

Lost Debate
The Branch
Lost Debate is a weekly podcast from The Branch that brings you news, ideas, and arguments from around the political spectrum. We engage in the good-faith discussions that too much of our society and media miss. It's hosted by Ravi Gupta, a former Obama staffer turned school principal.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 30, 2022 • 51min
Ep 74 | Quiet Quitting, Zuckerberg on Rogan, Mar-a-Lago Affidavit, No Djokovic
Ravi and Rikki start by unpacking the internet’s hottest new buzzword: quiet quitting. Then they move on to Mark Zuckerberg’s long sitdown with Joe Rogan, a heated fight over equity in admissions at a prestigious Virginia high school, the unredacted revelations from the Mar-a-Lago affidavit, and Novak Djokovic sitting out the U.S. Open over his vaccination [4:28] Quiet Quitting[13:30] Zuckerberg on Rogan[32:40] Equity in Admissions[41:45] Mar-a-Lago Affidavit[46:04] No DjokovicCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/31/ep-74/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 25, 2022 • 49min
Ep 73 | Student Loans, CDC Overhaul, Fauci’s Last Ride, Twitter Whistleblower
Ravi and Rikki start with President Biden’s decision to forgive student loan debt, discussing whether it’s the right approach to addressing the problem. Then they turn to two big changes in American public health – an overhaul at the CDC, and Dr. Anthony Fauci announcing his retirement – as well as the gaps between what Americans say aloud and what they actually think. Finally, they go over a bunch of updates from a busy news week, including two convictions in the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, major accusations from a former Twitter executive turned whistleblower, and a slew of races in New York and Florida. [02:20] Student Loans[16:00] CDC Overhaul & Fauci's retirement[30:00] Americans’ Secret Political Takes[42:40] Twitter WhistleblowerCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/26/ep-73/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 23, 2022 • 51min
Ep 72 | Purple Hearts, Diversity Training, Teacher Turmoil, Ohio Opioids
Ravi and Rikki lead things off with a lighthearted review for a pretty rough watch: the Netflix phenomenon Purple Hearts. Then the hosts turn to diversity standards and training in schools, companies, and broader society, as well as the turmoil in the teaching profession and a major tort case in Ohio blaming pharmacies for the opioid epidemic.[1:51] Netflix's "Purple Hearts"[9:48} Diversity Training[24:47] Ohio Opioids Suits[32:36] Teachers in Turmoil[47:57} UpdatesCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/24/ep-72/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 18, 2022 • 52min
Ep 71 | Neumann Comeback, Productivity Scores, Liz Cheney, Student Progress
Rikki and Ravi start by discussing the return of disgraced WeWork founder Adam Neumann before turning to the growing trend of “worker productivity scores,” Liz Cheney’s resounding defeat in Wyoming, and a few fascinating sets of data on student progress and performance. Finally, Ravi hits us with another one of his radical ideas. [03:15] Adam Neumann’s comeback?[19:06] Worker Productivity Scores[27:55] Liz Cheney’s loss[35:20] Student Progress Data[48:30} Ravi’s Radical IdeaCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/19/ep-71/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 16, 2022 • 56min
Ep 70 | Rushdie Attack, FBI Debate, Substack, NIMBYs of Silicon Valley
Ravi and Rikki begin with Friday’s horrific attack on author Salman Rushdie, a champion for free expression in the face of decades-long death threats. We then turn to the shifting landscape of journalism, from the continued decline in local newsrooms to the rise of independent voices on platforms like Substack. Then we get into a particularly egregious case of NIMBYism in Silicon Valley and engage with a debate getting a lot of play among conservative media and lawmakers right now: “defund the FBI.” Finally, we wrap up with some updates on the war in Ukraine.[2:32] Rushdie Attack[15:34] Substack[29:43] NIMBYs of Silicon Valley[39:04] Defund the FBI?[52:41] Ukraine UpdatesCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/17/ep-70/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 11, 2022 • 48min
