Let's make sense of the world – together. From the economy and health care to politics and the environment – and so much more – On Point host Meghna Chakrabarti speaks with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR.
Donald Trump's plan for 'mass deportation'
Donald Trump has promised to deport millions of migrants if he's elected. He wants the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. How Trump plans to do that and its likely consequences.
10/24/2024 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
The truth about perinatal hospice care
Donald Trump claimed that newborns are sometimes “executed." That is not true. He’s talking about perinatal palliative care. We learn the facts about the care these grieving families receive and why it's sometimes needed.
10/23/2024 • 46 minutes, 58 seconds
On Point live: How to guarantee a secure election in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is one of the states that will likely determine the 2024 election. On Point goes on the road to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to talk to the chair of the state election committee about the security and trustworthiness of the vote.
10/22/2024 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 55 seconds
A deep dive into Kamala Harris's foreign policy
With Election Day quickly approaching, many voters are still wondering what a potential Kamala Harris presidency would look like -- and how it would differ from the Biden administration.
10/21/2024 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Why so many members are leaving Congress
Some 53 U.S. Senators and representatives are leaving Congress this year. What’s driving this flood of retirements? What does it mean for the 2024 election and beyond?
10/18/2024 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
The Jackpod: The United Stasi of America
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty outlines the details and potential consequences of Donald Trump’s plan for the mass deportation of more than ten million migrants currently in the U.S. should he be elected president again.
10/17/2024 • 40 minutes, 11 seconds
The battle for control of state governments
While the presidential race is getting most of the attention, control of several key state legislatures is also up for grabs, in places like Arizona and Michigan. The contests for legislative control across the country – and why they matter.
10/17/2024 • 46 minutes, 58 seconds
Raising revenue vs. protecting industry: A deep dive into America's use of tariffs
Former President Trump wants to build a tariff wall: 60% tariff on goods from China, 20% on imports from everywhere else in the world. But what exactly are tariffs, and who do they help or hurt?
10/16/2024 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
Sarah Longwell on what’s driving the Trump-to-Biden voters in 2024
For years, Republican strategist Sarah Longwell has been conducting focus groups with so-called “flippers,” voters who supported Donald Trump in 2016 then flipped to Joe Biden in 2020. Longwell’s analysis on what’s influencing them in 2024.
10/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Finance companies have a new customer: The wrongfully convicted
Rebroadcast: Exonerees are turning to the private sector to provide them with urgently needed cash. But with interest rates so high, it could end up being a new form of confinement.
10/11/2024 • 45 minutes, 5 seconds
The stakes of the U.S. election for the world
With Russia’s war against Ukraine, the wider war in the Middle East, the border issues with Mexico -- the world is watching the U.S. presidential election more than ever. We hear from international observers in Europe in Latin America to Africa about why how you vote matters to the rest of the world.
10/11/2024 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
The Jackpod: Reality bites
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty draws a line from Donald Trump’s appearance as a savvy businessman on The Apprentice to his belief in tariffs as a powerful tool to benefit the U.S. economy, and even prevent war.
10/11/2024 • 41 minutes, 42 seconds
Immigration, the economy, trust: How American voters are deciding in 2024
Since 2020, many voters have dug into their positions. Others have changed. Some have turned away from politics entirely. Several Americans who shared their stories during the 2020 election, join us to discuss election 2024.
10/10/2024 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Inside the fight to protect Georgia’s elections
In Georgia, a Republican-led state election board is implementing new rules just weeks before election day. Local election officials say the new rules will hurt the state’s election security. What's behind the upheaval in Georgia's elections?
10/9/2024 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Is the media 'sanewashing' Trump?
The media uses small soundbites and sensible summaries to make Donald Trump sound more coherent than he actually is. But by doing so, some argue that the media ends up presenting a misleading picture of the former president that could misinform voters.
10/8/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
Trucks and SUVs are bigger -- and more dangerous -- than ever. New safety rules aim to fix that
Pedestrian deaths in this country are at an all-time high. And now, the government is stepping in.
For the first time ever, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed new rules that would affect the external design and look of supersized trucks and SUVs.
10/7/2024 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Inside the growing Middle East conflict
Israel. Hamas. Hezbollah. Iran. One year since Hamas's brutal attack on Israel, the Netanyahu government has expanded its war beyond Gaza. What’s next in the widening war — and what are the consequences?
10/4/2024 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
The Jackpod: You’re too honest
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the moments in the vice presidential debate when Republican candidate JD Vance contradicted the evidence of his own track record with misrepresentations and obliquities.
10/3/2024 • 36 minutes, 3 seconds
Elections officials endure protests, death threats. Here are their stories
Local election officials are working hard to make sure the 2024 election goes off without a hitch. And they're doing that despite being criticized, hounded, attacked, and threatened.
Three county elections officials, Democrats and Republicans, from Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania share their experiences from the frontlines of America's elections.
10/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Biden's FTC took on big tech, big pharma and more. What antitrust legacy will Biden leave behind?
Under the Biden Administration, the FTC significantly stepped-up antitrust enforcement. Last year alone Biden’s regulators filed a record 50 antitrust enforcement actions. And mergers reached a 10-year low.
Have Biden's antitrust actions helped consumers?
10/2/2024 • 51 minutes, 13 seconds
What Cambria County, Pennsylvania teaches us about voters in 2024
Every presidential path to victory in 2024 leads through Pennsylvania. In Cambria County, voters flipped from blue to red in a few short election cycles. What clues does the county hold for 2024?
10/1/2024 • 50 minutes, 50 seconds
What can we learn from Arizona’s universal school vouchers?
Arizona was the first state in the country to adopt universal school vouchers. But who is benefiting from this program, and who gets left behind? With school voucher questions on several state ballots right now, we look at lessons from Arizona in our latest collaboration with ProPublica.
9/30/2024 • 51 minutes, 43 seconds
Banned from speaking in public, Afghan women risk telling us their stories
The Taliban has banned women from speaking in public. They're banned from singing, reading, reciting poetry, or even laughing outside their homes.
What do the recent crackdowns mean for Afghan women -- and what can the international community do to stop it?
9/27/2024 • 48 minutes, 37 seconds
The Jackpod: The most dangerous blot
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the constitutional procedure that calls for the House of Representatives’ congressional delegations to determine the winner of the presidential election in the event of a tie in the electoral college.
9/26/2024 • 33 minutes, 32 seconds
What’s fueling America’s Zyn obsession?
Zyn nicotine pouches have exploded in popularity, generating millions of dollars for tobacco giants — and a new subculture on the internet, or “Zynternet.”
Zyn has even found its way into national politics. What's behind the rise of Zyn?
9/26/2024 • 48 minutes, 13 seconds
Long-range weapons could help Ukraine. But at what cost?
Ukraine wants to use western long-range weapons to strike targets inside of Russia. Vladimir Putin says if President Biden approves such use of western weapons, it will mean massive war.
Could a decision to help Ukraine win its war spark a larger geopolitical catastrophe?
9/25/2024 • 51 minutes, 45 seconds
How periods unlock health secrets beyond the female reproductive system
Menstruation is a definitive experience of a woman's life, and an indicator of her health. So why has period blood or menstrual fluid been largely under-researched?
9/24/2024 • 46 minutes, 30 seconds
How Russia is trying to influence the 2024 election
Russia’s efforts to influence American voters in this year’s elections are getting more advanced. They’ve even used American media personalities to try to sow division. How can we protect election integrity?
9/23/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
What does one owe their country? A family's 'reckoning on China'
In a new memoir, New York Times correspondent Edward Wong retraces the complicated story of his father’s life as a zealous young Communist in China to an immigrant in America. What does it mean to love country over party?
9/20/2024 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
The Jackpod: That’s entertainment?
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the entertainment value of conspiracy theories as a source of their appeal.
9/19/2024 • 42 minutes, 6 seconds
Why young men are attracted to Donald Trump's MAGA movement
The gender divide among Gen Z voters is deeper than any other generation. Young women are drawn to progressive politics. Young men are drawn to Trump. But why?
9/19/2024 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Should the government give first-time homebuyers $25,000?
Vice President Harris proposes giving a $25,000 grant to first-time homebuyers to help solve America’s housing crisis. Many are skeptical.
But Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has championed a similar program in his state.
9/18/2024 • 47 minutes
Part II: Why is America's birthrate declining?
Becoming a parent was once a social norm. But today, more Americans than ever are ambivalent about having children. What could create a renewed sense of meaning in parenting?
9/17/2024 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Part I: Why is America's birthrate declining?
Hear On Point's mini-series on the declining birth rate in the United States.
We're not looking at economics, or education, but another aspect of parenthood highlighted and debated in two new books.
Do children bring a unique sense of meaning to life?
9/16/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
A scientist's search for the origins of COVID
In 2020, Alina Chan called for the scientific community to not abandon a potential lab leak origin of SARS-CoV-2. She was called a conspiracy theorist and a race traitor. Her story and the search for the origins of COVID, four years later.
9/13/2024 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
The Jackpod: Unanswered questions
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty imagines a presidential debate in which Vice President Kamala Harris candidly answers the questions of undecided voters.
9/13/2024 • 36 minutes, 38 seconds
Rebroadcast: Can 'colorblindness' lead to equality in America?
In his new book "The End of Race Politics," Coleman Hughes argues that closing racial divides in America means building a color-blind society. Coleman Hughes joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Is Mexico's judicial reform a good or bad idea?
Mexico will soon become the world's first country to elect every single one of its judges, even on the Mexican supreme court. Will it combat corruption or is it a political power grab?
9/11/2024 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
Can we save the quietest places in the world?
Our planet’s rich nature sounds are disappearing, drowned out by human-made noise. Sound recordist Matt Mikkelsen travels the world, listening to and working to preserve our vanishing soundscapes.
9/10/2024 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Is extreme heat an extreme disaster?
Phoenix, Arizona has crossed a troubling milestone. More than one hundred days of temperatures over 100 degrees. Across the country, extreme heat kills more Americans than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined. So why don’t we label is a disaster?
9/9/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
An economist's vision of economic growth -- with less destruction
The world’s focus on growth - also known as GDP - has led to higher living standards, longer life and more jobs. But it has also destroyed the climate and created mass inequality.
Economist Daniel Susskind argues that what we need isn’t less growth, but less destructive growth. Is that possible?
9/6/2024 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
The Jackpod: Hold the joy
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty finds contemporary resonances in the new book by British historian Richard J. Evans, “Hitler’s People: The Faces of the Third Reich.”
9/6/2024 • 35 minutes, 10 seconds
Killing barred owls to save northern spotted owls: Rethinking American wildlife conservation
The Barred Owl is considered “invasive” in the Pacific Northwest and it’s pushing the Northern Spotted Owl to extinction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a plan -- kill nearly half a million Barred Owls over the next 30 years.
9/5/2024 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Colleges are using AI in admissions. How can they do it right?
Some colleges receive tens of thousands of applications every year. Admissions officers are turning to Artificial Intelligence to help with the screening. What that could mean for who gets into college and how.
9/4/2024 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
The ‘money ladies’ answer your economic questions
On Point’s “money ladies,” Michelle Singletary and Rana Foroohar, are back to answer your questions about housing, inflation, the lingering impact of COVID and more.
9/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Rebroadcast: Is the rise of AI the best argument for universal basic income?
Some estimates say artificial intelligence could replace hundreds of millions of jobs in the not-too-distant future. Why the rapid advances in AI may be the best argument yet for universal basic income.
9/2/2024 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
The goal: Can the U.S. actually meet its ambitious climate targets?
Rebroadcast: The United States has set ambitious goals to transition to clean energy. We’ll need more mining to do it. But given the environmental, political, and human costs of accelerating mineral mining, can the United States meet its climate targets?
8/30/2024 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
The Jackpod: The gates of hell
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the potency of humiliation in politics today.
8/30/2024 • 36 minutes, 34 seconds
The promise of nickel: Power and prosperity in Indonesia
Rebroadcast: To electrify our economy, the world needs more nickel. Indonesia has plenty and hopes it can pave the road to prosperity. How the rush for metals is shaking up global geopolitics.
8/29/2024 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
The human cost of cobalt: Modern slavery in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rebroadcast: Most of the world’s cobalt is extracted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But to get it, hundreds of thousands of Congolese people labor with no other means to survive. On episode three of On Point’s special series -- cobalt and the human cost of mining.
8/28/2024 • 46 minutes, 51 seconds
The copper tradeoff: Protecting today's lands versus preserving tomorrow's climate
Rebroadcast: Copper is key to our green energy future, but copper extraction is deeply harmful to the environment now. Episode two of On Point’s special series “Elements of energy” explores how to resolve that contradiction.
8/27/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
The lithium boom: What's holding back a lithium rush in the U.S.?
Rebroadcast: The U.S. sits on some of the largest lithium reserves in the world. It’s a key element for clean energy. The first episode of On Point’s weeklong exploration “Elements of energy” takes us inside America’s push for a lithium boom.
8/26/2024 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The Jackpod: Not going back
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the meaning of Kamala Harris’ rallying cry at the Democratic National Convention and four themes he observed.
8/24/2024 • 36 minutes, 47 seconds
Kamala Harris makes her case to voters
Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. The first Black woman to do so. Thursday night she gave the biggest speech of her life. How did she do?
8/23/2024 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
Can the Democrats win over voters in 2024?
Democrats have a 2024 policy platform, covering topics like the economy and immigration. But they wrote it when Joe Biden was the nominee. What do the Democrats stand for with Kamala Harris out front?
8/22/2024 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Midwestern identity on the 2024 campaign trail
VP candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz hail from Midwestern states. Both use that identity to try and appeal to voters. Who will Midwesterners decide has it right?
8/21/2024 • 46 minutes, 51 seconds
The struggle for LGBTQ inclusion in major sports
Last week, Boston Red Sox player Jarren Duran was suspended for two games after responding to a heckling fan with a homophobic slur.
Men’s pro sports have a rocky history with LGBTQ issues, and although teams are trying, some question whether it’s enough.
8/20/2024 • 46 minutes, 55 seconds
The results are in on America's largest universal income experiment
For three years, hundreds of people in Texas and Illinois received payments of $1,000 a month, no strings attached. It was the biggest study of its kind. And after eight years of research – the results are in. What did we learn?
8/19/2024 • 46 minutes, 46 seconds
Should we rethink how we talk about the American economy?
The topline numbers about the U.S. economy don’t seem to match what millions of Americans are feeling. Which information is right?
8/19/2024 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
The Jackpod: Even ‘and’ and ‘the’
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on Donald Trump’s propensity for lies and falsehoods, and their connection to the power he has over his followers.
8/17/2024 • 44 minutes, 49 seconds
Is this ancient process the future of plastics recycling?
On Point and ProPublica are launching a new collaboration, bringing you monthly special episodes that combine ProPublica’s groundbreaking investigative reporting with On Point’s incisive analysis.
In the first episode: The world is awash in plastic waste. Oil companies claim to have a solution, an advanced form of chemical recycling. But can it deliver on its promise?
8/16/2024 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
The unexpected cause of increased marine mammal interactions
Disabled and sunk ships. Frightened sailors. Not because of sharks – but because of whales and orca. Scientists seeing an increase in unexpected large marine mammal interactions. Why?
8/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Will “surveillance pricing” help or harm consumers?
Companies track your data online. So it's no surprise that they know a lot about your habits and preferences. Now, they're trying to use that data to offer different prices to different customers, for the same items.
8/14/2024 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
What went wrong within the Secret Service
It's been a month since the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The Secret Service is finally, publicly accepting responsibility. But what decisions and lack of resources led to the failure?
8/13/2024 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Rebroadcast: Your brain on menopause
Hot flashes. Brain fog. Sleep problems. Millions of women go through menopause each year. But what’s happening in the brain during this life transition? Lisa Mosconi joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
The Jackpod without Jack: Please be kind
Meghna Chakrabarti and On Point senior editor Dorey Scheimer do their best knowing even together, they are not one Jack Beatty. They take your messages and questions about President Biden's decision to drop out and the new state of the 2024 presidential race.
8/11/2024 • 24 minutes, 48 seconds
The antitrust case that could change how we use the internet
This week, a federal judge issued a ruling that could shake up how we use the internet. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google has illegally used its dominance to stifle competition and quash innovation.
Back in October, we undertook a detailed examination of the case, known as U.S. v. Google, with Tim Wu, an expert on monopolies.
8/11/2024 • 48 minutes, 43 seconds
How the culture wars poisoned American politics -- and how to fix it
More than 30 years ago, sociologist James Davison Hunter coined the term "culture wars." Since then, those wars have poisoned American politics.
Today, Hunter says cultural resources that create a sense of national solidarity could end America's culture wars. But what exactly are cultural resources? And can they be renewed?
8/9/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Inside the wrongful conviction of Ben Spencer
No witnesses. No physical evidence. An ironclad alibi. Nevertheless, a Texas jury sentenced Ben Spencer to life in prison for a murder he didn't commit. Journalist and author Barbara Bradley Hagerty shares what it took to set Spencer free.
8/8/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
The ongoing saga of the Kids Online Safety Act
The last time Congress passed a law to protect children on the internet was 26 years ago. That’s before Facebook or the iPhone was even created. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree regulation is long overdue. It’s the 'how' that’s the question.
8/7/2024 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
When should someone walk away from family?
More than a quarter of young Americans have cut ties with one of their parents. Sometimes on the advice of therapists, who say families are traumatizing. But some families say they’re the ones being traumatized. We discuss the debate over family estrangement.
8/6/2024 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Could ‘boommates’ help ease the housing crisis?
High housing costs are pushing more Americans to find roommates, including baby boomers and empty nesters. We take a look at the growing trend of intergenerational living.
8/5/2024 • 46 minutes, 39 seconds
The solution to anti-tourism: Don't travel less, travel better
Anti-tourism protests spread around the world this summer. Some cities are charging tourist entry fees, banning cruise ships or imposing fines for bad behavior. Some say the solution to the world’s growing wanderlust isn‘t for people to travel less but to travel better.
8/2/2024 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
JD Vance and the rise of the 'New Right'
Techno libertarians, white nationalists and JD Vance are all linked to a movement known as the 'New Right.' What is this movement and how has it influenced the Republican candidate for vice president?
8/1/2024 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
Kamala Harris re-introduces herself to the American people
Kamala Harris is making her prosecutorial experience center stage in her presidential bid against Donald Trump. What Harris’s record tells us about who she is, what she believes, and how she might govern if elected.
7/31/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Anne Applebaum on the new axis of autocrats
Today’s autocratic rulers don’t share a specific ideology. But they do share a thirst for power.
In her latest book, Autocracy, Inc., Anne Applebaum says the new twist is that those autocrats now work together to keep that grip on power.
7/30/2024 • 46 minutes, 39 seconds
Week of wonder: Author Amy Tan's 'backyard bird chronicles'
Celebrated author Amy Tan doesn’t just write best-selling novels. She’s a passionate birder, too. Her book 'Backyard Bird Chronicles' describes the transformative experience of birding in her own backyard.
7/29/2024 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
The Jackpod: Lame ducks
With nearly three quarters of Israelis wanting Benjamin Netanyahu out of office, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty says the Israeli prime minister is on borrowed political time. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden is out of political time after dropping out of the 2024 race.
7/27/2024 • 43 minutes, 11 seconds
Week of wonder: The surprising gift of being unsure
No matter how much order, sense, or predictability we try to bring to our lives, uncertainty and the anxiety it can create are always there. But new thinking on uncertainty shows us how it can be a good thing.
7/26/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Week of wonder: 'Are we alone?'
Is the government covering up what it knows about UFOs, now called Unexplained Aerial Phenomena? We dive into 75 years of UFO history and the beginnings of government mistrust.
7/25/2024 • 46 minutes, 56 seconds
Week of wonder: Returning to the wild
In places where human beings have done everything they can to pave and plow over nature, what might happen if we just left those places alone?
7/24/2024 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Week of wonder: The Great Salt Lake is drying up. Can it be saved?
Utah’s Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. Since the 1980s, the lake has shrunk by two-thirds, and is projected to disappear entirely in the next five years. If it does, it will lead to massive environmental, economic and public health issues.
7/23/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
What Trump's acceptance speech says about Trump
After surviving an attempted assassination, Donald Trump promised he would seek unity as he accepted the GOP’s nomination. We take a look at what Trump said, and whether or not that message was embraced by delegates, Republican party leaders, and Trump's base nationwide.
7/22/2024 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
The Jackpod: The best of times, the worst of times
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has a tale of two parties: “Republicans united in the shimmer of victory, Democrats divided in the shadow of defeat.”
7/20/2024 • 41 minutes, 28 seconds
How Trump's values became the Republican party platform
Donald Trump has transformed Republican politics, and Republican policy, as reflected in the GOP's newest platform.
Analysts say it echoes the language of its presidential candidate, instead of previously held Republican views, on a range of issues from the economy to abortion.
7/19/2024 • 47 minutes, 40 seconds
The marvelous and misunderstood world of sharks
Sharks are full of secrets, despite being some of the oldest creatures on the planet. Marine biologist Jasmin Graham has spent a decade studying them — and trying to bring more women of color like her into the field.
7/18/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
'You have to listen to people': Dr. Anthony Fauci's lessons from a life in public health
Dr. Anthony Fauci was the government’s top infectious disease official during the COVID-19 pandemic. What has his career in public service taught him?
7/17/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
Can America step back from violent political rhetoric?
An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump two days before the Republican National Convention. Politicians across the board are condemning political violence and violent rhetoric. Can we turn away from both?
7/16/2024 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
What the end of the Chevron deference means for regulatory power
For 40 years, federal judges deferred to the expertise of government agencies to interpret ambiguous language in laws. But after a recent Supreme Court decision, that power now lies in the hands of the judiciary.
7/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
The Jackpod: From June 6, 1944 to January 6, 2021 -- How did America get here?
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty traces how the politics of revenge triumphed over the politics of remedy in the years between D-Day and the attack on the U.S. Congress. This special episode was recorded in front of a live audience at WBUR CitySpace.
7/13/2024 • 50 minutes, 56 seconds
Rebroadcast: Trump’s 2025 authoritarian playbook and what it means for democracy
Donald Trump has openly admired authoritarians around the world. Now he’s pledging to rule like one. An examination of the promises, powers and plans of a second Trump presidency.
7/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
The leaders behind the fall of Boeing
Boeing has pled guilty to federal charges related to two deadly 737 MAX crashes. What went wrong in the Boeing C-suite?
7/11/2024 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
An anthropologist lived amongst migrant smugglers. What did he learn?
Jason De León spent nearly seven years embedded with a group of smugglers moving migrants across Mexico. How that experience changed his perspective on the smugglers’ world.
7/10/2024 • 47 minutes, 5 seconds
Rebroadcast: Why are cancer rates rising among young people?
There's a troubling trend in medicine -- increasing cancer diagnoses in people younger than 50. But why? Dr. Kimmie Ng and Dr. Tim Rebbeck join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/9/2024 • 46 minutes, 11 seconds
Rebroadcast: Fraud and forgery in the world of fine art
The world of fine art is full of multimillion dollar one-of-a-kinds and breathtaking masterpieces. But it’s also rife with fraudsters and forgers. When fakes demand a fortune, what does that say about the intrinsic value of art?
7/8/2024 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
The Jackpod: Naked to mine enemies
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty Joe Biden’s display of frailty in his old age at the CNN debate and what that could mean for his campaign for a second term in the Oval Office.
7/6/2024 • 43 minutes, 12 seconds
Rebroadcast: 'Recoding America' author Jennifer Pahlka on how we can reshape our government to work for us
State and federal government is so focused on policymaking that it often fails to provide the services its laws intend. In her new book “Recoding America,” author Jennifer Pahlka outlines why the government doesn’t work and how to fix it.
