
For the Sake of Argument
Interviews and Debates with leaders in Philosophy, Politics, and Science
Latest episodes

Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 1min
#85: What is Consciousness? Bernardo Kastrup vs Susan Blackmore
Bernardo Kastrup is a philosopher and computer scientist known for advocating "analytic idealism," the view that reality is fundamentally mental. He has published influential books and articles challenging materialist views of consciousness and has a background in artificial intelligence research.
Susan Blackmore is a psychologist, writer, and visiting professor known for her work in consciousness studies, including research on memes, out-of-body experiences, and the nature of self. She is the author of The Meme Machine and has contributed extensively to debates on consciousness and the role of cultural evolution.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Nov 12, 2024 • 49min
#84: How Jordan Jonas Survived the Arctic & Siberia
Jordan Jonas is the winner of Alone Season 6, spent many years living with nomadic reindeer herders in Siberia, and has survived in the most extreme of climates and situations.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 20min
#83: Destiny vs Jubilee MAGA Debater
Destiny (Steven Bonnell) debates Luke Melkesian after their Jubilee debate.
Topics: Trump vs Kamala on the border; FDA; Vaccines, Immigrations.
Steven Bonnell II, known as Destiny, is a live-streamer and political commentator. He was among the first people to stream video games online full-time and received attention as a pioneer of the industry.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Oct 23, 2024 • 1h 2min
#82: "Is Israel HURTING Itself?" Good-Faith DEBATE
Doran Shafrir (@TheEasyWayDMS) and Socratease (https://www.youtube.com/@UC7sMvtlMXQ7VpZvJg0HRRvA ) debate the morality and practicality of Israel's policies and military actions in the West Bank and in Gaza.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Oct 16, 2024 • 55min
#81: Yishai Fleisher Israel-Palestine DEBATE
Yishai Fleisher is the International Spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Hebron. Yishai works closely with US, Israeli, and global legislators and influencers on issues such as fighting BDS, recognizing Israeli indigeneity, fighting historical appropriation, and strengthening the Jewish people’s presence in Judea and Samaria.
For the Sake of Argument Podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield
Timeline:

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 12min
#79: Destiny vs Einat Wilf (Israel-Palestine)
Destiny (Steven Bonnell) and Einat Wilf debate Israel-Palestine.
Steven Bonnell II, known as Destiny, is a live-streamer and political commentator. He debated Mouin Rabbani and Norman Finkelstein with Benny Morris on the Lex Fridman podcast.
Einat Wilf is a former member of the Knesset and Lieutenant in the IDF. Wilf then went to Harvard University, receiving a BA in government and fine arts, before earning an MBA from INSEAD in France, and subsequently a PhD in political science at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield
Timeline:
00:00 - Introduction
08:00 - Palestinianism vs Zionism
18:50 - Why did the Arabs Reject the Jews?
44:32 - The West Bank
56:20 - The Blockade

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 9min
#78: Gideon Levy vs Destiny: Israel-Palestine Debate
Gideon Levy and Destiny (Steven Bonnell) debate Israel-Palestine, the war, and discuss a solution.
Gideon Levy is an Israeli journalist and author who writes for Haaretz - focussing on the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Levy has won prizes for his articles on human rights in the Israeli-occupied territories.
Steven Bonnell II, known as Destiny, is a live-streamer and political commentator. He was among the first people to stream video games online full-time and received attention as a pioneer of the industry.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield
Timeline:
00:00 - Introductions
09:35 - Is Israel an Apartheid State?
19:56 - Are there problems with a Jewish state?
30:00 - The Failed Peace Process
36:37 - What is the Solution?
40:28 - One State vs Two State Solution

Sep 27, 2024 • 55min
#77: How to Have a Meaningful Life | Oliver Burkeman
Oliver Burkeman explains how to make the most of our limited time on earth, and how to have a meaningful lfie.
Oliver Burkeman is an author, journalist, and writer the weekly column "This Column Will Change Your Life" for the newspaper The Guardian. He published "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, a self-help book on the philosophy and psychology of time management and happiness."
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 14min
#76: Trump vs Harris: The Fight for Democracy | Krassenstein vs Kaufmann vs Brodsky
Brian Krassenstein, Eric Kaufmann, Katherine Brodsky, and Jake Newfield discuss Trump vs Harris and Liberal vs Conservative ideologies.
Brian Krassenstein is a political commentator, journalist, and entrepreneur recognized for his active social media presence and advocacy on progressive issues. He co-founded HillReporter and is known for his efforts to challenge misinformation and promote civic discourse.
Eric Kaufmann is a prominent political scientist and author whose research focuses on the complex intersections of cultural identity, nationalism, and demographic change. He is widely regarded for his thought-provoking analysis of immigration, populism, and the future of Western societies.
Katherine Brodsky is a journalist and writer who has gained acclaim for her insightful interviews and in-depth coverage of the entertainment industry, pop culture, and psychology. Her work often explores the intricacies of storytelling and human behavior, bringing a unique perspective to her subjects.

Sep 25, 2024 • 52min
#75: Wajahat Ali Dismantles Islamophobic Narratives
Wajahat Ali is a New York Times writer, TED Talk Speaker, journalist, and public speaker known for his insights on politics, culture, and religion. He is also the author of "Go Back to Where You Came From" and a prominent advocate for social justice and inclusion.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield