

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

Oct 22, 2024 • 38min
Nevada Warning Signs, Latino Vote, and Immigration
Paola Ramos, an MSNBC contributor and author of 'Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right,' shares her insights on the shifting Latino vote and its implications for the upcoming election. She discusses how demographic shifts and complex identities influence voting behaviors, especially among younger Latinos. The conversation also highlights the evolving strategies of both major parties to engage this diverse electorate and the surprising gains Republicans are making in battleground states, complicating the political landscape.

Oct 21, 2024 • 48min
Is Donald Trump Winning the Election?
In this discussion, Russell Shaw, head of Georgetown Day School and expert in lighthouse parenting, dives into guiding children's growth while granting them independence. He sheds light on the importance of fostering student voices and highlights the transformative role of technology in education. They also tackle challenges in middle school parenting and the essential skills needed for success beyond prestigious colleges. Shaw advocates for experiential education to cultivate resilience and teamwork, making a compelling case for preparing kids for real-world challenges.

Oct 17, 2024 • 46min
How to Motivate Young People
Ravi welcomes Dr. David Yeager, an experimental developmental psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin and author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People." They delve into how motivations tied to status and identity shape adolescent behavior. Dr. Yeager shares insights on bridging communication gaps between adults and youth, the impact of clever advertising on teen choices, and the significance of understanding young identities in fostering genuine motivation. It’s a fascinating exploration of connecting with the next generation!

Oct 16, 2024 • 46min
Censorship, Crime, and Trust in America
Jacob Sullum, a journalist at Reason magazine, discusses the complex landscape of censorship and social media bias, examining how political narratives shape crime perceptions. He highlights disparities in moderation based on ideological lines. Kristen Bellstrom, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, uncovers the long-term decline of trust in American institutions since the 1970s and the underlying factors contributing to this erosion. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and grassroots efforts to rebuild confidence in government and media.

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 18min
America's Economy v. the World, Trump v. Harris on Education Policy
Beth Hawkins, an educational reporter at The 74, shares her insights on the K-12 education landscape and the upcoming presidential race. She delves into the stark contrasts between candidates' education policies and discusses the long-term impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans' school system. Hawkins highlights the successes and challenges of the city's charter school reform, emphasizing community involvement and lessons learned. The conversation also touches on broader educational reforms and innovation, painting a complex picture of America's educational future.

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 11min
Polls, Persuasion, and Precincts: Breaking Down the Final Stretch
Kim Wehle, a tenured law professor and legal contributor, joins to dissect pressing electoral issues. They explore the implications of recent election laws in states like Georgia and Pennsylvania, particularly around voter access and integrity. Wehle also dives into notorious election fraud claims and their ramifications, while discussing her book, Pardon Power, which examines the complexities of presidential pardons, including Trump's promises regarding January 6th participants. A thought-provoking conversation on law and politics in a pivotal election year!

Oct 10, 2024 • 53min
The Crisis of Trust in Medicine
Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon and healthcare policy researcher at Johns Hopkins, dives into critical issues in modern medicine. He discusses misconceptions that have harmed public health, including overlooked vaccine risks and the peanut allergy epidemic. The conversation highlights the crisis of trust fueled by corruption in health agencies and media misinformation. Makary advocates for patient advocacy and addressing root causes of health challenges, emphasizing the need for transparency and civil discourse in medicine.

Oct 9, 2024 • 56min
Free-Range Kids
Lenore Skenazy, known as 'America’s Worst Mom,' is the author of Free-Range Kids and president of Let Grow. In an engaging discussion, she tackles the rise of helicopter parenting and the fear-driven narratives that dominate today's media. Lenore emphasizes the need for childhood autonomy to foster resilience and critiques the societal shift towards overprotection. She also highlights the importance of unstructured play and collective educational solutions to encourage independence, while navigating the challenges parents face amid societal judgment.

Oct 8, 2024 • 54min
Inside the 2024 Digital Battle
Kyle Tharp, author of the FWIW newsletter, dives into the transformative digital strategies reshaping elections. He discusses how campaigns are leveraging platforms like TikTok and Facebook to capture voter engagement. The conversation highlights the rise of online misinformation and its potential impact on voter perception. Tharp also touches on how grassroots movements are gaining traction and emphasizes the importance of understanding social media dynamics in the upcoming election landscape.

Oct 7, 2024 • 51min
A Hurricane of Misinformation, October 7th Reflections
Joining Ravi is Isaac Saul, the founder of Tangle News, known for his unbiased coverage of political issues. They dive into the chaos surrounding Hurricane Helene, discussing how misleading narratives from figures like Elon Musk hinder recovery efforts. The conversation shifts as they reflect on the one-year anniversary of October 7, offering insights into the evolving Israeli and Palestinian perspectives. They also touch on how the ongoing conflict shapes U.S. politics, particularly ahead of upcoming elections.


