Lost Debate

Political technologist Eric Wilson joins Ravi to explore the rapidly changing world of political campaigning. They discuss why podcasts were a major player in the 2024 election, the ways the new media landscape will continue to shape politics, and what campaigns should do in response. Ravi and Eric also explore the fragmentation of media consumption, how traditional field operations have struggled...

Ravi sits down with New York Times education reporter and bestselling author Dana Goldstein to unpack the Trump administration’s early moves on education policy. They begin by examining the administration’s immigration agenda, its potential impact on the 700,000+ undocumented school-age children in the U.S., and why there’s still much to learn about how policy changes could be enforced. They then...

Ravi sits down with Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust, to explore the groundbreaking education reforms that have elevated Indianapolis into a national example of excellence in public education. From charter schools to innovative community-driven models, Brandon shares how educators and advocates have harnessed the three pillars of success—autonomy, accountability, and leadership—to build a sust...

Ravi welcomes Jeff Asher, a leading crime data analyst, to break down the complexities of crime statistics in America. They discuss Jeff’s report, "Crime in 2024: A Historic Drop in Murder with Declining Violent and Property Crime" and his predictions for 2025 crime trends. Jeff highlights the recent decline in crime rates across the country, particularly in New Orleans, and examines the factors c...

Ravi welcomes Bradley Tusk back to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on some of today’s most pressing issues. They kick things off with an analysis of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, exploring the geopolitical forces at play and the role Trump’s impending return to the White House may have had on its timing. They then shift focus to New York City politics. Can Eric Adams pull off a reelect...

Ravi welcomes M. Nolan Gray, city planner and housing expert, to discuss his insightful Atlantic piece, “How Well-Intentioned Policies Fueled L.A.’s Fires.” They dive into the Los Angeles fires, the media narratives surrounding the crisis, and the politicized responses. Ravi and Nolan examine how certain housing policies exacerbated the disaster and explore the challenges posed by insurance, land...

Ravi kicks off the show by reflecting on the devastating California wildfires, delving into their economic impact, the challenges state and local officials face, and the looming threat of a home insurance crisis that could reshape the state’s future. Next, Ravi sits down with New York Times reporter Roni Rabin to unpack two critical public health issues: fluoride in drinking water and alcohol cons...

Meta announced today that it will end its fact-checking program as part of the company’s repositioning ahead of the upcoming Trump presidency. Ravi takes a closer look at the decision, what it suggests about Big Tech’s approach to the shifting political landscape, and the broader civic implications of Trump’s presidency. Vanity Fair’s Katherine Eban then joins Ravi to discuss the rise of the MAHA...

Ravi welcomes bestselling author Charles Duhigg to dive into the intricacies of habit formation and the nuances of effective communication. From rethinking New Year’s resolutions to understanding the psychology of “super communication,” they unpack practical strategies to reshape behavior and foster meaningful relationships. Charles shares stories from his groundbreaking books, The Power of Habit...

Journalist Helen Lewis of The Atlantic joins Ravi to dive into her new piece, "The ‘Mainstream Media’ Has Already Lost," as they explore the shifting media landscape and its implications for politics. They discuss the rise of independent media, its challenges to traditional outlets, and the complex role of podcasts and influencers in shaping public opinion. Helen offers insights into the evolving...

Is DEI fixing higher education – or breaking it? Ravi explores this question with New York Times journalist Nick Confessore and University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, using Michigan as a case study to better understand what happens when a university’s mission collides with ideology.  Nick shares more about his investigative reporting on how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have gr...

Ravi welcomes back journalist and author Bethany McLean to explore the contentious public response to the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, what it reveals about the growing normalization of political violence, and the deepening anger towards America’s healthcare system. They then turn to the rise of forces like private equity and the Make America Healthy Again movement as they...

Ravi dives into the history and resurgence of tariffs in American politics with economic historian Phil Magness. From the Hamilton-Jefferson debates to the possible implications of Trump’s proposed tariffs, Ravi and Phil explore the complexities of tariffs as both economic tools and political weapons, how these policies have shaped America’s past, and what their resurgence means for the future. Le...

Ravi takes a closer look at President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter, and discusses why the move undermines the president's commitment to integrity, trust, and fairness. He then turns to incoming President Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Kash Patel as FBI Director and unpacks how the appointment could impact the rule of law and institutional norms. Finally, Ravi addresses the m...

Ravi dives into the contentious world of education policy and explores how the incoming Trump administration’s agenda could reshape America’s schools. Andrew Clark, president of yes. every kid., and education policy expert Rick Hess of the American Enterprise Institute join Ravi to unpack pressing issues like the future of the U.S. Department of Education, the battle over vouchers and open enrollm...

Ravi dives into the extraordinary life of Dr. Oliver Sacks, the beloved neurologist and storyteller who humanized medicine. Joined by Bill Hayes – author, photographer, and Sacks’ partner – they explore Sacks’ groundbreaking career, his personal struggles, and the profound empathy he brought to his work that redefined how we understand the human mind. Bill then shares more about Sacks’ creative pr...

Ravi talks with Dr. Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer at Maven Clinic and a leading voice in healthcare reform, about the forces shaping U.S. healthcare today. They discuss why public trust in the system has declined, the impact of staffing shortages and burnout among medical workers, and how our health determines whether we undervalue or overvalue healthcare.  Looking to the future, Ravi and Neel...

Ravi dives into the big questions facing America in the wake of the 2024 election, exploring everything from what we can expect from a second Trump administration to how Democrats can confront their party's disconnect from reality. He then responds to listener voicemails about voter psychology, the influence of social movements on political discourse, and the need for grounded, character-driven le...

Ravi sits down with Bridget Phetasy to unpack Trump’s big win and the divides that continue to shape today’s political landscape. They dive into the intense emotions stirred up by the election, the tough truths facing both political parties, and the personal challenges of navigating political differences within families. Together, they explore what this election means for people across the politic...

Ravi takes a closer look at ten key factors that helped pave the way for Donald Trump's return to the White House and what it means for the future of American politics. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show: 321-200-0570 --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debat...

In just two days, Americans will wake up to a stark reminder that they live in a nation divided: roughly half the country will have cast a ballot for a candidate whose vision for America is fundamentally different than their own choice. Ravi takes a step back to discuss this reality, reflecting on the deeply personal nature of political divides and emphasizing the importance of civility and empath...

With Election Day just around the corner, Ravi welcomes back Isaac Saul from Tangle to dive into the final stretch. They discuss voter enthusiasm, how an uptick in turnout among women could impact battleground states like Pennsylvania, and why both campaigns are engaged in a high-stakes battle to control the narrative around election integrity. They then delve into Trump’s Madison Square Garden ra...

Ravi sits down with TargetSmart CEO Tom Bonier to unpack new early voting trends and their implications for critical battleground states like North Carolina and Nevada. They also discuss what current turnout numbers reveal about voter enthusiasm and the shifting dynamics that could influence each campaign's final push in these critical regions. Ravi then takes a closer look at the Trump campaign's...

Donald Trump has gained momentum in key battleground states like Nevada and Arizona, while Kamala Harris continues to perform strongly in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Could this set the stage for a close Election Day showdown? Ravi breaks down the latest early voting trends, explaining how the numbers will shape the final days of the election and what to expect from both campaigns in the critical 12...

The latest early voting numbers are in, and they reveal surprising gains for Republicans, including an unexpected lead in Nevada. Meanwhile, Democrats face an uphill battle in key battleground states like Georgia and Michigan. Ravi explains what’s driving these trends and what they suggest about the final stretch of the election. He then welcomes Paola Ramos, MSNBC contributor and author of Defect...