The Curiosity Desk
The Curiosity Desk is a GBH News show hosted by Edgar B. Herwick III, who answers listener questions and digs into everyday mysteries hiding in plain sight. Each episode pairs conversation with reporting and insight about the ordinary world around us. Listeners can leave voicemails or submit questions through the show's landing page at GBHNews.org. New episodes appear daily, with extra content on the show's YouTube channel.
Episodes
Where Has The 6 Billion Dollars For Massachusetts Gone?
October 14, 2026First up, we talk with Scott Delaney, co-founder of the group Grant Witness on how federal cuts in science funding are impacting Massachusetts.Then, it's the return of “Ask The Dog & Cat Behaviorists” Rachel Geller from All Cats All the Time & Kate Bigger from High Fidelity Dogs.
Why Do We Love Leaf-Peeping?
October 12, 2026 First, Edgar meets Chuck Loring, Jr., Director of Natural Resources for Penobscot Nation, to talk about the tribe’s securing of 11,000 acres of land in Maine.Then, Author Kevin Galvin on his book Troubled Times: The Boston Courthouse Bombing of 1976.After, William James College psychobiologist Kymberlee O’Brien on why it makes our brains happy to look at turning leaves.
Are Bostonians Still Celebrating Leif Erikson Day?
This week, news came of the passing of pioneer software engineer Margaret Hamilton. We’ll get reflections from Peter Volante, a software engineer who worked under her during the Apollo missions. Today is, famously, Leif Erikson Day. Curiosity Desk producer Leah Crowley Zooms in live from the Leif Erikson statue on the Comm. Ave Mall to report on whether any Bostonians are celebrating. We’
Do Stingrays Yawn?
October 8, 2026First up, misinformation researcher Joan Donovan returns for “The Glitch Report,” this week with Washington Post columnist Drew Harwell. They’ll talk about Drew’s reporting on flock cameras and women in alt-right spaces. Then, Curiosity Desk producer Rachel Armany returns to answer a batch of listener-submitted curiosity questions. This week that includes the origins of “co
Why Is My Apartment Trash at Recycling?
October 7, 2026Last week we spoke with Mass. Senator Jo Comerford about her frustrations with an MRWA plan to source an additional 20 million gallons of water from the Quabbin Reservoir, daily, without local buy-in. Today we hear from Stephen Estes-Smargiassi, Executive Director of MWRA. Edgar hears from GBH’s Craig LeMoult & Heather Billings from the Center for EcoTechnology about wh
What Exactly is an Energy Emergency?
October 6, 2026 First up, we begin with Barbara Kates-Garnick from the Fletcher School at Tufts, breaking down Gov. Healey’s State of Energy Emergency and why energy costs are so expensive in Mass. Then, MIT economist Jon Gruber & GBH’s Ian Coss join for a conversation about Mass. healthcare reform, tied to this newest season of The Big Dig called Mitt & Ted, a healthcare story. A
Our Closest Relatives: Chimps, Bonobos, And... Ants?
October 5, 2026 First, the MBTA's rolling out a new system where bus cameras will monitor and – eventually – ticket cars in bus lanes. We’ll hear from GBH’s Jeremy Siegel about the change, plus transit reporter Jose Martinez on a similar system already in place in New York City. Then, Author and humorist Eli Burnstein talks about his new book Phrased & Confused: The Curious Meanings o
What's Next For The Quabbin Resovoir?
October 02, 2026We’ll hear from Mass. Sen. Jo Comerford about pushback by Quabbin-area communities to a new water draw proposal.Then - it’s the latest round of our misfit news panel, ICYMI. Guests are GBH’s Henry Santoro and Emily Sweeney from the Boston Globe. They’ll offer their take on thousands of entries in the contest for the future voice of Logan Airport (and if Emily has them all
Is This Ancient Roman Board Game Any Fun?
October 1, 2026First up, it's another round of “The Glitch Report” with misinformation researcher Joan Donovan. Today, Joan joins with University of Virginia researcher Lana Swartz for a conversation about how AI and social media are revolutionizing scam culture.Then, Dutch researcher and archaeologist Dr. Walter Crist joins to talk about his work uncovering the rules to ancient Roman boa
Renter Panel: Why Do I Have to Pay Pet Rent?
September 30, 2026First: we’re kicking things off with a panel on renter's issues, from rent stabilization to the tenant right-to-purchase bill. We’ll also answer some listener questions sourced on Reddit. Joining is Commonwealth Beacon reporter Jennifer Smith, tenant rights lawyer Jessica Drew from Greater Boston Legal Services, and Doug Quattrochi from MassLandlords. Then: voting closes
Is Anyone Actually Going To Call It Super Intelligence?
September 29, 2026 First up, it's the latest edition of our AI News panel. Guests this week are Boston Globe assistant business editor Andy Rosen, A.I. researcher Elena Glassman, and Agents of Purpose founder Kathy Pham. Topics include Trump's meeting today with major CEO’s, Anthropic getting spoofed on SNL, and takeaways from the UN General Assembly & US/China meetings last week.Then
Can "Flat Is Back" Get Us All Eating Flounder?
September 28, 2026 First up, its a National Recovery Month conversation with Barbara Gillmeister from the Wrentham addiction treatment Gilly's House in Wrentham. Then, Edgar meets Daniel McKiernan from the Division of Marine Fisheries on what it’s going to take to get us all eating flounder. He'll join with Chef Robert Sisca of Bistro du Midi for an in-studio flounder tasting. Afterwards,
ICYMI: Human vs. Robot Fights?!
First up, we begin Friday’s show with the latest updates on ICE raids along the South Shore this week, with help from GBH’s Sarah Betancourt and New Bedford immigration attorney Ondine Galvez Sniffin. Afterwards, it’s a conversation about all that’s going on this Cranberry season, with farmers Steve Ward and Emma Wick from Mass Cranberries. Lastly, it’s our Friday misfit news panel ICYMI
How Can We Learn to Trust Modern Medicine?
September 24, 2026First up, Misinformation researcher Joan Donovan returns for her Thursday segment “The Glitch Report.” She’ll react to sexual assault charges brought against influencer / looksmaxxer Clavicular, and news that Draft Kings uses AI to target at-risk gamblers. After, Edgar meets Nick Florco, STAT News’ new reporter on the brand-new "trust-in-science” beat. They’ll discuss MA
Is A Gas Tax Reprieve On Its Way?
September 23, 2026 First up, GBH’s Adam Reilly helps make sense of Gov. Healey’s proposed suspension of the Mass. gas tax. We’ll also air a remote piece from producer Leah Crowley interviewing folks at the pump. Then, we've got an “Ask The” double-header today. That begins with Debbie Merriam from the Wakefield Arboretum & GBH’s Dave Epstein for an autumn edition of “Ask The Gardner”
Why Should I Care About The U.N. General Assembly?
September 22, 2026First up, the UN General Assembly is ongoing in New York. We’ll talk about the agenda and what we ought to know from Esther Brimmer, former Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs.Then, Edgar gets 101-style debrief on U.S. interest rates with MIT economist Jon Gruber. After, it’s Gal Tziperman Lotan back with Four Things to Know.We'll end expl
How Are Ballot Questions Funded?
September 21, 2026 First up, we’re learning about the financial backers behind this year’s ballot questions, with Commonwealth Beacon reporter Chris Lisinski.Then, Edgar meets TikTok creator Alexis Nikole Nelson – a.k.a The Black Forager – for a conversation about her brand-new cooking guide Happy Snacking, Don't Die!Lastly, we’re reflecting on 30 years of the WNBA with journalist and aut
Have We All Forgotten How To Apologize?
September 17th, 2026First, it’s the latest edition The Glitch Report, with misinformation researcher Joan Donovan. This week, she & Edgar talk with Astra Taylor, who co-authored the new book End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World with activist and bestseller Naomi Klein.Then: Yom Kippur begins this Sunday. Edgar welcomes Rabbi Charlie Schwartz from Lehrhaus and Hebrew C
Who's That Kitty In The Window?
September 16, 2026 It’s the latest round of our AI ethics panel. This week we're focusing on debate around whether AI is progressing at a dangerous pace, we’ll talk with Nir Eisikovits and J. Hughes from the podcast Prosthetic Gods, and Boston Globe tech reporter Hiawatha Bray.Then: ahead of Allston's inaugural Cat Stroll, Edgar chats with organizer Ashley Lesperance.Afterwards: Freelanc
Is There A Role For Flock In New England?
