in the Revolutionary War, this annual observance also happens to fall on St. Patrick's Day. Coincidence?!? Podcaster Brendan Hughes has the inside scoop on the history and politics of Evacuation Day. Check out his 10-episode series, Divine Intervention, where ever you listen to podcasts.

Villanova Pope

Michelin Guide comes to Philly AND Boston

Real Housewives of Rhode Island

Bill Burr roasts Philadelphia.

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