On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Laura Delano, author and founder of Inner Compass Initiative, discusses the risks of medicalizing imperfections and how it shapes identity for Gen Z. Clinical psychologist Joanne Finkelstein highlights the influence of social media on self-diagnosis and the challenges within modern therapy systems. Together, they debate whether the trend empowers individuals or increases fragility, and share insights on seeking community support beyond diagnoses. Both urge for a broader understanding of identity that transcends medical labels.

Ryan Burge, a professor studying religion's role in America, and Mandy Olson, a former pastor whose church closed, delve into the rising tide of church closures. Mandy shares poignant insights about the loss of community, as her church's food pantry and support systems vanished. Ryan discusses the financial pressures on small congregations and the broader social ramifications, highlighting how these closures dismantle crucial social safety nets and challenge communities, even affecting those who aren't religious.

Join Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychologist studying empathy and prosocial behavior, alongside Monica Whitham, a sociology professor focusing on social norms and generosity. They dive into the science behind the 'warm glow' of giving, revealing how generosity activates reward centers in the brain. Zaki explains how larger acts yield stronger feelings of happiness, while Whitham discusses the importance of intrinsic motivation over obligation in generosity. They also explore how small acts can lead to a ripple effect of kindness in communities.

Jack Beatty, an esteemed On Point news analyst who delves into history and politics, explores Philip Roth’s 2004 novel, 'The Plot Against America.' He draws intriguing parallels between the text and today's political climate, highlighting Roth's foresight during the Trump era. They discuss the chilling impact of anti-Semitism, the fear within the Roth family, and how the novel's imagery resonates with contemporary events. Beatty warns that complacency in the face of rising authoritarianism could be perilous, echoing historical lessons that demand attention.

Olivia Cusio, a color scientist at the Getty Museum, and Melanie McClintock, a design professor, dive into color’s deep emotional impact. They explore how colors shape our mood, memory, and cultural significance. Olivia explains the chemistry behind pigments and light, revealing fascinating insights into Van Gogh's techniques. Meanwhile, Melanie discusses ethical color choices in design and the nuances of teaching color perception to students. Together, they unravel the tight bond between color and our personal experiences.

Giovanna Archuleta, Early Childhood Program Director, discusses New Mexico's universal childcare law, which aims to support grandparents. Sociology professor Madonna Harrington Meyer shares research on the rising trend of grandparent caregiving, driven by economic pressures and family dynamics. Jessica Naranjo, a grandmother from Santa Clara Pueblo, shares her personal experience raising four grandchildren amid familial challenges. The conversation highlights the emotional and financial toll on grandparents and the need for more systemic support.

Siddhartha Mukherjee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and cancer expert, revisits the advances in cancer research since his renowned book. He reveals how cancer is now understood as part of the body's physiology rather than just a collection of mutated cells. Mukherjee discusses AI's role in mapping cancer's complexities and critiques the historical focus on genetics. He highlights the importance of targeted screening and funding for environmental carcinogens, advocating for managing cancer as a chronic disease to improve patient lives.

Hani Farid, a UC Berkeley professor and digital forensics expert, explores the alarming rise of AI-generated deepfakes, facilitated by the Sora 2 app. He discusses how these tools can create indistinguishable manipulated media, eroding our trust in visual content. Hani emphasizes the importance of understanding how deepfakes work and criticizes tech companies for rushing to release such technology without adequate safeguards. He highlights the broader societal impacts, including threats to democracy and the challenges of regulating this rapidly evolving landscape.

Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, discusses America’s future through the lens of civic engagement and journalism. He compares today’s political climate to pre-Civil War tensions and emphasizes the importance of institutional integrity. Congressman Jake Auchincloss shares insights on defining patriotism and the strategic direction of the Democratic Party. He warns about the extremes in politics fueled by social media and advocates for electoral reforms. Together, they tackle pressing issues like military use, Venezuela, and the challenges facing both parties.

Stefan Fatsis, a seasoned journalist and author with a deep passion for lexicography, dives into the evolution of dictionaries in the digital age. He shares his journey from receiving his first dictionary at 11 to embedding at Merriam-Webster to explore word histories. Fatsis discusses the fascinating processes behind word inclusion, including the addition of terms like 'microaggression' and the quirky debate around 'sheeple.' He also confronts the challenges posed by AI and online traffic, pondering the future relevance of dictionaries as cultural touchstones.