The Disagreement

Today, we’re introducing the first episode in a new series: How to Disagree. As we expand our work to model and enable productive disagreement across lines of difference, we are trying something new with “How To Disagree.” Instead of bringing together experts to have a productive disagreement on social or political issues, we’re delving into interpersonal disagreements.Episodes will feature coaching sessions with an individual struggling with a real-life disagreement (with a friend, family member or colleague) working with a world-class conflict resolution expert. Through these sessions, our guests will learn how to approach their particular rift, as well as more general skills and tools on how to more productively disagree. The first in this series is How to Disagree About Gender with a Close Friend, featuring Larissa Phillips. We actually recorded this session with Larissa live on Substack, and are very excited to share a produced version with you. Also, check out Larissa’s excellent article on her experience with us in The Free Press.The Questions:How do we discuss politics with our friends when we don’t see eye to eye?How do we engage one another without trying to persuade?How do we prepare for disagreements on hot button topics like gender?The GuestsLarissa Phillips is a columnist for The Free Press whose work focuses on finding community and fostering relationships as a Democrat living in the rural Hudson Valley. She is also the Director and Founder of the Volunteer Literacy Project, teaching basic literacy to adults. Bob Bordone is a senior fellow at Harvard Law School who has spent the last 25 years teaching negotiation and conflict resolution. He teaches negotiation to individuals and teams with a particular interest in addressing the United States’ polarized climate. Bob recently wrote a book with a neuroscientist called Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In. Questions or comments about this episode? Email us at podcast@thedisagreement.com or find us on X and Instagram @thedisagreementhq. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thedisagreement.substack.com/

In this discussion, Eric Westendorf, Co-CEO of CourseMojo and ed-tech innovator, and Justin Reich, MIT professor and author, dive into the controversial role of AI in education. They explore AI's current state, addressing fears about cheating and student disengagement. Eric shares how AI can enhance classroom dynamics by providing real-time feedback, while Justin warns about the limitations of tech-alone solutions. Both guests emphasize the need for coherent curricula, balancing optimism and skepticism as they envision AI's future impact on learning.

Ian Rowe, CEO of Vertex Partnership Academies and author, teams up with Stefan Redding-Lollinger, Executive Director of Next100 and education policy advocate, to discuss the contentious role of selective public high schools. They examine the effectiveness of standardized entrance exams and whether these schools truly promote diversity and equity. The conversation probes the racial demographics of elite schools, advocating for holistic admissions processes that could level the playing field for underprivileged students and address systemic inequities in education.

Join Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and author of 'Apprentice Nation', alongside Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance. They dive into whether traditional college still holds value in today's economy and the potential of skills-based alternatives. Key discussions include the gap between college curriculums and job market demands, the need for institutional reforms, and the growing importance of adaptability and social skills. They even tackle the idea of apprenticeships versus conventional degrees with a touch of humor.

In this discussion, Cristina Rodríguez, a Yale Law professor and co-chair of the Supreme Court Commission, teams up with Rod D. Martin, a political commentator and former advisor. They dissect the profound implications of birthright citizenship, rooted in the 14th Amendment. Key topics include the historical context of landmark cases like Wong Kim Ark, and the ongoing legal battles over children's citizenship rights amidst ever-evolving immigration policies. Their debate highlights the urgent need for a nuanced conversation around these critical issues.

Ilya Shapiro, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and Graeme Wood, a Yale political science lecturer and Atlantic staff writer, dive into controversial campus deportations involving students like Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk. They dissect the legal nuances surrounding due process and free speech, questioning the implications for academic freedom. The duo also examines the broader impact on American identity, exploring how these cases resonate with issues of anti-Semitism and community dynamics. Engaging and thought-provoking!

Shaka Mitchell, a Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, and Jaime Puente, Director of Economic Opportunity at Every Texan, dive into the heated debate around Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). They explore how these accounts allow families to customize educational funding while weighing the potential risks for public schools and equity. Personal stories highlight their advocacy journeys, and the discussion paints a complex picture of school choice dynamics, including the impact of COVID-19 and funding disparities in education.

Marci Bowers, a seasoned pelvic surgeon and former president of WPATH, joins political commentator and trans rights advocate Brianna Wu. They dive into the evolving landscape of gender-affirming care for youth, addressing recent legislative changes that challenge access to care. The discussion touches on the importance of informed consent, personal narratives, and the complexities of treatment standards. Bowers and Wu emphasize the need for compassionate, evidence-based approaches while advocating for unity among medical professionals in the fight for trans rights.

Zaid Jilani, a journalist focused on politics and culture, and Jeffrey Kripal, a philosophy professor and author, tackle the provocative claims of The Telepathy Tapes. They explore whether nonverbal autistic individuals truly possess telepathic abilities, critically examining the impacts of such claims on the autistic community. The discussion navigates the intersection of skepticism, science, and belief, emphasizing the ethical considerations surrounding facilitated communication techniques. They advocate for open-mindedness while calling for integrity in evaluating extraordinary claims.

Benjamin Riley, founder of Cognitive Resonance, and Alex Kotran, CEO of The AI Education Project, dive into a lively debate on teaching AI literacy in K-12 education. They explore the pros and cons of AI’s role in classrooms, stressing the importance of critical thinking and the risks of over-reliance on technology. Their discussion also touches on AI ethics and the need to prepare students for a future where AI is ubiquitous. Their varying views highlight the complexities of integrating AI into education while ensuring ethical considerations are front and center.