On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Jean Mercer, a psychology professor and author, discusses the complexities of parental alienation. Danielle Pollack, a policy advocate, highlights issues with reunification therapy and its potential harm. Ansley Younginer shares her personal experience of being forced into a reunification process, shedding light on the emotional turmoil it caused. The conversation critiques the ethics of such therapy, questioning its legitimacy and the impact on children's mental health. Together, they explore the need for better judicial training in custody cases, emphasizing children's well-being.

Ruy Teixeira, a political scientist and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the Democratic Party's faltering strategies amidst demographic shifts. He argues that instead of benefiting from a diverse electorate, missteps have led to disenchantment, especially among white working-class voters. Teixeira critiques the party's inability to communicate effectively and re-engage with its base, emphasizing the need for a renewed focus on traditional concerns. He highlights the obstacles posed by media bubbles and the importance of liberal patriotism for future success.

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.

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.

Robin Koslowitz, a clinical psychologist specializing in parent and family therapy, and Tova Klein, a psychology professor at Barnard College, dive deep into the U.S. parental mental health crisis. They reveal that nearly half of parents struggle with overwhelming stress, particularly in light of COVID and rising childcare costs. The duo discusses the urgency for policy changes and better support systems, especially for Black parents dealing with societal pressures. They emphasize the importance of community, resilience, and the evolving landscape of modern parenting.

Join John Davis, a rancher revolutionizing sustainable farming with wind power, alongside Michael Weber, an energy expert dissecting Texas's clean energy evolution, and Kate Gordon, a former U.S. energy advisor advocating for renewables. They explore how Texas emerged as a clean energy powerhouse, showcasing the economic benefits of wind and solar integration. The discussion covers the impact of deregulation, innovative engineering solutions, and lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri, all while challenging misconceptions about renewables in a traditionally oil-centric state.

Megan Davis, a molecular epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, joins Nirav Shah from the CDC to discuss the recent H5N1 bird flu situation. They explore the zoonotic nature of the virus and the significant implications for public health, especially the recent fatality in Louisiana. The conversation highlights rising cases among poultry workers and the virus's unexpected detection in dairy cows. They also address misconceptions around H5N1, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, biosecurity, and effective communication strategies in healthcare.

Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, and James Grimmelman, a digital law expert, delve into the urgent threat facing our digital history. They discuss the staggering role of the Wayback Machine, which preserves over 900 billion web pages. The pair tackle the legal battles against copyright claims from publishers that jeopardize public access to vital information. They emphasize the significance of digital memory, drawing parallels to George Orwell's '1984', and underscore the critical need to protect our archives for future generations.

In this enlightening conversation, New Jersey's newest senator, Andy Kim, emphasizes the need for politicians to reconnect with their constituents, including those who supported both him and Trump. He discusses the pervasive distrust in politics, highlighting the importance of humility and open dialogue to bridge divides. Kim also reflects on the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the necessity of transparency in government actions, especially after January 6th. His insights reveal a commitment to rebuilding trust and accountability in American democracy.