On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Get ready for your aha moment: Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti pierces your news bubble to expose the whole story. Getting answers to the questions that need to be asked, examining our history and the human condition. No topic is too complicated or off the table. It’s all On Point.

Does using AI dumb you down?

A recent study shows that people using AI to write for them experience some negative cognitive effects. Why? Because there's something special about what writing does in your brain. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

01-01
38:20

The transformation of Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas was known as a funky, liberal haven in a deep red state. Now, there’s big tech money pouring in and huge growth. How has life changed there? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-31
39:10

How should American colleges measure merit?

The Trump Administration ordered universities to turn over data to prove they're not considering race in admissions. But education expert Richard Kahlenberg argues that for college admissions to look at merit fairly, they need to look at class. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-30
39:21

The ‘Godfather of AI’ says we can’t afford to get it wrong

Geoffrey Hinton is one of the world’s biggest minds in artificial intelligence. He won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. Where does he think AI is headed? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-29
36:33

How YouTube transformed our world

YouTube turns 20 this year. The platform now hosts 20 billion videos, and lets basically anyone, anywhere on Earth, create, share and watch. How has YouTube changed us? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-26
40:59

The music of Christmas in 16th-century Spain

Acclaimed vocal ensemble Blue Heron performs a celebration of Christmas in 16th century Spain, from mystical motets to vivacious villancicos. The group’s artistic director, Scott Metcalfe, shares insights about each piece. This concert and conversation were recorded at WBUR’s event venue, CitySpace. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-25
53:09

Why Gen Z says 'hotties need hobbies'

Sewing, scrapbooking, sports clubs. Many Gen Z’ers are taking up real-world hobbies as an antidote to doomscrolling. Why hobbies make us happy — and how to get one. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-24
39:13

Have we taken therapy culture too far?

A growing number of young people say their mental health diagnosis is an important part of their identity. But by medicalizing imperfection – could young people be losing what makes them uniquely human? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-23
40:25

What's lost when churches close

An estimated 15,000 churches in the U.S. are likely to close in the next few years. Churches are more than places of worship – they are community centers, shelters, food banks. What's the community impact with church closures on the rise? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-22
40:08

Why giving can feel so good

The holidays are all about giving, whether it's presents, donations or volunteer work. What's causing the warm glow you feel when you give someone a gift? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-19
37:50

The Jackpod: It can happen here. It is happening.

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on Philip Roth’s 2004 novel "The Plot Against America," and its parallels with the U.S. today. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-19
47:51

Why seeing red can give you the blues

Color can affect our mood, memory and relationship to people and places. How is color being used to design the world around us and shape our feelings? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-18
41:39

What's driving the rise in grandparent childcare

The number of grandparents helping with childcare is going up nationally. According to a 2023 Harris Poll, 42% of working parents rely on grandparents for childcare. What does it mean for the lives of those grandparents and the support they need? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-17
37:01

Siddhartha Mukherjee on understanding cancer now

In 2011, Siddhartha Mukherjee won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of cancer, “The Emperor of All Maladies.” Now, he’s back with an update on how our understanding of cancer has advanced -- and what lies ahead. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-16
38:38

Can we even trust videos anymore?

OpenAI’s Sora 2 app lets anyone with a smartphone create AI-generated deepfake videos, from phony footage of a corgi rock climbing to fake videos of kids carrying guns in school. Is it time to stop believing our eyes? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-15
39:20

The Atlantic and 'The unfinished revolution'

Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, joins Meghna at WBUR’s CitySpace to discuss The Atlantic's new project examining America at 250 and the most urgent, complex and challenging questions the country is facing. Then, Goldberg interviews Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss on topics ranging from the state of the Democratic party to the Trump administration's intentions in Venezuela. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-13
01:02:08

The once and future dictionary

The quest to define and canonize new words in American English is as old as the country itself. In the new book "Unabridged: the thrill of (and threat to) the modern dictionary," author Stefan Fatsis explores how that quest has changed in the age of the internet. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-12
39:00

The Jackpod: Over there

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the Trump administration’s new national security strategy and what it could mean for U.S. relations with longstanding European allies. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-12
48:59

Wasted money, effort and opportunity in Afghanistan

A government oversight report exposes billions in wasted U.S. aid during Afghanistan’s reconstruction -- highlighting corruption, mismanagement, and the human toll of failed policy. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-11
39:29

When can the U.S. government actually revoke citizenship?

The U.S. Department of Justice says it’s prioritizing denaturalization, or stripping foreign-born Americans of their citizenship. How would that process work and what's at stake? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

12-10
36:40

Sherry Merriam

Such a sensitive interview.I so appreciate the host

11-20 Reply

Alex Arafat

It’s fascinating how much American schools invest in education technology, yet student achievement remains stagnant. As a teacher, I’ve seen how EdTech can increase accessibility and engagement, but I also worry about it replacing genuine learning. It’s clear that technology can enhance education, but without proper training and support for teachers, and without addressing core issues like funding disparities, its effectiveness is limited. On the other hand, platforms like https://idmekp.my/ are doing a great job in enhancing the education system by providing better user management and data verification, which could complement efforts to improve how tech is used in schools.

10-17 Reply

John McVicker

Context? This guy is from CSIS, reputedly a lobbying group for the armaments industry. An industry that has a strong financial interest in putting out stuff that makes Great Leader happy. And this is bound to do that. Unsubscribing.

09-30 Reply

Steve Waugh

Gaming Fun with 1JJ keeps you entertained anytime with exciting features and simple navigation. Dive into different modes, enjoy thrilling challenges, and experience smooth performance that makes every session both engaging and rewarding for all types of players worldwide. https://1jjgame.com/

09-20 Reply

Steve Waugh

Gaming Fun with 1JJ keeps you entertained anytime with exciting features and simple navigation. Dive into different modes, enjoy thrilling challenges, and experience smooth performance that makes every session both engaging and rewarding for all types of players worldwide.

09-20 Reply

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