Best Wgbh Educational Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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Despite massive success, new 'Superman' movie derided as super 'woke' by right-wing pundits 31:12

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2d ago31:12

31:12

It’s time for the Emmys! HBO Max lands the most nods it’s ever received, and RuPaul becomes the most nominated host in Emmys history. Plus, there’s been plenty of critical acclaim for the new “Superman” movie, which drew big crowds – and big money – at the box office. So what’s with the controversy among right-wing circles? And how an AI-generated …

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In 'Kufre N' Quay,' audiences cross the halfway point in a generational story arc 26:48

2d ago26:48

26:48

What happens when a 12-year-old African boy connects with a Black American girl after settling down in New York City’s Little Senegal? Emmy-nominated playwright Mfoniso Udofia explores that ensuing friendship in her latest project, the fifth production of nine in the Ufot Family Cycle: “Kufre N’ Quay.”…

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Bradley Hall, Grantchester Season 10 | MASTERPIECE Studio 35:47

2d ago35:47

35:47

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of Grantchester Season 10. Actor Bradley Hall joined the Grantchester cast in Season Four, originally for just two episodes, as the young copper Larry Peters. Seven seasons later, Larry has emerged as a fan favorite and Grantchester staple. Today, Bradley makes his MASTERPIECE Studio debut and…

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Elvis Tries to Leave the Building 25:25

2d ago25:25

25:25

Thirteen years ago, a life-sized Elvis Presley cutout rocked ANTIQUES ROADSHOW with a $10,000-$15,000 estimate but now it’s time for him to leave the building. Join ANTIQUES ROADSHOW DETOURS host Adam Monahan for a journey through pop culture history and a dramatic auction filled with twists and turns. Will the superfan owner score a princely payda…

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A Congressional race in New Hampshire already has eight candidates. The election is next year. 31:29

9d ago31:29

31:29

Offshore wind farms were poised to provide energy to millions in New England. Now those plans are stalled – maybe indefinitely. Broken promises are leading Rhode Island politicians to face plummeting approval ratings. Meanwhile candidates are lining up in the race to replace U.S. Representative Chris Pappas in New Hampshire. And bridges on Cape Cod…

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'Dear Summer: Volume 3' returns to highlight more emerging artists and DJs 26:30

9d ago26:30

26:30

Summer in Boston just got a new soundtrack: the third edition of its citywide mixtape. The City of Boston’s “Dear Summer Vol. 3” features a variety of genres representing neighborhoods across the city, including up-and-comers from the Berklee College of Music, local legends and artists with Boston roots who’ve received national attention. We speak …

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Encore: Family — And FDR — Drew Kyle MacLachlan To MASTERPIECE 35:20

9d ago35:20

35:20

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. The chance to play legendary American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one big reason for Kyle MacLachlan to sign on to Atlantic Crossing. But it was the story of the young Norwegian Royal Family at the heart of the miniseries that made him commit to the role. MacLachlan explores Roose…

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Natalism 101: What’s behind President Trump’s desire for a second baby boom? 34:08

16d ago34:08

34:08

The pro-birth movement, known as pronatalism, has long been popular in certain politically conservative circles. But in recent years, it has begun to gain traction more broadly. Many view it not only as a means to slow the declining population, but also as a way to preserve culture. But others worry that the singular focus on having more babies is …

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Music and mystery unite in Brendan Slocumb’s latest novel, ‘The Dark Maestro’ 23:51

16d ago23:51

23:51

Curtis Wilson escaped his father’s troubled world and grasped his lifelong dream of becoming a cellist. Then, he almost lost it all. The protagonist of writer, educator and classical musician Brendan Slocumb’s new book “The Dark Maestro” reflects the author’s own experience as a performer. “The Dark Maestro” is our July selection for Bookmarked: th…

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Rishi Nair, Grantchester Season 10 | MASTERPIECE Studio 28:26

16d ago28:26

28:26

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Four of Grantchester Season 10. For actor Rishi Nair, just like his character Alphy Kottaram, returning to Grantchester for another season feels like coming home. In this episode, Rishi explores questions of identity, friendship, and found family for Alphy, as he revisits a formative part of his p…

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Encore: Take Me Out to the Ballgame 26:16

17d ago26:16

26:16

Boston Red Sox fans are a committed bunch – to the game, the team, the players, and the belief that a curse from 1918 kept the team away from a World Series win until broken in 2004. So, when a guest brought a Red Sox calendar, discovered behind a barn door after almost 100 years, to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in 2021, that fan commitment clearly shon…

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Latinx news: Celebs speak out for immigrants as Trump admin touts ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ 32:17

23d ago32:17

32:17

The Los Angeles anti-deportation protests may not be on the front page, but the National Guard is still on the ground in LA. President Donald Trump wants to build “Alligator Alcatraz,” a detention center in the Florida Everglades. And the Milford teen who was held by ICE denies ICE’s claims that he lied about the conditions of his detention. It’s o…

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Summer food and drinks bring the heat with sweet-and-spicy treats 25:41

23d ago25:41

25:41

With warmer weather arriving, food and drinks are getting “swicy” – that’s sweet and spicy. The adventurous blend has been trending for some time with the rise of hot honey and, now, as an added kick to already bold white wines. Plus, international food trends make a splash locally and could the Michelin guide boost much-needed dine-in traffic to l…

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Daisy Coulam, Grantchester Season 10 | MASTERPIECE Studio 24:44

23d ago24:44

24:44

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Three of Grantchester Season 10. Head writer and executive producer Daisy Coulam joins the podcast this week to discuss relationship dynamics, balancing murder with morality, and how she continues to keep Grantchester fresh and captivating after 10 heartwarming seasons.…

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Donna Summer Disco Party boogies onto City Hall Plaza 24:59

30d ago24:59

24:59

In 1975, Boston native Donna Summer released her single, “Love to Love You Baby,” a sexy disco tune featuring shimmering strings and a funky bassline that would become a global smash. Fifty years later, her hometown will celebrate Summer’s artistry and the lasting impact of her work with its eleventh Donna Summer Disco Party on City Hall Plaza. We …

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Unbound Pages: Authors Against Book Bans unites authors fighting for the freedom to read 33:01

30d ago33:01

33:01

Thousands of books are facing scrutiny throughout the country as the book-banning movement continues to gain supporters. Now, authors are joining together to fight back and use their voices off the page to spread awareness about how book bans threaten democracy and free speech. We speak with three members of Authors Against Book Bans in the latest …

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Encore: Sofia Helin Shines As Crown Princess Martha Of Norway 29:11

1M ago29:11

29:11

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. Norwegian Crown Princess Martha was born in Sweden, but Swedish actor Sofia Helin didn’t know her story until she signed on to play the quiet Royal in Atlantic Crossing. But after coming on board the miniseries, Helin helped shape the story of the little-known Princess, bringing a surprising …

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Encore: Is This a Letdown? 48:55

1M ago48:55

48:55

News that a famous Galileo manuscript at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor was revealed to be a fake raises questions about a similar letter that appeared on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in 2014. Did the show get it wrong? And how can a fake be so convincing it fools multiple experts? Host Adam Monahan, joined by forgery-sniffing historian Nick Wildi…

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LabCentral’s Juneteenth event showcases how local artists express resilience and joy 22:10

1M ago22:10

22:10

It’s been 160 years since the last enslaved people in the United States heard the news they were free. What was once celebrated on a city or state level is now celebrated nationwide as a federal holiday on June 19, also known as Juneteenth. In the spirit of the holiday, Cambridge’s LabCentral is hosting a special exhibit and panel discussion, cente…

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The music of ‘Jaws’ continues to delight and frighten, 50 years later 35:49

1M ago35:49

35:49

It started as a minimalist, eerie musical phrase – one ominous note, then two, signifying the looming, underwater danger of a great white shark. Fifty years later, the theme to the 1975 Steven Spielberg blockbuster “Jaws” is just as recognizable and iconic as the film itself. We take a deep-dive into this musical masterpiece with two expert music p…

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Encore: Screenwriter Alexander Eik Brings Forgotten WWII History To Life 33:46

1M ago33:46

33:46

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. For American viewers, the story of Norway’s Crown Princess Märtha is likely mostly unknown. But the Crown Princess’ World War II influence was a surprise even for Atlantic Crossing co-writer and director Alexander Eik, who spent almost seven years researching his miniseries. Eik explains how …

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More than the ‘Big Head’: MFA hosts largest, decades-spanning exhibit of Roxbury artist John Wilson’s work 23:42

1M ago23:42

23:42

Throughout his career, artist John Wilson was inspired to capture the faces of his community: Black people who lived in Roxbury. He chose to do figurative paintings, drawings and sculptures, rather than abstract work, because he was determined that Black people should be seen in the fullness of their humanity. That was the overall theme of his work…

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Despite federal pushback, budget cuts and anti-trans executive orders, Pride Month forges on 34:17

1M ago34:17

34:17

It’s Pride Month … or is it Title IX Month? President Donald Trump’s administration continues to push back on the LGBTQ+ community through its ban on trans troops – and newly graduated trans cadets – in the military, potential federal budget cuts to a vital suicide prevention hotline that helps queer youth, and renaming a Navy ship dedicated to gay…

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Encore: The Unsinkable Titanic Biscuit 31:49

1M ago31:49

31:49

In 1999 a box of artifacts from the sinking of the Titanic made its way to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, including blurry photos of the eerie ice-filled wreck site, a handwritten diary, and -- a biscuit. But how could something so simple and fragile have survived the ship’s sinking? And could the biscuit and other items from the famed shipwreck find a p…

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Kick back and relax with one of our summer-reading picks of 2025 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

It’s nearly summertime, which means plenty of sunshine, slower days and lots of time to kick back with a new book. Whether it’s a mystery, thriller, romance, fantasy or nonfiction, there’s a perfect summer read for every book lover to enjoy by the beach, on an airplane or curled up on the couch. Three local librarians joined Callie Crossley for “Un…

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A moment or a movement? Reflecting on the death of George Floyd, five years later 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

On May 25, 2020, millions of people around the world watched in horror as white police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to the neck of George Floyd, a Black man, on a Minnesota street. Nine minutes and 29 seconds later, Floyd was dead. His murder led to what some called a racial reckoning, sparking global protests, demands for police reform, …

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‘Runboyrun’ takes Ufot Family Cycle from the stage to your earbuds 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

In “Sojourners,” the first play of Mfoniso Udofia’s Ufot Family Cycle, audiences are introduced to Disciple, a graduate student who eventually becomes the Ufot patriarch. But as the drama unfolds play after play, Disciple grows increasingly erratic and intense, often prone to fits of rage. And it’s not until the third play in the cycle – “runboyrun…

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Encore: To Utah Beach and Back 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

A World War II Navy helmet brought to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, and used for years as a decorative planter, was revealed to be that of the US Naval officer in charge at Utah Beach during the allied landing in Normandy. Appraiser Jeff Shrader carefully inspected the helmet. What did his analysis along with an archived diary and other accounts from mu…

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Unbound Pages: Former Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden explains why libraries are central to democracy 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

In 2016, President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Carla Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress, making her the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Dr. Hayden’s tenure as Librarian of Congress abruptly ended on May 8, when she was fired from the position. Eight days before her dismissal, Dr. Hayden spoke with Callie Crossl…

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‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ showcases the joys and struggles of African women immigrants in America 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

For many Black women, the hair salon is a cultural safe space, where stories and secrets help build an intimate community. In SpeakEasy Stage’s production of the Tony-winning play, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” the West African immigrants who do the braiding and the customers seeking their services come together in a funny play that also explores…

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Gill Hornby, Miss Austen | MASTERPIECE Studio 32:44

2M ago32:44

32:44

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Miss Austen. Writer Gill Hornby has been a fan of Jane Austen’s work since she first read Mansfield Park as a teenager. But it wasn’t until Gill moved to the village of Kintbury that she became surrounded by and interested in Jane’s life. In her novel, Miss Austen, Gill explores the deep bond between Jane…

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‘Joy Goddess’ spotlights Madam C.J. Walker’s daughter A’Lelia, who forged her own path 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

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 …

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What does it mean to be a ‘good mom’ in 2025? 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

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 moth…

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Treasure from the Trash Heap 23:15

2M ago23:15

23:15

Is it true that one person’s junk could actually be a treasure? If you’re an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW fan you might know our Junk in the Trunk specials – loving tributes to the left-over appraisals from the cities we visit each year. But what happened when an odd-looking pen was discovered during ROADSHOW’s 2023 visit to Akron, OH? Join host Adam Monahan …

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What clues can Trump’s first 100 days offer for the rest of his second presidency? 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

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 Trum…

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Encore: Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office | MASTERPIECE Studio 32:53

3M ago32:53

32:53

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. For writer Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is the perfect culmination of her years of experience as a journalist, documentarian, and dramatist. This week, Gwyneth joins us to discuss how she adapted this true story for the screen, and the real-life impact of this drama series as t…

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Peter Kosminsky, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light | MASTERPIECE Studio 33:00

3M ago33:00

33:00

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Director Peter Kosminsky worked closely with late author Hilary Mantel to bring the story of Thomas Cromwell’s rise and fall to the screen. Today, he shares his experience working with Hilary, filming on the same Hampton Court Palace flagstones where King Henry VIII on…

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Environmental experts: Massive changes at the EPA will roll back much-needed scientific research 36:14

3M ago36:14

36:14

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 proble…

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The Genius Next Door: Media artist Tony Cokes recontextualizes history through mixed-media video installations 21:45

3M ago21:45

21:45

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 …

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Mark Rylance, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light | MASTERPIECE Studio 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Actor Sir Mark Rylance earned multiple awards for his nuanced portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall. He returns to the role in the sequel, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and explores a more vulnerable side to Henry’s infamous fixer. Today, Mark…

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The Case of the Folk Art Forgers 25:40

3M ago25:40

25:40

For an appraiser, keeping a keen eye out for forgeries is part of the job. But just how complicated can that task become and to what lengths will forgers go to pass their work off as authentic? Join host Adam Monahan as he explores the story of famed 20th century Louisiana folk artist Clementine Hunter, a prolific painter whose work regularly appea…

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Unbound Pages: Will Massachusetts be the next state to pass 'freedom to read' legislation? 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

Book bans have been on the rise across the country in recent years prompting lawmakers to pass legislation to protect libraries and librarians. “Freedom to read” legislation has been adopted in four states, aiming to safeguard access to diverse materials in public and school libraries, and some lawmakers are hoping to make Massachusetts the fifth s…

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Black Catholics create connection between ancient Christian practice and today’s Black culture 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

Of the 50 million Catholics in America, only about 3 million are African American. The history of Black Catholics in the United States spans from colonization and enslavement to Black parishes founded by the church during the Jim Crow era. And throughout that history, Black Catholic communities have found ways to make the oldest form of Christianit…

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Peter Straughan, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light | MASTERPIECE Studio 37:04

3M ago37:04

37:04

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Five of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Screenwriter, and newly minted Oscar winner, Peter Straughan is fascinated by stories of loyalty and betrayal. In Episode Five of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, Cromwell’s loyalty is under question. Today, Peter joins the podcast to discuss adapti…

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New children’s book tells the behind-the-scenes story of the first presidential Passover Seder 24:38

3M ago24:38

24:38

Each year, thousands of Greater Bostonians observe Passover through Seder, the ceremonial meal of prayers, blessings and wine retelling the story of the Jews' exodus from ancient Egypt. It’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation all over the world, but it didn’t reach the White House until 2009. Author Richard Michelson wrote about …

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Paul Revere House and Old North Church reexamine its history in preparation of 250th anniversary of Revere’s ride 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

He’s known as a silversmith, a messenger and a patriot. But Paul Revere's role and contribution to the American Revolution was much more than a midnight ride.We take a walk through Revere’s neighborhood and visit two pivotal locations – the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church – to learn more about the revolutionary and the world in which he …

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Damian Lewis, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light | MASTERPIECE Studio 28:41

3M ago28:41

28:41

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Four of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Actor Damian Lewis is well-known to MASTERPIECE viewers for his iconic roles in The Forsyte Saga and Wolf Hall. He joins the podcast to discuss the sequel, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and reflects on playing one of the most notorious kings in E…

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The Most Dangerous Book 22:22

3M ago22:22

22:22

Are you in danger of being poisoned by an antique book? The Victorian era ushered in new bright vivid dye formulas that produced brilliant yellows, reds, blues, purples, and greens. Although an antidote to the pervasive soot and grime of the day, these new dyes were laced with poisonous heavy metals – the worst being Emerald Green containing arseni…

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Poet Tiana Clark pairs gut-wrenching imagery with accessible language in ‘Scorched Earth’ 24:46

4M ago24:46

24:46

Poet Tiana Clark’s mastery of the language of emotions is fully displayed in “Scorched Earth,” her new deeply personal collection of poems, which takes readers from the charred landscape of divorce to searing moments where the intersection of history, race and gender explode on the pages. “Scorched Earth” is our April pick for Bookmarked: the “Unde…

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‘I’ve seen poetry save lives’: Local and Grammy-winning spoken-word poets celebrate their art 33:13

4M ago33:13

33:13

April is National Poetry Month! Enthusiasm for spoken-word poetry has skyrocketed in recent years, helping to increase the popularity of all poetry. We’re diving into the art form and the poets who use their voices and bodies in staged performances. Who are the lyrical wordsmiths at the top of their game, including here in Massachusetts? We speak w…