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Cross Examined Life

65 Episodes

47 minutes | May 26, 2022
062 - Should Free Speech be Unlimited Online?
Dan defends: Online Platforms should moderate and control content posted by their users. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS: 1. Even when your conversation partner describes the popular view, ask them to be specific about their opinion and perspective, so that you’re engaging with their beliefs, rather than their observation of the beliefs of others. 2. Don’t lose your sense of curiosity or wonder, even in difficult conversations. Continue asking WHY and for reasons behind the explanation, until you believe your conversation partner has described why they find something to be helpful or unhelpful. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
42 minutes | May 13, 2022
061 - Should the US Decrease the Size of It's Military?
Chris defends: The US should reduce the size of its military. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
33 minutes | May 4, 2022
060 - Must Kids in Public School Wear Masks?
Jeanne defends: Masks should be required in public schools. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS: 1.) Be willing and ready to ask your conversation partner a hypothetical, so that you can better understand how far down the line of possible scenarios their position extends. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
33 minutes | Apr 21, 2022
059 - Should the US Provide Military Support to Ukraine?
Ramin defends: The US should send more aid to Ukraine and impose stricter sanctions. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
27 minutes | Jan 22, 2022
058 - Should We Donate to Animal Related Charities?
Brendan defends: No one should donate to animal-related charities PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS: 1. As you state your support or lack of support for conversation partner’s hypothetical scenarios, state your position, but don’t be afraid to offer the reason for and context about your position. 2. If you reference a body of knowledge outside the conversation, summarize what it teaches before moving on, so that your conversation partner feels included and is able to understand your points following your reference to those learnings. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
29 minutes | Jul 26, 2021
057 - Should Married Couples Have Separate Bank Accounts?
Angela defends: Married couples should have separate bank accounts. Reach out: questions@crossexaminedlife.com Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
94 minutes | Feb 20, 2021
056 - [DEBATE] Will Bitcoin Last or Is it a Fad?
Mike and Nick debate whether Bitcoin will last or whether it is a fad. 1: Defining your terms and its sub-terms and factors is critical to understanding between conversation partners. 2: Responding clearly to each of your partner’s points is a great way to keep ideas organized. 3: Every once in a while, summarize what you think your conversation partner is saying, and check with them, before moving on, that they are in fact saying what you think they’re saying. 4: Honestly acknowledge vulnerabilities in your position and resist the temptation to imply that you have a perfect or comprehensive response to every argument advanced. Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
76 minutes | Nov 22, 2020
BONUS - What Does It Mean to be a Racist?
This special, bonus episode was recorded live, the evening of the 2020 presidential election in the U.S. It's more of a conversation, than a cross-exam. Much was left unsaid. Comments: call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts! questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
59 minutes | Nov 22, 2020
BONUS - Did Trump Respond to COVID Well?
Comments: call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!
33 minutes | Nov 10, 2020
055 - Should Twitter Ban Political Ads?
Andrew defends: Twitter should not ban political ads. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Use phrases like “I can’t prove this” and “I may be wrong” before asserting your facts or conclusions. 2. Acknowledge that you don’t always have a perfect, airtight argument. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
114 minutes | Oct 24, 2020
054 - Does Trump Deserve a 2nd Term?
Frank defends: Donald Trump deserves a 2nd term. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. No matter what you oppose, go look for material that contradicts your own biases: you may be surprised what you find. 2. Instead of dismissing a suspicious fact out of hand as untrue, research it and find out the real truth or falsity of the statement. 3. Words matter. Although actions speak louder than words, it’s somewhat disingenuous for us to tell people they should ignore our words and only focus on our actions. 4. No matter how far down a rabbit trail you’ve gone, always circle back and answer the question posed. 5. Be careful about calling a conversation childish, or otherwise unimportant. 6. Consider the power of forgiving the insults of others and instead of meeting those insults blow for blow, treating the other person better – and perhaps how you would want to be treated. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
62 minutes | Oct 17, 2020
053 - Is a Bachelors' Degree a Waste of Money?
