Go behind the headlines: From the economy and health care to politics and the environment – and so much more – On Point hosts Meghna Chakrabarti and David Folkenflik speak with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR.
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The On Point podcast is an incredibly smart program that dives deep into current issues and provides listeners with comprehensive and well-informed discussions. The host, Magna, is highly knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and her expertise shines through in every episode. I listen to this show daily and often find myself going back into the archives to catch up on past episodes. The programming is truly amazing and I am grateful for the valuable information it provides.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the host, Magna. She is a skilled interviewer who asks insightful questions and steers the conversations exceptionally well. Her intelligence and ability to navigate complex topics make each episode engaging and thought-provoking. Additionally, the show covers a variety of subjects with a global perspective, allowing listeners to stay informed about what's happening in the world beyond their immediate surroundings. It's like Fresh Air with Terry Gross, but with more focus on politics and a broader worldview.
Another highlight of this podcast is Meghan Chakrabarty, who is brilliant in her guest selection and interviewing skills. The show makes an effort to present a balanced view of issues by inviting guests from diverse perspectives, which I really appreciate. The recent fora discussing the war in Gaza with both Israeli and Palestinian guests exemplify this commitment to balanced reporting. However, one minor issue I have is the excessive adulation of Jack Beatty in the "Jackpod" series. While his knowledge and commentary are valued, it would be better if his contributions were allowed to speak for themselves without excessive praise.
I also want to express my gratitude for having a dedicated weekly show with Jack Beatty as he brings valuable analysis and intelligence to each episode. His presence on the show adds depth and insight that greatly enhances the listening experience. Furthermore, I agree with another listener who shared their plan to leave America if Trump gets elected in 2024. It's reassuring to hear that others are considering similar options, and it's important to keep our options open if undesirable political outcomes arise.
In conclusion, The On Point podcast is an exceptional program that offers deep dives into current issues and keeps listeners well-informed. The host, Magna, is incredibly knowledgeable and skillful in her interviewing style. The show covers a wide range of topics and presents a balanced view of issues, which is highly appreciated. While there may be minor flaws such as excessive praise and occasional meandering in the host's delivery, these are outweighed by the overall quality of the programming. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone seeking intelligent discussions on important topics.
From your online browsing habits to traffic cameras on your commute, data about you is everywhere. And with AI, companies can gather, store and share detailed information about you faster than ever. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Shame is a powerful feeling that can keep behavior in check. So what happens when political leaders feel no shame at all? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the role that restrictive zoning laws have played in the shortage of affordable housing in the U.S. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti planned to “inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement.” But that's not what eyewitnesses say and videos show. How can Americans trust an agency that disputes what we see with our own eyes? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
In the 2025 budget bill, Congress created the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to help struggling hospitals, doctors, and patients in rural America. But rural hospitals are expected to lose three times that through Medicaid cuts in that same budget bill. So, what will it take to keep rural healthcare afloat? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
In Minneapolis, grassroots groups have sprung into action against ICE. They're protesting, running workshops on constitutional rights, and delivering groceries to people afraid of leaving their homes. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
The number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents has doubled over the past year -- driven by a massive recruitments campaign. Who the new recruits are and how they're being trained. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Frank Gehry's legacy can be seen around the world in the curvaceous and dramatic buildings he designed. How Frank Gehry put awe in American architecture and what we lose without him. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the division between the normative state and the prerogative state and the role that could be playing in the U.S. today. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
A former right-wing influencer and tradwife tells all in her new memoir, "This is Not Real Life." From meeting with terrorists, neo-Nazis, political crime rings, to arrests, psychotic breaks and addiction, Lauren Southern shares how the life she thought she wanted ended up almost killing her. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
President Donald Trump's fixation on Greenland is alienating some Congressional Republicans and American allies. Has Trump's erratic behavior crossed a line? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
President Trump says he wants to cap credit card interest at 10%. What it could mean for Americans' credit card debt. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
According to recent reporting, DOGE fell short of its goals to save taxpayers $1 trillion and streamline government processes. So what did we get from the agency? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Polarization pushes people apart. Writer Chloé Valdary says we can heal deepening divisions by treating each other like human beings, not political abstractions. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
One of America's largest deposits of copper, nickel and cobalt is deep underground near the Boundary Waters in northeastern Minnesota. It's never been mined. Now, the Trump administration is pushing to change that. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the scourge of price gouging for captive customers at places like airports, concerts and sporting events. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
President Trump says he wants to "take" Greenland. If he does, he will be effectively attacking Denmark, a NATO ally. How Trump's imperialism could destroy one of America's oldest and most important alliances. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
The Biden Administration's infrastructure act promised more than $1.2 trillion dollars to build up the country. More than five years later, what was built and what never got started? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Many legal experts say the Trump administration's attack on Venezuela broke international law. But Trump doesn't seem to care. What does that say about the strength of international law? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Last month, President Donald Trump approved the sale of one of Nvidia's most powerful AI chips to China. Why the president may have done that -- and what it could mean for national security. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the opportunity cost of interventionist foreign policy on social betterment programs in the U.S. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
James Clyburn is one of the most influential Democrats in Congress. His new book “The First Eight" is about the Black South Carolina Congressmen who preceded and inspired him. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
With ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a New York jail, President Trump says the U.S. will run his country now. The legality, practicality, and morality of regime change in Venezuela. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Humans have been obsessed with fitness for centuries. But how did this fascination start? In the new book “When Fitness Went Global” historian Conor Heffernan examines the rise of physical culture worldwide. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Affordability, inflation, tariffs, jobs -- where does the economy stand now that we're officially in the new year? On Point's “money ladies,” Rana Foroohar and Michelle Singletary, are back to help us sort it out. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Acclaimed vocal ensemble Blue Heron performs a celebration of Christmas in 16th century Spain, from mystical motets to vivacious villancicos. The group's artistic director, Scott Metcalfe, shares insights about each piece. This concert and conversation were recorded at WBUR's event venue, CitySpace. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
Sewing, scrapbooking, sports clubs. Many Gen Z'ers are taking up real-world hobbies as an antidote to doomscrolling. Why hobbies make us happy — and how to get one. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
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? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
An estimated 15,000 churches in the U.S. are likely to close in the next few years. Churches are more than places of worship – they are community centers, shelters, food banks. What's the community impact with church closures on the rise? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
The holidays are all about giving, whether it's presents, donations or volunteer work. What's causing the warm glow you feel when you give someone a gift? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on Philip Roth's 2004 novel "The Plot Against America," and its parallels with the U.S. today.
Color can affect our mood, memory and relationship to people and places. How is color being used to design the world around us and shape our feelings?
The number of grandparents helping with childcare is going up nationally. According to a 2023 Harris Poll, 42% of working parents rely on grandparents for childcare. What does it mean for the lives of those grandparents and the support they need?
In 2011, Siddhartha Mukherjee won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of cancer, “The Emperor of All Maladies.” Now, he's back with an update on how our understanding of cancer has advanced -- and what lies ahead.
OpenAI's Sora 2 app lets anyone with a smartphone create AI-generated deepfake videos, from phony footage of a corgi rock climbing to fake videos of kids carrying guns in school. Is it time to stop believing our eyes?
Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, joins Meghna at WBUR's CitySpace to discuss The Atlantic's new project examining America at 250 and the most urgent, complex and challenging questions the country is facing. Then, Goldberg interviews Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss on topics ranging from the state of the Democratic party to the Trump administration's intentions in Venezuela.
The quest to define and canonize new words in American English is as old as the country itself. In the new book "Unabridged: the thrill of (and threat to) the modern dictionary," author Stefan Fatsis explores how that quest has changed in the age of the internet.
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the Trump administration's new national security strategy and what it could mean for U.S. relations with longstanding European allies.
A government oversight report exposes billions in wasted U.S. aid during Afghanistan's reconstruction -- highlighting corruption, mismanagement, and the human toll of failed policy.
The U.S. Department of Justice says it's prioritizing denaturalization, or stripping foreign-born Americans of their citizenship. How would that process work and what's at stake?
The U.S. is ready for war with Venezuela with more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops now in the region. The Trump Administration says it's about drugs, but some experts say that's a cover for something else.
A recent analysis finds the majority of presentations at a big annual education research conference were about things like “resistance,” “safe spaces,” and “identity." But many classroom teachers say they want to learn about student behavior, discipline and mental health. Could this gap be damaging American education?
Earlier this fall, there were no rap songs in the Billboard Top 40 for the first time since 1990. Is this just a blip in commercial popularity, or is it a sign that hip hop is losing its grip on mainstream America?
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the modern history of the multi-faceted divide between rural and urban America and why it threatens democracy.
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