Best New Hampshire Public Radio Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 134 NHPR Julie Iromuanya: SEASON OF LIGHT 50:01

2h ago50:01

50:01

When 276 schoolgirls are abducted from their school in Nigeria, a Florida-based lawyer and former POW of the Nigerian Civil War is consumed by memories of his younger sister who went missing during that conflict. “A Season of Light” explores the shaky promise of the immigrant American dream and a family struggling with intergenerational trauma.…

1
Pancakes for Roger 24:38

1d ago24:38

24:38

Tom Raffio speaks with Susan Combs, founder of the Pancakes for Roger initiative, which began from a personal request to support veterans by providing free legal services. Susan shares her experiences with Vets Helping Vets, emphasizing the importance of community support for veterans.By Northeast Delta Dental

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NH News Recap for April 25, 2025: Access to Medicaid, addiction treatment and more at risk amid proposed spending cuts 13:14

1d ago13:14

13:14

New Hampshire lawmakers have proposed significant spending cuts as the state faces a shortfall in the next budget. Among those cuts, is a proposal to eliminate the Office of the Child Advocate, an independent watchdog agency that oversees the state’s treatment of at-risk youth. House budget writers have also proposed moving around funds originally …

1
The Cold War Ice Core of Greenland 32:43

3d ago32:43

32:43

In the late 1950s, engineer Herb Ueda Sr. traveled to a remote Arctic military base. His mission? To drill through nearly a mile of ice, and extract the world’s first complete ice core. To finish the job, he and his team would endure sub-zero weather, toxic chemicals, and life inside a military base… which was slowly being crushed by the glacier fr…

1
What is the Rule of Law? 30:49

5d ago30:49

30:49

What is the rule of law? It's certainly not the same as the rule of men. This episode was recorded live at the John J. Moakley Courthouse in Boston. It features the voices of Justice Patricia Alverez and Justice Gustavo A. Gelpí. CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free ed…

1
Ep. 133 NHPR Callan Wink: BEARTOOTH 50:02

7d ago50:02

50:02

Two brothers are living off the grid on the edge of Yellowstone. In dire straits and desperate for money, they accept a dangerous proposition that permanently alters their lives and their relationship to each other.By Rachel Barenbaum

1
Coach Rob Grabill 24:26

8d ago24:26

24:26

Tom Raffio interviews Reverend Rob Grabill, a seasoned coach and minister with over fifty years of experience in New Hampshire. Rob shares his transition to coaching girls' soccer at Sunapee High School and his commitment to fostering community engagement through the sport.By Northeast Delta Dental

1
NH News Recap for April 18, 2025: Ayotte's first 100 days as governor 13:25

8d ago13:25

13:25

Kelly Ayotte is approaching her 100-day mark as New Hampshire governor. What kind of a start has she made to her first term? A New England real estate attorney and U.S. citizen says he and his wife are pursuing legal action after they were detained at the Vermont-Canadian border without explanation. Bachir Atallah says he was handcuffed and then he…

1
Some people leave Vermont. Does Vermont ever really leave them? 24:20

9d ago24:20

24:20

What does it mean to be a Vermonter if you’ve left the Green Mountain State? Reporter Myra Flynn brings us on a sonic journey across the globe from Los Angeles to the Dominican Republic, to Jamaica. There are love stories, tales of taking chances and conversations about what it means to call somewhere home. Thanks to question-asker Jesse Wingate of…

1
Dark Magic Rabbit 46:02

10d ago46:02

46:02

A magician spins a black top hat to show their audience it’s empty. Then, with the wave of a wand and a few magic words, PRESTO: a snow white rabbit pokes its ears over the brim. Compared to sawing a person in half, pulling a rabbit out of a hat is a joyful bit of magic that entertainers have been doing for more than 200 years. But after the applau…

1
Efficiency v. Democracy 33:15

12d ago33:15

33:15

Today we were going to explore how "big tech" has woven itself into the fabric of the Trump administration. But after a conversation with Allison Stanger, professor at Middlebury College, we decided to focus exclusively on Elon Musk and his relationship with Donald Trump. What is DOGE, the "Department of Governmental Efficiency?" And while we're at…

1
Ep. 132 NHPR Olivia Wolfgang-Smith: MUTUAL INTEREST 48:16

14d ago48:16

48:16

A novel about marriage and ambition, sexuality and secrecy, and the true costs of building an empire. “Mutual Interest” explores the lives of “three queer misfits turned business titans” during the Gilded Age with immersive period detail and compelling emotional stakes.By Rachel Barenbaum

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NH News Recap for April 11, 2025: House passes state budget that includes deep spending cuts 12:23

15d ago12:23

12:23

The New Hampshire House passed its version of the state budget this week that includes deep spending cuts and eliminates state jobs. The spending plan will now go to the Senate for review. Students at universities across the country, and here in New Hampshire, have lost their immigration status abruptly in the last week, affecting their ability to …

1
The Bee’s Sneeze: Why allergies are getting worse 26:12

17d ago26:12

26:12

Allergies have been documented in historical records dating as far back as 2,400 years ago, when Hippocrates wrote about “hostile humors” in some people who suffered badly after eating cheese. But why do we experience them to begin with? What even is an allergy? Are allergies on the rise? And why are some mere nuisances, while others are deadly? Th…

1
Why do we have the National Weather Service? 32:29

17d ago32:29

32:29

Most Americans can look down at their phone and see a prediction of the future. How is that even possible? Well, we'll tell you. Today it's all about the weather; from early predictive methods and almanacs to the National Weather Service's modern-day practices of collecting, analyzing, and sharing a staggering amount of data. First we talked with K…

1
Who decides what politicians should say? 28:41

19d ago28:41

28:41

Today we explore the nebulous world of political consultants. These are the people who run political campaigns. They use a mixture of science and gut-feeling to determine what a candidate should say and do, and in one particular instance, what they should NOT say and do. How do they do it? How effective are they? What actually moves the needle in a…

1
Ep. 131 NHPR Karissa Chen: HOMESEEKING 49:45

21d ago49:45

49:45

“Homeseeking” follows Haiwen and Suchi, two separated lovers through six decades of Chinese history. War, famine, and opportunity take them from Hong Kong, to Taiwan, New York, and LA. This debut novel is a story of family, sacrifice, and loyalty, and of the power of love to endure beyond distance and time.…

1
CASA New Hampshire 24:35

22d ago24:35

24:35

Tom Raffio interviews Diane Valladares, the director of recruitment for CASA of New Hampshire. The conversation highlights the organization's mission to empower citizens to advocate for children facing abuse. Established in 1989, CASA trains volunteers to provide crucial support in child welfare cases.…

1
NH News Recap for April 4, 2025: Pappas embraces fighting stance in Senate campaign launch 13:20

22d ago13:20

13:20

Congressman Chris Pappas announced this week he’s running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Shaheen announced last month that she won’t be seeking election. The New Hampshire House Finance Committee voted this week to make steep cuts to government spending in its proposed state budget for the next two years. And the U.…

1
What’s next for Vermont’s only law school? 17:41

23d ago17:41

17:41

South Royalton has something that no other Vermont town does: a law school. But for a long time, there’s been one rumor the town and the school can’t seem to shake — that Vermont Law & Graduate School is on the verge of upping sticks for Burlington. Question-asker Tess Mix, of neighboring Tunbridge, has been hearing this rumor her whole life. She w…

1
Venom and the cure 26:53

24d ago26:53

26:53

Venom is full of dualities. According to the UN’s World Health Organization, snakebite envenoming causes somewhere between 81,000 and 138,000 deaths per year, and even that is likely an undercount. Yet research into venom has yielded treatments for diabetes, cancer, erectile dysfunction, and even the celebrity favorite diabetes slash diet drug, Oze…

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Introducing: Snitch City 51:23

24d ago51:23

51:23

Today, we’re sharing the first episode of the brand new podcast Spotlight: Snitch City, produced by The Boston Globe's award-winning Spotlight team. Praised by The Guardian and The Financial Times as a “must-listen” podcast, Snitch City brings you inside the secret world of police informants through one small city – at the forefront of America’s dr…

1
April Fools: Politicians, the press, and more 40:40

26d ago40:40

40:40

Pranks are a staple of April Fools' Day - even when it comes to politics and the press. On this special edition of Civics 101, Senior Producer Christina Phillips tests our April Fools knowledge with some surprising trivia, and a whole lot more! CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newslett…

1
New Hampshire Fisher Cats Season Preview 25:25

29d ago25:25

25:25

Tom Raffio interviews Taylor Fisher, the general manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. They discuss preparations for opening day, returning popular events, numerous giveaways, and community initiatives, including a charity golf tournament.By Northeast Delta Dental

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NH News Recap for March 28, 2025: 'COGE' members are taking a slower approach to cutting spending than 'DODGE' 13:01

29d ago13:01

13:01

As the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DODGE, has made sweeping cuts to federal spending, members of New Hampshire’s Commission on Government Efficiency, or COGE, are beginning their work — though the panel says it’s taking a different approach than its federal counterpart. New Hampshire libraries and arts organizatio…

1
Tasting the forbidden fruit 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

A few months ago we got an email from a listener who tried a bit of a very poisonous apple and lived to tell the tale. Ultimately, he was fine, but the incident left him full of questions. We figured, why not run with that curiosity? We put a call out for all of your poison related queries and you delivered: How much should you worry about those gr…

1
The Politics Behind Your Taxes 55:19

1M ago55:19

55:19

Taxes on wages make up the bulk of federal revenue every year. Where does that money go, and who decides how much you should pay? The process is extremely complicated - and deeply political - which is why it's important for everyday taxpayers to understand how the people they elected choose to spend the money voters give out of their paychecks ever…

1
Capital Area Race Series 25:12

1M ago25:12

25:12

Tom Raffio, the president and CEO and Ellen Raffio, wellness coordinator, Northeast Delta Dental discuss various races, including the Capital Area Race Series and the Celebrate Tom Walton 5K, which features a scenic route and a new 10K this year. The races not only promote fitness but also serve as fundraising events.…

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NH News Recap for March 21, 2025: Immigration lawyers advise caution, preparation amid Logan Airport ICE detentions 14:16

1M ago14:16

14:16

Local immigration lawyers are raising concerns after two people with legal status were recently detained at Boston Logan Airport after traveling internationally. In one of those cases, a person was deported despite having a visa allowing her to work in the US. We hear how one New Hampshire immigration lawyer is advising clients to prepare if they h…

1
What’s the story behind the omnipresent ‘Stowe’ logo? 13:25

1M ago13:25

13:25

You can find the swoopy, stylized version of the word “Stowe” everywhere — police cruisers, store windows, a covered bridge. It’s as if the entire town is part of one giant marketing campaign. Question-asker Joe Emery of Essex finds this sort of weird, and wants to know how it came to be. We made a video version of this episode! Check it out here. …

1
The Final Days of Sgt. Tibbs 17:21

1M ago17:21

17:21

Sgt. Tibbs, a fluffy, 19-year-old Maine Coon with tiger stripes, soft eyes, and a chipped tooth, is missing on the streets of Manchester, New Hampshire. His owner, Rose, fears the worst. But when she finds out her cat was never missing at all – the truth turns out to be worse than she feared. From our friends over at the Document team at New Hampsh…

1
How does the Post Office work? 22:20

1M ago22:20

22:20

It’s the government on your doorstep — the only Executive Branch agency that visits every home in the country on a regular basis. So how does the USPS do it? And what happens when an agency this essential is in trouble? Our guests for this episode are Allison Marsh, history professor at the University of South Carolina and Kevin Kosar, a Vice Presi…

1
Bringing Montessori Public with Meryl Levin 25:37

1M ago25:37

25:37

By Northeast Delta Dental

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NH News Recap for March 14, 2025: Shaheen will not run for reelection, ending long political career 13:04

1M ago13:04

13:04

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced this week that she will not run for reelection in 2026. What's next for her and how could that decision affect the upcoming midterm elections? And voters across the state went to the polls this week for town elections. We talk through some of those results. Guests: Felice Belman, New York Times Abigail Ham, …

1
The Emerald Forest: Why Irish farmers aren’t happy about some American trees 28:48

1M ago28:48

28:48

After the Irish fought for and won their independence from the British in 1921, they had a problem. Centuries of exploitation had left the island one of the least forested nations in Europe, with less than 2% tree cover. So, they started planting a non-native American tree: fast-growing Sitka spruce capable of rebuilding their timber resources in r…

1
The Kids are Alright: Civics Ed Update 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

Two years ago today, we attended Civic Learning Week and produced an episode on the state of civics education in the US. We heard some good things and some frustrating things. Today we're getting an update on civics education with Emma Humphries from iCivics, hearing some student audio submissions from our friends at the Youth Media Challenge, and …

1
Taylor Fisher NHFC GM 25:06

2M ago25:06

25:06

Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental interviews Taylor Fisher, General Manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.By Northeast Delta Dental

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NH News Recap for March 7, 2025: How Trump tariffs could affect NH energy bills 13:24

2M ago13:24

13:24

President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico were slated to take effect earlier this week, but on Thursday Trump changed course, saying he would give a break to all goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. We hear if energy imports are covered in the exemptions and how tariffs could affect Granite Staters’ energy bil…

1
Introducing: The Final Days of Sgt. Tibbs 16:58

2M ago16:58

16:58

Click here to listen to the rest of The Final Days of Sgt. Tibbs Bear Brook has been named an Apple Podcasts Series Essential. Bear Brook, hosted by Jason Moon, is the critically-acclaimed true crime podcast from New Hampshire Public Radio. Season 1 - Two barrels. Four Bodies. And a cold case that’s changing how murders will be investigated forever…

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What is the Bennington Triangle? 22:08

2M ago22:08

22:08

Five mysterious disappearances were the talk of Bennington in the mid-20th century. Now, they’ve developed a cult following online. We revisit the initial cases and trace the rise of the “Bennington Triangle” in the popular imagination. Thanks to Kevin Landry of Claremont, New Hampshire for the great question. Check out the web version of this stor…

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Why we sing 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

Recently, our producer Justine Paradis noticed something. Humans really like to sing together in groups: birthday parties, sports games, church hymns, protest chants, singing along to Taylor Swift at the Eras concert… the list could get very long. But… why? Did singing play a part in human evolution? Why does singing together make us feel so good? …

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Part 4: Tibbs Comes Back 20:37

2M ago20:37

20:37

NHPR's journalism is made possible by listeners like you. Please consider donating to support our work right here.By NHPR

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Part 4: Tibbs Comes Back 20:37

2M ago20:37

20:37

Months after she let him outside for the last time, Rose is reunited with Sgt. Tibbs. And Todd grapples with what this tale reveals about what we owe our pets – and our neighbors. NHPR's journalism is made possible by listeners like you. Please consider donating to support our work right here.By NHPR