JustBook-Ish was founded by Porsha Olayiwola, who is a former Boston Poet Laureate, and Bing Broderick, who previously served as the executive director at Haley House. Porsha and Bing wanted to provide a 'third place' in the neighborhood. The concept of a 'third place' is one that’s gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It refers to a space that isn’t work or school or home, where folks can relax and connect with their community.

The Common recently took a trip to justBook-Ish to talk to Porsha about why our community needs more 'third places' and why that drives their mission.

• Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street
• Narrative Bookshop in Somerville
• Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston-based comedian Bethany Van Delft thinks the Boston comedy scene is having a moment.

Five years since the pandemic began, she reflects on how it has impacted the comedy industry today from sold-out shows to a fervent demand for standup over what she calls "weird" comedy.

Here are Van Delft's recommendations for a good laugh:

• Favorite up-and-coming local comedian: Carolina Montesquieu
• A venue for a good show: Goofs Comedy Club in Somerville
• Comedy show producers: Men in Comedy and Don't Tell Comedy

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy drives to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to see its world-class fire lab. He sits down with internationally-recognized fire expert and head of the fire engineering department, Albert Simeoni.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.