WBUR

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

News EN ↓ 400 episodes

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.

Author

WBUR

Category

News

Podcast website

www.wbur.org

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

What the U.S. loses when our allies stop sharing intelligence 21.11.2025

Intelligence sharing between the U.S. and its allies has long been a powerful national security tool. But recently, some allies have stopped sharing key intelligence with the United States. What does that mean for U.S. national security? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The Jackpod: The revolutionary mind 21.11.2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the role that concepts of power, liberty and conspiracy played in the American Revolution. (Inspired by Ken Burns’ PBS documentary series, ‘The American Revolution.’) *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Can math equations solve inequality? 20.11.2025

Mathematician Eugenia Cheng wants us to rethink our relationship to math -- and equality. We hear how different paths lead to identical outcomes in math, and how that can help us all in real life. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

How JPMorgan's embrace of AI could change banking for us all 19.11.2025

JPMorgan aims to become the first major bank fully powered by AI. What does that mean for the future of banking? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Why are scam ads everywhere online? 18.11.2025

Scam ads are flooding Facebook, YouTube and other social media. Tech companies are making billions allowing them. Who's behind all of these online ads? And what can we do about it? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The Iranian women defying their country’s strict laws 17.11.2025

Iranian law controls how women dress, what they drive and what they do in public. But now, more women across Iran are rebelling — risking severe fines or up to 10 years in prison. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

What the NBA betting scandal reveals about the mafia today 14.11.2025

Last month, federal prosecutors indicted an NBA coach and current and former professional basketball players in an illegal sports betting scheme. How the FBI's investigation into the gambling ring is shining a light on how the mob has evolved to survive. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The Jackpod: Tired of winning yet? 14.11.2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the state of the U.S. economy and what recent polling reveals about the perception gap between President Trump and American workers. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Welcome to the casino economy 13.11.2025

Speculative investment is up. New financial products are on the market. Billions of dollars are flowing to unproven industries. Has the American economy become one giant casino? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The real reason for the U.S.-Argentina bailout 12.11.2025

American taxpayers are bailing out Argentina to the tune of $20 billion. But what does the U.S. get out of it? And can it really fix Argentina’s economy? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

No one wants their MTV 11.11.2025

On August 1st, 1981, MTV was born. The 24-hour music video channel transformed the music industry and pop culture. Now, MTV is now shutting down many of its international music channels. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Down payments: Now paid by your employer 10.11.2025

Housing has become so expensive in many places that people can't afford to live where they work. So, some local governments and businesses are helping with down payment costs to attract and keep employees. Is it working? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Why insomnia is an American health crisis 07.11.2025

More than 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. don’t get enough sleep, and 12% suffer from chronic insomnia. What’s driving more Americans toward chronically poor sleep, and what can be done about it? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The Jackpod: Across the panhandle 07.11.2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on a proposed ballot initiative in Montana that could deny corporations the power to spend money on political campaigns. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Epstein survivor Annie Farmer tells her story 06.11.2025

Annie Farmer was 16 years old when Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell sexually abused her. What does she want from the Trump administration now? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Is Trumpism what you think it is? 05.11.2025

President Trump's supporters say he’s a heaven-sent savior, cracking down on bloated government and unauthorized immigrants. Critics call him authoritarian – targeting political opponents and using the presidency for personal enrichment. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Why the Supreme Court tariffs case is about so much more 04.11.2025

This week, the Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of Trump’s tariffs. But the implications are far greater than trade policy. How the ruling could change the scope of presidential power. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Lessons from America’s peanut allergy flip-flop 03.11.2025

For years, doctors warned parents to keep peanuts away from children until they turn three. But that advice backfired. Experts now say delayed exposure helped cause a peanut allergy surge in the U.S. Lessons for public health from peanut allergy advice. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

What can 'Frankenstein' teach us about AI? 31.10.2025

Director Guillermo del Toro’s new movie adapts Mary Shelley’s horror classic, Frankenstein. It comes as the world is grappling with a new unpredictable creation: artificial intelligence. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The Jackpod: A day that will live in …. 31.10.2025

One year after the election of 2024, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has analysis of what happened that day and why. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

How Katie Herzog drank her way to sobriety 30.10.2025

For 20 years, journalist Katie Herzog tried to stop drinking. But nothing seemed to work. Until she stumbled upon a lesser-known path to sobriety. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

What happens when private equity becomes video gaming's 'final boss' 29.10.2025

Private equity firms are poised to take over iconic video game maker Electronic Arts in a massive leveraged buyout. What happens when private equity owns the games you play. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Why are suicide rates among young Americans going up? 28.10.2025

Young adult suicide rates are rising in the U.S. For Americans aged 18 to 27, the rate increased by nearly 20% in the past decade. What’s behind the rise, and what are states doing about it? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Should states cut their property taxes? 27.10.2025

Rising property tax bills are squeezing homeowners across the country. So, several states are proposing expanded tax relief programs or even the complete repeal of property taxes. How these changes would impact local communities. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The might and magic of human muscles 24.10.2025

Our muscles power us -- from the tissue that pumps blood from our heart to the tiny fibers that give us goosebumps. How exactly do muscles work — and how can we best strengthen them? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

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