Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Is the Future Bleak?

Open to Debate

#News Talk #Government #IQ2US Debates #News #Politics #Podcasting Education #Intelligence Squared

30:55

A secret field that summons lightning. A massive spiral that disappears into a salt lake. A celestial observatory carved into a volcano. Meet the wild—and sometimes explosive—world of land art, where artists craft masterpieces with dynamite and bulldozers. In our Season 2 premiere, guest Dylan Thuras, cofounder of Atlas Obscura, takes us off road and into the minds of the artists who literally reshaped parts of the Southwest. These works aren’t meant to be easy to reach—or to explain—but they just might change how you see the world. Land art you’ll visit in this episode: - Double Negative and City by Michael Heizer (Garden Valley, Nevada) - Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson (Great Salt Lake, Utah) - Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt (Great Basin Desert, Utah) - Lightning Field by Walter De Maria (Catron County, New Mexico) - Roden Crater by James Turrell (Painted Desert, Arizona) Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group.…

about a year ago 43:26

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As fertility rates plummet, and Millenials and Gen Z increasingly cite climate change and the state of the world as reasons they’re not having children, Nayeema asks: is the future really too bleak to have babies? Her guest is journalist Cleo Abram, a YouTuber who has amassed over 5 million subscribers as she tells optimistic tech stories. Nayeema and Cleo break down quantum, the rise of robots and how technology shifts from IVF to artificial wombs will change not just if, but how, we have babies. Also on the agenda: the media’s bias – not toward left or right, but toward negativity and the opportunity for more curious, independent and fact-based journalism.

If you like this episode, you’ll enjoy Nayeema’s episode with Mark Cuban about capitalism, Neil deGrasse Tyson about physics, and two members of Gen Alpha about screen time. Follow Smart Girl Dumb Questions on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Guest: Cleo Abram, an independent tech journalist behind Huge If True

The Host: Nayeema Raza, journalist and host of “Smart Girl Dumb Questions”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

405 episodes

Open to Debate

Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Is the Future Bleak?

Open to Debate

12,281 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

The Guest: Cleo Abram, an independent tech journalist behind Huge If True

The Host: Nayeema Raza, journalist and host of “Smart Girl Dumb Questions”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

405 episodes

#News Talk #Government #IQ2US Debates #News #Politics #Podcasting Education #Intelligence Squared

All episodes

Open to Debate

1
Trump’s First 100 Days: The Economic Agenda 53:15

1 day ago53:15

53:15

The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have come with a wide range of changes for the nation’s economy and global supply chains. Could these changes lead to a more prosperous America, or hardship for individuals and businesses? In partnership with Bloomberg , five renowned economists look at President Trump’s economic agenda during his first 100 days and discuss tariffs as a strategy, whether deregulation is good for growth, and whether the President's "medicine" means a recession. Jason Furman, Former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; Professor at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Allison Schrager, Economist, Bloomberg Opinion Contributor & Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute Stephen Moore, Former Senior Economic Advisor to President Trump; Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation; Co-founder of Unleash Prosperity Mariana Mazzucato, Professor of Economics at University College London; Author of "Mission Economy" Jeff Ferry, Chief Economist Emeritus at the Coalition for a Prosperous America; Previous Tech Executive Mishal Husain, Editor-at-Large for Bloomberg Weekend, is the guest moderator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Think Twice: The Stoic Capitalist with Robert Rosenkranz 53:15

8 days ago53:15

53:15

From modest beginnings to a distinguished career, Robert Rosenkranz, the chairman of Delphi Capital Management and founder of Open to Debate, has used Stoic wisdom to navigate challenges, innovations, and business relationships. In this conversation, John Donvan speaks with Rosenkranz about his new book, “The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious,” how ancient philosophy shaped his pivotal moments, why he launched Open to Debate, and how disciplined thinking can unlock enduring accomplishment and serve as a guide for anyone seeking success and a life well lived. Our Guest: Robert Rosenkranz, Author, Chairman of Delphi Capital Management, and Founder and Chairman of Open to Debate Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Should the U.S. Decouple from China? 53:15

