NightSide With Dan Rea

President Donald Trump said today he is not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal and called the War Powers Resolution “unconstitutional.” The May 1 resolution deadline is now set to pass without action as lawmakers have left town for a week. Meanwhile, the U.S. is still facing pain at the pump, and tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union are set to increase to 25%. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Boston Mayor Michelle Wu continues to look for ways to generate revenue for affordable housing, she has signed a bill imposing a 2% fee on high-ticket real estate sales exceeding $2 million. Mayor Wu outlined that this is the fourth time the city has petitioned the state legislature for permission to impose such a fee, and it would have already generated $160 million had it been adopted the first time. Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, is opposed to transfer taxes and says they really don't work. Vasil joined Dan to explain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: El Niño has been making headlines lately as this year, we're in for a “Super” El Niño. What exactly does that mean, and how will it affect Massachusetts and beyond? Guest: Dr. Emily Becker, Research Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Studies 8:15PM: Local kids facing serious illness & disability take the field with college athletes at Boston College for Team IMPACT’s 4th annual Boston College Field Day this Sunday, May 3, from 2-4 PM. Guest: Maura Ambrose, Regional Executive Director, Northeast at Team IMPACT 8:30PM: It’s college graduation time, and today’s graduates will be setting off to pursue careers they’ve spent years preparing for. They believe they have it all figured out, but this year’s college graduates are expected to change careers at least 5 times. Why is this? Guest: Marcy Fitzgerald, author of the critically acclaimed new book, “Finding Your Space: A Permission Slip for High Achievers to Evolve, Pivot, and Thrive on Their Own Terms” 8:45PM: Nuclear medicine may just be the answer for many cancer patients. Nuclear medicine uses radioactive material, and doctors say it can be a lifesaver. With radiation exposure known for causing cancer and damaging DNA, how could it possibly heal? Guest: Dr. Phil Mulugeta, Clinical Director, Division of Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Therapy at Penn Medicine and Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at Perelman School of Medicine, UPenn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan asked the listeners if they've ever had an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction, or a moment where someone asked who dressed you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last half hour of the show, Dan opened up the topic floodgates and invited callers to bring up any topic, or topic suggestions they'd like to hear on Nightside with Dan Rea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently President Trump signed an executive order designed to fast-track both research on and access to the medicinal use of psychedelic drugs, including a $50 million investment in state governments to study how psychedelics might help people struggling with mental health illnesses. Drugs like ibogaine, which has not been approved by the FDA, has been used to decrease opioid cravings and treat severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in veterans. Some healthcare providers have found that the use of such psychedelic substances has shown significant improvement for people with traumatic brain injuries or severe mental health conditions. Have you or someone you know used psychedelics for medicinal purposes? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently President Trump signed an executive order designed to fast-track both research on and access to the medicinal use of psychedelic drugs, including a $50 million investment in state governments to study how psychedelics might help people struggling with mental health illnesses. Drugs like ibogaine, which has not been approved by the FDA, has been used to decrease opioid cravings and treat severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in veterans. Some healthcare providers have found that the use of such psychedelic substances has shown significant improvement for people with traumatic brain injuries or severe mental health conditions. Have you or someone you know used psychedelics for medicinal purposes? Dr. Kristen Cherian is a researcher of psychedelic medicine at Stanford University, joined us to answer questions, break down the pros and cons of psychedelic use, and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Senate race in Maine gets interesting as Democratic candidate Gov. Janet Mills drops out of the race pointing to a lack of campaign funds. She had the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and prominent left-leaning advocacy groups as the Democrats are hoping to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins. Mills' exit paves the way for first time political candidate Graham Planter, a 41-year-old oyster farmer who has never held political office nor even run for office prior to this year. The senate seat up for grabs in Maine is a highly contested seat as the Democrats in the Senate try to win control of a closely divided Senate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: Heart disease is by far the leading cause of death in the U.S. Recent medical data indicate a significant and troubling rise in stroke rates among younger Americans (those under 65). What you need to know and how you survive a stroke!- Survive Stroke Week 2026 is coming up May 3–9. It aims to raise awareness of stroke symptoms (BE FAST) and ensure immediate, lifesaving emergency treatment to improve survival and recovery rates. Guest: Mahesh V. Jayaraman, MD – Chief of Diagnostic Imaging, Brown University Health; Director, Neurovascular Center, Rhode Island Hospital 8:15PM: Even with $100 fines, many in no-tow Cambridge aren’t moving their cars for street sweeping! Guest: John Fitzgerald – Cambridge DPW Environmental Services Manager 8:30PM: Massachusetts eases teacher licensing rules to tackle teacher shortage. Guest: Samantha Drysdale – State House News Reporter 8:45PM: More than 30 million people have unclaimed money or assets. Are you one of them? How you can find out! Guest: Bill Dendy - CPA and money manager with Raymond James See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former FBI director James Comey is now facing another indictment again. This time stemming from an Instagram post of seashells arranged in the sand to form the numbers "86 47" with a caption that read: "cool shell formation on my beach walk". Republicans took that as a threat or message of violence against President Trump with 86 meaning "to get rid of". The indictment charges Comey with two counts: knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of - and to inflict bodily harm on - the president, and second, knowingly and willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to kill the president. Is this just political revenge by Trump or political justice? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former FBI director James Comey is now facing another indictment again. This time stemming from an Instagram post of seashells arranged in the sand to form the numbers "86 47" with a caption that read: "cool shell formation on my beach walk". Republicans took that as a threat or message of violence against President Trump with 86 meaning "to get rid of". The indictment charges Comey with two counts: knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of - and to inflict bodily harm on - the president, and second, knowingly and willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to kill the president. Is this just political revenge by Trump or political justice? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incumbent Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) is up for reelection this year. GOP Candidate for U.S. Senate in MA, John Deaton joined us to discuss his campaign and the issues he's prepared to tackle if elected Senator for MA. Deaton won the Massachusetts GOP endorsement and will face the winner of this fall’s Democratic primary between incumbent Sen. Markey and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: The Bruins cleaned up their turnovers and simplified their game, and they live to fight another day. Guest: Kevin Paul Dupont – Boston Globe Senior Staff sportswriter and columnist 8:15PM: A Pen to Change the World: The Life of J.K. Rowling-The only complete biography of the world’s most famous author, which includes exclusive interview content with relatives of Rowling. Guest: Solomon Schmidt - Author 8:30PM: Bridges Homeward - a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families through innovative programs and services that promote safety, stability, and opportunity.-Upcoming event: 2026 Circle of Friends Celebration and Gala at Fenway Park. Guest: Yoyo Yau – CEO of Bridges Homeward 8:45PM: S.S. Pierce: A Boston Tradition – The story and history of Samuel Pierce’s iconic gourmet food and wine emporium. Guest: Anthony Sammarco - renowned Boston historian and author See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we cut down on the current political rhetoric that's filled with vitriol and at times questionably dangerous speech? Late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel is under fire (again) for comments he made mocking the White House Correspondents' Dinner days before it occurred, saying Melania looks to have the "glow of an expectant widow", among other questionable comments. In other examples we've seen the President himself making nasty comments against his opponents. The rhetoric goes both ways, so we ask, as a society, how we can cool down the rhetoric on both sides? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston Mayor Wu floats the idea of congestion pricing to cut down on driving in Boston, a move that's part of the Wu Administration's climate action plan. In the city's five-year climate action plans released this week, it states, "The city will study financial mechanisms to discourage vehicle trips into Boston, including updates to parking freeze permit fees, parking pricing structures, tolls and congestion-related fees. By examining these tools, the city can identify the most effective strategies for reducing congestion and encouraging more sustainable travel choices.” Would you be in favor or opposed to Boston adopting congestion pricing? Why or why not? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston Mayor Wu floats the idea of congestion pricing to cut down on driving in Boston, a move that's part of the Wu Administration's climate action plan. In the city's five-year climate action plans released this week, it states, "The city will study financial mechanisms to discourage vehicle trips into Boston, including updates to parking freeze permit fees, parking pricing structures, tolls and congestion-related fees. By examining these tools, the city can identify the most effective strategies for reducing congestion and encouraging more sustainable travel choices.” Would you be in favor or opposed to Boston adopting congestion pricing? Why or why not? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8:05PM: Who’s Really Running Boston? The Most Influential Bostonians of 2026 Guest: Chris Vogel - Boston Magazine editor 8:15PM: His Majesty King Charles Ongoing Visit to the U.S.! What’s on the agenda for the first US visit by a British monarch in nearly 20 years? What does this mean for New England 250 years after independence? Where does the UK/US relationship stand? Guest: Minister Stephen Doughty – Minister of State (Europe, North America and Overseas Territories) 8:30PM: Why Avoiding Workplace Anxiety Makes It Worse and What to Do Instead. Guest: Jonathan Berent – Psychotherapist & author of the book: Work Makes Me Nervous: Overcome Anxiety and Build the Confidence to Succeed 8:45PM: Bourne Bridge lane restrictions begin ahead of Cape Cod season. Guest: Dan Mazella - Traffic Reporter & Operations Director for Boston’s Total Traffic & Weather Network Hub See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, a gunman charged towards the ballroom at the White House Correspondents' Dinner with the goal of targeting Trump Administration officials. The suspect charged a security checkpoint outside the ballroom where according to law enforcement; a total of at least five to eight gunshots were fired during the incident. President Trump nor anyone inside the ballroom were injured. A secret service officer was struck by a bullet but was protected by a bulletproof vest. The suspect was taken into custody and arraigned on Monday. It was discovered that the suspect sent a manifesto to family members where he addressed himself as "the “Friendly Federal Assassin". The whole incident raises security questions about how the suspect was able to check into the hotel with weapons, etc. We discussed the incident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, a gunman charged towards the ballroom at the White House Correspondents' Dinner with the goal of targeting Trump Administration officials. The suspect charged a security checkpoint outside the ballroom where according to law enforcement; a total of at least five to eight gunshots were fired during the incident. President Trump nor anyone inside the ballroom were injured. A secret service officer was struck by a bullet but was protected by a bulletproof vest. The suspect was taken into custody and arraigned on Monday. It was discovered that the suspect sent a manifesto to family members where he addressed himself as "the “Friendly Federal Assassin". The whole incident raises security questions about how the suspect was able to check into the hotel with weapons, etc. We discussed the incident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Red Sox fire manager Alex Cora over the weekend amid a huge coaching shake-up! Chad Tracy, a former major leaguer, and manager of Boston's Triple-A affiliate in Worcester since 2022, was named interim manager. The Sox have had a disappointing start to the season with a current record of 11W-17L placing them 5th in the American League West. Was this a smart decision by the clubhouse to fire Cora? We discussed the Red Sox shake-up and heard your thoughts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.