On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Lexi Bynum, known as Lexi the Hobbyist, dives into the surge of Gen Z's real-world hobbies, sparked by pandemic isolation. She shares how her craft club fosters community and self-exploration through hands-on activities like junk journaling and pottery. Daisy Fancourt brings a scientific lens, explaining how hobbies enhance mental health by boosting dopamine and reducing stress. They discuss hobbies as a reaction to digital overload, with insights on building confidence and resilience. Discover the joy of creativity and its profound impact!

Jack Beatty, a seasoned news analyst and commentator, dives into the concept of limitarianism—the idea of capping extreme wealth. He traces its roots from historical figures like Plato and FDR to modern implications, discussing how vast fortunes threaten democracy and the environment. Beatty highlights the negative impacts of wealth concentration on political equality and sustainability. He argues for collective responsibility in funding public goods through wealth caps, contrasting it with opposing views on entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

Jeffrey Hall, a communication studies professor at the University of Kansas, and Andy Merola, a UC Santa Barbara professor, discuss the power of small interactions. They tackle how brief negative experiences stick with us due to negativity bias and share uplifting stories of kindness that transform perspectives. The conversation highlights the need for diverse social exchanges for deeper connections, while addressing how technology both hinders and supports communication. Finally, they explore how daily interactions can foster empathy and a sense of community.

Colonel Larry Wilkerson, a former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, and Colonel Douglas McGregor, a combat veteran and adviser in the Trump administration, dissect President Trump's politicized vision for the military. They explore concerns over using the armed forces against political opponents, discuss constitutional limits on domestic deployments, and delve into the ramifications of changing military roles. The conversation reveals deep unease within the military community about politicization, while highlighting the complex balance of force posture and legal principles.

Robin Hanson, an economics professor at George Mason University and a leading advocate of prediction markets, dives into the rising popularity of betting platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. He discusses how prediction markets operate and their potential to outperform traditional forecasting methods. The conversation touches on the implications of betting on elections, the regulatory landscape, and the ethical dilemmas of wagering on sensitive topics. With an engaging debate on market influences and consumer protections, this discussion unpacks a provocative frontier in economics.

Katrina Golden, CEO of Lil Mama's Sweets and Treats, shares her experience running a bakery affected by rising supply costs due to tariffs. She highlights how the increased prices for ingredients and supplies are squeezing margins, potentially forcing her to raise prices or close by 2026. Dilawar Syed, former deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, discusses how 97% of importers are small businesses, emphasizing that tariffs disproportionately impact them. Both guests call for more predictable trade policies to ensure small businesses can thrive.

Jake Sullivan, former U.S. National Security Advisor, shares insights on the weight of his role from 2021 to 2025. He discusses redefining national security to include values and prosperity. Sullivan warns against the dangers of political violence and reflects on allies' shock after the January 6 Capitol attack. He provides a nuanced take on the U.S. responses to the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing local agency in peace terms. Sullivan also highlights the emotional toll of high-stakes decisions and the lessons learned from Afghanistan.

J. Morgan Couser, Professor Emeritus at Caltech and a historian of voting rights, joins Kareem Creighton, Vice President at the Brennan Center, to discuss the upcoming Supreme Court case that could challenge Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. They explore the historical context of racial gerrymandering and its impact on representation. The conversation delves into legal implications of the Louisiana v. Calais case, the significance of Section 2 for minority voting rights, and the potential nationwide consequences of weakening these protections.

Jack Beatty, a seasoned news analyst, dives into Kristi Noem's intriguing journey from South Dakota rancher to the head of the Department of Homeland Security. They explore Noem's political ambitions fueled by controversies like the estate tax and her persona as 'Ice Barbie.' Beatty addresses the impact of Corey Lewandowski on DHS operations, the risks of mismanagement, and Noem's performance strategies that blur the lines between governance and media spectacle. The discussion highlights her national profile amidst significant challenges at a sprawling agency.

Joe Lemire, a senior writer at Sports Business Journal, and Pauline Eyre, a former Wimbledon line judge, dive into the rise of automated officiating in sports. They explore MLB's upcoming automated ball-strike system and the implications for players and fans. Pauline shares her insights on technology's impact in tennis, reflecting on how it has changed officiating. The discussion raises questions about trust in tech and whether eliminating human error undermines the drama that makes sports thrilling. Can fairness coexist with the fun?