Best UTR Media Podcasts (2025)

1
81: Phil Keaggy, Josiah Queen, LOVKN 54:32

1d ago54:32

54:32

It's the heart of summer, but there are some important crowdfunding campaigns happening now - and Garret gives you the rundown. This month's Good Patron Challenge is to deep dive on an album and host a music club get-together. --- SPOTLIGHT CAMPAIGN --- * Phil Keaggy - Love Broke Thru deluxe reissue * https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lbt2025/ph…

1
A Congressional race in New Hampshire already has eight candidates. The election is next year. 31:29

1d ago31:29

31:29

Offshore wind farms were poised to provide energy to millions in New England. Now those plans are stalled – maybe indefinitely. Broken promises are leading Rhode Island politicians to face plummeting approval ratings. Meanwhile candidates are lining up in the race to replace U.S. Representative Chris Pappas in New Hampshire. And bridges on Cape Cod…

1
'Dear Summer: Volume 3' returns to highlight more emerging artists and DJs 26:30

1d ago26:30

26:30

Summer in Boston just got a new soundtrack: the third edition of its citywide mixtape. The City of Boston’s “Dear Summer Vol. 3” features a variety of genres representing neighborhoods across the city, including up-and-comers from the Berklee College of Music, local legends and artists with Boston roots who’ve received national attention. We speak …

1
Music and mystery unite in Brendan Slocumb’s latest novel, ‘The Dark Maestro’ 23:51

9d ago23:51

23:51

Curtis Wilson escaped his father’s troubled world and grasped his lifelong dream of becoming a cellist. Then, he almost lost it all. The protagonist of writer, educator and classical musician Brendan Slocumb’s new book “The Dark Maestro” reflects the author’s own experience as a performer. “The Dark Maestro” is our July selection for Bookmarked: th…

1
Natalism 101: What’s behind President Trump’s desire for a second baby boom? 34:08

9d ago34:08

34:08

The pro-birth movement, known as pronatalism, has long been popular in certain politically conservative circles. But in recent years, it has begun to gain traction more broadly. Many view it not only as a means to slow the declining population, but also as a way to preserve culture. But others worry that the singular focus on having more babies is …

1
Summer food and drinks bring the heat with sweet-and-spicy treats 25:41

16d ago25:41

25:41

With warmer weather arriving, food and drinks are getting “swicy” – that’s sweet and spicy. The adventurous blend has been trending for some time with the rise of hot honey and, now, as an added kick to already bold white wines. Plus, international food trends make a splash locally and could the Michelin guide boost much-needed dine-in traffic to l…

1
Latinx news: Celebs speak out for immigrants as Trump admin touts ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ 32:17

16d ago32:17

32:17

The Los Angeles anti-deportation protests may not be on the front page, but the National Guard is still on the ground in LA. President Donald Trump wants to build “Alligator Alcatraz,” a detention center in the Florida Everglades. And the Milford teen who was held by ICE denies ICE’s claims that he lied about the conditions of his detention. It’s o…

1
Donna Summer Disco Party boogies onto City Hall Plaza 24:59

23d ago24:59

24:59

In 1975, Boston native Donna Summer released her single, “Love to Love You Baby,” a sexy disco tune featuring shimmering strings and a funky bassline that would become a global smash. Fifty years later, her hometown will celebrate Summer’s artistry and the lasting impact of her work with its eleventh Donna Summer Disco Party on City Hall Plaza. We …

1
Unbound Pages: Authors Against Book Bans unites authors fighting for the freedom to read 33:01

23d ago33:01

33:01

Thousands of books are facing scrutiny throughout the country as the book-banning movement continues to gain supporters. Now, authors are joining together to fight back and use their voices off the page to spread awareness about how book bans threaten democracy and free speech. We speak with three members of Authors Against Book Bans in the latest …

1
The music of ‘Jaws’ continues to delight and frighten, 50 years later 35:49

30d ago35:49

35:49

It started as a minimalist, eerie musical phrase – one ominous note, then two, signifying the looming, underwater danger of a great white shark. Fifty years later, the theme to the 1975 Steven Spielberg blockbuster “Jaws” is just as recognizable and iconic as the film itself. We take a deep-dive into this musical masterpiece with two expert music p…

