Lost Debate

What happens when schools lose their way, and how do we restore faith in our institutions? In this special crossover episode from Sweat the Technique, Doug Lemov flips the script and interviews Ravi. They start with a deep dive into Ravi’s journey from aspiring doctor to political staffer to school founder before taking a step back to explore the erosion of trust in American schools and the deep tensions shaping education today. Ravi then reflects on his own experiences founding schools, the ideological battles that helped him realize it was time to leave, and how his views on school choice have evolved over the past decade. Finally, Doug and Ravi discuss what it takes to build a thriving school system in 2025 and weigh the roles of autonomy, accountability, and community in ensuring lasting success.Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570---Follow Ravi at @ravimguptaFollow The Branch at @thebranchmediaFollow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimguptaNotes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

Ravi kicks off the show by unpacking the latest economic headlines, from inflation trends to the impact of Trump’s unpredictable trade policies and how they could impact businesses and consumers. He also takes a closer look at Elon Musk, explaining why unlikely voices like Bill Burr and Dave Portnoy have criticized the billionaire over the past week and what it might mean for Musk’s future at the helm of DOGE. Ravi then turns to the Department of Education, which announced earlier this week that it had laid off 1,300 workers, effectively gutting its staff and raising serious questions about funding for schools nationwide. Finally, Stacey Shells Harvey, CEO of Regeneration Schools, joins Ravi to share her firsthand account of what it’s like to run schools in 2025. Stacey explains how the latest immigration policies have impacted schools, the state of student discipline, and how social media continues to fuel violence among kids. Stacey and Ravi also dive into pop culture, touching on everything from Kanye West and Meghan Markle to the rise of self-produced docuseries and whether they truly serve the interests of the audience.Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570Pre-order Ravi’s novel and upcoming events: GARBAGE TOWN---Follow Ravi at @ravimguptaFollow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimguptaFollow The Branch at @thebranchmediaNotes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician and nutrition expert at Cornell, joins to discuss crucial shifts in American science. He highlights how DOGE's influence on funding could undermine medical innovation. Diving into the alarming prevalence of ultra-processed foods, he reveals their role in driving overeating and chronic diseases. Dhruv emphasizes the food industry's impact on public health messaging, urging listeners to scrutinize dietary choices for better health outcomes. His insights shed light on the intersection of policy, science, and lifestyle.

Emily Oster, a New York Times bestselling author and economics professor, dives deep into pressing public health issues like the measles outbreak and vaccine hesitance. She reveals how misinformation complicates vaccination efforts and stresses the importance of rebuilding trust in health messaging post-COVID. Transitioning to parenting, Emily discusses the pitfalls of overprotectiveness, the illusion of control, and the benefits of granting kids more independence. Her insights challenge conventional views on parenting and self-care, emphasizing balance and partnership.

Is there a crisis facing young men in America? Richard Reeves, the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men and non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, joins Ravi to explain why boys are falling behind in school, struggling with their mental health, and feeling more isolated than ever—and what we can do about it. Ravi and Richard explore the reasons both major political parties have largely failed to address this crisis, how their neglect has created space for figures like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson to rise, and the cultural battlegrounds shaping young men’s perspectives today.Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta---Follow Ravi at @ravimguptaFollow The Branch at @thebranchmediaNotes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

In this engaging discussion, journalist Ross Barkan, contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, sheds light on the crisis in traditional media and the rise of a new romanticism focused on authentic connections. He and Ravi delve into the evolving political landscape, including the influence of figures like Elon Musk in a flexible Republican coalition. They also explore the tumultuous New York mayoral race, examining Andrew Cuomo's potential comeback and the future of the Democratic Party amidst changing voter dynamics.

Dorsey Hopson, the former superintendent of Shelby County Schools, shares insights from his experience overseeing a complex school merger and de-merger in Memphis. He discusses the political and socioeconomic tensions that influenced the process, emphasizing the importance of community and parental involvement in education. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of school choice and the challenges faced amid educational reforms, showcasing how local activism plays a crucial role in shaping quality education.

The legal feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is more than mere celebrity gossip; it reflects our current cultural climate. The discussion dives into how media shapes narratives around issues like the #MeToo movement and accountability. The hosts examine the public relations techniques at play and the implications for creative control in Hollywood. They also explore political biases and the importance of transparency in government actions. This controversy raises essential questions about power dynamics and the influence of social media on public perception.

Zach Liscow, Yale Law professor and former Chief Economist at the Office of Management and Budget, dives into the truth behind Elon's Department of Government Efficiency. He questions whether fiscal policies genuinely ease burdens on taxpayers or merely push costs to future generations. The conversation highlights the complexities of government spending, the disparities in the tax code for the ultra-wealthy, and the challenges of infrastructure investment. Liscow emphasizes the moral obligations of leadership in navigating these fiscal waters.

Kyle Chayka, a staff writer for The New Yorker and author of Filterworld, discusses the profound influence of algorithms on culture and taste. He explores how these systems homogenize experiences, using coffee shops as an example of aesthetic memes spreading through social media. The conversation reveals the challenge of finding originality in a curated digital landscape and emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from technology to reclaim authentic cultural experiences. Chayka advocates for deeper, offline interactions that enrich personal relationships.