15 days ago53:15

53:15

For decades, China has been central for global supply chains and a primary U.S. trade partner, but as China’s influence grows, should the U.S. cut economic ties, or stay engaged? Those in favor of decoupling say it is vital for protecting national security and reducing reliance on China’s supply chains. Those against decoupling argue doing so would harm U.S. businesses, stall innovation, and deepen global divides. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Decouple from China? Arguing Yes: Derek Scissors , Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Isaac Stone Fish , CEO and Founder of Strategy Risks Arguing No: Benn Steil , Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations Susan Shirk , Research Professor and Director Emeritus of the 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego School of Global Policy Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the Middle East? 53:15

22 days ago53:15

53:15

The U.S. has long balanced military strength with soft power in the Middle East through agencies like USAID. With the Trump administration reversing these policies, is this a necessary realignment—or a costly retreat? Those against these changes argue this will boost rivals like Iran and China and harm America’s image. Those hailing them argue it’s a necessary correction, favoring clear, transactional geopolitical goals over costly diplomacy. Now we debate: Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the Middle East? Arguing Yes: Faisal Saeed Al Mutar , President & Founder of Ideas Beyond Borders Arguing No: Jeffrey Gedmin, President & CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks Xenia Wickett, Geopolitical strategist, moderator at Wickett Advisory, and Trustee of Transparency International UK, is the guest moderator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars? 53:15

29 days ago53:15

53:15

NASA, SpaceX, and other private companies are working on plans to make Mars humanity’s next frontier. However, should settling Mars be one of America’s priorities? Those arguing “yes” say the U.S. should do it first before China does, and it would lead to new advances in science and technology. But those against doing so say there are big issues that would make colonization difficult for humanity. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars? Arguing Yes: Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica Arguing No: Shannon Stirone, Freelance Science Writer Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism? 53:15

5 weeks ago53:15

53:15

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's gold standard, promising that journalists would stick “to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, excluding their personal views. Those in support say it builds trust and gives newsreaders the information they need to form their own opinions. Those against say it suppresses certain valuable viewpoints and that some issues don’t merit the "both sides" treatment. Now, we debate: "Is Objectivity Essential in Journalism?” Arguing Yes: Bret Stephens, Opinion Columnist at The New York Times Arguing No: Leonard Downie, Jr, Former Executive Editor of The Washington Post Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions", is the guest moderator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Is the Future Bleak? 43:26

5 weeks ago43:26

43:26

Today we’re bringing you an episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions , the new podcast by one of our frequent guest moderators, Nayeema Raza. Nayeema asks the questions we’re all thinking to big thinkers in this new show. It is brimming with curiosity, open-mindedness and a willingness to learn – values we hold dear at Open to Debate. As fertility rates plummet, and Millenials and Gen Z increasingly cite climate change and the state of the world as reasons they’re not having children, Nayeema asks: is the future really too bleak to have babies? Her guest is journalist Cleo Abram, a YouTuber who has amassed over 5 million subscribers as she tells optimistic tech stories. Nayeema and Cleo break down quantum, the rise of robots and how technology shifts from IVF to artificial wombs will change not just if, but how, we have babies. Also on the agenda: the media’s bias – not toward left or right, but toward negativity and the opportunity for more curious, independent and fact-based journalism. If you like this episode, you’ll enjoy Nayeema’s episode with Mark Cuban about capitalism, Neil deGrasse Tyson about physics, and two members of Gen Alpha about screen time. Follow Smart Girl Dumb Questions on Apple , Spotify , YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. The Guest: Cleo Abram, an independent tech journalist behind Huge If True The Host: Nayeema Raza, journalist and host of “ Smart Girl Dumb Questions ” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Think Twice: About Abundance with Derek Thompson 53:15

