Pop It

Molly and I just got back from Newport Folk Festival where we had the opportunity to connect with two bands on opposite ends of the folk spectrum: Dropkick Murphys and Palmyra . Although both groups challenge the traditional folk archetype, each has been anointed by one of the first families in folk—the Guthries and the Prines, respectively. (Apologies for the background noise during Pamlyra's interview, which begins 25:45.)

Alex Rosamilia is the lead guitarist of The Gaslight Anthem, a New Jersey punk band known for embracing legacy artists like Bruce Springsteen. I spoke to Rosamilia prior to the band’s Boston show on Sunday, August 18th at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.

Originally aired in August of 2018—radio and podcast gender bias & our favorite female voices on the airwaves. Experts Lance Reenstierna and Tim Pilleri share what it takes to wrack up millions of downloads on iTunes and the story behind their breakout podcast success “Missing Maura Murray.” (22:00) Plus, a crack at "Runaway Bride" inspired by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

Honorable Madeline Singas was born in Worcester and went on to become the Nassau County District Attorney and then an associate judge of the New York Court of Appeals. As the District Attorney, she oversaw the prosecution of criminal cases, including that of Jesse Friedman who was a subject of the 2003 Academy Award nominated documentary, “Capturing the Friedmans.” Singas was notably the special prosecutor, concerning allegations of sexual assault by attorney general Eric Schneiderman, who had previously been an outspoken advocate for the #MeToo movement. We did our best to piece together her career highlights based on the information available to us.

Lillian Asplund was the last survivor of the Titanic who could remember the infamous voyage — she was 5 when the “unsinkable ship” struck an iceberg, and more than 1,500 of her fellow passengers perished at sea.

Later, Asplund worked as a secretary at State Mutual Life Insurance, headquartered in Worcester’s first skyscraper, at the corner of Main Street and Maple, downtown. She lived a quiet life, gardening and caring for her mother and younger brother. They, like she, huddled together on a lifeboat, watching the ship go down like a tall building crumbling into the ocean at 2:19 a.m. April 15, 1912...

Gabi Bennett's takeover of The Barn in Princeton marks the third generation of her family's ownership since 1983. Under her management, the restaurant is serving 'mountain chalet.' Bennett grew up in Princeton, but spent the bulk of her professional career in Hollywood. 

We discuss Andrea Riseborough's controversial Oscar nomination & recap Beyonce, Bennifer 2.0, Harry Styles, Madonna, & more at the Grammys. In the end, a game of "guess that Super Bowl commercial" with baby Sloane. 

There are thousands of books to support educators, and with good reason—teaching is the noblest profession. But, in recent years, teachers are leaving the classroom in droves. SMALL TEACHING K-8 takes a unique approach to combat teacher burnout with a series of research-based practices that are low-effort and high-reward. 

Awards Season, Royals, Alec Baldwin, and *feel-good* TV.

Ms. Porter is on a different coast & we had our wires crossed. Molly & I will catch up with her very soon. In the meantime, here is a meandering overview of her life and work with honorable mentions to Falling for Christmas (ft. Lindsay Lohan), Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, The Redeem Team, Sumner Stroh, A Chorus Line, Every Little Step, & of course, Curly Sue. Alisan Porter will perform at Polar Park on October 22 as part of Rhythm for Ribbons. xoxo