Trade Confusion, Recession Risk, Trump-Era Schools

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 (Make America Healthy Again) movement and its potential impact on public health policy. They first explore the movement’s key priorities, including controversial measures like promoting raw milk and limiting the use of preservatives. Katherine and Ravi then examine how MAHA’s diverse coalition, spanning from left-wing organic food advocates to far-right vaccine skeptics, reflects a growing distrust of health institutions. Finally, they dive into RFK Jr.’s potential appointment as Health Secretary, his history of vaccine skepticism, and how his confirmation could reshape public health narratives. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Good Reads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

7 Jan 45min

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 and Supercommunicators, touching on topics from the fresh start effect to CIA recruitment tactics. Ravi and Charles close with a reflection on the ways new habits and improved communication skills can transform how we connect with others. 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 Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

24 Des 202436min

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 relationship between media and political campaigns, including the stark contrasts in how candidates engage with audiences. Together, they unpack the ethical dilemmas and societal impacts of this new media era and ponder what the media's role in democracy will be moving forward. 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 Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

19 Des 202445min

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 grown into sprawling bureaucracies and sparked tensions over free expression, identity, and academic priorities. Jordan then joins Ravi to share his personal experience as a public official under attack amid escalating campus activism, how DEI programs have struggled to meet the moment in polarized times and what these fault lines suggest about the future of higher education. 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 Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

17 Des 202458min

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 discuss the tangled politics of profit, policy, and ideology. Finally, Ravi and Bethany take a closer look at opportunities for meaningful reform as they consider what lies ahead for healthcare and public health in America. 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 Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

12 Des 202440min

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. 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 Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

10 Des 202454min

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 major challenges facing Democrats and outlines a bold, transformative vision for the party as it seeks to reshape its future. Time Stamps: Hunter Pardon - 0:01 Kash Patel - 11:41 My Plan for Dems - 18:06 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 Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

5 Des 202439min

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 enrollment policies, and the fight for student rights. Finally, Ravi and his guests take a step back to examine how bipartisan politics, local resistance, and ideological divides have come to define our education system. Is real change possible, or will political gridlock keep schools stuck in the past? 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 Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

3 Des 20241h 37min