Spilling the T

Spilling the T

Welcome to Spilling the T, the podcast that takes…

  • 48 minutes 18 seconds
    Doing More with Less with Sam Zhou
    On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Sam Zhou, Chief Engineer & Assistant General Manager of Engineering and Capital at the MBTA. Sam shares his innovative approach to streamlining projects at the T. He gives us the rundown on what “A new way of doing business at the T” really means, including how we’re saving money, delivering results more quickly, and making the T better for everyone. How do we “do more with less”? Find out on this episode of Spilling the T! Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!
    3 December 2025, 11:00 am
  • 48 minutes 36 seconds
    America's Transit System with Randy Clarke (WMATA)
    On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Randy Clarke, General Manager and CEO of WMATA, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Randy recaps how he ended up leading WMATA, including stints at the MBTA and CapMetro. Randy also shares what WMATA’s plans for the future are and what the MBTA and WMATA can learn from each other to keep public transit moving in the right direction. Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!
    5 November 2025, 11:00 am
  • 36 minutes 44 seconds
    From Baltimore to Boston with Holly Arnold
    On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Holly Arnold, administrator for the 13th largest transit system in the US, the Maryland Transit Administration. Holly will chat with us about the MTA’s approach to navigating aging infrastructure, funding challenges, fare updates, and how the MTA is working with riders to look towards the future. If you’ve ever wondered how other public transit systems deal with the challenges of maintaining a system that moves tens of millions of people a year, this is the episode for you. Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!
    8 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 35 minutes 55 seconds
    World Cup Playbook with Erika Mazza
    For Boston, Summer 2026 is set to be one of the busiest seasons in recent history. Next year, Massachusetts will host seven FIFA World Cup matches while simultaneously celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation alongside visitors from around the world. With hundreds of thousands of people anticipated to be visiting the region for these events, the MBTA needed a solid plan to keep riders and visitors moving. On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Erika Mazza, Senior Advisor for Special Projects at the MBTA. Erika and her team have developed an exhaustive playbook for Summer 2026 that will keep our local riders moving, and allow visitors to explore all that the region has to offer. Come along as we learn about how the T is already preparing for the global stage. Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!
    6 August 2025, 10:00 am
  • 27 minutes 28 seconds
    The T's Biggest Fan with Pari Kim
    On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Pari Kim, one of the stars of Netflix’s "Love on the Spectrum". Long before Pari was featured on the show, she was the MBTA’s biggest fan and a passionate rail enthusiast. In this episode, we chat with Pari about her newfound fame, how she’s using her platform to advocate for public transit, what her plans for the future are, and how she plans to use art to continue to celebrate her passions. Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!
    25 June 2025, 10:00 am
  • 42 minutes 41 seconds
    Perry's Ferries with David Perry
    In this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by David Perry, Director of Ferry Operations at the MBTA. David shares the story of how his role came to be, what his day to day duties are and how far the ferry system has come in recent years. He also gives us a rundown on what riders can expect for ferry schedule and frequency as the T works to continue to support this incredible mode of transport. If you've never been on board an MBTA ferry before, we also go over ticketing, amenities, parking and more, so that listeners will be ready to ride! Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!
    21 May 2025, 10:00 am
  • 54 minutes 46 seconds
    Building a Better T and A Better City with Kate Dineen
    In this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Kate Dineen, President and CEO of A Better City. Kate shares how her organization is working to shape a more sustainable, connected, and competitive Greater Boston through strategic investments in transportation, infrastructure, and land use. We talk about the role transit plays in economic growth, climate resilience, and regional equity, and how business leaders are stepping up to support the MBTA. Kate also gives her take on the importance of urgency, accountability, and collaboration in building the transit system our future depends on. Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!
    23 April 2025, 10:00 am
  • 32 minutes 7 seconds
    Representing the Riders with Senator Brendan Crighton
    On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Senator Brendan Crighton of the Third Essex district. Senator Crighton chats with us about his district’s relationship to transit, how transit helps provide economic development to the region, and what T projects are particularly exciting to his constituents. We’ll hear about electrification, ferry service and the environmental justice corridor and how the state legislature is helping to advance transit access across the region. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at [email protected]. Your feedback might end up in an episode of the show. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system!
    24 March 2025, 12:00 am
  • 31 minutes 23 seconds
    Full T Ahead with General Manager Phil Eng
    In this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined once again by MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, who shares exciting updates on the T’s journey toward improvement. Phil reflects on the successful completion of the Track Improvement Plan and outlines how 2025 will mark another year of significant progress. He also dives into the implications of Governor Healey’s transformative $8 billion commitment to transit over the next decade and what it means for riders and the MBTA’s future. Curious about the next big steps for the T? Tune in as Phil lays out his vision for the year ahead and beyond. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at [email protected]. Your feedback might end up in an episode of the show. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system!
    29 January 2025, 12:00 am
  • 34 minutes
    The Track Improvement Program with Sam Zhou
    On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Sam Zhou, Assistant General Manager of Engineering and Capital at the MBTA. Sam brings over 30 years of project management experience to the T. With Sam’s practiced leadership, the MBTA has been able to leverage 26 service diversions over the past 14 months to accomplish the equivalent of 40 years worth of night and weekend system wide maintenance. Sam shares how the Track Improvement Plan team was able to accomplish this massive undertaking, and what his plan is for keeping the MBTA safe and speed restriction free in the future. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at [email protected]. Your feedback might end up in an episode of the show. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system!
    27 December 2024, 12:00 am
  • 36 minutes 45 seconds
    Ready for Anything with McKinley Theobald
    On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with McKinley Theobald, Deputy Director of Emergency Management at MassDOT. McKinley shares her strategy for emergency management at MassDOT and the collaborative effort to help the MBTA keep people safe in emergency situations. McKinley also speaks about how weather can impact how MassDOT and MBTA resources are utilized during snow, ice, extreme cold or extreme heat. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at [email protected]. Your feedback might end up in an episode of the show. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system!
    4 December 2024, 12:00 am
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