On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti | Podcast

The Supreme Court case that could upend the Voting Rights Act Oct 03, 2025

Later this month, the Supreme Court will hear a case that could overturn a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that protects against racial discrimination. Without it, some legal experts say states and local jurisdictions would be permitted to effectively silence the votes of millions of people.

The Jackpod: Homeland insecurity Oct 03, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on Kristi Noem. How the former South Dakota governor rose to head the Department of Homeland Security and the impact she is having on the agency that’s been described as “too big to manage.”

Are robo-referees making sports more fair or less fun? Oct 02, 2025

Major League Baseball will add an automated ball-strike system next season. How human judgement is giving way to technology across the sports world, and what that means for players, umpires and fans.

Lessons for the U.S. in 'China’s quest to engineer the future' Oct 01, 2025

How can a lawyerly society and an engineering society learn from each other? And what’s at stake if they fail? Author Dan Wang set out to answer those questions about the U.S. and China.

Is there really a rise in left-wing political violence in America? Sep 30, 2025

Charlie Kirk's assassination. The United Healthcare CEO's murder. Several recent high-profile killings seem to have political motivations. What’s driving this — and what can we do about it?

Princeton's president on how the university is taking a stand Sep 29, 2025

Free speech, funding and academic freedom at U.S. colleges are under attack. Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber shares how his university is weathering the storm.

Meghna's old house Sep 28, 2025

Meghna recently appeared on this episode of This Old House Radio Hour to talk about her childhood home in Corvallis, Oregon. She has a great time talking about the house, her family, and the American dream. We hope you enjoy it too.

Behind the scenes of On Point Sep 27, 2025

Host Meghna Chakrabarti and executive producer Jonathan Dyer offer a behind-the-scenes look into how On Point is produced. Recorded in front of a live audience at WBUR CitySpace.

The real story behind the slump in Las Vegas tourism Sep 26, 2025

Las Vegas is in a tourism slump. Hotel occupancy and air travel are down, and many local hospitality employees are experiencing layoffs or cuts in their hours. What's driving this downturn, and can Sin City bounce back?

The Jackpod: Plutonomy Sep 26, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on a concept that explains an anomaly in today’s economic news: retail sales are up while other key economic indicators are down.

How private companies are influencing the new space race Sep 25, 2025

From leased property to defense contracts, private space companies have become fully intertwined with public infrastructure. But not everyone’s sold on how intertwined these systems have become.

Is Elon Musk’s supercomputer polluting Memphis? Sep 24, 2025

Elon Musk says xAI has one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. It’s located in Memphis, Tennessee and it’s called Colossus. But neighborhood residents say Colossus belches colossal pollution.

The legacy of the 5th Circuit: Past and present Sep 23, 2025

Today, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is known as a conservative juggernaut. But that hasn’t always been the case.

Why the flag burning debate is still not settled Sep 22, 2025

President Trump has issued an Executive Order requiring the Justice Department to prosecute people for burning the American flag. But the Supreme Court has ruled flag burning is free speech. What the debate reveals about the value of national symbols.

The strange psychology behind fawning Sep 19, 2025

If you have ever found yourself dealing with a threatening person, and instead of fleeing them, you flattered – that’s called fawning. Psychologist Ingrid Clayton on the psychology behind this self-preservation strategy.

The Jackpod: The two-state mirage Sep 19, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the U.S. vote against a UN resolution backing a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The right wing is coming for Wikipedia Sep 18, 2025

The Heritage Foundation says it will "identify and target" Wikipedia editors over alleged bias. What does that mean for Wikipedia’s future?

What to know as the student loan industry becomes more privatized Sep 17, 2025

Congress has overhauled the federal student loan system, including big changes on borrowing caps and loan restrictions. Education experts say this will up the demand for private loans. So, what does that mean for student borrowers?

How presidents use the U.S. military in the war on drugs Sep 16, 2025

President Trump's order to attack a Venezuelan boat on drug smuggling suspicions has alarmed some Republican lawmakers.

What Charlie Kirk's assassination reveals about political violence in America Sep 15, 2025

Charlie Kirk helped shape conservative politics over the last decade. His assassination raises a question for all Americans: Can anything turn back the rising tide of political violence in America?

Have we taken therapy culture too far? Sep 12, 2025

A growing number of young people say their mental health diagnosis is an important part of their identity. But by medicalizing imperfection – could young people be losing what makes them uniquely human?

The Jackpod: We want to hear from you Sep 12, 2025

The Jackpod is on hiatus this week. But in the meantime: Send us topics or ideas you want to hear on The Jackpod via the On Point VoxPop app.

The long-term effects of nuclear waste in St. Louis Sep 11, 2025

For decades, kids in St. Louis County caught crawdads in Coldwater Creek, made mudpies, went swimming -- and were exposed to nuclear waste. Hear the story of how St. Louis became a dumping ground for radioactive waste generated by the Manhattan Project.

The great freight recession Sep 10, 2025

The trucking industry, and more broadly the freight industry, still hasn't fully recovered from the business impacts of COVID. What's behind that?

The 'hotshot' life Sep 09, 2025

River Selby served as a hotshot – an elite wildland firefighter. Selby shares the reality of the life and work of firefighters trying to save America’s western forests. And how despite fire seasons getting longer and longer, fewer people want to join hotshot crews.

What 25 years of CDC data on autism tells us Sep 08, 2025

One in 31 American children have autism spectrum disorder, according to the CDC. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has vowed to find the cause. But experts are skeptical.

Why it's the end of the road for the Humvee Sep 05, 2025

The Humvee is an American military icon. Yet the Department of Defense has announced the vehicle’s retirement. What does this say about our shifting military priorities?

The Jackpod: The autocrat of the cabinet table Sep 05, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on President Trump’s marathon cabinet meeting, how his cabinet addresses him, and what that says about his presidency.

How Trump is transforming the way corporations do business in the U.S. Sep 04, 2025

President Trump demanded cuts from private businesses. Blacklisted major law firms. And threatened companies to invest more in America. The uncertain legal landscape for U.S. businesses today.

How to redesign schools for the AI age Sep 03, 2025

AI is doing students’ homework, writing their essays -- and probably replacing a lot of their future jobs. Is it time to rethink what schools are for?

The fight against Trump's 'war on history' Sep 02, 2025

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Blight says President Donald Trump is attacking American history and scholarship for political ends. Blight says it’s time for historians to fight back.

How AI is changing the job marketplace Sep 01, 2025

AI is playing a larger role in the job hunting and hiring process. It helps job seekers fine-tune their resumes and cover letters, and employers winnow down applicants. But the new technology isn’t getting it all right.

Falling Behind: How to talk with boys Aug 30, 2025

A bonus episode in our series "Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America's Boys."

Dr. Kevin Simon, attending pediatric psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital, shares his experience and expertise in a conversation recorded on stage at WBUR CitySpace.

Falling Behind: 'We're in jail with our emotions' Aug 29, 2025

Teenage boys are experiencing increasing rates of loneliness and suicidal thoughts -- which is having a direct impact on their achievement in school. How can schools address that? The final part in On Point’s special series “Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America’s Boys.”

Falling Behind: Where have all the men gone? Aug 28, 2025

After decades of decline, male teachers now make up less than a quarter of the public-school teaching force. What’s driving men away, and what would it take to bring them back? On Point’s weeklong series exploring boys and education continues.

Falling Behind: The opportunity gap Aug 27, 2025

Data show boys are falling behind in school. Black boys are falling behind the most. What’s happening in classrooms that are bucking that trend? On Point’s weeklong series exploring boys and education continues.

Falling Behind: Troublemakers Aug 26, 2025

'Boys will be boys.' How are perceptions about boys’ behavior in the classroom shaping their entire education? It’s part two of On Point’s weeklong series, "Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America's Boys."

Falling Behind: Do we treat boys like malfunctioning girls? Aug 25, 2025

Boys fall behind girls in education in the U.S. starting as young as eight years old. Understanding how boys learn is key to knowing why that’s happening. It's part one of On Point’s weeklong series “Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America’s Boys.”

An African history of Africa with Zeinab Badawi Aug 22, 2025

Everybody’s heard about Ancient Egypt. But just downriver, the kingdom of Kush was one of the most powerful states in the Nile valley. Sudanese-British journalist Zeinab Badawi gives us a lesser-known history of Africa’s great historical triumphs.

Swipe left: Why dating today stinks Aug 21, 2025

The dating scene can be a frustrating place to be right now. From dating app burnout to the struggle to meet IRL, single folks are fed up. Why modern dating feels so broken and what can be done to fix it.

Our mental health in the hands of AI Aug 20, 2025

AI is everywhere, and increasingly, people are turning to it for therapy. What’s at stake when we lose that human to human-therapist connection?

The fall of Florida citrus Aug 19, 2025

Florida citrus production has dropped more than 90% in the past two decades -- a blow for the state's economy and cultural identity. What's driving the decline of Florida's orange groves, and what can be done about it?

How 'Blessings and Disasters' shape Alabama Aug 18, 2025

Alexis Okeowo says Alabama, where she grew up, shows the best and worst of the American experiment. In her new book, "Blessings and Disasters," she wrestles with the state’s complicated past.

How AI is changing the music business Aug 15, 2025

The world’s largest music streaming service now lets users to monetize music in which they don’t play or sing a single note. How is AI shaping how we make and profit from music?

The Jackpod: What’s wrong with the White House press corps? Aug 15, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how the Trump administration has transformed which reporters get to be in the White House briefing room and travel with the president.

Should SNAP pay for junk food? Aug 14, 2025

A dozen states are banning people from buying sodas and some sugary snacks using federal food assistance. The effort is part of the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Will the restrictions convince people on SNAP to eat less junk food?

Can public media survive? Aug 13, 2025

The U.S. Congress cut federal funding for public media, shuttering the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. What does that mean for the future of local news across the country?

How should American colleges measure merit? Aug 12, 2025

The Trump Administration ordered universities to turn over data to prove they're not considering race in admissions. But education expert Richard Kahlenberg argues that for college admissions to look at merit fairly, they need to look at class.

Does using AI dumb you down? Aug 11, 2025

A recent study shows that people using AI to write for them experience some negative cognitive effects. Why? Because there's something special about what writing does in your brain.

Is there a better way to manage grizzly bears? Aug 08, 2025

The U.S. House will consider whether grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone National Park should be taken off the endangered species list. How delisting would impact grizzly bears and the people living near them.

The Jackpod: A bold idea to help Gen Z. And maybe save the Dems Aug 08, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on a wild idea from the '90s that could offer young Americans greater financial security, and how it would benefit Democrats to publicly embrace bold ideas like it.

What the U.S.-EU trade deal means for you Aug 07, 2025

After months of wrangling, the U.S. and the EU have reached a trade agreement. The EU made big compromises, like a 15% tariff on most EU exports. How will the deal affect Americans?

What are 'cool roofs,' and how do they work? Aug 06, 2025

Summers are getting hotter every year. When it comes to adapting to a hotter planet, in the United States, it's cities that are taking the lead. In Atlanta, they've passed a nation-leading "cool roof ordinance."

The state of America's judiciary with Judge J. Michael Luttig Aug 05, 2025

The retired conservative federal judge says a war against the judiciary in America has been waged by "a tyrannical wannabe king."

Famine in Gaza Aug 04, 2025

Food security levels in the Gaza Strip have reached their most dire levels since the conflict between Hamas and Israel began. Humanitarian experts say immediate action is needed to save hundreds of thousands of people from starvation.

The healing power of sunlight Aug 01, 2025

Could sunlight help treat disease? A growing number of studies find potential benefits of UV light therapy for conditions like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and Crohn’s disease.

The Jackpod: Strong and wrong Aug 01, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how Donald Trump projects strength through his lack of inhibition and self-constraint.

How the Left lost the working class Jul 31, 2025

A majority of registered voters think the Democrats are out of touch with Americans' everyday concerns according to recent polling.

Social inequality scholar Joan Williams discusses her book "Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class – And How to Win Them Back."

Did Apple empower China? Jul 30, 2025

Financial Times reporter Patrick McGee argues in his new book 'Apple in China' that China wouldn’t be the China it is today without Apple.

A former CDC vaccine adviser has words for RFK Jr. Jul 29, 2025

Last month, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired an influential committee of vaccine advisers to the CDC. What that decision could mean for vaccines and America’s public health.

How the Scopes ‘monkey’ trial echoes today Jul 28, 2025

One hundred years ago, teacher John Scopes was arrested for teaching evolution in a Tennessee public school. His trial became a national sensation. Today, we’re still fighting over what should be taught in public schools.

Are we thinking about AI the wrong way? Jul 25, 2025

AI researcher Ethan Mollick says most public conversation focuses too much on potential AI catastrophes and not enough on making the technology work for people. Mollick says if we don’t change that, none of us will be prepared for the near future where “everything will change all at once.”

The Jackpod: Action completed this day Jul 25, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a model of government inefficiency and the prospects for FEMA reform.

The new crisis in American kids' health Jul 24, 2025

Mortality rates, mental health conditions, obesity and chronic disease rates are all up significantly in American children. Why are kids in the U.S. so unhealthy?

What we know about the Epstein files Jul 23, 2025

Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown knows more about the Jeffrey Epstein case than just about anyone. What does she think might be in the files the Trump administration hasn't released?

How Trump cuts are causing a ‘brain drain’ in American science Jul 22, 2025

The Trump administration is attacking American academic institutions on multiple fronts, including cutting grant funding and targeting foreign exchange programs. That gives other countries a chance to surpass the U.S. in scientific discovery.

How did being a sports fan get so expensive? Jul 21, 2025

It can cost a fan up to $5,000 a year to follow major sports, between merchandise and game tickets and TV streaming access. Is the pursuit of profit harming sports fans?

Week of Wonder: Can we save the quietest places in the world? Jul 18, 2025

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.

Week of Wonder: Volcanologist Tamsin Mather on her 'adventures in volcanoland' Jul 17, 2025

What's it like standing on the slopes of an active, erupting volcano? Volcanologist Tamsin Mather takes us on her journey to some of the world's biggest volcanoes.

Week of Wonder: The truth about your period Jul 16, 2025

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?

Week of Wonder: 'Vivaldi smells like breakfast sausage' Jul 15, 2025

Smell can trigger memories and influence emotions. New research is giving us insight into how that happens, including why some people can "smell" music and why losing the sense of smell can alert us to what might make us sick.

Week of Wonder: The marvelous and misunderstood world of sharks Jul 14, 2025

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.

The GENIUS Act and the Wild West of crypto Jul 11, 2025

If Congress passes the GENIUS Act, banks will be allowed to issue their own cryptocurrency, as long as it’s tied to a stable asset like the dollar. But some economists warn it could have very unstable outcomes.

The Jackpod: It's going to be everywhere Jul 11, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the rapid expansion of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency under the Trump administration.

The Democrats divided over populism Jul 10, 2025

Zohran Mamdani won New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. He's a self-declared Democratic Socialist with a populist's platform. That's made some Democrats across the country nervous. Is populism the party's path forward?

How AI tools are transforming the lives of people with disabilities Jul 09, 2025

For people with disabilities, artificial intelligence tools are helping them see, hear, experience, and move through the world in profound new ways.

Why American farmers rely on unauthorized workers Jul 08, 2025

More than 40% of hired farm laborers in the U.S. are immigrants without legal status. President Trump campaigned on a plan for mass deportation. But even he admits -- the country can't survive without many of the undocumented workers he promised to remove.

The power of the golden share Jul 07, 2025

When President Trump approved the merger between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel he demanded a so-called “golden share.” It gives the White House a say in key business decisions. So, what happens when the White House controls a private industry?

A daughter, a father and a family's struggle with 'American Bulk' Jul 04, 2025

In the U.S., shopping is almost a religion. For Emily Mester’s family, Costco was their Sunday ritual. In her new book, 'American Bulk,' Mester tells the story of how her family struggled with the desire to own everything they possibly could.

The power of intuition Jul 03, 2025

Why are some problems best solved by 'trusting our gut?' And how has intuition helped some people make crucial decisions? The role of intuition in perception and action.

The secrets of super agers Jul 02, 2025

“Super agers” are people who live well into their 80s without developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular issues. What can we learn from them to promote healthier, longer lives?

The legacy of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Jul 01, 2025

Since its creation 14 years ago the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has used its powers to return billions of dollars to defrauded consumers. Now the Trump administration wants to close it. What the CFPB has meant for consumer protection in the U.S.

Who are the Zizians? Jun 30, 2025

A cult-like group referred to as the Zizians is linked to a string of violent deaths across the U.S. It has its roots in Silicon Valley – and a movement called Rationalism. Who are these groups and what do they believe?

'The biomedical research enterprise is under attack' Jun 29, 2025

In a conversation recorded at the WBUR Festival, Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks frankly about the threats he sees to public health under the Trump administration and the “severe intimidation” of scientists at the NIH.

The Jackpod: Taking a break Jun 28, 2025

A personal message from Meghna Chakrabarti about why The Jackpod is taking a short break.

The new science of 'dad brain' Jun 27, 2025

You’ve heard of 'mom brain.' But how do men’s brains change when they become fathers?

The push for an American baby boom Jun 26, 2025

The Trump Administration wants more Americans to have babies. It's proposing a $5,000 "baby bonus," among other policies. Would this fix the nation's historically low birth rate?

Who is Sam Altman? Jun 25, 2025

Sam Altman has been called the face of Artificial Intelligence. To many, he remains an enigma. Wall Street Journal reporter Keach Hagey has the inside story on the rise of Sam Altman and his impact on our future.

Netanyahu’s endgame in Iran Jun 24, 2025

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got what he wanted this weekend after the U.S. bombed Iran. But Netanyahu says its goals in Iran have not yet been fully achieved. So, what are Israel’s goals in Iran? And what role does the U.S. still play?

How William F. Buckley, Jr. created modern conservatism Jun 23, 2025

The late William F. Buckley, Jr. is one of the most important figures of the American right. How did the erudite and dapper Yale man pave the way for President Donald Trump?

From Endless Thread: When the government wants your socials Jun 21, 2025

Recently, On Point explored how Hong Kong has changed five years after China passed its so-called national security law and vastly diminished protest and free speech in Hong Kong.

Our colleagues at WBUR’s podcast Endless Thread also took a look at this law. Specifically, how it changed how people in Hong Kong interact digitally — on social media, and in text messages.

What happens to online speech when you're unsure how much the government is monitoring your speech, and what the repercussions will be if they don't like it?

And if you want to hear more Endless Thread, you can follow our podcast wherever you follow On Point.

Show notes:

PROFILE: For Jeffrey Ngo, The Fight For Hong Kong is Far From Over(The Hoya)
Social Media and the Hong Kong Protests (The New Yorker)
Hong Kong protesters join hands in 30-mile human chain (The Guardian)
Hong Kong national security law: What is it and is it worrying? (BBC)

Trump's budget bill and ballooning deficits Jun 20, 2025

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the current budget bill will add $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.

On Point wraps up a weeklong exploration of what Trump's budget bill tells us about government spending and our financial future.

The Jackpod: A TV-run state Jun 20, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the connections and correlation between President Trump, his most loyal supporters and the popularity of the Fox News Channel.

The $1 trillion defense budget Jun 19, 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will increase defense spending to over $1 trillion for the first time in U.S. history. But will it actually improve U.S. national security?

Looming cuts to food assistance in Trump's budget bill Jun 18, 2025

Republicans are proposing significant changes to food assistance, which could impact supplemental nutrition programs for older adults, school lunches and the agriculture industry. What will the cuts mean for hunger and nutrition in the U.S.?

What Trump's tax bill means for your wallet Jun 17, 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is really about one big thing: Taxes. Some conservative economists say it also shows a striking shift in Republican tax policy.

How the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ impacts health care Jun 16, 2025

The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' is making big changes to health care. Getting rid of automatic enrollment to the ACA, cutting premium assistance, adding work requirements for Medicaid. What the budget bill means for health care.

Falling Behind: How to talk with boys Jun 14, 2025

A bonus episode in our series "Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America's Boys."

Dr. Kevin Simon, attending pediatric psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital, shares his experience and expertise in a conversation recorded on stage at WBUR CitySpace.

Hong Kong, 5 years after mass protests Jun 13, 2025

Between 2019 and 2020, nearly 2 million people took to the streets of Hong Kong to fight legislation that could give Chinese authorities the power to criminalize dissent.

It's been 5 years since China passed the so-called national security law. How has Hong Kong changed?

The Jackpod: Culture warrior Jun 13, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how political activist Christopher Rufo became one of the most influential voices in conservative politics today.

How the cybersecurity industry is trying to keep up with foreign threat actors Jun 12, 2025

American companies are being targeted by foreign spies, ransomware groups and even fake job applicants from North Korea. One cybersecurity firm speaks out about the threats they're seeing and how they're combating them.

What the loss of international students could mean for the U.S. Jun 11, 2025

The Trump administration is clamping down on foreign students who want to attend American universities – and the schools that admit them. What that could mean for innovation and enterprise in the U.S. and around the world.

Who are the new deportation police? Jun 10, 2025

The White House is demanding that ICE make 3,000 arrests per day – and it's pulling in agents from the FBI and the DEA to help. How Trump's push for mass deportations is reshaping U.S. law enforcement.

The history and science behind why we're all vulnerable to brainwashing Jun 09, 2025

We tend to associate “brainwashing” with cults and hostages, but author and science historian Rebecca Lemov says it can happen to anyone. Her new book “The Instability of Truth" explores the history and science of brainwashing and what it can teach us with misinformation on the rise.

President Trump’s proposed 'Golden Dome' vs. the laws of physics Jun 06, 2025

Trump’s space-based missile defense system. Could it protect the country against a nuclear attack, or is it technically impossible?

The Jackpod: The basic disturbance of the 21st century Jun 06, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how the impact of AI in the 21st century could be more disruptive to the workforce than mass production was in the 20th century.

The Israeli government’s true goal in Gaza Jun 05, 2025

Israel's government recently voted to ramp up the war in Gaza. A food blockade starved Gazans for months. And critical voices internationally, and within Israel itself, are rising. What do Israel’s government and its people want now in Gaza?

Is animal testing even needed anymore? Jun 04, 2025

Running tests on lab rats, mice and other species is an integral part of biomedical research. Now, some say artificial intelligence and other technologies could soon make the practice obsolete.

The federal takeover of Rikers Island Jun 03, 2025

New York City has lost control of its jails. In May, a federal judge ruled that the city’s jails, including Rikers Island, will now be run by a manager who will report directly to the court. What’s next for one of the country’s largest and most notorious facilities?

The long-term effects of nuclear waste in St. Louis Jun 02, 2025

For decades, kids in St. Louis County caught crawdads in Coldwater Creek, made mudpies, went swimming -- and were exposed to nuclear waste. Hear the story of how St. Louis became a dumping ground for radioactive waste generated by the Manhattan Project.

How YouTube transformed our world May 30, 2025

YouTube turns 20 this year. The platform now hosts 20 billion videos, and lets basically anyone, anywhere on Earth, create, share and watch. How has YouTube changed us?

The Jackpod: Making America safe for cancer May 30, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the Environmental Protection Agency’s new mission under the leadership of its new administrator, Lee Zeldin.

Steph Curry, 'Moreyball' and the NBA's 3-point revolution May 29, 2025

NBA teams have nearly tripled the number of 3-point attempts since the turn of the century. Fans now say it's hurting the game. Is the NBA taking too many 3s?

The push to eliminate honors programs in schools May 28, 2025

In an effort to reduce inequality in education outcomes, some school districts are removing honors classes or other programs for high achievers. Some students, parents and teachers say the push to "de-track" or "de-level" classrooms is limiting learning for everyone.

The struggle to update America's aging air traffic control system May 27, 2025

The Trump administration says it's going to modernize air traffic control equipment. Many administrations before have promised the same thing. So why hasn't it happened?

The power of solitude May 26, 2025

Rebroadcast: 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.

How AI is changing the job marketplace May 23, 2025

AI is playing a larger role in the job hunting and hiring process. It helps job seekers fine-tune their resumes and cover letters, and employers winnow down applicants. But the new technology isn’t getting it all right.

The Jackpod: Chainsaw May 22, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty assesses what Elon Musk and his Department of Government of Efficiency have achieved as Musk’s appointment as special government employee is due to expire.

What life is really like in El Salvador under Bukele’s 'iron fist' May 22, 2025

El Salvador was once the murder capital of the world. Now under President Nayib Bukele, it’s safer than Canada. But with 2% of its population locked up -- what is the real cost of this newfound safety?

Trump and trickle-down corruption May 21, 2025

A $400 million jet from Qatar. His own crypto coin. Is President Donald Trump normalizing corruption?

Inside the wrongful conviction of Ben Spencer May 20, 2025

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.

What happens when you train your AI on AI-generated data? May 19, 2025

AI companies say they are running out of high-quality data to train their models on. But they might have a solution: data generated by artificial intelligence systems themselves. The pros and cons of synthetic data.

Protecting from harm or censorship? Policing educational material in Texas May 16, 2025

Texas state legislature just passed a bill that would send doctors, teachers, librarians and more to jail if they provide kids with "harmful" materials. But who decides what's harmful, and what's not?

The Jackpod: Stephen Miller and the wages of ostracism May 15, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the life and experiences of the White House Deputy Chief of Staff and their connection with Trumpism.

India and Pakistan on the brink of war. Again. May 15, 2025

A ceasefire deal has put a pause on conflict between India and Pakistan. But experts say the two nuclear powers have a lot to work out if the Kashmir region is to move toward long-term peace.

The challenges facing the first-ever American pope May 14, 2025

The world's 1.4 billion Catholics have a new pope, Leo XIV. But the church he now leads is far from unified. What does the global Catholic Church want from a new pope -- and can he deliver it?

What is Tren de Aragua? The criminal organization's origins, activities and reach within the U.S. May 13, 2025

The Biden administration first labeled Venezuelan gang as a multi-national criminal organization. President Trump has now put Tren de Aragua at the center of the debate over immigration and deportation. But will his methods neutralize the threat Tren de Aragua poses to the U.S.?

How the Trump administration's defense policies are affecting women in service May 12, 2025

As the U.S. military faces a recruiting crisis, women have been consistent enlistees into America’s armed forces. So why is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceling a program supporting them?

How closely is Trump following the Project 2025 blueprint? May 09, 2025

The vast majority of Trump’s executive orders have come from The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, and the so-called "America First" plan. How the Trump administration is turning Project 2025 and the so-called 'America First' agenda into reality.

The Jackpod: The past is a foreign country May 08, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on what President Trump does and doesn’t know about U.S. history and what that means for the country today.

Feeding America's insatiable appetite for lumber May 08, 2025

The Trump administration wants to expand the American lumber industry by logging more trees in national forests and raising tariffs on lumber imports. The impact that could have on the domestic timber industry.

Trump's push to shrink FEMA May 07, 2025

Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina last year. President Donald Trump promised North Carolinians he wouldn’t forget them. But recently, Trump's FEMA rejected the state's request for extended relief funding.

The real story of REAL ID May 06, 2025

Starting May 7, you will have to have a REAL ID to board a U.S. domestic flight. But so much has changed in the 20 years since Real ID was first proposed, is REAL ID 20 years out-of-date?

Did 'An Abundance of Caution' during COVID do more harm than good for America's students? May 05, 2025

Millions of healthy children didn't set foot in a classroom for more than a year during the COVID pandemic. Journalist David Zweig says those school closures may have done more harm than good.

The real story of birthright citizenship May 02, 2025

President Trump believes that if you're born in the United States, you should not automatically be a citizen.

Historian Heather Cox Richardson says Trump is willfully misinterpreting American history and the Constitution.

The Jackpod: All Americans May 01, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the centrality of the rule of law in the U.S.

And the findings of a Pew Research poll that 88% of Americans believe that President Trump should follow Supreme Court orders.

The transformation of Austin, Texas May 01, 2025

Austin, Texas was known as a funky, liberal haven in a deep red state. Now, there’s big tech money pouring in and huge growth. How has life changed there?

Will the FDA's proposed food dye ban make kids healthier? Apr 30, 2025

Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Skittles, Mountain Dew Baja Blast. These foods all contain petroleum-based synthetic food dyes the FDA wants to phase out by the end of next year. Will the ban change American eating habits?

Why some are calling Tesla vandalism 'domestic terrorism' Apr 29, 2025

The Tesla Takedown protests have been mostly peaceful, but there have been a few incidents of vandalism and even property destruction.

Now, Elon Musk and his allies are calling the entire protest movement "domestic terrorism." Is that a fair label?

The 'money ladies' take stock of our current economy Apr 28, 2025

Tariffs, mortgage rates, clashes with the fed – all make for uncertainty in the economy.

On Point’s “Money Ladies” Michelle Singletary and Rana Foroohar join us to talk about your money, the global economy and America’s future.

Ask the ethicist: How to create guardrails for the AI age Apr 25, 2025

Will AI devastate humanity or uplift it? Philosopher Christopher DiCarlo's new book examines how we can navigate when AI surpasses human capacity.

'U.S. let go of my hand that it had extended to help': Afghan refugees on promises broken under Trump Apr 24, 2025

The immigration status of Afghans who helped the U.S. government is in jeopardy under the latest Trump crackdowns. How that impacts Afghan refugees and their families already in the U.S. and those stuck abroad.

Trump v. higher education Apr 23, 2025

Harvard University is suing the White House. What the university’s clash with the Trump Administration means for the rest of higher education.

How Trump administration cuts threaten Native Americans Apr 22, 2025

As the Trump Administration looks to cut government spending, many Indigenous communities say they’re losing vital public services.

It could be a violation of long-standing treaties between tribes and the federal government.

A doctor's fix for America's ailing medication market Apr 21, 2025

With more than 60% of Americans taking a prescription drug, there are increasing questions about how these medicines are approved, how they're kept safe and how they’re priced.

In a new book, Harvard’s Dr. Jerry Avorn argues the drugs we take have been compromised by profits.

Falling Behind: 'We're in jail with our emotions' Apr 18, 2025

Teenage boys are experiencing increasing rates of loneliness and suicidal thoughts -- which is having a direct impact on their achievement in school. How can schools address that? The final part in On Point’s special series “Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America’s Boys.”

Falling Behind: Where have all the men gone? Apr 17, 2025

After decades of decline, male teachers now make up less than a quarter of the public-school teaching force. What’s driving men away, and what would it take to bring them back? On Point’s weeklong series exploring boys and education continues.

Falling Behind: The opportunity gap Apr 16, 2025

Data show boys are falling behind in school. Black boys are falling behind the most. What’s happening in classrooms that are bucking that trend? On Point’s weeklong series exploring boys and education continues.

Falling Behind: Troublemakers Apr 15, 2025

'Boys will be boys.' How are perceptions about boys’ behavior in the classroom shaping their entire education? It’s part two of On Point’s weeklong series, "Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America's Boys."

Falling Behind: Do we treat boys like malfunctioning girls? Apr 14, 2025

Boys fall behind girls in education in the U.S. starting as young as eight years old. Understanding how boys learn is key to knowing why that’s happening. It's part one of On Point’s weeklong series “Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America’s Boys.”

How Spotify shapes how we listen to music Apr 11, 2025

Spotify promised independent artists a new revenue stream, and listeners exposure to new music. In the new book 'Mood Machine,' music journalist Liz Pelly examines how the streaming giant has shaped our listening habits.

The Jackpod: The demons Apr 10, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on who’s been advising President Trump on his tariff policies.

Trump takes aim at the Smithsonian Apr 10, 2025

A White House executive order seeks to eliminate “improper anti-American ideology” and promote "American greatness" at the nation’s museums. What Trump's recent attacks on the Smithsonian mean for how Americans understand their shared history.

Trailer: 'Falling behind: The miseducation of America's boys' Apr 09, 2025

A new On Point special series explores why America’s boys are falling behind in school, and what can be done about it.

Hear the first episode on Monday, April 14 in your podcast feed.

The new war on words Apr 09, 2025

Many on the political right accuse the left of policing what people can and can't say. Now, the Trump administration is cracking down on words related to diversity and inclusion. Has a so-called 'woke right' replaced the so-called 'woke left?'

How groceries are priced Apr 08, 2025

From pandemic inflation to the impact of tariffs the price of groceries is getting a lot of attention. But who decides what we pay -- and why?

How Trump administration job cuts could affect the future of weather forecasting Apr 07, 2025

The National Weather Service has been around for more than 150 years – their mission is explicitly to provide forecasts and warnings to protect lives and property.

Experts warn that its hollowing out could have long-lasting implications.

JD Vance and the rise of the 'New Right' Apr 04, 2025

In this week’s Jackpod Meghna and Jack spoke about this episode of On Point from August last year about ‘radical monarchist’ Curtis Yarvin and the so-called New Right movement. To make it easy to find we’re dropping it here again.

Trump v. big law Apr 04, 2025

President Trump has signed several Executive Orders targeting law firms who have challenged his agenda or hired his political enemies. Many in the legal community worry about the impact this could have on the overall legal system.

The Jackpod: Follow the frogs Apr 03, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on Donald Trump’s musings about being president for a third term and what paths might exist for that to happen.

How the mariner shortage could impact maritime security Apr 03, 2025

The merchant marines are sometimes referred to as the "fourth arm of national defense." So what does a shortage mean for American security?

'I thought I was doing something good': The scam that took Judith Boivin's life savings Apr 02, 2025

Rebroadcast: Judith Boivin thought she was helping the FBI go after drug traffickers. But in reality she had fallen victim to an elaborate plot to rob her of her retirement savings. She is not alone. How elaborate new scams are trapping well-meaning Americans.

'The federal workforce feels tormented': Federal employees on the consequences of losing their jobs Apr 01, 2025

They used to work in now-shuttered regional social security offices, or protecting our National Parks or nuclear security. Then President Trump, Elon Musk and DOGE terminated their positions -- and thousands more.

What does China make of the chaos in the U.S.? Mar 31, 2025

Escalating trade wars, disputes with allies, group chats with top U.S. officials' attack plans. What does the second Trump administration look like from China?

Banned from speaking in public, Afghan women tell us their stories Mar 29, 2025

Dozens of Afghan women studying abroad are terrified of being sent back to Afghanistan if the State Department cancels their U.S.-funded scholarships.

In this archive episode from September last year, Afghan women reveal what it's like to live under Taliban rule.

How to move from languishing to flourishing Mar 28, 2025

Rebroadcast: 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.

The Jackpod: April Fool Mar 27, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks ahead to April 2nd, what the Trump administration has dubbed Liberation Day, when an array of reciprocal tariffs go into effect.

America's gold fever Mar 27, 2025

Conspiracy theorists believe more than $400 billion of gold is missing from Fort Knox. President Trump says he will visit Kentucky with Elon Musk to see if the gold is there.

Some economists and historians say this tells us more about the economy in general than security of gold resources.

How Trump plans to get government out of the mortgage business Mar 26, 2025

Mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been under government conservatorship since 2008. President Trump wants to privatize them. But what could that mean for America's mortgage market?

The dirty truth about the global waste trade Mar 25, 2025

Americans throw away more than 15 billion pounds of electronic waste every year.

In his new book 'Waste Wars,' Alexander Clapp reveals how millions of pounds of our trash get shipped around the world, making a few people rich and many people sick.

The most powerful tech mogul you’ve never heard of Mar 24, 2025

Masayoshi Son is pouring billions of dollars into U.S. artificial intelligence and flexing his ties to President Donald Trump. Who is this Japanese billionaire and what does he want?

Rethinking how dyslexia is diagnosed Mar 20, 2025

Rebroadcast: Dyslexia affects one in every 5 Americans. But only 2 million are diagnosed and receive the help they need. Why?

The Jackpod: Outside the beltway Mar 20, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on emerging angst and growing protests over the Trump administration, far from the centers of political power in Washington D.C.

What a polarized U.S. might learn from other countries in 'Another World is Possible' Mar 20, 2025

Journalist Natasha Hakimi Zapata's book “Another World is Possible” explores what the U.S. could learn about ways to tackle issues such as inequality, health care and homelessness from innovative solutions deployed abroad.

What big changes inside the Pentagon could mean for U.S. national security Mar 19, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to reshape the Pentagon. How the Trump administration is making sweeping changes to the U.S. armed services, just two months into its term.

A daughter, a father and a family's struggle with 'American Bulk' Mar 18, 2025

In the U.S., shopping is almost a religion. For Emily Mester’s family, Costco was their Sunday ritual. In her new book, 'American Bulk,' Mester tells the story of how her family struggled with the desire to own everything they possibly could.

What the detention of Mahmoud Khalil reveals about free speech in the Trump era Mar 17, 2025

The Trump White House is using Department of Homeland Security intelligence to identify pro-Palestinian college protesters. Courts have ruled that campus protests are protected by the First Amendment. But as the Trump administration seeks to punish speech it does not like, whose first amendment rights are next?

America's new Gilded Age Mar 14, 2025

President Donald Trump declared America is entering a “Golden Age” on Inauguration Day. But as inequality grows, some historians say that the country is in a new Gilded Age.

The Jackpod: Strategic empathy Mar 14, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks at the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine from Russian president Vladimir Putin’s perspective, as a ‘preventive war.’

What happened when AI went after welfare fraud Mar 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence algorithms are being used to decide who gets welfare benefits, and how much. Some experts say it’s leading to “devastating” cuts in benefits for those most in need.

The wonder of Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park Mar 12, 2025

Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park was first designated a national monument a century ago. Even with climate change, Glacier Bay has a surprising story to tell about nature’s resilience.

Trump's 2017 tax cuts: Who's better off, who's not? Mar 11, 2025

The House has passed a budget resolution, and a plan to extend President Trump's 2017 tax cuts. What’s known about the impact of those cuts on American taxpayers and the economy?

Federal judge Frederic Block on second chances -- and 'who deserves it' Mar 10, 2025

In 1997, Walter Johnson was given five life sentences for robbery and drug offences. Decades later, he was released by the same judge who originally sentenced him. A conversation with that judge about the power of second chances.

Is NASCAR a monopoly? Mar 07, 2025

Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s automotive racing team 23XI is suing NASCAR, alleging the organization is an illegal monopoly. The case could make waves across the entire sport.

The Jackpod: Where the roads lead Mar 06, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the numerous ways Donald Trump has sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin since re-entering the White House.

Is education technology actually helping students learn? Mar 06, 2025

From laptops to learning software, schools invest billions of dollars each year on education technology. But what do we really know about how effective that tech is in the classroom?

Is Kash Patel a modern-day J. Edgar Hoover? Mar 06, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel wants to go after President Trump's enemies. That reminds some historians of J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI's notorious first director. But some say Patel wants to weaponize the FBI so completely, even Hoover would disapprove.

How the bond market could check Trump's power Mar 04, 2025

Bond traders are worried about President Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts – and the ever-growing national debt. Could the bond market be a check on Trump’s agenda?

A meltdown in the White House over Ukraine Mar 03, 2025

An Oval Office meeting devolved into a televised shouting match Friday. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” and being ungrateful for U.S. aid. What this unprecedented moment means for the Ukraine war and the world.

Weight loss drugs may become harder to get. What does that mean for patients? Feb 28, 2025

When the FDA declared an Ozempic and Wegovy shortage, business boomed for pharmacies making cheaper, off-brand versions of the weight loss drugs. Now, the FDA is clamping down.

Lauren Ober was a juror on a Jan. 6 case. Then, she learned her new neighbors supported Jan. 6 insurrectionists. Feb 27, 2025

A conversation with journalist Lauren Ober about her experience on that jury, her podcast 'We Live Here Now,' and what Trump's pardons mean.

'A clear attempt to intimidate the press' Feb 26, 2025

Some of President Trump’s lawsuits against media outlets have resulted in big settlements. Critics say that could have a chilling effect on journalists and embolden Trump to sue more.

The GOP's plan for the future of Medicaid Feb 25, 2025

The House Republicans’ budget plan calls for billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. Some 72 million Americans rely on the program for their health care. What's next for Medicaid?

Where peace talks stand in Ukraine, 3 years into war Feb 24, 2025

President Trump is promising to end the now three-year long war in Ukraine. But with Ukraine and Europe sidelined in current negotiations – how far off really is peace?

Tumult inside Trump's DOJ: What it means for rule of law in the U.S. Feb 21, 2025

Trump’s Justice Department ordered criminal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams to be dropped. Multiple federal prosecutors resigned in protest. What do these controversies mean for the future of American law?

The Jackpod: Off the mat Feb 20, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how the Democrats could take a leaf from the British parliamentary system to break out of their opinion poll slump.

Inside the effort to dismantle the Department of Education Feb 20, 2025

The Trump administration has cut Education Department spending by hundreds of millions of dollars over the past few weeks. What does that mean for the department's future?

The truth about testosterone therapy Feb 19, 2025

Prescriptions for testosterone have tripled in recent years, as some social media fitness influencers claim the hormone is a miracle cure for men. But who really benefits from testosterone therapy? And what are the risks?

What it's like to live in fear of being deported Feb 18, 2025

President Trump is promising to remove millions of people who are in the U.S. without legal status.

That promise is creating fear among migrants, even those here legally.

We head to immigrant communities in Wisconsin to talk about the effects of looming mass deportations.

The consequences of declining vaccination rates Feb 17, 2025

Childhood vaccination rates are declining. Doctors worry that could lead to a resurgence of diseases such as measles, polio and whooping cough.

The Jackpod: The child is father of the man Feb 14, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks back at Elon Musk's traumatic childhood as a lens through which to understand the world view of the planet’s richest man.

Are Chinese commercial drones a threat to national security? Feb 14, 2025

The Chinese-owned drone company DJI controls over 75% of the commercial U.S. drone market. Lawmakers say that its presence in the sky threatens American national security.

How will we power the AI boom? Feb 13, 2025

Just one query to ChatGPT takes as much energy as powering a lightbulb for some 20 minutes. As AI balloons, so does its demand for electricity. That's driving tech companies to increase their demand for fossil fuels.

How Russell Vought's 'radical constitutionalism' could spark a constitutional crisis Feb 12, 2025

Russell Vought, head of Trump's Office of Budget and Management, believes the president has the power to completely dismantle any aspect of the federal government he chooses. Bipartisan leaders say Trump and Vought are trying to provoke a constitutional crisis.

How the richest person in the world is reshaping Washington Feb 11, 2025

Elon Musk is rapidly dismantling or taking control of government agencies during President Trump’s first weeks in power. But is he or Trump in control?

This doctor says he can make AI in health care safer Feb 10, 2025

Artificial intelligence is growing fast. And it’s changing how doctors provide care for their patients. How do you make sure these new AI tools are safe? Dr. Brian Anderson says he has an answer.

Why are headlights brighter than they used to be? Feb 07, 2025

If you feel like car headlights have gotten too bright, you’re not alone.

The National Highway Traffic Administration receives more consumer complaints about headlight brightness than any other topic.

How did this happen? And can we fix it?

The Jackpod: Calamity howler Feb 06, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on President Trump’s pick for OMB director, Russell Vought.

What Vought believes about rule of law in American democracy, and whether that could push the nation to ‘a post-constitutional moment.'

Do estranged parents have the legal right to be loved by their kids? Feb 06, 2025

“Reunification therapy” is a practice designed to rebuild connection between an estranged parent and their child.

It's often court ordered -- and forces the child to spend time with the estranged parent and cut off contact with the preferred parent entirely.

Forced reunification -- but at what cost?

How ending foreign aid could damage U.S. national security Feb 05, 2025

The Trump Administration is halting all foreign aid and dismantling the United States Agency for International Development, the world’s largest single donor.

And while USAID should be scrutinized for how it uses taxpayer funding, its supporters say destroying a federal agency doesn't '[promote] the national interest.'

Should we farm octopuses for food? Feb 04, 2025

The octopus is highly intelligent. It’s also a favorite food of humans around the world. In Spain, a proposed octopus farm claims it could raise a million animals per year for eating. That's sparking protests, and possible bans here in the United States.

Big banks are suing the Fed over stress tests Feb 03, 2025

After the 2008 financial collapse, the government required big banks to undergo annual stress tests. Now, those banks are suing to overhaul the stress tests. What does that mean for the stability of the financial system?

The Jackpod: Everything a president does, teaches Jan 31, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the politics of cruelty in the second Trump presidency

Black women's deep roots in country music Jan 31, 2025

Beyonce says she’s always been country. Now, with "Cowboy Carter," she’s nominated for 11 Grammys and the first Black woman to top country music charts. How Beyonce fits into the long history of Black women in country music.

How Democrats squandered their 'emerging majority' Jan 30, 2025

Decades ago, Ruy Teixeira famously wrote that a more diverse America would lean heavily Democratic. But as he's watched Donald Trump's rise, he believes it's Democrats themselves who are to blame. Why?

Can peace in Gaza last? Jan 29, 2025

Thousands of Palestinians are returning to devastated homes in Northern Gaza. But the ceasefire almost collapsed this past weekend. Can it be sustained?

Do Trump's Jan. 6 pardons undermine rule of law in America? Jan 28, 2025

President Trump mass pardoned January 6th rioters, many who violently attacked police officers. The rioters were convicted in U.S. courts with due process.

But the pardons undermine those court rulings, and possibly the concept of rule of law in America.

'He wanted to destroy me financially': The economic abuse of domestic violence survivors Jan 27, 2025

Nearly every domestic violence survivor has reported suffering economic abuse at the hands of their abusive partner. They’ve been coerced into debt, had their credit scores ruined, lost all financial independence. Few laws are on the books to prevent this. That soon may change.

The Jackpod: Get out Jan 24, 2025

President Trump has promised “the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.” On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the lessons and legacy of two mass deportations of the 20th century.

The broken home insurance market -- in California and beyond Jan 24, 2025

Many LA homeowners were dropped by their insurance companies a year before the fires. Is there a better way to make the insurance industry more affordable and sustainable?

Volcanologist Tamsin Mather on her 'adventures in volcanoland' Jan 23, 2025

What's it like standing on the slopes of an active, erupting volcano? Volcanologist Tamsin Mather takes us on her journey to some of the world's biggest volcanoes.

An African history of Africa with Zeinab Badawi Jan 22, 2025

Everybody’s heard about Ancient Egypt. But just downriver, the kingdom of Kush was one of the most powerful states in the Nile valley. Sudanese-British journalist Zeinab Badawi gives us a lesser-known history of one of Africa’s great historical triumphs.

A new chapter in America's child welfare system Jan 21, 2025

At the end of last year, Congress passed the largest overhaul of the nation’s child welfare system in more than 15 years.

The reform includes more support for kinship care, aging out youth and efforts to prevent the separation of families due to poverty.

How these reforms will make a difference for children and families in the U.S.

The Republican Congress' 2025 agenda Jan 20, 2025

The Republican legislative agenda is set to tackle tax cuts, increase border security, and open up American energy production. But how does the GOP aim to accomplish these goals?

'Would you recommend this show to a friend?' Jan 17, 2025

It seems like we're bombarded with customer surveys these days. Where are these surveys coming from -- and do they work?

The Jackpod: Throughline Jan 16, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on federal charges against Donald Trump for election interference in 2020; what has changed since then and what has not.

The U.S. parental mental health crisis and what to do about it Jan 16, 2025

The U.S. Surgeon General is ringing the alarm bell on parents' mental health. 48% of parents say most days their stress is completely overwhelming, nearly double what childless adults reported.

How Texas became America's clean energy leader Jan 15, 2025

Of all the states in the country, Texas is the leader when it comes to wind and solar renewable energy. What lessons can we learn by looking to Texas?

How the civil service system changed American government Jan 14, 2025

The Pendleton Act of 1883 established a non-partisan civil service. President-elect Donald Trump says he’ll upend the law, firing non-partisan employees and replacing them with loyalists. We'll look at how the U.S. came to have a civil service in the first place.

Does a picture prove anything anymore? Jan 13, 2025

Millions of people now own smartphones where, with just a tap, you can erase people from pictures -- and even add AI generated content that never existed. What does this mean for our shared reality?

The ‘Godfather of AI’ says we can’t afford to get it wrong Jan 10, 2025

Geoffrey Hinton is one of the world’s biggest minds in artificial intelligence. He won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. Where does he think AI is headed?

The Jackpod: Casualties of war Jan 10, 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the causes and consequences of the U.S.’s decade-long war with ISIS and its impact on American democracy.

'I thought I was doing something good': The scam that took Judith Boivin's life savings Jan 09, 2025

Judith Boivin thought she was helping the FBI go after drug traffickers. But in reality she had fallen victim to an elaborate plot to rob her of her retirement savings. She is not alone. How elaborate new scams are trapping well-meaning Americans.

What you need to know about bird flu Jan 08, 2025

A Louisiana resident has died from bird flu. Just as during the COVID outbreak, there's a lot of misinformation circulating about H5N1.

We'll get a clear assessment on bird flu, how it's changing, and efforts to control it.

The Internet Archive is in danger Jan 07, 2025

More than 900 billion webpages are preserved on The Wayback Machine, a history of humanity online. Now, copyright lawsuits could wipe it out.

Could mandating mental health care help the most vulnerable? Jan 06, 2025

Brandon del Pozo says when it comes to the severely mentally ill, society has made a mistake prioritizing personal liberty over compassionate care.

The former New York City police officer, now researcher, argues that sometimes the most humane mental health care is forced treatment.

'Vivaldi smells like breakfast sausage' Jan 03, 2025

Smell can trigger memories and influence emotions. New research is giving us insight into how that happens, including why some people can "smell" music and why losing the sense of smell can alert us to what might make us sick.

The 'money ladies' financial guide for 2025 Jan 02, 2025

On Point’s 'money ladies' Michelle Singletary and Rana Foroohar are back to start 2025 with frank talk about the macro and micro of the American economy in a new year, and under a new presidential administration.

100 is the new 65: The new world of super-aging Dec 19, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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?

How AI is polluting our culture Dec 19, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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.

How artificial intelligence can help American workers Dec 19, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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.

How South Korea became a global beauty powerhouse Dec 18, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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.

The adventures and complications of a child-free life in Maria Coffey's 'Instead' Dec 18, 2024

Rebroadcast: More Americans are saying they don’t want to have children. But what does life without children really look like?

What we lose if snow disappears Dec 18, 2024

Rebroadcast: Snowpack is getting less reliable in American winters. And in many places, that's not just an environmental problem, but an emotional one, too.

What the rise of ultra-processed foods means for our health and society Dec 18, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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?

Adam Nimoy on growing up the son of Spock Dec 20, 2024

Adam Nimoy's father, Leonard Nimoy, played Star Trek's Mr. Spock, the most famous alien in television history. In reality, he was a tough, uncompromising father.

In a conversation live from CitySpace, Nimoy discusses his book “The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy."

The future of cannabis research and regulations Dec 20, 2024

Americans are now more likely to use cannabis than alcohol on a daily basis. But as cannabis use continues to climb, are research and policies keeping up?

The Jackpod: The fullness Dec 19, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has been finding his own sense of spiritual fullness in poetry, inspired by philosopher Charles Taylor’s recent book, Cosmic Connections: Poetry in the Age of Disenchantment.

Why Argentina's Javier Milei has the attention of Trump advisors Dec 19, 2024

Argentina's president Javier Milei cut 30,000 government jobs. The country’s inflation rate dropped more than 20%, but poverty is soaring.

Trump advisors Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy celebrate Milei as the perfect model to slash government in the U.S.

How insurance companies use AI to deny claims Dec 18, 2024

UnitedHealth is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company misused AI to deny specific insurance claims.

The suit raises questions about how health care companies use AI and how it affects the care people receive.

How can politicians better serve the American people? Sen. Andy Kim has some ideas Dec 17, 2024

Three term Democratic Representative Andy Kim is now New Jersey's newest Senator. He’s been listening to Americans who supported both himself and President-elect Donald Trump. His lessons from those conversations.

The limits of the surveillance state Dec 16, 2024

The New York Police Department says it utilizes the largest networks of cameras, license plate readers and radiological sensors in the world.

So, how did the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s alleged killer manage to escape the city before his arrest in Pennsylvania?

The Jackpod: Union made Dec 13, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to be Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer and what that could mean for American workers.

What Trump’s crypto embrace means for the U.S. Dec 13, 2024

Trump has said America should have its own Bitcoin stockpile and even created his own cryptocurrency company. Crypto fans are cheering the incoming administration, but others worry this could be a dangerous scam.

Inside America's homeless encampment sweeps Dec 12, 2024

Homelessness is on the rise. So are encampment sweeps. What does this mean for our cities and the people living on their streets? It’s our latest collaboration with the investigative newsroom, ProPublica.

The conservative case for labor in America Dec 11, 2024

Conservative politics and labor advocacy don't often go hand in hand, unless you are columnist Sohrab Ahmari.

Ahmari says conservative politicians have the chance to change material conditions for workers. And labor advocates have the chance to forge a new political path.

Why sociologist Musa al-Gharbi says social justice elites value performance over progress Dec 10, 2024

In 'We Have Never Been Woke,' sociologist Musa al-Gharbi argues the so-called “woke elite” pursue two conflicting desires – to be elite and egalitarian. But the desire to be elite always wins, hurting the communities they vow to help.

Six hours under martial law in South Korea Dec 09, 2024

South Korea recently declared and then lifted martial law for the first time in more than 40 years. What led to it -- and what it tells us about the state of democracy in a key U.S. ally.

Why U.S. overdose deaths are dropping Dec 06, 2024

For the first time in decades, drug overdose deaths are decreasing in the U.S. Federal data show a roughly 15% drop from 2023 to 2024. What's driving the decline?

The Jackpod: Spiderboy hits new heights Dec 05, 2024

Meghna has a family tale to tell about why the Jackpod is extending its Thanksgiving break.

A father's fight to reclaim the truth about Sandy Hook Dec 05, 2024

Robbie Parker lost his daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook School shooting more than a decade ago. Parker is still battling Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist who claimed the shooting was staged.

'The great dechurching': Why so many Americans are leaving their churches Dec 04, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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?

Brendan Carr wrote Project 2025's chapter on the FCC. Here’s what he says he’ll do as the agency’s chairman. Dec 03, 2024

The Republican commissioner says his top priority is to bring down the “censorship cartel." What will his plan mean for the future of the internet?

Trump, authoritarianism, and what Americans think makes a good leader Dec 02, 2024

Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat was one of many who warned about Trump and his authoritarian leanings. But this didn’t seem to matter for the nearly 77 million Americans who voted for him. What conversations about authoritarianism should we be having in the U.S.?

The unregulated boom in the 'buy now, pay later' market Nov 26, 2024

Rebroadcast: '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?

How to become a 'supercommunicator' Nov 26, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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.'

The big promises — and hidden challenges — of AI Nov 27, 2024

Developers of Artificial Intelligence have made big promises about how transformational AI will be. But what it can really deliver may be something else — and that difference could impact your life.

Trump promised tax-free Social Security. Is it too good to be true? Nov 26, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has promised tax-free Social Security benefits. No taxes mean more money for individuals – but fewer funds going into the Social Security pool. A look inside how Social Security really works to figure out how best to save it.

Silicon Valley’s reign over tech, money and politics Nov 25, 2024

Who are America's new oligarchs? They're pouring billions of dollars into politics, have the ear of the president-elect and control an endless stream of your data. Now that confluence of tech, money, and politics is making Silicon Valley tech titans the most powerful people in America.

The Jackpod: The right to be left alone Nov 22, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the most effective and insidious attack ad ever.

Historian Heather Cox Richardson makes sense of politics today by looking to the past Nov 22, 2024

The political rehabilitation of William McKinley. A cabinet of TV stars. Heather Cox Richardson says she didn't have those things on her 2024 bingo card. The famed historian joins us to draw from the past to make sense of the future.

From vaccines to fluoride: How could RFK Jr. reshape American public health? Nov 21, 2024

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been picked by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been critical of processed food, vaccines, and fluoride in water. What impact could he have on the nation’s health?

Surviving in the ruins of northern Gaza Nov 20, 2024

Humanitarian aid for Palestinians in northern Gaza is the lowest it's been in more than a year. People on the ground in Gaza share what, and who, could change the scale of civilian suffering.

Who is Pete Hegseth? What to know about Donald Trump's Pentagon pick Nov 19, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Fox News host and military veteran Pete Hegseth as his nominee for Secretary of Defense. Who he is -- and what this pick could mean for the direction of America’s national security.

What can we learn from North Carolina's elections? Nov 18, 2024

Donald Trump won North Carolina. But Democrats in the state swept every major executive branch race, including governor, and broke the Republican supermajority in the statehouse. What explains this split?

How to get Americans excited about voting again Nov 15, 2024

Millions of voters who turned out in 2020 didn't show up this year. Why they stayed home or left the top of the ticket blank -- and how we might reinvigorate Americans' belief in voting.

The Jackpod: Intellectual disgrace stares from every [Biden] face Nov 14, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on why he thinks the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is an intellectual disgrace for the Biden administration.

Starr County and the new politics of Texas border communities Nov 14, 2024

Starr County, Texas is 97% Latino. For more than 130 years the County voted for Democrats. Until last week.

In fact, Starr County has been swinging right for the past 8 years, with a 75-point shift to Republicans since 2016. What's motivating Latino voters in Starr County to back Republicans over Democrats?

The Second Battle of Fallujah, 20 years later Nov 13, 2024

This month marks 20 years since the start of the bloodiest battle of the Iraq War.

Marines who were on the ground share their stories and the two-decade long struggle to heal.

What a second Trump term means for the world Nov 12, 2024

The war in Ukraine. A trade battle with China. 'Mass deportations' to Mexico. How are Europe, Mexico and China preparing for Donald Trump’s return to the White House?

The policies that matter to voters in Missouri -- and beyond Nov 11, 2024

Voters across the country went for Donald Trump and other Republicans in big numbers -- and endorsed progressive measures like abortion access and an increased minimum wage in ballot initiatives. What this tells us about what voters really want.

What motivates American voters? Nov 08, 2024

Trump won the presidency, but down ballot votes didn't always follow party. How can we understand the conflicting and diverging values expressed in the 2024 election?

The Jackpod: We're going back Nov 08, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the historic eras the U.S. could return to if Donald Trump’s various campaign policies are enacted.

The path ahead for President-elect Trump and Congressional Republicans Nov 07, 2024

Republicans dominated the election -- with Donald Trump taking back the White House, flipping the Senate and likely keeping control of the House. How the Republican Party did it, and the policies and priorities it will have in Congress and the White House.

On the ground in swing states as the votes are tallied Nov 06, 2024

Just seven swing states decided the fate of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. A roundtable conversation with journalists on the ground, right after Election Day.

Immigrants came to this small Wisconsin city. So did the political rhetoric. Nov 05, 2024

A Wisconsin city became a political flashpoint in the national immigration debate. In On Point's latest collaboration with ProPublica: How Whitewater, Wisconsin has responded to a new wave of immigration.

The looming legal battle after Election Day Nov 04, 2024

Republicans have already filed more than 90 lawsuits challenging voting rules and practices – before a single ballot has been counted. What clues these lawsuits hold about a looming legal battle after Election Day.

How to manage election anxiety Nov 01, 2024

According to a recent poll by the American Psychological Association, more than two out of three Americans say the upcoming presidential election is causing a significant amount of stress in their lives.

The consequences of election-related stress and what you can do to manage it.

The Jackpod: 'Fed ... on fantasies' Oct 31, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the political power of fantasy over reality and its role in Trumpian politics in the U.S.

Former Trump staffers raise alarms about a second Trump term Oct 31, 2024

This month, more than a dozen former Trump staffers went on the record to say that everyone should heed the warning that Donald Trump is a fascist and would rule as a dictator.

How social media companies are preparing for misinformation after Election Day Oct 30, 2024

False claims and threats about the 2024 election are expected to get worse after Election Day. How are social media companies preparing?

Follow the money: The surprisingly legal way billionaires are shaping the 2024 election Oct 29, 2024

The Federal Elections Commission has issued rules that make coordination between campaigns and big donors legal and more direct. How's that shaping the 2024 election? We explore the connection between billionaires and the campaigns they're influencing.

Georgia election official Janelle King on the effort to change the state's election rules Oct 28, 2024

The Georgia Supreme Court has blocked the state's Republican-led election board from enforcing new election rules introduced just weeks before Election Day. We speak to Republican Janelle King, a board member who pushed for the rule changes.

A look at political ads in 7 swing states Oct 28, 2024

2024 is set to be a record-breaking year for political advertising, with some $10.2 billion spent across the U.S. Most of those dollars are aimed at seven swing states. What do voters in those states see on their TVs and online — and what does that say about current political messaging?

New details in the special counsel's case against Trump Oct 25, 2024

The latest on special counsel Jack Smith’s case against former President Donald Trump and his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

The Jackpod: René’s world Oct 25, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the influence of French historian and philosopher René Girard’s beliefs about the nature of human beings on our daily lives, social media, and JD Vance’s conversion to Catholicism.

Donald Trump's plan for 'mass deportation' Oct 24, 2024

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.

The truth about perinatal hospice care Oct 23, 2024

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.

On Point live: How to guarantee a secure election in Wisconsin Oct 22, 2024

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.

A deep dive into Kamala Harris' foreign policy Oct 21, 2024

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.

Why so many members are leaving Congress Oct 18, 2024

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?

The Jackpod: The United Stasi of America Oct 17, 2024

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.

The battle for control of state governments Oct 17, 2024

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.

Raising revenue vs. protecting industry: A deep dive into America's use of tariffs Oct 16, 2024

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?

Sarah Longwell on what’s driving the Trump-to-Biden voters in 2024 Oct 15, 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.

Finance companies have a new customer: The wrongfully convicted Oct 11, 2024

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.

The stakes of the U.S. election for the world Oct 11, 2024

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.

The Jackpod: Reality bites Oct 11, 2024

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.

Immigration, the economy, trust: How American voters are deciding in 2024 Oct 10, 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.

Inside the fight to protect Georgia’s elections Oct 09, 2024

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?

Is the media 'sanewashing' Trump? Oct 08, 2024

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.

Trucks and SUVs are bigger -- and more dangerous -- than ever. New safety rules aim to fix that Oct 07, 2024

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.

Inside the growing Middle East conflict Oct 04, 2024

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?

The Jackpod: You’re too honest Oct 03, 2024

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.

Elections officials endure protests, death threats. Here are their stories Oct 03, 2024

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.

Biden's FTC took on big tech, big pharma and more. What antitrust legacy will Biden leave behind? Oct 02, 2024

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?

What Cambria County, Pennsylvania teaches us about voters in 2024 Oct 01, 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?

What can we learn from Arizona’s universal school vouchers? Sep 30, 2024

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.

Banned from speaking in public, Afghan women risk telling us their stories Sep 27, 2024

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?

The Jackpod: The most dangerous blot Sep 26, 2024

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.

What’s fueling America’s Zyn obsession? Sep 26, 2024

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?

Long-range weapons could help Ukraine. But at what cost? Sep 25, 2024

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?

How periods unlock health secrets beyond the female reproductive system Sep 24, 2024

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?

How Russia is trying to influence the 2024 election Sep 23, 2024

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?

What does one owe their country? A family's 'reckoning on China' Sep 20, 2024

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?

The Jackpod: That’s entertainment? Sep 19, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the entertainment value of conspiracy theories as a source of their appeal.

Why young men are attracted to Donald Trump's MAGA movement Sep 19, 2024

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?

Should the government give first-time homebuyers $25,000? Sep 18, 2024

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.

Part II: Why is America's birthrate declining? Sep 17, 2024

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?

Part I: Why is America's birthrate declining? Sep 16, 2024

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?

A scientist's search for the origins of COVID Sep 13, 2024

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.

The Jackpod: Unanswered questions Sep 13, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty imagines a presidential debate in which Vice President Kamala Harris candidly answers the questions of undecided voters.

Rebroadcast: Can 'colorblindness' lead to equality in America? Sep 12, 2024

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.

Is Mexico's judicial reform a good or bad idea? Sep 11, 2024

Mexico could 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?

Can we save the quietest places in the world? Sep 10, 2024

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.

Is extreme heat an extreme disaster? Sep 09, 2024

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?

An economist's vision of economic growth -- with less destruction Sep 06, 2024

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?

The Jackpod: Hold the joy Sep 06, 2024

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.”

Killing barred owls to save northern spotted owls: Rethinking American wildlife conservation Sep 05, 2024

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.

Colleges are using AI in admissions. How can they do it right? Sep 04, 2024

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.

The ‘money ladies’ answer your economic questions Sep 03, 2024

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.

Rebroadcast: Is the rise of AI the best argument for universal basic income? Sep 02, 2024

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.

The goal: Can the U.S. actually meet its ambitious climate targets? Aug 30, 2024

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?

The Jackpod: The gates of hell Aug 30, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the potency of humiliation in politics today.

The promise of nickel: Power and prosperity in Indonesia Aug 29, 2024

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.

The human cost of cobalt: Modern slavery in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Aug 28, 2024

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.

The copper tradeoff: Protecting today's lands versus preserving tomorrow's climate Aug 27, 2024

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.

The lithium boom: What's holding back a lithium rush in the U.S.? Aug 26, 2024

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.

The Jackpod: Not going back Aug 24, 2024

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the meaning of Kamala Harris’ rallying cry at the Democratic National Convention and four themes he observed.

Kamala Harris makes her case to voters Aug 23, 2024

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?

Can the Democrats win over voters in 2024? Aug 22, 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?

Midwestern identity on the 2024 campaign trail Aug 21, 2024

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?

The struggle for LGBTQ inclusion in major sports Aug 20, 2024

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.

The results are in on America's largest universal income experiment Aug 19, 2024

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?

Should we rethink how we talk about the American economy? Aug 19, 2024

The topline numbers about the U.S. economy don’t seem to match what millions of Americans are feeling. Which information is right?

The Jackpod: Even ‘and’ and ‘the’ Aug 17, 2024

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.

Is this ancient process the future of plastics recycling? Aug 16, 2024

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?

The unexpected cause of increased marine mammal interactions Aug 15, 2024

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?

Will “surveillance pricing” help or harm consumers? Aug 14, 2024

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.

What went wrong within the Secret Service Aug 13, 2024

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?

Rebroadcast: Your brain on menopause Aug 12, 2024

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.

The antitrust case that could change how we use the internet Aug 11, 2024

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.

The Jackpod without Jack: Please be kind Aug 11, 2024

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.

How the culture wars poisoned American politics -- and how to fix it Aug 09, 2024

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?

Inside the wrongful conviction of Ben Spencer Aug 08, 2024

Rebroadcast: 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.

The ongoing saga of the Kids Online Safety Act Aug 07, 2024

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.

When should someone walk away from family? Aug 06, 2024

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.

Could ‘boommates’ help ease the housing crisis? Aug 05, 2024

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.

The solution to anti-tourism: Don't travel less, travel better Aug 02, 2024

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.

JD Vance and the rise of the 'New Right' Aug 01, 2024

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?

Kamala Harris re-introduces herself to the American people Jul 31, 2024

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.

Anne Applebaum on the new axis of autocrats Jul 30, 2024

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.

Week of wonder: Author Amy Tan's 'backyard bird chronicles' Jul 29, 2024

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.

The Jackpod: Lame ducks Jul 27, 2024

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.

Week of wonder: The surprising gift of being unsure Jul 26, 2024

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.

Week of wonder: 'Are we alone?' Jul 25, 2024

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.

Week of wonder: Returning to the wild Jul 24, 2024

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?

Week of wonder: The Great Salt Lake is drying up. Can it be saved? Jul 23, 2024

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.

What Trump's acceptance speech says about Trump Jul 22, 2024

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.

The Jackpod: The best of times, the worst of times Jul 20, 2024

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.”

How Trump's values became the Republican party platform Jul 19, 2024

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.

The marvelous and misunderstood world of sharks Jul 18, 2024

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.

'You have to listen to people': Dr. Anthony Fauci's lessons from a life in public health Jul 17, 2024

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?

Can America step back from violent political rhetoric? Jul 16, 2024

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?

What the end of the Chevron deference means for regulatory power Jul 15, 2024

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.

The Jackpod: From June 6, 1944 to January 6, 2021 -- How did America get here? Jul 13, 2024

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.

Rebroadcast: Trump’s 2025 authoritarian playbook and what it means for democracy Jul 12, 2024

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.

The leaders behind the fall of Boeing Jul 11, 2024

Boeing has pled guilty to federal charges related to two deadly 737 MAX crashes. What went wrong in the Boeing C-suite?

An anthropologist lived amongst migrant smugglers. What did he learn? Jul 10, 2024

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.

Rebroadcast: Why are cancer rates rising among young people? Jul 09, 2024

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.

Rebroadcast: Fraud and forgery in the world of fine art Jul 08, 2024

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?

The Jackpod: Naked to mine enemies Jul 06, 2024

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.

Rebroadcast: 'Recoding America' author Jennifer Pahlka on how we can reshape our government to work for us Jul 05, 2024

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.

When ransomware hijacks your health care Jul 03, 2024

Ransomware hackers are attacking health care systems in the U.S. and around the world. Why are health care networks so vulnerable?

‘Grievance games’: Can sports still bring people together? Jul 03, 2024

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.

What it took to reopen one of the nation’s busiest ports Jul 02, 2024

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.

Families navigate decisions about care for transgender and gender-questioning children Jul 01, 2024

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.

The 'Pod Save America' guide to saving democracy Jun 28, 2024

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.

Russia and North Korea cement closer ties Jun 27, 2024

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?

Has drug development in transplantation been stymied? Jun 26, 2024

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?

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