On Point | Podcast

Brandon del Pozo, a former New York City police officer turned assistant professor, argues for a more compassionate approach to mental health care, emphasizing that sometimes forced treatment may be necessary. He critiques society's priority on personal liberty over effective care, using the tragic case of Jordan Neely to highlight systemic failures. Del Pozo discusses the delicate balance between freedom and safety, challenging the current mental health and justice systems to prioritize supportive treatment over punitive measures for vulnerable individuals.

Jonas Olofsson, a psychology professor and author of 'The Forgotten Sense', explores the incredible power of smell in our lives. He discusses how scent can trigger memories and influence emotions, revealing its significance in detecting Alzheimer’s disease. The conversation dives into the intriguing connection between smell and music, shedding light on synesthesia. Olofsson also examines cultural variations in olfactory preferences and discusses the emotional effects of losing smell, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist at The Washington Post, and Rana Foroohar, CNN's global economic analyst, join forces to address financial anxieties as 2025 begins. They dive into market volatility and the significance of keeping cash reserves. The duo highlights the disconnect between stock trends and everyday financial struggles while promoting multigenerational living. They also discuss Social Security's future amid reform talks and share strategies for navigating economic uncertainties and retirement savings in challenging times.

Adam Nimoy's father, Leonard Nimoy, played Star Trek's Mr. Spock, the most famous alien in television history. In reality, he was a tough, uncompromising father. In a conversation live from CitySpace, Nimoy discusses his book “The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy."

Maya Solovitz, a science and public policy reporter and author of "Undoing Drugs," teams up with Ziva Cooper, UCLA’s cannabis expert, to discuss the surge in cannabis use, now surpassing alcohol. They explore the implications of this trend, including health impacts and changing social acceptance. The duo tackles the complexities of cannabis research, facing regulatory hurdles, and debates the ethics and effects of growing potency. Lastly, they call for a reevaluation of cannabis classifications, arguing for evidence-based regulations.

Jack Beatty, a noted On Point news analyst, dives deep into spiritual fullness through poetry inspired by Charles Taylor's work. He examines how Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Rilke confront existential emptiness while seeking connection with nature. The conversation shifts to the implications of political leadership on the working class, revealing a disconnect between promises and reality. In a world rife with misinformation, Beatty encourages listeners to reflect on their soulful experiences in the face of economic struggles and societal challenges.

Rebroadcast: Half of 5-year-olds in America today can expect to live to age 100. So how can we age well and live with purpose well into retirement?

Natalie Alcoba, an Argentine-Canadian journalist, and Monica DeBoll, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute, dive into the controversial presidency of Javier Milei. They discuss his drastic cuts to government jobs that dropped inflation but drove up poverty. The duality of Milei's impact is examined, with supporters like Trump's advisors viewing him as a model for reducing government in the U.S. The conversation also touches on Argentina's complex economy, the role of the dollar, and the challenges ahead with the IMF.

Rebroadcast: Our online feeds are already full of artificially generated sludge. It’s tainting our discourse, our culture and the quality of information. One neuroscientist argues all of this AI junk threatens our very humanity.

Rebroadcast: Labor economist David Autor’s research shows how historically, technological advances hurt the incomes of middle- and working-class Americans. But when it comes to AI, Autor says the exact opposite could happen.