7/5/2024 • 47 minutes, 46 seconds
When ransomware hijacks your health care
Ransomware hackers are attacking health care systems in the U.S. and around the world. Why are health care networks so vulnerable?
7/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
‘Grievance games’: Can sports still bring people together?
Washington Post sports columnist Jerry Brewer used to have no doubt about the unifying power of sports. But in recent years, Brewer says that Americans are bringing political divisions to the games.
7/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
What it took to reopen one of the nation’s busiest ports
78 days after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after it was struck by a cargo ship, the Port of Baltimore is back in business. The cleanup involved more than 2,000 people, 18 barges, 13 floating cranes, 10 excavators and 22 tugboats.
7/2/2024 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Families navigate decisions about care for transgender and gender-questioning children
In May, On Point featured the first U.S. broadcast interview of Dr. Hilary Cass.
The UK-based pediatrician had just completed the world’s largest systematic review of medicalized care for gender-questioning youth.
On Point senior editor Dorey Scheimer speaks with parents about how they navigate decisions about care for their transgender and gender-questioning children, and the challenges they face.
7/1/2024 • 49 minutes, 28 seconds
The 'Pod Save America' guide to saving democracy
Post-presidential debate, the hosts of the 'Pod Save America' share debate analysis informed by their own White House and political campaign experience.
Plus, their guide to saving democracy ahead of the 2024 election.
6/28/2024 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Russia and North Korea cement closer ties
Russia and North Korea have signed a new deal that brings the two countries closer together than they’ve been since the Cold War. What does this agreement mean for the U.S. -- and the world?
6/27/2024 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Has drug development in transplantation been stymied?
Organ transplant patients are concerned the drugs they take to survive can cause other health problems like cancer and diabetes, and yet the medications haven’t improved in decades. Why has drug development in transplantation been stalled?
6/26/2024 • 46 minutes, 39 seconds
Presidential immunity, abortion, guns: The impact of this year's Supreme Court’s decisions
In the coming days the Supreme Court is set to issue historic decisions on the power of federal agencies, January 6th prosecutions, and presidential immunity. What will the Supreme Court’s decisions mean for America?
6/25/2024 • 46 minutes, 50 seconds
How the IRS went soft on the ultrawealthy and corporations
A former IRS agent says the agency gives a pass to corporate tax cheats and the super-rich when investigating possible tax crimes.
6/24/2024 • 46 minutes, 47 seconds
Have female presidents in Latin America improved women’s lives?
Mexico just elected its first female president. Many hope Claudia Scheinbaum will improve the lives of millions of Mexican women. An assessment of female leaders and their impact on women's lives across Latin America.
6/21/2024 • 47 minutes, 36 seconds
The Jackpod: Joe Bader Biden?
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty recalls past presidents who have not been transparent about their health, which leads to a question he hopes moderators will ask President Biden at the upcoming CNN debate.
6/21/2024 • 35 minutes, 9 seconds
What needs to change about U.S. asylum laws?
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently said that some migrants “do try to game” the U.S. asylum system. What's the evidence for that and, if true, what needs to change to stop it?
6/20/2024 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Rebroadcast: Half a century of Black TV
From Roots to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Abbott Elementary, Bethonie Butler’s new book "Black TV" shows how TV series centered on Black characters have evolved over the past 50 years.
6/19/2024 • 46 minutes, 58 seconds
Democracy, resilience and India’s elections
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi predicted his BJP party would win a commanding victory in recent elections. But India's 969 million voters had something entirely different in mind.
6/18/2024 • 46 minutes, 37 seconds
How the far-right gained traction in this year's EU elections
In this year’s European Union elections, far-right parties made gains across many of the EU’s 27 countries, including in France, Germany and Italy. What’s driving this?
6/17/2024 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
George Stephanopoulos takes us inside the White House Situation Room
George Stephanopoulos, host of ABC’s “This Week,” and co-host of “Good Morning America," speaks with Meghna Chakrabarti live at WBUR's CitySpace about his new book “The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents In Crisis." Plus, what he's learned from interviewing Donald Trump.
6/15/2024 • 28 minutes, 36 seconds
Rebroadcast: Why the past 75 years of human history have been 'an anomaly'
With two wars raging and dynastic power on the rise around the world, the post-1945 world order feels like it’s being tested like never before. British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore says its’s more like a return to normality.
6/14/2024 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
The Jackpod: A prince of our disorder
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has been reading "The Age of Grievance" by New York Times columnist Frank Bruni. He outlines the ubiquity of grievance in the U.S., and how Donald Trump has captured this to his advantage.
6/13/2024 • 37 minutes, 8 seconds
How Black Chicago has shaped American pop culture
From "Soul Train" and the "Oprah Winfrey Show" to the blues and Afro Sheen, for decades, Black Chicagoans have shaped culture in the U.S. and across the world.
6/13/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
What science tells us about why we dream
Humans have long been fascinated by of dreams, but what has science learned about them? Neuroscientist Dr. Rahul Jandial says dreams benefit us -- from helping regulate emotions, to processing trauma.
6/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Why the U.S. needs a reckoning on lockdowns before the next pandemic
The COVID pandemic lockdowns. It was an approach endorsed by many public health experts. But could there have been a better way?
6/11/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
What happened to Etsy?
Etsy used to be the place to shop for quirky, handmade items from independent crafters all over the world. Now, it’s flooded with mass-produced products. What happened to Etsy?
6/10/2024 • 47 minutes, 42 seconds
The rise of laser warfare
In April, the U.S. military deployed a pair of high energy lasers to combat enemy drones. Now that the once-imagined weaponry of science fiction is reality, how will it impact the future of warfare?
6/7/2024 • 46 minutes, 18 seconds
The Jackpod: NBC poll -- Biden leads Trump 70 to 21
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks into a correlation between news awareness and political leanings, and how that has inspired a controversial theory about democratic citizenship.
6/7/2024 • 40 minutes, 40 seconds
Inside China's citizen spy network
In China, Big Brother is most definitely watching. Estimates show up to 16 million Chinese citizens -- from university students to taxi drivers -- are political informants for the government.
6/6/2024 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
'We are underreacting to how serious this moment is'
Many Republicans in Congress are dodging the question of whether they’ll accept this year’s election results. What’s at stake in 2024 if only one party will accept defeat?
6/5/2024 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
How women became America's safety net
Other countries have social safety nets. The U.S. has women. In the new book "Holding it Together: How Women Became America's Safety Net," sociologist Jessica Calarco says it’s time that changed.
6/4/2024 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
The power of solitude
Being alone often gets a bad rap. But research shows alone time can actually boost overall well-being, increasing our emotional regulation, contentment and creativity.
6/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
How Democrats can win back the working class
Democrats are losing working-class voters at an alarming rate, despite the popularity of President Biden’s policies. A roundtable of working-class voters share what Democrats can do to win them back.
5/31/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The Jackpod: Stop it now, Joe
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty lays out the ways that President Biden’s Gaza policy has been, what New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof calls, “a moral, practical and political failure.”
5/31/2024 • 38 minutes, 47 seconds
Big changes and big problems at the U.S. Postal Service
Missing packages. Undelivered letters. If you've been having problems with your mail lately, you're not alone. The USPS is rolling out big changes across the country, from Richmond, Virginia to Santa Clara, California.
5/30/2024 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
A post-mortem on Oregon’s drug decriminalization efforts
Oregon made history in 2020 when it became the first state in the nation to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth. But last month – the state repealed it. What happened?
5/29/2024 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Why the ancient philosophy of stoicism is having a modern revival
The Greco-Roman philosophy of stoicism is having a moment. Through wisdom, temperance, courage and justice you can create a virtuous, well-lived life. But have modern day stoics got it right?
5/28/2024 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Rebroadcast: U.S. military barracks are in shambles. Will the government take action?
A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office reveals poor living conditions inside military barracks – from mold and exposed sewage, to broken windows, nonexistent HVAC systems and more.
5/27/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Puerto Rico's big political shakeup
Puerto Rico is in the middle of a major gubernatorial race. As a new political party appeals to younger voters -- who've only experienced years of corruption, poverty and financial crisis -- who wins could have a big effect on the territory.
5/24/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
The Jackpod: Question time
With the first presidential debate less than six weeks away, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty explores some approaches to interviewing a candidate like Donald Trump.
5/24/2024 • 36 minutes, 43 seconds
The splintering of the United Methodist Church
Once the second largest protestant denomination in America, the United Methodist Church lost about a quarter of its members over issues of sexuality. Now, the church is overturning its prohibition on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage.
5/23/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
Glenn Loury's 'confessions of a Black conservative'
Glenn Loury is a renowned Black economist and conservative social critic. In his new memoir, he details his struggles, from adultery to addiction, all while a professor at Harvard.
5/22/2024 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
How AI is polluting our culture
Our online feeds are already full of artificially-generated sludge. It’s tainting our discourse, our culture and the quality of information. One neuroscientist argues all of this AI junk threatens our very humanity.
5/21/2024 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
How artificial intelligence can help American workers
Labor economist David Autor’s research shows how historically, technological advances hurt the incomes of middle- and working-class Americans. But when it comes to AI, Autor says the exact opposite could happen.
5/20/2024 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Breaking down the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar
Two of rap’s biggest stars are feuding. Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been lobbing diss tracks back and forth for weeks. What does this say about modern hip-hop culture?
5/17/2024 • 46 minutes, 52 seconds
The Jackpod: The invisible new deal
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks into why President Biden’s initiatives to boost the economy, with legislation such as the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, are not recognized by many voters.
5/17/2024 • 29 minutes, 6 seconds
Abortion, border control, a test of Trumpism: Inside the Arizona Senate race
A lot is at stake in Arizona’s senate race. It could determine control of the Senate -- and the outcome of the presidential election.
5/16/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Does the U.S. need new nuclear weapons?
The U.S. is building new nuclear weapons, including a massive missile called the Sentinel. They're up to 20 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
5/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
What neuroscience tells us about spiritual experiences
Rebroadcast: What happens in the brain when you pray or meditate? Neurotheology explores the connection between our synapses and spiritual revelations.
5/14/2024 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Can Caitlin Clark mark a turning point for the WNBA?
The NCAA’s all-time scoring leader Caitlin Clark begins her WNBA career on Tuesday. Caitlin Clark helped elevate the game of basketball to new heights at the college level. What impact will she have in the pros?
5/13/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
The unregulated boom in the 'buy now, pay later' market
'Buy now, pay later' loans for just about everything are growing. But there’s barely any data or regulation on this emerging market. Are consumers being helped or hurt by this new lending option?
5/10/2024 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
The Jackpod: The one apple tasted
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the rise of illiberalism in the U.S. today and its historic entwinement with liberalism in America.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/10/2024 • 31 minutes, 19 seconds
Palestinian civilians on their daily fight for survival
Some Palestinians have been able to flee Gaza. But millions are still there as the Israeli military moves on Rafah, and there’s still no agreement to pause the war.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/9/2024 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
'The evidence was disappointingly poor': The full interview with Dr. Hilary Cass
British pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass led a highly anticipated independent scientific review of gender health services for children in England, commissioned by the National Health Service.
Now popularly known as the 'Cass Review,' it concludes for most young people, "a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress.” She gave On Point her first broadcast interview in the U.S.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/8/2024 • 57 minutes, 53 seconds
'Cass Review' author: More 'caution' advised for gender-affirming care for youth
A groundbreaking review out of the UK finds “poor” or “low quality” evidence for using puberty blockers and hormones to help gender-distressed young people. Dr. Hilary Cass, who led that review, gives her first U.S. broadcast interview to On Point.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/8/2024 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Rethinking how dyslexia is diagnosed
Dyslexia affects one in every 5 Americans. But only 2 million are diagnosed and receive the help they need. Why?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/7/2024 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
The story behind 2022's secret Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations
The Russia-Ukraine war has lasted over two years. But just weeks after Russia's 2022 invasion, both sides came close to a settlement that could have ended the war and saved thousands of lives. What happened?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/6/2024 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
'A most tolerant little town': The forgotten story of desegregation in Clinton, Tennessee
Rebroadcast: In 1956, a federal judge ordered the town of Clinton, Tennessee to desegregate its high school. The unrest that followed tore the town apart.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The Jackpod: The red hat
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the power of the MAGA red hat to forge an identity and spread a political message around the world.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/3/2024 • 28 minutes, 43 seconds
Is the U.S. a democracy?
For decades some conservative scholars and politicians have asserted the United States is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. So which one is it?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Author Amy Tan's 'backyard bird chronicles'
Celebrated author Amy Tan doesn’t just write best-selling novels. She’s a passionate birder, too. Her new book on birding describes the wonder she sees looking out her window.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
5/1/2024 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Roundtable: What do ordinary Israelis want from their leaders?
More than six months since the Hamas attack on Israel, dozens of Israelis are still held hostage, over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and there’s no peace in sight. Israelis on the future of Israel.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/30/2024 • 46 minutes, 54 seconds
Underground addiction care in Mexico — and its spread to the U.S.
Across Mexico, thousands of illegal rehab centers treat patients with drug addiction, often holding them against their will. Now, these "anexos" -- informal, underground treatment facilities -- are here in the United States.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/29/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Should the U.S. ban menthol cigarettes?
More than 80% of Black smokers smoke menthol cigarettes. The FDA is now pushing to ban the products, saying it will prevent death and disease.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/26/2024 • 46 minutes, 43 seconds
The Jackpod: The company they keep
On Point new analyst Jack Beatty argues that Democrats are losing touch with working class voters. What could they do to change that?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/26/2024 • 28 minutes, 12 seconds
How Dallas tackled violent crime
The city of Dallas reduced its overall violent crime by 30% compared to this time last year. Its mayor and police chief credit the so-called “hot spot policing.”
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/25/2024 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
Justice Breyer's ear notch test for our constitution
Textualism, which sees a legal system's original structure as immortal, is the dominating philosophy on the court today. But retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer argues pragmatism, which considers consequences of legal decisions, is the better mindset.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/24/2024 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
India’s high-stakes election
Elections in the world’s largest democracy are underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s power is ascendant.
But, like in other global democracies, so are concerns about religious nationalism and democratic decline.
Ashutosh Varshney and Vivan Marwaha join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/23/2024 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
How to move from languishing to flourishing
Languishing. That feeling of a lack of motivation or direction. Most people feel a sense of languishing at some point in their lives. So how do we move from languishing to flourishing? Sociologist Corey Keyes has spent his career trying to find the answer.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/22/2024 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
A roadmap to better health for women
Physician Dr. Sharon Malone is on a mission to help women better manage their health in the American health care system. Her No. 1 tip from her book 'Grown Woman Talk' -- Be your best advocate.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/19/2024 • 46 minutes, 34 seconds
The Jackpod: The haunting relevance of D-Day
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty recalls a 1984 speech by President Reagan outlining the importance of allies and collective security.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/19/2024 • 32 minutes, 5 seconds
Your data, the U.S. government and the 'new American surveillance state'
Your exact location, what apps you use, the last thing you bought online. Your data is for sale – and the U.S. government is buying it. Byron Tau joins Deborah Becker.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/18/2024 • 46 minutes, 53 seconds
The ethical dilemma of involuntary mental health treatment
Several states have changed policy in recent years to make involuntary commitment easier for people with severe mental illnesses. But forced treatment still raises civil rights questions, with some saying it can harm patients.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/17/2024 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
Battleground: How the outcome of the Ohio Senate race affects us all
The 2024 Ohio senate contest could determine the balance of power in of the U.S. senate. What’s at stake in Ohio?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/16/2024 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
How the 2024 U.S. presidential election could be stolen
There are several perfectly legal ways to steal a U.S. presidential election, according to election law expert Lawrence Lessig. Lessig says the U.S.’s election and legal systems are vulnerable – and need immediate correction.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
The Jackpod: How it looks to a Republican
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty reviews the evidence that former President Donald Trump’s multiple criminal prosecutions are politically motivated.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/12/2024 • 33 minutes, 25 seconds
The high cost of the youth sports arms race
Youth sports are supposed to be about fun and team spirit. But now, kids are training year-round and joining expensive travel leagues earlier. It’s costing families, and kids too.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Rebroadcast: The little-known virus behind a majority of nongenetic birth defects
One virus causes more birth defects in American babies than any other nongenetic disease – but most don’t know it exists. We hear a mother’s journey to understand her daughter’s diagnosis of congenital CMV.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/11/2024 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Democrats consider changing course on Israel support
President Biden told Israel the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable and an immediate ceasefire is essential. Meanwhile, U.S. weaponry continues to flow to Israel. Could Biden back up his tough talk and curtail military aid?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/10/2024 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
China’s divided memory of the Cultural Revolution
"3 Body Problem," a Netflix adaptation of the Chinese sci-fi novel by the same name, is causing controversy in China for its depiction of the Cultural Revolution. How do the Chinese people see this crucial period of their history?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/9/2024 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
How to become a 'supercommunicator'
As humans, we have conversations all the time. But research shows we actually aren’t very good at communicating. Journalist Charles Duhigg shows us not only how to become a communicator -- but a 'supercommunicator.'
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/8/2024 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Whistleblowers, an executive shakeup, and the future of Boeing
Last month Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead - an apparent suicide. He’d spent the last 7 years speaking out about Boeing’s declining safety and quality.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/5/2024 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
The Jackpod: How to steal an election
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells Meghna what he expects to see outside and inside polling stations in November 2024
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/5/2024 • 28 minutes, 53 seconds
What defines Latino identity in the U.S.?
64 million Latinos live in the U.S. It’s a population bigger than any Spanish-speaking country in the world except Mexico. What defines American-Latino identity?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/4/2024 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
'Pig-butchering': The online scam that's raked in $75 billion and counting
The pig-butchering scam. It's a criminal industry that targets the vulnerable, engages in human trafficking, and exploits weaknesses in digital currency. How does it work?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Sports betting is booming, but at what cost?
Sportsbooks are everywhere. Sports betting has changed how fans engage with games and generated $5 billion in taxes. But the industry is also fueling scandals and concerns over addiction.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/2/2024 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
Could holding parents criminally responsible curb the country’s gun violence epidemic?
Jennifer and James Crumbley were found guilty of manslaughter for a mass school shooting carried out by their son. Could parental accountability curb the U.S. gun violence epidemic? What else could parents be liable for?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
4/1/2024 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
From the archive and in the news: How to cut through the 'noise' that hinders human judgement
Nobel prize-winning economist and psychologist Daniel Kahneman has died at the age of 90.
In June 2021, we spoke with Kahneman, and his co-author Olivier Sibony, about their book, ‘Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement.'
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/30/2024 • 48 minutes, 47 seconds
The Jackpod: Missing misery
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks at what’s counted in official U.S. inflation numbers and finds that the cost of money is not factored into the cost of living.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/29/2024 • 26 minutes, 42 seconds
Has the United States lost its 'can-do' attitude?
Author Philip K. Howard says Americans are in a crisis of human disempowerment. But he says re-empowerment is possible, and that could lead to a national flourishing.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/29/2024 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
This attorney's ideas could change how you buy and sell your home
The National Association of Realtors agreed to pay a $418 million settlement and change the way members charge commission. A federal jury ruled last year that the NAR conspired to inflate housing market costs. What could that mean for the way homes are bought and sold in the U.S.?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/28/2024 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
'Battle for your brain': What the rise of brain-computer interface technology means for you
Rebroadcast: The future is closer than it appears. Sensors that can read your brain waves – and sell your data – are hitting the market, and experts say it’s time to establish rules of the road.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/27/2024 • 46 minutes, 1 second
Reproductive health under a second Trump term
Trump's allies are hoping another Trump victory will limit access to abortions, contraceptives, IVF, even recreational sex. But they aren't just hoping, they have detailed plans on how to do it.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/26/2024 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Inside the 'no social media' movement
Should kids be allowed on social media? A growing number of families are saying "no" to social media at all. Felicia Hernandez, Katie Longhauser and Evan Greer join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/25/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
The Jackpod: What leopard?
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty watches a Donald Trump campaign rally with a famous Franz Kafka quote about the normalization of the abnormal in mind.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/23/2024 • 34 minutes, 50 seconds
The Jackpod is delayed
Due to technical difficulties, the Jackpod will be posted later than usual. Check back later for this week's episode.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/22/2024 • 1 minute, 50 seconds
Should the U.S. ban TikTok?
The House passed a bill that could force the sale of TikTok, or ban the app altogether. But is targeting a single social media platform the best way to protect Americans from espionage and covert influence campaigns? Jake Auchincloss, Emily Baker-White and Jim Lewis join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/22/2024 • 46 minutes, 57 seconds
How disinformation 'sabotages America'
Former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade says disinformation is seeping into every aspect of our political and social lives. How can we stop it?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/21/2024 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Finance companies have a new customer: The wrongfully convicted
Exonerees are turning to the private sector to provide them with urgently needed cash. But with interest rates so high, it could end up being a new form of confinement.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/20/2024 • 46 minutes, 53 seconds
Could ranked-choice voting take the poison out of politics?
Alaska and Maine use ranked choice voting in elections. Four other states could soon join them. We learn why more states are considering ranked-choice voting.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/19/2024 • 46 minutes, 55 seconds
The hidden value of herbariums
Duke University recently announced plans to close and re-home its century-old herbarium. But with climate change and a looming biodiversity crisis, scientists say these preserved collections of old plants are more important than ever.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/18/2024 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
On Point presents 'Beyond All Repair,' a new podcast from WBUR
Listen: The first chapter of Endless Thread’s podcast Beyond All Repair.
Host Amory Sivertson first met Shane Correia in 2017 while interviewing him about his experience with homelessness for WBUR’s Endless Thread.
But there is another dark chapter in Shane's life: his older sister being accused of murdering her mother-in-law in 2002, when he was 13 years old. Now Shane wants to know, did his sister commit this brutal crime?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/16/2024 • 26 minutes, 23 seconds
The Jackpod: The Xanadu Effect
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how presidents lose touch with reality.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/15/2024 • 33 minutes, 40 seconds
The goal: Can the U.S. actually meet its ambitious climate targets?
Given the environmental, political, and human costs of accelerating mineral mining, can the United States reach its clean energy goals? It's the final episode of our special series "Elements of energy."
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
The promise of nickel: Power and prosperity in Indonesia
To electrify our economy, the world needs more nickel. And Indonesia has it. Can nickel pave the road to prosperity? In part four of “Elements of energy," hear how the rush for metals is shaking up global geopolitics.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/14/2024 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
The human cost of cobalt: Modern slavery in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Most of the world’s cobalt is extracted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But to get it, hundreds of thousands of Congolese people labor with no other means to survive. On episode three of On Point’s special series -- cobalt and the human cost of mining.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/13/2024 • 46 minutes, 33 seconds
The copper tradeoff: Protecting today's lands versus preserving tomorrow's climate
Copper is key to our green energy future, but copper extraction is deeply harmful to the environment now. Episode two of On Point’s special series “Elements of energy” explores how to resolve that contradiction.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
The lithium boom: What's holding back a lithium rush in the U.S.?
The U.S. sits on some of the largest lithium reserves in the world. It’s a key element for clean energy. The start of On Point’s weeklong exploration “Elements of energy” takes us inside America’s push for a lithium boom.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/11/2024 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
The Jackpod: Still
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on President Biden’s State of the Union address and the politics of memory, versus the politics of hope.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/9/2024 • 39 minutes, 4 seconds
'Blood Money': Inside the global business of selling plasma
Rebroadcast: Millions of Americans sell their blood plasma every year. It’s part of a global, multibillion dollar business.
