On Point

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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.

WBUR & NPR


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 1,702 EPISODES

    4.2 from 3,250 ratings Listeners of On Point that love the show mention: tom ashbrook, meghna chakrabarti, megna, bring back tom, onpoint, far ranging, i've been a loyal, miss tom, tom always, siegel, host tom, best npr, david brooks, wbur, moderating, two shows, tom is a great, favorite radio, news shows, sears.


    Ivy Insights

    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.



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    Latest episodes from On Point

    The federal takeover of Rikers Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 43:05


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 45:54


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 46:10


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 39:15


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 46:13


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 45:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 46:32


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 42:11


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 43:42


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 40:27


    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'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 44:39


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 43:42


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

    Inside the wrongful conviction of Ben Spencer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 42:05


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 45:42


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 43:48


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 39:21


    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.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 44:43


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 44:05


    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.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 45:56


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 44:59


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 43:39


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 36:22


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 46:21


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 46:35


    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 history of REAL ID

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 46:06


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 46:22


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 46:47


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 44:05


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 45:56


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 45:47


    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'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 46:39


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 45:27


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 46:38


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 46:37


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 46:33


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 46:12


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 45:32


    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'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 45:50


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 45:55


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 46:47


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 45:22


    '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."

    Do we treat boys like malfunctioning girls?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 46:32


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 45:52


    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.

    Trump takes aim at the Smithsonian

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 46:56


    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.

    The Jackpod: The demons

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 37:34


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

    Trailer: 'Falling behind: The miseducation of America's boys'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 2:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 46:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 45:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 46:51


    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'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 45:41


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 46:39


    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.

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