On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

The U.S. is ready for war with Venezuela with more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops now in the region. The Trump Administration says it’s about drugs, but some experts say that's a cover for something else.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

A recent analysis finds the majority of presentations at a big annual education research conference were about things like “resistance,” “safe spaces,” and “identity." But many classroom teachers say they want to learn about student behavior, discipline and mental health. Could this gap be damaging American education?

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

Earlier this fall, there were no rap songs in the Billboard Top 40 for the first time since 1990. Is this just a blip in commercial popularity, or is it a sign that hip hop is losing its grip on mainstream America?

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the modern history of the multi-faceted divide between rural and urban America and why it threatens democracy.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Mark Wolf spent four decades as a judge on the federal bench after being appointed by President Ronald Reagan. But Wolf recently resigned, citing the Trump administration’s “deeply disturbing assault" on the rule of law.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Christine Kuehn knew hardly anything about her father’s family. But when a mysterious letter reaches her doorstep in 1994, it kicks off a 30-year journey uncovering her family's Nazi history, and their role in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

American companies are being targeted by foreign spies, ransomware groups and even fake job applicants from North Korea. One cybersecurity firm speaks out about the threats they're seeing and how they're combating them.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

AI is helping doctors treat patients in American hospitals. But many new doctors say they haven’t been trained in how to use it. Now, Stanford University is mandating AI training for all its medical students.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Meghna recently appeared on this episode of Fake the Nation, joining comedian and host Negin Farsad and comedian/writer Benari Lee Poulton to share their unvarnished takes on topics ranging from why billionaires love owning sports teams, to just what are the best years of your life? Meghna had fun. We hope you enjoy it too.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2025

Studies show that feeling grateful can make you more patient, honest, generous and even help with your sleep and immune system. Psychologist David DeSteno on how to practice gratitude daily.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

People around the world are reading less. In the U.S., the share of people reading for pleasure dropped by 40% in the last 20 years. Writer James Marriott says that puts democracy in danger.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

Some Obamacare subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year. This could double premiums for many enrollees. How a government subsidy that was intended to be temporary, became something millions of Americans cannot live without.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 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?

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 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.’)

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

JPMorgan aims to become the first major bank fully powered by AI. What does that mean for the future of banking?

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 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?

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 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?

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 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?

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 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?

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 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?

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 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?

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

One year after the election of 2024, On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has analysis of what happened that day and why.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 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?

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 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?

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty sees Washington state’s first-in-the-nation social insurance program for long-term care as a portent for the future of the politics of remedy in the U.S.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

Albania’s prime minister has installed a new minister. Only it isn’t human, it’s Artificial Intelligence. What does this signal for the evolution of government administration around the world?

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

Government shutdowns have become an expected reality in American politics. But before 1980 they were pretty much unheard of. The history of government shutdowns in the U.S.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

President Trump insists the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is holding. But peace between the two sides rests on shaky ground. What aspects of the agreement are encouraging long-term stability, and what aspects are holding it back?

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Polarization pushes people apart. Writer Chloé Valdary says we can heal deepening divisions by treating each other like human beings, not political abstractions.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

A handful of Democrat says they’re coming for Maine Senator Susan Collins' seat. But first they have to capture the soul of the Democratic party.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty argues that Democrats are making a strategic mistake in their demand to extend ACA health care subsidies and its role in the government shutdown.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

Discounted prices will be offered at TrumpRx – a new direct-to-consumer website launching next year. It's a result of deals President Trump recently cut with pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and AstraZeneca. But who really benefits?

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025