On Point | Podcast (WBUR)

Over the weekend, the U.S. launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian proxies further raising tensions in the Middle East. How will Iran respond? Dan Byman and Afshon Ostovar join Meghna Chakrabarti.

Electric vehicles are the elephants in the room as the United Auto Workers strike for better pay and benefits. In an electric future, can unionized auto industry jobs survive? Jack Ewing, Stephen Silvia and Jason Walsh join Meghna Chakrabarti.

The West African country of Niger has been a bright spot of growing democracy and security across sub-Saharan Africa. Now, a coup there threatens to destabilize the region.

The Greco-Roman philosophy of stoicism is having a moment. Through wisdom, temperance, courage and justice you can create a virtuous, well-lived life. But have modern day stoics got it right?

$24 billion of pandemic-era child care funding expires at the end of this month. What can providers and families do? Julie Kashen joins Meghna Chakrabarti.

Americans are spending more time alone and less time with friends. The dramatic drop in how much time you spend with friends, and why it's so important to reverse the trend.

The 2024 Ohio senate contest could determine the balance of power in of the U.S. senate. What’s at stake in Ohio?

Karen Kasler, Christopher Devine and Tim Ryan join Anthony Brooks.

The Russia-Ukraine war has lasted over two years. But just weeks after Russia's 2022 invasion, both sides came close to a settlement that could have ended the war and saved thousands of lives. What happened?

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

More than 100 million people in America have medical debt. Some of those trying to help have to resort to debt buying companies. We learn how the debt buying industry works, and who wins and who loses. Noam Levey joins Meghna Chakrabarti.

Two of rap’s biggest stars are feuding. Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been lobbing diss tracks back and forth for weeks. What does this say about modern hip-hop culture?

TikTok is a driving force in the music industry. How does the platform identify snippets of music and turn artists into the next generation of global music stars? That's the job of Ole Obermann, which makes him one of the most influential people in pop music today.

No stereotype can tell the story of more than 20 million people. We look at the true diversity of the Asian American academic experience. Julie J. Park joins Meghna Chakrabarti.

Last year, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf filed lawsuits against each other. Now, the two groups are forming an alliance. What does it tell us about Saudi Arabia’s growing efforts to sportswash its reputation?

From Roots to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Abbott Elementary, Bethonie Butler’s new book "Black TV" shows how TV series centered on Black characters have evolved over the past 50 years.

This is Part II of On Point's Week of Wonder.

What if you could taste the world’s electrical fields? Hear vibrations in a leaf? Or see magnetic currents guiding you home? Science writer Ed Yong helps us perceive the world the way animals do – through eyes, ears, antennae and more.

There’s growing momentum for what could be a historic Israel-Saudi Arabia peace deal. But why now?

Gaza’s health care system has collapsed. Food and water are scarce. More than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in the Israel-Hamas war, as international pressure for a broader ceasefire rises. Maria Abi-Habib, Hiba Tibi and Merissa Khurma join Meghna Chakrabarti.

Observers are asking whether the conflict in Ukraine has reached a stalemate. Could the Korean Armistice agreement, signed 70 years ago, serve as a model for Ukraine and Russia now? Carter Malkasian and Jong Eun Lee join Meghna Chakrabarti.

What happens in the brain when you pray or meditate? Neurotheology explores the connection between our synapses and spiritual revelations.

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 whole hog barbeque is the original style of American barbeque. It’s a tradition deeply rooted in indigenous and Black history. Ryan Mitchell joins Meghna Chakrabarti.

The Chinese government is urging women to have more babies -- after decades of a one-child policy.

But officials face major pushback from Chinese women themselves.

Listen: The first chapter of Endless Thread’s podcast Beyond All Repair.

Host Amory Sivertson first met Shane Correia in 2017 while interviewing him about his experience with homelessness for WBUR’s Endless Thread.

But there is another dark chapter in Shane's life: his older sister being accused of murdering her mother-in-law in 2002, when he was 13 years old. Now Shane wants to know, did his sister commit this brutal crime?

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.

Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have generated some $10 billion for the U.S. this year. What does the staggering rise of these two women say about our economy -- and about us?

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? Michael “Mike” Graham and Pastor Jim Davis join Meghna Chakrabarti.

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing an appeal of a Colorado court ruling this week that could keep former President Trump off the ballot. It could profoundly shape the 2024 election -- and American democracy.

About a third of students are on track to miss at least 10% of school days this year. Why are students missing school, and how can we bring them back? Scott Hale and Hedy Chang join Meghna Chakrabarti.

In this new weekly special podcast, On Point’s news analyst Jack Beatty offers his unique perspective and insight on aspects of current political life in the U.S. Today, the leading presidential candidates. Jack Beatty joins Meghna Chakrabarti.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty lays out the ways that President Biden’s Gaza policy has been, what New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof calls, “a moral, practical and political failure.”

It’s been almost 15 years since the last deadly plane crash on a U.S. airline. But near misses in U.S. aviation have grown 25% in the last decade. What's behind the rise in close calls? Paul Rinaldi and Dorothy Robyn join Meghna Chakrabarti.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how presidents lose touch with reality.

