Synopsis
NightSide focuses on a wide variety of issues, political, economic and social. Rea believes that talk radio is the best way for people to communicate their opinions and ideas on what he calls North Americas Virtual Back Porch. Rea encourages challenging conversations and diverse ideas combined with respect and tolerance for the opinion of others. But dont think for a moment that NightSide is anything but provocative, always interesting and at times, passionate and emotional.
Episodes
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L.A. Immigration Riots
10/06/2025 Duration: 41minRiots broke out in Los Angeles protesting ICE immigration raids. At least 2,000 National Guard troops arrived to counter demonstrations against President Trump's immigration enforcement policies. CA Gov. Newsom sued President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth for deploying the National Guard. Dan discussed.Now you can leave feedback as you listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW FREE iHeart Radio app! Just click on the microphone icon in the app, and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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The Hearing Begins
10/06/2025 Duration: 38minA public hearing was held for the Massachusetts judge, Shelley Joseph, who is accused of helping a man sneak out the back of her Newton courthouse and evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Dan discussed the charges against Judge Joseph as the state's Commission on Judicial Conduct moves forward with the power to recommend discipline without removal.Now you can leave feedback as you listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW FREE iHeart Radio app! Just click on the microphone icon in the app, and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Boston Community Wants More Answers
10/06/2025 Duration: 38minOver a month after the fatal Boston school bus crash that killed a 5-year-old in Hyde Park, the community is still looking for answers. Very little is publicly known about the school bus driver, who has not been charged in the crash. Why won’t the RMV or city release more information? The New England First Amendment Coalition says, “We should have the right to know who we’re sharing the roads with, and whether or not they are a danger to us.”Now you can leave feedback as you listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW FREE iHeart Radio app! Just click on the microphone icon in the app, and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Nightside News Update 6/9/25
10/06/2025 Duration: 38minWe kicked off the program with four news stories we thought you'd like to know more about!In this episode we chatted with: Sheriff Patrick McDermott who checked in with the first Norfolk County Recovery Fest benefiting the recovery community. ***THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. Jerry Jamison – Author of "Vanishing Act: A Crashed Airliner, Faked Death, and Backroom Abortions." The real life story of con artist Robert Spears.Enough talking about it: It’s time for the Red Sox to call up Roman Anthony. WBZ NewsRadio's Dan Watkins joined Dan Rea to discuss it!Is one cup of coffee a day good for you? Yes, and 2-4 cups could be even better, scientist says. Sara Mahdavi - adjunct professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto & lead study author.Now you can leave feedback as you listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW FREE iHeart Radio app! Just click on the microphone icon in the app, and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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20th Hour: D-DAY
07/06/2025 Duration: 42minFriday, veterans gathered on the beaches of Normandy to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day. Tens of thousands attended the observances, and many were there to commend the dwindling number of surviving veterans, some in their late 90s and older. Dan opened the lines for remembrance.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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The Circus of Satan
07/06/2025 Duration: 41minFrom the author of the New York Times bestseller horror cult classic The Sentinel comes a new historical novel covering decades of gang history from 1878 to 1955. Jeffrey Konvitz blends fact with fiction, incorporating lore from cities like New York, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Konvitz joined Dan tonight to discuss The Circus of Satan: Murder, Revenge, and the Rise of Organized Crime.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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The Trump-Musk Divorce
07/06/2025 Duration: 38minThere seems to be trouble in paradise! For a while, Elon Musk and President Trump were inseparable, with many questioning the relationship. Now, Trump has confirmed that things have soured, with Musk expressing his disappointment in Trump’s policy bill and beyond. Is there a winner, or do they both lose?Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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NightSide News Update 6/6
07/06/2025 Duration: 41minWe kicked off the program with four news stories and guests on topics we thought you might like to learn more about!In this NightSide News Update we chatted with: Shawn DeRosa, Director of Pool and Waterfront Safety for the DCR: The search is on for summer lifeguards! What does it take to be a lifeguard in MA? Would you make the cut?Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension entomologist at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst: The Spotted Lanternfly (MA Reporting: https://massnrc.org/pests/slfreport.aspx - Other States: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf) is wreaking havoc on folks in North Andover! What is this invasive insect and how can we control them? David Condon, Director of Natural Resources for the Town of Yarmouth: It’s boating season! But get ready for 2026 - The newly signed Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act will require motorized boat operators to obtain certification before hitting the water next year.Cathy Mayone, Managing Director of the Martha's Vineyard Museum: The Martha’s Vine
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Trump Reinstates U.S. Travel Ban - Part 2
06/06/2025 Duration: 40minContinued conversation about President Donald Trump's U.S. travel ban that bars citizens of 12 countries from entering the U.S. Trump says the move was necessary to protect the country against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats. The countries included in this ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban will take effect starting next Monday at 12AM.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Trump Reinstates U.S. Travel Ban - Part 1
06/06/2025 Duration: 38minThis week, President Trump reinstated a U.S. travel ban barring citizens of 12 countries from entering the U.S. Trump says the move was necessary to protect the country against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats. The countries included in this ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban will take effect starting next Monday at 12AM.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Trump’s Proclamation Barring Foreign Students from Harvard
06/06/2025 Duration: 39minIn President Trump’s latest move against Harvard University, he signed a proclamation “suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University.” In addition, Sec. of State Marco Rubio will assess current foreign students and determine on a case-by-case basis whether to revoke those current visas. Is President Trump going too far in his attacks against Harvard?Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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NightSide News Update 6/5
