On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Psychologist David DeSteno, a leading expert on gratitude, shares fascinating insights into its profound effects on our lives. He explains how practicing gratitude daily can enhance patience, honesty, and generosity. DeSteno highlights its evolutionary advantages and the science behind how gratitude fosters social bonds and moral behavior. He also discusses the physical health benefits, explores simple ways to cultivate gratitude in daily life, and reflects on how this practice has transformed his own well-being.

James Marriott, a columnist and author exploring culture and politics, joins Adam Garfinkel, a public policy expert, to discuss the alarming decline in reading. They argue that this trend threatens democracy, linking reduced literacy to the rise of populism and emotional political messaging. Marriott traces mass literacy's history and its role in challenging power, while Garfinkel highlights how superficial engagement erodes deep literacy. Together, they ponder if new media can adapt to support democratic values amidst growing pessimism.

In this discussion, Jonathan Gruber, an MIT economics professor and ACA architect, and Douglas Holtz-Eakin, an expert in health policy, explore the vital role of ACA subsidies. They delve into how temporary COVID-related enhancements became essential for millions, potentially doubling premiums if expiring. Gruber explains the original subsidy design and its impact on healthcare affordability, while Holtz-Eakin advocates for reforming, not extending these credits. They debate subsidy eligibility and affordability thresholds, emphasizing the need to confront the root causes of rising healthcare costs.

Dan Lomas, an expert in UK intelligence from the University of Nottingham, and Jan Goldman, a professor at The Citadel with a focus on intelligence ethics, delve into the ramifications of decreased intelligence sharing with U.S. allies. They discuss the UK’s recent halt in intelligence sharing due to legal concerns, the historical roots of U.S.-UK cooperation, and the challenges posed by open-source intelligence. Goldman warns that decreased sharing jeopardizes U.S. national security, illustrating a trust crisis in allied relationships.

Jack Beatty, a long-time commentator on history and politics, dives deep into the revolutionary mind that shaped the American Revolution. He explores how John Adams viewed the revolution as a shift in thought rather than just conflict. The discussion unveils the pivotal role of colonial pamphlets influenced by thinkers like Locke and British critics. Beatty also addresses the colonists' paranoia over power, their fears of tyranny represented by standing armies, and the ironic contradiction of liberty amidst slavery. The conversation resonates with today's themes of power and conspiracy.

Mathematician Eugenia Cheng, author of Unequal, explores the fascinating relationship between math and inequality. She discusses how different mathematical paths can lead to the same outcomes, emphasizing the importance of context. Cheng highlights the utility of math in fostering flexible thinking rather than just practical use. She shares her experiences teaching art students and how diverse perspectives enrich mathematical understanding. Additionally, she reflects on her journey from academia and the biases faced within academic settings.

In this engaging discussion, banking reporter Hugh Sun shares insights about JPMorgan's groundbreaking shift toward agentic AI, a technology that could redefine modern banking. He shares firsthand experiences from exclusive demonstrations, where agentic AI performed analyst tasks in seconds. Kareem Lakhani, a Harvard professor, highlights the importance of retraining as roles evolve and examines the implications for job security. Together, they tackle the cultural shifts at JPMorgan, the balance between human oversight and AI autonomy, and the economic drivers behind this AI revolution.

Sandeep Abraham, former safety investigator at Meta, and Jeff Horowitz, a tech reporter at Reuters, dive into the explosive rise of scam ads on social media. They explore the deceptive tactics used in viral scam campaigns and the geopolitical trends that shifted operations westward. Sandeep reveals how scams leverage AI and social media to gain legitimacy, while Jeff uncovers the disturbing revenue generated from these ads. Together, they discuss challenges in moderating content and the regulatory gaps that allow platforms to profit from fraud.

In this discussion, Fatima Jamalpour, an Iranian journalist and co-author of 'For the Sun After Long Nights', shares her insights on the courageous protests against Iran's oppressive hijab laws. She recounts Masa Amini's tragic death, the extraordinary bravery of young Iranians, and the generational shifts in attitudes toward the regime. Fatima sheds light on the harsh realities faced by protesters, including violence and censorship, while also emphasizing the resilience of the Iranian spirit and the desire for a life free from repression.

Michael Franzese, a former Colombo family capo, shares insights on the modern mob's evolution, reflecting on his own criminal past. Jim Walden, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, provides a legal perspective on mafia investigations and the importance of informants. Investigative journalist Tony DiStefano discusses how technology aids organized crime, including rigged poker games. Together, they explore how today’s mafia has shifted from violence to complex financial schemes, making sports betting a hot target for their operations.