Open to Debate

Latest Episodes:

Has Feminism Hurt Women? Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

From the 19th Amendment to the #MeToo movement, the feminist movement has profoundly reshaped society. But have its good intentions backfired? Those arguing it hasn’t note that it’s allowed women the choice of living on their own terms. But critics argue that its culture glorifying full-time careerism and independence can make women feel inadequate if they prefer traditional roles like having a family. Now we debate: Has Feminism Hurt Women?

Arguing Yes: Inez Stepman, Senior Policy and Legal Analyst at the Independent Women's Forum and Independent Women’s Law Center

Arguing No: Wendy Walsh, Relationship Journalist; Host of ”The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show” on iHeart Radio’s KFI AM 640

Xenia Wickett, Geopolitical strategist, moderator at Wickett Advisory, and Trustee of Transparency International UK, is the guest moderator.

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Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic? Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

America is suffering from a loneliness epidemic. Some groups have suggested religious communities may be key to solving it. Could it help? Those arguing “yes” say it gives people regular social contact, support systems, and a sense of purpose that could combat isolation. Those arguing “no” say that secular options would provide better, broad-based solutions. Now we debate: Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?

Arguing Yes:

Harold Koenig, Director of Duke University’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health

Chris Murphy, Senator from Connecticut

Arguing No:

Ruth Whippman, Author of "America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness Is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks" and "BOYMOM: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity."

Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

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How to Resolve Conflicts in Relationships: A Conversation with Esther Perel Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Couples have arguments over many topics. However, it’s through resolving conflict that both people in the relationship feel heard and seen. Psychotherapist, relationship expert, and New York Times-bestselling author Esther Perel says conflict when navigated skillfully can lead to growth, resilience, and a stronger bond. In this conversation with John Donvan, Perel shares her experience working with different relationship types, strategies for transforming conflict into a constructive dialogue, and the importance of validating both sides’ perspectives.

Our guest: Esther Perel, Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

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Tech Titans or Tyrants: Should the U.S. Government Break Up Big Tech? Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Has Big Tech become too powerful? Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft shape how we shop, communicate, and consume information. But has their dominance gone too far? Advocates argue these firms are monopolies that harm competition, exploit consumer data, and wield disproportionate influence over public discourse. Structural reforms would restore fairness and innovation. But critics warn that breakups could damage user experience, slow innovation, and disrupt integrated ecosystems people rely on. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Government Break Up Big Tech?

Arguing Yes:

Bharat Ramamurti, Founder of The Bully Pulpit; Former Deputy Director of the National Economic Council

Matt Stoller, Director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project

Arguing No:

Geoffrey A. Manne, President and Founder of the International Center for Law & Economics

Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow in Technology Policy at the Cato Institute

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

This debate was produced in partnership with the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, as part of The Hopkins Forum series. It was recorded in front of a live audience on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center.

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INSIDE THE DEBATE with John Donvan, Nayeema Raza, and Nick Gillespie Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to moderate a debate? How do we keep conversations civil when the world feels so polarized? In celebration of our launch on Substack, moderator-in-chief John Donvan joins Nayeema Raza and Reason’s Nick Gillespie for a lively conversation on the craft of moderation and the art of asking questions that reveal rather than inflame. Featuring audience Q&A and behind-the-scenes insight, this episode offers a candid look at how meaningful dialogue is created today.

Our Guests:

John Donvan, Open to Debate's Moderator-in-Chief and Emmy award-winning journalist

Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions"

Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large at Reason

Debates Referenced During this Inside Edition

13:03 - Should America End Birthright Citizenship?
19:22 - Is It Time To Break Up With Dating Apps?
20:34 - Replace Private Insurance with Medicare for All
20:38 - Should We Legalize Drugs?
20:41 - Preserve Net Neutrality: All Data Is Created Equal
21:14 - Is America Too Obsessed With Race?
27:04 - Is the American Dream in Decline?
28:35 - The Universal Basic Income Is The Safety Net Of The Future

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Does the Effective Altruism Movement Get Giving Right? Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

Effective altruism is a philosophical and social movement that uses empirical data to maximize the impact of charitable efforts. Those who champion EA praise its methodological framework for maximizing the effectiveness of donations, thus ensuring equal consideration for all individuals. Those who challenge EA argue that its emphasis on measurable outcomes may overlook important yet hard-to-quantify causes, potentially restricting the scope of what's considered beneficial. Now we debate: Does the Effective Altruism Movement Get Giving Right?

