
How To Get Unstuck with Dan Heath
How do you fix a system that’s stuck? Ravi sits down with New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath to unpack the lessons from his new book, Reset, a guide to help people and businesses break free from inertia, ditch old habits, and make meaningful progress. They explore case studies from the book, including a hospital that slashed delivery times from days to hours and a school that transformed discipline with a simple shift in student movement, and discuss how these examples reveal the power of small wins and the risks of blindly chasing efficiency. Ravi and Dan then turn to the biggest “reset” happening today: a controversial government overhaul. Is DOGE actually a push for government efficiency or is it a reckless unraveling of the administrative state? Drawing from successful corporate turnarounds, Dan explains what actually works, and why government overhauls so often fail. Finally, Dan and Ravi reflect on why, whether in business or our personal lives, real change isn’t about grand gestures, but about finding the right pressure points and making thoughtful, lasting adjustments. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Learn more about Ravi's novel and upcoming events: GARBAGE TOWN --- 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/@LostDebate • 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
20 Mar 50min

How To Keep Your Brain Young
Is cognitive decline inevitable, or can we keep our minds sharp as we age? Ravi sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood to explore what truly drives cognitive aging, and why the science is more hopeful than most people think. They break down the differences between crystallized and fluid intelligence, the impact of physical activity, and why doing hard things could be the key to mental strength. Tommy shares research-backed strategies for maintaining brain health, from quality sleep and strong social connections to the surprising benefits of dancing. Finally, Ravi and Tommy discuss why self-compassion might be the ultimate performance enhancer and how the choices you make today will shape the way your mind works for years to come. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Learn more about Ravi's novel and upcoming events: GARBAGE TOWN --- 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/@LostDebate • 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
18 Mar 49min

Trade Confusion, Recession Risk, Trump-Era Schools
Ravi kicks off the show by unpacking the latest economic headlines, from inflation trends to the impact of Trump’s unpredictable trade policies and how they could impact businesses and consumers. He also takes a closer look at Elon Musk, explaining why unlikely voices like Bill Burr and Dave Portnoy have criticized the billionaire over the past week and what it might mean for Musk’s future at the helm of DOGE. Ravi then turns to the Department of Education, which announced earlier this week that it had laid off 1,300 workers, effectively gutting its staff and raising serious questions about funding for schools nationwide. Finally, Stacey Shells Harvey, CEO of Regeneration Schools, joins Ravi to share her firsthand account of what it’s like to run schools in 2025. Stacey explains how the latest immigration policies have impacted schools, the state of student discipline, and how social media continues to fuel violence among kids. Stacey and Ravi also dive into pop culture, touching on everything from Kanye West and Meghan Markle to the rise of self-produced docuseries and whether they truly serve the interests of the audience. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Pre-order Ravi’s novel and upcoming events: GARBAGE TOWN --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/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/@LostDebate • 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
13 Mar 1h 10min

DOGE v. Big Science, Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
Ravi welcomes back Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician, assistant professor at Cornell, and contributing writer at The New Yorker, for a deep dive into the latest shifts in American science and nutrition. They begin with Dhruv’s latest New Yorker piece, Trump’s Agenda Is Undermining American Science, and examine how the DOGE-led budget cuts could disrupt medical innovation and public health. Next, they turn to one of the biggest but least understood threats to public health: ultra-processed foods. Drawing from Dhruv’s recent New Yorker article, Why Is the American Diet So Deadly?, Dhruv and Ravi explore how these foods took over American grocery stores—and why they fuel overeating, weight gain, and chronic disease. Finally, they step back to discuss the food industry’s influence and the challenge of cutting through the noise with effective public health messaging. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: 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/@LostDebate • 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
11 Mar 35min

Health Frauds and Facts + Parenting Lessons with Emily Oster
Ravi sits down with Emily Oster, New York Times bestselling author, professor of economics at Brown University, and founder and CEO of ParentData, to discuss the measles outbreak in Texas, the rise of vaccine hesitance, and the growing influence of misinformation on public health. They also break down the failures of COVID-19 messaging and the lasting consequences for experts now struggling to regain the public’s trust. Emily and Ravi then turn to parenting and explore the illusion of control, the dangers of overprotective parenting, and why kids thrive with more independence. Emily also shares her insights on what it means to be a great parent—and whether having kids is the right choice for everyone. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: 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/@LostDebate • 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
6 Mar 54min

The Crisis of Boys and Men With Richard Reeves
Is there a crisis facing young men in America? Richard Reeves, the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men and non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, joins Ravi to explain why boys are falling behind in school, struggling with their mental health, and feeling more isolated than ever—and what we can do about it. Ravi and Richard explore the reasons both major political parties have largely failed to address this crisis, how their neglect has created space for figures like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson to rise, and the cultural battlegrounds shaping young men’s perspectives today. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: 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/@LostDebate • 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
4 Mar 54min

The New Romanticism, New Old Media, Cuomo Comeback
Journalist and author Ross Barkan returns to the show to discuss why traditional media is in crisis, whether we’re living in a new romantic age, and why 2025 may be the year we resist the lure of technology. Ravi and Ross then turn to the political landscape and explain why we’re seeing a shift away from hyper-online politics. They also examine the Democratic Party’s future and what to make of the influence of figures like Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance within a Republican coalition that is increasingly ideologically flexible. Finally, Ravi and Ross turn to New York City, where Mayor Eric Adams is deeply unpopular, Andrew Cuomo is considering a comeback, and progressives are jockeying for position in a crowded mayoral race. Could a socialist be elected mayor, or is the city shifting back to the center? Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: 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/@LostDebate • 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
27 Feb 1h