What does it mean to be a ‘good mom’ in 2025?
Kind and nurturing. Endlessly patient. Doting, attentive, protective — and thrilled to do it all.
More from Under the Radar
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Despite the horror of war, these organizations continue to seek peace between Israelis and Palestinians
Seeds of Peace and American Friends of Combatants for Peace have spent decades working towards unity in Israel and Palestine. -
Latinx News Roundtable: Boston Schools' English learners advisors resign in protest of 'harmful' plan
Eight members of the schools' task force stepped down after BPS' new "Inclusive Education Plan" announced that English language learners will receive English as a Second Language support as needed and not be taught separately in their native language. -
Author and scholar Julia Lee discusses growing up neither Black nor white in America
What does it mean to be Asian in a country where everything is Black and white? Author and associate professor Julia Lee explores the state of being caught in a racially stratified America in her new memoir, "Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America." -
Author Marta McDowell explores how gardening inspires mystery writers
It’s the month of all things spooky and scary, from horror movies to haunted mansions. But what about gardens? Turns out there's an unexpected sinister side to gardening, and writer and gardener Marta McDowell traces the connection between gardening and crime fiction in her book, "Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers."
Under the Radar podcast
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What does it mean to be a ‘good mom’ in 2025?
Societal and cultural norms say mothers must be kind and nurturing, they must have endless patience for their children, they must be doting, attentive and protective, and they should be able to do it all — and be thrilled to do it all. But what does it mean to be a “good” mother in this day and age? We explore the complex and nuanced nature of motherhood in honor of Mother’s Day. -
‘Joy Goddess’ spotlights Madam C.J. Walker’s daughter A’Lelia, who forged her own path
Rags-to-riches entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker and her daughter, A’Lelia Walker, built one of the most successful African American hair care businesses in American history. But it was only after A’Lelia broke free of her mother’s singular vision that she found her calling in 1920s Harlem. That search for independence and purpose is at the center of A’Lelia Bundles’ new book, “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance.” It’s our May selection for Bookmarked: the “Under the Radar” book club. -
What clues can Trump’s first 100 days offer for the rest of his second presidency?
April 29, 2025 marked 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. In a little over three months, the president, alongside administration officials, Cabinet members, and Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency – or DOGE – have kept Trump’s promise to reshape the government. What can Americans expect for the rest of Trump’s presidency? And how have these first 100 days affected Massachusetts? It’s a full hour of political analysis with the Mass Politics Profs! -
The Genius Next Door: Media artist Tony Cokes recontextualizes history through mixed-media video installations
Tony Cokes, a professor of modern culture and media at Brown University, is transforming the moving image to shine new light on some of history’s darkest moments. By using text, music, found footage, journalistic writing and more, Cokes recontextualizes traumatic moments in American history and creates video-based artwork. He is one of three local MacArthur “Genius” grant awardees, and the final installment of our annual series, “The Genius Next Door.” -
Environmental experts: Massive changes at the EPA will roll back much-needed scientific research
Within his first 100 days, President Donald Trump and his administration have made major changes when it comes to environmental and climate-related policy and action. What will come of the significant shake-up of the Environmental Protection Agency? Plus, previously off-limits fishing grounds are open for business, wildfires as an East Coast problem and the relevancy of Earth Day – it’s our environmental news roundtable!