Arguing Yes: Peter Singer, Author of “The Most Good You Can Do”; Philosopher and Emeritus Professor of Bioethics at the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University

Arguing No: Alice Crary, Co-Editor of “The Good it Promises, The Harm it Does: Critical Essays on Effective Altruism”; University Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at The New School for Social Research

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

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Should the U.S. Militarize the War on Drugs? Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

he Trump administration is taking the War on Drugs in a bold direction, using aircraft carriers, intelligence networks, and direct military strikes to target alleged smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Supporters of militarization argue that previous strategies to stop cartels have failed, and only aggressive deterrence will stop the crisis. Others warn that militarization usually fails to stop drug flows, risking civilian casualties, and rarely achieves lasting results. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Militarize the War on Drugs?

Arguing Yes:

Sean McFate, Author and Professor of Strategy at the National Defense University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service

Andrés Martínez-Fernández, Senior Policy Analyst for Latin America at The Heritage Foundation's Allison Center for National Security

Arguing No:

Will Freeman, Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations

Aileen Teague, Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public Service

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

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BONUS: Why Debate Matters — Robert Rosenkranz on Clearer Thinking Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

We are pleased to share an episode from the Clearer Thinking Podcast featuring Open to Debate Founder Robert Rosenkranz in conversation with Spencer Greenberg.

About this episode:

What makes a forum truly open-minded rather than performative? When does listening change minds instead of just hardening identities? Are we teaching citizens to separate facts from frames? Do the best debates surface values as well as evidence? How can we reward calm argument over outrage economics? What reforms reduce polarization without dulling real disagreement? Should any topic be off-limits in a free society? Is philanthropy giving back—or building what’s missing? Should generosity optimize impact or express the values we want to grow? How much risk is acceptable when the upside is transformative?

Robert Rosenkranz is a dedicated philanthropist, an advocate for intellectual engagement, and respected commentator on philanthropy. He founded Delphi Capital Management and championed the renowned Open to Debate debate series. Robert’s latest book, The Stoic Capitalist, explores the intersection of ancient Stoic wisdom and modern capitalism. When he’s not crafting ideas, Robert dedicates his time to supporting the arts, advancing education, and contributing to public policy through The Rosenkranz Foundation.

Learn more about the Clearer Thinking podcast here.

Visit our Open to Debate Substack to watch more insightful debates and subscribe to our newsletter. To learn more about our mission and donate, visit Opentodebate.org.

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Generational Divides with Nick Gillespie: Who's Winning the Wealth Game? Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

How big is the divide between different age groups? In this inaugural episode of a new Open to Debate series, “Generational Divides,” Reason’s editor-at-large Nick Gillespie brings together a Baby Boomer, a Gen X-er, and a Gen Z-er to discuss Social Security benefits and how they’ll affect future generations, homeownership, and 1950s nostalgia, where they examine the cultural and economic shifts occurring around intergenerational wealth and how each generation views money, opportunity, and the American Dream.

Our Guests:

For Baby Boomers: Joe Nocera, Deputy Managing Editor at The Free Press

For Gen X: Stacey Vanek Smith, Journalist and Reporter; Co-host of "Everybody's Business" at Bloomberg Business

For Gen Z: Kyla Scanlon, Financial Content Creator, Economic Commentator and Author of "In This Economy?"

Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large at Reason, is the guest moderator.

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Is Europe Too Late to Compete in the Chip War? Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

The U.S. and China are the two largest competitors in the race for semiconductors and in creating the most powerful AI chips. Europe could become a major stakeholder thanks to its demand for tech sovereignty and lithography near-monopoly, while others see the continent as too hampered by regulation, labor, and limited venture capital to get ahead. Now, in partnership with Bloomberg, we debate: Is Europe Too Late to Compete in the Chip Wars?

Arguing "Too Late":

Zach Meyers, Director of Research at the Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE)

Geoffrey Gertz, Former Director for International Economics at the White House; Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security

Arguing "Not Too Late:

Cristina Caffarra, Economist & Co-founder of EuroStack

Eric Baissus, CEO of Kalray

Caroline Hyde, Bloomberg Television Anchor and Host of “Bloomberg Technology”, is the guest moderator.

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