On Open to Debate, guests debate controversial topics. The podcast shows the nuances of issues that many people view as binary. It uses a traditional debate model, which allows speakers from the "yes" and the "no" side to express their thoughts.
Each podcast episode begins with a question, or a "resolution." One resolution is, "Is Affirmative Action Unfair to Asian Americans?" Mediator John Donvan starts the debate. Asian American Coalition for Education cofounder Lee Cheng says, "Yes." Asian Americans Advancing Justice president John Yang says, "No."
From the resolution, a debate moves on to the first round, the opening arguments. The mediator gives each side up to four minutes to make their opening statements. These are brief summations of why each debater has taken their position. Another Open to Debate episode asks, "Should The SAT Be Erased?" Civil rights professor Sheryll Cashin thinks it should. Author Freddie deBoer disagrees. Cashin's opening statement says colleges that consider SAT scores perpetuate social inequities. Conversely, deBoer believes the test can be a helpful metric of social inequity.
After opening statements, debates move through several rounds of discussions. Sometimes, the mediator will invite other experts to the podcast. One debate explores the potential harm of racial "color blindness." This means claiming not to perceive race. Candis Watts Smith, PhD asks the debaters what a good metric is for racial progress. Jamelle Bouie replies that neighborhood policy and socioeconomic integration would be good indicators.
In their closing statements, debaters present conclusions. These express how the debate supports their initial position. Reason Magazine Editor in Chief Katherine Mangu-Ward argues that capitalism is a blessing. In her closing statement, she describes a baby getting their first cochlear implant. Bhaskar Sunkara talks in his closing statement about seeing people who can't afford penicillin on social media. Both believe that capitalism is the reason for their scenario. No matter the topic, Open to Debate provides compelling insight into different perspectives. Listeners who are on either side of a divisive resolution might enjoy this podcast.
Episodes