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PODCAST

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,

society & culture

All Episodes

55:48

Did Harvard Have It Coming?

Open to Debate ·

2025/07/15

The Trump administration enacted severe actions against Harvard University that threaten its endowment, funding, and ability to enroll international students, based on accusations of antisemitism. Do these actions go too far? Prominent voices long affiliated with Harvard – former university president Larry Summers and law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz — engage in a nuanced debate and provocative discussion: Did Harvard Have It Coming? Arguing Yes: Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Professor of Law

en

53:15

Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice...

Open to Debate ·

2025/07/08

As an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court for almost three decades, Stephen Breyer was no stranger to hearing arguments for different sides in major cases. In this episode, our moderator-in-chief, John Donvan, and Chief Content Officer, Lia Matthow, interview Justice Breyer and discuss his book “Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, not Textualism.” He discusses how he used this philosophy to guide his decisions and why he thinks jurists should choose this approach. Our Guest:

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53:15

Are Sanctions An Effective Policy Tool?

Open to Debate ·

2025/07/01

Open to Debate, in partnership with the Human Rights Foundation and the Oslo Freedom Forum, is examining a strategy employed by many countries to respond to aggressive or authoritarian regimes. In recent years, these have been levied against countries such as Russia, Venezuela, and Iran, which have ranged from freezing assets and trade bans to travel restrictions and full embargoes. But do sanctions work in deterring repression? Those arguing that they’re effective claim that they’re a nonviolent

en

53:15

Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally?

Open to Debate ·

2025/06/24

Under President Trump, America’s role on the global stage is being redefined — but can other countries trust its allyship under his leadership? Critics argue his transactional approach and threats to abandon allies undermine trust and force nations to reconsider their security. Supporters counter that demanding more from partners is “tough love” that will lead to stronger, more balanced alliances. Now we debate: Is Trump’s America a Reliable Ally? Arguing Yes: Joshua Shifrinson, Associate

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50:30

Free Speech in the Trump 2.0 Era

Open to Debate ·

2025/06/17

The new Trump presidency has led to pressure on the First Amendment, and the lines between free expression and political enforcement are blurring. Those who say speech is now freer argue that his actions are restoring viewpoint diversity. Those who argue it’s more restricted argue it’s a crackdown on speech that doesn’t align with the administration’s views, especially in Harvard’s case. In partnership with the Cascades PBS Ideas Festival, we debate free speech’s evolution in the Trump 2.0

en

51:17

BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A...

Open to Debate ·

2025/06/13

In light of today's breaking news—Israel’s targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, and Iran's retaliation—we are re-releasing our episode that confronts one of the most urgent questions of our time. Originally aired in January 2025, this debate has only grown more relevant, with our two experts offering insights critical for understanding the road ahead.Iran is getting closer to developing its first nuclear weapon. With tensions rising in the Middle East, should the U.S

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53:15

Trump's Russia Policies: Return to Normalcy or Defeat...

Open to Debate ·

2025/06/10

As he did in this first presidential term, President Trump has continued to signal closer alignment with Vladimir Putin. This included a tense February Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he claimed Ukraine was responsible for the war. The U.S. also joined Russia in voting against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s action in Ukraine and Vice President Vance has called for a re-evaluation of the U.S.'s relationship with NATO. Could these actions, and

en

71:19

Think Twice: Original Sin with Jake Tapper and Alex...

Open to Debate ·

2025/05/27

Coming off the long weekend, an early release of this week's episode:The first 2024 presidential debate was a turning point in President Biden’s candidacy. In this episode, moderator-in-chief John Donvan and chief content officer Lia Matthow sit down with CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson to discuss the book that has Washington buzzing: “Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.” They discuss what transpired before, during, and

en

50:30

Is Trump Good for Israel?

Open to Debate ·

2025/05/23

With Trump’s return to office, some have high hopes for his relationship with Israel. But amid the Gaza war, will his policies help? Those arguing “yes” say Trump has given Israel unprecedented backing and would continue shifting U.S. policy in favor of Israeli sovereignty and security. Those arguing “no” are concerned that his policies would result in trouble for Gaza and make a two-state solution less feasible. Now we debate: Is Trump Good for Israel? Arguing Yes: Einat Wilf, Former Member of

en

53:15

Can the U.S. Outpace China in AI Through Chip Controls?

