It's finally here!!! After months of anticipation and countless — well, I could probably count them — mentions in random episodes of the podcast, I'm finally getting someone to explain The Seaport to me. How did this area of South Boston go from parking-lot-palooza to sparkly poster child for runaway development? Do we need to print urban planning bingo cards? What do you do with a kid who orders the most expensive thing on the menu? All these questions and more will be answered. 

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The history of Black Bostonians goes far beyond abolition and busing, just ask the co-directors of Tuft's African American Trail Project. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kerri Greenidge and Dr. Kendra T. Field to talk about how public history is evolving to tell a more complete story of Black Boston. We dig into the profound impact that the African-American community has had on local politics and intellectual life, and discuss  the  neighborhoods that are key to that legacy. 

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Did you know that Boston — as in the actual city — is actually quite small, while it could be argued that the metro area stretches for hours in several directions? How did it get this way? And why are so many distinct municipalities sandwiched together? Turns out there's an answer. Or several answers. Garrett Dash Nelson, head of the Leventhal Map & Education Center At The Boston Public Library, is here to explain how forces as disparate as pilgrim culture, school snobbery, and taxation (of course) shaped the region's fractured political geography. 

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In honor of the holiday season, we present this magical tale of underdog grit, triumph over evil, and old men weeping in the streets. Lifelong Red Sox fan Tyler Rotman joins me to tell me the tale of how the curse was broken and the city liberated from its insidious vice — even if Pedro did throw that old man to the ground.

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We're back from vacation and learning all about this iconic Boston neighborhood. Our guest Pat Toomey (not the former senator!) explains old working-class-Irish Southie and new frat-bro-central Southie, and even gets in a few digs at "The Departed."

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Hope you're hungry! We're digging into this regional delicacy with the man behind a 50k-strong community dedicated to discussing North Shore roast beef.  Andy Ferg tells me what makes a great sandwich — freshness matters — and why some of the most famous shops rest on their laurels. Warning: This episode  contains adult language. Lots of it.

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In this episode we're joined by the host of GBH News' "The Big Dig" podcast to talk about the city's most infamous infrastructure boondoggle. Who were the major players? Why did America spend so much of the middle of the 20th century running highways through historic urban cores? And in the end, was The Big Dig worth it?

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This week, I'm learning about the Boston Pops, a  beloved local institution. We're talking Arthur Fielder, we're talking John Williams, we're singing the Superman theme, we're hearing about the largest firework in history (spoiler: it was a dud), and the creation of the field of acoustics. Plus, giant pumpkins floating on the the Charles, Phillies talk, and musings on what it's like to live with the Liberty Bell. 

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We're diving into Boston's comedy boom with Nick Zaino. The Boston Globe writer tells us about the legend of the Ding Ho, swears in the name of Dennis Leary, and awes me with the names of famous comedians that just happen to be from here. Plus, a story about how to make an enemy of host Lee Stabert: It involves being tall and wearing a large hat. 

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This week I'm learning about how, in the 1970s, Boston became the poster child for desegregation strife in the North. Professor Matthew Delmont of Dartmouth University shares his insights on the deep structural issues that led to the busing crisis, the role of the media, and how the city's reputation as the "cradle of liberty" led to a fascination with its racial woes.  Plus, I talk about the Phillies.

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