Open to Debate
Open to Debate
America is more divided than ever—but it doesn’t have to be. Open to Debate offers an antidote to the chaos. We bring multiple perspectives together for real, nonpartisan debates. Debates that are structured, respectful, clever, provocative, and driven by the facts. Open to Debate is on a mission to restore balance to the public square through expert moderation, good-faith arguments, and reasoned analysis. We examine the issues of the day with the world’s most influential thinkers spanning science, technology, politics, culture, and global affairs. It’s time to build a stronger, more united democracy with the civil exchange of ideas. Be open-minded. Be curious. Be ready to listen. Join us in being Open to Debate. (Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S.)
Episodes
Mentioned books
34 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 53min
Is Our Productivity Culture Toxic?
Jennifer Moss, a workplace culture expert, discusses the rise of burnout and stresses the need for healthier environments. Amy Edmondson focuses on psychological safety in organizations, while David Allen shares his stress-free productivity methods. Rahaf Harfoush critiques the relentless hustle culture shaped by technology, highlighting its societal impacts. They debate whether our obsession with productivity is toxic or if it's our definitions of success that need rethinking, encouraging a shift towards meaningful work and collective success.
27 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 53min
Is It Time for the Catholic Church to Ordain Women as Deacons?
Pia de Solenni, a theologian and former chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, argues against the ordination of women as deacons, highlighting theological implications and the current roles women play in the Church. Conversely, Casey Stanton from Discerning Deacons advocates for women’s ordination, citing historical precedents and a push for modern inclusivity. The discussion delves into early Church traditions, the evolving role of women, and the potential for reform within Catholicism amid changing societal expectations.
Aug 5, 2025 • 53min
Think Twice: The Idaho Four Tragedy with Vicky Ward
Vicky Ward, an Emmy-winning journalist and co-author of 'The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy,' dives into the complexities surrounding the tragic murder of four University of Idaho students. She explores the emotional toll on victims' families amid rampant online speculation and the role of investigative genealogy in solving the case. Vicky discusses communication failures between police and journalists, the implications of incel ideology, and the epidemic of male loneliness linked to these events. Her insights urge listeners to reflect on broader societal themes.
8 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?
Thao Ha, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University and expert in AI and romantic relationships, delves into the controversial idea of dating AI versus humans. She argues that AI can offer empathy and safety, making it appealing for those feeling isolated in traditional dating. However, the conversation also highlights the complexities of emotional intimacy that AI can't replicate. The debate addresses trust issues, ethical concerns, and the societal impact of AI in love, ultimately questioning the depth of connections in a tech-driven world.
51 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 53min
Two Conservatives Debate: Is the Big, Beautiful Bill a Disaster?
Jessica Riedl, an economist at the Manhattan Institute, and Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a policy director at The Heritage Foundation, engage in a spirited debate about the recently signed One Big, Beautiful Bill. Riedl argues that it could lead to increased national debt and negatively affect ordinary Americans, while Furchtgott-Roth counters that it may stimulate growth and job creation. They discuss the tension between fiscal responsibility and economic investment, touching on key issues like Medicaid reforms, tax policies, and the challenges of the legislative process.
23 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 56min
Did Harvard Have It Coming?
Larry Summers, former President of Harvard and economic advisor, and Alan Dershowitz, a civil liberties lawyer and law professor emeritus at Harvard, engage in a heated debate over the Trump administration's actions against the university. They explore the implications of accusations of antisemitism, the tension between academic freedom and institutional responsibility, and the complexities of diversity initiatives. With sharp insights, they tackle the question of accountability in elite education and the impact on Jewish students amid rising tensions.
20 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 53min
Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice Stephen Breyer
Stephen Breyer, a former Supreme Court Justice, shares insights from his nearly 30-year tenure on the bench and his book on constitutional pragmatism. He contrasts textualism with a pragmatic approach, arguing for decisions shaped by context rather than strict interpretation. The conversation covers the complexities of legal text interpretation, the challenges surrounding gun regulations, and the importance of judicial integrity. Breyer reflects on the emotional weight of landmark decisions and the necessity of understanding differing viewpoints in legal debates.
16 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 53min
Are Sanctions An Effective Policy Tool?
Join Leopoldo Lopez, a Venezuelan opposition leader and pro-democracy activist, along with Artie McConnell, a former federal prosecutor, and Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow at Chatham House, as they dive into the complex world of sanctions. They debate the effectiveness of these policies in challenging authoritarian regimes. Lopez shares personal stories of resistance from within Venezuela, while the group discusses the unintended consequences on civilians and the importance of a nuanced approach. Can sanctions truly promote democracy, or do they merely exacerbate suffering?
31 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 53min
Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally?
In this discussion, guests Joshua Shifrinson, an expert on international security, and Kelly Grieco from the Stimson Center argue that Trump's provocative approach can ultimately strengthen alliances through tough love. In contrast, Liana Fix, a Fellow at the CFR, and foreign policy scholar Charles Kupchan emphasize that the unpredictability under Trump's leadership is eroding trust among allies, especially in Europe and Asia. They delve into concerns about American reliability, the implications of domestic politics on global commitments, and the potential rise of nuclear capabilities in allied nations.
42 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 51min
Free Speech in the Trump 2.0 Era
Join Nadine Strossen, a former ACLU president and free speech advocate, Brandi Kruse, an Emmy-winning journalist, and Nick Gillespie, a libertarian commentator, as they dive into the evolving dynamics of free speech under Trump 2.0. They tackle media censorship, the impact of federal funding cuts on public broadcast integrity, and the chilling effects intensifying amidst political polarization. The trio engages in a spirited debate about the intersection of governmental influence, educational free speech, and the responsibilities of legacy media, all while advocating for civil liberties.
