
On Point | Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 7, 2025 • 46min
Is NASCAR a monopoly?
Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s automotive racing team 23XI is suing NASCAR, alleging the organization is an illegal monopoly. The case could make waves across the entire sport.

Mar 7, 2025 • 41min
The Jackpod: Where the roads lead
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the numerous ways Donald Trump has sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin since re-entering the White House.

Mar 6, 2025 • 47min
Is Kash Patel a modern-day J. Edgar Hoover?
FBI Director Kash Patel wants to go after President Trump's enemies. That reminds some historians of J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI's notorious first director. But some say Patel wants to weaponize the FBI so completely, even Hoover would disapprove.

13 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 47min
Is education technology actually helping students learn?
Katie Akerage, a dedicated English teacher passionate about enhancing classic texts with tech, joins Antero Garcia, a Stanford professor advocating effective technology use in education, and Adam Fial, an expert in tech implementation in schools. Together, they explore whether the significant financial investments in educational technology truly enhance learning. They tackle the balance between digital tools and engaging teaching, the impact of post-pandemic tech shifts, and the disparities in access that affect student success.

Mar 4, 2025 • 47min
How the bond market could check Trump's power
Bond traders are worried about President Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts – and the ever-growing national debt. Could the bond market be a check on Trump’s agenda?

Mar 3, 2025 • 47min
A meltdown in the White House over Ukraine
An Oval Office meeting devolved into a televised shouting match Friday. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” and being ungrateful for U.S. aid. What this unprecedented moment means for the Ukraine war and the world.

Feb 28, 2025 • 47min
Weight loss drugs may become harder to get. What does that mean for patients?
Dr. Jodi Dushay, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School specializing in weight management, joins reporter Daniel Gilbert from The Washington Post to discuss critical issues surrounding weight loss drugs. They explore FDA shortages that have led to a boom in compounded medications, the growing challenges of accessibility, and the controversial costs associated with popular treatments like Ozempic. The duo also tackles the implications of insurance policies and societal perceptions of weight, offering insights into the evolving landscape of weight loss treatments.

Feb 27, 2025 • 47min
Lauren Ober was a juror on a Jan. 6 case. Then, she learned her new neighbors supported Jan. 6 insurrectionists.
Journalist Lauren Ober, known for her podcast 'We Live Here Now', shares her unique perspective as a juror in a January 6th case. She delves into the emotional complexities of her civic duty while confronting surprising support for insurrectionists in her own neighborhood. The discussion touches on societal divisions, the impact of Trump's pardons, and the challenge of maintaining connections amidst stark political contrasts. Ober emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging divides within her community.

7 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 46min
'A clear attempt to intimidate the press'
Ronell Anderson-Jones is a legal scholar and law professor at the University of Utah, while John Goodell is a former vice president and general counsel for The New York Times. They dive into the chilling effects of President Trump's lawsuits on press freedom, discussing significant settlements that raise alarms for journalists. The conversation highlights the implications of ongoing legal battles, the historical context of press relations with the presidency, and the urgent need to protect journalistic integrity against increasing legal pressures.

11 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 47min
The GOP's plan for the future of Medicaid
Scott McFarlane, a Congressional correspondent at CBS News, and Megan Cole-Brahim, co-director of Boston University's Medicaid Policy Lab, tackle the looming cuts to Medicaid impacting 72 million Americans. They explore the political motivations behind the proposed budget cuts and the internal divisions among Republicans. The consequences for vulnerable populations are dissected, along with historical contexts and future ramifications. They highlight the balance between fiscal responsibility and essential health care access, stressing the urgent need for reform.
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