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Martha’s Vineyard reflects on ‘Jaws’ impact, 50 years after the iconic film’s release
Martha’s Vineyard is in the middle of an invasion this summer — one inspired by a 50-year-old mechanical shark and the movie that made it famous.
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August 5, 2025 - Robert Reich, The Ciota Brothers on "Cassino in Ischia," and Phoebe Potts on "Too Fat for China"
Robert Reich served in three presidential administrations, including as Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. He’s served as an advisor– endeavoring on behalf of working people exploited by the system. As a professor he has been the ultimate explainer about rising inequality. As a public intellectual he pulls no punches–calling out the bullies: anyone and any institution that threatens democracy and human decency. It’s a life’s work on which he reflects in his new book “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America.” He joins The Culture Show to talk about it. On September 2nd he’ll be at Harvard Book Store. To learn more go here.From there the filmmaking duo, brothers Frank Ciota and Joe Ciota, join The Culture Show to talk about their years of collaboration and their new film, “Cassino in Ischia.” It’s a romantic comedy that follows the misadventures of Nic Cassino, a fading action hero who is fighting for an ultimate cinematic comeback. Finally comedian and story teller Phoebe Potts joins The Culture Show to talk about her one-woman show “Too Fat for China,” centers on the ups and downs of her quest to adopt a child. It’s onstage at Central Square Theater August 7th through August 10th. To learn more go here. -
August 4, 2025 - Imari Paris Jeffries, Chan's Home of Egg Rolls and Blues, and Elijah Wald
Imari Paris Jeffries, President and CEO of Embrace Boston, joins The Culture Show to talk about the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project, in partnership with Embrace Boston, a life-size bronze monument of W.E.B. Du Bois was recently unveiled in Great Barrington, MA, Du Bois’ hometown and birthplace. The unveiling marks the beginning of a statewide initiative through the Everyone250 coalition – a statewide effort to commemorate untold stories and elevate inclusive history as part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.From there Culture Show producer Kate Dellis takes us to Woonsocket, Rhode Island for a night at Chan’s Home of Egg Rolls and Blues, one of the best jazz and blues venues hiding in plain sight.Finally we’re joined by Elijah Wald. On August 6, the musician and historian, whose book inspired the Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown," will perform his show "Bob Dylan in Greenwich Village" at Club Passim. In this historical concert, Elijah will weave together music and storytelling to trace Dylan's evolution from a young folk and blues singer into the iconic voice of a generation. To learn more go here. -
August 1, 2025 - Week in Review: AI chatbot girlfriends, a White House ballroom, and Sydney Sweeney's jeans
Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B. Herwick III host our arts and culture week-in-review.First up, Elon Musk releases “Ani,” an AI anime sexualized chatbot. From there we look at how an anti-pronography group has pressured Itch.io and Steam to de-index thousands of titles that have adult and NSFW content.Then we head to DC to look at Republican lawmakers' push to rename the Kennedy Center after President Trump, and we’ll look at Trump’s plans to build a $200 million ballroom at the White House.Plus American Eagle and Dunkin’ have stirred things up with ads that focus on genetics, perpetuating notions about beauty norms, on that front Vogue has introduced an AI model, furthering unrealistic notions of beauty.Finally we raise a glass to the “Golden Girls.” The sassy sitcom is celebrating its 40th anniversary. -
July 31, 2025 - The legacy of Jonathan Demme, Neuroscientist Emily Falk, and public art in Zone 3
David M Stewart joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest book is “There's No Going Back: The Life and Work of Jonathan Demme.” Stewart is a film journalist who teaches film and media studies at Emerson College, Plymouth State University, South College and Southern New Hampshire University. His latest book is “There's No Going Back: The Life and Work of Jonathan Demme.” He has some upcoming book events: On August 4th he’ll be in New York City at the Bryant Park Reel Talks Series and on August 7th he’ll be in Concord, New Hampshire at Gibson's Bookstore. You can find him on social media @filmnerddave.From there Emily Falk joins The Culture Show to talk about her recent piece for the New York Times, which explains the science behind doomscrolling. Emily Falk is a leading neuroscientist and expert in the science of behavior change. She is a professor of communication, psychology, and marketing at the University of Pennsylvania and Vice Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication. Her new book is “What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change.” Finally we enter Zone 3 on Western Ave. Julia Swanson takes us on a tour of the public art hotspot. She’s a multidisciplinary artist and award winning photographer who is the creator of The Art Walk Project – a series of self-guided micro tours of art across Greater Boston. -
July 30, 2025 - James Sullivan, Presidential Pets at the JFK Library, and Mary Grant
“Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out,” is a concert and discussion series celebrating protest music. The series is inspired by James Sullivan’s book Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs. James Sullivan, a journalist, author and longtime contributor to the Boston Globe, joins The Culture Show to talk about his book and this series. The next event is scheduled for August 13th at The Lizard Lounge. To learn more go here.From there Alan Price, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, joins The Culture Show for an overview of their current exhibition “Presidential Pets.” To learn more go here.Finally Mary Grant, president of MassArt, joins The Culture Show for her monthly appearance. Today she discusses how President Trump is changing the arts and culture landscape, as well as the continued impact of federal funding cuts on higher education.
