Franziska_monahan@wgbh.org (franziska Monahan)

Shows

Under the Radar PodcastEncore: New Bill Requires Breakfast To Be Served During School HoursBreakfast is the most important meal of the day – especially for students. Beginning each school day with a belly full of a nutritious morning meal is linked to better performance overall. And yet, Massachusetts is ranked 33rd in the nation when it comes to school breakfast. But a bill passed and signed by Governor Charlie Baker this August seeks to change that, by requiring schools TO offer breakfast right after the bell rings. We talked about the need for the bill last November, when it was first introduced. Guests: Erin McAleer – President of Project...2020-09-0657 min

Under the Radar PodcastLatinx News: COVID-19 Guidelines In Spanish, Check 'Other' On The 2020 Census, And Young Latino VotersThe federal government declared COVID-19 a national public health emergency, but was very late getting virus guidelines in Spanish. And why are many Latinos forced to check “Other” on the 2020 Census? Plus, will young Latino voters deliver a major impact on the outcome of the 2020 election? It's our Latinx News Round Table. Guests: Julio Ricardo Varela – Digital editor for the Futuro Media Group, co-host of the “In The Thick” podcast, and founder of Latino Rebels. Marcela Garcia – Editorial writer for the Boston Globe. Later in the show… Our food and wine experts w...2020-03-2257 min

Under the Radar PodcastWomen's History Month: The Fight To Put Women On Corporate Boards2020 marks the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, the political climate has largely been influenced by the rise of female-powered movements. From the Women's March to the #MeToo movement, women have become one of the most powerful forces in American politics. In the corporate sector, 10 years ago, the founders of the organization 2020 Women on Boards announced the group’s vision to boost the number of women on corporate boards by 20 percent. Has it happened? And why does it matter? We’re taking a forensic look a...2020-03-0157 min

Under the Radar PodcastMassachusetts' First "Hands Free" Driving Law Goes Into EffectMassachusetts’ new distracted driving bill takes effect on Sunday, Feb. 23. Drivers will no longer be able to use any hand-held devices while behind the wheel, except for minor exceptions to use navigation tools on their phones. This comes after years of lobbying from advocacy groups and supporters. The new law is a legislative milestone, but the real work to eliminate distracted driving begins now, by getting drivers to change their behavior. That’s the centerpiece of a national public safety campaign headed by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School Center for Health Communication. Guests: Jay Winste...2020-02-2357 min

Under the Radar PodcastNew Hampshire Insiders: The ResultsThe votes are in from the Granite State and the dust has settled — kind of. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is out in front, with young liberal voters leading him to victory. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang, Colorado Sen. Michael Bennett and former Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick threw in the towel. President Donald Trump secured an historic win for himself. Those are the New Hampshire primary results, but there’s more to these stories because, as we know, what happens in New Hampshire impacts the nation. Guests: Arnie Arnesen — Former New Hampshire democratic legislator and host of WNHN...2020-02-1657 min

Under the Radar PodcastLocal News: Charlestown Laundromats, Logan Airport Monorail, and Boston RecyclingCharlestown has no laundromat - how did gentrification leave the neighborhood’s lower income residents without a crucial life service? A monorail for Logan International? This year Massport may finally make the decision to streamline ground transportation at the airport. And is it worth it to recycle now that it costs Boston more to haul away recyclables than trash? It’s our local news round table. Guests: Gin Dumcius - Digital editor for the Boston Business Journal. Seth Daniel - Senior reporter with the Independent News Group, which includes the Chelsea Reco...2020-02-0157 min

Under the Radar PodcastUTR Podcast Exclusive: Re-Introducing Larry LaddOne of our absolute favorite shows here at Under the Radar is our annual review of quirky holiday songs with Mike Wilkins, intrepid music collector and radio engineer for the radio program, The World. Each year Mike brings us a carefully curated mix-tape of rescued vinyl one-hit wonders and whatever background he can find behind each track. But inevitably, some of those origin stories are lost to the dusty used-record bins of analog history. When that happens, we turn to all of you - our loyal listeners - to see if we can trace these songs back to their...2020-01-2917 min

Under the Radar PodcastNH Insiders: Polling Confusion, Undecided Voters And Do Endorsements Matter?Bernie Sanders is surging with voters in New Hampshire. Or is he? The polls said yes, but other data is conflicting. Endorsements from top Granite State Democrats are rolling in for Joe Biden. Will they make a difference? And can late-starters Michael Bloomberg and Deval Patrick persuade undecided voters to choose one of them? Our New Hampshire Insiders are back. Guests: Arnie Arnesen — Former New Hampshire democratic legislator and host of WNHN’s The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen. Paul Steinhauser — Campaign reporter for Fox News Politics and the Concord Monitor. Later in the sh...2020-01-2857 min

