Episodes
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From Bad Bunny to Rosalía, Spanish-language artists are finally gaining critical acclaim
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: Even if you don't know his name, you have probably heard his music. Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican superstar who has topped Billboard charts for years. For three years in a row he has been Spotify's most streamed artist in the world. While he has won Grammys before, his global appeal hasn’t translated to wins in the Recording Academy's biggest categories. No Spanish-language album had ever been nominated for the the Grammys’ Album of the Year — until Bad Bunny's "Un Verano Sin Ti" was nominated for that honor in November. Two experts examine why a handful of Spanish-language artists were finally able to transcend The Grammys' niche categories, and what this says about the rise and undeniable influence of Latin music in America. GUESTS Leila Cobo, journalist, author, and Billboard’s Chief Content Officer of Latin Berta Rojas, associate professor in Berklee's Guitar department and winner of two 2022 Latin Grammys, Best Classical Album for “Legado,” and Best Classical Contemporary Composition for the song "Anido's Portrait: I. Chacarera” -
Can a healthy diet treat disease? Why some argue food is medicine
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: From heart disease to diabetes, chronic illness is the leading cause of death in the United States, and chronic disease is a major reason why the nation spends more than $4 trillion on health care every year. But a growing movement believes reexamining our relationship with food is key to both improving our health and saving money. Food is medicine, they argue, and access to high quality food is essential to a longer, healthier life. We speak with organizations leading the crusade in Boston and beyond to understand how food can assist, and sometimes even replace medication. GUESTS Olivia Weinstein, culinary nutrition director for Boston Medical Center Jean Terranova, senior director of policy and research at Community Servings Paul Hepfer, CEO of Project Open Hand -
The power of mentorship for at-risk youth
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: In 1949, a small organization formed in Boston. Ten fatherless boys were paired with adult volunteers to help them navigate their lives. More than 70 years later, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts serves young boys and girls and connects more than 3,600 children with mentors each year. We discuss the importance of strong social webs, how the pandemic frayed them and the power of mentoring with the leader of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts and a tight-knit duo that continues to grow together. GUESTS Mark O’Donnell, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Karen Rodriguez, volunteer mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Rosela Moreta, Karen’s 10-year-old mentee -
LGBTQ News: Lawmakers across the nation consider bans on drag shows
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: A federal judge in Springfield rules in favor of protecting students’ gender identities at Ludlow Public Schools. Plus, legislators from Tennessee to Idaho are considering bans on drag shows. And while Pope Francis has expressed support for the LGBTQ community in the past, in perhaps his strongest statement yet, he says homosexuality is not a crime. Those stories and more on our LGBTQ News Roundtable. GUESTS Sue O’Connell, commentator and host at New England Cable News, NBC 10 Boston and NBC LX; co-publisher of Bay Windows and The South End News Janson Wu, executive director of GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, or GLAD Grace Sterling Stowell, executive director of the Boston Alliance of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth, or BAGLY -
The long, complicated story behind Roe v. Wade
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: For more than 10 years, author Joshua Prager immersed himself in the story of the woman at the center of the Roe v. Wade case, Norma McCorvey, as well as the lawyers who filed the case and the leaders of the then nascent anti-abortion movement. McCorvey’s life as a plaintiff in the Roe case and the cast of characters around her provide a revealing window into the abortion controversy writ large. Prager’s careful, detailed research and masterful storytelling reveals the contradictions, hypocrisy, righteous fury and gut wrenching pain that helps explain how the landmark legislation became a third rail. GUEST Joshua Prager, journalist, author and 2022 Pulitizer Prize finalist for “The Family Roe: An American Story” -
Women share their abortion experiences before, during and after Roe v. Wade
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: 50 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision: Roe v. Wade. It made abortion a constitutionally protected right, and simultaneously gave millions of people greater freedom over decisions they could make about their body. But last year, that ruling was overturned. While anti-abortion activists celebrated, critics of the decision argue women today have fewer rights than their grandmothers. Today, we get perspective from women who have had abortions before, during and after Roe, and explore what’s next for reproductive care in America. GUESTS Rebecca Hart Holder, president of Reproductive Equity Now Sally Benbasset, member of The Bad Old Days Posse, a group that shares their experiences of abortion before Roe v. Wade Sophie, a volunteer with Shout Your Abortion who had an abortion after Roe was overturned -
