

On Point | Podcast
WBUR
Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is a unique, curiosity-driven combination of original reporting, newsmaker interviews, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis, making the world more intelligible and humane. When the world is more complicated than ever, we aim to make sense of it together. On Point is produced by WBUR.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 12, 2024 • 47min
Rebroadcast: Trump’s 2025 authoritarian playbook and what it means for democracy
Donald Trump has openly admired authoritarians around the world. Now he’s pledging to rule like one. An examination of the promises, powers and plans of a second Trump presidency.

Jul 11, 2024 • 47min
The leaders behind the fall of Boeing
Exploring the fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes, the podcast delves into the struggles of the pilots, guilty plea from Boeing executives, McNerney's leadership amid ethical lapses, design problems, and accountability in aviation tragedies.

Jul 10, 2024 • 47min
An anthropologist lived amongst migrant smugglers. What did he learn?
Anthropologist Jason De León discusses his insights from living with migrant smugglers in Mexico, highlighting their motivations, dangers they face, and the broader implications of smuggling. The podcast explores the ethical considerations of studying smugglers, the violent realities in southern Mexico, and the need to address root causes of migration beyond border enforcement.

Jul 9, 2024 • 46min
Rebroadcast: Why are cancer rates rising among young people?
Dr. Kimmie Ng and Dr. Tim Rebbeck discuss the rising cancer rates among young people, focusing on colorectal cancer challenges, early onset cancer cases, obesity's link to cancer, processed food's impact, and difficulties in studying early onset cancers.

Jul 8, 2024 • 47min
Rebroadcast: Fraud and forgery in the world of fine art
Explore the world of fine art through stories of fraud and forgery, including a controversial exhibit featuring alleged Basquiat paintings. Dive into the challenges of authenticating art, the debate on the value of convincing forgeries, and the influence of money and reputation in the art market.

Jul 6, 2024 • 43min
The Jackpod: Naked to mine enemies
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty discusses Joe Biden's frailty in recent debates, potential implications for his campaign. Comparison to Cardinal Wolsey. Speculations on Biden's stance, House considering 25th Amendment. Biden's travel to Europe, debate performance, and concerns within the Democratic Party. Evaluating mental fitness of Biden and Trump, honor codes in politics, influence of yes men and women as advisors.

Jul 5, 2024 • 48min
Rebroadcast: 'Recoding America' author Jennifer Pahlka on how we can reshape our government to work for us
Author Jennifer Pahlka discusses the flaws in government services and how to improve them. Topics include challenges with accessing unemployment benefits, outdated systems in government, reshaping the system with examples from 'Recoding America,' and struggles in simplifying government policies.

Jul 3, 2024 • 47min
When ransomware hijacks your health care
Exploring the rise in ransomware attacks on healthcare systems, the vulnerability of patient data, and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Discussing the proactive steps taken by the financial sector and the challenges faced by healthcare organizations in securing their networks. Highlighting initiatives to prevent cyberattacks and the accountability in safeguarding healthcare data.

Jul 3, 2024 • 47min
‘Grievance games’: Can sports still bring people together?
Jerry Brewer, Washington Post sports columnist, discusses the impact of political divisions on sports in America. Topics include athlete protests, transgender athletes, the role of sports in societal change, and the influence of grievances on sports culture.

Jul 2, 2024 • 47min
What it took to reopen one of the nation’s busiest ports
Discover the incredible efforts behind reopening Baltimore's Port after a bridge collapse, involving 2,000 people, 18 barges, 13 cranes, and more. Learn about the cleanup operation, future bridge plans, and the Army Corps of Engineers' role in maintaining federal navigation channels for shipping traffic.