1
LabCentral’s Juneteenth event showcases how local artists express resilience and joy 22:10

30d ago22:10

22:10

It’s been 160 years since the last enslaved people in the United States heard the news they were free. What was once celebrated on a city or state level is now celebrated nationwide as a federal holiday on June 19, also known as Juneteenth. In the spirit of the holiday, Cambridge’s LabCentral is hosting a special exhibit and panel discussion, cente…

1
80: Anna Palfreeman, Gileah Taylor, PFR 27:09

1M ago27:09

27:09

If music doesn't grow on trees, how can I get involved to support the music I love? Garret Godfrey brings you several active crowdfunding campaigns to consider and a monthly Good Patron challenge. --- SPOTLIGHT CAMPAIGN --- * Anna Palfreeman - Frontline * https://annapalfreeman.bandcamp.com/album/frontline *About the project https://www.annapalfree…

1
Despite federal pushback, budget cuts and anti-trans executive orders, Pride Month forges on 34:17

1M ago34:17

34:17

It’s Pride Month … or is it Title IX Month? President Donald Trump’s administration continues to push back on the LGBTQ+ community through its ban on trans troops – and newly graduated trans cadets – in the military, potential federal budget cuts to a vital suicide prevention hotline that helps queer youth, and renaming a Navy ship dedicated to gay…

1
More than the ‘Big Head’: MFA hosts largest, decades-spanning exhibit of Roxbury artist John Wilson’s work 23:42

1M ago23:42

23:42

Throughout his career, artist John Wilson was inspired to capture the faces of his community: Black people who lived in Roxbury. He chose to do figurative paintings, drawings and sculptures, rather than abstract work, because he was determined that Black people should be seen in the fullness of their humanity. That was the overall theme of his work…

1
Kick back and relax with one of our summer-reading picks of 2025 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

It’s nearly summertime, which means plenty of sunshine, slower days and lots of time to kick back with a new book. Whether it’s a mystery, thriller, romance, fantasy or nonfiction, there’s a perfect summer read for every book lover to enjoy by the beach, on an airplane or curled up on the couch. Three local librarians joined Callie Crossley for “Un…

1
‘Runboyrun’ takes Ufot Family Cycle from the stage to your earbuds 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

In “Sojourners,” the first play of Mfoniso Udofia’s Ufot Family Cycle, audiences are introduced to Disciple, a graduate student who eventually becomes the Ufot patriarch. But as the drama unfolds play after play, Disciple grows increasingly erratic and intense, often prone to fits of rage. And it’s not until the third play in the cycle – “runboyrun…

1
A moment or a movement? Reflecting on the death of George Floyd, five years later 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

On May 25, 2020, millions of people around the world watched in horror as white police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to the neck of George Floyd, a Black man, on a Minnesota street. Nine minutes and 29 seconds later, Floyd was dead. His murder led to what some called a racial reckoning, sparking global protests, demands for police reform, …

1
‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ showcases the joys and struggles of African women immigrants in America 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

For many Black women, the hair salon is a cultural safe space, where stories and secrets help build an intimate community. In SpeakEasy Stage’s production of the Tony-winning play, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” the West African immigrants who do the braiding and the customers seeking their services come together in a funny play that also explores…

1
Unbound Pages: Former Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden explains why libraries are central to democracy 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

In 2016, President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Carla Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress, making her the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Dr. Hayden’s tenure as Librarian of Congress abruptly ended on May 8, when she was fired from the position. Eight days before her dismissal, Dr. Hayden spoke with Callie Crossl…

1
What does it mean to be a ‘good mom’ in 2025? 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

Societal and cultural norms say mothers must be kind and nurturing, they must have endless patience for their children, they must be doting, attentive and protective, and they should be able to do it all — and be thrilled to do it all. But what does it mean to be a “good” mother in this day and age? We explore the complex and nuanced nature of moth…

1
‘Joy Goddess’ spotlights Madam C.J. Walker’s daughter A’Lelia, who forged her own path 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

Rags-to-riches entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker and her daughter, A’Lelia Walker, built one of the most successful African American hair care businesses in American history. But it was only after A’Lelia broke free of her mother’s singular vision that she found her calling in 1920s Harlem. That search for independence and purpose is at the center of …

1
79: Indelible Grace, Sower Project, Rich Tribute 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

This months Good Patron Challenge is to attend a Music Festival this summer if at all possible! Plus Garret brings you the scoop on the latest crowdfunding campaigns. - - - SPOTLIGHT CAMPAIGN - - - * Indelible Grace - Album # 8 * https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/indeliblegrace/help-us-make-indelible-grace-8-a-new-hymn-project - - - OTHER CAMPAI…

1
What clues can Trump’s first 100 days offer for the rest of his second presidency? 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

April 29, 2025 marked 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. In a little over three months, the president, alongside administration officials, Cabinet members, and Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency – or DOGE – have kept Trump’s promise to reshape the government. What can Americans expect for the rest of Trum…

1
Environmental experts: Massive changes at the EPA will roll back much-needed scientific research 36:14

3M ago36:14

36:14

Within his first 100 days, President Donald Trump and his administration have made major changes when it comes to environmental and climate-related policy and action. What will come of the significant shake-up of the Environmental Protection Agency? Plus, previously off-limits fishing grounds are open for business, wildfires as an East Coast proble…

1
The Genius Next Door: Media artist Tony Cokes recontextualizes history through mixed-media video installations 21:45

3M ago21:45

21:45

Tony Cokes, a professor of modern culture and media at Brown University, is transforming the moving image to shine new light on some of history’s darkest moments. By using text, music, found footage, journalistic writing and more, Cokes recontextualizes traumatic moments in American history and creates video-based artwork. He is one of three local …

1
Black Catholics create connection between ancient Christian practice and today’s Black culture 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

Of the 50 million Catholics in America, only 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 Christianit…

1
Unbound Pages: Will Massachusetts be the next state to pass 'freedom to read' legislation? 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

Book bans have been on the rise across the country in recent years prompting lawmakers to pass legislation to protect libraries and librarians. “Freedom to read” legislation has been adopted in four states, aiming to safeguard access to diverse materials in public and school libraries, and some lawmakers are hoping to make Massachusetts the fifth s…

1
New children’s book tells the behind-the-scenes story of the first presidential Passover Seder 24:38

3M ago24:38

24:38

Each year, thousands of Greater Bostonians observe Passover through Seder, the ceremonial meal of prayers, blessings and wine retelling the story of the Jews' exodus from ancient Egypt. It’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation all over the world, but it didn’t reach the White House until 2009. Author Richard Michelson wrote about …

1
Paul Revere House and Old North Church reexamine its history in preparation of 250th anniversary of Revere’s ride 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

He’s known as a silversmith, a messenger and a patriot. But Paul Revere's role and contribution to the American Revolution was much more than a midnight ride.We take a walk through Revere’s neighborhood and visit two pivotal locations – the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church – to learn more about the revolutionary and the world in which he …

1
78: The Lost Dogs, Slugs and Bugs, Constanza Herrero 31:18

3M ago31:18

31:18

This month's Good Patron Challenge is to REALLY listen to a concept album! Plus Garret brings you the scoop on the latest crowdfunding campaigns. - - - SPOTLIGHT CAMPAIGN - - - * The Lost Dogs - Trick of the Light * https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thelostdogs/the-lost-dogs - - - OTHER CAMPAIGNS - - - *Slugs & Bugs - Sunday Songs https://www.ki…

1
Poet Tiana Clark pairs gut-wrenching imagery with accessible language in ‘Scorched Earth’ 24:46

3M ago24:46

24:46

Poet Tiana Clark’s mastery of the language of emotions is fully displayed in “Scorched Earth,” her new deeply personal collection of poems, which takes readers from the charred landscape of divorce to searing moments where the intersection of history, race and gender explode on the pages. “Scorched Earth” is our April pick for Bookmarked: the “Unde…

1
‘I’ve seen poetry save lives’: Local and Grammy-winning spoken-word poets celebrate their art 33:13

3M ago33:13

33:13

April is National Poetry Month! Enthusiasm for spoken-word poetry has skyrocketed in recent years, helping to increase the popularity of all poetry. We’re diving into the art form and the poets who use their voices and bodies in staged performances. Who are the lyrical wordsmiths at the top of their game, including here in Massachusetts? We speak w…

1
From the pitch to the scrum, women’s pro sports are in high demand 33:47

4M ago33:47

33:47

It’s not a moment – it’s a movement. Women’s sports teams from the WNBA to women’s rugby teams are selling out games from coast to coast. Breakout stars like Olympian Ilona Maher, illustrious former collegiate turned pro players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and celebrity-backed teams like Angel City Football Club are in the spotlight. So are…

1
Boston Comedy Festival celebrates 25 years of laughter and competition 24:13

4M ago24:13

24:13

The Boston Comedy Festival has been showcasing comedic talent for 25 years! With so much competition from social media and digital platforms, what continues to make the festival a stand-up destination for comedians in greater Boston and across the country? We speak with the brother-sister duo who founded the festival and an up-and-coming comedian h…

1
Hollywood banks on starry comebacks and nostalgic film reboots 33:47

4M ago33:47

33:47

Will Smith, Jonathan Majors and Lizzo are all traveling the same road: the comeback trail. Nostalgia continues to reign – everything old is new again! Reboots and returns on the big and little screen. And Bad Bunny bares all … well, mostly all. That and more on our pop culture roundtable!By GBH

1
Two eldest daughters and their mother strive for connection in ‘Her Portmanteau’ 24:13

4M ago24:13

24:13

Mfoniso Udofia’s nine-play Ufot Family Cycle forges on! The latest onstage installment, “Her Portmanteau,” hits Central Square Theater later this month. And it picks up a loose thread from the very first play — the story of Iniabasi, matriarch Abasiama’s true eldest daughter. We speak with the playwright and the actress who portrays the daughter as…

1
Local news: Why have businesses in Mattapan left liquor licenses on the table? 36:44

4M ago36:44

36:44

Boston’s former ICE office director is chosen as acting director of the national agency, the latest in the controversy about the MBTA Communities Act, and can new liquor licenses in Dorchester and Mattapan help existing businesses … or are they too much trouble for restaurants AND the neighborhood? It’s our local news roundtable!…

1
Gen Z drinking habits, social media and Irish interest fuel rise in Guinness’ popularity 21:15

4M ago21:15

21:15

Most beer-drinking Americans choose lagers – crisp, pale beers like Modelo Especial, Bud Light or Coors Light. But Gen Zers and celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Olivia Rodrigo and Kim Kardashian have boosted renewed enthusiasm for the Irish stout, Guinness. We’ve drafted top beer experts to mark St Patrick’s Day with a heady discussion about Guinness’ …

1
Unbound Pages: Artist Karen Moss raises book-banning awareness through a series of portraits 16:27

4M ago16:27

16:27

Artist and avid reader Karen Moss felt overwhelmed by the never-ending news of book bans happening all across the country. As she’d previously done in addressing other social justice issues, Karen used her canvas to make a statement — this time, intimate portraits of her loved ones and their favorite banned books. The portraits are showcased in a n…

1
Covid upended everyday life. What’s stuck around five years after lockdown? 41:32

4M ago41:32

41:32

It’s been five years since the Covid-19 lockdown of spring 2020. Covid changed every aspect of our lives – from the way we work, to how kids went to school and even some people’s views on science and vaccines. What changes have stuck around since the pandemic? And which will become so ingrained in our lives that future generations will forget they …

