Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Erec Smith, discusses essentialism and the impact of racial assumptions, disparities in education, dealing with negativity, systemic challenges for black communities, the influence of environment on crime, and the importance of rhetoric and defensive confidence in this thought-provoking podcast.

Erec Smith, an advocate for reforming political debates, dives into the flaws in current presidential debate formats. He critiques the focus on entertainment over meaningful discourse and suggests a shift towards a more conversational style reminiscent of ancient philosophical dialogues. Smith also reflects on the nostalgia for past debates, like the unrealized 1964 showdown between Kennedy and Goldwater. He discusses the impact of social media on debate dynamics and emphasizes the importance of direct engagement with the public.

Erec Smith and Jeff Singer discuss the troubling evolution in how medical education is delivered in the US, highlighting the importance of prioritizing patient care over ideological commitments. They emphasize the risks of allowing societal biases to influence medical judgments and address the historical discriminatory practices in medicine.