The Disagreement

Today, we’re continuing our How to Disagree series with an episode called How to Disagree On Gaza and Zohran Mamdani.A reminder: these episodes feature coaching sessions and real-life disagreements. Our goal is to equip everyone with the skills (and some inspiration) to more productively disagree.Please note: this session was recorded live, on Substack, this summer. And as you know, quite a lot has changed since then…But with the NYC mayoral election today, we thought this was the right time to share this conversation.In this episode, journalist, podcast host and author Anya Kamenetz meets with the New York Times best-selling conflict guru, Amanda Ripley. Anya was struggling with discussing not only the war in Gaza, but also how the war, and divergent information sources, were complicating discussions with a close friend over Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy in the New York City mayor’s race.The session features in-depth coaching from Amanda on the concepts of “looping” an opposing argument and identifying the “understory,” tools we can all use to keep our disagreements healthy. And if you’re listening from NYC, perhaps they can specifically help in conversations unfolding in your own life.The Questions:How do we discuss politics with friends and family who are not only reading different news sources, but who have internalized beliefs different to our own?How do you listen tactically and how can you encourage those in your life to do the same?How can you identify the understory for yourself and your counterpart in a disagreement?The GuestsAnya Kamenetz is a journalist and the author of The Gold Hour on Substack. Her work primarily focuses on the intersection of children, well-being, education, and climate change. She covered education for many years, including for NPR, where she co-created the podcast Life Kit: Parenting. Her last book was The Stolen Year: How Covid Changed Children’s Lives, And Where We Go Now.Amanda Ripley is a New York Times bestselling author, a Washington Post contributing columnist, and the co-founder of Good Conflict, a media and training company that helps people reimagine conflict. She has written three award-winning, nonfiction books about three very different subjects: High Conflict, The Smartest Kids in the World, and The Unthinkable 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/

Today, we’re doing the second episode in our new series: How to Disagree.A reminder: these episodes feature coaching sessions and real-life disagreements. Our goal is to equip everyone with the skills (and some inspiration) to more productively disagree. On to the episode…You know that feeling when you walk into a room and realize someone’s talking about you? Imagine that on steroids: you tune into a Substack Live to learn your friend is talking about your disagreement in front of an audience! That’s exactly the set up for today’s episode, a follow-up to How to Disagree about Gender with a Close Friend (Part I). In Part II, we get to hear from Larissa Phillips’ friend, “Jane,” and see them bring Bob Bordone’s coaching to life as they navigate their disagreement and a new chapter in their friendship.The Questions:Is it possible to remain close friends after growing apart ideologically?How can you remain curious when you strongly disagree?Are there some topics we should avoid entirely as friends? Is gender one of them? And how did it get this way?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. Christina Thyssen is a writer, story coach, and professor of writing and literature at the University at Albany. She is the co-founder of Hudson Valley Story Workshops and runs a story slam in Catskill, NY. Christina also teaches writing and storytelling to prisoners. A special thank you to Larissa and Christina for going on this journey with us. It took a tremendous amount of courage. And if you haven’t already, check out Larissa’s excellent article on her experience with us in The Free Press. 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/

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.