On Point | Podcast

Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is a unique, curiosity-driven combination of original reporting, newsmaker interviews, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis, making the world more intelligible and humane. When the world is more complicated than ever, we aim to make sense of it together. On Point is produced by WBUR.

Website : https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint

RSS Feed : https://rss.wbur.org/onpoint/podcast  

Last Episode : July 4, 2025 6:00pm

Last Scanned : 4.9 hours ago

Episodes

Episodes currently hosted on IPFS.

A daughter, a father and a family's struggle with 'American Bulk'
Confirmed 1
Rebroadcast: In the U.S., shopping is almost a religion. For Emily Mester’s family, Costco was their Sunday ritual. In her new book, 'American Bulk,' Mester tells the story of how her family struggled with the desire to own everything they possibly could.
Expires in 24 hours
Published Friday
The power of intuition
Confirmed 1
Why are some problems best solved by 'trusting our gut?' And how has intuition helped some people make crucial decisions? The role of intuition in perception and action.
Expires in 24 hours
Published Thursday
The secrets of super agers
1
“Super agers” are people who live well into their 80s without developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular issues. What can we learn from them to promote healthier, longer lives?
Published Wednesday
Who are the Zizians?
1
A cult-like group referred to as the Zizians is linked to a string of violent deaths across the U.S. It has its roots in Silicon Valley – and a movement called Rationalism. Who are these groups and what do they believe?
Published Monday
'The biomedical research enterprise is under attack'
1
In a conversation recorded at the WBUR Festival, Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks frankly about the threats he sees to public health under the Trump administration and the “severe intimidation” of scientists at the NIH.
Published 06/29
1
The Jackpod: Taking a break
A personal message from Meghna Chakrabarti about why The Jackpod is taking a short break.
Published 06/28
The new science of 'dad brain'
1
You’ve heard of 'mom brain.' But how do men’s brains change when they become fathers?
Published 06/27
The push for an American baby boom
1
The Trump Administration wants more Americans to have babies. It's proposing a $5,000 "baby bonus," among other policies. Would this fix the nation's historically low birth rate?
Published 06/26
Who is Sam Altman?
1
Sam Altman has been called the face of Artificial Intelligence. To many, he remains an enigma. Wall Street Journal reporter Keach Hagey has the inside story on the rise of Sam Altman and his impact on our future.
Published 06/25
How William F. Buckley, Jr. created modern conservatism
1
The late William F. Buckley, Jr. is one of the most important figures of the American right. How did the erudite and dapper Yale man pave the way for President Donald Trump?
Published 06/23
1
From Endless Thread: When the government wants your socials
Recently, On Point explored how Hong Kong has changed five years after China passed its so-called national security law and vastly diminished protest and free speech in Hong Kong. Our colleagues at WBUR’s podcast Endless Thread also took a look at this law. Specifically, how it changed how people in Hong Kong interact digitally — on social media, and in text messages. What happens to online speech when you're unsure how much the government is monitoring your speech, and what the repercussions will be if they don't like it? And if you want to hear more Endless Thread, you can follow our podcast wherever you follow On Point. Show notes: PROFILE: For Jeffrey Ngo, The Fight For Hong Kong is Far From Over(The Hoya) Social Media and the Hong Kong Protests (The New Yorker) Hong Kong protesters join hands in 30-mile human chain (The Guardian) Hong Kong national security law: What is it and is it worrying? (BBC)
Published 06/21
Trump's budget bill and ballooning deficits
1
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the current budget bill will add $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. On Point wraps up a weeklong exploration of what Trump's budget bill tells us about government spending and our financial future.
Published 06/20