Lost Debate

Ravi chats with Dexter Filkins, a renowned war correspondent and author of The Forever War, about the seismic shifts in modern warfare. They discuss how drones and AI are reshaping combat, particularly in Ukraine with innovative yet lethal tactics. Filkins highlights U.S. military readiness and contrasts it with China's influence in defense. The conversation dives into the moral implications of algorithmic warfare in conflicts like Gaza, revealing the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous weaponry. This thought-provoking dialogue examines the future of warfare.

Discover the pre-Katrina chaos in New Orleans' education system, marked by corruption so severe that the FBI investigated. Follow the emotional journeys of educators as they evacuate and adapt to new challenges in Houston. Witness the transformative, yet contentious rise of charter schools post-disaster and the struggle to rebuild in a devastated community. Personal stories highlight the resilience of teachers and students faced with upheaval, shedding light on the complex realities of education amidst crisis.

Ravi is joined by hedge fund founder Spencer Hakimian for a deep dive into the state of the U.S. economy under Trump. They begin with the firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a move that raises urgent questions about data integrity and the politicization of economic institutions. From there, they discuss Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s likely exit and what Trump’s next appointment could mean for the future of the Fed. Finally, Ravi and Spencer assess the growing risk of stagflation and share how they’re personally thinking about everything from gold and short-term bonds to international stocks and AI-fueled equities in this uncertain environment. -- Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 201-305-0084⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Ravi at @RaviMGupta Notes from this episode are also available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Listen to more episodes of Lost Debate on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Listen to more episodes of Lost Debate on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F

August 2025 marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina altered New Orleans forever. Much has been written about the storm’s destruction and the city’s long road to recovery. But tucked behind those headlines is another story. One that shaped the lives of thousands of children. From The Branch in partnership with The 74 and MeidasTouch, Where the Schools Went is a five-part documentary series about what happened to the city’s schools after the levees broke, and how it led to the most radical education experiment in modern American history. The first episode drops next Tuesday, August 12! Listen and subscribe on Apple here and on Spotify here.

Gisela Salim-Peyer, a writer for The Atlantic, investigates the controversial Sukkot prison in El Salvador, exposing its troubling operations. She discusses the imprisonment of individuals from the U.S. without due process and delves into the legal gray areas surrounding the facility. Gisela also addresses the recent Venezuela-U.S. prisoner swap, shining light on the broader implications for American immigration policies and the rising authoritarian tactics abroad, revealing a disturbing intersection of justice and power.

Carter Sherman, a journalist for The Guardian who covers reproductive health, discusses her book on Gen Z's evolving views on sex and intimacy. She highlights how digital culture and the decline of comprehensive sex education shape young people's relationships. They dive into the alarming trends of reduced sexual activity, the influence of incel ideologies, and the urgent need for effective sex education. The conversation reveals the complexities of navigating intimacy in today's society and the challenges faced by educators in addressing these issues.

Dive into the chaos as politics collide with the Epstein scandal, unveiling conspiracy theories that resonate with Trump's base. Explore the implications of Trump's alliances and the struggle for transparency amidst shifting loyalties. The discussion shifts to FEMA's struggling disaster response, revealing critical gaps in management. Economic forecasting raises alarms about stagflation, while tariffs spark tensions in global trade. The episode offers a gripping analysis of political accountability in today's complex landscape.

Tyler Austin Harper, a writer for The Atlantic and host of the podcast Time to Say Goodbye, joins the conversation to dissect the implications of the Diddy verdict and its ramifications for prosecutorial practices. They analyze Zohran Mamdani's victory in the NYC mayoral primary, reflecting on evolving views of political moderation. Finally, Tyler shares insights from his piece on the vital role of hobbies in political and social life, highlighting how personal passions can bridge divides in a polarized society.

Ravi chats with Bradley Tusk, a seasoned author and owner of the independent bookstore P&T Knitwear, to dissect the stunning political upset in New York City with Zohran Mamdani's unexpected primary win. They explore the decline of Cuomo, the disconnect between voters and traditional candidates, and the vital strategies Mamdani must adopt to govern effectively. The conversation also touches on Mayor Eric Adams' independent run and critiques the Democratic establishment's missteps in interpreting this dramatic shift.

Patrick McGee, a journalist and author of "Apple in China," dives into the complexities of Apple's relationship with the Chinese state. He reveals how this partnership may have bolstered America's largest geopolitical rival and the implications for tech and global politics. Discussions also cover the escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, the divided views within the Republican Party on foreign intervention, and the socio-economic challenges facing the U.S. workforce amidst technological advancements. McGee's insights make you reevaluate the intersection of tech and geopolitics.