Lee Stabert

Cambridge

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Host of Explain Boston to Me podcast. Editor in Chief @keystoneedge. Eater, music listener, Philly lover, one-time goat whisperer.

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Articles

Public transit in Boston with Seth Kaplan

2 weeks ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

What are the worst things about Boston’s aging transit system? What are the best? And, most importantly, what does the future of the MBTA look like and how will it shape the city? This week, we’re chatting with Seth Kaplan of TransitMatters, an organization that uses data to improve local transportation systems. Matt Stahm’s new glove. Jalen Hurts skips the White House. Revere reenactment. Bill “Bae” Belichick and Jordan Hudson keep making news.
REWIND: Dunkin’ Donuts with Megan Johnson

3 weeks ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

While I’m on vacation, please enjoy my most popular episode of all time! This conversation with writer Megan Johnson touches on the mustachioed man (“time to make the donuts”), the iconic color scheme, the kinds of people you find in a Dunkin’, music festival brand activations, Coolattas, Ben Affleck, and so much more. Here’s a link to Casey Affleck’s SNL sketch. And here’s a pic of Ben buckling under the weight of the world while gathering his Dunkin’ order in 2020. Check out Megan on Instagram.
The Winter of 2015 with Chris Laudani aka the “Boston Shoveler”

1 month ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

In this episode, we take a trip back to 2015, aka the snowiest winter in Boston history. Our guest was just a humble bartender when he was thrust into viral fame for an act of civic pride. Hint: It’s no coincidence that we’re releasing this installment during marathon week. Bringing a buzz to Citizen’s Bank Park. Red Sox fan from Ipswich, Massachusetts, goes viral after catching foul ball with fried dough. A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read on MAX.
Influencers in Boston with JQ Louise

1 month ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

In this episode, we’re joined by local influencer JQ Louise to learn about how the sausage is made — how local restaurants go viral, the most photographed places to town, and the contrast between the Boston of the internet and Boston IRL. Follow JQ Louise at @TheJQList and @JQLouise on Instagram; and check out her website here. Rodney Peete catches a fly ball in Tokyo. The Wanamaker Building closes; the trailer for Mannequin, a camp classic. Nashville’s wings, the ultimate influencer catnip.
Mayor Tom Menino with Wilbur C. Rich

1 month ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

Thomas Menino was mayor of Boston for over 20 years. What made him such a successful politician? How did the city change under his watch? What were some of his signature achievements and nagging failures? We’re joined by Wilbur C. Rich, professor emeritus at Wellesley College and author of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino: Lessons for Governing Post-Industrial Cities, to talk about this iconic figure.
An African warlord in Boston with Nate Homan

2 months ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

Did you know that Liberian dictator and international war criminal Charles Taylor broke out of prison in Massachusetts? He also earned an accounting degree, lived in Roxbury, and smuggled illegal goods from Southie’s ports. Journalist Nate Horman has all the details about this wild corner of Boston history. Milt Williams to the Patriots. Celtics City on HBO. “Diamonds and Guns: AN INFAMOUS WEST AFRICAN WARLORD’S BAY STATE JAILBREAK” by Nate Homan.
The Rat and Boston’s Rock Heyday with Evan McGonagill and Peter Laurence

2 months ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

In this episode, we riff on The Rat, Boston’s answer to CBGB and an essential piece of the city’s music history. We’re looking back through the lens of “Making a Scene,” an exhibit at Harvard’s Loeb Music Library. This episode includes a visit to the gallery, which is open to the public through April 18, 2025. Plus, regional accent talk, Boston Monopoly (make your voices heard!), and Irish Potato szn.
Announcement: Send me your Kowloon stories!

2 months ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

I need your help! I want to fill out my upcoming episode on Kowloon with your stories. What does this North Shore stalwart mean to you? What makes the Saugus restaurant so special? What is your favorite Kowloon memory? You most beloved dish? Send a voice note (preferred) or a written ode to [email protected]. You can also reach out via instagram: @explainbostontome. Then listen to next week’s ep to hear the greatest hits.
Local mill towns and the Industrial Revolution with Steve Guerriero

2 months ago | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

In this episode, Steve Guerriero of the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation tells us about how the Industrial Revolution transformed New England, creating mill towns and re-ordering local society for good. From boom times to going bust, these factories have a tremendous impact to this day — even if they’re now loft apartments, craft breweries, or chic wedding venues. Howie Roseman gets hit with a can of beer during the Eagles’ Super Bowl Parade.
Steak Tips with Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Jan 29, 2025 | bleav.com | Lee Stabert

In this episode, Rachel Leah Blumenthal, food editor at Boston Magazine, takes us deep on this meaty regional specialty. We’re grilling her to get all the answers, from the history of steak tips to the best spots to order them. Rachel’s longform feature, “The Mysterious Origins of Steak Tips, a Uniquely New England Dish”The Northeast Philly Guy Monk portraitA good mechanic in South Philly. A great essay on the specific mental psychosis of a certain kind of doomer Philly fan (Defector).