To the Point

Latest Episodes:

Health Insurance and Medical Debt Jan 07, 2016

Show notes

The repeal of Obamacare has finally reached the President's desk and a veto is certain. But, with or without the Affordable Care Act, the cost of healthcare is rising and millions of Americans are piling up medical debt. We hear what that means.

Obama Takes Executive Action on Gun Control Jan 06, 2016

Show notes

Despite mass shootings, including the slaughter of children in Newtown, Connecticut, Congress has refused President Obama's demands for new gun control. This week's executive actions guarantee the issue will be part of a presidential campaign — for the first time since the year 2000.

The Sectarian Battle for Middle East Influence Jan 05, 2016

Show notes

Iran and Saudi Arabia are using religious differences to inflame their deep-seated rivalry for power and influence — creating new instability in the Middle East. We hear what's at stake for the Iran nuclear deal, Syria's civil war, the fight against ISIS — and America's interests.

The 2016 Presidential Campaign Is Finally about to Get Real Jan 04, 2016

Show notes

The many Republican and Democratic candidates for president are finally about to be subject to the views of prospective voters, not just public opinion polls. The Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary could be crucial in shaping this year's campaign for the White House.

Mark Zuckerberg and "Impact Investing" Jan 01, 2016

Show notes

Mark Zuckerberg has already changed the world we all live in. Now he wants to change the world that future generations will live in, too.

The Year in Talking Points Dec 31, 2015

Show notes

Each day on our program we bring you a "Talking Point," about issues and events that help define the national conversation even when they're not leading the news. Today, a collection of our favorites.

The Oceans: Our Last Frontier Dec 30, 2015

Show notes

The gold rush is on for the world's oceans and their resources. They promise not just oil, but precious minerals, potential biofuels, food sources, medical discoveries, and strategic advantages for the world's superpowers. Will this new Blue Economy stress the ocean's already fragile ecosystem beyond its breaking point?

High Drug Prices Weigh on Patients, Will Lawmakers Respond? Dec 29, 2015

Show notes

Pharmaceutical start-ups are increasingly using drug patent loopholes to jack up prices on old drugs. It's just one example of the wild west of drug pricing. Unlike Europe and Canada, the US doesn't negotiate the price of drugs or provide caps. Guest host Barbara Bogaev asks whether costs are out of control, and explores what should be done about it.

Students and the Pressure to Perform Dec 28, 2015

Show notes

As college application deadlines loom, parents, educators and mental health professionals are asking if the amped up pressure on kids to get into elite schools has pushed students to the breaking point.

The Value of Giving Prisoners an Education Dec 25, 2015

Show notes

America's crackdown on crime is giving way to concern about the high-cost of mass incarceration. President Obama wants to give Pell Grants for college to inmates in prison — to find out if higher education makes them less likely to commit new crimes. Researchers say he already knows the answer.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected