Our series on the Unbiased History of Israel/Palestine has been nominated for a Webby in the “Best Limited Series” category! - VOTE HERE Voting is open until Thursday, April 18th In this episode, Ravi welcomes Matt Shechtman, a Long Angle partner and private equity expert. They dive into how private equity differs from venture capital and public companies, what to make of its growing involvement in sectors like healthcare and childcare, and what trends the industry might influence...

Dr. Marshall Bolden, Chief Medical Officer at Mississippi's Vigilant Health, joins Ravi to discuss Vigilant Health’s innovative approach to revolutionizing medicine and improving patient care. They talk about why more health organizations should focus on changing patient behavior, using data for value-based healthcare, and building trust to empower patients to manage their health. Then, Zach Iscol, New York City's Emergency Management Commissioner, joins Ravi to talk about his role in...

Ravi kicks off today's episode by taking a critical look at the case of Brian Dorsey, a prisoner in Missouri facing the death penalty. Missouri Governor Mike Parson denied Dorsey’s clemency request this week, despite over 70 correctional officers supporting the plea. Ravi discusses how the case highlights important questions about the country’s sentencing system, including its fairness and ability to deter crime and rehabilitate prisoners. Next, Ravi talks to Arash Azizi about his recent...

In this episode, Ravi welcomes Noah Smith from Noahpinion. They kick off the show by discussing the economic, political, and cultural challenges of today’s immigration realities, covering topics from how immigrants impact U.S. wages to whether there are ties between immigration and rising crime rates. Will AI save us? Noah and Ravi debate the potential effects of AI on the workforce and discuss the role of comparative advantage in determining AI's ultimate impact on the world. Finally, they...

As discourse around squatting reaches a tipping point, Stephen Kent returns to the pod to talk with Ravi about whether squatter incidents are growing, or if this is a manufactured phenomenon. The Economist recently published a comprehensive look at why young women are now more likely to identify as liberal and young men are more likely to identify as conservative. Ravi and Stephen debate the findings and speculate over the reasons behind this gender divide. Finally, Ravi and Stephen delve...

Ravi is joined by Brad Hargreaves, founder of Common and Thesis Driven, to discuss the recent ruling that would transform several guidelines set by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). They also explore the rise of the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, how interest rates have affected the real estate market, and the importance of small multifamily units and single-stair multifamilies. Alisha L. Gordon from The Current Project then joins Ravi to talk through new findings that explore...

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Bradley Tusk, CEO and founder of Tusk Ventures, about Donald Trump’s inability to post the $454 million bond from his New York fraud case. After overwhelmingly passing the House, the TikTok divestiture legislation faces new challenges on its journey to the President's desk after Senators from both sides of the aisle have expressed concerns about the bill. Ravi and Bradley debate the bill’s fate and how the government could reign in the big social media...

Ravi welcomes back Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician and assistant professor at Cornell and contributing writer at The New Yorker, to tackle recent trends in healthcare and longevity.  They start by discussing how hospital and private equity acquisitions of physician practices have influenced healthcare costs and the quality of care, including the results of a new study by The Economist that explores how and why healthcare costs in America have remained generally consistent since 2010. Finally,...

Will Congress ban TikTok? Ravi and guest co-host Stephen Kent explore the platform’s data practices, censorship, and why its China-based parent company, ByteDance, could pose national security risks. They then examine Google AI’s “Gemini,” and how recent critiques of the tool’s biased portrayals of historical figures exemplify the challenges tech companies face in curbing AI-driven bias and misinformation. A comprehensive new report from The Economist shows American high school standards are...

Now that the general election is set for a Biden v. Trump rematch, Ravi kicks off the show by running through the ten most important questions that will define the race.  Then Ravi talks with Adam Harris of The Atlantic about his recent article, "Private Equity Has Its Eyes on the Child-Care Industry." They discuss why a corporate takeover of child care poses concerns and explore sensible solutions to fix the crisis. Time Stamps: Ten Questions to Define 2024 - 0:01 Child Care Crisis -...

Ravi kicks off the show with an update on the latest legal developments in Trump world, including the Supreme Court's decision to overturn a Colorado court verdict that excluded Trump from the state's Republican presidential primary ballot. Former Congressman Carlos Curbelo then joins Ravi to discuss the evolving dynamics of Hispanic voters' allegiance, the failed push for immigration reform and stricter gun laws, and what it will take to defeat Trump in November. Leave us a voicemail with...

School choice programs have expanded dramatically over the past several years, in part due to the creation of education savings accounts (ESA). The movement for ESAs has been spearheaded predominantly by Republicans and met with widespread skepticism from Democrats. But should Democrats support ESAs? Ravi joined Marcus Brandon, executive director of North Carolina Campaign for Achievement Now, Graig Meyer, a North Carolina state senator, and Bethany M. Little, the managing director at...

A recent Gallup poll shows that immigration is now the most important issue for Americans. New York Times White House correspondent Michael Shear joins Ravi to explore the poll’s implications, including what it means for 2024 and how Biden has adjusted his policies in response to the ongoing migrant crisis. They also delve into the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza and today’s Michigan presidential primary, where grassroots groups are encouraging Democrats to vote "uncommitted" as a form of...

A New York judge ruled last week that Donald Trump must pay over $350 million in penalties for business fraud and banned him from running companies in the state for three years. Ravi explains where the case went wrong, from New York Attorney General Tish James’s motives in bringing the case to issues with the judgment itself. Is the end of the Hunter Biden scandal near? Ravi takes a closer look at the recent arrest of the FBI informant who sparked the Biden impeachment probe and the related...

Russian authorities have announced that the country's most prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, has died while in prison. Navalny, one of Putin's most outspoken critics, had been jailed in some of Russia's most punishing prisons since 2021. Ravi reacts to the news and reflects on the legacy Navalny leaves behind. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show: 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack:...

Should President Biden drop out of the 2024 race? Ravi addresses the growing skepticism over Biden’s ability to hold office for four more years and what he thinks the Democrats should do about it. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok:...

Ravi interviews Benjamin Herold about his new book “Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America’s Suburbs,” an important and eye-opening exploration of the history of suburban communities in the U.S. Ravi and Ben discuss why the magical thinking that fueled suburbia’s boom was always a ticking time bomb, and what it means for today’s suburban families as they grapple with failing infrastructure and subpar schools.  Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show!...

A federal appeals court ruled that Trump does not have presidential immunity in the January 6 case. This ruling sets the stage for a spring court date. Isaac Saul from Tangle joins Ravi to discuss what happens next, and if the Supreme Court will take up the case. On Sunday, Senate negotiators released the text of their $118 billion bill aimed at improving security on the U.S.-Mexico border while providing funding for Ukraine and Israel. Ravi and Isaac dissect what’s in the bill, the winners...

First, Ravi talks to Dr. Dhruv Khullar about Ozempic’s breakthrough and the potential impact it could have on medicine. They dive into the stigma and cost associated with the drug, as well as the long-term effects and potential price reduction. They also explore the rise of private sector full-body MRI scans and the pros and cons of this trend. Finally, New York Times reporter Maya King joins the show to discuss how both party’s South Carolina primaries are shaping up. And, how black voters...

New York Times columnist Pamela Paul joins Ravi to discuss her recent articles on the impact of cell phones on children and the role parents should play in setting rules and boundaries. She challenges the notion that cell phones provide safety and independence, explores the downsides of constant connectivity, examines the influence of technology companies on schools, and emphasizes the need for educators to develop a clear policy regarding cell phone use in the classroom. Leave us a...

Last week, President Biden announced the “Agenda for Student Achievement,” which includes the education issues he’s asked the government to prioritize in 2024. Ravi breaks down the plan, its focus on tackling chronic absenteeism, offering more tutoring services, and extending learning time, and shares how he’d advise the administration on the next steps. David Frum then joins Ravi to discuss his views on the 2024 election’s overarching themes, the prospect of another Biden/Trump match-up, and...

Who are the Houthis, and why did the US hit back after their multiple attacks on ships in the Red Sea? Ravi and guest host Isaac Saul discuss the Yemen-based group, how the Israel/Hamas war may have influenced the attacks, and whether it will drag the US into a bigger fight in the region. Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce. Both cases challenge the so-called Chevron deference, a precedent that...

Ravi is joined by Zeke Faux from Bloomberg to discuss his new book, "Number Go Up." The book takes readers on a rollercoaster journey through the crypto world, covering everything from its shady beginnings and huge leap into the limelight to its dramatic crash. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram:...

Ravi speaks with Gabriel Debenedetti from New York Magazine about Trump's resounding victory in Iowa, the prospect of another Trump vs. Biden election, and Gabriel’s recent reporting on whether the Biden team should be more concerned about their odds in 2024. Ravi also speaks with writer and commentator Bridget Phetasy about the roots of the culture war, comedians' role in social commentary, the future of homeschooling in America, and why some homeschooling advocates are cautious of a recent...

Guest co-host Todd Rose joins Ravi to discuss America’s collective illusions and how it has driven people into reflexive positions that may not map to their (or the rest of the country’s) privately held views. They tackle the Israel and Hamas war, the media’s role in driving polarization, the 2024 election, and a new study by the New York Times on how college admissions offices were wrong to turn away from objective measures. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show!...