The Codcast

CommonWealth Beacon
  • 4.5 (36)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Codcast

Tune into spirited debate, local stories, and insightful analyses with The Codcast. Hosted each week by a CommonWealth Beacon reporter, the half-hour policy podcast delves into the heart of Massachusetts’s most pressing and intriguing topics. Hear newsmakers, historians, and policy experts tackle statewide housing struggles, immigration policies, little-known histories, surprising political fights, and even take to the sea to visit rising offshore wind turbines.

  1. The front lines of immigration policy fights

    6D AGO

    The front lines of immigration policy fights

    CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith is joined by Sarang Sekhavat, Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), to discuss threats to immigration policies such as Temporary Protected Status and sanctuary cities, and how officials in Massachusetts and nationally are responding.

    28 min
  2. Sen. Ed Markey and the chainsaw to democracy

    MAR 2

    Sen. Ed Markey and the chainsaw to democracy

    CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith interviews US Senator Ed Markey on the fight against Trump's actions, his stance on running again, and the future of the Democratic party.

    29 min
  3. Tackling the primary care crisis in Massachusetts

    FEB 24

    Tackling the primary care crisis in Massachusetts

    John McDonough of the T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Paul Hattis of the Lown Institute sit down with Dr. Wayne Altman, Professor and Chair of Family Medicine at Tufts School of Medicine, to discuss the growing primary care crisis in Massachusetts. They explore the causes behind the physician shortage, and the 'Primary Care for You' bill aimed at reforming payment models and improving access to care.

    34 min
  4. The case for banning smart phones in schools

    FEB 17

    The case for banning smart phones in schools

    CommonWealth Beacon editor Laura Colarusso sits down with state Senator John Velis to discuss the growing issue of smart phone addiction among youth, its impact on mental health, and a new bill aimed at addressing these concerns.

    27 min
  5. Josh Kraft enters Boston mayoral race

    FEB 10

    Josh Kraft enters Boston mayoral race

    CommonWealth Beacon editor Laura Colarusso is joined by fellow reporter Gin Dumcius to discuss Josh Kraft's candidacy, Mayor Wu's response, and top issues in this race.

    20 min
  6. Legislating care and cost: the health insurers' perspective

    FEB 3

    Legislating care and cost: the health insurers' perspective

    John McDonough of the T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Paul Hattis of the Lown Institute interview Lora Pellegrini, president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, to discuss healthcare affordability, regulation, and legislative efforts in Massachusetts. They cover prescription drug pricing, hospital accountability, and the future of the Affordable Care Act, highlighting Massachusetts as a leader in healthcare reform.

    27 min
  7. Safeguarding diversity, access, and quality in Massachusetts' higher education

    JAN 27

    Safeguarding diversity, access, and quality in Massachusetts' higher education

    CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith sits down with Noe Ortega, Commissioner for Higher Education, to discuss how Massachusetts public colleges and universities are tackling challenges to diversity, affordability, and access amid shifting national policies.

    32 min
  8. Reckoning with Trump's inauguration on MLK day

    JAN 20

    Reckoning with Trump's inauguration on MLK day

    CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith is joined by Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and Imari K. Paris Jeffries, executive director of Embrace Boston. They discuss how organizations dedicated to racial justice and equity are responding to the challenges of this political era.

    28 min
See All (459)

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Tune into spirited debate, local stories, and insightful analyses with The Codcast. Hosted each week by a CommonWealth Beacon reporter, the half-hour policy podcast delves into the heart of Massachusetts’s most pressing and intriguing topics. Hear newsmakers, historians, and policy experts tackle statewide housing struggles, immigration policies, little-known histories, surprising political fights, and even take to the sea to visit rising offshore wind turbines.

Information

  • Creator
    CommonWealth Beacon
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    459
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Codcast

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