Under the Radar with Callie Crossley

Mother’s Day is a holiday not easily ignored. Though it is not the most popular holiday, it is one of the most commercially successful, with the ubiquitous marketing of flowers, cards, restaurants and jewelry. But for the millions of Americans who are motherless, it’s a sharp reminder of their loss. What is the meaning of Mother’s Day for those who no longer have mothers? And how can they honor memories of their mothers as they manage their grief?

• RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

Two new drugs offer hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer, how communities around the country are pushing back on proposed data centers and after more than two decades, the Cape Cod herring run is back in action. It’s our inaugural science and tech news roundtable!

• RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

Her funny and frank books for kids, tweens, teens and young adults have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide, resulting in a loyal, multigenerational fandom. So how did Judy Blume, a mother and homemaker, become one of the most successful and beloved children’s authors in history? Author Mark Oppenheimer chronicles her life and career in his new biography, “Judy Blume.” It’s our May selection for Bookmarked: The "Under the Radar" Book Club.

• RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

“As American as apple pie” — it’s a phrase that’s come to be known as something quintessentially American, symbolic of tradition and patriotism. The irony is that apples are not actually native to America at all! Though they’ve become a symbol of the United States, apples originate far from North America. We trace Apple’s tasty history from Asia to America and westward as part of our celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary.

• RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

Romantic relationships are full of joy, but they’re also prone to complexities and challenges. What happens when you add multiple partners or nonmonogamy to the mix? We dive into the world of polyamory and ethical nonmonogamy as part of our yearlong series, "How We Love."

• RSVP to our FREE event at Molly's Bookstore in Allston with author Tara Menon! https://bit.ly/utrtaramenon

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its new class of inductees, including Phil Collins, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan. April is Jazz Appreciation Month! And the new Michael Jackson biopic hits theaters soon. Will audiences flock to see it despite the controversies surrounding the late legendary artist? It's our pop culture roundtable!

All year round, Boston is home to dozens of run clubs: social organizations where athletes of all levels can come to connect with friends, raise money for charitable causes, and improve their physical and mental health. From addiction recovery to LGBTQ+ representation to after-school exercise programs, there’s a group for everybody — even if you prefer walking. We speak to three members of local run clubs to learn more.

President Donald Trump may be staunchly against renewable energy sources, but a new poll shows a majority of his supporters want to expand solar energy in the U.S. Winter woes in ski zones: How will record-low snowfall impact the West this summer? Plus, warmer waters and acidity rates in the Gulf of Maine may affect the future of New England’s lobster industry. It’s our environmental news roundtable!

Author J.R. Thornton’s latest novel “Lucien“ explores the college friendship of scholarship student Chris and high society, wealthy Lucien -- roommates who become fast friends. But Lucien soon holds the upper hand in the relationship, leading Chris to push aside his values and even engage in criminal acts. In this dark academic thriller, “Lucien” explores male friendship, the power of manipulation, and the seduction of wealth and status. It's our April pick for Bookmarked: The "Under the Radar" book club!

Of the 53 million Catholics in America, about 3 million are African American. The history of Black Catholics in the United States spans from colonization and enslavement to Black parishes founded by the church during the Jim Crow era. And throughout that history, Black Catholic communities have found ways to make the oldest form of Christianity their own. In honor of Easter, we examine Black Catholicism in Boston and beyond.

*This segment originally aired in April 2025*