Does the U.S. need a $1.5 trillion defense budget?

Does the U.S. need a $1.5 trillion defense budget?

Author: WBUR July 29, 2026 Duration: 38:55
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is asking Congress for a record amount of money, $1.5 trillion, as the U.S.-Israel war with Iran continues. What do those taxpayer dollars pay for? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Each weekday, On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle to bring clarity and depth to the stories that matter. Produced by WBUR, this daily news podcast is built on the conviction that understanding requires more than headlines. Meghna Chakrabarti guides conversations that dig into the roots of current events, connecting today’s debates to historical context and the broader human experience. You’ll hear thoughtful interviews with experts, journalists, and people directly affected by the issues, all aimed at answering the pressing questions that often go unasked. The approach is rigorous but accessible, tackling complex subjects-from politics and science to culture and ethics-without shying away from nuance. It’s a space where multiple perspectives are examined, not just presented, fostering a more complete picture of our world. Tuning in feels less like being talked at and more like being part of a necessary, informed discussion. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by fragmented news sources, this podcast offers a reliable, substantive hour of analysis that respects the listener’s intelligence and curiosity. The result is a consistently engaging program that doesn’t just report what’s happening, but explains why it matters.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
Podcast Episodes
Who’s really working class in America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:25
When politicians talk about America’s working class, they often mean blue collar workers without college degrees. But as more workers feel financially squeezed, should we expand that definition? *** Thank you for listeni…
The Jackpod: America’s government teacher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:53
Sharon McMahon has built a huge online audience with her explanations of how America’s system of government works. She tells Jack and Dorey why her non-partisan approach to political understanding can rebuild trust. ***…
The weird world of ladybugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:29
We think of ladybugs as cute red beetles associated with good luck and gardening. But the real ladybug story involves poaching, trafficking and a struggle for survival. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by…
Can California fix plastic recycling? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:27
Americans have been told for decades to toss plastic into the recycling bin. But only a small share actually gets recycled. Now, California is trying to overhaul the system by cracking down on misleading labels and holdi…
Is AI helping human creativity, or harming it? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:45
Music. Books. Film. Artificial intelligence is changing how we express ourselves. Is AI a tool for creativity -- or a barrier? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpo…
The not-so-underground world of Black punk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:38
James Spooner grew up as a punk rocker with a mohawk. But as a mixed-race kid, he didn’t always feel like he belonged. Then, he found Afro-punk -- and pushed it into the spotlight. *** Thank you for listening. Help power…
The Jackpod: Grocery stores and the dignity of essential labor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty talks to author Ann Larson about her new book "Clean Up on Aisle Five”; the realities of grocery store workers, their place in our society and economy and what it says about the need for…
Brainwaves: How does a brain stay healthy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
You might think a healthy brain starts and ends in your head – but there are miles and miles of neuron fibers that connect your brain with nearly every corner of your body. Why a healthy brain needs a healthy body. *** T…
Brainwaves: What happens between life and death? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:05
A tunnel. A bright light. Reuniting with deceased loved ones. Many people who have near-death experiences have remarkably similar stories. Why? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here:…