Explain Boston to Me

There’s a reason they call it “Beantown.” In this week’s rerun, Yankee Magazine food editor Amy Traverso takes us through the history of this iconic food — and explains why its place on the Mount Rushmore of local cuisine might be in jeopardy. I made beans! Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Boston Movie Club REWIND, we’re talking about Fever Pitch , the 2005 romcom starring Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, and the 2004 Red Sox. Joining me to dig into this divisive film is Tyler Rotman, who you might remember from EBtM: The 2004 Red Sox . We talk about Fallon as a leading man, the last-minute script changes, and why some locals loathe this movie. This episode originally aired on September 24, 2025. Here’s the essay Tyler mentions: “In defense of Fever Pitch, the greatest Red Sox movie of all-time” When your baseball team loses (TikTok) “Here comes the pizza” Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're talking with economics professor Victor Matheson about the history of Gillette Stadium and Boston's aversion to stadium funding more broadly. The conversation touches on Fenway, the new ballpark in Worcester, Robert Kraft's new Revs home, and the one public stadium project the city IS funding. The Red Sox are going to the CORN. The Union build a "Sportsplex" in Chester. Check out Ghostlander ! You could be their new drummer/pedal steel/keyboard player. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we're talking about an intellectual movement that changed the world — and was born right here in the Boston area. From Walden Pond to "Self-Reliance" to one of the first great feminist thinkers, Transcendentalism produced enduring literature and revolutionary ideas. Princeton professor Peter Wirzbicki is here to explain it all. Zoo360. A.J. Brown drama. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're joined by Zach Remi aka @new_england_dad to talk about what your New England summer vacation says about you. From Maine to Martha's Vineyard, New Hampshire to Cape Cod, we're parsing the delights, drawbacks and expectations of iconic local warm-weather destinations. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're talking with Joseph Nevins, a professor and co-author of A People's Guide to Greater Boston , about this seminal decade in Boston history. From busing to the Bicentennial to the Vault, the 1970s showcased a city in transition. Lebron is a Sixer and people are freaking out . Nantucket influencer drama. Jimothy. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're chatting with Jim Varney of Wavelength Coffee Roasters about local coffee culture — from Dunkin and Coffee Connection to Keurig and $8 pour-overs. What does it mean that this regional prizes both affordable, utilitarian caffeine delivery AND serves as a hot-bed for java-centric innovation? Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This conversation focuses on Boston's wealth of historic buildings — and the advantages and challenges that result. Peter Vanderwarker and Dr. Rebecca Kemper from Historic Boston Incorporated share their thoughts on the evolving city, when a building crosses the rubicon and becomes "historic" (paging City Hall), and lament some of their favorite lost structures. Philly's best cheesesteak is in the visiting clubhouse. Duck Boat disaster. 'The Five-Star Weekend' filmed on Nantucket. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're hopping on a ferry and heading to the "The Little Grey Lady of the Sea." Author Julie Gerstenblatt is here to talk us through her personal relationship to Nantucket, detail the island's particular charms, and explain how the whaling-mecca-turned-posh-summer-destination has evolved over the years. Primo's Hoagie Trays! Jaylen Brown to the Sixers. @Carly gets her own Nantucket lightship basket. Julie's Website. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I'm down the [Jersey] shore, so it's rerun time! This is one of the show's most popular episodes ever. We’re talking tripledeckers, that iconic piece of the local urban fabric with Matthew Dickey, aka Streetscape Curator . What are the origins of this vernacular architectural style? How has their identity — and their residents — changed over the years? And are we ready for a tripledecker renaissance? Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're chatting with chef and restauranteur Nick Dixon about what it actually takes to run a successful spot in the city of Boston, from the cost of doing business to picking the right plates, to sending back food. His new spot Dalia just opened in South Boston. Calder Gardens wows . Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Crack a cold one! In this episode, we're talking about Polar Seltzer, a staple of fridges and coolers across New England. This Worcester-based company has been in business for 144 years, and it remains the gold standard for the seltzer obsessed, including our guest, food writer Jacqueline Cain. We chat about the best flavors, the recent rebrand and the Willy Wonka-esque mystery surrounding Polar. The curse of the Rocky statue strikes Ecuador. Coop Social Club in JP. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're chatting with Chris Wrenn, author of Fenway Punk: How a Boston Indie Label Scored Big on Baseball's Greatest Rivalry . He talks "Yankees Suck," going legit with Sully's Brand, and the city's enduring punk and hardcore scene. It's a true Boston story with plenty of only-in-Beantown insights. AJ Brown's AI silliness Boston has the NBA's most passionate — and most obnoxious — fans Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, it's just the tip — of Cape Cod! We're talking Provincetown with Courtney Trautman a South End transplant with a deep love of this seaside gay mecca. Philly artist Clancy Philbrick explains his very special replica of the World Cup trophy. Check our his work HERE . The Broad Street Bulletin. Bathtub Marys. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's re-run time, as Lee is off getting ready for the launch of ArtPhilly's What Now: 2026 festival. To that end, we're kicking off summer by chatting about Cape Cod. Sharing his thoughts, feelings, and shark avoidance tips is Joe Fenti, standup comedian and corporate drone/content creator. Follow him on Instagram ( @fentifriedchicken ) and TikTok. For more on Boston Children's Choir and to register, head to bostonchildrenschorus.org or call 617-245-6036. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send me a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, writer Tanya Edwards tells us about the rise and fall of Boston Market (née Boston Chicken), which just closed its final Massachusetts location. From two young Northeastern grads with a rotisserie and a dream, to Carver Sandwiches, to private-equity mismanagement, this story has everything. Check out Tanya's feature on the death of this local institution in the Boston Globe . Philadelphia man eats chicken on abandoned pier in front of raucous crowd. A Schwarbomb at Fenway. A key to Black Point Beach goes for $325,000. Novo Mundo in New Bedford . Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whether it was cow paths or Puritan obstinance, the roots of Boston's grid-less city run deep. To talk about the city's unique geography, we're joined by Andy Woodruff, author of the new book Boston in 50 Maps . Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles Strangers by Belle Burden Widow's Bay on AppleTV What's the Best Way? (SNL) Jason Kelce in goes full Mummer. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Explain Boston to Me took to the stage at the Boston Athenaeum, a storied institution that reflects the history and values of its home city. Guests Leah Rosovsky and John Buchtel spoke about 19th century Boston, the origins of the Athenaeum, and the legends who have stalked its halls. Plus, some poor Sixers/Celtics prognosticating. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're exploring the origins of Boston's vibrant Chinatown — and reexamining myths around the city's first Chinese restaurant — with lawyer and historian Richard Auffrey aka The Passionate Foodie . From the first Chinese immigrant to Boston to Hong Far Low and Ruby Foo, this is a fascinating and vital part of the region's history. Put Sky Cafe and Hardena on your when-in-Philly lists. Search Engine comes to Boston to talk AVs ( Part One and Part Two ). Lisa McManus' Zoe's recs . Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're learning about a true Boston icon: Fenway Park. According to author Glenn Stout, this baseball paradise "changed his life" — it also would have been unrecognizable to current fans back in 1912 when it opened. The ballpark's transformation over the last 100-plus years tells us so much about the city and its continued evolution. And don't you dare take its endurance for granted: There were moments when Fenway was in real peril, and it might be in the future, too. Stout is the author of Fenway 1912 . The Best Free Restaurant Bread in America . EBtM LIVE at the Athenaeum . Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram , email me , or send a voice memo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.