Explain Boston to Me

Thomas Menino was mayor of Boston for over 20 years. What made him such a successful politician? How did the city change under his watch? What were some of his signature achievements and nagging failures? We're joined by Wilbur C. Rich, professor emeritus at Wellesley College and author of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino: Lessons for Governing Post-Industrial Cities, to talk about this iconic figure.

Hawk Krall 

"We're talkin' about the Phightins..."

"We was catching em, unlike Agholor..."

Dropkick Murphys, American heroes

BORG City 

Belichick keeps his GF looped in on his work emails

A scorpion loose at Logan

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Did you know that Liberian dictator and international war criminal Charles Taylor broke out of prison in Massachusetts? He also earned an accounting degree, lived in Roxbury, and smuggled illegal goods from Southie's ports. Journalist Nate Horman has all the details about this wild corner of Boston history.

Milt Williams to the Patriots.

Celtics City on HBO. 

"Diamonds and Guns: AN INFAMOUS WEST AFRICAN WARLORD’S BAY STATE JAILBREAK" by Nate Homan.

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In this episode, we riff on The Rat, Boston's answer to CBGB and an essential piece of the city's music history. We're looking back through the lens of "Making a Scene," an exhibit at Harvard's Loeb Music Library. This episode includes a visit to the gallery, which is open to the public through April 18, 2025. Plus, regional accent talk, Boston Monopoly (make your voices heard!), and Irish Potato szn.

The Philly Tuxedo

The Propeller Product Prop 4-1 reissue (highly recommend!)

Boston Groupie News

The Rathskeller Suite at Hotel Commonwealth :(

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In this episode, we're talking about Kowloon, a North Shore staple that has hosted generations of prom afterparties, post-game hangs, and family gatherings. Filmmakers Mona Xia and Erin Ramirez made a short film that offers an intimate look at the family behind the enormous eatery. (You can watch the 15-minute film, Kowloon!, HERE.) Plus, a couple listeners share their own takes on the Mai Tai Mecca.

The SS United States is headed for a new home under the sea.

Nick Castellanos has impeccable/horrible timing. Plus, the Instagram reel that inspired me today.

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I need your help! I want to fill out my upcoming episode on Kowloon with your stories. What does this North Shore stalwart mean to you? What makes the Saugus restaurant so special? What is your favorite Kowloon memory? Your most beloved dish? Send a voice note (preferred) or a written ode to [email protected]. You can also reach out via instagram: @explainbostontome.

Then listen to next week's ep to hear the greatest hits.

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In this episode, Steve Guerriero of the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation tells us about how the Industrial Revolution transformed New England, creating mill towns and re-ordering local society for good. From boom times to going bust, these factories have a tremendous impact to this day — even if they're now loft apartments, craft breweries, or chic wedding venues.

Howie Roseman gets hit with a can of beer during the Eagles' Super Bowl Parade.

My favorite Philly rat story. 

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers — bemoaning the neverending winter.

Did you read Lyddie??

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This week, we're talking about the local war against rats with Dave Power from the City of Cambridge. Spoiler alert: It is ongoing! As you'll hear, this issue is a personal one. Plus, my reaction to the Eagles' Super Bowl win and a look into Jeremy Strong's psyche.

Eagles win the Super Bowl.

The Dunkin' ad featuring Bill Belichick and Jeremy Stong; Jeremy Strong talks to Vanity Fair about his process.

Patriots fans rejoice at Patrick Mahomes' downfall.

Jalen + trophy + cigar. 

Do you have a rat problem? Get in touch with the City of Cambridge.

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This week, we're joined by Cam Hasbrouck and Drew Johnson from the Brews & Bruins podcast to chat about Boston's beloved professional ice hockey team and to dig deeper on the region's love for the sport, from the Bean Pot to Bobby Orr. Plus, some pre-Super Bowl chatter.

Gritty's ever-changing belly button, an investigation. 

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker fumbles Eagles chant.

A Tom Brady Look-Alike Contest at Time Out Boston.

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In this episode, Rachel Leah Blumenthal, food editor at Boston Magazine, takes us deep on this meaty regional specialty. We're grilling her to get all the answers, from the history of steak tips to the best spots to order them.

Rachel's longform feature, "The Mysterious Origins of Steak Tips, a Uniquely New England Dish"

The Northeast Philly Guy Monk portrait

A good mechanic in South Philly.

A great essay on the specific mental psychosis of a certain kind of doomer Philly fan (Defector).

Sandwich, a Cape Cod novel by Catherine Newman; I preferred Paper Palace for family secrets and kettle pond swims.

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Sean Burns, film critic for WBUR, joins the podcast to talk about Boston crime movies — the good, the bad, and the Casey Affleck. We chat about why this genre looms so large in the city's imagination, trace the arc of Mark Walhberg's career, and consider the infamous rat shot.

Plus, a sequel to our Boston versus Cambridge water taste test featuring the best the Big Apple's taps have to offer.

Saquon in the snow

Mitchell & Ness

Seth Meyer's "Boston Accent" Trailer

People Only Die of Love in the Movies (Jim Ridley)

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