Ep 69 | More-a-Lago, The IRS, Visa/Mastercard Duopoly, DeSantis vs. Prosecutor
Ravi and Rikki start with a bit More-a-Lago on the FBI, Trump, and the reaction throughout the media over the last few days. Then they turn to Washington’s least popular bureaucrats, the IRS, as well as the country’s two most popular credit card companies: Visa and Mastercard. Each host goes over a compelling primary race this week before we wrap up with DeSantis suspending a prosecutor in Florida, and of course, one of Ravi’s Radical Ideas.[00:00] Intro/Garland Update[04:20] “More-a-Lago”[15:00] The IRS[24:25] Primary Updates[27:55] Visa/Mastercard Duopoly[35:00] - Ron DeSantis vs. Prosecutor[43:30] Ravi’s Radical IdeaCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/12/ep-69/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 9, 2022 • 37min
Ep 68 | Mar-a-Lago Raid, CPAC, Insulin, Masculinity
Ravi and Rikki start with the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago before turning to the most revealing moments of CPAC, what did and didn’t make it into Democrats’ final version of their landmark spending bill, and finally, a far-ranging debate on the social and political discourse around masculinity.[0:50] Mar-A-Lago Raid[6:15] CPAC Recap[16:33] Insulin[24:21] MasculinityCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/10/ep-68/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 4, 2022 • 50min
Ep 67 | Woke CEOs, Alex Jones, Antitrust Push, Kansas Abortion, Crypto Crackdown
Ravi, Cory, and Rikki unpack a showdown between ‘Woke CEOs’ and conservative states that say: we don’t do business with outspoken lefties. They discuss Alex Jones’ trial and the bombshell revelations that his phone records revealed. Then the hosts take a look at the push inside the Biden administration to break apart large corporations. On the education beat, a number of grade schools are banning cellphones inside classrooms. Finally, they cover the Miami Dolphins scandal, a vote to protect abortion in red Kansas, and a potential crackdown on cryptocurrency.[0:50] Woke CEOs[14:20] Alex Jones[22:50] Antitrust Push[39:20] Kids' Cellphones[48:30] Kansan Abortion[49:25] Crypto CrackdownCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/05/ep-67/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Aug 2, 2022 • 48min
Ep 66 | Manchin Bill, Forward Party, Deshaun Watson, Monkeypox, A Tale of Two Erics
Ravi, Cory, and Rikki start with the Forward Party’s push to crash America’s two-party system before turning to the underwhelming punishment the NFL is handing down to Deshaun Watson. Then we revisit Will Smith and the Oscars slap, dive deep on Sen. Joe Manchin’s new budget bill, take stock of the Monkeypox outbreak, and marvel at Trump’s double Eric endorsement in Missouri. [1:02] Forward Party[10:35] DeShaun Watson Fallout[16:15] Will Smith Apology[21:04] Inflation Reduction Act[35:44] Monkeypox[42:40] Donald Trump and the Two EricsCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/08/03/ep-66/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate

Jul 28, 2022 • 47min
Ep 65 | Glen Greenwald & Alex Jones, Migrant Crisis, Comedy Cancellations, Homework
Ravi, Cory, and Rikki begin with the strange exchange between Glen Greenwald and Alex Jones this week before turning to a few instances of comedy meeting cancel culture. Then they turn to two stories stemming from the southern border – fingerpointing over migrants in major cities like New York and D.C., along with the multibillion dollar industry of smuggling migrants. Finally, the hosts wrap up with a debate on the value of homework and tick through a few rapid fire updates from a busy news week.[0:55] Glen Greenwald & Alex Jones[13:04] Comedy Cancellations[21:01] Migrant Crisis[34:53] Homework?[44:04] UpdatesCheck out our show notes: https://lostdebate.com/2022/07/29/ep-65/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/3Gs5YTFSubscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-lost-debateiheart: 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-debateLOST DEBATE ON SOCIAL:Follow Lost Debate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostdebate/Follow Lost Debate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostdebateFollow Lost Debate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelostdebate


