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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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July 7, 2025 - Wendy Benchley, Mandy Barnett, and Christopher Shaw Myers
We continue our coverage of “Jaws” at 50 with Wendy Benchley. She is the wife of the late author Peter Benchley, who wrote the bestselling novel “Jaws.” Since the success of the book and subsequent film, Wendy Benchley has dedicated much of her life to conservation. She is an award-winning ocean advocate and scuba diver. She is cofounder of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards. Along with Laura Bowling, Wendy Benchley is the Executive Producer of the new film “Jaws at 50: The Definitive Inside Story.” It's a National Geographic documentary produced in partnership with Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films. To learn more go here.From there we’re joined by country music sensation Mandy Barnett. The acclaimed vocalist opens the Wequassett Resort's 21st Annual Cape Cod Jazz and Arts Festival on July 9th. And to celebrate Wequassett’s 100th anniversary, Barnett is performing a one-night-only tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary.To learn more go here.Finally we end where we began, wading into the ocean with another look at “Jaws” at 50. Writer Christopher Shaw Myers joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of JAWS and Beyond.” You can catch Christopher Shaw Myers tonight at an event at Harvard Book Store. To learn more go here. -
July 4, 2025 - "EEPHUS," Chef Andy Husbands, and John Flansburgh
Director Carson Lund joins The Culture Show to talk about his debut feature film “Eephus,” a quintessentially New England baseball film. Find out more, here.From there Andy Husbands, chef and owner of The Smoke Shop BBQ, has co-authored the “Quick and Easy Burger Cookbook,” which will bump your burger game with creative recipes. He joins The Culture Show to talk about how we can turn our nothing burger into a something burger. Finally we talk to John Flansburgh, one half of the iconic alt-rock duo They Might Be Giants. TMBG have charmed audiences with their eclectic, genre-bending style for decades. They’ve released countless albums, contributed music to TV shows such as “Malcolm in the Middle,” and wriggled their way into the public consciousness with songs like “Doctor Worm” and “Birdhouse in your Soul.” -
July 3, 2025 - James Parker, Fabiola Méndez, and Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide
James Parker joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest book “Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive.” He’s a staff writer at “The Atlantic.” Since 2011 he has been running the Black Seed Writers Group—a weekly writing workshop for homeless, transitional, and recently housed writers–and editing “The Pilgrim,” a literary magazine from the homeless community of downtown Boston.From there Fabiola Méndez, the celebrated Puerto Rican cuatrista and singer, joins The Culture Show for an in-studio performance. Finally, Kiernan Schmitt joins The Culture Show to talk about his new book “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide,” which takes us into the curious corners and around town. Kiernan Schmitt co-hosts the “Out of Office” travel podcast with Ryan Davis. -
July 2, 2025 - Danielle Allen, the Family Heritage Experience, and Mahesh Daas
Ahead of Independence Day when we celebrate the rejection of King George III and his monarchy Danielle Allen joins The Culture Show for her take on the state of our democracy. Danielle Allen is the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation and of the Democratic Knowledge Project.From American history it’s an exploration of family history. Ryan Woods, President and CEO of American Ancestors joins The Culture Show to talk about their Family Heritage Experience. It’s a series of interactive and innovative exhibits that will inspire questions about your own family’s origins, voyages and traditions. To learn more go here.Finally, Mahesh Daas, president of Boston Architectural College joins The Culture Show to reflect on the legacy of the acclaimed architect and philanthropist Graham Gund. Mahesh Daas is a Culture Show contributor who joins us monthly. He is co-author of the graphic novella about artificial intelligence, titled “I, Nobot.” -
July 1, 2025 - Robert Ellis Orrall, Sam Waterston, and mixologist Marsha Lindsey
Robert Ellis Orrall is a singer-songwriter, producer and owner of the indie label Infinity Cat Recordings. He has worked in Nashville collaborating with Taylor Swift and Reba McEntire. Now he has a new live album, “The Bear is the Mountain,” which revisits the early 80’s, featuring recordings from live performances throughout Boston. He joins The Culture Show ahead of a busy season of live performances, starting with July 5th at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts. To learn more go here.From there Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Sam Waterston joins The Culture Show to talk about the role that launched his career, Nick Caraway in the 1974 film adaptation of “The Great Gatsby.” Waterston will be at an event at Rosecliff mansions; a conversation celebrating the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel and the movie, which was filmed partially at Rosecliff, Marble House and other Newport properties. To learn more go here.Finally, we top the show off by topping one off. Mixologist Marsha Lindsey, a fixture in some of Boston’s greatest bars, serves up her summer drink suggestions.
