Short Run

WBUR

4.4 (223)
Society & Culture
Series

Best long-form audio series from WBUR all in one feed. The Gun Machine, Jaws Island & more.

Trailer

Introducing Jaws Island, a new series from WBUR

When Jaws premiered in June 1975 on movie screens nationwide, it wasn’t just a movie release — it was a cultural event. Audiences were captivated by the story of a quaint island town terrorized by a colossal, bloodthirsty shark. Though originally marketed as a horror film, Jaws has become much more than that. It’s a film that continues to resonate deeply with fans around the world. On the 50th anniversary of this groundbreaking movie, superfans boarded the ferry to “Amity Island” — or rather, Martha’s Vineyard, where Jaws was filmed in 1974. The so-called “finatics” joined an island-wide celebration featuring screenings, autograph signings and reunions. Listen to Jaws Island, a podcast from WBUR, to explore why, after five decades, “Jaws” continues to sink its teeth into audiences and refuses to let go. Explore iconic filming locations, meet the devoted fans, and uncover the lasting legacy of a movie that still has plenty of fresh blood in the water. Jaws Island is reported and hosted by WBUR arts correspondent Andrea Shea. Episode 1 drops Thursday, Aug 28.
Trailer

Introducing ‘The Gun Machine’

Every time there is a mass shooting in America, the first question is why. When we look for answers, we tend to focus on the incident itself - who the shooter was, why they did it, and who parachutes in to debate the state of regulation — or lack thereof — that allowed it to happen. What we forget is the centuries of history that got us to this long emergency of gun violence in America. Produced by WBUR, Boston’s NPR, in partnership with The Trace, The Gun Machine looks into the past to bring you a story that most Americans never learned in history class: how early partnerships between mad scientist gunsmiths and a fledgling U.S. government created the gun industry in the Northeast, and how that industry has been partners with the government ever since. Host Alain Stephens examines how this 250-year relationship underpins all Americans’ interactions with guns — including our failures in dealing with the fallout of gun violence. The Gun Machine debuts on Oct. 4, 2023. Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

4.4

out of 5

223 Ratings

Loved It

08/01/2024

Kozmo 702

While the topic is maddening and frustrating, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It’s very well done.
We Are The Gun Problem

02/26/2024

DrDK2

This is such an important public health issue. Guns are now the NUMBER ONE cause of death in US children. Yet our laws are getting more and more lax and MAGA extremist judges have ripped the Constitution into pieces to eliminate all gun safety laws. This podcast explains what our own government does to prop up this insane arsenal of guns. We need to learn what we can do—must do—to fight back.
Unfortunate

04/09/2024

Top song!

As an ethnic minority and liberal gun owner, I’ve known since the beginning of my “gun journey” that the 2nd Amendment was not originally meant for non-whites. That doesn’t mean that “gun rights” can’t be for EVERYBODY today. I’m really trying to get through these episodes, but the unnecessarily dramatic voice acting is really off putting. This series could have been a good primer for those less savvy about the history of firearms and firearms regulation in America, but it seems the reporters and producers have decided to simply preach to the choir and further polarize people on this important issue.
A must-listen show!

02/24/2024

MPW1964

The Gun Machine is fantastic. Incredibly informative and enlightening. A great new show from our local NPR affiliate, WBUR.