Best of BPR (Sept. 21-25th 2026): Trans Healthcare Panel, Brian Levine & The Fabulous 413

This is the Best of BPR Podcast where we publish the week's top segments. In case you're missing us over the weekend... now you have something to listen to!On today's Show: Teddy Walker of Protect Trans Futures joins with Harvard attorney Alejandra Caraballo, and a trans youth to discuss restrictions on access to healthcare in MassachusettsBrian Levine (director of the UMass Cybersecurity Institute) discusses the recent cyberattack at Springfield Public Schools, these types of attacks in general, and personal data privacy and security measures people can takeWe’ll speak with our pals Monte Belmonte and Kaliis Smith from “The Fabulous 413.” 

We'll open the calls with NEPM Executive Editor and Big E historian Liz Roman riding along — and hear from Anthony Hough, of Big E vendor/ West Springfield staple "White Hut" (Jim and Margery experienced their Uncrustadouble, double cheeseburger sandwiched between two deep fried uncrustables ...)Rachel Maddow of MS Now zooms in to discuss her coverage of the protest movement, the White House banning her org among others, and other national news.Sarah Willie-LeBreton, president of Smith College, joins in Starr Studio.AG Andrea Campbell does Ask the AG from the Starr Studio, 12-1

Artificial intelligence has integrated into our daily lives; its omnipresence is reinvigorating a modern Luddite movement. In this episode of Not My Politics, Zoe speaks with Maine librarian Hannah Cyrus – whose “Avoiding AI” and “Breaking Up With Big Tech” workshops have been growing in popularity. She makes the case for AI skepticism, and offers concrete steps for those looking to disentangle themselves from the web.Companion reading list:Technofeudalism by Yanis VaroufakisBlood in the Machine by Brian MerchantFollow us on Instagram @GBH_NotMyPolitics and stay tuned for more episodes.

Chuck Todd zooms in with the latest national political headlines.Brian Levine, head of UMass Amherst's cybersecurity institute, joins to discuss Springfield's cyber attack, AI threats, and more. Sarah Voiland of Red Fire Farm & Russell Braen of Park Hill Orchard, join to discuss their work strengthening the local food system, the necessity of agrotourism for small farmers, and Mountain Day in WMass. Monte + Kaliis of the Fab413 join for a BPR crossover.

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.Today on the show:  As Trump destroys our relationships with allies, gutting our research and support for global health… faith in our institutions is at rock bottom… Will we ever recover from the impacts of a decade of Trump? Then, we asked about your decluttering habits…or lack thereof…as you clean out the summer wardrobe for the fall sweaters. Listen in to find out!

Shirley Leung discusses her latest Power Play column about the Kennedy compound on the Cape.Naturalist Sy Montgomery zooms in to discuss the marmots baring a little fur on OnlyFans to raise money for UCLA amid federal funding cuts ... and also terrorizing hikers on California trails.Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear zooms in to discuss his book "Go and Do Likewise: How to Heal a Broken Country"

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.Today on the show: We’ll start the show withTrump’s ongoing war with the media. In town last night, Obama criticized Trump for banning CNN, Politico and MS Now from the White House. Is it time for the media to stand up to Trump? Then, Do you need to have something always playing in the background, or do you prefer the silence of your own thoughts? Listen in to find out!

Alejandra Caraballo, civil rights attorney, joins with a trans youth and the mother of a trans youth who say they have had difficulty accessing gender affirming care in Massachusetts due to Fenway and Bay State Health pulling back on care for minors.Katie Theoharides of the Trustees of Reservations discusses their efforts to preserve lands around the closing Hampshire College, and other land trust and conservation news.Sarah Botstein (The American Revolution producer and co-director) will be at the BPL on September 22 for an event, in conversation with Imari Paris Jeffries, where she’ll be talking about The American Revolution and her experience with historical filmmaking. They both join us at the BPL today.Thor Steingraber, president and CEO of Vivo Performing Arts + Angie Dickerson creative director and operations manager for Boston Rhythm Riders, join ahead of the "Let's Dance" 5-day public dance festival.

This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you’re looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.Today on the show: We opened the lines to get your thoughts on the 60 Minutes interview with Patrick Clancy – the father of three children killed by their mother Lindsay. Did you watch and what did you make of it? Then, With endless war in the Middle East, gas at record highs, we can’t stop thinking about Trump’s Triumphal Arch …Listen in to find out!

CNN's John King on Trump barring three major news outlets from coverage, and other national political headlines.Ilan Stavans of Amherst discusses the Latino immigrants who say they feel kidnapped after being deported to Africa. Sissi O'Shaughnessy, senior director of suicide grief support services at Samaritans, and Angela Crocker, executive director of the Parmenter Foundation, discusses grief support and suicide prevention.We'll re-air our conversation with Mary Mazzio about the film "Mighty Mary".