• What makes baseball magic
    Jun 22 2026

    Curses, superstitions and pre-game rituals have been part of baseball for as long as the game has been around. What’s behind the magical traditions of America’s pastime.

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    39 mins
  • The Jackpod: Yankee Doodle Caged
    Jun 22 2026

    On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on why he feels ambivalent about the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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    49 mins
  • What does the Iran peace memo mean for the U.S.?
    Jun 19 2026

    President Trump promised regime change in Iran, no nuclear development and a restabilization of the region. Now that the U.S. and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, did we get any of that?

    *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

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    42 mins
  • What Frederick Douglass warned us about America
    Jun 18 2026

    In 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered what many consider the best abolitionist speech of all time. He asked, “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” What makes it such a masterpiece — and what can we take from it today?

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    39 mins
  • Is there a right (or wrong) way to love America?
    Jun 17 2026

    As America’s 250th anniversary approaches – the birth of this nation will be celebrated by millions. But what does it mean to be truly patriotic in the U.S.?

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    39 mins
  • Will a historic sewage spill undo the Chesapeake Bay's restoration?
    Jun 16 2026

    The oyster is a huge part of coastal culture and economy in the U.S. But a historic sewage spill and climate change could put decades of restoration efforts at risk.

    *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

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    38 mins
  • Meghna Chakrabarti in conversation with American historian Heather Cox Richardson
    Jun 16 2026

    Meghna sits down with American historian and author of the popular Substack "Letters from an American." They discuss America's 250th birthday, their favorite parts of the Declaration of Independence and optimism about America's potential. Join the On Point Club to hear the full conversation!

    *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

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    5 mins
  • How prediction markets have found their way into American politics
    Jun 15 2026

    A Google engineer and member of special forces have been arrested for placing illegal bets on prediction markets. And these are just examples of the insider trading that may shape more than the country’s finances.

    *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

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    37 mins