The Jackpod: Yankee Doodle Caged

From vaudeville to era-defining sitcoms, Black comedy has brought us some of our biggest stars and iconic characters. In the book "Black Out Loud," journalist Geoff Bennett explores how Black comedy has influenced how America sees itself. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

For a democracy to be by the people and for the people, what do the people need to know? The Freedom of Information Act is central to answering that question. What FOIA has uncovered in its 60 years, and what it's up against now. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The U.S. is one of the largest sugar producers in the world. And for more than 200 years, the sugar industry has gotten special protections from the government. Why? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Spotify is set to launch a new tool that will enable subscribers to create cover versions and remixes of their favorite songs – using AI. What that could mean for musicians, their fans and the music on your playlist. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

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

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on why he feels ambivalent about the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

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

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

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

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