Pat defends: A Bachelors' Degree is a Waste of Money. No Practical Takeaway Tips this week. Pat crushed it! Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB (request to JOIN)
58 minutes | Jun 16, 2020
052 - Is Rioting Defensible?
Gabe defends: Riots are a valuable and effective form of protest. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Layer your arguments in support of one another. 2. Cite both historical and recent examples in support of your position.
46 minutes | Mar 31, 2020
051 - Should Stocking Up on Supplies Prior to a Crisis Be Illegal?
Chris defends: Stocking up on supplies prior to and during a crisis should be illegal. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. If your conversation partner only offers criticisms with no proposed solution, insist that they at least sketch out, in broad strokes, a potential solution to the problem identified. 2. Acknowledge that your conversation partner may have already answered your question, and then confirm that you understand their argument thus far, before asking your next question. 3. Use your conversation partner’s source of data as you present them with tough questions. Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
54 minutes | Mar 25, 2020
050 - Does Fake News Exist?
Ed defends: Fake News is a significant problem in 2020. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. If your question is not answered the first or second time, find new ways to ask it, until it's answered. 2. If there's an assumption baked into your question, generously respond when your partner points that out. Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
72 minutes | Feb 4, 2020
049 - Does Universal Basic Income Make Sense?
Mike defends: Universal Basic Income Does Not Make Sense. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. If you can zoom out and determine whether you fundamentally disagree about the role of a certain institution in society, that will help frame the argument. 2. Instead of labeling the other side's position as something potentially condescending, just respond to the merits of the idea. 3. Be honest! State what hurdle would have to be removed for you to be on board with the opposing viewpoint. drop us a voicemail at 307-240-9190
22 minutes | Jun 22, 2019
048 - Should Kids Have Any Right to Privacy Online?
Ashley defends: Kids under 16 should not have privacy online. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. When you mention something specific in conversation, take a moment to verify that your conversation partner is as familiar with that thing as you are. If they are not, generously explain it, rather than rushing past it and assuming they know it. 2. When you answer a hypothetical question that extends your argument even further, don’t be afraid to qualify your YES/NO that adds nuance and specificity to your answer, if there are some situations in which your answer just wouldn’t apply.
53 minutes | Jun 16, 2019
047 - Are Anti-Vaxxers Making the World More Dangerous?
Marden defends: Anti-Vaxxers Are Making the World More Dangerous. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Even when someone is unwilling to take our suggestion, respect their right to disagree with you, educate them on what you believe to be the consequences of their choice, and generously invite them to return in the future, if they would ever need your services or further information in the future. 2. When our conversation incorrectly summarizes our words or mischaracterizes our statements, try to avoid being defense, aggressive, or condescending about them misquoting you, and instead reach for generous, kind and forgiving language, like what Marden used when he said, “Ah no, I didn’t quite say that.” Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
60 minutes | Jun 8, 2019
046 - Should Insurance Companies Be Subject to Rules & Regulations?
Stacey defends: Insurance companies should not be regulated. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Look at the underlying, intended motivation for something you oppose, and describe why the underlying motivation doesn’t have the intended effect. 2. Don’t be afraid to take what you are bringing to the conversation and use that to reframe a question asked by your partner, to make it the most helpful version of the question. Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
54 minutes | Mar 31, 2019
045 - Must Men Lead Households in Christian Families?
Joel defends: Men must lead households in Christian families. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge when the reality of what you're arguing for has gone poorly in practice. 2. Consider your argument from the shoes of the person on the opposite side of the issue as you, and try to imagine how they might feel when they hear your position advanced. 3. When your conversation partner is advocating one solution or policy for a given situation, ask them to imagine how others solve that same problem, without adopting their proposed solution. 4. When the proposal being advanced feels limiting or potentially stifling, turn the tables on your conversation partner by asking how they would feel if that proposal were imposed on members of their own family. Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 questions@crossexaminedlife.com Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
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