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Open to Debate

Latest episodes

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9 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 53min

UNRESOLVED: The Future of the Supreme Court

Join former Senator Jeff Flake, law professors Cristina Rodríguez and Jamal Greene, and ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions as they tackle the future of the Supreme Court. They debate the contentious idea of term limits for justices, weighing potential benefits against risks of politicization. The conversation delves into judicial independence, external ethics codes, and the implications of expanding the court. The guests also address the striking trust gap between political parties and explore historical factors affecting the court’s legitimacy.
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26 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 53min

Has Legalizing Sports Gambling Become a Bad Bet?

Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute and certified gambling therapist, dives into the heated debate on legalizing sports gambling. He shares insights on the rise of gambling addiction and its impact on public health. The dialogue contrasts the economic benefits of legalization with ethical concerns and the risks to vulnerable populations. Personal stories of loss highlight the addiction crisis, while discussions reveal the need for effective regulation and collaboration to ensure safer gambling practices.
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15 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 53min

Prescription Weight Loss Drugs for All?

David Allison, an obesity researcher and distinguished professor at Indiana University, argues for universal access to weight loss drugs like GLP-1 agonists. In contrast, Stuart W. Flint, Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, calls for further research before widespread use. They delve into ethical dilemmas, balancing personal choice with societal responsibility, and discuss the risks of side effects versus the necessity of these medications for effective weight management. The conversation invites reflection on health implications for diverse populations.
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40 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 53min

Could Identity Politics Help Democrats Engage Men?

Jackson Katz, an educator and co-founder of the Young Men's Research Institute, teams up with Thomas Chatterton Williams, a staff writer at The Atlantic and visiting professor, to debate the role of identity politics in engaging male voters. They discuss the unique challenges facing men today, including health and education issues. Katz advocates for addressing men's narratives to reconnect with them, while Williams warns that focusing on identity could deepen divisions. The conversation dives deep into the need for inclusive narratives that resonate across diverse male experiences.
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15 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 55min

PODCAST BONUS RELEASE: Should the U.S. Ban TikTok?

Kori Schake, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Milton Mueller, a Professor at Georgia Tech, dive into the heated debate over the potential ban on TikTok. Schake argues from a national security perspective, highlighting espionage fears linked to its Chinese ownership. In contrast, Mueller defends the app's value for free expression and creativity, questioning government censorship. Together, they navigate the complex balance between privacy concerns and First Amendment rights, probing the implications for 170 million American users.
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13 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 53min

Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into Iran's urgent nuclear ambitions. He emphasizes the critical moment for the U.S. and allies to take decisive action against a nuclear-capable Iran. The discussion highlights complex strategies for prevention, weighing military action against diplomatic negotiations. Ben Taleblu also draws parallels with North Korea's situation, exploring regional destabilization risks and the pressing need for a renewed focus on containment and reconciliation.
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22 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 53min

Does AA Work?

Nayeema Raza, a journalist and co-host of the Semafor podcast 'Mixed Signals', moderates a spirited debate between Dan Griffin, an expert on Alcoholics Anonymous, and Adi Jaffe, founder of IGNTD. They discuss the effectiveness of AA, with Griffin defending its structure and community support, while Jaffe challenges the abstinence model and advocates for more personalized approaches to recovery. The dialogue also explores the complexities of addiction treatment and the need for inclusive alternatives beyond traditional methods.
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20 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 53min

Could Longevity Science Extend Your Health Span By Decades? Should the Government Fund It?

In this engaging discussion, Peter Diamandis, founder of the XPRIZE Foundation and author of the "Longevity Guidebook", explores the transformative potential of longevity science to potentially add decades of healthy living. Meanwhile, Ezekiel J. Emanuel, bioethicist and oncologist, raises concerns about government funding for such research and the ethical implications it entails. Together, they debate the balance between pursuing technological solutions and the vital importance of lifestyle choices for enhanced healthspan, leaving listeners pondering the future of aging and well-being.
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50 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 53min

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

In this engaging discussion, journalist Naima Reza moderates a captivating debate on happiness featuring Jeffrey Rosen, the CEO of the National Constitution Center and author on virtue's impact on American values. They tackle whether happiness should derive from virtue or pleasure, referencing philosophical giants like Socrates and Aristotle. The conversation highlights the significance of self-mastery, meaningful relationships, and the impact of income inequality. Ultimately, they balance the intertwined pursuit of pleasure and virtue in leading a fulfilling life.
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35 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 53min

Psychedelics for Mental Health: Help or Hype?

Ismail Ali, Director of Policy and Advocacy at MAPS, passionately supports psychedelics as promising mental health treatments, particularly for those unresponsive to conventional therapies. In contrast, Kevin Sabet, former White House drug policy advisor, raises alarms about the unknown long-term effects of these substances. They dive into the ethical concerns of legalization, the need for rigorous regulation, and the ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy of psychedelic research. Tune in for a thought-provoking clash on mental health and psychedelics!

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