6 weeks ago53:15

53:15

Reporter and podcaster Derek Thompson says we’re better at recognizing problems, but our ability to solve them has not improved. How can we make sure meaningful progress occurs? In this conversation with Open to Debate guest moderator Nayeema Raza, Thompson will discuss his new book “Abundance,” rethinking yesterday’s issues to address today’s problems, and what both sides of the political aisle should learn to ensure we have a more abundant society. Our Guest: Derek Thompson, Staff Writer at The Atlantic ; Author of the "Work in Progress" Newsletter Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions" , is the guest moderator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap? 53:15

7 weeks ago53:15

53:15

American women are, on average, paid 84 cents for every dollar men make, according to the Department of Labor. This wage gap has persisted despite near-record rates of women’s participation in the labor market, with wage gaps even larger for women in minority populations, and it’s estimated that pay parity will not be achieved until 2052. Should policy interventions address these disparities, or is it more important to recognize and honor women's personal decisions and find another way to look at the gap Those in favor of fixing the gap see it as a point of fairness and equity that would bring economic benefits, such as enhanced family incomes and increased productivity, and say that new policies are needed urgently to dismantle systemic barriers stopping women from earning more. Those who aren’t in favor argue wage disparities reflect individual choices regarding career paths, work-life balance, and tenure, rather than systemic discrimination. They also point out that when adjusted for factors like job type, hours worked, and career breaks, the gap significantly narrows. Against this backdrop, we debate the question: Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap? Arguing Yes: Kadie Ward, Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Pay Equity Commission of Ontario Arguing No: Allison Schrager, Pension Economist, Bloomberg Opinion Contributor & Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute Nayeema Raza, Journalist at New York Magazine and Vox, is the guest moderator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting? 53:15

8 weeks ago53:15

53:15

UNRWA and other peacekeeping forces in the Middle East play an important role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but do they do enough? Those saying they help argue that they act as buffers between warring factions, preventing wider regional escalation. Those saying they hurt argue they fail to maintain neutrality. Now we debate: UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting? Arguing Helping: Richard Gowan, UN and Multilateral Diplomacy Director at the International Crisis Group Arguing Hurting: Hillel Neuer , Executive Director of UN Watch Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Is Musk’s DOGE Dodging the Law? 53:15

9 weeks ago53:15

53:15

Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have taken on a contentious role in the new Trump administration, which has affected federal agencies and thousands of workers. But are DOGE’s actions legal? Those arguing they aren’t worry it is overstepping and violating the Constitution. Those supporting DOGE’s actions say it is operating under strict oversight while fulfilling its mandate. Now we debate: Is Musk’s DOGE Dodging the Law? Arguing Yes: Laurence Tribe, University Professor of Constitutional Law Emeritus at Harvard Law School Arguing No: Michael W. McConnell, Former Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit; Law Professor and Director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
PODCAST BONUS RELEASE: Is it Time to End Daylight Savings Time? 1:01:03

9 weeks ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Are you ready to change the clock on Sunday? Is springing forward or falling back still an idea worth practicing? Those ready to end Daylight Savings argue it is inconvenient and has negative health and productivity effects. Those who want to keep Daylight Savings argue the time change’s effects are temporary and helps improve our quality of life. Now we debate: Is It Time to End Daylight Savings Time? Arguing Yes: Joan Costa-i-Font, Health Economist at the London School of Economics Arguing No: Binyamin Appelbaum, Member of the New York Times Editorial Board Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Note: We have employed the colloquial ‘Daylight Savings Time’ phrasing used by our debaters and moderator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports? 53:15

10 weeks ago53:15

53:15

President Trump recently enacted a ten percent additional tariff on Chinese imports, and China has enacted retaliatory tariffs in response. Those affirming the tariffs are necessary argue they will encourage citizens to buy more domestically produced products. Those against the tariffs argue they will also create a trade war, harming both economies and global supply chains. Now we debate: Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports? Arguing Yes: Scott Paul , President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing Stephen Moore , Economist, Author, and Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation; Co-founder of Unleash Prosperity Arguing No: Jennifer Hillman , Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy at the Council on Foreign Relations Rana Mitter , ST Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic? 53:15

11 weeks ago53:15

53:15

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Open to Debate

1
Is It Time to Break Up with Dating Apps? 53:15

12 weeks ago53:15