Scientists to this day can’t define what life is. For every definition, there’s an animal, a plant -- something that breaks the rules. So how does science answer that? Writer Carl Zimmer joins Meghna Chakrabarti to explore the borderlands of life.

'Life's Edge': Science Writer Carl Zimmer's Search For What It Means To Be Alive

Let's make sense of the world – together. From the economy and health care to politics and the environment – and so much more – On Point host Meghna Chakrabarti speaks with newsmakers and everyday people about the issues that matter most. On Point is produced by WBUR.

News

Textualism, which sees a legal system's original structure as immortal, is the dominating philosophy on the court today. But retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer argues pragmatism, which considers consequences of legal decisions, is the better mindset.

About:

On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.

Justice Breyer's ear notch test for our constitution

Elections in the world’s largest democracy are underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s power is ascendant.

But, like in other global democracies, so are concerns about religious nationalism and democratic decline.
Ashutosh Varshney and Vivan Marwaha join Meghna Chakrabarti.

About:

On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.

India’s high-stakes election

Languishing. That feeling of a lack of motivation or direction. Most people feel a sense of languishing at some point in their lives. So how do we move from languishing to flourishing? Sociologist Corey Keyes has spent his career trying to find the answer.

About:

On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.

How to move from languishing to flourishing

Physician Dr. Sharon Malone is on a mission to help women better manage their health in the American health care system. Her No. 1 tip from her book 'Grown Woman Talk' -- Be your best advocate.

About:

On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.

A roadmap to better health for women

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty recalls a 1984 speech by President Reagan outlining the importance of allies and collective security.

About:

On Point is WBUR’s award-winning, daily public radio show and podcast. Every weekday, host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world.

'Life's Edge': Science Writer Carl Zimmer's Search For What It Means To Be Alive

Download our free app to listen on your phone