On Point | Podcast

Tamsin Mather, a volcanologist and professor at the University of Oxford, shares her adrenaline-fueled adventures studying active volcanoes. She recounts her thrilling experiences at Mount Etna, emphasizing the beauty and dangers of volcanic eruptions. Mather reflects on the historical significance of volcanoes like Vesuvius and their dual role in creation and destruction. She also discusses the challenges of predicting eruptions, the emotional impact on communities, and the profound connection between humans and these powerful natural phenomena.

Bethany Samuelson-Banno, a hematology expert at Oregon Health and Science University, and Emily Hoppus, a menstrual health researcher at FHI 360, dive into the underexplored world of menstrual health. They discuss the historical neglect of menstrual research, emphasizing the untapped potential of menstrual fluid for diagnosing conditions like endometriosis. Innovative techniques for analyzing menstrual blood may revolutionize women's health diagnostics. The conversation also advocates for breaking the stigma around menstruation and enhancing funding for research.

Jonas Olofsson, a psychology professor and director of the Sensory Cognitive Research Lab, shares fascinating insights about the power of smell. He discusses how scents can unleash vivid memories and manipulate emotions, highlighting the often-neglected importance of olfactory research. Olofsson explores the evolutionary significance of our sense of smell, the heightened olfactory perception during pregnancy, and the emotional impact of losing this sense during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also advocates for a richer olfactory vocabulary to enhance our sensory experiences.

Jasmin Graham, a marine biologist and co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, brings her decade-long shark research experience to light. She emphasizes the necessity of diversity in marine biology while sharing captivating stories of hammerhead sharks. Jasmin delves into the historical context of race and access at Myrtle Beach, connecting it to community identity. She also explores myths surrounding sharks and their vital ecological roles, advocating for sustainable fishing practices that benefit both people and ecosystems.

Zeke Fox, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek and author of 'Number Go Up,' joins Barry Eichengreen, a professor at UC Berkeley, to discuss the GENIUS Act. They delve into how the act could revolutionize banking by allowing banks to issue their cryptocurrencies tied to stable assets. However, they also highlight the potential economic chaos it might unleash, echoing fears of past financial crises. Their conversation navigates the implications for regulation, the rise of stablecoins, and the historical context shaping today's financial landscape.

Jack Beatty, an On Point news analyst known for his insights into historical and literary contexts of current events, dives into pressing topics surrounding immigration enforcement. He discusses the explosive growth of the ICE agency under the Trump administration, highlighting the potential for human rights violations and authoritarianism. Beatty also critiques the media's role in shaping political narratives and reflects on the implications of mass deportation on American freedoms, urging listeners to reconsider what it truly means to be American.

Amit Singh Baga, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, joins Kate DeGroiter from the centrist think tank Third Way. They dive into the recent rise of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York City, igniting debates on populism's role in the party's future. The discussion covers housing crises, food affordability, and the ideological divides between populist and traditional Democratic strategies. They also analyze the party's generational tensions and the importance of connecting with diverse voter concerns.

Kyle Keene, a Senior Lecturer in Assistive Technologies and a blind user of these innovations, dives into the transformative impact of AI on the lives of people with disabilities. He shares inspiring stories, including a politician using AI voice cloning to regain her voice. The discussion covers how AI enhances spatial awareness, the importance of ethical considerations in tech development, and the evolution of assistive technologies that empower individuals to navigate the world with greater independence.

Steve Obert, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and Executive Director of Indiana Dairy Producers, discusses the agricultural labor crisis fueled by reliance on unauthorized workers. Daniel Costa, an expert in immigration law and policy, joins him to explore the significant dependence of U.S. agriculture on undocumented labor, revealing that over 40% of farm hands lack legal status. They examine historical policies, the pressing need for reform, and how wage increases for farm workers could minimally impact grocery prices, all while grappling with complex immigration dynamics.

Todd Tucker is the Director of Industrial Policy at the Roosevelt Institute and a senior research fellow at Harvard's Kennedy School. Joining him is Fabio Bulfone, an assistant professor at Leiden University specializing in the political economy of industrial policy. They discuss the controversial 'golden share' that allows the U.S. government a say in private industry decisions, especially in mergers like that of Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel. Their conversation covers the implications for American jobs, national security, and the balance between government control and free market principles.