September 15, 2026We’re delving into controversy around the use of Flock cameras in towns across New England. We’ll begin speaking with Colonel Oscar Perez, Chief of the Providence Police Department, who’s been a defender of the cameras. And Kade Crockford, Director for Technology and Justice Programs at the ACLU of Massachusetts. We’ll also open phone & text lines for listener thoug
How Do I Get Into Investing?
September 14th, 2026Edgar learns about a system for affordable housing co-ops in Switzerland and efforts to implement a similar system in Massachusetts, with help from architects / historians Susanne Schindler & Sam Naylor. We’re exploring some queer history in Boston’s original women-led motorcycle club – Moving Violations – with Fiona Charlson from Queer History Boston, & longt
Where Is Medicine Headed?
September 11, 2026 Today on the Curiosity Desk: We start with our misfit news panel In Case You Missed It are GBH’s Adam Reilly & Cristina Quinn from the podcast Fighting Crime. They’ll discuss the 83 year-old Lexington woman who plead guilty to an $11 million dollar Ponzi scheme, a Kentucky man who pivoted to raising ostriches after contracting alpha-gal syndrome, and OpenAI solving
How Safe Are We From Cyber Attacks?
September 10th, 2026 Last week saw two significant cyberattacks in Mass. – one at Springfield Public Schools, the other at Everett City Hall. Edgar talks with Kevin Powers with Boston College Law School about we exactly happened and how vulnerable we are to future incidents. To celebrate NFL season’s kick-off, we talk with MIT Sports Lab co-director Peko Hosoi & football coach Andy
What Do I Need To Know This Back-To-School Season?
September 9, 2026 Craig LeMoult is in for Edgar.Kicking off back-to-school season, we'll talk with BTU President Erik Berg about recent K-12 headlines, including a cellphone ban bill languishing on Beacon Hill, ICE in classrooms, and Gov. Healey’s pursuit of an additional $100 million in school funding. Then, from K-12 to higher-ed, we’ll pivot to GBH’s Kirk Carapezza for a conversation a
Will Your Grandkids Want A Turtle?
September 8, 2026 After a quick check-in on her coverage of the Lindsay Clancy trial, GBH’s Liz Neisloss talks about her recent reporting on ADUs in Massachusetts. She’ll be joined by Amy Dain, senior fellow with The Boston Foundation research center Boston Indicators. Then, it’s another round of “Four Things to Know" with Gal Tziperman Lotan from the GBH Daily Newsletter. After, followin
Are We Living Through A "Great Romance Slump"?
September 4th, 2026Jeremy Siegel guests-hosts live from the Boston Public Library. Here’s what’s on The Curiosity Desk: First up, it's our misfit news panel In Case You Missed It. We’ll talk about a Cambridge reverend suing the MBTA over his slow experience on the Red Line, the end of Chicken Shop Date, and whether Allston Christmas has jumped the shark. Guests are Boston Globe metro tran
Eyes Like a Hawk, Blind Like a Bat, and... Ears Like a Fish?
September 3, 2026On the day of the Ig Nobel prize ceremony (which recently moved from Boston to Zürich, Switzerland), Edgar talks with 2025 winner Dr. Julie Mennella & Ig Nobel organizer Richard Baguley. Mennella won for her research into whether babies can sense when their mothers have been eating garlic. In Singapore, two thirds of buildings are certified green – with goals to hit
Why Can't George Santos Use Kalshi?
September 2, 2026Joan Donovan from the Critical Internet Studies Institute guests hosts. MS NOW Senior Reporter Brandy Zadrozny about an industry of conspiracy theory peddling that’s emerged around Charlie Kirk's death, fracturing MAGA circles & creating George Santos just got banned from the betting market Kalshi, for placing wagers on his attendance of the State of the Union. Still
Could Eroding Election Trust Define November's Midterms?
September 18th, 2026NPR correspondent Miles Parks Zooms in to talk through this week’s SCOTUS ruling on mail-in voting and other questions of voting rights / election security ahead of November.It's our Friday misfit news panel In Case You Missed It, with GBH’s Tori Bedford and journalist Maura Johnston. They’ll weigh in on some local controversy around a Newton resident's miniature horse
What's The Consensus On Political Polling?
September 1, 2026This primary election day, Edgar talks with Stanford social psychologist Jon Krosnick about the state of political polling in the U.S., how the industry has changed in recent years & how the average person ought to consider polls. We’re welcoming back Gal Tziperman Lotan for her weekly Four Things to Know segment. We’re ending the show opening phone & text lines
What's Eating The Soft-Shell Clam?
August 31st, 2026We open with GBH’s Esteban Bustillos & reporter Cliff Corcoran from The IX Sports for a check-in on this inaugural season of the Women’s Professional Baseball League. Afterwards, Edgar meets Boston Hunters Captain Alli Schroder, whose background as a firefighter with the BC Wildfire Service was the focus of recent reporting from Esteban.Then, Edgar talks with Curiosi
How Do You Race With Kinetic Sculptures? (Chaotically)
August 28, 2026 First up, it's our misfit news panel In Case You Missed It. Guests are Rooted EP Tyree Rush and standup comic Jason Cordova. They’ll talk about the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, a Maine meteorologist’s on-air laughing fit, and a world record attempt in Chicago this weekend around the bask liqueur Malört. Then, the ICYMI panel meets Southern Illinois University re
Did Meta Really Lose?
August 27, 2026 First, it's another round of the Glitch Report, with misinformation researcher Joan Donovan. Today she’s joined by tech reporter and CNN contributor Jacob Ward for analysis of the $17.1 billion dollar Meta settlement over social media addiction. Then, MIT economist Jon Gruber joins with Nathaniel Hendren, founder and co-director of the group Policy Impacts. They’ll talk
Are We On The Cusp Of Nuclear Fusion?
August 26, 2026First up, we open with a conversation about – what else? – data centers, and the question of how much strain they put on energy grids. We’ll also look at lessons in large-scale data center growth from Virginia & Texas, with Rachel Mural from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. We're moving from data centers to general electr
Too Much True Crime?
August 25, 2026 We're hosting a panel conversation around the use of AI in K-12 curriculums. Edgar talks with MTA President and longtime Andover history teacher Matt Bach, edX’s Nina Huntemann, and emerging industries lawyer-slash-activist Shaleen Title. It’s another round of Four Things to Know with Gal Tziperman Lotan from GBH Daily. B.U. researcher Kathryn Coduto reflects on the psycho
How Is AI Playing Ping-Pong?
August 26, 2026 While everyone hums and haws about AI consciousness, Colombia College Chicago Philosophy professor Stephen Asma has been reflecting on the seemingly-conscious & potentially horrifying implications of “wetware biocomputers,” small collections of human stem cells that can be taught to, among other things, play pong. He’ll join to discuss. Tufts nutritionist Lynne Asuman
Why Does Craig LeMoult Have So Many Butterflies?
August 21, 2026 First up, it's the latest edition of ICYMI, our menagerie of misfit news. Joining today are GBH’s Paris Alston & Jeremy Siegel. They’ll talk about Duxbury beachgoers frustrated by bird protections, a massive squid spillage in Rhode Island, and a Guinea Pig sanctuary up in Salisbury that’s housing 350 - 400 guinea pigs at any given time. Then, we chat briefly with Kimie
What Is Cognitive Architecture?
First up, Edgar will interview the newly-crowned winner of the 41st-annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest, which concludes this afternoon around 12:30. Then, it’s another round of The Glitch Report, with misinformation researcher Joan Donovan. We’ll talk Flock camera controversy, Bill Gates’ daughter in hot water over a cookie-stuffing scheme, and teachers worried that AI is taking away stu
Why Does A Cheating Bird Change Its Tune?
First, Mary Cate Colapietro from ISO New England quizzes Edgar on “the grid” and how it actually supplies our electricity.Then, we meet Norwegian researcher Tore Slagsvold for a conversation about why male pied flycatchers will subtly change their song when they’ve been cheating on their mates.Lastly, Dr. Vincent Martin from the University of Cincinnati explains why we get migrants ahea
Why Is It So Hard To Make The Ocean Drinkable?
We’re answering a listener’s curiosity question about the challenges of desalination, with MIT researcher and author Amos Winter. Then it’s Gal Tziperman Lotan, back with Four Things to Know. Lastly, Mass. General Brigham’s Dr. Ashwini Nadkarni explains why we can still experience seasonal affective disorder in the summertime.
What's The Best Dog For My Cat?
First -- it's our faith leader news panel, with B.U.’s Rev. Jessica Chicka, B.U., Associate Muslim Chaplain Sr. Naureen Mallick, and Rabbi Charlie Schwartz from Lehrhaus. We’ll get their thoughts on the Luigi Mangione trial, Facebook being addictive to children, and New York legalizing medical aid in dying. Then, phone & text lines are open for the latest round of Ask the Dog & Ca
Can Mentalism Make Me Rich?
Friday, August 14th First up it’s our misfit news panel ICYM, this week with Axios’ Mike Deehan and filmmaker & audio journalist CC Paschal. They’ll talk about debate around legal barriers for would-be fortune tellers, Pickleball drama in Mashpee, and the supposed summer of the man purse. Then, Edgar talks with David Kruh and Tina Drzal about their new book Little Mister Victory: A D
Why Don't We Have More Lefties?
August 13th, 2026Misinformation researcher Joan Donovan is back for another round of The Glitch Report. This week we’re talking about major lawsuits against Meta over whether it designed apps to be addictive to children. Joan is joined this week by technology journalist Jacob Ward. Then: today is international left handers day. Edgar meets Thomas Puschel, Associate Professor in Evolutiona
Should Edgar Buy A New Car?
August 12, 2026 First up, Sky & Telescope’s Kelly Beatty tells us about the incoming solar eclipse, he's live on the scene in Alcaniz, Spain. This is the first solar eclipse mainland Europe has seen in 27 years. Then, the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown made two separate whale rescues off the coast of Massachusetts last week. We’ll talk about the work of their Marine Animal
What Was the Golden Age of Languages?
First up, MIT economist Jon Gruber on economic incentives to get people out of cars and onto public transportation.Then, we’re welcoming back Gal Tziperman Lotan, who’s got Four Things to Know for August 11th. Lastly, Yale Linguist Claire Bowern joins with Wampanoag Linguist Jessie Little Doe Baird for a conversation about the lifespan of languages.
How Do We Know What Abigail Adams Sounded Like?
First up, we open with a conversation about HOA's as barriers to sustainable landscaping and sustainable energy, with Michigan State University’s Daniel Kramer & Madeline Carr. Then, freelance journalist Leo DeLuca talks about his piece for Smithsonian Magazine on the history of hold music, and the origin story behind Tim Carleton’s iconic Opus No. 1. Lastly, Edgar welcomes back frie
What's The Rocky Horror Drama?
August 7, 2026 First up, it’s ICYMI, our misfit news week-in-review. This week panelists are GBH’s Jeremy Siegel and freelance journalist Maura Johnston. They’ll discuss drama at a Vermont production of Rocky Horror, 97 year-old Betty Bromage setting the Guinness record for oldest female wing-walker, and the auction of the Cape Cod Christmas Tree Shop sign. Then, late last month the new
Can Prediction Markets Sway An Election?
August 6, 2026First up, it's another round of The Glitch Report, with misinformation researcher Joan Donovan. This week she talks sports books, gambling, and what happens when online prediction markets filtered into politics, alongside NPR tech reporter Bobby Allyn. Then: MIT professor Danielle Wood, on the issue of space debris & news of Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket crashing into the mo
What Comes Before Eureka?
August 6, 2026First up, with all this fervor around the spike in lion’s mane jellyfish sightings off the coast of Massachusetts, GBH’s Craig LeMoult set out to learn about the jellies with experts at the New England Aquarium’s Jelly Lab. He didn’t find anything to worry about, but did stumble upon some curious kids with curious questions about jellyfish. He’ll talk about his experience ge
What Makes A Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie?