06/06/2025 Duration: 28minWe kicked off the program with four news stories we thought you'd like to know more about!In this NightSide News Update we chatted with: Emily Sweeney – Boston Globe Cold Case Files Reporter & Blotter Tales Columnist: Son offering $50,000 reward for information about Brighton mother who vanished in 1975; Boston police asking for public’s help.Libby Zuccarello – Girl Scout & Belmont High Student – Founder of Senior Outreach Club at Belmont High: Belmont High Schooler Develops the Senior Outreach Club & runs tech help classes for seniors to help them adapt to the world of technology & overcome tech anxiety.Mark Anastasio – Coolidge Corner Theatre Director of Programming: The Coolidge Corner Theatre Announces Its Summer 2025 Outdoor Screening Line-Up.Captain Bree Barker – The Salvation Army in Cambridge: For National Donut Day, The Salvation Army of Massachusetts will deliver donuts to police, fire, and veterans across the state.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to
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Musk’s White House Exit! Part 2
05/06/2025 Duration: 41minNow that Elon Musk has officially left the Trump Administration, he’s speaking out against the congressional spending bill or otherwise known as Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” as it makes its way through the U.S. Senate. Musk is calling the tax and spending package a “disgusting abomination.” What’s included in the bill that’s so egregious? Musk claims the bill will “increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion” while GOP leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson say Musk is wrong. We discussed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and what Musk's relationship is or will be with Trump now that he’s exited.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Musk’s White House Exit! Part 1
05/06/2025 Duration: 37minNow that Elon Musk has officially left the Trump Administration, he’s speaking out against the congressional spending bill or otherwise known as Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” as it makes its way through the U.S. Senate. Musk is calling the tax and spending package a “disgusting abomination.” What’s included in the bill that’s so egregious? Musk claims the bill will “increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion” while GOP leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson say Musk is wrong. We discussed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and what Musk's relationship is or will be with Trump now that he’s exited.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Addressing the Narrative of ICE in MA
05/06/2025 Duration: 37minU.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley released a video Wednesday condemning comments that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu made during a recent interview where she said people are “getting snatched off the street by secret police” offering “no justification.” Foley took aim with Wu calling ICE agents “secret police,” calling the characterization “offensive” and stating, “there are no secret police. ICE agents, along with other federal law enforcement partners, are making immigration arrests. That is no secret.” The U.S. AG went on to say they will not apologize for doing their job. Dan shared his thoughts on the narrative of ICE operations in MA.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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NightSide News Update 6/4/25
05/06/2025 Duration: 37minThe Personal Collection of Bill Walton at Public Auction coming up Thursday June 12th at 2:00pm ETGuest: Dave Hunt – President of Hunt AuctionsWork zone "crisis" demands blue lights solution, says MassDOT Highway Admin.Guest: Jonathan Gulliver - MassDOT Highway AdministratorThe 2025 Thunder over New Hampshire Air Show - U.S. Navy Blue Angels Return to New Hampshire for First Time in 13 Years! Sept. 6th & 7thGuest: Major Michelle MastrobattistaPuppy Protection Act advancing in the House. Aimed at improving the welfare of dogs and puppies, particularly those in commercial breeding facilities, often referred to as puppy mills. Some dog advocates are concerned saying proposal would punish responsible US breeders and boost foreign puppy mills…Guest: Sheila Goffe - the vice president of government relations for the American Kennel ClubListen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Terror in Colorado Part 2
04/06/2025 Duration: 40minA man has been charged with 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder and a federal hate crime after launching a fire attack on multiple volunteers with Run for Their Lives (which organizes running and walking events to call for the immediate release of Israelis being held in Gaza) in Boulder, Colorado. According to police, the suspect told investigators that he “wanted to kill all Zionist people.” We discussed the rise of antisemitism and attacks such as this in Colorado that are fueling fear for the Jewish community.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Terror in Colorado Part 1
04/06/2025 Duration: 37minA man has been charged with 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder and a federal hate crime after launching a fire attack on multiple volunteers with Run for Their Lives (which organizes running and walking events to call for the immediate release of Israelis being held in Gaza) in Boulder, Colorado. According to police, the suspect told investigators that he “wanted to kill all Zionist people.” We discussed the rise of antisemitism and attacks such as this in Colorado that are fueling fear for the Jewish community.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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Boardroom Battle
04/06/2025 Duration: 36minThe ongoing drama with Market Basket where CEO Arthur Demoulas was suspended and put on paid leave by the Board of Directors with his three sisters at the helm, is very reminiscent of the HBO hit drama Succession where family and business relationships sour, and battles ensue. Tonight, we discuss the market basket feud and hear your thoughts on it! Boston Globe reporter Camilo Fonseca joined us to discuss!Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!
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NightSide News Update 6/3/25
04/06/2025 Duration: 36minWe kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Rappel Boston - 100 People To Brave The Side of One of Cambridge’s Biggest Buildings to Fight Epilepsy on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Josh Drew - Director of Development at Epilepsy Foundation New England and is in charge of the Rappel Event talked with Dan about the event.Boulder, Colorado antisemitic attack that injured a dozen. Adam Katz - president of Foundation to Combat Antisemitism checked in.Is sunscreen toxic? The war on sunscreen! Timothy Rebbeck, a professor of cancer prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has the answer.At-Home Heart Attacks and Cardiac Deaths on the Rise Since COVID-19 Pandemic, a recent study finds. Dr. Jason Wasfy – author of the published study on this & director of Outcomes Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiology Division and a faculty member at the Mongan Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital checked in.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on t