The Codcast

CommonWealth Beacon reporter Jennifer Smith sits down with Ed Augustus, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, to discuss how federal policy changes threaten state housing goals, the Commonwealth's response, the tools it is using to meet those goals, and much more.

CommonWealth Beacon reporter Jennifer Smith is joined by Ariel Beccia, an instructor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, to discuss the Trump administration's purges of health-related government data, how these and other data purges ripple through society, and researchers' efforts to respond.

CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith is joined by Sarang Sekhavat, Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), to discuss threats to immigration policies such as Temporary Protected Status and sanctuary cities, and how officials in Massachusetts and nationally are responding.

CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith interviews US Senator Ed Markey on the fight against Trump's actions, his stance on running again, and the future of the Democratic party.

John McDonough of the T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Paul Hattis of the Lown Institute sit down with Dr. Wayne Altman, Professor and Chair of Family Medicine at Tufts School of Medicine, to discuss the growing primary care crisis in Massachusetts. They explore the causes behind the physician shortage, and the 'Primary Care for You' bill aimed at reforming payment models and improving access to care.

CommonWealth Beacon editor Laura Colarusso sits down with state Senator John Velis to discuss the growing issue of smart phone addiction among youth, its impact on mental health, and a new bill aimed at addressing these concerns.

CommonWealth Beacon editor Laura Colarusso is joined by fellow reporter Gin Dumcius to discuss Josh Kraft's candidacy, Mayor Wu's response, and top issues in this race.

John McDonough of the T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Paul Hattis of the Lown Institute interview Lora Pellegrini, president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, to discuss healthcare affordability, regulation, and legislative efforts in Massachusetts. They cover prescription drug pricing, hospital accountability, and the future of the Affordable Care Act, highlighting Massachusetts as a leader in healthcare reform.

CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith sits down with Noe Ortega, Commissioner for Higher Education, to discuss how Massachusetts public colleges and universities are tackling challenges to diversity, affordability, and access amid shifting national policies.

CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith is joined by Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and Imari K. Paris Jeffries, executive director of Embrace Boston. They discuss how organizations dedicated to racial justice and equity are responding to the challenges of this political era.