
The Disagreement
Two experts. One contentious topic. A different kind of conversation. Hosted by Alex Grodd.
Latest episodes

May 29, 2025 • 38min
Is College Worth It?
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.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 3min
Birthright Citizenship
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.

May 1, 2025 • 52min
Campus Deportations
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!

Apr 17, 2025 • 53min
Live @ SXSW EDU: School Choice
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.

Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 33min
The Future of Gender-Affirming Care & Trans Rights
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.

Mar 13, 2025 • 53min
The Telepathy Tapes, Autism, and the Paranormal
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.

Feb 27, 2025 • 48min
AI Literacy & Education
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.

Feb 20, 2025 • 47min
Abolish the Department of Education?
In this enlightening discussion, Michelle Dimino, the Education Program Director at Third Way, and Neal McCluskey, Director of Cato’s Center for Educational Freedom, debate the controversial relevance of the Department of Education. They explore the balance between federal and state control in education, analyzing policies like No Child Left Behind. The conversation also tackles the implications of Title IX enforcement and whether civil rights oversight could shift to other agencies, raising questions about equity and student outcomes.

Feb 11, 2025 • 58min
Trans Athletes & Elite Sports
Doriane Coleman, a Duke Law professor and elite track athlete, and Joanna Harper, a medical physicist and sports researcher, dive into the heated debate surrounding trans athletes in elite sports. They tackle complex questions about biological advantages and fairness, focusing on the impact of hormone therapy. The conversation highlights the need for nuanced policies that respect gender identity while ensuring competitive integrity. They also discuss the political implications and challenges faced by trans individuals in sports, emphasizing open dialogue and mutual respect.

Dec 12, 2024 • 43min
22: Should you punish your kids?
Destini Ann Davis, a peaceful parenting advocate with over 1.5 million TikTok followers and author of "Very Intentional Parenting," engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about discipline in child-rearing. They debate the nature of punishment versus nurturing practices, highlighting the importance of empathy and connection. The conversation touches on balancing freedom and boundaries, the significance of discipline in fostering authority, and creative strategies for cooperation in household tasks. Davis emphasizes compassion over fear, paving the way for empowered parenting.