1
77: Robert Deeble, Ronnie Martin, Holy Ghost Record Club 37:12

4M ago37:12

37:12

Garret features an exclusive interview with Holy Ghost Record Club curator Hannah Herron. Plus get the deets on the latest crowdfunding campaigns. --- SPOTLIGHT CAMPAIGN --- * Robert Deeble - The Space Between Us * https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/505565390/robert-deeble-a-new-album-the-space-between-us --- OTHER CAMPAIGNS --- * Ronnie Martin -…

1
Trump’s anti-trans executive orders face pushback from New England states 32:42

4M ago32:42

32:42

It’s been a little over a month since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.And since his first day in office, he has kept his promise when it comes to rolling back protections and rights for people in the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans, nonbinary, genderqueer and intersex people. But communities around the cou…

1
Beyond body glitter and Total Request Live: How the Y2K era changed America 25:16

4M ago25:16

25:16

The year 2000 ushered in an era of shiny newness – from metallic clothing and furniture to a computer evolution turned tech revolution – alongside generation-defining events: a housing and financial crisis, 9/11 and early public recognition of climate change. Author Colette Shade argues the socio-cultural shifts ushered in during the early 2000s re…

1
The Genius Next Door: Benjamin Van Mooy makes waves with his research on invisible sea organisms 23:41

5M ago23:41

23:41

He studies plankton, the smallest organisms in the ocean, from the Antarctic peninsula to Greenland, looking for signs of how the oceans are changing. Oceanographer Benjamin Van Mooy also created new techniques that helped reveal more precise information about the link between plankton and the changing oceans. The researcher is one of three New Eng…

1
More than ‘mere representation’ needed for Asian and Asian-American stories in media 34:17

5M ago34:17

34:17

It’s been 7 years since the glitzy and glamorous romantic-comedy “Crazy Rich Asians” topped the box-office charts. The film helped break open a new era of Asian and Asian-American representation in film, streaming and TV. Has that increased representation lasted? We continue our annual conversation examining movie and streaming projects from the pa…

1
Latinx news: Misinformation and ICE silence stoke mass-deportation fears 30:52

5M ago30:52

30:52

President Donald Trump promised drastic changes in immigration policy, particularly focused on mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, on Day 1 of his second administration. But with only a month into the new administration, local experts say it’s hard to judge if Trump is actually sticking to his promise. It’s our Latinx news roundtable!…

1
Ufot Family Cycle continues with the world-premiere of ‘The Grove’ 27:08

5M ago27:08

27:08

The Huntington’s production of “Sojourners” in October 2024 marked the start of the two-year, city-wide production of Mfoniso Udofia’s nine-play collection, the Ufot Family Cycle. Now, the Nigerian-American Ufot family story continues 31 years later in “The Grove,” the world-premiere of the second play in the cycle. Callie speaks with playwright Mf…

1
Big flavors and small wine lists are two of this year's culinary trends 25:56

5M ago25:56

25:56

Black limes, global spice mixes and an abundance of sauces – it’s all on tap for food trends in 2025. And when it comes to wine, odds are you’ve foregone the cheap entry-level bottle for a higher price-point white and you’ve noticed shrinking wine lists at restaurants. We’ve got the latest news from the culinary world featuring our food and wine ex…

1
Environmental news: Will the aftermath of the LA fires affect Americans nationwide? 32:04

5M ago32:04

32:04

Now that the Los Angeles fires have been contained, Angelenos face health concerns from fire pollutants among many long-term consequences. Plus, President Donald Trump withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. Will Michael Bloomberg’s offer to pay for the U.S.’s portion of the group’s budget make a difference? And the homeowners’ insuran…

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76: Mike Farris, Chris Taylor, Phil Madeira 22:32

5M ago22:32

22:32

This month's Good Patron Challenge is to COMMIT to being a Good Patron this year! Plus Garret brings you the scoop on the latest crowdfunding campaigns. - - - SPOTLIGHT CAMPAIGN - - - * Mike Farris - The Sound of Muscle Shoals * https://mikefarrismerch.com/collections/all-items - - - OTHER CAMPAIGNS - - - * Chris Taylor - I Carry the Flame - https:…

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