Open to Debate ·

2025/05/16

The AI revolution is underway, and the U.S. and China are racing to the top. At the heart of this competition are semiconductors—especially advanced GPUs that power everything from natural language processing to autonomous weapons. The U.S. is betting that export controls can help check China’s technological ambitions. But will this containment strategy work—or could it inadvertently accelerate China’s drive for self-sufficiency? Those who think chip controls will work argue that restricting China’s

en

53:15

Trump’s First 100 Days: The Economic Agenda

Open to Debate ·

2025/05/09

The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have come with a wide range of changes for the nation’s economy and global supply chains. Could these changes lead to a more prosperous America, or hardship for individuals and businesses? In partnership with Bloomberg, five renowned economists look at President Trump’s economic agenda during his first 100 days and discuss tariffs as a strategy, whether deregulation is good for growth, and whether the President's "medicine" means a

en

53:15

Think Twice: The Stoic Capitalist with Robert Rosenkranz

Open to Debate ·

2025/05/02

From modest beginnings to a distinguished career, Robert Rosenkranz, the chairman of Delphi Capital Management and founder of Open to Debate, has used Stoic wisdom to navigate challenges, innovations, and business relationships. In this conversation, John Donvan speaks with Rosenkranz about his new book, “The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious,” how ancient philosophy shaped his pivotal moments, why he launched Open to Debate, and how disciplined thinking can unlock enduring

en

53:15

Should the U.S. Decouple from China?

Open to Debate ·

2025/04/25

For decades, China has been central for global supply chains and a primary U.S. trade partner, but as China’s influence grows, should the U.S. cut economic ties, or stay engaged? Those in favor of decoupling say it is vital for protecting national security and reducing reliance on China’s supply chains. Those against decoupling argue doing so would harm U.S. businesses, stall innovation, and deepen global divides. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Decouple from China?Arguing Yes: Derek Scissors,

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53:15

Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the...

Open to Debate ·

2025/04/18

The U.S. has long balanced military strength with soft power in the Middle East through agencies like USAID. With the Trump administration reversing these policies, is this a necessary realignment—or a costly retreat? Those against these changes argue this will boost rivals like Iran and China and harm America’s image. Those hailing them argue it’s a necessary correction, favoring clear, transactional geopolitical goals over costly diplomacy. Now we debate: Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power

en

53:15

Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars?

Open to Debate ·

2025/04/11

NASA, SpaceX, and other private companies are working on plans to make Mars humanity’s next frontier. However, should settling Mars be one of America’s priorities? Those arguing “yes” say the U.S. should do it first before China does, and it would lead to new advances in science and technology. But those against doing so say there are big issues that would make colonization difficult for humanity. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars? Arguing Yes: Eric Berger, Senior Space

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53:15

Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism?

Open to Debate ·

2025/04/04

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's gold standard, promising that journalists would stick “to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, excluding their personal views. Those in support say it builds trust and gives newsreaders the information they need to form their own opinions. Those against say it suppresses certain valuable viewpoints and that some issues don’t merit the "both sides" treatment. Now, we debate: "Is Objectivity Essential in Journalism?” Arguing

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43:26

Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Is the Future Bleak?

Open to Debate ·

2025/04/02

Today we’re bringing you an episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions, the new podcast by one of our frequent guest moderators, Nayeema Raza. Nayeema asks the questions we’re all thinking to big thinkers in this new show. It is brimming with curiosity, open-mindedness and a willingness to learn – values we hold dear at Open to Debate. As fertility rates plummet, and Millenials and Gen Z increasingly cite climate change and the state of the world as reasons they’re not having children, Nayeema asks: is

en

53:15

Think Twice: About Abundance with Derek Thompson

Open to Debate ·

2025/03/28

Reporter and podcaster Derek Thompson says we’re better at recognizing problems, but our ability to solve them has not improved. How can we make sure meaningful progress occurs? In this conversation with Open to Debate guest moderator Nayeema Raza, Thompson will discuss his new book “Abundance,” rethinking yesterday’s issues to address today’s problems, and what both sides of the political aisle should learn to ensure we have a more abundant society. Our Guest: Derek Thompson, Staff Writer at The

en

53:15

Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap?

Open to Debate ·

2025/03/21

American women are, on average, paid 84 cents for every dollar men make, according to the Department of Labor. This wage gap has persisted despite near-record rates of women’s participation in the labor market, with wage gaps even larger for women in minority populations, and it’s estimated that pay parity will not be achieved until 2052. Should policy interventions address these disparities, or is it more important to recognize and honor women's personal decisions and find another way to look at

en

53:15

UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting?

Open to Debate ·

2025/03/14

UNRWA and other peacekeeping forces in the Middle East play an important role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but do they do enough? Those saying they help argue that they act as buffers between warring factions, preventing wider regional escalation. Those saying they hurt argue they fail to maintain neutrality. Now we debate: UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting? Arguing Helping: Richard Gowan, UN and Multilateral Diplomacy Director at the International Crisis Group Arguing

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275 results

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