To the Point

Latest Episodes:

Melina Abdullah: It’s a mistake to equate what happens to property with what happens to black lives Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

The killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis has inspired nationwide protests against injustice and police violence. Marchers are targeting cities of white affluence. What does all this say about confronting racism in America?

How dogs and tech can detect COVID-19 Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

Tech titans like Apple, Google and Facebook are about to get low-tech competition to help detect the novel coronavirus. Labradors and Cocker Spaniels are being trained to sniff out COVID-19.

What makes cities vulnerable to COVID-19? Concentrated poverty, says econ professor May 28, 2020

Show notes

Disease has thrived among dense populations since cities began. But COVID-19 is the worst example since 1918, and New York City is America’s primary victim. Can New York and other cities survive this pandemic? Also, Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, explains what we can learn from history.

Will COVID-19 reshape political conventions? May 21, 2020

Show notes

Party Conventions nominated presidents since 1831. Will Covid-19 put an end to balloons, bunting and long-winded speeches? Will it also put an end to privacy?

Gene Sperling on economic dignity and wage gap for frontline workers May 14, 2020

Show notes

In his latest book, “Economic Dignity,” former White House advisor Gene Sperling lays out the case for the dignity of work. Only when all workers are valued, he argues, will we do better as a society. Also, can the U.S. Postal Service survive? Some local post offices may be closing soon — what’s the impact on November’s election?

Digital Darwinism and COVID-19: Businesses must adapt or perish in new economy May 09, 2020

Show notes

Brian Solis, digital anthropologist and a global innovation evangelist at Salesforce, talks about how the novel coronavirus will spark innovation, and how companies and businesses must “adapt or die” in the new economy.

How will COVID-19 leave its mark on health care? May 07, 2020

Show notes

The coronavirus pandemic exposes collapsing medical systems around the world, as well as weaknesses with health care in the United States. Can COVID-19 force these systems to change for the better?

With demand for oil at an all-time low, will there be new opportunities for renewable energy? Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

Twenty-seven massive tankers float off the Port of LA, loaded with oil that has no place to go. Demand has dropped so much during the economic fallout from COVID-19 that prices plummeted below zero for the first time in history. Does that create opportunities for alternative energy sources like wind, solar or nuclear?

The politics of stay-at-home orders, plus the ethics of online shopping Apr 23, 2020

Show notes

The coronavirus pandemic is changing the rules for the president in the White House and citizens sheltered at home. Should President Trump or 50 governors take charge of controlling disease? Also, is it right or wrong to shop online if it’s not for essentials?

What does COVID-19 mean for climate change long-term and Trump’s re-election? Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

Shutting down the economy means cleaner skies, but that good news for climate change won’t last, says scientist Katherine Hayhoe. And how will Trump’s handling of the pandemic influence his re-election prospects?

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected