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"The Common" host Darryl C. Murphy on his new WBUR podcast: "It's a space for everyone."

Darryl C. Murphy, host of "The Common"
Darryl C. Murphy, host of "The Common"

Picture this: You're at a dinner party. When you're nearly full, from both the good food and the good company, your friend — the one who always has interesting hot takes on the latest headlines — snags you for one last chat. They leave you intrigued, knowledgeable and satisfied.

That's the vibe at " The Common ," WBUR's new daily podcast . (Only host Darryl C. Murphy is serving up breakfast with the 6 a.m. show, but you get the point.) Murphy describes the podcast as a conversation that feeds your curiosity and is served with candor and humility.

Ready to get to know the new friend you'll want to spend mornings with? Dig in.

The Common will help our listeners kick off their days, just like their go-to chai latte or shaken espresso. So, we've gotta know: Hot or iced?

Darryl C. Murphy : Hot. All day, every day!

Tell us what The Common means to you.

DCM : The Common is a gathering place where people can talk and share ideas or put on a show. It's a space for everyone.

You've been the listener's go-to voice on Consider Thi s. What changes can they expect from this new show?

DCM : People can expect a more casual show. We want to invite people into a fun, where appropriate, conversation about their region and community with a journalist or guest who's passionate about their field of expertise. It's really cool when you talk to someone who's excited enough to convince you that something mundane is actually quite interesting and relevant to you.

You're a New Jersey native turned Philly fanatic who now calls Boston home. How have your experiences elsewhere primed you for this work?

DCM : "Philly fanatic." That's funny. Philly was a great entry point for me professionally. I finished school there and got my start in radio journalism, eventually covering transportation – which gave me a solid understanding of how things work and the people behind it all.

You might think of The Common like your own startup, which you've built from scratch with the WBUR Podcasts team. Describe the process and the people who made this possible.

DCM : I wouldn't call it my own. The show belongs to WBUR. I'm grateful the team trusts me to be the voice of the show. I'm still processing the fact that the show is finally out.

Our producer, Frannie Monahan , and I – along with former WBUR producer Wilder Fleming – worked together on Consider This . Now, we've got Katelyn Harrop on board to take things even further. We're quite the trio.

When you're not behind the podcast mic, what are you up to?

DCM : Chilling. I do try to read, but I spend a lot of time watching easy TV to turn my brain off. On weekends, I like to go out, even if it's just for a long walk. I do enjoy the occasional hours-long expedition on a BlueBike. I recently rode out to Mattapan from Allston. I rode through Cambridge on the way home.

Your headphones are on and you're ready to jam out. What song is queued up, and what do you like about it?

DCM : " Places and Spaces " by Donald Byrd is one of my all-time favorite songs. It sounds like flying.

What's lifting your spirit right now?

DCM : The Common is one hell of an opportunity. Hosting a show like this is something I've always wanted to do. The fact that I'm here feels like a sign from the universe that I'm on the right path and I need to keep doing what I am doing. In other words, trust the process.

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