DotLife
A Podcast about Dorchester
Latest Episodes
This episode explores how housing conditions in Boston—from hidden hazards like mold and lead to rental scams and unsafe living environments—directly impact public health and everyday life. Leon Bethune breaks down what renters need to know about inspections, tenant rights, and how to protect themselves and their communities. Bill Forry joins for the news breakdown. Flash Lato plays a Tiny Dot concert.
Happy Earth Day! Dorchester is on the frontlines of climate change, from its coastline to its housing and infrastructure. In this episode of DotLife, Erin speaks with UMass Boston professors Georgia Mavrommati and Katherine Dafforn about what climate change means for the neighborhood today. The conversation highlights local risks, ongoing resilience efforts, and how science and community voices can come together to shape a more sustainable future.
This week's episode features a conversation with Senator Nick Collins about the challenges facing Dorchester, including rising housing costs, energy expenses, and overall affordability. He discusses efforts to expand affordable housing, improve public transit, and address gaps in healthcare access following the closure of Carney Hospital. The episode also explores tax policy, support for small businesses, and the evolving needs of Dorchester’s diverse community.
In honor of Dyngus Day, we chatted with Erica Stocks from the Polish American Citizens Club and the Polish American Heritage and Community Foundation about Dorchester's Polish Triangle, its deep Polish roots and why Polish food is the best. Seth Daniel and Bill Forry from the Dorchester Reporter covered the week's news. Gimmick played a Tiny Dot concert.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins the podcast with Erin and Bill Forry from the Dorchester Reporter for a Dorchester-focused conversation on the policies shaping one of the city’s most important neighborhoods. From street infrastructure and transit investments to major development projects like Columbia Point and DotBlock, she lays out what’s working and what's next. Lincoln Durham wraps up this week's episode with a Tiny Dot Concert.
This week, we speak with Dr. Bisola Ojikutu about Boston’s Black life expectancy report and the growing gap in how long residents live. The conversation explores the root causes of these disparities and what it will take to create meaningful change. Bill Forry joins us for a Dorchester Reporter update. Lonely Leesa and the Lost Cowboys play the Tiny Dot concert.
For this weekend before St. Patrick's Day, we spoke with Oran McGonagle of McGonagle's on Neponset about his experience with the Ireland-Dorchester connection. We also spoke with Ed Forry about the Boston Irish Magazine and Irish Honors Dinner. The Dorchester Reporter crew covered the week's news. Bermuda Search Party played the Tiny Dot concert.
This week's podcast welcomed Jeff Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England (IINE), who talked to us about the challenges immigrant families face and the support systems working to help them navigate an uncertain moment. Bill and Erin talked about the week's news at McGonagle's pub. The Femmes played a Tiny Dot concert.
On this week's episode, the podcast went to Tavolo on Dot Ave. to speak with the executive board at Ashmont Adams Neighborhood Association and share some laughs. Seth Daniel joined from the Dorchester Reporter to talk headlines. Monument Hill played a Tiny Dot concert.
Dorchester's newest cannabis shop, Surf's Up, is opening on Gallivan Boulevard. Bill Forry talks about the news headlines from the Dorchester Reporter. Melo Green plays a Tiny Dot concert.
Welcome to DotLife, a podcast all about what’s happening in Dorchester. We’re shining a light on local events, small businesses, current events, neighborhood landmarks, and the real issues that matter to the people who live here.
Whether you’ve been in Dorchester your whole life or you’re just getting to know the area, DotLife helps you stay connected to the stories, voices, and energy that make this community one-of-a-kind.
Tune in and tap into what makes Dorchester, well… Dorchester.