But what is plasma really used for? Kathleen McLaughlin and Dr. Morey Blinder join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/8/2024 • 45 minutes, 45 seconds
Lessons from Poland’s democratic resurgence
For almost a decade, Poland's democracy was in retreat. But last fall, Poland successfully elected a pro-democracy government coalition. What can the rest of the world learn?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/7/2024 • 46 minutes, 52 seconds
How the anti-tax movement went from fringe to mainstream
The GOP prides itself on being the anti-tax party. But it wasn't always that way. In Michael Graetz’s book "The Power to Destroy," he describes how the anti-tax movement became one of the most powerful forces reshaping American politics and society in the past 50 years.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/6/2024 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
The dark legacy of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines
While in power, former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte ordered the murder of thousands of people without trial. Journalist Patricia Evangelista chronicles the leader's bloody 'war on drugs' in her memoir "Some People Need Killing."
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/5/2024 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Foreign diplomats on America's global future
Foreign diplomats are nervous that the United States’ once solid global leadership is on shaky ground. What’s at stake if the U.S. cedes its place as a world leader?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/4/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
'Food, we need to talk': Finding a better way to discuss our bodies and what we eat
Rebroadcast: The newest food diets. The magic weight loss pill. Changing beauty standards. We hear constant messaging around how we should eat and look. But what does science have to say about it?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/1/2024 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
The Jackpod: Low information voters
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the potential influence of low information voters on this year’s presidential election, and the future of U.S. democracy.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
3/1/2024 • 27 minutes, 24 seconds
U.S. military barracks are in shambles. Will the government take action?
A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office reveals poor living conditions inside military barracks – from mold and exposed sewage, to broken windows, nonexistent HVAC systems and more.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/29/2024 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Your brain on menopause
Hot flashes. Brain fog. Sleep problems. Millions of women go through menopause each year. But what’s happening in the brain during this life transition? Lisa Mosconi joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/28/2024 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
Can 'colorblindness' lead to equality in America?
In his new book "The End of Race Politics," Coleman Hughes argues that closing racial divides in America means building a color-blind society. Coleman Hughes joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/27/2024 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Trump’s 2025 authoritarian playbook and what it means for democracy
Donald Trump has openly admired authoritarians around the world. Now he’s pledging to rule like one. An examination of the promises, powers and plans of a second Trump presidency.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/26/2024 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Finding creative solutions to America’s care crisis
Many of us struggle to get help taking care of our kids or aging loved ones. How might we rethink the U.S. care economy?
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/23/2024 • 46 minutes, 31 seconds
The Jackpod: Goodbye to all that
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty compares and contrasts what a second term for Donald Trump or Joe Biden would mean for U.S. efforts to combat climate change.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/23/2024 • 30 minutes, 23 seconds
Understanding the aging brain
If Joe Biden and Donald Trump are on the ballot in November, they’ll be the oldest presidential candidates in U.S. history. How does age affect our memory, cognition, and even the ability to be president? Zaldy Tan joins Deborah Becker.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/22/2024 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Is it time to abandon the ‘tough love’ approach to addiction?
The number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. is at a record high. Now, more people with addictions are choosing to recover not in a rehab clinic, but at home, surrounded by loved ones.
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/21/2024 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
A Ukraine-born journalist on his country's 'battle for survival'
This week marks the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. For Wall Street Journal correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov, that means two years of stories of resilience and determination. He tells those stories in his new book "Our Enemies Will Vanish."
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/20/2024 • 46 minutes, 40 seconds
Rebroadcast: Can focusing on class instead of race solve our country’s equity issues?
Liberal academic Richard Kahlenberg thinks the only way to truly solve America’s deep inequities is to look at class, not race. "When we focus exclusively on race and ignore the class issues, we are missing a huge part of what makes society unfair in America today."
About:
On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.
2/19/2024 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Fear, conspiracy, gender: The long legacy of witch trials
Secret spells. Magic potions. The world of witchcraft has a powerful cultural hold and a dark history. What do centuries of witch trials teach us? Marion Gibson and Leo Igwe join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/16/2024 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The Jackpod: Saving Rafah
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks back to 1982 and the presidency of Ronald Reagan as he considers how and why the U.S. should intervene to prevent an Israeli assault on Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/16/2024 • 31 minutes, 56 seconds
A Boeing whistleblower speaks out
Ed Pierson is an aviation manager who used to work on Boeing's 737 Max production line. When a door panel blew off an Alaska Airlines flight, Pierson wasn't surprised. A Boeing whistleblower speaks.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Rebroadcast: How fast fashion and social media fuel a high consumption, low quality world
Fast fashion retailers like Shein sell t-shirts for less than $5 apiece. This business model, along with social media, fuels an erosion in the quality of clothing at every level. What price are we really paying for super-affordable fashion? Danielle Vermeer and Mandy Lee join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/14/2024 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
The fight for transparent health care prices in America
Although hospitals are required by law to post their prices online, many do not. Congress and now even employers and unions are demanding that changes.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/13/2024 • 47 minutes, 48 seconds
How the death of third-party cookies could grow Google's advertising empire
Google Chrome plans to phase out cookies that track your online activity in the name of protecting privacy. But big tech also has its own interests in mind. Patience Haggin and Alan Chapell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
The Jackpod: The bystander
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty discusses Republican pollster Whit Ayres' observation that Joe Biden is “a bystander watching events spin out of control.”
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/9/2024 • 32 minutes, 6 seconds
What we lose if snow disappears
Snowpack is getting less reliable in American winters. And in many places, that's not just an environmental problem, but an emotional one, too.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/9/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
China's big push for a baby boom
The Chinese government is urging women to have more babies -- after decades of a one-child policy.
But officials face major pushback from Chinese women themselves.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/8/2024 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
Can a regional war be avoided with Iran?
Over the weekend, the U.S. launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian proxies further raising tensions in the Middle East. How will Iran respond?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/7/2024 • 47 minutes
The legacy of 'Ingenuity,' NASA's helicopter on Mars
Last month, the Ingenuity ended its mission as the first aircraft to make an extraterrestrial flight. After nearly three years on Mars, what did it teach us? Teddy Tzanetos and Havard Grip join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/6/2024 • 47 minutes
Should Trump be constitutionally barred from the presidency?
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing an appeal of a Colorado court ruling this week that could keep former President Trump off the ballot. It could profoundly shape the 2024 election -- and American democracy.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/5/2024 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
How communities worldwide are working to solve the water crisis
From desalination plants in Australia, wastewater recycling plants in Orange County, CA to net zero water buildings in NYC, in his latest book author and engineer David Sedlak looks not at the problems but the solutions. David Sedlak joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/2/2024 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
The Jackpod: The meddler’s trap
From the annexation of the Philippines in 1898, to looming confrontation with Iran today, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on U.S. leadership, vested military interests, and unintended military entanglements.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/2/2024 • 28 minutes, 14 seconds
How to fix chronic absenteeism in America's schools
About a third of students are on track to miss at least 10% of school days this year. Why are students missing school, and how can we bring them back?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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2/1/2024 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
The standoff at the U.S.-Mexico border
The federal government has jurisdiction over immigration matters. In Eagle Pass, the state of Texas has taken over. But what Texas is doing is illegal and could lead to a Constitutional crisis. Rep. Eddie Morales and Stephen Vladeck join Meghna Chakrabarti.
Editor's note: On Point reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the White House, Governor Greg Abbott’s office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Military Department, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office. All of them either declined our request for an interview or did not respond.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/31/2024 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
What experiences are young people missing in remote work?
Many of us learned how to do our jobs and connect with colleagues at our first workplace. But after the pandemic normalized remote work, how are young people today getting that professional coming-of-age experience? Cali Williams Yost and Jeffrey Jensen Arnett join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/30/2024 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
Florida looks to Canada for cheaper prescription drugs
Earlier this month, Florida became the first state to get FDA approval to import cheaper drugs from Canada. But will it work? Nicholas Bagley and Joel Lexchin join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/29/2024 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Controversy and contradiction: The death penalty in America
Alabama has carried out the first execution by asphyxiation with nitrogen gas. Kenneth Eugene Smith was executed after a previous attempt involving lethal injection failed.
In this episode from January 2023, we heard about that botched execution and how states have been wrestling with how to carry out the ultimate penalty.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/27/2024 • 49 minutes, 10 seconds
Why are Americans getting shorter?
Average height in the U.S. has been in decline since about 1980. What’s causing that, and why does it matter?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/26/2024 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
The Jackpod: Not the odds, but the stakes
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has been reading "The Authoritarian Handbook: 2025," a new report by the bipartisan group Protect Democracy, outlining the promises, powers and plans of Donald Trump as he seeks to return to the White House.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/26/2024 • 33 minutes, 42 seconds
Inside Israel's divided war cabinet
Family members of hostages held by Hamas are furious. They’ve stormed the Israeli parliament, calling for a deal to get the remaining hostages released. But Israel’s war cabinet is split on a path forward. Dahlia Scheindlin and David Makovsky join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/25/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
'The great dechurching': Why so many Americans are leaving their churches
About 40 million Americans have stopped attending a place of worship in the past 25 years. What’s driving it, and what does it tell us about the importance of faith in America? Michael “Mike” Graham and Pastor Jim Davis join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/24/2024 • 46 minutes, 58 seconds
The Great Salt Lake is drying up. Can it be saved?
Utah’s Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. Since the 1980s, the lake has shrunk by two-thirds, and is projected to disappear entirely in the next five years. If it does, it will lead to massive environmental, economic and public health issues.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/23/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
What Republican party elites don’t understand about Trump voters
Polls show Donald Trump dominating the race for the Republican presidential nomination. How does he do it -- and can anyone catch him? Batya Ungar-Sargon, Sarah Longwell and Heather Cox Richardson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/22/2024 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
The Jackpod: A little touch of Harry in the night
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty discusses the moral character of President Harry Truman, and whether character matters today for presidents or presidential candidates.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/20/2024 • 28 minutes, 21 seconds
The Jackpod: Buried in snow
Technical gremlins thwarted our plans for The Jackpod today, but we have a plan. Fingers crossed.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/19/2024 • 1 minute, 35 seconds
Uncertainty: The surprising gift of being unsure
No matter how much order, sense, or predictability we try to bring to our lives, uncertainty and the anxiety it can create are always there. But new thinking on uncertainty shows us how it can be a good thing. Maggie M. Jackson joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/19/2024 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Inside Ecuador's battle against drug gangs
There’s been a major surge in gang violence in Ecuador, fueled by the transnational cocaine trade. Now, Ecuador's government is fighting back by sending in the military.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/18/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
AI's influence on election 2024
AI has the power to make audio and videos of people saying anything their creators want. So, how will policymakers and election officials prevent it from deceiving voters? Darrell West and Nicole Gill join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/17/2024 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Should workers get paid for their commute?
The pandemic changed how we work and how we think about commuting. Workers are now more likely to see the daily commute as part of their workday. Should employers compensate for time spent getting to work? Christopher Wiese and Laurens Steed join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/16/2024 • 46 minutes, 49 seconds
Half a century of Black TV
From Roots to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Abbott Elementary. Bethonie Butler’s new book "Black TV" shows how TV series centered on Black characters have evolved over the past 50 years.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/15/2024 • 46 minutes, 49 seconds
The 737 Max and Boeing’s unresolved issues
After the door plug of an Alaskan Airlines’ Boeing 737 Max-9 blew out in flight earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration says it will perform a complete audit of the Max-9’s entire production line.
In this episode from 2020, we hear from a Boeing engineer and an aviation analyst about what’s at the root of the safety issues with the 737 Max, troubling the plane then and now.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/13/2024 • 49 minutes, 10 seconds
The Jackpod: Democracy and its discontents
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the Americans who seem poised to reject democracy in 2024.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/12/2024 • 23 minutes, 33 seconds
Zero-proof: Behind the growing popularity of an alcohol-free lifestyle
It’s hard to miss the growing popularity of non-alcoholic drinks and younger people choosing to cut back on alcohol consumption. What’s driving this change?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The escalating crisis in the West Bank
Clashes in the West Bank are escalating. Since Oct. 7 – hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed, thousands arrested, and many banned from entering Jerusalem. As tensions rise, we discuss the current crisis in the West Bank.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/11/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Why the past 75 years of human history have been 'an anomaly'
With two wars raging and dynastic power on the rise around the world, the post-1945 world order feels like it’s being tested like never before. British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore says its’s more like a return to normality.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/10/2024 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
The race for the Republican presidential nomination
Presidential primary season is set to begin. On the Republican side, one candidate has dominated the polls so far. Can anyone beat Donald Trump? Jess Bidgood, Whit Ayres and Tim Miller join Anthony Brooks.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/9/2024 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
A former Capitol police sergeant on the personal and political consequences of Jan. 6
Sgt. Aquilino Gonell left the Dominican Republic at 12 years old in pursuit of the American dream. On Jan. 6, 2021, that dream turned into a nightmare as Gonell was attacked and beaten by a violent mob as he sought to protect the Capitol.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/8/2024 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Rebroadcast: Why mental health is declining for teenage girls in the U.S.
Teen mental health is declining, particularly among girls. The pressure of social media is often cited as a leading cause. But that’s not the full story behind the mental health of teenage girls in the U.S.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/5/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
How an effort to cut credit card fees could impact your credit card points
Congress is looking to cut fees that credit card companies charge merchants for processing payments. But if that happens, credit card companies say rewards programs will suffer.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/4/2024 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
The Money Ladies' New Year's guide to the 2024 economy
Inflation is slowing, unemployment’s low and the Federal Reserve thinks we’ve probably avoided a recession. Finance journalists Michelle Singletary and Rana Foroohar on what to watch for in our personal finances and national economy this year.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/3/2024 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
Lessons from the world's longest happiness study
Harvard researchers have been studying how we can live happier and healthier lives since 1938. They’ve tracked people across their entire lives, and more recently their descendants. What have they learned?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/2/2024 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
Woniya Thibeault survived extreme cold and isolation to become a winner
A conversation with Woniya Thibeault, winner of the wilderness survival show "Alone." She wants to show people how to deepen their connection to nature — not just to survive, but to thrive.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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1/1/2024 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Rebroadcast: Cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft on being the first Black woman with a nationally syndicated comic
Barbara Brandon-Croft is the first Black, female nationally syndicated cartoonist. “Where I’m Coming From,” featured nine Black women who talk about everything from racism, politics and love. A conversation with Barbara Brandon-Croft.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/29/2023 • 46 minutes, 1 second
Rebroadcast: Why Americans are spending less time with friends -- and what to do about it
Americans are spending more time alone and less time with friends. The dramatic drop in how much time you spend with friends, and why it's so important to reverse the trend.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Rebroadcast: Author Achut Deng's journey of survival from Sudan to America
Before she was a teenager, Achut Deng escaped civil war in South Sudan and life in a Kenyan refugee camp. Until recently, she carried that secret history with her.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Rebroadcast: The power of American English to unite a fractured nation
American English has many forms. It's evolved over 400 years to match this country's dynamic history. Humanities professor Ilan Stavans says that because it's so adaptable, American English is the last thing that unifies this otherwise fractured nation.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Rebroadcast: What do American Christians believe about their religion?
A survey has found that American Christians’ beliefs are as diverse as the country they live in. A conversation about the broad spectrum of belief in American Christianity. (Originally aired on December 12, 2022.)
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/25/2023 • 46 minutes, 55 seconds
How the 14th Amendment could block Donald Trump from becoming president
The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled former President Donald Trump is not eligible to be on the state’s primary ballot. The court determined the 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump because he engaged in insurrection. This episode from our archive explores how the U.S. Supreme Court might consider how the 14th Amendment applies to Donald Trump. (Originally published 9/11/23)
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/23/2023 • 45 minutes, 54 seconds
The art of Italian home cooking with Lidia Bastianich
When PBS first asked Italian chef Lidia Bastianich to cook for a television audience, she had one condition: She wanted them to film in her actual kitchen. A quarter century later, Bastianich is still inviting viewers into her home.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/22/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
The Jackpod: In the host's seat
In the last Jackpod of 2023, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty answers listener questions ranging from political messaging to what binds us as a nation.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/22/2023 • 31 minutes, 59 seconds
The unexpected friendship between an Arab and Israeli writer
An Arab and Israeli writer have developed an unlikely friendship, writing long letters back and forth for years about how to achieve peace in the Middle East. They’ve never actually met or spoken — until now.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The largely unknown man behind the U.S. judiciary’s shift to the right
Leonard Leo has been described as a puppet master – pulling strings between rich and powerful conservatives to turn the American judiciary to the right. Who is Leonard Leo and how has he been so effective?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
How Big Oil helped push the idea of a 'carbon footprint'
Your carbon footprint helps you identify actions you can take to personally fight climate change. It also shifts responsibility away from petrochemical companies. If that seems convenient for Big Oil, it's because the carbon footprint concept was popularized in part by oil giant BP.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/19/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Is shoplifting getting worse in the U.S.?
You've seen baby formula and razor blades locked behind plastic cases. Retailers say it's partly because of a rise in shoplifting. But analysts say there’s no clear data to back up that claim. Katherine Masters and Alexis Piquero join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/18/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
The Taylor Swift and Beyonce economy
Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have generated some $10 billion for the U.S. this year. What does the staggering rise of these two women say about our economy -- and about us?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/15/2023 • 45 minutes, 42 seconds
The Jackpod: They want revenge
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the appeal of Donald Trump’s promise of revenge and retribution to many Republican voters.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/15/2023 • 35 minutes, 29 seconds
Pharmacy benefit managers: The middlemen who decide what you pay for medications
There are middlemen between you and pharmaceutical companies that make huge profits from drug prices. They’re called pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Is there a path to ceasefire in Gaza?
With a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, global calls for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire are growing. Israel says it will not stop until the Hamas threat is gone. Is there any path to stop the violence in Gaza?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 36 seconds
What happened to Sports Illustrated?
Sports Illustrated recently pulled authors and articles from its website after reporting found that they were generated by AI. How did the once legendary publisher fall so low?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Chile's lessons and failures in writing a new constitution
In 2020, Chileans overwhelmingly supported writing a new constitution. Two years later, Chileans overwhelmingly rejected it. This month, they will vote on a different version, but many say it’s worse than what they already have.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Inside the 'rewilding' movement
In places where human beings have done everything they can to pave and plow over nature, what might happen if we just left those places alone?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
The Jackpod: The disappearance of political persuasion
A social media post from Donald Trump has On Point news analyst Jack Beatty inquiring about the demise of political argument in the U.S. and what that means for democracy.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/8/2023 • 35 minutes, 56 seconds
The Biden approach to Israel
Some voters want President Biden to condemn Israel's bombing of Gaza. Biden believes his public embrace helps him influence Israel -- but that may be changing. Nimrod Novick and Amb. David Hale join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
How to talk to kids about climate change
Parents have delicate conversations with their kids on intimacy, violence, even the meaning of life. Now, kids want to talk about climate change. Parents, are you prepared?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
How politics corroded the American Evangelical movement
Tim Alberta is one of America's top political reporters. He's also the son of an evangelical preacher. In his new book, Alberta investigates how politics has corroded the Evangelical movement that raised him.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/5/2023 • 47 minutes, 37 seconds
The looming pharmacy crisis in America
Pharmacists at major chain stores like CVS and Walgreens are at a breaking point. Many workers have staged walkouts, saying they are overworked, understaffed and risking patient safety.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/4/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Power, profits and labor practices in the video game industry
Video games. A massive global industry expected to generate nearly $190 billion in revenue this year, according to industry estimates. So why have there been unprecedented layoffs across the gaming world?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/1/2023 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
The Jackpod: The uncertainty of existence
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on evidence the U.S. is failing at the fundamental mission of keeping its people alive, and the correlation between politics and life expectancy in the U.S.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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12/1/2023 • 32 minutes, 24 seconds
Can offshore wind help power the U.S. economy?
The U.S. has struggled to build wind farms at sea. What's causing the setbacks?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/30/2023 • 46 minutes, 11 seconds
How foreign authoritarian rule reaches into the U.S.
The U.S. government says it foiled a plot by the Indian government to assassinate one of its citizens who was living in the United States. It's called transnational repression, and the FBI says it's a growing problem. Enes Kanter Freedom, Yana Gorokhovskaia and Roman Rozhavsky join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/29/2023 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
The legacy of the 1993 Oslo Accords
The 1993 Oslo Accords were a milestone in the Arab-Israeli peace process. But after 30 years of talks, there's no peace yet. Lessons for the future from peace efforts of the past. Yossi Beilin and Omar Dajani join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
The benefit of 'the two-parent privilege'
Almost a quarter of U.S. children under 18 live with a single parent and no other adults. That’s the highest rate in the world. So, what does it mean for those children?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Rebroadcast: Why more Americans are choosing to live in multigenerational housing
One in five Americans now live under the same roof as their parents, grandparents or adult children. It's a remarkable change from a few generations ago. Why more Americans are choosing to live in multigenerational housing.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Rebroadcast: Pitmaster Ryan Mitchell on America’s complicated history with barbeque
The whole hog barbeque is the original style of American barbeque. It’s a tradition deeply rooted in indigenous and Black history. Ryan Mitchell joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Former poet laureate Tracy K. Smith's 'plea for the American soul'
The former U.S. poet laureate Tracy K. Smith has a new memoir. In it, she discovers a surprise in her late father’s military records that changed how she sees herself as a Black woman in America.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/22/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
How to teach media literacy to children
School systems around the country are grappling with ways to teach students media literacy. California has just passed a law to do that, and experts say they’re doing it right.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
An On Point follow-up: The political fallout over the migrant crisis in Chicago
More than 21,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since last summer setting off a political fight for resources. On Point follows up on the story we brought you last month to report on Mayor Brandon Johnson's efforts to convince the voters who put him in office to continue supporting him.
Plus, analysis on what is different about this moment in a city that has historically celebrated immigrants.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/21/2023 • 23 minutes, 27 seconds
First person: He was held hostage for 444 days
Barry Rosen says he can understand in some way what the hostages in Gaza are going through. Rosen was press attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 when he was taken hostage and held, along with 51 others, until January 1981.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/20/2023 • 10 minutes, 16 seconds
The plight of the hostages in Gaza
It's been more than 40 days since Hamas kidnapped some 240 people in Israel. Only four have been released. What's next?
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Debunking myths about the Asian American academic experience
No stereotype can tell the story of more than 20 million people. We look at the true diversity of the Asian American academic experience.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
The Jackpod: The 'F-word'
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the rise in Donald Trump’s use of rhetoric and imagery associated with 1930’s Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Two leading historians say the former president represents a present-day form of fascism.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/17/2023 • 31 minutes, 21 seconds
Why this U.S. government arms dealer resigned over weapon transfers to Israel
Former State Department official Josh Paul was in charge of U.S. arms transfers to other nations for years. But when it came to the current arms sales to Israel, he says the entire process was different.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/16/2023 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
How to fix America's aviation system
It’s been almost 15 years since the last deadly plane crash on a U.S. airline. But near misses in U.S. aviation have grown 25% in the last decade. What's behind the rise in close calls? Paul Rinaldi and Dorothy Robyn join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/15/2023 • 47 minutes, 1 second
UFOs and the U.S. government: The push towards greater transparency
Unexplained aerial phenomena. Is the government covering up what it knows? We dive into 75 years of UFO history and the beginnings of government mistrust. Garrett Graff joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Israel, Hamas and the laws of war: A primer
The UN is investigating whether war crimes have been committed by Israel and by Hamas. But what exactly qualifies as a war crime? And why are they so hard to prove – and prevent? Janina Dill and Michael Bryant join Meghna Chakrabarti.
About:
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Its unique combination of original reporting, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis creates an experience that makes the world more intelligible and humane. Deep dives. Original stories. Fresh takes.
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11/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Millions of Americans can't save for retirement. These economists have a plan to change that
Congress is currently considering the “Retirement Savings for Americans Act,” an ambitious bill that seeks to create a national retirement system.
Back in April 2021, two economists told us about their bipartisan plan to help millions of low-income Americans save for retirement.
11/11/2023 • 48 minutes, 7 seconds
What clues do this week’s elections hold for 2024?
In Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky and other states, voters made some big statements about what they want in state and local government. What this could mean for races next year and beyond. Delegate Don Scott, Jack Beatty, Simon Rosenberg, Austin Horn and Coy Ferrell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 5 seconds
The Jackpod: Last exit or 'Live free or die'
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells us about the history of New Hampshire primary voters ending the candidacies of Democratic presidents seeking reelection, and asks whether President Biden could suffer the same fate in 2024.
11/10/2023 • 32 minutes, 53 seconds
Gaza's widening humanitarian crisis
Gaza’s health care system has collapsed. Food and water are scarce. More than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in the Israel-Hamas war, as international pressure for a broader ceasefire rises. Maria Abi-Habib, Hiba Tibi and Merissa Khurma join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
What drove Mitt Romney to stand up to his own party?
In "Romney: A Reckoning," journalist McKay Coppins gets unfettered access to the senator’s journals, emails and dozens of private interviews to unpack what led Romney to combat the GOP’s embrace of Donald Trump.
11/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
How private equity is changing American health care
The FTC is suing a private equity firm, and the anesthesiology companies it owns in Texas for monopolistic practices that it says harm patients' health and their pocketbooks. Gretchen Morgenson and Brendan Ballou join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
The Influence of Christian nationalism in American politics
Republican Congressman Mike Johnson is a hard-right evangelical from Louisiana. Now, he's speaker of the house.
11/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Podcast extra: Should domestic abusers have gun rights?
On Point's Paige Sutherland reports on a Supreme Court case being heard on Nov. 7 that has the potential to grant firearms access to hundreds of thousands of domestic abusers who are currently prohibited.
11/4/2023 • 17 minutes, 52 seconds
What's behind the sharp rise in U.S. antisemitism
Antisemitism is on the rise in the United States, with threats against Jewish people reaching near-historic levels, according to FBI director Christopher Wray. What historical and intellectual undercurrents are driving this increase?
11/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
Unintended consequences: Jack Beatty on the political legacy of the 1965 Immigration Act
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells us why he thinks the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, and the subsequent rise in immigration, shapes today’s politics, and growing anti-democratic sentiment.
11/3/2023 • 45 minutes, 29 seconds
How to rid the world of plastic waste
The worldwide production of plastic has doubled in the past 20 years worldwide. Plastic waste in the environment has grown too. Can a new global treaty help? John Hocevar, Dr. Charlotte Lloyd and David Clement join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Lessons for Israel from the U.S. invasion of Iraq
Israel vows to eliminate Hamas. But is there a plan for the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war? Thomas Warrick, Barak Greenapple and Hiba Husseini join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/1/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
The NCAA, antitrust and the future of college sports
The NCAA is asking Congress to keep college athletes as students, not employees. They say it's to protect the students. Opponents say it’s about the money. Will the NCAA get its antitrust exemption and what could it mean if it does?
Katie Van Dyck and Jill Bodensteiner join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/31/2023 • 46 minutes, 53 seconds
The latest in the lawsuits surrounding Donald Trump
As the Donald Trump trials continue, the list of key witnesses are growing. From his former lawyer Michael Cohen in New York, to several more taking plea deals in Georgia.
10/30/2023 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
The Catholic Church considers its future
Hundreds of Catholics are gathered in Rome this month for a major meeting about the future of the church. For the first time ever, women and laypeople are invited – and have a vote.
10/27/2023 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
A republic of fear: Jack Beatty on America’s broken social contract
After a mass shooting in Maine, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty turns to 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes to try to understand why gun ownership is so prevalent in the U.S.
10/27/2023 • 33 minutes, 41 seconds
The border crisis arrives in Chicago
The border crisis is no longer just a border issue. Northern cities like Chicago are scrambling to accommodate busloads of migrants arriving daily, causing political backlash at the local and national level. Cata Truss, David Moore and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Israel's decisionmakers
The politics and dynamics influencing Israel's top leaders, and how that could shape the course of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
10/25/2023 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
Roundtable: Palestinian Americans share their perspectives on conflict in Gaza
The health ministry in Gaza reports at least 3,700 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since October 7. How are Palestinian Americans processing the ongoing conflict? Leila Farsakh, Philip Farah and Laila El-Haddad join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
The risk that the Israel-Hamas conflict becomes a wider war
Tensions are high not only in Israel and Gaza, but across the region, as fear of the conflict spilling over grows.
10/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
100 is the new 65: The new world of super-aging
Half of 5-year-olds in America today can expect to live to age 100. So how can we age well and live with purpose well into retirement?
10/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
'Pathologize': Jack Beatty on psychiatric name-calling in the 2024 campaign
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells us that accusing presidential candidates of being mentally unfit for office has a dubious history in American politics.
10/20/2023 • 37 minutes, 8 seconds
Roundtable: Jewish Americans share their perspectives on conflict in Gaza
As war continues to devastate Israel and Gaza, 7.5 million American Jews are sharing their own struggles. We hear their stories and differing perspectives on the ongoing tragedy.
10/19/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
The adventures and complications of a child-free life in Maria Coffey's 'Instead'
More Americans are saying they don’t want to have children. But what does life without children really look like? Maria Coffey joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/18/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
How elites captured the social justice movement
After the death of George Floyd, there were mass protests, corporate pledges and swelling public support for Black Lives Matter. But what came out of it?
10/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Hamas: A history lesson
Hamas is an Islamist militant group, designated by the U.S. and EU as a terrorist organization. It's now delivered the biggest blow ever to Israeli security. What are Hamas's origins?
10/16/2023 • 49 minutes, 4 seconds
Differ we must: Steve Inskeep on Lincoln's success in a divided America
In this podcast extra episode recorded before a live audience at WBUR’s CitySpace, Meghna speaks with NPR Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep about his new book exploring how President Lincoln worked to unite a divided America.
Plus, the state of democracy and journalism, today.
10/14/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 11 seconds
Nobel prize winner Claudia Goldin on women, the work force and the pandemic
Earlier this week, Harvard professor Claudia Goldin won the Nobel Prize in economics, only the third woman in history to do so. In this conversation with Goldin from last year, we hear how her focus on women in the workforce has led to great discoveries. Claudia Goldin joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
Kakistocracy: Jack Beatty on government by the worst
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells us how a second Trump administration could drastically weaken federal agencies and increase the power of the president.
10/13/2023 • 29 minutes
What Israelis are thinking and feeling since the Hamas attack
The U.S. is warning Hezbollah, and the United Arab Emirates are warning Syria, not to enter Israel-Hamas conflict. Could the war spill over into a regional tragedy?
10/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
California has new ideas about how to teach math, but critics argue it won't work
California public schools have a new way of teaching math, to achieve more equitable outcomes. Critics say the math guidelines are flawed to the core.
10/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Guyana’s oil boom: The world’s newest petrostate plans to combat climate change with oil revenues
An oil boom has arrived in the South American nation of Guyana. Is it a contradiction that a country threatened by climate change could get rich selling fossil fuels? Amy Westervelt and Melinda Janki join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 1 second
A new approach to science rooted in Indigenous tradition
The National Science Foundation has funded its first ever research hub focused on Indigenous knowledge. This $30 million investment will fund projects from ancient clam-farming to mapping climate change on tribal lands.
10/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
Unraveling the secrets of the human Y chromosome
For the first time ever, scientists have fully decoded the Y chromosome. Long thought to be the stubby counterpart to the X chromosome, turns out there's far more to the Y than meets the eye.
10/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 36 seconds
'I voted my district': Jack Beatty on who the McCarthy ousters represent
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells us what stands to him out about the districts of the eight representatives who voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House.
Also, listeners respond to last week’s episode about ‘The line’ -- the feeling many working-class Americans have about being left behind.
10/6/2023 • 28 minutes, 6 seconds
Is Donald Trump normalizing political violence in America?
When Donald Trump suggested that General Mark Milley should be executed, it was the latest in a long line of violent rhetoric from the former president.
10/5/2023 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
U.S. v. Google: Will Washington’s antitrust push change the web?
The Justice Department is suing Google for allegedly using its power to stifle other search engines. It’s the first major tech antitrust trial in decades. Tim Wu, Leah Nylen and Matt Schruers join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/4/2023 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Disability rights enforcement could be weakened in latest SCOTUS case
The Supreme Court is hearing a case this week that could hamper federal enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The case may also change the way the government enforces civil rights laws across the board.
10/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
What the rise of ultra-processed foods means for our health and society
Ultra-processed foods now make up the majority of calories in the typical American diet. Studies show the health effects are about as bad as smoking. What would it take to get back to eating real food? Dr. Chris van Tulleken joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Defining American antitrust law, from Bork to Khan
The Federal Trade commission sued Amazon this past week, accusing it of monopolistic practices. This episode from our archive explores the history of federal antitrust regulation and how FTC chair Lina Khan has championed new thinking about monopolistic power in the U.S.
10/1/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
How the Amazon marketplace shapes how we shop
The Federal Trade commission sued Amazon this week, accusing it of monopolistic practices. This episode from our archive investigates how the Amazon Marketplace operates, who wins and who loses. James Thomson and Stacy Mitchell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/30/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
What is Amazon?
The Federal Trade commission sued Amazon this week, accusing it of monopolistic practices. This episode from our archive explores how Amazon operates and what power it has. Brad Stone and Stacy Mitchell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/30/2023 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Historian Heather Cox Richardson's notes on the state of America
Historian Heather Cox Richardson is one of the most important public intellectuals in the country. She says her understanding of American history gives her hope for America’s future, in this special conversation recorded before a live audience at WBUR's CitySpace.
9/29/2023 • 46 minutes, 33 seconds
The Line: Jack Beatty on the sources of white working-class anxiety
On Point News analyst Jack Beatty explores Donald Trump's appeal to voters who see their dignity affronted daily. Plus, a searing message for Democrats and President Biden from one Black voter who polls indicate is far from alone.
9/29/2023 • 23 minutes, 47 seconds
PEPFAR: The anti-AIDS program that changed the world now under threat
For 20 years, President George W. Bush’s emergency AIDS relief plan for Africa has saved millions of lives. Now, a small group in Congress wants to kill the plan.
9/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
Do electric vehicles mean the end of the U.S. auto industry as we know it?
Electric vehicles are the elephants in the room as the United Auto Workers strike for better pay and benefits. In an electric future, can unionized auto industry jobs survive? Jack Ewing, Stephen Silvia and Jason Walsh join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Lessons from California on how to adapt to sea level rise
By the end of this century the Pacific Ocean could rise more than 6 feet, threatening 1,200 miles of California coastline and the communities on it.
We hear lessons from California on what must change for everyone living on the edge of rising water. Rosanna Xia and A.R. Siders join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Who owns the moon owns the future
Ice and minerals on the Moon could help humanity travel to space’s distant planets and asteroids. But which countries, which companies should get the right to extract those resources? Michelle Hanlon joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/25/2023 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Introducing ‘The Gun Machine’, a podcast about how America was forged by the gun industry
Produced by WBUR, Boston’s NPR, in partnership with The Trace, The Gun Machine looks into the past to bring you a story that most Americans never learned in history class: how early partnerships between mad scientist gunsmiths and a fledgling U.S. government created the gun industry in the Northeast, and how that industry has been partners with the government ever since.
Host Alain Stephens examines how this 250-year relationship underpins all Americans’ interactions with guns — including our failures in dealing with the fallout of gun violence.
The Gun Machine debuts on Oct. 4, 2023. Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
9/25/2023 • 2 minutes, 43 seconds
Saudi-Israel normalization: What's at stake?
There’s growing momentum for what could be a historic Israel-Saudi Arabia peace deal. But why now?
9/22/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Captured: Jack Beatty on the fall in Black and Hispanic working-class support for Democrats
Jack Beatty offers his unique perspective and insight on aspects of current political life in the U.S. In this episode, what’s behind a raft of polls showing a deterioration in support for a key voting block from President Biden in 2024. Plus, listeners tell us why they turned away from causes that were once part of their identity.
9/22/2023 • 31 minutes, 5 seconds
Should medical debt be bought and sold in America?
More than 100 million people in America have medical debt. Some of those trying to help have to resort to debt buying companies. We learn how the debt buying industry works, and who wins and who loses. Noam Levey joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Rebroadcast: A record cull of Yellowstone bison intensifies debate into how to best manage them
This year more than a third of Yellowstone’s bison have been removed from the herd – most of them shot – after they wandered out of the national park in search of food. That’s intensified the debate into how to best manage the iconic animal. Rick Wallen joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Tales from the world of cryptocurrency and casino capitalism
2021 was a good year to invest in cryptocurrency. But then came 2022 and the trillion-dollar crypto wipeout. We hear tales from the world of cryptocurrency and casino capitalism. Zeke Faux joins Deborah Becker.
9/19/2023 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
Rebroadcast: Psychedelics and who should be able to use them
In the '60s, some advocates wanted everyone to have access to psychedelics. Not everyone agreed. Now, with psychedelics growing in popularity, the tensions between access, money, and research are back.
9/18/2023 • 45 minutes, 58 seconds
Why are cancer rates rising among young people?
There's a troubling trend in medicine -- increasing cancer diagnoses in people younger than 50. But why? Dr. Kimmie Ng and Dr. Tim Rebbeck join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/15/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Sacrifice: Jack Beatty on the sunk moral cost of the Trump supporter
In this weekly podcast, Jack Beatty offers his unique perspective and insight on aspects of current political life in the U.S. In this episode, the tenacity of Donald Trump's most ardent followers.
9/15/2023 • 18 minutes, 16 seconds
How HGTV is transforming our homes — and us
HGTV is a channel for dramatic remodels and dreamy properties. But is HGTV popularizing cookie cutter design over regional character across America?
9/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
How to save child care in the face of a massive funding loss
$24 billion of pandemic-era child care funding expires at the end of this month. What can providers and families do?
9/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Is the rise of AI the best argument for universal basic income?
Some estimates say artificial intelligence could replace hundreds of millions of jobs in the not-too-distant future. If that happens, how will people make ends meet?
9/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
"The Expanse" authors on "the importance of complicating people"
Award-winning sci-fi writers Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck talk with Meghna Chakrabarti about the world they created in “The Expanse” and what they’re working on next.
9/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
How the 14th Amendment could block Donald Trump from becoming president
Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution bars from office any public official involved in an insurrection. Can legal reasoning withstand political reality when it comes to Donald Trump?
9/11/2023 • 46 minutes, 46 seconds
Can the Korean Armistice Agreement serve as a model for peace in Ukraine?
Observers are asking whether the conflict in Ukraine has reached a stalemate. Could the Korean Armistice agreement, signed 70 years ago, serve as a model for Ukraine and Russia now?
9/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
'Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?': Jack Beatty on the 2024 election
In this new weekly special podcast, On Point’s news analyst Jack Beatty offers his unique perspective and insight on aspects of current political life in the U.S. Today, the leading presidential candidates. Jack Beatty joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/8/2023 • 26 minutes, 26 seconds
Is it time to rethink how the farm bill works?
Congress is gearing up for another fight over the farm bill -- a massive piece of legislation that could hit $1 trillion for the first time ever. Where's that money going? Congressman Earl Blumenauer joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
The health and geopolitical impacts of Japan’s Fukushima wastewater release
12 years after a nuclear meltdown at Fukushima, Japan pours treated wastewater from the site into the ocean. Is the plan safe? Jim Smith and Naoko Aoki join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
Why Americans feel pessimistic about their economic future
Even though the economy is doing better, few Americans say they’re better off financially this year than they were last year. So what's behind the pessimism Americans have about their own financial lives?
9/5/2023 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
Rebroadcast: Could a four-day work week work in the United States?
When dozens of companies in the U.K. experimented with a four-day work week, employers and employees loved it. Could a four-day work week work in the United States?
9/4/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Rebroadcast: How to slow down and find some meaningful rest
In a world where we emphasize productivity and even celebrate busyness how, how we can slow down and find meaningful rest. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/1/2023 • 46 minutes, 47 seconds
Inside Israel's ongoing battle for its own democracy
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis are still protesting what they see as a threat to Israeli democracy and their personal freedom. Now, those protests are including the rights of Arab-Israelis, too. Nadav Tamir joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/31/2023 • 47 minutes, 5 seconds
A better way to rebuild after wildfires
Wildfires have become a tragic part of life in many communities. After a summer of wildfires, rethinking how we live in combustible landscapes.
8/30/2023 • 46 minutes, 55 seconds
Why some advocates are pushing back against decriminalization in the sex trade
There is a major effort to decriminalize sex work in the U.S. But not all current or former sex workers share the same goals. In fact, in many states, they are fighting against each other. Should the law be changed, and how?
8/29/2023 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
What the coup in Niger means for West Africa and the world
The West African country of Niger has been a bright spot of growing democracy and security across sub-Saharan Africa. Now, a coup there threatens to destabilize the region.
8/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Week of wonder: The healing power of music
Many of us turn to music to feel better. But music can also help us physically heal. Studies show music can affect our blood pressure and our heart rate – and even help us manage pain.
8/25/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Week of wonder: The case for preserving parasites
Parasites are the cause of numerous debilitating diseases, so it’s easy to think of them as doing no good. But losing parasites could have devastating consequences for our ecosystem.
8/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Awe: Science's answer to your search for happiness
This is Part III of On Point's Week of Wonder.
How do you find deep happiness? Researcher Dacher Keltner says the answer is to find everyday wonder.
8/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Week of wonder: How animals perceive the world
What if you could taste the world’s electrical fields? Hear vibrations in a leaf? Or see magnetic currents guiding you home? Science writer Ed Yong helps us perceive the world the way animals do – through eyes, ears, antennae and more.
8/22/2023 • 46 minutes, 57 seconds
Week of wonder: In defense of darkness
WBUR's On Point brings you a 'Week of wonder': A curation of shows from the past year reveling in the wonder of the world we live in.
In Episode I: Earth needs darkness just as much as it needs light. Human light pollution is pushing back the dark, which is changing the natural world, and could be hurting us, too. Johan Eklöf joined Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
Is Biden's historic climate plan delivering?
It’s been a year since President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act to boost clean energy projects. Is the bill enough for the U.S. to meet its climate goals?
8/18/2023 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
Inside Georgia's indictment of Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump faces racketeering charges in Georgia for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. What could this indictment mean for Trump and his alleged co-conspirators? Anthony Michael Kreis and Chris Timmons join Deborah Becker.
8/17/2023 • 46 minutes, 53 seconds
How some police departments are rethinking 911 call responses
Calling 911 can have tragic consequences for people having a mental health crisis. They can be arrested or even killed. Some advocates and police officers are trying to change that. Brian Peete and Stephanie Van Jacobs join Deborah Becker.
8/14/2023 • 46 minutes, 57 seconds
Hip-hop turns 50: The origins of West Coast hip-hop and its lasting legacy
Born in the Bronx, New York, hip-hop soon found some of its most influential rappers in Los Angeles. On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we take a look at how the West Coast helped make hip-hop one of the most dominant cultural forces in the world. Tyree Boyd-Pates and Damita Jo Freeman joined Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
What a decline in rural colleges means for rural communities
Rural colleges in America are struggling. Due to enrollment and funding shortages, many have had to close or slash core majors to stay afloat. Andrew Koricich joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Behind the group pushing for a third-party presidential candidate
The political organization No Labels says it wants to unite Americans around a third-party presidential candidate. But critics say their efforts are more likely to lead to the re-election of Donald Trump. Jay Nixon, Dick Gephardt and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
Our planet in hot water
The waters off Florida and across the Caribbean are reaching record-breaking temperatures. As high as 100-plus degrees Fahrenheit. If warm seawater is here to stay, what will it mean for all that lives in the ocean and on land?
8/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Are index funds getting too powerful?
Index funds. They’re a very popular way of investing across the stock market. But now the top four funds control roughly one-quarter of all public U.S. companies. We hear how index funds are shaping corporations and the American economy.
8/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
Rebroadcast: Richard Reeves on why the modern male is struggling, and what to do about it
Are cultural and economic forces changing boyhood, manhood and fatherhood? Richard Reeves says yes, and that many men and boys are struggling.
8/4/2023 • 47 minutes, 36 seconds
Can focusing on class instead of race solve our country’s equity issues?
Liberal academic Richard Kahlenberg thinks the only way to truly solve America’s deep inequities is to look at class, not race. "When we focus exclusively on race and ignore the class issues, we are missing a huge part of what makes society unfair in America today."
8/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The authoritarian’s playbook in America
From Turkey to Chile to Hungary, authoritarian leaders don’t come to power on their own. They get there with the help of political parties, the rich and powerful, friendly media and the just plain corrupt.
8/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Behind the Global South's hesitancy to criticize Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Since the start of the war, experts in the U.S. and Europe have lamented that countries outside the West have been slow to stand by Kyiv. What’s behind the caution towards aligning with the West?
7/31/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's quest to make the internet safer
Facebook hired Frances Haugen to help it filter out violent rhetoric and abusive behavior. But she says the company ignored her team’s recommendations. So, in 2021, she leaked thousands of pages of internal documents to the media. Today, she says the dangers haven't gone away.
7/28/2023 • 46 minutes, 51 seconds
Where and why tipping is changing
Chances are, you’ve noticed more and more businesses asking you to leave a tip – from coffee shops and breweries to take-out and drive-thrus. How did we get here? Sean Jung and Jeremy Price join Tiziana Dearing.
7/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
'Third places' strengthen community. Here's how we can rebuild them
Third Places – communities outside of our homes, schools or workplaces – were impacted by the pandemic. How can we rebuild them? Danielle C. Rhubart, Jorge González-Hermoso and Danielle Maude Littman join Anthony Brooks.
7/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Rebroadcast: The real winners and losers in America's lottery obsession
Americans spend almost $100 billion a year on state lotteries. Why do so many states receive just a fraction of that money?
7/25/2023 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
Why Ron DeSantis' campaign is struggling
Florida governor Ron DeSantis had a strong start in his run for the GOP presidential nomination. But lately, his polling numbers have dropped and big donors are hitting the pause button. Why isn't his strategy working?
7/24/2023 • 46 minutes, 52 seconds
What neuroscience tells us about spiritual experiences
What happens in the brain when you pray or meditate? Neurotheology explores the connection between our synapses and spiritual revelations.
7/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Inside America's critical shortage of foster care homes
In some places in the U.S., available foster care homes have been cut as much as 60%. Why is this happening and can it be fixed?
7/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
A year of discovery from the James Webb Space Telescope
A million miles from Earth, the James Webb Space Telescope has spent the past year peering deep into the cosmos and back in time. Why the telescope’s discoveries have scientists in awe.
7/19/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
As extreme heat becomes the new normal, how should we adapt?
In much of the world, it’s been dangerously hot this summer. And extreme heat is only expected to become more common. Cities across the globe have hired “chief heat officers” to figure out how to adapt to life on a hotter planet.
7/18/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
'Food, we need to talk': Finding a better way to discuss our bodies and what we eat
The newest food diets. The magic weight loss pill. Changing beauty standards. We hear constant messaging around how we should eat and look. But what does science have to say about it?
7/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
How South Korea became a global beauty powerhouse
10-step skincare routines, products made from snail mucus. South Korea now exports more cosmetic products than smartphones. But pursuing beauty ideals can come at a social, emotional and physical cost.
7/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Deep-sea mining: Climate solution or ecological threat?
The International Seabed Authority is meeting to devise regulations that could allow mining of the deep ocean floor for minerals needed for green energy technology. But bringing those minerals to the surface could disrupt delicate deep-sea ecosystems. Gerard Barron, Helen Scales and Andrew Sweetman join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
A 25 year-old bet on human consciousness gets settled
25 years ago, a neuroscientist and a philosopher made a bet that by now, science and philosophy would understand what makes and defines human consciousness. Want to guess who won? Christof Koch and David Chalmers join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Does the man enforcing the country’s gun laws have the tools to do the job?
Steven Dettelbach heads the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. An agency that gun violence prevention advocates say is understaffed, underfunded and is severely restricted by Congress.
7/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
What's behind the ADHD drug shortage
Many Americans with ADHD are scrambling for their prescription medication due to a months-long shortage. Why is the rate of adult ADHD diagnosis growing four times faster than diagnoses among kids?
7/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
How California public colleges boosted diversity without affirmative action
Decades before the Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down affirmative action, voters in California did the same, ending affirmative action in the nation's largest state higher ed system. Youlanda Copeland-Morgan and John McWhorter join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Instead of finding that dream job, why not find the 'good enough job'?
Many Americans look to work as a means of self-actualization, community and purpose. But if our job is our only identity – what happens if we lose it?
7/6/2023 • 46 minutes, 51 seconds
How the Snowden leaks changed government surveillance
10 years ago, U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden stunned the world by revealing government officials were surveilling private citizens across the globe. A decade later, has anything changed about government surveillance?
7/5/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Rebroadcast: The U.S. immigration crisis through the eyes of a border town mayor
Until recently Bruno Lozano was the mayor of Del Rio, Texas. Once seen as a rising star in the Democratic party, he’s now a fierce critic of President Biden’s handling of the southern border.
7/4/2023 • 46 minutes, 41 seconds
Rebroadcast: Americans are avoiding the news. What can journalists do?
Amanda Ripley is a journalist, and even she, like millions of Americans, decided to turn off the news. So what needs to change? Ripley has an answer, and it begins with giving people hope.
7/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
Musician Rhiannon Giddens digs into American roots music and finds connections to cultures around the world
Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens digs deep into American roots music and finds connections to cultures around the world.
Can any culture lay total claim to specific styles of music?
Today, On Point: A conversation with musician Rhiannon Giddens, recorded live at WBUR's CitySpace.
6/30/2023 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Pitmaster Ryan Mitchell on America’s complicated history with barbeque
The whole hog barbeque is the original style of American barbeque. It’s a tradition deeply rooted in indigenous and Black history. Ryan Mitchell joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/29/2023 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
'A most tolerant little town': The forgotten story of desegregation in Clinton, Tennessee
In 1956, a federal judge ordered the town of Clinton, Tennessee to desegregate its high school. The unrest that followed tore the town apart. Rachel Louise Martin and Jo Ann Allen Boyce join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
TikTok's global head of music on the industry's future
TikTok is a driving force in the music industry. How does the platform identify snippets of music and turn artists into the next generation of global music stars? That's the job of Ole Obermann, which makes him one of the most influential people in pop music today.
6/27/2023 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
Why so many U.S.-educated foreign students don't stay for work
U.S. universities educate thousands of foreign-born students. They graduate with skills the U.S. needs, and they want to stay here. The immigration system makes it hard for them to stay. Jon Marcus and Nicolas Rollason join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Are return-to-office mandates backfiring?
Apple, Meta, Amazon and Disney want workers to be in the office more days per week. How does where we work affect our productivity and office culture?
6/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Will the PGA Tour-LIV Golf deal sportswash Saudi's reputation?
Last year, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf filed lawsuits against each other. Now, the two groups are forming an alliance. What does it tell us about Saudi Arabia’s growing efforts to sportswash its reputation?
6/22/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Is it time to take Putin's nuclear threats more seriously?
Russian officials have warned NATO since the start of the Ukraine war that it could resort to nuclear weapons. Most observers think that's bluster. But one former defense attaché to Moscow takes what he's hearing very seriously.
6/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Why one female pastor left the Southern Baptist Convention
The Southern Baptist Convention – the nation's largest Protestant denomination – overwhelmingly voted to oust women from church leadership. What’s driving this crackdown, and what impact will it have on the church’s already declining population? Carlisle Davidhizar and Daniel Darling join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
How cities can better confront climate change
The city of Milwaukee has an ambitious climate plan to cut its carbon emissions. Hundreds of U.S. cities have similar plans. Very few have met their goals.
6/19/2023 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
How Trump's trial could alter the nation's political landscape
This week former president Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to dozens of federal criminal charges for his handling of classified documents. How will the trial of Donald Trump alter the nation's political landscape?
6/16/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Woniya Thibeault survived extreme cold and isolation to become a winner
Woniya Thibeault used her knowledge of skills used by early humans to become the first women to win History Channel’s wilderness reality show, Alone. Now she wants to show you how you can deepen your connection with nature, and why you should.
6/15/2023 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
'Recoding America' author Jennifer Pahlka on how we can reshape our government to work for us
State and federal government is so focused on policymaking that it often fails to provide the services its laws intend. In her new book “Recoding America,” author Jennifer Pahlka outlines why the government doesn’t work and how to fix it.
6/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Should schools ban smartphones in the classroom?
A new Florida law lets teachers prohibit students from using phones in class. How do phones alter a student's ability to focus, stay on task, absorb new information and exercise self-control? Jeff Solochek, Catherine Steiner-Adair and Michael Horn join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Is Vice President Kamala Harris a liability or an asset in 2024?
In the race for the White House, due to President Joe Biden's age, Vice President Kamala Harris is under a lot more scrutiny than number twos on the ticket usually are. Eugene Daniels and Kate Andersen Brower join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
How California agriculture is the problem and solution to its Colorado River water crisis
80% of California's water from the Colorado River is used for agriculture. As the river dries up, the first cuts tend to land on farmers. But is targeting the country’s food supply the best way out of this water crisis? Tina Shields and Richard Howitt join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
CITES: A historic treaty protecting endangered species turns 50. Is it still an effective tool?
In 1973, countries came together and signed a historic treaty to stop the international trade of endangered species. 50 years later, the CITES agreement has never been updated, even as species go extinct faster than ever.
6/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
First person: 'They've actually penetrated my defenses'
Kremlin critic Bill Browder recounts how he was targeted by a deepfake video call that he says came from Russia.
6/7/2023 • 9 minutes, 2 seconds
Reality wars: Deepfakes and national security
A prominent Kremlin critic says the Russian government invited him to a Zoom call that turned out to be a deepfake. But what happens when governments start using deep fakes against each other?
6/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
What the impeachment of the Texas attorney general means for Ken Paxton and his party
Republicans in the Texas House voted overwhelmingly last week to impeach State Attorney General Ken Paxton. Charges include fraud, bribery and more. But it’s also revealed a divide in the Texas GOP itself.
6/5/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
'Greedflation': A once fringe theory of inflation gains momentum
A pandemic, war in Ukraine, supply chain breakdowns -- all led to soaring prices. And now, the idea that inflation is driven in part by corporations keeping prices high is gaining momentum. We hear why economists are beginning to take 'greedflation' seriously.
6/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The little-known virus behind a majority of nongenetic birth defects
One virus causes more birth defects in American babies than any other nongenetic disease – but most don’t know it exists. We hear a mother’s journey to understand her daughter’s diagnosis of congenital CMV.
6/1/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
How the medical aid in dying movement is gaining momentum in the U.S.
In the past five years, states allowing access to life-ending medication for the terminally ill have more than tripled. But as more states allow such end-of-life care, is access really growing? And for whom? Dr. Diana Barnard and Katie Engelhart join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/31/2023 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
What the debt ceiling deadline means for your money
The debt ceiling deadline is quickly approaching. How will it impact your personal finances if the U.S. government can’t pay its bills? Michelle Singletary joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/30/2023 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
'The last supper': How a 1993 Pentagon dinner reshaped the defense industry
In 1993, then Secretary of Defense Les Aspin invited the CEOs of America's largest defense contractors to a private get-together. We hear how a secret dinner at the Pentagon kicked off a massive consolidation in the defense industry. Norman Augustine and Rep. John Garamendi join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/29/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Gold Star children on life without their heroes
The children of fallen soldiers often bottle up their suffering. But some are opening up with the help of a writing seminar for Gold Star kids. Bailey Donahue, Maria Rossi and Thomas Brennan join Anthony Brooks.
5/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Rebroadcast: Understanding J. Edgar Hoover's America
J. Edgar Hoover, former FBI director. History has cast him as powerful, paranoid, a man not afraid to intimidate and investigate his critics. That's how he's seen now. What about then? Beverly Gage joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/25/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
What Hunter Biden's troubles could mean for the president's 2024 reelection campaign
Hunter Biden faces possible indictment from the Justice Department. Exploring the details behind the headlines about the President's son. Adam Entous joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
What the DeSantis agenda means for higher education in Florida
Florida law now bans public colleges from offering general ed classes that “distort significant events” or “teach identity politics." What happens when the government tells colleges what they can and can’t teach? Ana Ceballos, Andrew Gothard and Eden McLean join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
First person: 'I helped to connect families ... from country to country'
Thousands of miles of fiber optic cable at the bottom of the world’s oceans carry more than 95% of the world’s data, from phone calls and emails to encrypted military secrets. Rick Chislett spent 41 years laying fiber optic cable around the world.
5/22/2023 • 5 minutes, 37 seconds
A new rivalry between the U.S. and China over the world’s undersea cables
Thousands of miles of fiber optic cable lying at the bottom of the world’s oceans carry more than 95% of the world’s data. Now, those
undersea cables are at the forefront of a new rivalry between China and the U.S. over who controls the flow of big data.
5/22/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
The U.S. military promised to counter extremism. Has the Pentagon made progress?
The U.S. military promised to implement policies that would counter extremism in its ranks. But still it persists. What more should the Pentagon be doing to stop extremism in the military?
5/19/2023 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
How remote work is reshaping commercial real estate
Commercial real estate is cratering. In cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, more than 20% of office space lies vacant. What does that mean for America’s cities?
5/18/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Why hasn't the media learned its lesson about covering Donald Trump?
Former president Donald Trump tried to overthrow an election he lost. Now, he’s running for president again. How should news organizations cover candidate Trump in post Jan. 6th America?
5/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
A record cull of Yellowstone bison intensifies debate into how to best manage them
This year more than a third of Yellowstone’s bison have been removed from the herd – most of them shot – after they wandered out of the national park in search of food. That’s intensified the debate into how to best manage the iconic animal. Rick Wallen joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/16/2023 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
What happened to Nina Jankowicz when Fox News came for her
When the Department of Homeland Security appointed Nina Jankowicz to lead an effort to fight disinformation and hate speech, disinformation and hate speech came for her. Now, she’s suing Fox News. Nina Jankowicz joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/15/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
The U.S. COVID public health emergency ends: How did the pandemic change American life?
The COVID-19 emergency declaration is over. Over three years, Americans saw their lives forever changed. We check in with Americans we heard from during the pandemic about life now.
5/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
How the politicization of COVID endangered our lives and democracy
The federal COVID-19 public health emergency is coming to an end today. But as we look back at the three-plus years of the pandemic, did we miss the opportunity to best protect our country? Olivia Troye and Shana Gadarian join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
The clock ticks on the debt limit: Lessons from America's last debt ceiling crisis
The U.S. debt limit clock is ticking. The nation could default in weeks. In 2011, the country came within 72 hours of that happening.
5/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Rebroadcast: Is customer service bad on purpose?
Press one. Press two. Try to find a human, but you can’t. Welcome to the nightmare that is customer service.
5/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
'It goes so fast': NPR's Mary Louise Kelly on her life as journalist and mother
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly has reported from around the world. In her new book, she looks back on the choices she made as a reporter and a mother.
Mary Louise Kelly joins Meghna Chakrabarti, live at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge, Mass.
5/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Does the Supreme Court need a code of conduct?
The Supreme Court doesn’t have a code of ethics -- unlike every other judicial bench in the U.S. Who should require and enforce a code of ethics on the high court? Amanda Frost joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/5/2023 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
First person: A tragedy inspired her activism
When Sheila Clemmons Lee’s son was killed in a Nashville police traffic stop in 2017, she joined a coalition campaigning to create a police oversight board. Now, the Republican super-majority in the Tennessee state legislature has moved to abolish the board.
5/4/2023 • 5 minutes, 54 seconds
What Tennessee tells us about democracy in America's states
In Tennessee’s state assembly, Republicans are unabashedly exerting their power – over-ruling local laws, expelling Democratic lawmakers. What does Tennessee tell us about the health of democracy in U.S. state legislatures?
5/4/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Why Americans are leaving big cities behind
Americans are moving out of big cities. Cost, quality of life and the pandemic are shifting decades of population growth patterns. So where do Americans want to live now? Peter Nelson, Ben Winchester and Heady Coleman join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Reforming the country's organ transplant system
Thousands of people die each year waiting for an organ transplant in the U.S. The Biden administration says it’s time the system is reformed. We hear how to improve America’s organ transplant system.
5/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Can AI be regulated?
Nearly 30,000 experts in the computing and AI world signed an open letter calling for a pause on AI development. What guardrails are needed before more advanced artificial intelligence is unleashed?
5/1/2023 • 46 minutes, 57 seconds
Fraud and forgery in the world of fine art
The world of fine art is full of multimillion dollar one-of-a-kinds and breathtaking masterpieces. But it’s also rife with fraudsters and forgers. When fakes demand a fortune, what does that say about the intrinsic value of art?
4/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
Should there be a mandatory retirement age for elected officials?
Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe there should be a mandatory retirement age for elected officials. In many state judiciaries, there already is. Do mandatory retirement ages work in state courts?
4/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Behind the push to strike down free preventative health care in America
The Affordable Care Act says you don't have to pay for preventative health care. But a federal judge in Texas recently struck that down. And it could change the way 160 million Americans get their care. Nicholas Bagley joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/26/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
What the Discord leaks reveal about the Pentagon's own cyber security
Cyber warfare is the future of war. And in many ways, that future is already here. So, is the United States ready? Patrick Tucker, Jaspreet Gill and Admiral Mike Rogers join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/25/2023 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
How insecurity contributes to disenchantment with democracy
People the world over are feeling economically and culturally insecure. Economist Pranab Bardhan says liberal leaders aren’t paying enough attention to that, and that’s led to a growing disenchantment with democracy.
4/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
America's Black maternal health crisis and how to fix it
As maternal deaths rose in the U.S. during the pandemic, Black women bore the brunt. In fact, they are almost three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women. Helena Grant, Kimberly Seals Allers and Congresswoman Alma Adams join Tiziana Dearing.
4/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
An inside look at the Supreme Court's conservative transformation
Joan Biskupic has been a supreme court analyst for 25 years. Her new book tells the inside story of the court’s conservative transformation -- the personalities and the politics behind the court we have now, and will have for years to come.
4/20/2023 • 46 minutes, 54 seconds
What MLB fans and players think of baseball's new rules
Major League Baseball has new rules designed to speed up the game and attract new fans. We learn what fans and players think of the sport’s big changes in the first few weeks of the new season. Jeff Passan and C.J. Stewart join Anthony Brooks.
4/19/2023 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
Preparing for America's electric vehicle future
President Biden’s new emissions standards are designed to accelerate the push towards electric vehicles. Among the challenges – batteries, and China’s stranglehold on the supply chain. We hear how to reach an electric future.
4/18/2023 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
The GOP and the abortion trap
By limiting access to abortion, Republicans have achieved a long sought-after goal. But it has cost them dearly in recent elections and many are looking to 2024 with trepidation. Jess Bidgood, Ramesh Ponnuru, Dante Scala and Eleanor Klibanoff join Anthony Brooks.
4/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
The power of populism: Can populism strengthen a democracy?
It's episode five of our series 'The power of populism.' Populism can have an authoritarian trajectory, but can it also bring about better democracies? Thomas Frank, Jean Louise Cohen and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
The power of populism: Flipping the script on the urban-rural divide
It’s easy to think of American populism as disempowered rural residents versus the urban elite. When it comes to America’s electoral system and influencing national policy, who has the real power? Jonathan Rodden and Danielle Allen join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Wisconsin and the politics of resentment
On Point continues to explore “The power of populism” this week. Today, Wisconsin and the politics of resentment. How has populism flourished in the Badger state? Charlie Sykes and Shawn Johnson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
The power of populism: Populism in the world's largest democracy
Populism is on the rise across the globe, from Turkey to Hungary to Brazil. The second episode of our series “The power of populism” looks at the appeal of populism in India, and what it means for the future of the world’s largest democracy.
4/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
The power of populism: What makes a leader a populist?
Populism has been on the rise in recent years. But why? And what exactly is populism? It’s the first episode of our series "The power of populism."
4/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
What’s next – legally and politically – for Donald Trump
For the first time in our nation’s history, a president was indicted on criminal charges. What’s next for Donald Trump?
4/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
How to fix the growing discipline problem in U.S. classrooms
Student discipline problems rose sharply in the pandemic. Schools say disruptive behavior has been on the rise for years, but they're not allowed to do much about it. Now, lawmakers want to change that. Ben Court, Patrick Wall and Elizabeth Errico join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
How to make America's wireless networks more reliable
T-Mobile had a major cell phone outage in February. Last year, AT&T customers in Minnesota lost service for four days. What would it take to make America's wireless networks more reliable? Harold Feld joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/5/2023 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
'I could not deliver the care my patients needed': A doctor's experience of moral injury
Health care professionals across the country say they're being forced to compromise the quality of care they give their patients in the name of profits.
Dr. Jamie Wooldridge is a pediatric pulmonologist. She says the stresses of the health care industry are driving many doctors and nurses to leave the profession.
4/4/2023 • 4 minutes, 53 seconds
Moral injury in modern medicine and how to heal health care workers
In our nation’s for-profit health system, more and more health care professionals say they're being forced to make choices that are bad for patients. Much like soldiers at war, clinicians now report suffering from “moral injury.”
4/4/2023 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
Why Black children bear the brunt of gun deaths, and what can be done to stop it
Gun violence recently surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death for American children. For Black children – that’s been the case since 2006. Dr. Victor Garcia and Joseph Richardson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Why some states are rolling back telehealth access
The COVID pandemic paved the way for widespread use of telehealth doctor’s appointments. They worked. But some states are rolling back access to virtual visits.
3/31/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The American invasion of Iraq through an Iraqi's eyes
20 years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, congress is quietly repealing its authorization of the war. We look back at the past two decades in Iraq, through an Iraqi's eyes. Ghaith Abdul-Ahad joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/30/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
What’s at the root of Israel’s democratic crisis
Mass protest in Israel have delayed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to transform Israel’s judiciary. But there are signs of deeper troubles for Israeli democracy.
3/29/2023 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Is democracy threatened when lawmakers support insurrectionists?
Sitting members of Congress are aiding January 6th defendants. Visiting them in jail, releasing raw Capitol footage to Fox news. We hear what it means when members of Congress back the people who tried to tear Congress down.
3/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Should the U.S. fear TikTok?
The U.S. is considering banning the hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, over concerns that its Chinese ownership poses a threat to national security. What’s to fear about TikTok?
3/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
'Violation,' Part 1: Two sons, lost
Why did Jacob Wideman murder Eric Kane?
In 1986, the two 16-year-olds were rooming together on a summer camp trip to the Grand Canyon when Jacob fatally — and inexplicably — stabbed Eric.
That night, Jacob went on the run, absconding with the camp’s rented Oldsmobile and thousands of dollars in traveler’s checks. Before long, he turned himself in and eventually confessed to the killing — although he couldn’t explain what drove him to do it.
It would take years of therapy and medical treatment behind bars before Jacob could begin to understand what was going through his mind that night. It would take even longer to try to explain it to his family, to his victim’s family and to parole board members, who would decide whether he deserved to be free ever again.
This debut episode of “Violation,” a podcast from WBUR and The Marshall Project, introduces the story of the crime that has bound two families together for decades.
Jacob’s father, John Edgar Wideman, is an acclaimed author of many books on race, violence and criminal justice. He spoke with Violation host Beth Schwartzapfel in a rare, in-depth interview about his son’s case that listeners will hear throughout the series, including this premiere.
3/26/2023 • 34 minutes, 55 seconds
Donald Trump's potential indictment and its national implications
For the first time in U.S. history, a former president may be charged with a serious crime. We discuss the legal and political fallout of the possible indictment of Donald Trump.
3/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Sociologist Matthew Desmond on why poverty persists in America
In America we have the wealth and the know-how to end poverty, so why don’t we? Sociologist Matthew Desmond seeks answers in his new book “Poverty, By America.”
3/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 5 seconds
How Turkey’s hasty rebuild could set the nation up for another disaster
Just three weeks after the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey, reconstruction was already underway. Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has promised to rebuild in one year. But is racing to rebuild the right answer? Evren Aydoğan, Divya Chandrasekhar and Jared Maslin join Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/22/2023 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
Why mental health is declining for teenage girls in the U.S.
Teen mental health is declining, particularly among girls. The pressure of social media is often cited as a leading cause. But that’s not the full story behind the mental health of teenage girls in the U.S.
3/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Silicon Valley Bank's collapse: What happens when mid-sized banks get too big to fail
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank marks the second largest bank failure in America’s history. Some say a 2018 rollback on bank regulations helped cause it. What happens when so-called mid-sized banks also get too big to fail?
3/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
'Battle for your brain': What the rise of brain-computer interface technology means for you
Computer brain interfaces used to be the stuff of science fiction. Now, headphones and earbuds with sensors that can read your brain waves – and sell your data – are hitting the market. Experts say it’s the time to establish rules of the road.
3/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
The abortion pill lawsuit that could change how the FDA approves drugs
A Texas lawsuit attempting to ban the abortion pill could undermine how the FDA approves drugs. If the plaintiffs succeed, experts say the pharmaceutical industry could be thrown into chaos -- leaving past and new drugs also on the chopping block. Glenn Cohen and Eva Temkin join Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/16/2023 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
First person: Why clownfish need darkness
Emily Fobert is a research fellow at the University of Melbourne in Australia. In the lab, Emily studies how light pollution affects marine life.
3/15/2023 • 5 minutes, 31 seconds
In defense of darkness
Earth needs darkness just as much as it needs light. Human light pollution is pushing back the dark, which is changing the natural world, and could be hurting us, too. Johan Eklöf joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/15/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
The fight for control of the St. Louis police force
The State of Missouri controlled the St. Louis police force from the Civil War until a decade ago. Now Republican state politicians want that power back. We explore the struggle for control of the police between the city and state.
3/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
First person: Behind a scientist's discovery of a tongue-replacing parasite
Professor Nico Smit specializes in aquatic parasitology at Northwestern University in South Africa.
Many years ago, while working on his Ph.D., Smit ran across something special in the coastal waters off South Africa: a tongue-replacing parasite.
3/13/2023 • 6 minutes, 48 seconds
Why losing parasites could have devastating effects on our ecosystem
Parasites. Cause of human disease. Big on the yuck-factor. It's easy to think of them as doing no good -- but researchers say that's the wrong way to think of these essential creatures.
3/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft on being the first Black woman with a nationally syndicated comic
Barbara Brandon-Croft is the first Black female cartoonist to be nationally syndicated. Her comic strip, “Where I’m Coming From,” ran from 1991 to 2005 and featured nine Black women who talk about everything from racism, politics, friendship to love.
3/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Journalist Hannah Barnes on the inside story of the collapse of Tavistock’s gender identity clinic
Following a scathing independent report last year, Britain is shutting down its leading gender identity clinic. We talk about what lead to the closure, and how the debate over “gender affirming care” is unfolding in the United Kingdom. Hannah Barnes joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
The science and politics of COVID natural immunity
More studies are finding that natural immunity from COVID can be as protective as vaccination. U.S. health leaders knew this in 2021 — but most didn’t publicly acknowledge it. Why? Dr. Chris Murray and Dr. Paul Offit joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
Courts, profit and the monetization of America's justice system
Injustice in America’s for-profit justice system. When profit becomes the point, families become targets of the very justice system that is meant to protect everyone.
3/7/2023 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Could a four-day work week work in the United States?
When dozens of companies in the U.K. experimented with a four-day work week, employers and employees loved it. Could a four-day work week work in the United States? Juliet Schor, Matthew Bidwell and Shawn Noratel join Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
The politics and policies behind Ron DeSantis's reshaping of Florida education
Florida governor Ron DeSantis is making changes to public K-12 education. How are his policies and politics impacting Florida classrooms? Jeff Solochek joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
First person: The book bans leaving Florida school bookshelves empty
In July 2022, Florida Governor DeSantis signed Florida House Bill 1467. It requires all schoolbooks to be reviewed by a district employee holding an educational media specialist certificate, to ensure the books are grade level appropriate and free of pornography.
Shortly after the bill went into effect, videos started popping up on social media of empty school bookshelves.
Brian Covey, who posted a video of those empty bookshelves, joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/3/2023 • 7 minutes
What can Russian sanctions achieve?
The international community responded to Russia's invasion of Ukraine with harsh sanctions. But a year later, Russia is still fighting in Ukraine. Have sanctions failed? Adam Smith, Frank Vogl and Sergey Aleksashenko join Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
'The last supper': How a 1993 Pentagon dinner reshaped the defense industry
Thirty years ago, a secret dinner at the Pentagon led to a flurry of consolidation in the defense industry. We hear the story of that so-called "last supper" and what it means for the Pentagon's $800 billion budget today. Norman Augustine and Rep. John Garamendi join Meghna Chakrabarti.
3/1/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
'Blood Money': Inside the global business of selling plasma
Millions of Americans sell their blood plasma every year. It’s part of a global, multibillion dollar business.
But what is plasma really used for? Kathleen McLaughlin and Dr. Morey Blinder join Meghna Chakrabarti.
2/28/2023 • 47 minutes, 1 second
Who benefits, who loses from the occupational licensing system?
Since the 1950s, the number of occupations requiring a state license has ballooned. Who benefits, who loses when one in four workers in America need a license to do their job?
2/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
'60 is the new 50': As life expectancy rises, how Americans are embracing life's third act
100 years ago, average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47. Today, it's closer to 80 -- and lots of people are using those extra 30 years to reinvent themselves. Tom Andrew, Chip Conley and Sara-Lawrence-Lightfoot join Anthony Brooks.
2/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
What the Ohio train derailment tells us about rail safety in the U.S.
When a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, residents were forced to evacuate. Industry critics say lax safety regulations and industry lobbyists set the stage for this disaster.
2/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
How American educators can better teach the history of slavery
Contemporary political battles have put school classrooms at the center of a debate about race and our country’s history. How should American educators be teaching the history of slavery? Danielle Allen and David Blight join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
2/22/2023 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Daily life in Ukraine after a year of war
Since Russia invaded Ukraine one year ago this week – nearly 8,000 civilians have been killed, 11,000 injured and millions displaced. We hear from Ukrainians about their year of living through war.
2/21/2023 • 46 minutes, 39 seconds
'For as long as it takes': Can the West keep its promise to Ukraine?
It’s been nearly a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Both sides are preparing for new offensives. Can NATO keep its promise to stand with Kyiv for as long as it takes?
2/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
What Amazon's push into health care means for patients
Amazon is no longer content with being your go-to retailer, streaming service, or smart speaker. The trillion-dollar company now wants to be your doctor’s office and your pharmacy.
2/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Child sexual abuse material is on the rise online. Will lawmakers and big tech finally act?
There is more child sexual abuse content online than ever before. And not just on the dark web, but on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. What can the major tech companies do to stop it?
2/16/2023 • 49 minutes, 36 seconds
Trade wars: Examining the Biden administration's China policy
A deal with the Netherlands and Japan marks America’s latest effort to curb China’s semiconductor production. National security, meets economic rivalry, meets trade war geo-politics.
2/15/2023 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
What China's spy balloon reveals about Chinese and U.S. espionage and diplomacy
Before the shooting down of more unidentified aerial objects over the past few days, there was the China spy balloon. That gave us a rare glimpse into spycraft between the U.S. and China. What have we learned?
2/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
How will the West adapt as the Colorado River diminishes?
The federal government asked the seven Colorado River Basin states for a plan to cut water. All came to an agreement – except California. Now the federal government may have to step in. How will the West adapt as the Colorado River runs dry? Jennifer Pitt, Bart Fisher and Kathryn Sorensen join Meghna Chakrabarti.
2/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
Why Congress quietly just gave the FDA more power
Congress recently, and quietly, gave the FDA the power to prohibit off-label uses of medical devices. What’s behind that change and what it could mean for prescription medication? Zachary Brennan, Randall Stafford and Brad Thompson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
2/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
How the ultra-rich avoid paying taxes
In the 1980s, a lawyer devised a tax dodge that would save the ultra-rich millions. In the 1990s, Congress stepped in to make the maneuver even more lucrative. We hear how the ultra-rich avoid paying taxes.
2/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Biden's populist moment: Jack Beatty on the State of the Union address
Populism, border politics and primaries. In this podcast special, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty highlights key moments from President Biden's second State of the Union address.
2/8/2023 • 30 minutes, 21 seconds
The power of American English to unite a fractured nation
American English has many forms. It’s evolved over 400 years to match this country’s dynamic history. Humanities professor Ilan Stavans says that because it’s so adaptable, American English can unify our fractured nation. Ilan Stavans joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
2/8/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
What life is like for women under Taliban rule
The Taliban promised they would honor Afghan women's rights. Instead, they have banned women from universities, even required covering the faces of female mannequins. Mina, Najia Naseem and Rangina Hamidi join Meghna Chakrabarti.
2/7/2023 • 46 minutes, 46 seconds
Why more Americans are choosing to live in multigenerational housing
One in five Americans now live with their parents, grandparents, or adult children -- all under one roof. It's a remarkable change from a few generations ago. Ammylou Daludado, Michelle Singletary and Hope Harvey join Meghna Chakrabarti.
2/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
First person: Finding everyday awe in nature in Yosemite National Park
John Reynolds has lived in Yosemite National Park his entire life. In this 'First person' diary, he shares how living in nature helps him maintain a sense of awe.
2/3/2023 • 5 minutes, 37 seconds
Everyday awe: Science's answer to your search for happiness
How do you find deep happiness? Researcher Dacher Keltner says the answer is to find everyday wonder.
2/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Rebroadcast: The Eichmann tapes and the comforting myth of the 'banality of evil'
The banality of evil. That was Hannah Arendt's famous observation during the trial of Adolf Eichmann, the ‘architect of the Holocaust.’ Now, there's evidence that Eichmann's evil was anything but banal. Yariv Mozer and Bettina Stangneth join Meghna Chakrabarti.
2/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Do 'elite' police teams like Memphis's SCORPION unit do more harm than good?
Special police units like the now-disbanded SCORPION team in Memphis are common around the country. Police chiefs say they’re essential for fighting crime. Critics say their elite status and lack of accountability is a recipe for abuse.
2/1/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
First person: The fight to 'ordain women' in the LDS church
A recent edition of On Point explored the role of patriarchal power in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the consequences of that for Mormon women in abusive relationships.
Currently, only men in the Mormon Church get to ascend the religious hierarchy.
Kate Kelly founded the group Ordain Women roughly a decade ago to try to change that.
1/31/2023 • 8 minutes, 6 seconds
Mormon women confront power and patriarchy in the LDS church
This month, a Utah man murdered his wife, and their five children, and his mother-in-law, before killing himself. That’s sparked a conversation among Mormon women about power and safety in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
1/31/2023 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
How the world came together to save the ozone layer
In the 1980s, the world came together to ban CFCs, commonly used chemicals that were destroying the atmosphere’s ozone layer. Are there lessons we can apply to tackling climate change? Paul Newman and David Victor join Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/30/2023 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The GOP's ambitions in the House
House Republicans are getting down to business, drafting legislation to spend more money on border control, less on the IRS. Hardliners are calling for radical changes to social security and Medicare. How will the GOP advance its agenda in the House? Rep. Gary Palmer, Scott MacFarlane and Philip Wallach join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
1/27/2023 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
Why some anxiety is good, even though it feels bad
Over 40 million adults in America suffer from an anxiety disorder. But anxiety, the emotion, has an evolutionary purpose: It helps us prepare for an uncertain future. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary and Marc Brackett join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
1/26/2023 • 46 minutes, 58 seconds
The U.S. immigration crisis through the eyes of a border town mayor
Until recently Bruno Lozano was the mayor of Del Rio, Texas. Once seen as a rising star in the Democratic party, he’s now a fierce critic of President Biden’s handling of the southern border.
1/25/2023 • 47 minutes, 5 seconds
Rethinking diversity, equity and inclusion training
Almost every major company in the U.S. requires their employees to participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training. But is DEI training achieving what it aims to do? Frank Dobbin, Robert Livingston and Chloé Valdary join Anthony Brooks.
1/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
'The fight of his life': Journalist Chris Whipple's inside look at the Biden White House
So far, the presidency of Joe Biden has seen some big legislative successes, but a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. With a new Republican House majority determined to block his agenda, what’s next for the Biden presidency?
1/23/2023 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
The future of small colleges
College enrollment is down across the nation. Demographic changes are largely driving that. What does the decline mean for the future of small colleges?
1/20/2023 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
Is it time to rethink how we care for dementia patients?
In Europe there are ‘dementia villages’ where residents can live freely despite their memory loss. Could that work here in the United States? Iris Van Slooten and Dr. Tia Powell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/19/2023 • 46 minutes, 14 seconds
Inside the mind of a fabulist
Representative George Santos has lied about almost every aspect of his life. How do uncontrolled fabulists get that way -- going way beyond the little fibs we all tell -- to cutting all ties with the truth?
1/18/2023 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
New guidelines recommend early, aggressive treatment for childhood obesity
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines to tackle the obesity epidemic. They’re calling for family counseling, early treatment with drugs and even surgery. Can pediatricians turn the epidemic around?
1/17/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts on a decade of taking on the NRA
In 2012, horrified by the Sandy Hook school shooting, stay-at-home mom Shannon Watts founded Moms Demand Action. It’s now one of the largest anti-gun violence groups in the nation. Shannon Watts joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/16/2023 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Can gun liability insurance make our neighborhoods safer?
The nation’s first gun insurance mandate took effect this year in San Jose, California. Gunowners in the city are required to have liability insurance, or they'll be fined a minimum of $250. But can insurance actually curb gun violence?
1/13/2023 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
How fast fashion and social media fuel a high consumption, low quality world
Fast fashion retailers like Shein sell t-shirts for less than $5 apiece. This business model, along with social media, fuels an erosion in the quality of clothing at every level. What price are we really paying for super-affordable fashion? Danielle Vermeer and Mandy Lee join Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Earth's growing population: 'A direct affront to our own survival'
The population of planet Earth reached 8 billion people late last year. By the year 2100, we're headed for 2 billion more.
What does that mean for us and our planet?
Elizabeth Hadly is a professor of biology at Stanford University, and director of the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve in California's Santa Cruz Mountains.
For four decades, she's been an eyewitness to dramatic changes in the plant and animal kingdoms caused by human beings.
1/11/2023 • 5 minutes, 2 seconds
8 billion humans and counting: What it means for the planet's future
In the early 1800s, the human population hit 1 billion. As of late last year, human population 8 billion. And by the end of the century, it’s expected to top ten billion. What does that mean for humanity and the environment? Jennifer Sciubba and William Rees join Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/11/2023 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
First person: How one teacher thinks AI could help his students
ChatGPT is one of the most sophisticated AI chat bots ever released. With just a few prompts, it can write almost anything.
Daniel Herman, a high school English teacher in Berkeley, California, has some ideas about how ChatGPT might find its way into his classroom.
1/10/2023 • 5 minutes, 35 seconds
How AI chatbots are changing how we write and who we trust
ChatGPT is one of the most sophisticated AI chatbots ever released. A high school teacher says it writes better than some students. But what happens when we can't tell the difference between computer and human-generated writing?
1/10/2023 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Concerns, contradictions and the continued use of the death penalty in the U.S.
After a series of botched executions, Alabama could soon begin executing death row incarcerated people using lethal gas. Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, California, Wyoming and Arizona have legalized execution by lethal gas. We hear why.
1/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
'The eyes, the ears of all things': The spiritual power of peyote
First person: The Indigenous peoples of the Americas have been using psychedelics for thousands of years. Colonization and extermination ripped away their right to use psychedelics for generations.
1/6/2023 • 5 minutes, 31 seconds
Psychedelics and who should be able to use them
When psychedelic drugs were banned by federal law in 1970, it ended a debate over who should have access to them. Now that debate has been reignited. Amy Lynn McGuire joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/6/2023 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
Remarkable science: Why aging might be reversible
Aging might be reversible. Harvard researcher and biotech founder Dr. David Sinclair theorizes in his New York Times best-selling book, “Lifespan,” that aging doesn’t have to be inevitable.
1/6/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 53 seconds
What to expect from a GOP-controlled House
The GOP has taken back the House. But with a fractious caucus, and an ascendant far-right wing, how will Republicans run the House and what do they want to achieve in the new Congress? Sarah Longwell joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/5/2023 • 47 minutes
The real winners and losers in America's lottery obsession
Americans spend almost $100 billion a year on state lotteries. Why do so many states receive just a fraction of that money? Jonathan D. Cohen joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/4/2023 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
The Money Ladies' New Year's guide to the economy
The Money Ladies are back. Michelle Singletary and Rana Foroohar will be our guides for what to watch for in your personal finance and national economy this year.
1/3/2023 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Rebroadcast: How climate change is moving the world's forests north
Rebroadcast: Trees are on the move. Because of climate change, the world’s forests are heading north. What does this mean for us and our survival? Ben Rawlence joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
1/2/2023 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
More than money: Solutions for reining in monopoly power
Rebroadcast: For antitrust reformers, the size and power of companies like Google and Facebook represent more than a threat to consumer welfare. It’s the final episode in our series “More than money." Matt Stoller, Jack Beatty and Carl Shapiro join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/30/2022 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
More than money: Defining American antitrust law, from Bork to Khan
Rebroadcast: From Robert Bork's "consumer harm" to Lina Khan's "democratic harm," we discuss the ideas that drive the government's approach to antitrust regulation. Daniel Crane, Barry Lynn and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/29/2022 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
More than money: Antitrust lessons of the Gilded Age
The nineteenth century saw the rise of great monopolies. Americans pushed back. What changed?
We discuss lessons learned from antitrust action in the Gilded Age with Jack Beatty and Charles Postel.
12/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
More than money: Microsoft and the big tech question
Rebroadcast: Microsoft wanted to acquire Activision-Blizzard for almost $70 billion. Is the mega-merger a new kind of monopoly?
12/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
More than money: The monopoly on meat
Rebroadcast: Our series "More than money" is an exploration of the hidden power of monopolies in the U.S.
Part I looks at how corporate monopolies dominate the beef industry.
"It's failed consumers on one end of the supply chain, and it's failed the American family farmer and rancher on the other." Bill Bullard, Claire Kelloway and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/26/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
The healing power of music
Many of us turn to music to feel better. But music can also help us physically heal. Studies show music can affect our blood pressure and our heart rate – and even help us manage pain.
12/23/2022 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
The Jan. 6 committee report and what the DOJ may do next
For the first time in American history, Congress has referred a former president for criminal prosecution. Will the Justice Department bring charges against Donald Trump?
12/22/2022 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
How the collapse of FTX put the effective altruism movement in jeopardy
Disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was one of the biggest proponents of a philanthropic movement called effective altruism. Where does the movement go from here? Molly White and Richard Chappell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/21/2022 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Why Americans are spending less time with friends — and what to do about it
Americans are spending more time alone and less time with friends, according to a Census Bureau survey. We hear what's behind the drop in time spent with friends, and why it’s important to reverse the trend.
12/20/2022 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
'Don't Look Back': Author Achut Deng's journey of survival from Sudan to America
Before she was a teenager, Achut Deng escaped civil war in South Sudan and life in a Kenyan refugee camp. Until recently, she carried that secret history with her.
12/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
First person: Why soccer is so much better in Spanish
The 2022 World Cup wraps up this weekend in Qatar when Argentina plays France in the final.
Nico Cantor is a soccer broadcaster, primarily for CBS Sports. He’s doing Spanish language commentary for Fútbol de Primera at this World Cup.
12/16/2022 • 13 minutes, 5 seconds
Understanding Marjorie Taylor Greene's influence in a Republican-controlled House
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene will be a potent force in the Republican Controlled House. What will she do with her influence? Robert Draper and Tia Mitchell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/16/2022 • 34 minutes, 11 seconds
Remarkable science: Living to 100 with Blue Zones author Dan Buettner
In the third installment of our podcast-only series Remarkable Science, we talk with journalist, author and National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner.
He's spent more than a decade analyzing 'Blue Zones' — five places where people live the longest, healthiest lives.
12/16/2022 • 58 minutes, 47 seconds
Behind the bankruptcy tactic shielding corporate executives from accountability
There is a new bankruptcy tactic being used to shield executives from accountability. Non-debtor releases give corporate leaders -- like the Sackler family and Harvey Weinstein -- immunity from lawsuits for life. Mike Spector and Clifford White III join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
Rebroadcast: Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt on democracy, social media and how to fix America's 'ailing' institutions
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt says America is in trouble.
He sees it on college campuses and through social media.
Haidt joins Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss democracy, social media and how to fix America's 'ailing' institutions.
12/14/2022 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Rebroadcast: Inside one developer's big bet on affordable housing in Los Angeles
A California entrepreneur says he's building affordable homes in South Central LA at half the usual cost. How? By saying no to public funding. Martin Muoto and Mike Loftin join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/13/2022 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
What do American Christians believe about their religion?
When referring to Christians, politicians and the media are often focusing on one group -- politicized evangelicals. But, in truth, they are a small slice of the broad spectrum of American Christianity. Jonathan Tran and Jua Robinson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/12/2022 • 46 minutes, 57 seconds
Understanding J. Edgar Hoover's America
Former FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover. He hated the American left. Demonized and investigated his critics. But what did the rest of America think about him? Beverly Gage joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/9/2022 • 47 minutes, 5 seconds
Mosul, 5 years later: Rebuilding a city from rubble
In 2017, the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS razed the city to the ground. Approximately 10,000 civilians died. Their families have spent the past five years trying to bring their city back. Ali Baroodi, Maria Rita Acetoso and Sarhang Hamasaeed join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 29 seconds
Learning from Mauna Loa: How the volcanic eruption will shape Hawaiian history
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano is erupting for the first time in nearly four decades. A new generation of researchers equipped with new technology are observing the primal forces that continue to shape the planet.
12/7/2022 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
What China's zero COVID protests tell us about China today
Across China, remarkable public demonstrations against the country’s zero COVID policy. Could this mark the surfacing of deeper discontent in Chinese society? Dr. Yangyang Cheng joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/6/2022 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
How children are taught to read faces a reckoning
Huge numbers of kids are struggling to read. Why? Because literacy curriculum used in thousands of classrooms doesn’t work. Emily Hanford joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/5/2022 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
Essential trust: How to rebuild trust in America
Studies show a majority of Americans believe other Americans mostly look out for themselves. With trust on the decline, can it be rebuilt? Robert Putnam and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/2/2022 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Essential trust: How healthy skepticism builds trust
Trust is essential for survival, for relationships, for a civilized society. But trust needs an ally. We hear why building trust needs a good dose of healthy skepticism, too. Sanford “Sandy” Goldberg, Jack Beatty and Julia Jordan-Zachery join Meghna Chakrabarti.
12/1/2022 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
Essential trust: Lessons from Brazil's trust crisis
Brazilians have low levels of institutional trust. They also have low levels of trust in each other. Why? Chayenne Polimédio and Rafael Ioris join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/30/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Essential trust: The brain science of trust
What happens in our brains when we trust someone? Neuroscientists explain how our brains process trust, and why it's worth the risk. Jamil Zaki and Oriel FeldmanHall join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/29/2022 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Essential trust: Trust in the animal kingdom
Rebroadcast: Jane Goodall formed incredible bonds with chimpanzees in the wild. But were those bonds similar to what we humans experience as trust?
11/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Rebroadcast: How to save the endangered monarch butterfly
The fragile beauty of the monarch butterfly. Can they be saved?
11/25/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
First person: Faces of the 2020 'shecession' today
From February to May 2020, almost 12 million American women lost their jobs compared to 9 million men, according to Pew Research. But new analysis finds that gender was not the main driver behind those pandemic job losses for women.
11/25/2022 • 19 minutes, 9 seconds
Rebroadcast: How a U.S. Marine and an Afghan interpreter forged a bond of friendship in Afghanistan
Zac Zaki and Tom Schueman join us to talk about the friendship they forged in Afghanistan, and what it took to get Zaki out of Kabul.
11/24/2022 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Rebroadcast: Journalist Putsata Reang shares an immigrant daughter's story in 'Ma and Me'
Journalist Putsata Reang has reported on many wars. Her own life is defined by the war her family escaped. “What did I owe my mother for giving me life?" The question gripped Reang when she decided to tell her mother that she's gay.
11/23/2022 • 46 minutes, 37 seconds
What Ticketmaster's Taylor Swift debacle reveals about the music industry's monopoly problem
Congress has tried for years to reign in this ticketing monopoly. Will Taylor Swift Fans make all the difference? Krista Brown and Andre Barlow join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
11/22/2022 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
The inventory glut and what it means for your holiday shopping
Last year at this time, retailers had high demand, but stock was in short supply. This year, that’s turned on its head. So, what does that mean for consumers? G. Tony Bell and Alla Valente join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
11/21/2022 • 46 minutes, 57 seconds
An 'invisible epidemic': Survivors of domestic violence on living with traumatic brain injury
Rebroadcast: An 'invisible epidemic' is causing suffering in millions of women. It affects memory, concentration, balance. We discuss traumatic brain injuries in survivors of domestic violence. Eve Valera and Rachel Ramirez join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
The economic impact of the pandemic on women
A new word was coined to describe the economy in the fall of 2020: She-cession. Neat, but maybe too convenient. Claudia Goldin joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/17/2022 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Split-ticket voters and their impact on the latest election
In a country that’s increasingly polarized – many voters in the midterms said it doesn’t have to be that way. We hear what ticket splitting tells us about what American voters are looking for.
11/16/2022 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
What Elon Musk's Twitter takeover means for the social media platform
Elon Musk borrowed billions to buy Twitter. Now he has to figure out how to pay all that back. But there’s just one problem. Nilay Patel and Sen. Ed Markey join Anthony Brooks.
11/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
How to slow down and find some meaningful rest
In a world where we emphasize productivity and even celebrate busyness, is constant fatigue inevitable? Or – can we learn and practice meaningful rest? Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/14/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Richard Reeves on why the modern male is struggling, and what to do about it
Are cultural and economic forces changing boyhood, manhood and fatherhood? Richard Reeves says yes, and that many men and boys are struggling.
11/11/2022 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
RSV: What's behind the surge, and how to contain it
Children’s hospitals across the U.S. are being overwhelmed by the respiratory infection RSV. Can it be contained, and how? Dr. Meghan Bernier and Saad Omer join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/10/2022 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
What can we learn from the midterms?
The biggest test of U.S. democracy since Jan. 6, 2021. What do the midterm election results tell us about Americans' belief in democracy and the direction of the nation? Heather Cox Richardson, Stephen Henderson, Tom Bonier, Lisa Desjardins and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/9/2022 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Journalist David Wallace-Wells on climate change and climate hope
After a year of catastrophic weather events, nations have gathered for the COP27 climate conference. The picture is grim, but some climate scientists say they’re encouraged by progress the world has made. David Wallace-Wells joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
The growing threat to ballot initiatives
Important ballot measures are at play in the midterms. In some states, voters are being asked to consider limiting their own right to put citizen-sponsored initiatives on future ballots. Neil Volz, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Josh Visnaw join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/7/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Colleges’ role in curbing the student debt crisis
The Biden Administration wants to make higher ed more affordable. Why aren't colleges and universities doing more themselves to make getting a degree less expensive? Eric Kelderman and Mitch Daniels join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/4/2022 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
Is customer service bad on purpose?
Press one. Press two. Try to find a human, but you can’t. Welcome to the nightmare that is customer service. Jeannie Walters and Jared Spool join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/3/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
The reality of the drug trade in San Francisco
An open-air drug market is thriving San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. We explore what's behind it. Randy Shaw, Leighton Woodhouse and Sam Quinones join Meghna Chakrabarti.
11/2/2022 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
The future of affirmative action
The Supreme Court set a precedent for affirmative action more than 40 years ago. Now that precedent hangs in the balance as the court considers it again.
11/1/2022 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
What we know about the midterm elections, from Colorado to Nevada
The midterms are right around the corner, and both parties are talking all about the economy. What message will win with voters? Natasha Korecki, Jon Ralston, Bente Birkeland and Chad Livengood join Anthony Brooks.
10/31/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Modern conservatism and its discontents in Britain
Britain is on Prime Minister number three, in just the past two months. What's going on with Britain's conservative party, and with the nation they've been elected to lead? Emily Maitlis and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Should animals have personhood rights?
For years, legal activists fought to free their client ... an elephant. Earlier this year, the state's highest court rejected that argument. But the question's now out there: If corporations can have some personhood rights, why not animals, too? David Scheel and Richard Cupp join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
What's standing in the way of Puerto Rico's recovery
Puerto Rico is recovering from Hurricane Fiona which hit last month. It’s also still recovering from Hurricane Maria, which hit more than 5 years ago. So, what’s holding back Puerto Rico’s recovery? Adi Martinez-Roman and Deepak Lamba-Nieves join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/26/2022 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
First person: Leaving Russia to avoid war in Ukraine
Timothy Snyder says Russian President Vladimir Putin is vulnerable at home, as Russian men leave to avoid being sent to fight in Ukraine.
Dmitry Grigoriev is Russian man living in Georgia to avoid mobilization. He shares his story.
10/25/2022 • 5 minutes, 21 seconds
Historian Timothy Snyder on how war ends in Ukraine
Russia invaded Ukraine eight months ago, seemingly unprepared for the fight Ukraine would put up. Scholar Timothy Snyder answers the question: How will the war in Ukraine end?
10/25/2022 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
In 'Half American,' historian Matthew Delmont tells the story of World War II from the Black perspective
More than a million Black Americans fought for the United States in World War II. They fought for a double victory: over fascism and over racism. But their fight would continue long after the war ended. Matthew Delmont joins Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
10/24/2022 • 46 minutes, 50 seconds
How the strong U.S. dollar is hurting the global economy
The U.S. dollar is soaring against other currencies, adding to fears of a global financial meltdown. When that happened in 1985, governments took action. Could that happen today?
Kenneth Rogoff and Jean-Claude Trichet join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
10/21/2022 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
The 'Texas two-step': A controversial legal strategy to avoid corporate liability
Corporations facing massive litigation are using a new legal strategy to avoid liability. It’s known as the Texas two-step. Step one: create a subsidiary and transfer a few assets and all the lawsuits. Step two: The subsidiary files for bankruptcy. Rob Rasmussen, Mike Spector and Leigh O'Dell join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
10/20/2022 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
Big money and big temptation in the world of online chess
Chess is an ancient game of grand masters, now being upended in the digital domain. To add to the upheaval, grand master Hans Niemann has been accused of cheating in more than 100 games. Danny Rensch, Levy Rozman and Anna Cramling join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Financial columnist Rana Foroohar's lessons for localizing a global economy in 'Homecoming'
If the U.S. is to be less reliant on global supply chains, businesses and consumers are going to have to change expectations. Rana Foroohar joins us to discuss what it'll really take to rebuild the economy at "home." Rana Foroohar and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Voter roundtable: Listening to Latino voters from across the country
Political analysts call the Hispanic vote a ‘sleeping giant.’ Most still vote Democratic, but the GOP is gaining ground. We'll listen to Hispanic voters from across the country. Rick Sanchez, Veronica Lopez, Iris Ramos-Jones and Doni Curkendall join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/17/2022 • 47 minutes, 17 seconds
What we learned from the Jan. 6th committee's likely final public hearing
In the likely final hearing of the January 6th House Committee, the members laid out their key findings – detail after detail. Eric Cortellessa, Elaine Kamarck, Sarah Longwell and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/14/2022 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Young people think the country's moving in the wrong direction. Will they show up to the polls?
Who is least likely to vote in the midterms next month? Young Americans. But are politicians any more likely to listen to young Americans if they don't turn up at the ballot box? Fana Haile-Selassie, Tinisee Buckman and Troy Simpson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/13/2022 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Pres. Biden wants to end U.S. reliance on China. Could Beijing show us the way?
Key parts of our economy and defense rely on imports from China. President Biden wants to end that dependence. On the flipside, President Xi has been trying to untangle China’s economy from ours for years. How’s that working out? Hung Tran and Elaine Dezenski join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Inside one developer's big bet on affordable housing in Los Angeles
A California entrepreneur says he's building affordable homes in South Central LA at half the usual cost. How? By saying no to public funding. Martin Muoto and Mike Loftin join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/11/2022 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
What the U.S. can learn from the fall of democracy in Chile
Chile is a democracy that fell into dictatorship for nearly two decades. What were the warning signs? Robert Funk, Peter Siavelis and Heraldo Muñoz join Meghna Chakrabarti.
10/10/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
A report card on week one of the Supreme Court’s new term
In its last term the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, limited the authority of the EPA and expanded gun rights. In its new term, the court faces decisions on voting rights, affirmative action, gay rights. Amy Howe, Carolyn Shapiro and Erwin Chemerinsky join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
10/7/2022 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
In 'Illustrated Black History,' artist George McCalman paints Black Americans onto our nation’s canvas
Portraits are about far more than pencil or paint.
But for most of our nation’s history, Black Americans were denied that public honor.
Now, with a collection of 145 portraits of America’s iconic and unsung Black heroes -- one artist is setting out to change that. George McCalman joins Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
10/6/2022 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
First person: Living with long COVID
Long COVID is generally defined as having symptoms that persist for more than four weeks. Hanna Tripp has lived with COVID symptoms since March 2020, just as the pandemic began. Hear her story in today's 'First person' diary.
10/5/2022 • 4 minutes, 20 seconds
How Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is helping doctors understand long COVID
Thousands of Americans suffer from long COVID, and doctors still don’t understand it. But researchers who’ve spent decades studying Chronic Fatigue Syndrome say they have some answers. Dr. David Putrino and Dr. Lucinda Bateman join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
10/5/2022 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
Voter roundtable: Conservative voters on what's motivating them to vote in the midterms
Republicans have a chance to take back the U.S. House and Senate in November’s midterm elections. We sit down with conservative voters across the nation to hear what’s on their minds.
10/4/2022 • 46 minutes, 55 seconds
Iran's women in revolt
Women across Iran have taken to the streets after the death of a young woman in police custody. Their government says it will ‘mercilessly confront’ them: dozens have been killed. Neither side is backing down: what’s next for the women of Iran?
10/3/2022 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
How a Texas law could impact First Amendment rights and content moderation online
In Texas, large social media platforms may soon lose the right to moderate their own content. We discuss NetChoice v. Paxton – and how a Texas law could impact First Amendment rights and content moderation online. Alan Rozenshtein and Julie Owono join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
9/30/2022 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
The danger of being a journalist in Mexico
In Mexico, more than a dozen journalists have been murdered a year, every year, for two decades. In 2012, Regina Martinez was one of them. One reporter wanted to know why. Katherine Corcoran joins Kimberly Atkins-Stohr.
9/29/2022 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
Behind supervised injection sites: A controversial solution to overdose deaths
Only one city in the U.S. has supervised drug injection sites to combat overdose deaths. We discuss a life-saving solution that’s seemingly too controversial. Peter Davidson and Ronda Goldfein join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
9/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
America’s climate havens of the future
Millions of climate refugees are expected to move north from the South and West in years to come. The mayor of Buffalo, New York says they’ll be welcome. Maria Agosto, Matt Hauer and Beth Gibbons join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
9/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
What's behind the recent increase of Venezuelan migrants in Texas
Every day, U.S. border patrol drops off hundreds of Venezuelan refugees in downtown El Paso. From then on, they’re the city’s responsibility. But why? Uriel Garcia, Molly O'Toole and Niurka Meléndez join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
9/26/2022 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
In 'Secret City,' author James Kirchick traces the unknown history of gay Washington
Post-World War II, there was something seen as even worse than being a communist in U.S. politics: being gay. We discuss how lives and careers were lost through decades of bipartisan homophobia. James Kirchick joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/23/2022 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Pushback in Russia on Putin's war
With Russia’s military setbacks in Ukraine, there’s been increasingly open criticism of President Putin and his war. We examine Putin's pressure points. Nikolas Gvosdev and Olga Ivshina join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
9/22/2022 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
In ‘Lady Justice,’ Dahlia Lithwick profiles women who used the rule of law to challenge Trumpism
Law journalist Dahlia Lithwick profiles female lawyers and judges who challenged the Trump administration in her new book, 'Lady Justice.'
9/21/2022 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Rebroadcast: In 'Work Pray Code,' author Carolyn Chen reflects on what happens when we worship work
Many Silicon Valley companies want their software engineers to live for their jobs. And they offer them everything from meals to dry cleaning to spiritual coaches. But is the office really the place to find a life’s worth of fulfillment? Carolyn Chen and Lauren Padron join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/20/2022 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Essential trust: Trust in the animal kingdom
Jane Goodall formed incredible bonds with chimpanzees in the wild. But were those bonds similar to what we humans experience as trust? It's the first episode of our series "Essential trust."
9/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
The Jackson, Mississippi water crisis and America's crumbling water system
Jackson, Mississippi hasn't had safe drinking water for weeks. The city's mayor says the problem's decades in the making. That makes Jackson a lesson for the entire country. Donna Ladd, Aaron Packman and Catherine Coleman-Flowers join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/16/2022 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
Remarkable science: How to prepare for the fall season of infectious diseases
Our series of podcast-only episodes called Remarkable Science features conversations with scientists about their work, recorded in front of a virtual audience at WBUR’s CitySpace venue in Boston.
Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, and Dr. Albert Ko, professor of public health and epidemiology and medicine at Yale, explore how we should all go about living in a time of outbreaks, pandemics and other infectious threats.
9/16/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 51 seconds
President Biden's anti-crime bill: Will it make America safer?
President Biden's $37 billion anti-crime plan includes funding to hire 100,000 more police. What's actually in the plan? Richard Rosenfeld and Elie Mystal join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Inside Europe's energy crisis
Russia has cut off energy supplies to Europe. It's causing a crisis. How long can Europe hold on? Suriya Jayanti and Tim McPhie join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/14/2022 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Can political ads influence the outcome of an election?
The midterms are coming, and your TV's already been flooded with campaign ads. But do the ads even work? Do they sway voters at all? Christopher Warshaw and Dan Bayens join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/13/2022 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Solutions and next steps in saving the U.S. postal service
This year, Congress actually came up with a solution to help the U.S. Postal Service. A bipartisan bill passed that's the biggest financial reform of the Post office in 20 years. What's been fixed? Jacob Bogage and Paul Steidler join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
The Bin Laden papers, and the inside story of al-Qaida's fall
One decade and 6,000 pages of documents later, the Bin Laden papers have upended our understanding of al-Qaida. Nelly Lahoud joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/9/2022 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Censorship wars: Why have several communities voted to defund their public libraries?
Some school libraries have been forced to remove controversial books. The threat now is on public libraries, where some communities have recently taken another step -- they've voted to defund their local libraries. Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Patrick Sweeney and George M. Johnson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Education reporter Anya Kamenetz on how the pandemic changed public education
The COVID-19 pandemic completely upended children’s lives as they knew it. What did they lose? We talk to a longtime education reporter about how the pandemic changed her view of public education. Anya Kamenetz joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/7/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
In 'Survival of the Richest,' author Douglas Rushkoff examines the escape plans of the tech elite
In Douglas Rushkoff’s latest book: “Survival of the Richest," we hear how the tech elite are planning to escape the destruction they had a hand in creating.
9/6/2022 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Rebroadcast: Inside the lives of social media influencers
The life of a digital influencer. Primp. Place product. Post. And cha-ching! But… that’s not all. “There is such an incredible amount of labor, much of that remains concealed behind the scenes." Brooke Erin Duffy and Ayana Lage join Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/5/2022 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
Rebroadcast: Author Steven Rinella's tips for raising 'outdoor kids in an inside world'
Phones. TVs. Computers, everywhere inside. But outside, how can we help kids see the forest beyond the screens? Steven Rinella joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/2/2022 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
Rebroadcast: Scholar Randall Kennedy's reflections on race, culture and law in America
For decades, scholar Randall Kennedy has been writing about race, culture and the law. “We are certainly much further from the racial promised land than I had thought that we were," he says. Randall Kennedy joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
9/1/2022 • 46 minutes, 30 seconds
Inside the science of empathetic joy
Mass grief. Mass outrage. Seemingly everywhere. But can we also learn to share in each other’s joy?
Eve Ekman, Shelly Gable and Amelie, an On Point listener, join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/31/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The college educators behind the push to speak freely on campus
Steven Salaita was a rising star in the field of American Indian studies.
In the fall of 2012, he applied for a job at the University of Illinois. Then, he lost everything.
“I had taken to Twitter and other forms of social media to condemn Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Palestine," Salaita remembers.
"And suddenly, I got an email out of the blue informing me that the job offer had been pulled."
Academic freedom on American campuses. Keith Whittington joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/30/2022 • 46 minutes, 6 seconds
Rebroadcast: Protecting whale superhighways
Whales migrate along routes thousands of miles long - oceanic superhighways - that also happen to be corridors of human disruption. We discuss the fight to protect whale superhighways. Kerri Seger and Michael J. Moore join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/29/2022 • 46 minutes, 35 seconds
Inside America's latest efforts to curb gun violence
This year there have been significant legislative efforts to curb gun violence in the U.S. ... including passage of the first federal gun reform bill in three decades. Will it work? Josh Horwitz and Matthew Platkin join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
8/26/2022 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
First person: Former NFL wide receiver Markus Wheaton on finding passion after football
On the most recent episode of On Point, we talked about Serena Williams' retirement. Or, as she calls it, 'an evolution away from tennis.'
Williams's decision brings to light the challenges for professional athletes who retire after being successful in sports their whole lives. We talked to former NFL wide receiver Markus Wheaton. He played in the league for six seasons.
8/25/2022 • 5 minutes, 19 seconds
How athletes are redefining retirement
After 23 Grand Slam singles and 27 years on tour, Serena Williams says this U.S. Open will be her last.
Williams says she’s “evolving away from tennis.”
But what does that mean for athletes who have dedicated their lives to pursuing greatness in a sport? William C. Rhoden and Kensa Gunter join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
8/25/2022 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
Life in Ukraine, 6 months into the war
It’s Independence Day in Ukraine.
Official celebrations have been canceled. But the fact that there’s an independent Ukraine at all is celebration enough for Ukrainians.
President Zelenskyy is vowing to fight on. What lies ahead for Ukraine? Tanya Kozyreva, Michael Kofman and Olga Ivshina join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
8/24/2022 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy's life in American politics
Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy knows what it’s like to fly with presidents. Kimberly Atkins Stohr hears about his life in American politics.
8/23/2022 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
'Real and present danger’: How Trump rhetoric is impacting the FBI after the Mar-a-Lago search
Donald Trump's supporters are unleashing a torrent of criticism of the FBI after agents searched Mar-a-Lago. What impact is it having? Andrew McCabe and Dennis Lormel join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
8/22/2022 • 46 minutes, 53 seconds
The history of the price of free speech
Author Salman Rushdie remains in critical condition after a brutal knife attack last week. We'll look at the long history of the price people pay to defend free speech. Jacob Mchangama joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Pod extra: Revisiting a 2013 interview with Salman Rushdie
In 2013, Meghna Chakrabarti spoke with Salman Rushdie, on the tail end of his book tour for Joseph Anton.
Today, in this podcast special, we're resurfacing the 2013 Radio Boston interview with Rushdie.
8/19/2022 • 21 minutes, 16 seconds
The wage myths of the modern economy
Why are wages what they are? We talk about the myths that help set wages in the modern economy. Jake Rosenfeld and Larry Mishel join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The Ohio primary and what it means for the general election
We look closely at swing state Ohio, and what the midterms Senate race there says about the appeal of Trumpism nationwide. Gary Abernathy, Haley BeMiller and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/17/2022 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
A new study says you might need to exercise twice as much. But who's got the time?
A new study finds that the standard recommendation of two-and-a-half hours a week of exercise may not be enough. You might need twice as much exercise to live a long, healthy life. NiCole Keith and Dr. Eddie Phillips join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/16/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
How a U.S. Marine and an Afghan interpreter forged a bond of friendship in Afghanistan
Zac Zaki and Tom Schueman join Meghna Chakrabarti to talk about the friendship they forged in Afghanistan, and what it took to get Zaki out of Kabul.
8/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
How Trump’s generals fought back
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley had written a letter of resignation. In it, he accused former President Donald Trump of betraying the country. But Milley never sent the letter. That's according to a stunning report in the New Yorker magazine. Susan Glasser and Peter Baker join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
How the meatpacking industry skirted COVID safety regulations with the help of the White House
The nation's meatpacking companies skirted COVID safety regulations. And they did it with the White House's help, according to a little known Congressional report. So how’d they get away with it? Michael Grabell and Debbie Berkowitz join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/11/2022 • 47 minutes, 30 seconds
Understanding China's military might, and whether Beijing will use it
1996. The last Taiwan Straights crisis. China's was badly outmatched by the U.S. So what's the Chinese military capable of now? Oriana Skylar Mastro and Bonny Lin join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/10/2022 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
Behind the government-backed effort to create a national EV charging network
The federal government is spending big to usher in an electric vehicle future.
What ideas can make sure the money is well spent? Samantha Houston and Alexander Laska join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/9/2022 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Remembering the legacies of Black pioneers Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell
From the deck of the Starship Enterprise, to the storied parquet of the NBA -- Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell changed how the world saw Black Americans. We remember the legacies of these two pioneers. Angelique Fawcette and Marc J. Spears join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
The paradox: How democracy can lead to liberalism — or fascism
In a truly open society, all ideas can flourish -- even those that tear down democracies. New technologies help those ideas spread. So, are fragile democracies the norm? Zac Gershberg, Sean Illing and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/5/2022 • 46 minutes, 43 seconds
Rebroadcast: The mental health crisis among American children of color
Youth suicide has been on the rise across the United States. And for young people between the ages of 5 and 12, the suicide rate for Black children is nearly double that of white children. Tami Charles and Kevin Simon join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/4/2022 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
What happens when American teens get more sleep
The typical teen body clock and the typical school start time are out of synch. California is pushing back the start of the high school day. Other districts already have. Did it work? Lisa L. Lewis joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/3/2022 • 47 minutes, 16 seconds
First person: Thinking globally, acting locally to save the monarch butterfly
First person: Jose Luis Alvarez, co-founder of Forests for Monarchs, and Martha Askins, a retired lawyer, discuss the beauty of the monarch butterfly and conservation efforts to save them.
8/2/2022 • 11 minutes, 22 seconds
How to save the endangered monarch butterfly
Every year, migratory monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles.
But for decades, their population has been declining. Now, the monarchs are endangered.
We discuss how to save the endangered monarch butterfly. Orley “Chip” Taylor and Wendy Caldwell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
8/2/2022 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Behind the new study changing how doctors view depression
You’ve seen the pharma ads saying depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. But for years, doctors have known that's not entirely true. A big new study confirms that, and it’s come as a shock to patients. Daniel Carlat joins us.
8/1/2022 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
Unpacking bipartisan efforts to reform the Electoral Count Act
A new bill proposes critical updates to the Electoral Count Act of 1887, but is it enough to prevent another Jan. 6th? Matthew Seligman, Derek Muller and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/29/2022 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
'On Point Live' from KPCC: A conversation with The Black List founder Franklin Leonard
Franklin Leonard is founder of The Black List, a company and production studio that searches for the best screenplays that aren't getting attention from Hollywood execs.
In a pod exclusive, Leonard joins Meghna Chakrabarti for a special live event at KPCC's Public Radio Palooza series in Pasadena, California.
7/29/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 18 seconds
The COVID lessons we didn't learn for the monkeypox outbreak
Monkeypox is spreading across the country, with numbers rising. COVID was supposed to be a wake up call for American public health. So how did this happen? Aaron Gettinger and Dr. Ali Khan join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Amid rising violence, a look inside the possible return of stop-and-frisk in Philadelphia
There were more than 560 homicides in Philadelphia last year. Now, some elected officials are calling for the return of a controversial policing tactic: stop-and-frisk. Sammy Caiola, Shira Scheindlin and Councilman Isaiah Thomas join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Americans are avoiding the news. What can journalists do?
Amanda Ripley is a journalist, and even she, like millions of Americans, decided to turn off the news. So what needs to change? Ripley has an answer, and it begins with giving people hope.
Joe Segal, Amanda Ripley and David Bornstein join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/26/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
James Webb Space Telescope: Humanity's deepest glimpse into the universe yet
The James Webb Space Telescope has sent back its first images. We'll discuss the deepest glimpse into the story of the universe human kind has ever had.
Catherine Espaillat and Steve Finkelstein join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/25/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
What the Jan. 6 committee learned about the Capitol attack, 18 months later
As its series of hearings wraps up, what has the January 6 committee revealed about Donald Trump and the attack on the Capitol?
Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rosalind Helderman and Jack Beatty join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
7/22/2022 • 47 minutes
A 'transition candidate': Where is America headed next?
During the 2020 Presidential campaign, Joe Biden called himself a “transition candidate.” But transition to bring America where?
Mike Lux, Jonathan Lemire and Jack Beatty join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
7/21/2022 • 46 minutes, 56 seconds
The political marriage between the GOP and militias
In several countries, elected politicians are making deals with violent militias. Is America next?
Rachel Kleinfeld and Bill Kristol join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
7/20/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The un-separation of church and state
In decisions involving state funding for religious schools and prayer on a high school football field the conservative majority on the Supreme Court says it is defending religious liberty. But for some, that seems more like an attack.
Linda Greenhouse and Michael McConnell join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
7/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
How to navigate the current stage of the COVID pandemic
Omicron BA.5 is the new dominant COVID strain in the U.S. New mutations. A new set of questions.
Dr. Ashish Jha, Professor Marlene Wolfe and Dr. Amesh Adalja join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
7/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
The Eichmann tapes and the comforting myth of the 'banality of evil'
The banality of evil. Hannah Arendt's famous observation during the trial of Adolf Eichmann, the ‘architect of the Holocaust.’ There's new evidence that Eichmann's evil was anything but banal. Yariv Mozer and Bettina Stangneth join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
How 'normal' Republican staffers paved the road to Trump
“America never would have gotten into this mess if it weren’t for me and my friends.”
That's how Tim Miller begins his new book "Why We Did It."
Tim Miller and Sarah Isgur join Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss how “normal” Republican staffers paved the road to Trump.
7/14/2022 • 47 minutes, 10 seconds
The history of far-right populism, from the John Birch Society to Trumpism
Decades before QAnon, far-right conspiracists were already pushing a conservative political agenda. We discuss the history of far-right populism – from the John Birch Society to Trumpism. Edward Miller and Jack Beatty join Anthony Brooks.
7/13/2022 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
How a Supreme Court case on federal elections could imperil democracy
Some Republicans say state legislatures should have the power to override federal elections. The Supreme Court is taking up a case that could make that the law of the land. We hear why some say that would imperil our democracy. Bertrall Ross, Dan Vicuña and Dallas Woodhouse join Anthony Brooks.
7/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Online extremism and the digital footprint of mass shooters
Analysts studying recent mass shootings say there's a previously unrecognized pattern. It begins in the darkest corners of the internet.
We discuss the online training ground for mass shooters. Alex Newhouse and Emmi Conley join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/11/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
The crypto market meltdown: Could it pave the way to new regulations?
The crypto market is in meltdown, with $2 trillion lost so far. Could it pave the way to new regulations? Hester Peirce and Molly White join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
Lessons from America's brief experiment with universal free school meals
A pandemic program that worked, but was eliminated anyway. We hear what's behind the end of the universal free school meals program. Lisa Davis, Teresa Brown and Krista Ruffini join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/7/2022 • 46 minutes, 58 seconds
Pod Extra: Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Ed Markey on actions the government can take to improve the airline industry
On Point senior editor speaks with Democratic Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the actions the federal government could take to improve the airline industry.
7/6/2022 • 18 minutes, 27 seconds
Unfriendly skies: Will airline service ever improve?
A pilot shortage exacerbated by pandemic staff cuts and a mandatory retirement age has led to thousands of flight delays and cancellations. After a $50-plus billion bailout during the pandemic, why does airline service seem even worse?
William J. McGee joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/6/2022 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
How the Supreme Court's EPA ruling will shape government power
The Supreme Court upended 40 years of deference to agencies like the EPA. They've ruled that the EPA can't aggressively regulate carbon emissions. But the ruling could curb the reach of almost every regulatory agency in the country.
Christine Todd Whitman, Lisa Graves, Paul DeCamp and Christopher Wright join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/5/2022 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Rebroadcast: Historian Jon Grinspan on the last time Americans fought for democracy
Rebroadcast: Historian Jon Grinspan says Americans in the past fought to fix democracy. But what does that mean for Americans today?
"Many of our problems have, if not identical moments in the past, parallels and similar tendencies in our democracy across time.” Jon Grinspan and Jack Beatty joined Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/4/2022 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
Rebroadcast: Who's to blame for America's polarized politics? Tom Nichols says 'All of us'
Who's to blame for America's polarized politics? The government? The media? Special interests? Tom Nichols says the problem is 'all of us.'
Tom Nichols and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
7/1/2022 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
What Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony reveals about the truth behind Jan. 6th
As January 6th rioters closed in on the Capitol, the Trump White House did nothing. Cassidy Hutchinson, former senior aide to then White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows went to Meadows' office and found him scrolling on his phone. Chris Whipple, Alan Rozenshtein and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/30/2022 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
How the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade will alter the lives of women of color
Unlike when Roe was first decided in the 1970s, women needing abortions now are more likely to be women of color who are already mothers. How will losing access to abortions alter their lives? Kwajelyn Jackson, Fatima Goss Graves and Janai Nelson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/29/2022 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
In 'An Immense World,' Journalist Ed Yong helps us perceive the world the way animals do
What if you could taste the world’s electrical fields? Hear vibrations in a leaf? Or see magnetic currents guiding you home? Science writer Ed Yong helps us perceive the world the way animals do – through eyes, ears, antennae and more.
6/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Inflation, record-high gas prices, interest hikes: Making sense of our confusing economy
Record-high gas prices. Interest rate hikes. A tight jobs market. Inflation at a 40-year high. We discuss the confusing state of the American economy. Rana Foroohar joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
What we know about the forces behind the Jan. 6th insurrection
The January 6th select committee is continuing to pick apart the events and forces that led up to the attack on the Capitol. After weeks two of hearings, what have we learned about Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election? Andrea Bernstein, Ilya Marritz and Jack Beatty join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
6/24/2022 • 46 minutes, 56 seconds
Title IX, 50 years later: Why female athletes are still fighting for equality
50 years ago, Title IX outlawed sex-based discrimination at federally funded schools. But in collegiate level sports, you’d be pushed to know it. Donna Lopiano and Lori Bullock join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
6/23/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
COVID reinfections, emerging variants: Your pandemic questions, answered
COVID reinfections were considered rare in 2020, but emerging variants have now made them increasingly likely. We discuss what we now know about COVID-19. Akiko Iwasaki and Dr. H. Cody Meissner join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
6/22/2022 • 46 minutes, 58 seconds
As war drags on in Ukraine, is it time to talk compromise?
U.S. aid is helping Ukraine in its ongoing battle with Russian invaders. But ongoing conflict comes with a risk. As war drags on ... is it time to talk compromise? Anne Applebaum, Steven Simon and Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
6/21/2022 • 46 minutes, 49 seconds
The Supreme Court of mistrust
Despite their differences of opinion, the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court have always regarded mutual trust as a pillar of their establishment.
But the leak of a draft ruling has rocked that. So is the court forever changed? Dahlia Lithwick, Amy Howe and Carolyn Shapiro join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
6/20/2022 • 46 minutes, 41 seconds
Smarter health: How AI could change the relationship between you and your doctor
Will artificial intelligence replace doctors? It's the final episode in our series “Smarter health." Dr. Sumeet Chugh and Stacy Hurt join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/17/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Smarter health: How Greece used AI to reopen its borders and curb COVID
Summer 2020. The worldwide COVID death toll had hit half a million. And the Greek government had a decision to make.
How could the nation open up to tourists while also keeping COVID under control in Greece?
In this podcast extra, On Point senior editor Dorey Scheimer talks with professor Hamsa Bastani. Bastani helped develop 'Eva,' an AI algorithm that helped Greece curb COVID.
6/17/2022 • 9 minutes, 34 seconds
How New Mexico is learning to live with the megadrought
The Western megadrought. This year, it's brought early, record-breaking wildfires to New Mexico. The drought is forcing permanent ecosystem changes. Can there be longterm solutions? Mayor Louie Trujillo and John D’Antonio join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/16/2022 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
How the NRA's creed defines America's gun debate
For decades, the NRA has said that America's astronomical rate of gun violence is "the price we pay for freedom." We'll look at that creed, and how it may be the most powerful force in the American debate about guns. Frank Smyth and Pat McCrory join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Jan. 6th hearing: Will the committee's message break through to the American people?
Congress's January 6th select committee is broadcasting its hearings directly to Americans.
But with partisan gaps widening, and fewer people saying Trump is responsible for the attack on Congress, can the hearings break through with the American people?
Lisa Desjardins, Steven Levitsky and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/14/2022 • 46 minutes, 55 seconds
Author Steven Rinella's tips for raising 'outdoor kids in an inside world'
Phones. TVs. Computers, everywhere inside. But outside, how can we help kids see the forest beyond the screens? Steven Rinella joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/13/2022 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Smarter health: Regulating AI in health care
Health care is heavily regulated. But can the FDA effectively regulate AI in health care? It's episode three of our series “Smarter health."
Elisabeth Rosenthal, Finale Doshi-Velez and Yiannos Tolias join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/10/2022 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Gun laws in America and how the ATF was set up to fail
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforces gun laws already on the books. How can enforcement happen when the very agency charged with doing so are handicapped by Congress? Champe Barton and David Chipman joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/9/2022 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
In 'Work Pray Code,' author Carolyn Chen reflects on what happens when we worship work
Many Silicon Valley companies want their software engineers to live for their jobs. And they offer them everything from meals to dry cleaning to spiritual coaches. But is the office really the place to find a life’s worth of fulfillment? Carolyn Chen and Lauren Padron join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
Inside the science of empathetic joy
Mass grief. Mass outrage. Seemingly everywhere. But can we also learn to share in each other’s joy?
Eve Ekman, Shelly Gable and Amelie, an On Point listener, join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/7/2022 • 47 minutes, 26 seconds
Adm. James Stavridis on what decision-making in the heat of battle can teach civilians
Admiral James Stavridis knows what it takes to make decisions in battle. Stavridis says the things needed to make good decisions in war are not that different from what's needed to make good decisions in everyday life. He'll tell us about it.
6/6/2022 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
Smarter health: The ethics of AI in health care
AI, ethics, your care. It's episode II of our special series “Smarter health."
Glenn Cohen and Yolonda Wilson join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/3/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
In 'Secret City,' author James Kirchick traces the unknown history of gay Washington
Post-World War II, there was something seen as even worse than being a communist in U.S. politics: being gay. We discuss how lives and careers were lost through decades of bipartisan homophobia. James Kirchick joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/2/2022 • 47 minutes, 1 second
Can Texas find its way out of the state's gridlocked gun debate?
Texas used to have some of the strictest gun laws in America. But since they were relaxed, there have several mass shootings across the state. We talk to Texans about the laws they've stripped away. Rep. Joe Moody and Michael Cargill join Meghna Chakrabarti.
6/1/2022 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
The fragility of unenumerated rights
Justice Samuel Alito’s draft opinion on abortion shows the Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade on the basis that abortion is “not deeply rooted in the nation’s history and traditions.” We look at the fragility of unenumerated rights. Kenji Yoshino and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/31/2022 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
Burn pits: Behind the 'silent killer' ignored by the U.S. government for years
REBROADCAST: Burn pits in Afghanistan and Iraq. Vast piles of U.S. military waste set alight, pouring smoke into the air that U.S. soldiers would breathe. Why were they ignored for so long? Megan Stack, Le Roy Torres and Dan Brewer join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/30/2022 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
Smarter health: How AI is transforming health care
American health care is complex. Expensive. Hard to access. Could artificial intelligence change that?
It's the first episode in our series 'Smarter health.' Dr. Ziad Obermeyer joins us.
5/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
Inside LA's struggle to address its unhoused crisis
It’s estimated that more than 60,000 people live on the streets and in the parks of Los Angeles. Or put another way – 20% of all unhoused Americans – are in LA. Can the city find a way to house everyone who calls LA home? Heidi Marston and Rachel Estrada join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
5/26/2022 • 47 minutes, 1 second
A school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, gun control and American politics
Following the mass shooting of 19 elementary school children in Uvalde, Texas yesterday, we ask what will it take for us to find the political will to prevent these kind of events from being a uniquely American experience. Lee Drutman, Daniel Webster and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/25/2022 • 47 minutes, 7 seconds
Remarkable science: Exploring our AI and robot-supported future
Life with robots once seemed possible only in science fiction.
But today, scientific advances in artificial intelligence and robotics have ensured that robots are a part of our everyday lives.
On May 13, the Day of AI, we brought together a panel of experts to talk about the future of AI and robots.
This is the first installment of our series Remarkable Science -- featuring conversations with scientists about their discoveries, recorded in front of an audience at WBUR’s CitySpace venue.
5/24/2022 • 55 minutes, 21 seconds
The people of Ukraine on life during war
Since the start of the war, we’ve listened to voices from Ukraine. As the war grinds on, how do Ukrainians see things? Ivan Gomza, Olga Buzunova and Mariana Budjeryn join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/24/2022 • 47 minutes, 6 seconds
'Great replacement theory' and its deep roots in America
Great replacement theory -- the erroneous belief that there's an effort underway to 'replace native-born Americans with immigrants for electoral gains.' That fear has moved from the fringes to the mainstream. As many as one in three Americans say they believe it. Jeffery Robinson and Ricky Jones join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/23/2022 • 47 minutes
Trailer: 'Smarter health,' an upcoming series from On Point
The U.S. spends more on health care than any other country in the world.
But Americans are not as healthy as people living in other rich nations. Could artificial intelligence change all that?
Starting Friday, May 27th, On Point presents a four-part series: 'Smarter health: Artificial intelligence and the future of American health care.'
5/20/2022 • 2 minutes, 9 seconds
How climate change is moving the world's forests north
Trees are on the move. Because of climate change, the world’s forests are heading north. What does this mean for us and our survival? Ben Rawlence joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/20/2022 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
The corporate monopolies behind the national baby formula shortage
The a national baby formula shortage. The reason? Corporate monopolies, poor quality control and federal regulation. Matt Stoller joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
What CPAC's embrace of Viktor Orban says about the state of U.S. politics
In an archive edition of On Point: As American conservatives meet for their conference in Budapest, we learn more about why they're gathering to hear Viktor Orban. Jack Beatty and Kim Scheppele join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Journalist Putsata Reang shares an immigrant daughter's story in 'Ma and Me'
Journalist Putsata Reang has reported on many wars. Her own life is defined by the war her family escaped.
“What did I owe my mother for giving me life?" The question gripped Reang when she decided to tell her mother that she's gay.
Putsata Reang joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/17/2022 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
When does life begin? Exploring how different religions answer the question
Different religions in America have different answers to the question of when life begins. If the government adopts one definition of life when it comes to abortion access, is it restricting the free practice of all other beliefs? Elizabeth Reiner Platt and Rabba Sara Hurwitz join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/16/2022 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
Rebroadcast: How to cut through the 'noise' that hinders human judgment
Rebroadcast: If you consult three doctors and get three different opinions, that’s an example of what Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman and his colleagues call “noise.” How do you decide what to do when professionals don’t agree? We’ll cut through the noise and exploring human judgment. Daniel Kahneman and Olivier Sibony join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/13/2022 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
The mental health crisis among American children of color
Youth suicide has been on the rise across the United States. And for young people between the ages of 5 and 12, the suicide rate for Black children is nearly double that of white children. Tami Charles and Kevin Simon join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
The legacy of uranium mining on Navajo lands
For more than 40 years, millions of tons of Uranium ore were mined from Navajo lands to make nuclear weapons. Thousands of workers were exposed to deadly radiation.
Those workers are about to lose funding to cover their health costs. Phil Harrison and Amber Crotty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/11/2022 • 45 minutes, 17 seconds
Why China won't relent on its 'zero COVID' strategy
In Shanghai, the long near total lockdown has meant empty streets, food insecurity, and rising anger and dissent. So why is China still pursing its iron clad COVID-zero strategy? Don Weinland, Dr. Yangyang Cheng and Yanzhong Huang join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/10/2022 • 47 minutes, 35 seconds
In Latin America, abortion access is expanding. Why is the U.S. moving in the opposite direction?
In the United States, Roe v. Wade is on the brink of being overturned. But across Latin America, abortion access is expanding. Why is the United States going in the opposite direction from much of the world on abortion rights? Michelle Oberman, Cora Fernandez Anderson and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/9/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
The science of headache disorders
More than half the world's population experienced a headache disorder in the past year. Why? Dr. Amaal J. Starling and Dr. Peter Goadsby join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/6/2022 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
Pod extra: The lawyer who argued for Roe in Roe v. Wade
In a podcast extra, Meghna Chakrabarti reflects on a 2017 conversation with Sarah Weddington, the Texas attorney who successfully argued Roe v. Wade 44 years ago.
5/6/2022 • 27 minutes, 38 seconds
Remembering the 1 million Americans lost to COVID
The U.S. is approaching a grim milestone – one million dead from COVID-19. Millions more Americans trying to figure out how to live life without the person they loved. We remember those we've lost to COVID. Micki McElya and Marisa Renee Lee join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/5/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
Social scientist Yascha Mounk on American democracy and how we can find common ground
Politics feels like a centrifugal force, pushing, tearing American democracy apart. So what glue can hold us together? Yascha Mounk and Jack Beatty join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/4/2022 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Inside Florida's property insurance crisis
Florida property insurance is a hot mess. One word: Litigation. In fact, more than 75% of all property insurance lawsuits in the United States originate in Florida. Mark Friedlander and Jeff Brandes join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/3/2022 • 47 minutes, 13 seconds
The federal government's role in causing and fixing the student debt crisis
The Biden Administration has delayed the restart of student loan repayments. We discuss the federal government's role in causing and fixing the problem of high student loan debt. Josh Mitchell and Beth Akers join Meghna Chakrabarti.
5/2/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The algorithms behind America’s growing infatuation with Formula One racing
Intensity. Drama. Speed. Americans are falling in love with Formula One racing. However, is the new motor sports fandom real, or driven by a Netflix algorithm? Drew Lawrence and Carlos Serra join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/29/2022 • 42 minutes, 28 seconds
The risks and rationale of expanding NATO
Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed the Nordic nations toward NATO. How will it change European security? Emma Ashford, Heli Hautala and Wess Mitchell join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 12 seconds
How NATO expansion happened in the '90s
NATO expansion in the '90s. U.S. Defense Secretary Les Aspin asked in 1993: "How do you deal with the question of membership?" Ultimately, the Clinton administration's answer to that question may have had more to do with domestic politics than international alliances. Mary Elise Sarotte and Charles Kupchan join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/27/2022 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
What happens to women's rights when democracy backslides
From Nazi Germany to Mussolini’s Italy, fascists worked to repress the rights of women by restricting education and abortion rights. Now, there are echoes of that past again. Anne Wingenter and Erica Chenoweth join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/26/2022 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt on democracy, social media and how to fix America's 'ailing' institutions
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt says America is in trouble.
He sees it on college campuses and through social media.
Haidt joins Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss democracy, social media and how to fix America's 'ailing' institutions.
4/25/2022 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
On Point Presents: 'China's quarantine queen' from Endless Thread
While you were tending to your quarantine sourdough starter, Chinese YouTube star Li Ziqi was growing mushrooms, making peach blossom crowns and listening to the sound of blooming roses.
Join Amory Sivertson and Ben Brock Johnson in their podcast 'Endless Thread' as they explore Li Ziqi, and why millions of isolated people worldwide have been drawn to the quiet intricacy and beauty of her videos.
4/24/2022 • 41 minutes, 30 seconds
Pod extra: A pro-gun community in Louisiana leads the charge on disarming domestic abusers
Some states and local law enforcement agencies have taken it upon themselves to develop their own firearm hand-in laws that they can effectively enforce. That’s happened in California, Washington state, Colorado and Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.
On Point producer Paige Sutherland has more on what's happening in Louisiana and the gap in America's gun laws.
4/22/2022 • 18 minutes, 31 seconds
The next phase of the Jan. 6 investigation
The House committee investigating the January 6 insurrection will soon make public what they’ve found. Congressional historian Ray Smock says the stakes are high.
Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts a discussion on the next phase of the Jan. 6 investigation with Betsy Woodruff Swan, Raymond Smock and Jack Beatty.
4/22/2022 • 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The inside story of Georgia’s shift left
Georgia, once solid red, is looking more purple than ever. We hear the inside story of Georgia’s shift left, and what it can teach Democrats nationwide. Greg Bluestein joins Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
4/21/2022 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
The legacy of Title 42
A controversial immigration policy meant to keep COVID-19 out of the U.S. is set to end next month. But despite claims of the policy causing a humanitarian crisis, U.S. lawmakers claim lifting Title 42 will cause a different crisis here at home. Eleanor Acer, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Harold Koh and Monette Zard join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
4/20/2022 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
The politics of calling the Russia-Ukraine war a genocide
Last Tuesday, President Joe Biden declared genocide was taking place in Ukraine.
"I called it genocide because it’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being able to be a Ukrainian," the president said.
But is Biden right? We discuss the politics of calling the Russian invasion of Ukraine a genocide and the investigations to prove it. Kate Cronin-Furman and Eugene Finkel join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
4/19/2022 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
The complicated history of women's fitness
Personal fitness for women used to be considered unladylike. That all changed with fitness pioneers like Lotte Berk and Judi Sheppard Missett. But look closer and there’s much more to the story than jazz shoes and leg warmers. Danielle Friedman and Jessica Rihal join Kimberly Atkins Stohr.
4/18/2022 • 47 minutes, 11 seconds
On Point presents: 'Belly Up' from Last Seen
When three friends went on a rum-fueled rampage one night deep in the Nevada desert, they never expected the trouble they would find themselves in a week later.
The men broke into a remote unit of Death Valley National Park known as Devil's Hole — a mysterious flooded cave that happens to be home to the one of the rarest fish on Earth, and one that's critically endangered too.
This episode, based on Paige Blankenbuehler's High Country News feature, is a bite-size crime story starring an obscure species of tiny fish, and some hedonistic humans who stepped a little too far over the line, and suffered some big consequences.
Last Seen host Nora Saks dives into the fraught relationship between humans and nature, and the long arm of the law intended to protect our most vulnerable species.
4/17/2022 • 39 minutes, 17 seconds
How microplastics affect human health
Water bottles. Shopping bags. Computers. Medical equipment. Food containers.
We're living in an invisible miasma of microplastics. What's it doing to human health? Erica Cirino and Heather Leslie join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/15/2022 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Ambassador Bill Taylor on the U.S.-Ukraine relationship
Ambassador Bill Taylor has been the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine twice, most recently under President Trump. He joins Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss how the United States’ relationship with Ukraine is changing.
4/14/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Understanding Biden's proposal to tax billionaires' unrealized gains
According to the White House, billionaires in America pay income tax at a rate that’s just half that of the average worker. President Biden is proposing taxing the unrealized gains of the richest Americans — assets the wealthy haven’t yet cashed out on. Steve Rosenthal joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/13/2022 • 47 minutes, 28 seconds
A disinformation expert's guide on combatting online abuse
Online attacks and harassments have become a fact of life for many women online. Can it be stopped? Nina Jankowicz joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 8 seconds
How open-source intelligence is shaping the Russia-Ukraine war
There's an unprecedent number of intercepted audio coming out of the Russia-Ukraine war. How is it changing what's happening in Ukraine?
John Scott-Railton and Andrei Soldatov join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/11/2022 • 47 minutes, 14 seconds
On Point presents: Space heist (or, how to steal a planet)
WBUR, the home of On Point, makes a handful of podcasts you may not have heard before, and we want to change that.
So, we’re continuing with our weekend playlist of other podcasts made at WBUR.
Today: An episode from 'Endless Thread' — about a battle between astronomers over a somewhat unassuming rock.
4/10/2022 • 41 minutes
Behind the decades-long fight to close the 'boyfriend loophole'
An effort to get guns out of the hands of abusive boyfriends failed again in Congress. We discuss the story behind the two-decades old fight to close the so-called “boyfriend loophole."
4/8/2022 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler on the future of America's labor movement
Last year, Liz Shuler became the first ever woman elected president of the country's largest labor union. She joins us to talk about where the labor movement is headed.
4/7/2022 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
Pod extra: How personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary inspired one family's debt journey
Jennifer and Tyrone Harris had $230,000 of debt. But after four years, they paid down their debt entirely. How did they do it?
4/6/2022 • 5 minutes, 46 seconds
Personal finance expert Michelle Singletary reflects on 25 years of her column 'The Color of Money'
For 25 years, Michelle Singletary has dished out personal finance guidance at the Washington Post. Who did she turn to for advice?
4/6/2022 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Solutions for America's teacher shortage
America doesn't have enough teachers. The Biden administration is calling for states to spend and recruit more. Will that work? Linda Darling-Hammond joins Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/5/2022 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
What a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement might look like
A Russia-Ukraine peace agreement. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants concrete security guarantees. Would Russia accept? Ret. Lt. Gen. Donald Kerrick, Max Seddon and Dr. Cindy Wittke join Meghna Chakrabarti.
4/4/2022 • 46 minutes, 56 seconds
On Point presents: 'Murph' from Last Seen
WBUR, the home of On Point, makes a handful of podcasts you may not have heard before, and we want to change that.
Every Sunday for the next month, we’ll drop one of our favorite episodes of a WBUR podcast in this feed.
First up: An episode from the new season of 'Last Seen.' Amory Sivertson traces the enigmatic life of Jack Murphy, or "Murph the Surf," who pulled off the biggest jewel heist in New York City history.
4/3/2022 • 37 minutes, 50 seconds
First person: A scientist's discovery puts space into focus
The James Webb Space Telescope is NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency's most ambitious space observatory ever. A million miles away from Planet Earth, it is designed to look back to the beginnings of the universe.
In this 'First Person,' we hear from Robert Gonsalves, creator of the phase retrieval imaging technique now being used by the James Webb Space Telescope.