In theory, a host of a podcast discussing myriad societal issues with people from across the political spectrum, and pushing back equally on their assertions and dogma regardless of their party or background would be a good thing. However, this is another show platforming people who would’ve been seen as dangerous ideologues only a few years ago, and massively expanding the Overton window by acting as though apologists for extremists are only as misguided (and quite possibly as deep-down-good) as people who spend all their time trying to protect democracy and prevent the systematic undermining of fundamental rights and norms.

I really liked this episode. Shaniqua McClendon was a great guest.

Both sides are “bad” 😒. I’m the same as my newly white power uncle that I don’t want to talk to any more. I guess I should try harder to reach out to him because it’s my fault for being a snob. I hope she realizes the knots Slate is tyinf her into with this both-sides-ism nonsense before it’s too late.

There’s a discussion that needs to be had about Social Security, but the host and her guest are not the two who should be doing it. I can’t tell if they’re shamelessly dishonest or just stunningly ignorant. This podcast claims to provide “smart, fair debates”with “integrity, and without clichés” but after listening to this one, I sincerely doubt it. It was another wall-to-wall cliché of the usual talking points premised on lies. I’m sorry I wasted my time. There are better podcasts out there if you want to hear honest discussions about important topics.

When you ask people to not speak about Israel or Palestine, you are really saying keep quiet about your outrage about the genocide the world is seeing play in real time. Israel has the support of the US military, the US media and has a big advertising campaign. That is not going to change. Asking people not to say anything? Really? We know better.

This doesn’t achieve its aspiration. It perpetuates false binaries. The guests often seem strained to defend ridiculous positions. Both side-ism for both sides-isms sake. Its a shame.

I’m pleased to hear well spoken discussions, whether I agree or not. This pod is strongly produced and engineered, a pleasure.

When I say the word “birthing people” I was out.

I think certain other reviewers might not have gotten the memo that this show seems to want to pose the listener challenging ideas that they might disagree with. I’m finding the show does a great job at that — when I see an episode title and think “oh, BOY,” I know I’m in for some brain-expanding conversation. Celeste routinely says at the end of the eps that she hasn’t been convinced by the guest, and I can’t say I have been either, but that’s the point, I think?

Awesome show

Ms. Headlee brings a refreshing perspective and thoughtful questions to her guests. She allows the guests to share their thoughts uninterrupted—which is unusual in podcasts and society writ large—then offers her own experiences and perspectives to challenge their viewpoints. This show is like listening to two intelligent people debate one another respectfully…I LOVE IT!

This podcast provides a civil and deeply thoughtful discussion without being either overly deferential or confrontational. Such a relief from the standard news cycles.