On Point | Podcast

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist for The Washington Post, and Rana Foroohar, a CNN global economic analyst, dive into the pressing issues of our economy. They discuss how tariffs and mortgage rates contribute to uncertainty, and share vital insights on budgeting during turbulent times. The conversation highlights the growing anxiety among lower-income groups amid rising debt, while also exploring how global dynamics, like China's rise, impact American citizens. They emphasize the importance of cautious investment strategies and the evolving role of activism in corporate accountability.

In this engaging discussion, Christopher DiCarlo, an ethicist and professor at the University of Toronto, dives into the tumultuous relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence. He tackles big questions: Will AI uplift or threaten us? DiCarlo emphasizes the importance of instilling human values in AI systems to avoid moral pitfalls. The conversation also navigates the ethical implications of AI potential consciousness and the urgent need for global regulatory frameworks. Finally, they shed light on AI's transformative role in education and healthcare.

Sean Van Diver, a Navy veteran and founder of Afghan EVAC, joins Jessica Bradley Rushing, a former State Department staffer, to discuss the precarious situation of Afghan refugees. They delve into the painful realities of those who aided the U.S. and face abandonment due to changing immigration policies. The duo highlights the urgent need for legal support amidst rising deportation fears, reflecting on the emotional struggles of individuals left in uncertainty. They also emphasize the responsibility of the U.S. to uphold its promises and support these allies in their time of need.

Join Sarah Brown, a senior editor focused on higher education policy, and Ryan Enos, a Harvard political behavior expert, as they unpack Harvard's legal fight against the Trump administration. They address the chilling effects of political influence on research funding and academic freedom. The conversation dives into the ethical concerns surrounding government demands on universities and explores the challenges of ideological diversity within elite institutions. Discover how these tensions could reshape the future of higher education in America.

Mary Annette Pember, a national correspondent for ICT News and an enrolled member of the Ojibwe tribe, joins Aaron Payment, a tribal council member and advocate for treaty obligations. They discuss the significant impact of federal budget cuts on Native American communities, highlighting the loss of vital services, such as healthcare and education. The conversation also touches on the crucial role of tribal colleges and the urgent need for the government to honor its commitments to tribes. They emphasize the importance of collaboration and self-sufficiency amid rising challenges.

Dr. Jerry Avorn, a Harvard Medical School professor and author of 'Rethinking Medications', sheds light on the profit-driven compromises affecting prescription drugs. He discusses the evolution of FDA regulations and the troubling approval processes, like that of the Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm. Avorn emphasizes the tension between drug safety and escalating prices, critiquing the current system while advocating for reforms. He also addresses urgent issues like the fentanyl crisis and the unregulated supplement market, calling for better support for those struggling with substance abuse.

Join Michael Reichert, a leading advocate for boys' mental health, Kevin Simon, Boston's chief behavioral health officer, and Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, as they explore the alarming rise in loneliness and emotional distress among teenage boys. They discuss the crucial need for supportive environments, the role of peer counseling in schools, and the impact of societal expectations on emotional expression. Their insights reveal how addressing these issues is vital for academic success and overall well-being.

In this discussion, guests Olante Douglas, a Georgia kindergarten teacher, Thomas D, a Stanford education professor, and Robert J. Hendricks III, founder of the He Is Me Institute, tackle the alarming decline of male teachers in schools. They explore the pivotal role male educators play as positive role models, particularly for boys. Delving into societal perceptions, the conversation reveals how the absence of male figures impacts boys' emotional and academic development, stressing the urgent need to address this critical issue in education.

In a compelling discussion, guest Joseph Derek Nelson, an educational studies professor and former teacher, alongside Pedro Noguera, dean and author on race and education, and William Hayes, CEO of Boys Latin School, tackle the alarming issue of boys falling behind, particularly Black boys. They explore systemic disparities in education, innovative teaching strategies that foster engagement, and the necessity of supportive relationships in the classroom. Their insights highlight how redefining narratives and nurturing environments can create powerful opportunities for growth and success.

In this engaging discussion, guests Jayante Owens, an Assistant Professor at Yale specializing in organizational behavior in education, and Andrew Cooper, a dynamic fifth-grade teacher from Salt Lake City, confront the challenge of engaging boys in learning. They address how societal perceptions shape boys' behavior in the classroom and the impact on their education. They advocate for hands-on, interactive teaching methods to help boys thrive, emphasizing the need for empathy and the importance of rethinking traditional educational approaches to better support young male students.