The Jackpod: The ties that bind

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Russia and how it might explain the administration's agenda. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Rhythm. It's so much more than the backbone of music – it’s essential to how our brains function. Whether you think you've got it or not, why rhythm is a fundamental part of your everyday life. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

As the war with Iran becomes more entrenched, President Donald Trump now says he thinks he’ll “have the honor of taking Cuba.” What does that mean and what’s at stake? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

U.S. allies say they won't commit military aid to the war in Iran, and some foreign analysts say the U.S. lacks strategy. The view of the war from the international community. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei took control after his father's assassination. What we know about the elusive new leader and his vision for Iran. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Terry Tempest Williams writes about finding beauty in unexpected places, animals, plants, memories and moments. She shows us how to do that in today's increasingly chaotic world. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on the moral character of American leaders from George Washington to Donald Trump and what that means for the moral character of the nation. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

The gas pump is just the first place you’ll pay more because of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war. How might commodities, financial markets, fertilizer and food also be impacted? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Iran’s strategy, according to experts, is to keep widening the war with the U.S. and Israel and make it last as long as possible. Why? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Military rules of engagement exist to specify 'who' and 'what' can be attacked. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. is fighting Iran without "stupid" rules of engagement. So, what rules are American forces following? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint