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Artwork for Explain Boston to Me

Explain Boston to Me

Lee Stabert
Boston
The Departed
Gentrification
Good Will Hunting
Philadelphia
Cambridge
Boston Red Sox
American Revolution
South Boston
Kowloon
Boston Brahmins
Harvard University
Boston Culture
Paul Revere
Boston Massacre
Fenway Park
Boston Dive Bars
Dunkin' Donuts
The Town
Irish Immigration

Podcaster and Philly transplant Lee Stabert learns about Boston. She'll never be a native, but she might just learn to speak the language.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes150Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelSociety & CultureHistory

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Artwork for Explain Boston to Me

Latest Episodes

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, incl... more

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'... more

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... more

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 come... more

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Recent Guests

Courtney Trautman
Speaker on Boston culture and Provincetown; former South End resident
Self-employed/Real estate professional in Boston and Provincetown
Episode: Provincetown with Courtney Trautman
Tanya Edwards
Writer covering New England for publications like The Boston Globe, Eater, Yankee Magazine, Rhode Island Monthly, and more
The Boston Globe, Eater, Yankee Magazine
Episode: Boston Market (IT'S BOSTON CHICKEN!!!) with Tanya Edwards
Andy Woodruff
Cartographer and author of Boston in 50 Maps
Self-employed / Cartographer
Episode: Boston's Spaghetti Streets with Andy Woodruff
Leah Rosovsky
Director of the Boston Athenaeum
Boston Athenaeum
Episode: Explain Boston to Me LIVE! at the Athenaeum
John Buchtel
Curator of Rare Books and Head of Special Collections
Boston Athenaeum
Episode: Explain Boston to Me LIVE! at the Athenaeum
Richard Auffrey
Food writer and historian, The Passionate Foodie
The Passionate Foodie
Episode: Mythbusting in Boston's Chinatown with Richard Auffrey
Glenn Stout
Writer and Fenway Park historian
Author, Fenway Park histories (Red Sox Century, Fenway 1912)
Episode: Don't Take Fenway Park for Granted with Glenn Stout
Dr. Rufus Jackson Faulk
Adjunct professor at Roxbury Community College; restaurant owner in Dorchester; former senior policy advisor
The Mix (Dorchester); Roxbury Community College; City of Boston
Episode: Roxbury with Dr. Rufus J. Faulk
Geoff Kelly
Retired FBI agent; lead investigator on the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist for 22 years
FBI
Episode: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist with Geoff Kelly

Host

Lee Stabert
Host of Explain Boston to Me

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 156 ratings
  • Boston fashion!!

    Thank you for covering that topic! Comforting to know I’m not alone

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WaitWhat1986
    United Statesa month ago
  • Fun Podcast about Boston Facts

    As someone who also is a Boston transplant, I really enjoy the guests and them discussing whatever expertise / topic on the podcast. Going as niche as Allston Christmas and as historical as the Boston Tea Party gives a variety of great topics and there’s definitely something for everyone. I usually skip the first 10-15 (maybe longer?) of the host talking about her week, cause sometimes I feel like it could be shorter. Also I stopped listening so frequently since I found the host a little judgey ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    cosmiclove
    United States2 months ago
  • A New England Treasure

    Love this podcast it is a wealth of info on Boston and New England !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anvil man blacksmith
    United States2 months ago
  • Perfect podcast to learn about Boston

    I love this podcast so much - I just moved to Boston six months ago and it has really helped me learn about my new city. Thank you, Lee!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Karen from TWD 'Cast
    United States3 months ago
  • My Favorite Podcast

    I love Explain Boston to Me! This has been my favorite podcast for about a year and a half. When I initially discovered this podcast I completely binged as many episodes as possible! Now I listen weekly and look forward to each episode. I am a New England native and lived in Boston for 12 years. I went to college in the city and minored in history. If you love learning more about Boston culture and history, this podcast hits the spot! I recently moved to Portsmouth NH and miss Boston dearly. Thi... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DRF1993
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests and topics are well-chosen, though some episodes feel uneven in depth depending on the guest.
A strong fit for sponsors targeting educated, city-loving audiences curious about regional identity.
Natives and transplants alike enjoy the mix of nostalgia, infrastructure, and neighborhood lore.
The show helps newcomers feel connected to Boston and sparks pride in local heritage.
Listeners appreciate the accessible dive into Boston culture and history and the way experts illuminate local stories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Boston's Spaghetti Streets with Andy Woodruff
Q: Why does Boston look the way it does, with its wiggly streets instead of a grid?
The city grew from a mostly unplanned settlement with natural paths evolving into roads; the shoreline and early town center determined where routes formed, and only later did some areas, like Back Bay, adopt grids when they were developed on filled land.
Boston's Spaghetti Streets with Andy Woodruff
Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us why you're qualified to speak on Boston culture and geography?
I'm Andy Woodruff, a cartographer and author focused on Boston maps; I've spent years documenting Boston's streets and helped produce a book, Boston in 50 Maps, that highlights the city's unique geography.
Mythbusting in Boston's Chinatown with Richard Auffrey
Q: What was the first Chinese restaurant in Boston and where was it located?
The earliest restaurant claims are murky, but Hong Far Low is often cited as an early establishment, with evidence suggesting it opened around 1879 and served chop suey, though later archival work casts doubt on the exact opening date and founders; other early restaurants appeared on Harrison Avenue by the 1880s.
Mythbusting in Boston's Chinatown with Richard Auffrey
Q: Can you introduce yourself and explain why you're qualified to speak on Boston culture and Chinatown's origins?
I'm Richard Auffrey, a lifelong Massachusetts resident and food writer with an extensive background researching Boston's Chinatown; I've written an 18-part series on its history and numerous articles on Chinese dishes and their origins, supported by newspaper and archival sources.
Roxbury with Dr. Rufus J. Faulk
Q: How has Roxbury changed, and what does the future look like?
He notes demographic shifts toward renters, rising housing costs, and new amenities, while stressing that the community must leverage advocacy and coordinated city-wide action to ensure inclusive growth, affordable housing, and local economic development.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Explain Boston to Me

What is Explain Boston to Me about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on Boston's history, culture, and city life through a curious host who explains local quirks, institutions, and stories. Episodes span neighborhoods, food traditions, transportation, private clubs, and prominent Boston landmarks, often featuring expert guests who illuminate historical context, urban development, and regional identity. A standout trait is the mix of deep-dive history with personal anecdotes, plus lively engagement with local culture and a friendly, approachable style that helps both natives and newcomers feel connected to the city. The format frequently blends archival insight with contemporary relevance, making it a strong fit for listeners who love learning about Boston through approachable storytelling a... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Explain Boston to Me?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Explain Boston to Me:

1. The Big Dig
2. On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
3. The Sporkful
4. The New Yorker Radio Hour
5. The Big Dig

How many episodes of Explain Boston to Me are there?

Explain Boston to Me launched 3 years ago and published 150 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Explain Boston to Me?

Recent guests on Explain Boston to Me include:

1. Courtney Trautman
2. Tanya Edwards
3. Andy Woodruff
4. Leah Rosovsky
5. John Buchtel
6. Richard Auffrey
7. Glenn Stout
8. Dr. Rufus Jackson Faulk

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