Lost Debate

Matteo Wong, a reporter for The Atlantic focused on artificial intelligence, joins to discuss why AI chatbots often behave like digital sycophants. They delve into how reinforcement learning influences this behavior and the safety implications for teens. The conversation also touches on the monopolistic hold of companies like OpenAI and Google, the rollout of parental controls, and the challenges of regulating AI. With insights into the personalities of different models and the failures of some like Grok, the duo explores the future landscape of AI.

Lenore Skenazy, author of *Free-Range Kids* and president of Let Grow, dives into the impact of overparenting on children’s anxiety and competence. She discusses how fear-driven parenting and surveillance technology have reshaped childhood, contrasting modern fears with the freedom of 1990s childhoods. Poll findings reveal that kids crave unstructured play over screen time, and Skenazy argues for restoring independence to combat rising youth anxiety. The importance of allowing children to take risks and learn skills is emphasized as a path to healthier development.

Ravi dives into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, revealing its implications for political violence in America. He critiques the FBI’s failures and the right’s stance on free speech while exploring media consolidation and TikTok’s rising influence. The discussion extends to the economic divide in the U.S., highlighting concerns about wage growth disparity and private equity risks. Ravi connects these issues to global tensions, underscoring that the erosion of democratic norms could be as perilous as any violent act.

Cal Newport, bestselling author of Deep Work, joins to explore the reality versus the hype surrounding AI. He argues that AI may hurt productivity by distracting us from deep work. Newport predicts a future filled with diverse, specialized tools rather than one all-powerful model. They discuss how most jobs will remain secure while emphasizing the importance of mastering focus in this evolving landscape. Newport's insights challenge us to rethink our approach to AI, much like we did with the early internet.

Nick Gibb, the former UK Minister of State for Schools, discusses his impactful book, detailing how England transformed from education underperformer to leader. Joined by educator Doug Lemov, they delve into the successful strategies such as a knowledge-rich curriculum, phonics, and high accountability. The duo contrasts these advancements with the struggling U.S. education system, highlighting political maneuvers and the importance of rigorous assessments. They also emphasize the significance of restoring public trust in educational institutions.

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.