The Munk Debates Podcast

I had been looking for a podcast like this for a long time. They go into complex, relevant topics with great speakers that provide nuance and allow listeners to make their minds. Too much of the media these days (big and small, left and right) is heavily editorialized and tries to avoid people thinking too much and just defaults to the party line on different topics. It’s refreshing to find a podcast like this; highly recommend.

Just discovered the Munk Debates. I subscribed to listen to the debate on mainstream media and then listened to another long form debate. It’s rare that anyone on the public stage engages in traditional debates these days. Munk is an opportunity to listen to some of the greatest minds in politics, journalism, science and culture debate the issues of the day in a civil, moderated setting with all the usual rules in place. It’s exciting and informative. I may be up all night now.

Most "debate" podcasts either 1) have too many guests, so no one really gets their say or 2) have guests that are so biased that that speak past each other. I've been pleasantly surprised by the Munk Debates as they typically ave just two guests and those guests, while representing different views, often agree with each other on a subset of points. To me, that's how real intellectual progress happens.

Best podcast I’ve found in the genre. Whether in debate or interview format the moderator is prepared but not promoting his personal agenda. Rather he gets great insights from amazing public intellectuals. Civility sans outrage is so welcome and so needed.

Excited by the idea of this show but got half way through the “traditional marriage roles” episode and it devolved into a shouting match about “the data say this” vs “no it doesn’t, there’s no data that says that”. If I wanted that, I’d go watch Fox News. Take the time to describe what the experiments are, what the data say, and you can then debate what it means. Treat your audience like thinking adults

Historically, Munk has done a good job of having balanced debates about controversial issues. But lately, they’re veering to one side of the political spectrum by putting out “conversations” that are not balanced or compelling. They’re just two typical Canadian mid-wits with varying degrees of the same set of everyday opinions, chatting about politics. Please get back to actual debates.