Kyle Chayka joins Ravi to discuss his book, Filterworld, an exploration of how algorithms shape our world and influence culture. They dive into how algorithms dictate our tastes, homogenize cultural experiences, and replace human gatekeepers with digital ones. Using coffee shops as a case study, they unpack the concept of aesthetic memes and how al…

As the battle over the future of education intensifies, Ravi takes a step back to ask a bold question: What if we could redesign K-12 education from the ground up? He breaks down what’s working, what policymakers and educators have gotten wrong, and the bold, forward-thinking innovations that can best serve students in a rapidly changing world. In …

Ravi welcomes Nicholas Carr to discuss his thought-provoking new book, Superbloom, which examines how social media and digital communication have reshaped human relationships and society. They dive into the history of communication technologies and explore the deeper issues of modern society’s dependence on these tools. Carr challenges the idea tha…

Is America’s place in the world at a crossroads? The New York Times’ Michael D. Shear returns to unpack the first two weeks of Trump's second term and the domestic and international response to an emboldened executive branch wielding unprecedented power. Ravi and Michael first review the administration’s high-stakes opening moves, from sweeping tar…

Is this the most powerful presidency in modern history? Ravi welcomes Tyler Austin Harper back to the show to dig into Trump’s aggressive executive orders, the GOP’s split response, and what “malicious compliance” really means. They also discuss the chaos and backlash resulting from the executive overreach and the broader implications of Trump test…

Political technologist Eric Wilson joins Ravi to explore the rapidly changing world of political campaigning. They discuss why podcasts were a major player in the 2024 election, the ways the new media landscape will continue to shape politics, and what campaigns should do in response. Ravi and Eric also explore the fragmentation of media consumptio…

Ravi sits down with New York Times education reporter and bestselling author Dana Goldstein to unpack the Trump administration’s early moves on education policy. They begin by examining the administration’s immigration agenda, its potential impact on the 700,000+ undocumented school-age children in the U.S., and why there’s still much to learn abou…

Ravi sits down with Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust, to explore the groundbreaking education reforms that have elevated Indianapolis into a national example of excellence in public education. From charter schools to innovative community-driven models, Brandon shares how educators and advocates have harnessed the three pillars of success—autono…

Ravi welcomes Jeff Asher, a leading crime data analyst, to break down the complexities of crime statistics in America. They discuss Jeff’s report, "Crime in 2024: A Historic Drop in Murder with Declining Violent and Property Crime" and his predictions for 2025 crime trends. Jeff highlights the recent decline in crime rates across the country, parti…

Ravi welcomes Bradley Tusk back to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on some of today’s most pressing issues. They kick things off with an analysis of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, exploring the geopolitical forces at play and the role Trump’s impending return to the White House may have had on its timing. They then shift focus to New Yor…

Ravi welcomes M. Nolan Gray, city planner and housing expert, to discuss his insightful Atlantic piece, “How Well-Intentioned Policies Fueled L.A.’s Fires.” They dive into the Los Angeles fires, the media narratives surrounding the crisis, and the politicized responses. Ravi and Nolan examine how certain housing policies exacerbated the disaster an…

Ravi kicks off the show by reflecting on the devastating California wildfires, delving into their economic impact, the challenges state and local officials face, and the looming threat of a home insurance crisis that could reshape the state’s future. Next, Ravi sits down with New York Times reporter Roni Rabin to unpack two critical public health i…

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 Eba…

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 …

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…

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 div…

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 a…

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, …

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 …

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 Ed…

Ravi dives into the extraordinary life of Dr. Oliver Sacks, the beloved neurologist and storyteller who humanized medicine. Joined by Bill Hayes – author, photographer, and Sacks’ partner – they explore Sacks’ groundbreaking career, his personal struggles, and the profound empathy he brought to his work that redefined how we understand the human mi…

Ravi talks with Dr. Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer at Maven Clinic and a leading voice in healthcare reform, about the forces shaping U.S. healthcare today. They discuss why public trust in the system has declined, the impact of staffing shortages and burnout among medical workers, and how our health determines whether we undervalue or overvalue …

Ravi dives into the big questions facing America in the wake of the 2024 election, exploring everything from what we can expect from a second Trump administration to how Democrats can confront their party's disconnect from reality. He then responds to listener voicemails about voter psychology, the influence of social movements on political discour…

Ravi sits down with Bridget Phetasy to unpack Trump’s big win and the divides that continue to shape today’s political landscape. They dive into the intense emotions stirred up by the election, the tough truths facing both political parties, and the personal challenges of navigating political differences within families. Together, they explore what…

Ravi takes a closer look at ten key factors that helped pave the way for Donald Trump's return to the White House and what it means for the future of American politics. 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 Substa…

In just two days, Americans will wake up to a stark reminder that they live in a nation divided: roughly half the country will have cast a ballot for a candidate whose vision for America is fundamentally different than their own choice. Ravi takes a step back to discuss this reality, reflecting on the deeply personal nature of political divides and…

With Election Day just around the corner, Ravi welcomes back Isaac Saul from Tangle to dive into the final stretch. They discuss voter enthusiasm, how an uptick in turnout among women could impact battleground states like Pennsylvania, and why both campaigns are engaged in a high-stakes battle to control the narrative around election integrity. The…

Ravi sits down with TargetSmart CEO Tom Bonier to unpack new early voting trends and their implications for critical battleground states like North Carolina and Nevada. They also discuss what current turnout numbers reveal about voter enthusiasm and the shifting dynamics that could influence each campaign's final push in these critical regions. Rav…

Donald Trump has gained momentum in key battleground states like Nevada and Arizona, while Kamala Harris continues to perform strongly in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Could this set the stage for a close Election Day showdown? Ravi breaks down the latest early voting trends, explaining how the numbers will shape the final days of the election and wha…

