The Jackpod: America’s government teacher

One in 5 Americans say they've seen a ghost. But what if it was really our brain that had tricked us into thinking we saw something we didn't? In the "Science of the Supernatural" psychology professor Melissa Maffeo argues how a paranormal experience could be our brains just misinterpreting the external world. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Highly toxic wastewater from America’s fracking boom is buried in deep underground wells. But in some places that toxic waste is bubbling upwards -- threatening local drinking water. How Marietta, Ohio is trying to fight fracking waste. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Flock cameras are used by thousands of police forces across the country to track vehicles. But a growing popular backlash has led to cities canceling their Flock contracts. What that says about the tension between public safety and privacy in America. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

When politicians talk about America’s working class, they often mean blue collar workers without college degrees. But as more workers feel financially squeezed, should we expand that definition? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Sharon McMahon has built a huge online audience with her explanations of how America’s system of government works. She tells Jack and Dorey why her non-partisan approach to political understanding can rebuild trust. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

We think of ladybugs as cute red beetles associated with good luck and gardening. But the real ladybug story involves poaching, trafficking and a struggle for survival. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Americans have been told for decades to toss plastic into the recycling bin. But only a small share actually gets recycled. Now, California is trying to overhaul the system by cracking down on misleading labels and holding companies responsible for their plastic waste. Will it work? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Music. Books. Film. Artificial intelligence is changing how we express ourselves. Is AI a tool for creativity -- or a barrier? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

In his new book, "Walking Red Flag: Dating Advice from Your Favorite Guy Friend," comedian Jared Freid offers tips, tricks and real talk on modern dating. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

James Spooner grew up as a punk rocker with a mohawk. But as a mixed-race kid, he didn’t always feel like he belonged. Then, he found Afro-punk -- and pushed it into the spotlight. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint