The Point

Racial injustice, institutionalized racism and white privilege are part of our country’s history and very much present in our society today. Today, here on the Cape and Islands, people of color and indigenous people experience racism and live in a society created by white people for white people. On The Point, we talk with activists and with a historian, and we hear some of the voices and stories of people of color and indigenous people living on the Cape and Islands.

A lot of people are feeling helpless and hopeless. On The Point we explore the concept of "demoralization". Our mental health advisors join us to discuss the experience of facing things we can't control that dominate our lives, and the feelings that can arise. Psychologist Ann Geagon, Psychiatrist Dr. Marc Whaley, and Psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Schwartz join our host Mindy Todd.

The Cape and Islands are in full bloom and leaf, and plant expert Roberta Clark joins us on The Point to talk about gardens and landscape. We hear tips on how to get your plants to thrive, watering and transplanting, ways to manage garden pests and to support the many beneficial insects and pollinators. Callers throughout the region join with comments and questions. Mindy Todd hosts.

With the launch of Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, the ground rules for Cape Cod’s pandemic summer are taking shape. Meanwhile, protestors continue to gather in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe wins a court battle.

Our immune system is our bodies natural protection against disease causing microorganisms. When that system fails, we get sick. Sleep, stress and exercise are all factors in how well our immune system operates; so is nutrition. We discuss the foods that could help support immunity and how to prepare them to get the most nutritional value.

As our population grows and more wild spaces are developed, humans are spending less time in nature. There is growing evidence that a nature deficit can have negative impacts on our physical and emotional well-being, not to mention what it means for the entire ecosystem. On The Point, we talk with nature writer Richard Louv about the re-connecting with the natural world. His latest book is Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals can Transform Our Lives and Save Theirs .

June is filled with birdsong, flowers, and plentiful insects. Mark Faherty of Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary joins our host Mindy Todd for this month's Bird News on The Point. We get updates on what's going on in the world of wildlife, and hear about sightings of birds and other critters from our listeners around the region, including an unusual visitor, a sandhill crane!

Many of the rallies across the region have been organized by young people. Events are planned to continue through the weekend.

Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year from Canada to Mexico. Other species have learned how to fool ants into taking care of them. Butterflies’ scales are inspiring researchers to create new life-saving medical technology. We talk with science journalist Wendy Williams about her new book The Language of Butterflies, How Thieves, Hoarders, Scientists and other Obsessives Unlocked the Secrets of the World’s Favorite Insect .

Our region has an eclectic and vibrant music scene, and coming together to perform or take in live music is something we typically enjoy year round. This year is anything but typical. In-person music events and performances are cancelled, and musicians are socially distant from one another. On The Point, we hear how the pandemic is impacting local musicians, and sample works of just a few of our regions talented musicians.