Under the Radar PodcastIntroducing UTR's Environmental News RoundtableDeadly bush-fires continue to rage in Australia. The environment wasn’t always a hot-button political topic – how can we take the politics out of climate change? And rising sea levels threaten Boston’s disadvantaged neighborhoods. That’s a sample of the environmental stories that are increasingly important to Greater Bostonians and millions of Americans. Those stories and more on Under the Radar's inaugural Environmental News Roundtable. Guests: Beth Daley - Editor and General Manager at The Conversation, U.S. Dr. Aaron Bernstein - Interim Director of The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Envir...2020-01-1257 min

Under the Radar PodcastIt's About How You Live: Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness MonthIt's almost that time of the year where the whole family gathers at the table and shares meaningful conversations. November also marks Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month. During this time, experts are hoping to promote family conversations about hospice as a tool for living. Guests: Patricia Ramsden - Registered Nurse and Director of Admissions at Care Dimensions, a Danvers, Massachusetts-based Hospice and Palliative Care organization. Beverly Simonini - Development associate with Care Dimensions. She came to Care Dimensions after her husband, Donald, received hospice care before he passed away from ALS. 2019-11-1757 min

Under the Radar PodcastPolitics: Boston City Council, Kentucky's First Black Attorney General and Ayanna Pressley Endorses Elizabeth WarrenThe November 5th elections brought brisk winds of change across the country, including here in Boston. Voters upended an old political dynamic and embraced a historic slate of women and people of color. Also, everybody wins in Kentucky: Democrats narrowly claimed the governorship and Republicans elected the state’s first black attorney general. Plus, Senator Elizabeth Warren scores a key presidential endorsement from fellow Massachusetts lawmaker, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. We discuss these stories and more during our full hour conversation with three contributors to the Mass Politics Profs blog. Guests: Erin O’Brien - Asso...2019-11-1057 min

Under the Radar PodcastLGBTQ News: Title VII At The Supreme Court, LGBTQ Voters and MA's Growing LGBTQ Teen PopulationThe Supreme Court reviews three cases charging employment discrimination while the fate of LGBTQ workers hangs in the balance. The high stakes 2020 elections are around the corner, yet one in five LGBTQ adults is not registered to vote. And more than 15 percent of Massachusetts high schoolers identify as LGBTQ. How will the state support this young and growing demographic? Those stories and more on our LGBTQ News round table. Guests: Grace Sterling Stowell — Executive director of the Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Youth, or BAGLY. E.J. Graff — Journalist, author and managi...2019-10-2757 min

Under the Radar PodcastLocal Politics: Boston City Council District 9 CandidatesTwo first time candidates for Boston’s District 9 are heading into the final election on November 5, 2019. Craig Cashman and Liz Breadon beat out 7 other candidates for the chance to represent Allston-Brighton residents on the Boston City Council. We spoke to both about the big and small issues facing the district. Guests: Liz Breadon – Originally from Northern Ireland, Liz Breadon is a long-time Oak Square resident. she is a physical therapist and community activist. Craig Cashman - Born and raised in Brighton. Craig Cashman spent 12 years as the district director for Allston-Brighton State Representative Michae...2019-10-2057 min

Under the Radar PodcastPop Culture: 'Joker' Has The Last Laugh, iTunes Is i-History And Beyoncé's Trademark BattleThe controversial blockbuster film "Joker" has the last laugh, smashing box office records despite deeply split reviews. Tyler Perry outdoes Hollywood on his own terms. iTunes is now i-history. And why are superstar singer Beyonce and a New England event planning company locked in a trademark battle? It's our Pop Culture Round Table. Guests: Rachel Rubin - Professor of American studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Michael Jeffries - Associate professor of American studies at Wellesley College. Later in the show… Ethics, faith and strength are the pillars on which the...2019-10-1357 min

Under the Radar PodcastNew Hampshire Insiders: Impeachment Inquiry, Elizabeth Warren, and Ted Cruz's NH Senate EndorsementDid the focus on the impeachment inquiry stall the momentum for the 2020 presidential election? If it did, one of the first places to feel the impact will be in the Granite State where voters are cheek by jowl with presidential candidates. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is currently pushing past Sen. Bernie Sanders in voter attention and enthusiasm. And Texas Sen. Ted Cruz endorsed a candidate for New Hampshire Senate. Guests: Arnie Arnesen — Former New Hampshire democratic legislator and host of WNHN’s The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen. Paul Steinhauser — Campaign reporter for Fox News Politics and the C...2019-10-0757 min

Under the Radar PodcastLocal Politics: Boston City Council District 8 CandidatesThere’s less than a week left before the crowded Boston City Council race’s preliminary election on September 24th. Last week on Under the Radar we aired the first of two shows dedicated to this crucial election featuring candidates for Boston City Council’s District 5 seat. This week Under the Radar was joined by the five candidates for Boston City Council’s District 8, which includes the neighborhoods of Back Bay/Beacon Hill, Fenway/Kenmore, Mission Hill and West End. The candidates spoke with host Callie Crossley at WGBH's satellite studio at the Boston Public Library. The de...2019-09-2257 min

Under the Radar PodcastLocal Politics: Boston City Council District 5 CandidatesThe nation is abuzz with updates about the 2020 presidential race, however another election is fast approaching for Boston residents. One that is arguably much more impactful on their day to day lives – The Boston City Council Elections. In preparation for the preliminary municipal election on September 24th, over the next two weeks we’ll be focusing on two of the hottest city council races for District seats 5 and 8. This week Under the Radar was joined at WGBH's satellite studio at the Boston Public Library by seven of the eight candidates for the Boston City Council District 5 seat. Dist...2019-09-1557 min

Under the Radar PodcastHarriet Tubman: American PatriotUnder cover of darkness on June 2, 1863, two Union ships stole up the Combahee River in a mission that would liberate over 750 slaves from South Carolina plantations. What became known as the Combahee Ferry Raid, was the first major U.S. military operation lead by a woman - Harriet Tubman. The same Harriet Tubman whose image was scheduled - until recently - to be on the front of the new $20 bill next year. And the same Harriet Tubman whose remarkable life as a spy, abolitionist, nurse and cook included connections to Boston. Many know her name but few know her...2019-08-0457 min

Under the Radar PodcastPop Culture: The Streaming Wars, Taylor Swift's Latest Feud and 'City On A Hill'The Obamas kick off their first production with Netflix, and the streaming giant signs Beyoncé to a $60 million deal. But some predict streaming services may soon be out of reach for customers because of the cable like fees. Country pop star Taylor Swift’s celebrity pals come to her defense in her feud with big-time star manager Scooter Braun, while others say “You Need To Calm Down.” And an unlikely partnership takes on 1990’s Boston’s corrupt and racist criminal justice system in the new Showtime series, ‘City on a Hill.' Guests: Rachel Rubin - Professor o...2019-07-0757 min

Under the Radar Podcast'The FATHERS Project' Imagines A World Without AIDS“Looking Back, Loving Forward,” the theme of this year’s Boston Pride celebration acknowledges advancements in gay rights and commemorates seminal historical events like the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Part of the reflection on LGBTQ history of the last century is the painful absence of what could have been - the blank spaces left by the thousands of people lost during the AIDS crisis, among them trailblazing artists, activists and other cultural icons. The FATHERS Project, a new web series out of San Francisco is imagining a world in which those people never died. Guests: 2019-06-2357 min

Under the Radar PodcastThe Joys And Challenges Of Being A Stay At Home DadFrom The Simpsons to the 1983 film Mr. Mom, pop culture is rife with examples of bumbling fathers. And while it’s fun to laugh at these fictional send-ups of charming incompetence, in real life, dads consider parenting just as central to their identities as moms. That's one of the reasons why a growing number of fathers are opting to be stay at home dads. Guests: Robbie Samuels - Father of two, author and host of the strategic networking podcast, On the Schmooze. Dave Cutler - Father of four and blogger at The Dad Li...2019-06-1657 min

Under the Radar PodcastMassachusetts Millennials Lead The Way Toward A Renewable FutureIn the last year, teenagers around the world have captured headlines with their urgent advocacy in the streets. But the slightly older millennial generation is also coming into its own power, driving a climate revolution as business owners and elected officials. Here in Massachusetts, a group of the state’s most influential millennials is now the heart of a campaign to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Guests: Michelle Wu - Boston City Councilor Ben Hellerstein - State Director for the Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center Igor Kharitonenkov - Cofounder an...2019-06-0257 min

Under the Radar PodcastGestational Surrogacy Offers A New Path To Building A FamilyMother's Day can be a painful reminder for some, like would-be moms who are unable to become or stay pregnant. These days, however, because of advancements in medical technology and awareness about infertility, more people are turning to so-called third party reproductive methods such as sperm, egg and embryo donors as well as gestational surrogates. Guests: Kim Bergman - Licensed psychologist and senior partner at the surrogacy and egg donation agency, Growing Generations. Dr. Bergman is the author of "Your Future Family: The Essential Guide to Assisted Reproduction," which is available for purchase online and...2019-05-1057 min

Under the Radar PodcastMeet Three of Massachusetts' Newest State LegislatorsRight now the political focus is on the 2020 presidential election and the charismatic new members of the 116th Congress. Meanwhile, here at home the current class of newly elected state legislators is settling in and already making waves. This full hour we’re getting to know three of the Bay State’s newest lawmakers — a small sample of the first-time members of the Massachusetts' House of Representatives who say they are ready to make a difference in their communities and for their constituents. Guests: Liz Miranda - State Representative from Massachusetts' 5th Suffolk District. Tram...2019-02-2457 min