New documentary illuminates Zora Neale Hurston's work as an anthropologist
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: Zora Neale Hurston has long been known as a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, in particular for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." But what you may not know is that she was also a dedicated anthropologist — ultimately becoming known as the foremost authority on Black folklore in her time. We speak with the writer and director of "Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space," a new in-depth documentary that highlights the significant contributions Hurston made to the world of anthropology. Guest: Tracy Heather Strain, president and co-founder of The Film Posse, Corwin-Fuller professor of film studies at Wesleyan University, and writer and director of "Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space" -
How we teach race and racial justice to children
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: Jan. 16 is the 37th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday to acknowledge the legacy of the civil rights leader. The reverend was a key leader in the transformative social justive movement which challenged a racially segregated America, and pushed the coutnry toward a more just future. Understanding the complex history of race and racism in the United States and King's role in the civil rights movement is critical — but how do we explain the concepts to young kids? Two experts who specialize in breaking down difficult concepts for children discuss why it is such crucial work. Guests: Carole Boston Weatherford, award-winning children's book author and English professor at Fayetteville State university Tanya Nixon-Silberg, director and founder of Little Uprisings, an organization in Boston that teaches children and adults about racial justice Note: Bonnie Duncan of The Gottabees voiced Trevor The Elephant in this episode. Tanya Nixon-Silberg is performing at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on Monday, Jan. 16. -
Mass Politics Profs: How will a new crop of lawmakers reshape Massachusetts?
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: Massachusetts inaugurated a historic slate of top leaders with Maura Healey as governor and Kim Driscoll as lieutenant governor. Some believe Driscoll could reshape the traditionally low-key role. Meanwhile, in the U.S. House, days of chaos surrounded Republican Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become speaker — what does this discord mean for governing in the new Congress? And as the state Legislature wrapped up its last session, lawmakers tried to push through a slew of bills, including one aimed at addressing the widespread thefts of catalytic converters. That and more during our full hour with the Mass Politics Profs. Find more of their analysis on their blog. GUESTS Erin O’Brien, associate professor of political science at UMass Boston Jerold Duquette, associate professor of political science and director of the public administration degree program at Central Connecticut State University Shannon Jenkins, associate dean of the college of arts and sciences at UMass Dartmouth and a professor of political science -
Encore: Local residents embrace communal living with a sustainable twist
This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley: COVID-19 might make all the headlines, but another crisis is afoot: loneliness. Pandemic-times have only exacerbated chronic loneliness by creating a world of isolation and social distancing. Can ecovillages — a unique model fostering community and connection — be one answer? Ecovillage cohousing communities have been popular in Europe for decades, but interest here in the United States is ramping up. These communities are designed to integrate sustainability into all aspects of community living, and to create strong bonds between neighbors who all collaborate in the decision-making for the group. Residents of three local communities share their communal experiences and why, post-pandemic, there is even more interest in this model of living. Plus, even as inflation rises, Americans continue to shop. But what if you could find the goods you need without paying a cent? That's the idea behind the Buy Nothing Project, an app and collection of hyperlocal Facebook groups where users can give away and receive items and services with their neighbors — all for free. Founded in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project has spread internationally, offering an alternative to shopping for items like furniture, clothing and appliances. Here in Massachusetts, active Buy Nothing users are building community and finding an array of unique offerings. GUESTS Dave Shevett, resident and one of the founders of Mosaic Commons, a cohousing neighborhood, part of the Sawyer Hill Ecovillage in Berlin, Massachusetts. Sarah Heile, resident of Camelot Cohousing, also part of the Sawyer Hill Ecovillage in Berlin, Massachusetts. Steve Chiasson, resident of Belfast Cohousing and Ecovillage in Belfast, Maine. Fern Spierer, founding member of the Pioneer Valley Buy Nothing Facebook group. She lives in Western Massachusetts, where she's an active member of Amherst Buy Nothing. David Baker, former administrator of the Halifax/Hanson Buy Nothing Facebook group. He's now active on the Buy Nothing app.
