

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

Jun 18, 2024 • 47min
Democracy, resilience and India’s elections
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discusses the surprising outcomes of India's recent elections, including the need to form a coalition government. The podcast explores voter sentiment, challenges in accurate polling, concerns of various groups, and implications for democracy. Additionally, it addresses infrastructure deficiencies, healthcare accessibility, religious tensions, post-election economic expectations, and the importance of citizen engagement in upholding democratic principles.

Jun 17, 2024 • 47min
How the far-right gained traction in this year's EU elections
Exploring the rise of far-right parties in the recent EU elections, including discussions on center-right dominance, European migration fears, far-right gains in France, political developments in Poland, economic grievances fueling far-right success, and the evolution of European politics towards progressive and extremist forces.

Jun 15, 2024 • 29min
George Stephanopoulos takes us inside the White House Situation Room
Journalist and ABC host George Stephanopoulos discusses his book 'The Situation Room' detailing key moments in history and the White House's response to crises. He shares insights on the January 6th riot and his interview with Donald Trump, highlighting the challenges of covering controversial figures in journalism.

Jun 14, 2024 • 47min
Rebroadcast: Why the past 75 years of human history have been 'an anomaly'
British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore discusses the cyclical nature of empires, rise of dynastic power, and threats to liberty. The podcast explores historical justifications for imperialism, leadership transitions, and global advancements amidst challenges like authoritarianism and climate change.

Jun 13, 2024 • 37min
The Jackpod: A prince of our disorder
New York Times columnist Frank Bruni discusses the prevalence of grievance in American politics and how Donald Trump capitalized on it. The podcast explores disillusionment, splits in American consciousness, and the importance of bipartisan conversations on climate change. Personal reflections on community, politics, and social change are shared, emphasizing the need for political involvement. Additionally, the hosts receive positive feedback and promote another podcast episode on ESG risks and investor viewpoints.

Jun 13, 2024 • 47min
How Black Chicago has shaped American pop culture
Explore the impact of Black Chicago on American pop culture through the stories of influential figures like Cadillac Baby and the resilience of the narrator's grandmother. Delve into Chicago's unique contributions to music, art, and culture, and the influence of platforms like Ebony/Jet Magazine. Discover how the Johnson Publishing Company diversified the portrayal of black life globally and the cultural pride inspired by Michelle Obama's South side origins.

Jun 12, 2024 • 47min
What science tells us about why we dream
Neuroscientist Dr. Rahul Jandial discusses the benefits of dreaming, including emotional regulation and trauma processing. The podcast explores the surreal nature of dreams, the link between brain activities and dreams, and the significance of dreaming for evolutionary purposes. It also delves into impactful dreams, cultural perspectives on dreaming, and the scientific and cultural aspects of lucid dreaming, nightmares, and sleep paralysis.

Jun 11, 2024 • 47min
Why the U.S. needs a reckoning on lockdowns before the next pandemic
Exploring the debates and controversies surrounding COVID-19 lockdowns, including the Great Barrington Declaration. Contrasting approaches to school reopening in Denmark and the US. Reflecting on the challenges faced by governors in implementing lockdowns during the pandemic.

Jun 10, 2024 • 48min
What happened to Etsy?
Exploring Etsy's shift from handmade to mass-produced items, challenges faced by artisans, impact of e-commerce growth, marketplace evolution, maintaining authenticity, balancing buyer-seller needs, and navigating social impact while pursuing business growth.

Jun 7, 2024 • 46min
The rise of laser warfare
The podcast discusses the U.S. military's deployment of high energy lasers against enemy drones and the impact on future warfare. It explores the development of laser weapon systems, the evolution of laser technology in defense systems, and the significance of advanced targeting and power requirements. The chapter also delves into the global implications of laser air defense technology deployment by the US military and its strategic competitors.