In this episode, we're chatting with Rachel Blumenthal, food editor of Boston Magazine, about that publication's annual Top 50 Restaurants List and what it says about local dining culture at this particular moment in time. What are the latest trends? How is the culinary geography of the city changing? Will the sticker shock ever wear off? And how do these kinds of lists make the very culture they are assessing?

Salem, the North Shore city with a long and complicated history, is now in the midst of a new chapter: Halloweenmania! Beginning before the first leaf even turns, its annual Halloween Happenings attracts tourists from around the globe, packing the streets and causing headaches in surrounding towns. How did it get this way? To chat about this spooky phenomenon, I'm joined by brothers Adam and Art Antczak, a couple of dudes who have lived in and around Salem for decades.

Boston on the cheap — does it even exist? To answer that rich question, we're joined by Emily Schario of The B-Side, Boston Globe's newsletter for hidden gems, exciting deals, and things-to-do. She shares her ideal budget date night, the best neighborhoods for affordable fun, and commiserates over the local happy hour ban.

We're chatting about one of Boston's most iconic dudes with Kelli Williams of the podcast Beyond the Blinds. Join us as we discuss Ben Affleck's career choices, his passion for Dunkin (both the ads and the paparazzi shots), and his place in local culture.

In this episode, we're talking about Cambridge's most iconic boulevard. Beth Folsom from History Cambridge discusses Brattle Street's complicated history, its lux built environment, and its role in local culture.

Welcome to the latest installment of Boston Movie Club, where we're talking about 'Fever Pitch,' the 2005 romcom starring Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, and the 2004 Red Sox. Joining me to dig into this divisive film is Tyler Rotman.

It's finally happening!!!! Join me and guest Danny Webster as we discuss Jordan's Furniture, the furniture store/IMAX/eatery/ropes course/birthday party location (yup, normal) and local icon.

We're talking about Marshmallow Fluff with artist and food obsessive Sarah Dudek. From its genesis as a door-to-door delicacy to its enshrinement as the state sandwich, this sweet treat has a story to tell. This is all in anticipation of the annual Fluff Festival, happening in Union Square, Somerville, on September 20, 2-6 p.m.

In this episode, we're chatting with Morgan Doherty, realtor and self-admitted townie, about her native South Shore. We discuss the essential towns, the traffic, and the strange goings on in the Bridgewater Triangle.

In this episode, we're talking about a local legend: Olympic silver medalist Nancy Kerrigan. Guest Meredith Lynch brings her lifelong love of this polarizing figure to the conversation as we go deep on '90s culture, "cat fights," monoculture, and Boston's figure skating scene.

While I'm in Maine, enjoy this thematically appropriate episode exploring an iconic part of New England culture: Lobster. To go deep (sea) on the subject, I’m joined by Curt Brown, a Maine lobsterman and marine biologist with a passion for this industry and clawfuls of optimism for its future.

In this episode, author Stephen Puleo is helping us place Bostonian Charles Sumner on the "starting five" of American history. This well-spoken, prickly senator was one of the leading voices for abolition during the lead up to the Civil War and even earned Lincoln's ear as the president navigated a grueling chapter for the nation. Oh, and then there's the caning.

What does Beantown have going on after dark? To answer that question, we're joined by Corean Reynolds, Director of Nightlife Economy for the City of Boston. She's got plenty of insight on the unique challenges and strengths of local nocturnal culture — and she even has some tips of her own.

In this episode, we're talking with travel and culture writer Shayla Martin of 'The Road We Travel' Substack about her experiences on Martha's Vineyard. From Black culture and lobster rolls to Jaws Bridge and Eric Holder eating an ice cream cone, this is the perfect conversation for summer. '

Time is a flat circle. In this episode, we're joined by Michael Ansara, author of the recently released memoir, The Hard Work of Hope, to talk about the 1960s and its mass protest movements in Boston. A community organizer and student leader at Harvard during this tumultuous era, Ansara has insight into how that historical moment roiled the region — and how its echoes reverberate today.

In this episode, we're talking about Ray Flynn, who served as mayor of Boston from 1984-1993. As described by guest Don Gillis, author of 'The Battle for Boston,' that decade was transformative for the city. It was an era in which the city's progressive identity was solidified and the neighborhoods were brought back into the political process. Plus, did you know Flynn almost played for the Celtics?!

We're talking tripledeckers, that iconic piece of the local urban fabric with Matthew Dickey, aka Streetscape Curator. What are the origins of this vernacular architectural style? How has their identity — and their residents — changed over the years? And are we ready for a tripledecker renaissance?

In this episode, we're chatting about how the idea of Boston — its reputation, its brand, its character — has been shaped by popular media, from movies to journalism. Joining us is Stanley Corkin, author of 'Boston Mass-Mediated Urban Space and Culture in the Digital Age.'

We're getting the inside scoop on the latest Market Basket drama from Grant Welker, a reporter for the Boston Business Journal. Why is Arthur T. Demoulas being pushed out again? Who will take over the company? How will this impact consumers and devotees of the beloved local grocery chain? Plus, more chatter on what makes Market Basket so special, and thoughts on Karen Read and Rafael Devers.

Movie club is back! As a companion to last week's episode on Charlestown, we're chatting about the 2010 crime thriller "The Town," directed by and starring Ben Affleck. Dylan Gottlieb returns to the show to chat about the magic created by shooting on location, Blake Lively slumming it, and our desire for a little levity.