On Point | Podcast

Dalia Shendlin, a public opinion researcher and political strategist, Leila Farsak, a political science professor, and Andrew Miller, a former senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, delve into the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. They explore the emotional impact on returning Palestinians amidst the wreckage. The discussion unfolds around Hamas’s dual role in governance and conflict, alongside Israeli policy complexities. The trio also analyzes potential paths to achieving lasting peace, highlighting obstacles and unexpected political alliances that could shape future negotiations.

Paula Reid, CNN's Chief Legal Correspondent, and Mary McCord, Executive Director at the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, dive into the controversial pardons issued for January 6th rioters. They discuss how these pardons challenge the rule of law and public trust, emphasizing the moral conflicts faced by law enforcement. The conversation raises critical questions about accountability, the impact of such actions on American democracy, and the narrative around patriotism linked to the events of that day.

Adrienne Adams, a psychology professor, delves into economic abuse, a critical yet overlooked aspect of domestic violence. Carla Sanchez Adams, a senior attorney, advocates for legal reforms to protect survivors from coercive financial practices. Keisha Preston, a survivor, shares her harrowing journey through financial manipulation and its lasting effects. They discuss the urgent need for greater awareness, systemic changes, and legislative measures to combat economic abuse, and the harrowing reality that many victims face ongoing struggles long after leaving abusive relationships.

Jack Beatty, an On-Point news analyst known for intertwining history with contemporary politics, delves into mass deportations in U.S. history. He draws parallels with events like Operation Wetback and explores the societal panic that drives anti-immigrant sentiments. Beatty highlights the legacy of shame from past injustices and critiques Trump's deportation strategies, emphasizing their emotional toll on families. The discussion challenges listeners to reflect on political accountability and the moral implications of immigration policies.

Carmen Balber, the Executive Director of Consumer Watchdog, and Dave Jones, former California Insurance Commissioner and Climate Risk Initiative director at UC Berkeley, delve into California's home insurance crisis. They discuss shocking trends, such as homeowners being dropped before catastrophic fires, and the challenges posed by climate change. The conversation highlights rising costs and coverage denials, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative solutions to create a more sustainable insurance market that better protects consumers in disaster-prone areas.

Tamsin Mather, a volcanologist and atmospheric chemist from the University of Oxford, shares her thrilling adventures in 'volcanoland.' She vividly recounts her exhilarating experience at an erupting Mount Etna and the intense challenges of studying active volcanoes. Tamsin reflects on the haunting legacy of Vesuvius and Mount St. Helens, intertwining personal anecdotes with scientific insights. She delves into the dual nature of volcanoes as creative and destructive forces, discussing their significant impact on our planet’s climate and the importance of effective communication with communities.

Zeinab Badawi, a Sudanese-British journalist and author of "An African History of Africa," dives into the lesser-known grandeur of the ancient Kingdom of Kush. She challenges stereotypes surrounding African history and emphasizes the importance of recognizing Kushite achievements and their architectural wonders. The conversation also touches on the impact of colonial narratives and the richness of oral traditions in understanding Africa's past. Badawi celebrates significant African figures and calls for a more nuanced perspective that highlights autonomy and culture.

Zach Larris, founder of Boulder Horizons, and Representative Darren LaHood discuss the groundbreaking reforms in America's child welfare system. They dive into the recent bipartisan support for the Supporting America's Children and Families Act, focusing on the increased aid for kinship care and prevention strategies. The conversation highlights the crucial need to address poverty to keep families together, as well as the importance of involving those directly impacted in shaping policy. Their insights point to a hopeful future for children in foster care.

Robert Jimmison, a Congressional reporter for The New York Times, teams up with Michael Ricci, a seasoned Republican strategist. They dive into the Republican Congress's ambitious 2025 agenda, targeting tax cuts and increased border security. The duo discusses the intricate challenges Speaker Johnson faces while leading a divided Congress and the implications of a strong Trump faction on legislative processes. They also navigate through the complexities of immigration policy and the need for urgent Congressional action to achieve GOP goals.

Fred Reichelt, a Bain Fellow and inventor of the Net Promoter Score, teams up with Brad Anderson, President at Qualtrics, to discuss the oversaturation of customer surveys. They delve into the frustrations consumers face and the faltering effectiveness of current feedback methods. Highlighting the need for personalized engagement, they advocate for innovative strategies like generative AI to enhance surveys. Ethical challenges of performance rankings in service jobs also emerge as a critical topic, calling for a reevaluation of employee evaluation methods.