By the end of this century the Pacific Ocean could rise more than 6 feet, threatening 1,200 miles of California coastline and the communities on it.

We hear lessons from California on what must change for everyone living on the edge of rising water. Rosanna Xia and A.R. Siders join Meghna Chakrabarti.

Tim Alberta is one of America's top political reporters. He's also the son of an evangelical preacher. In his new book, Alberta investigates how politics has corroded the Evangelical movement that raised him. 

For 20 years, President George W. Bush’s emergency AIDS relief plan for Africa has saved millions of lives. Now, a small group in Congress wants to kill the plan.

In the coming days the Supreme Court is set to issue historic decisions on the power of federal agencies, January 6th prosecutions, and presidential immunity. What will the Supreme Court’s decisions mean for America?

As war continues to devastate Israel and Gaza, 7.5 million American Jews are sharing their own struggles. We hear their stories and differing perspectives on the ongoing tragedy.

Ice and minerals on the Moon could help humanity travel to space’s distant planets and asteroids. But which countries, which companies should get the right to extract those resources? Michelle Hanlon joins Meghna Chakrabarti.

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?

Last month Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead - an apparent suicide. He’d spent the last 7 years speaking out about Boeing’s declining safety and quality.

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

Physician Dr. Sharon Malone is on a mission to help women better manage their health in the American health care system. Her No. 1 tip from her book 'Grown Woman Talk' -- Be your best advocate.

While in power, former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte ordered the murder of thousands of people without trial. Journalist Patricia Evangelista chronicles the leader's bloody 'war on drugs' in her memoir "Some People Need Killing."

U.S. universities educate thousands of foreign-born students. They graduate with skills the U.S. needs, and they want to stay here. The immigration system makes it hard for them to stay. Jon Marcus and Nicolas Rollason join Meghna Chakrabarti.

In the race for the White House, due to President Joe Biden's age, Vice President Kamala Harris is under a lot more scrutiny than number twos on the ticket usually are. Eugene Daniels and Kate Andersen Brower join Meghna Chakrabarti.

In 1973, countries came together and signed a historic treaty to stop the international trade of endangered species. 50 years later, the CITES agreement has never been updated, even as species go extinct faster than ever.

From the annexation of the Philippines in 1898, to looming confrontation with Iran today, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on U.S. leadership, vested military interests, and unintended military entanglements.

Parents have delicate conversations with their kids on intimacy, violence, even the meaning of life. Now, kids want to talk about climate change. Parents, are you prepared?

Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens digs deep into American roots music and finds connections to cultures around the world.

Can any culture lay total claim to specific styles of music?

Today, On Point: A conversation with musician Rhiannon Giddens, recorded live at WBUR's CitySpace.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells us that accusing presidential candidates of being mentally unfit for office has a dubious history in American politics.

Google Chrome plans to phase out cookies that track your online activity in the name of protecting privacy. But big tech also has its own interests in mind. Patience Haggin and Alan Chapell join Meghna Chakrabarti.

Trump's allies are hoping another Trump victory will limit access to abortions, contraceptives, IVF, even recreational sex. But they aren't just hoping, they have detailed plans on how to do it.

Video games. A massive global industry expected to generate nearly $190 billion in revenue this year, according to industry estimates. So why have there been unprecedented layoffs across the gaming world?

Once the second largest protestant denomination in America, the United Methodist Church lost about a quarter of its members over issues of sexuality. Now, the church is overturning its prohibition on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage.

This year more than a third of Yellowstone’s bison have been removed from the herd – most of them shot – after they wandered out of the national park in search of food. That’s intensified the debate into how to best manage the iconic animal. Rick Wallen joins Meghna Chakrabarti.

The Supreme Court is hearing a case this week that could hamper federal enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The case may also change the way the government enforces civil rights laws across the board.

A survey has found that American Christians’ beliefs are as diverse as the country they live in. A conversation about the broad spectrum of belief in American Christianity. (Originally aired on December 12, 2022.)

President Biden told Israel the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable and an immediate ceasefire is essential. Meanwhile, U.S. weaponry continues to flow to Israel. Could Biden back up his tough talk and curtail military aid?

One in five Americans now live under the same roof as their parents, grandparents or adult children. It's a remarkable change from a few generations ago. Why more Americans are choosing to live in multigenerational housing.

Duke University recently announced plans to close and re-home its century-old herbarium. But with climate change and a looming biodiversity crisis, scientists say these preserved collections of old plants are more important than ever.

A social media post from Donald Trump has On Point news analyst Jack Beatty inquiring about the demise of political argument in the U.S. and what that means for democracy.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty recalls a 1984 speech by President Reagan outlining the importance of allies and collective security.

Rebroadcast: Millions of Americans sell their blood plasma every year. It’s part of a global, multibillion dollar business. But what is plasma really used for? Kathleen McLaughlin and Dr. Morey Blinder join Meghna Chakrabarti.

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?

Clashes in the West Bank are escalating. Since Oct. 7 – hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed, thousands arrested, and many banned from entering Jerusalem. As tensions rise, we discuss the current crisis in the West Bank.

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?