The latest early voting numbers are in, and they reveal surprising gains for Republicans, including an unexpected lead in Nevada. Meanwhile, Democrats face an uphill battle in key battleground states like Georgia and Michigan. Ravi explains what’s driving these trends and what they suggest about the final stretch of the election. He then welcomes P…

Ravi kicks off the show by taking a closer look at the state of early voting, from trends in battleground states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania to what the latest data means for Harris and Trump. He then sits down with Russell Shaw, head of Georgetown Day School, to discuss lighthouse parenting, or guiding children while allowing th…

Ravi welcomes Dr. David Yeager, Ph.D., to discuss his eye-opening new book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier. They dive into the challenges adults face when trying to connect with young people and explore strategies for how to give effective fe…

Ravi speaks with Reason’s Jacob Sullum about censorship, social media bias, and the link between political bias and platform moderation. They then turn to America’s crime rates, analyzing how Trump and Harris have used competing narratives on crime to shape public perceptions in the lead-up to the election and the real factors influencing crime tre…

Ravi dives into a new series from The Economist that examines how the U.S. economy has outperformed much of the world over the past 30 years and the key factors driving the country’s success. Next, he sits down with Beth Hawkins from The 74 to discuss the key differences between the presidential candidates’ proposed education policies and how Proje…

Will infrequent voters turn out this November? Ravi shares his prediction as he dives into the latest election updates, from new insights on the Harris campaign's ground game and the inner workings of political PACs and influencers to what voters can learn from Trump's recent media appearances. Next, Ravi welcomes Kim Wehle back to the show to expl…

Ravi sits down with Johns Hopkins medical expert Dr. Marty Makary for a conversation about his latest book, Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health. Together, they explore how long-held medical misconceptions have undermined public health, touching on everything from the real causes of the peanut allergy epidemic …

Ravi welcomes Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids and president of Let Grow, to discuss the state of modern parenting. Dubbed “America’s Worst Mom” for allowing her son to ride the subway alone, Lenore shares her thoughts on how fear-driven media and overprotection have altered childhood. Ravi and Lenore explore the rise of “helicopter parent…

A new poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris with a three-point lead over former President Donald Trump. Ravi kicks off the show by delving into the latest data and what it reveals about shifting dynamics in key battleground states. He also examines how independent Dan Osborne could shake up the Nebraska Senate race, whether Elon Musk’s appearance…

Ravi welcomes back Isaac Saul from Tangle to tackle the divisive narratives around Hurricane Helene, the damaging effects of misinformation on recovery efforts, and the ways misleading statements by high-profile figures like Elon Musk have amplified confusion and eroded trust on the ground. Next, Ravi and Isaac take a step back to reflect on the fi…

Ravi speaks with Cory Vaillancourt from western North Carolina’s Smoky Mountain News about Hurricane Helene's devastating impact, why inland communities have faced such significant destruction, and the resilience of local residents. They also touch on the disaster's broader political and economic implications and the importance of local news. Then,…

Ravi welcomes Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of FIRE, to discuss the organization's latest report assessing colleges on their commitment to free speech. They also cover the recent pro-Palestine protests on college campuses, the wave of university president resignations, and the complex challenges facing higher education today. Ravi and Greg expl…

Who won Tuesday night's vice presidential debate? Ravi breaks down JD Vance and Tim Walz's performances, the effectiveness of their arguments, and the impact the debate will have on the upcoming election. --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.subs…

Ravi welcomes back Populace CEO Todd Rose to discuss his latest study, the Social Pressure Index: Private Opinion in America. Together, they unpack the disconnect between public opinion and private beliefs on critical issues shaping American society and politics. From education reform to immigration policy, Todd and Ravi examine how the study's rev…

Ravi sits down with Doug Lemov to discuss the stark differences between the education systems in the United States and the United Kingdom. Doug shares insights from his recent work with schools in England, highlighting how embracing cognitive science and implementing evidence-based teaching practices has led to rapid improvements and the ways centr…

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Wednesday evening on five federal charges, including wire fraud, bribery, and solicitation of contributions from a foreign national. Ravi unpacks the 57-page indictment, which details allegations that Adams solicited and directed staffers to accept campaign donations from foreign officials and businesspeo…

Should JD Vance and Tim Walz debate next week? Ravi explains why both campaigns should consider canceling the event if Trump and Harris cannot agree to a second presidential debate. He also addresses Trump's shifting position on early voting, the Democrats' difficulties in reaching urban, non-college-educated voters, and new data that suggests the …

Ravi recaps the latest twists in the presidential race, from why the Harris campaign has unexpectedly proposed another debate to the Trump campaign’s reasons for dodging a rematch. He then hops on the polling rollercoaster to explain what the numbers reveal and why results from some states defy traditional expectations. Finally, he turns to the FBI…

Ravi welcomes Bradley Tusk back to the pod to discuss the latest developments in Springfield, Ohio, whether Trump's immigration messaging will help or hurt his campaign, and the Harris camp's decision to deploy a "Rose Garden" strategy. Next, they dive into Bradley's new book, Vote With Your Phone, and explore why mobile voting may be the solution …

Journalist and political commentator Ross Barkan joins Ravi to dissect the state of New York City politics under Mayor Eric Adams. They explore the multiple federal probes into Adams’ administration, the unprecedented turnover in key leadership positions, and how the current turmoil could impact the upcoming mayoral race. Ravi and Ross then delve i…

Ravi sits down with Dylan Matthews, senior correspondent and lead writer at Vox, to unpack the complexities of the national debt and deficit in the United States. They explore the historical context of the country's debt, the mechanisms of government borrowing, and the evolving political landscape around fiscal responsibility. Ravi and Dylan discus…