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
7 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 53min
Legalize Assisted Suicide?
Peter Singer, utilitarian bioethicist advocating autonomy and reduced suffering; Andrew Solomon, psychologist and author sharing personal experience for regulated aid in dying; Daniel Sulmasy, physician-ethicist warning legalization undermines human dignity; Ilora Finlay, palliative physician stressing clinical uncertainty and coercion risks. They debate autonomy, safeguards, clinical judgment, slippery slopes, and physician integrity.
43 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 53min
Innovation or Intrusion: The Big Data Debate
In this insightful discussion, Carissa Véliz, an Associate Professor at Oxford known for her critique of data privacy, clashes with Kenneth Cukier, Deputy Executive Editor at The Economist and a big data advocate. Carissa passionately argues that mass surveillance undermines democracy and privacy, while Kenneth counters by highlighting how big data drives innovation in medicine and science. They tackle issues like data biases, regulation, and the ethical ramifications of technology, ultimately debating whether data serves as a tool for progress or a threat to freedom.
29 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 53min
Is It OK to Pay for Sex?
Kaytlin Bailey, a former sex worker and advocate for sex worker rights, challenges the stigma around decriminalization, arguing it increases safety and agency for workers. In contrast, Yasmin Vafa, a human rights attorney, advocates for the Nordic model, emphasizing its potential to reduce demand and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. The discussion dives into complex topics like the impact of different policies on trafficking, the dynamics of male and youth sex workers, and nuanced perspectives on when paying for sex might be acceptable.
28 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 53min
Does AA Work?
In this debate, recovery expert Dan Griffin and addiction psychologist Adi Jaffe tackle a hot topic: the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous. Dan highlights AA's widespread accessibility and supportive structure, while Adi critiques its low long-term success and its abstinence-only model that doesn’t work for everyone. They discuss if AA addresses underlying issues and the importance of community versus the potential for shaming. Personal motivations and the dominance of 12-step programs in treatment options are also explored, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
66 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 53min
Has Feminism Hurt Women?
Inez Stepman, a senior policy analyst who argues that certain feminist ideals undermine traditional family values, and Wendy Walsh, a relationship journalist who champions feminism for its legal protections and opportunities, dive deep into the complexities of modern feminism. The discussion explores the emotional impacts of careerism on women, highlights personal stories of overcoming adversity, and debates the implications of policy choices on family life. Packed with insights and real-life testimonies, this conversation challenges perceptions of feminism's role in women's lives.
32 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 54min
Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?
In this thought-provoking discussion, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy highlights the role of religious communities in fostering social connections. Harold Koenig shares research tying religion to mental health benefits. On the other hand, author Ruth Whippman argues that secular alternatives are more effective in addressing loneliness. Dan Barker offers a secular viewpoint, stating that loneliness stems from broader health issues rather than spirituality. The debate reveals the complexities of loneliness, challenging whether faith or inclusive communities better combat this modern epidemic.
132 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 53min
How to Resolve Conflicts in Relationships: A Conversation with Esther Perel
Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist and New York Times-bestselling author, joins John Donvan to explore the dynamics of conflict in relationships. Perel emphasizes that conflict isn’t inherently negative, but can be a catalyst for growth. She discusses how curiosity can diffuse tension and the importance of differentiating opinions rather than seeking immediate reconciliation. Touching on cultural influences on conflict, she also introduces her storytelling game as a tool for fostering intimacy. Through her insights, listeners learn to navigate disagreements with compassion and understanding.
44 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 53min
Tech Titans or Tyrants: Should the U.S. Government Break Up Big Tech?
In this thought-provoking discussion, Bharat Ramamurti, former Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, and Matt Stoller, an expert on monopoly power, argue for breaking up Big Tech due to its overwhelming influence on competition and democracy. On the other side, Geoffrey Manne from the International Center for Law & Economics and Jennifer Huddleston from the Cato Institute caution against such measures, warning they could harm consumer welfare and innovation. The debate dives into historical precedents, market power, and the implications for civic life.
23 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 34min
INSIDE THE DEBATE with John Donvan, Nayeema Raza, and Nick Gillespie
Join John Donvan with guests Nayeema Raza and Nick Gillespie as they dive into the art of moderating debates. Nayeema shares insights on keeping discussions civil in a polarized world, while Nick emphasizes the importance of vetting participants. They discuss what differentiates moderating from interviewing and explore strategies to manage heated exchanges without losing focus. The conversation highlights how effective moderation can foster genuine dialogue and how debates can shift perspectives, creating a more engaged community.
36 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 52min
Does the Effective Altruism Movement Get Giving Right?
In a riveting discussion, Peter Singer, a leading philosopher known for his work on effective altruism, goes head-to-head with Alice Crary, a critic advocating for broader measures of goodness. They dissect the complexities of effective altruism, from its evidence-based approach to charities to its potential pitfalls like neglecting social justice. Topics include the impact of randomized trials, the ethics of ‘earning to give,’ and the balance between measurable outcomes and systemic change. The debate offers a thought-provoking look at what it means to give effectively.