Foreign diplomats are nervous that the United States’ once solid global leadership is on shaky ground. What’s at stake if the U.S. cedes its place as a world leader?

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?

In China, Big Brother is most definitely watching. Estimates show up to 16 million Chinese citizens -- from university students to taxi drivers -- are political informants for the government.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the rise in Donald Trump’s use of rhetoric and imagery associated with 1930’s Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

Two leading historians say the former president represents a present-day form of fascism.

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.

With two wars raging and dynastic power on the rise around the world, the post-1945 world order feels like it’s being tested like never before. British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore says its’s more like a return to normality.

A pandemic, war in Ukraine, supply chain breakdowns -- all led to soaring prices. And now, the idea that inflation is driven in part by corporations keeping prices high is gaining momentum. We hear why economists are beginning to take 'greedflation' seriously.

A lot is at stake in Arizona’s senate race. It could determine control of the Senate -- and the outcome of the presidential election.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has been reading "The Age of Grievance" by New York Times columnist Frank Bruni. He outlines the ubiquity of grievance in the U.S., and how Donald Trump has captured this to his advantage.

Elections in the world’s largest democracy are underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s power is ascendant.

But, like in other global democracies, so are concerns about religious nationalism and democratic decline.

Ashutosh Varshney and Vivan Marwaha join Meghna Chakrabarti.

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.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty looks into a correlation between news awareness and political leanings, and how that has inspired a controversial theory about democratic citizenship.

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. 

More than six months since the Hamas attack on Israel, dozens of Israelis are still held hostage, over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and there’s no peace in sight. Israelis on the future of Israel.

The GOP prides itself on being the anti-tax party. But it wasn't always that way. In Michael Graetz’s book "The Power to Destroy," he describes how the anti-tax movement became one of the most powerful forces reshaping American politics and society in the past 50 years.

AI has the power to make audio and videos of people saying anything their creators want. So, how will policymakers and election officials prevent it from deceiving voters? Darrell West and Nicole Gill join Meghna Chakrabarti.

As the Donald Trump trials continue, the list of key witnesses are growing. From his former lawyer Michael Cohen in New York, to several more taking plea deals in Georgia.

The COVID pandemic lockdowns. It was an approach endorsed by many public health experts. But could there have been a better way?

With two wars raging and dynastic power on the rise around the world, the post-1945 world order feels like it’s being tested like never before. British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore says its’s more like a return to normality.

Decades before the Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down affirmative action, voters in California did the same, ending affirmative action in the nation's largest state higher ed system. Youlanda Copeland-Morgan and John McWhorter join Meghna Chakrabarti.

The FTC is suing a private equity firm, and the anesthesiology companies it owns in Texas for monopolistic practices that it says harm patients' health and their pocketbooks. Gretchen Morgenson and Brendan Ballou join Meghna Chakrabarti.

In the past five years, states allowing access to life-ending medication for the terminally ill have more than tripled. But as more states allow such end-of-life care, is access really growing? And for whom? Dr. Diana Barnard and Katie Engelhart join Meghna Chakrabarti. 

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty recalls past presidents who have not been transparent about their health, which leads to a question he hopes moderators will ask President Biden at the upcoming CNN debate.

The pandemic changed how we work and how we think about commuting. Workers are now more likely to see the daily commute as part of their workday. Should employers compensate for time spent getting to work? Christopher Wiese and Laurens Steed join Meghna Chakrabarti.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty tells us what stands to him out about the districts of the eight representatives who voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House.

Also, listeners respond to last week’s episode about ‘The line’ -- the feeling many working-class Americans have about being left behind.

Rebroadcast: The newest food diets. The magic weight loss pill. Changing beauty standards. We hear constant messaging around how we should eat and look. But what does science have to say about it?

Rebroadcast: In 1956, a federal judge ordered the town of Clinton, Tennessee to desegregate its high school. The unrest that followed tore the town apart.

Family members of hostages held by Hamas are furious. They’ve stormed the Israeli parliament, calling for a deal to get the remaining hostages released. But Israel’s war cabinet is split on a path forward. Dahlia Scheindlin and David Makovsky join Meghna Chakrabarti. 

Many of us learned how to do our jobs and connect with colleagues at our first workplace. But after the pandemic normalized remote work, how are young people today getting that professional coming-of-age experience? Cali Williams Yost and Jeffrey Jensen Arnett join Meghna Chakrabarti.

If Joe Biden and Donald Trump are on the ballot in November, they’ll be the oldest presidential candidates in U.S. history. How does age affect our memory, cognition, and even the ability to be president? Zaldy Tan joins Deborah Becker.

Democrats are losing working-class voters at an alarming rate, despite the popularity of President Biden’s policies. A roundtable of working-class voters share what Democrats can do to win them back.

Barry Rosen says he can understand in some way what the hostages in Gaza are going through. Rosen was press attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 when he was taken hostage and held, along with 51 others, until January 1981.

Earlier this week, Harvard professor Claudia Goldin won the Nobel Prize in economics, only the third woman in history to do so. In this conversation with Goldin from last year, we hear how her focus on women in the workforce has led to great discoveries. Claudia Goldin joins Meghna Chakrabarti.