August 4th, 2026First up, Amherst College environmental historian Edward D. Melillo discusses the role that bird poop played in establishing America’s global dominance in the 19th century – and how it all ties back to the Strait of Hormuz. Then, we welcome back Gal Tziperman Lotan with Four Things to Know for Tuesday, August 4th. Lastly, its National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day – Edgar meet
Special Hour: 🍅 Tomato Takeover 🍅
August 3rd, 2026 We talk with Harvard Law Professor Jacob Gersen about Nix v. Hedden, the 1893 Supreme Court that officially classified tomatoes as a vegetable in the U.S. Farmer & food sustainability expert Mitch Hagney breaks down the industrial tomato sourcing & ripening process.Scent historian Jessica Murphy talks about a recent trend of tomato-scented perfumes and soaps, and
ICYMI: It's 3 AM. Do You Know Where Henry Santoro Is?
July 31, 2026 First up, it's our Friday menagerie of misfit news ICYMI, this week with Henry Santoro and the Boston Globe’s Emily Sweeney. They’ll talk about the end of 3 AM late-night culture in Boston, Ogunquit lawn rooster drama, and the closure of Boston burrito chain Boloco. Then: Edgar talks with Chris Murphy, the lawyer representing David & Ina Steiner in the eBay stalking cas
Where Did This Humidity Come From?
July 30, 2026 On Today's show... Our weekly edition of The Glitch Report, with misinformation researcher Joan Donovan. She’ll weigh in on Kash Patel’s lost defamation suit over being called a “chud,” Russia’s crackdown on the private messaging service Telegram, and the AI companies recruiting electricians and carpenters by the thousands. We ask “why is New England so humid?” and explor
Why Does New England Love Its Stone Walls?
July 29, 2026 First: A reporter’s notebook with GBH reporter Meghan Smith, about her recent story on culinary programs employing people with disabilities.Then: former Atlantic editor Matt Seaton expands on his column about New England’s stone walls, and his personal journey out of magazine editing and into to the world of walling. Lastly: Edgar meets Rasmus Larsen, a forensic epistemologi
AI News Panel: Did OpenAI Truly "Go Rogue"?
First up, it's an AI news panel, this week with Boston Globe tech reporter Hiawatha Bray, researcher Elena Glassman, and Agents of Purpose founder Kathy Pham. We’ll talk about the futuristic OpenAI hack, U.S. competition with China, and growing public discontent with AI data centers. Then, we welcome back Gal Tziperman Lotan with Four Things to Know for July 28th. We’ll also play Edgar
Who Decides the Ballot Question Order?
We begin with Chris Liniski from Commonwealth Beacon, explaining how Mass. chooses the order of election ballot questions and how it can influence outcomes. Then, Bowling Green State University historian Ruth Hearndon about the indentured servitude of children in 18th-century U.S. life, with help from GBH’s Matt Welch, who discovered a personal connection to the issue digging through his
What Does It Mean To Live In Harmony With The Rats?
First up, it’s another round of our misfit news panel ICYMI, this week with GBH’s Callie Crossley and UTR producer Andrea Asuaje. Among other stories, they'll touch on mixed messaging around the safety of Charles River swimming, and major fashion brands pushing reading as the hot new thing. Then, as Beacon Hill leaders weigh whether to restrict the use of rodenticide to protect urban wild
Why Do Eggs Come in a Dozen?
First up, we’re talking about the 80’s horror sci/fi flick C.H.U.D., with Joan Donovan & psychologist / movie critic Mike Snoonian. The term “chud” has since become slang to describe right-wing extremists, we’ll talk about what made the movie a cult classic & what made the political meme stick, 42 years later. Then, in light of the Red Socks win streak - we ask - what’s the psycho
How Can Massachusetts Stay Climate Resilient?
July 22, 2026We’re exploring what it means to be resilient in the face of climate change, in Massachusetts and New England. Joining is Katherine Antos from Mass.' Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Emma Gildesgame, Climate Adaptation Director with The Nature Conservancy. Why do the best ideas come to us in the shower? Edgar asks Jonathan Schooler, a Distinguished Pr
Why Are Fireflies So Lit?
July 21, 2026 First up, UMass Lowell biologist Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn explains how exactly algae and micro-organisms can make lakes and ponds unsafe for swimming. Then, it's another round of Four Things to Know, with Gal Tziperman Lotan from the GBH Daily newsletter. Lastly, we end on fireflies with help from Avalon Owens and Abby Robinson at the Roland Institute’s Owens Lab at Harvard. T
The Impossible Curiosity Desk: A Plant-Based Special
July 20, 2026 We begin with Jean-Luc Pierite and Lux Trevelyan from the North American Indian Center of Boston, for a conversation about growing & fostering tree canopies in and around Boston.Edgar learns about new research on Fit Bit-style plant sensors from Tufts researcher Sameer Sonkusale. We end our special meeting sound designer and musician Skooby Laposky, who creates compositi
Bonus Interview: Why Can't I Fall Asleep?
In this bonus interview, Edgar meets Mass. General Hospital sleep researcher Chenlu Gao, to help answer a listener-submitted curiosity question how it's possible to be totally exhausted and still unable to fall asleep. If you’ve got something you’re curious about, we'd love to hear from you! Head to The Curiosity Desk landing page at GBHNews.org and fill out the question form.
Why Is The Sky Yellow?
July 17, 2026Arun Rath is guest hosting today! We talk briefly with Mathew Barlow, a Professor of Climate Sciences at Umass Lowell, about this week’s wildfire smoke & why the sky turned yellow. GBH’s Renuka Balakrishnan joins with Emily Schario from The B-Side for ICYMI. They’ll talk about the best local swimming pools, the 22nd annual Sand Sculpting Festival on Revere Beach, and cycl
What Salt Is Worth Its Salt?
First up, Edgar interviews Dr. Jim Faust about his nonprofit Adam’s Parachute, bringing people suffering from substance addiction into the world of fly fishing. He’ll join alongside GBH report Craig LeMoult ahead of Craig’s forthcoming reporting. Then, the grocery aisles are packed with all different options for salt. Table, iodized, sea, Celtic, gray, pink Himalayan – does it matter whic
Why Is My Cat Obsessed With My Feet?
First up, we're airing Edgar’s conversation with MIT physicist Pablo Jarillo-Herrero. Pablo tries to explain his research in the field of twistronics in the time it takes to finish a cone of soft serve ice cream. There’s a video version of the conversation also airing today on the GBH YouTube channel. Then, it's another round of Four Things To Know with Gal Tziperman Lotan from the GBH Da
Who Owns Your Attention?
July 13, 2026 First up, Migration Policy Institute senior fellow Muzaffar Chishti explains the phenomenon of birth tourism in the U.S., and whether it’s as prevalent as some anti-immigration advocates claim. Then, Author Rachel Hartigan dives into the life of Amelia Earhart in a conversation about her book Lost: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life.Lastly, S
Do Elephants Make Good Friends?
July 9, 2026First up, MIT economist Jon Gruber reflects on why independent government agencies matter, following the Trump v. Slaughter ruling by the Supreme Court. Then, we're airing Edgar’s new Curiosity Desk feature on the deployment of Waymo taxis in Boston. Afterwards, Animal behaviorist Jennifer Verdolin joins to discuss what humans can learn about friendship from elephants. Finally
The World Cup Effect
July 8, 2026Today, Edgar is joined by NPR World Cup correspondent Jasmine Garsd for "The World Cup Effect," a national special exploring how the World Cup is changing our perceptions of the rest of the world, and how the rest of the world’s perceptions of us are changing.The driving question: Can a global sporting event bring the US and the world closer together? And if so, can it last? E
Should A.I. Start Paying Up?
July 7, 2026It’s an AI news panel, this week focused on labor and workforce issues. We’ll hear from AI ethicists Nir Eisikovits & J. Hughes, and Boston Globe tech reporter Hiawatha Bray.It’s another round of Four Things to Know, with Aidan Connelly & Gal Tziperman Lotan. Edgar meets Adam Golub from the Generations Project & Charlotte Tragard from the Ogunquit Heritage Museum
Can Today's Guest Read Edgars Mind?
First up, Edgar talks with ReFED Executive Director Sara Burnett and John Hopkins researcher Roni Neff about what “sell by” labels on food packages actually mean, in light of California’s ban aimed at reducing food waste. Then, we meet mentalist Tom Indigo, who reads the minds of our host Edgar and volunteer Eva Doyne.
What is the Election Fraud Doom Loop?
June 25, 2026 First up, it’s the latest edition of “The Glitch Report," with Joan Donovan from the Critical Internet Studies Institute. She'll discuss what she calls the "Election Fraud Doom Loop", political conspiracy theories, and general distrust of government officials. Ahead of the event Disability ReFramed: Celebrating Our Childhood on TV, we look back at disability-related program
Who Wants The Bourne Bridge?
June 24, 2026 First up, how much of the lore around the historic liberty tree is real, and how much is myth carried out over centuries? That’s the focus of new reporting from GBH’s Hannah Loss. She joins alongside Arnold Arboretum director Ned Friedman, who was called to analyze a preserved sample of the tree’s roots.Then, with the Bourne & Sagamore bridges being offered up for “adop
Is The World Cup A Religious Experience?
June 23, 2026It’s a Curiosity Desk faith leader news panel. We’ll talk World Cup, A.I. and trillionaires with B.U. Muslim Chaplain Naureen Mallick, Rev. Jessica Chicka, and Rabbi Charlie Schwartz from Lehrhaus. Then we've got another round of Four Things to Know, with Gal Tziperman-Lotan from the GBH Daily newsletter and Curiosity Desk Producer Rachel Armany. Lastly, Edgar meets Kristen L
What Makes World Cup-Quality Soccer Turf?
First up, Edgar meets Jennifer Felt from the Conservation Law Foundation + scientist Taylor Heyl at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, for a conversation about what’s to come of the Seamounts Marine National Monument following Trump administration de-regulations. Then, in celebration of Pride, Joan Ilacqua from Queer History Boston takes us into some under-explored moments of LGBTQ
What Does A 174 Year-Old Speech Mean In 2026?
First up, it’s ICYMI, our Friday menagerie of misfit news. Joining this week, we’ve got GBH’s Renuka Balakrishnan and Boston Globe higher-ed business reporter Diti Kohli. We’ll get their reactions to some lighter World Cup headlines (think: Merlin the duck & Scotts’ love for Irn-Bru.) We’ll also talk about the D.C. reflecting pool algae bloom, and if it’s indeed time for Waffle House
Do You Like, Hate When People Say Like?
It’s another edition of “The Glitch Report” with Joan Donovan from the Critical Internet Studies Institute. She’ll talk about some implications of A.I. deepfake videos becoming indiscernible from the real thing, and the fun-house reality of right-wing podcaster Candace Owens – who’s been promoting a bizarre conspiracy theory about the death of Charlie Kirk. Then, Neuroscientists Bob Datta
Why Are Bananas So Cheap?
First up, Edgar talks with Abagael Giles from Vermont Public about her recent piece on scientists working to save the American Elm.Then, As the cost of groceries rises, why do bananas remain so cheap? We get a primer in food supply chains, grocery store business models and fruit engineering from Sean Cash, economist at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition & Policy. Lastly, it’s th
Can You Teach A.I. Compassion?
First up, it’s the latest edition of our A.I. News panel, this week with Harvard humanist chaplain Greg Epstein, former Executive Director of the National AI Advisory Committee Kathy Pham, and AI Ethics Lab founder Cansu Cansa. Then, we get caught up on Four Things To Know, with Gal Tziperman-Lotan from the GBH Daily Newsletter. Lastly, URI Greenhouse Manager Benjamin Robbins joins with
What Are Archaeologists Digging Up In Charlestown?
First, Edgar talks with Massport CMO John Raferty about what could potentially be the world’s largest soccer ball, which arrived at a park in East Boston on Friday. Then, This Wednesday will mark 251 years since the Battle of Bunker Hill. We explore the battle's legacy with Julie Hall from the Charlestown Historical Society, ahead of an event Tuesday with GBH’s The Forum Network. Julie w
Is There A Better Way To Board A Plane?
First up misinformation researcher Joan Donovan joins with Craig Newmark – founder of Craigslist – on internet scams in the age of A.I. Craig’s heading the public service campaign Take9 with muppet Count von Count. Then, we're learned about some under-explored Massachusetts and New England history with Greg Jackson, host of the podcast History That Doesn’t Suck, ahead of a show at the Wi
Recommended
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Hard Knocks Podcast
Effective Weight Loss for Moms | High protein, Strength Training, Lose Weight, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Healthy Habits
The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original
Infinite Health with Dr. Arasi Maran
The Daily
World News Tonight with David Muir
English Vocabulary Help
The Joe Rogan Experience
TED Talks Daily
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
