Cross Examined Life
65 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 30 ratingsCross Examined Life improves the way we disagree with one another. Each week, my guests advances and defends their position on a controversial topic. Then together, we exemplify thoughtful and respectful disagreement. I’m Chris – I love challenging assumptions. I encourage you to Ask More Questions.
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Episodes
062 - Should Free Speech be Unlimited Online?
May 26, 2022 16:52 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBDan 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 ...
061 - Should the US Decrease the Size of It's Military?
May 13, 2022 18:28 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MBChris defends: The US should reduce the size of its military. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
060 - Must Kids in Public School Wear Masks?
May 04, 2022 17:08 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBJeanne 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 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life ...
059 - Should the US Provide Military Support to Ukraine?
April 21, 2022 15:26 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBRamin defends: The US should send more aid to Ukraine and impose stricter sanctions. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
058 - Should We Donate to Animal Related Charities?
January 22, 2022 21:41 - 26 minutes - 37.4 MBBrendan 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 followi...
057 - Should Married Couples Have Separate Bank Accounts?
July 26, 2021 15:43 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBAngela defends: Married couples should have separate bank accounts. Reach out: [email protected] Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
056 - [DEBATE] Will Bitcoin Last or Is it a Fad?
February 20, 2021 13:05 - 86.2 MBMike 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...
BONUS - What Does It Mean to be a Racist?
November 22, 2020 20:24 - 70.4 MBThis 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! [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
BONUS - Did Trump Respond to COVID Well?
November 22, 2020 20:20 - 54 MBComments: call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!
055 - Should Twitter Ban Political Ads?
November 10, 2020 01:34 - 30.5 MBAndrew 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 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Co...
054 - Does Trump Deserve a 2nd Term?
October 24, 2020 11:49 - 209 MBFrank 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 a...
053 - Is a Bachelors' Degree a Waste of Money?
October 17, 2020 22:32 - 114 MBPat 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 [email protected] 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)
052 - Is Rioting Defensible?
June 16, 2020 10:45 - 106 MBGabe 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.
051 - Should Stocking Up on Supplies Prior to a Crisis Be Illegal?
March 31, 2020 09:53 - 85.2 MBChris 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...
050 - Does Fake News Exist?
March 25, 2020 01:12 - 99.6 MBEd 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 [email protected] Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crosse...
049 - Does Universal Basic Income Make Sense?
February 04, 2020 10:48 - 132 MBMike 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 voi...
048 - Should Kids Have Any Right to Privacy Online?
June 22, 2019 19:04 - 40.7 MBAshley 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...
047 - Are Anti-Vaxxers Making the World More Dangerous?
June 16, 2019 16:30 - 97.3 MBMarden 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 av...
046 - Should Insurance Companies Be Subject to Rules & Regulations?
June 08, 2019 11:54 - 110 MBStacey 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 [email protected] Keep the debate...
045 - Must Men Lead Households in Christian Families?
March 31, 2019 20:16 - 98.8 MBJoel 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 other...
044 - Is the Electoral College Still Important for the U.S.?
March 24, 2019 20:53 - 107 MBDavid defends: The U.S. electoral college should be eliminated. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Don’t reveal where you come down on a political or religious issue, if your position on that issue is not essential to, and can create a distraction from, the larger point at issue. 2. Mirroring back your conversation partner’s words not only shows that you’re listening actively, but helps you ensure that you’re understanding the nuance of the position being advanced. 3. When you don’t have a str...
043 - Is Capitalism Harmful to Society?
March 17, 2019 17:49 - 123 MBHeather defends: Capitalism is harmful to society. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Use phrases that your conversation partner uses, instead of your own, to focus on the underlying idea, rather than get hung up on the vocabulary. 2. If you don’t know the facts, preface your answer by being honest that you’re speculating or extrapolating, then go back and verify the facts later.
042 - Must Airlines Permit Emotional Support Animals to Fly?
January 19, 2019 15:42 - 104 MBStephanie and Antony debate this question. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Pause at times to take stock of where both sides are in the disagreement, note common ground, and then identify areas of sharper disagreement to address. 2. Asking tough questions is one of the strongest tools available to advance the conversation and to alert your conversation partner that there’s something important you want them to address or resolve. Sometimes asking all your questions at once, when they’re fresh in...
041 - Should the Govt Screen our Kid’s Mental Health?
January 14, 2019 00:09 - 54.3 MBRyan defends: The Govt Should Screen our Kids' Mental Health Each Year. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Repeat the other person’s explanation in your own words. This not ensures that you’re beginning from common definitions, but it’s respectfully, because it shows the other person you are hearing and understand them. 2. After providing your more detailed explanation with nuance, come back to the original question, ask yourself whether or not you’ve fully answered it, and if, on balance, the an...
040 - Should Abortion Define How Christians Vote?
December 08, 2018 17:47 - 99 MBColleen defends: Christians should be willing to vote for pro-choice candidates. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Just because something is described as "semantics", don't write it off as not worth discussing. 2. Be brave and be willing to say that something is not black and white - then describe how it's nuanced. Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 [email protected] Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for update...
039 - Caravan or Caminata - Should We Limit Asylum Claims?
November 10, 2018 13:48 - 80.5 MBThe 4,000 individuals walking to the US through Mexico have the right to apply for Asylum and have their claims fairly considered – on the basis of due process. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. In presenting your position, give the audience a broad outline of your various points. Then, go back and fill in the details underlying each point. Finally, remind the audience what you told them. 2. Make sure you understand the question well, clarifying if necessary, before providing an answer. 3. Aft...
038 - Should All Billboards Be Eliminated?
October 28, 2018 10:37 - 55.5 MBDan defends: All Billboards Should Be Eliminated Get in touch! 1-307-240-9190 [email protected] Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Signup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com
037 - Can Human Rights Exist?
October 20, 2018 09:40 - 92.2 MBRob defends: Many human rights do not exist. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Clarify definitions of uncommon words or foundational terms at the beginning of your argument. 2. Don’t take laws or Supreme Court decisions for granted. 3. Try to employ hypothetical questions, even if they present absurd scenarios, to test the foundational beliefs of the person with whom you’re arguing. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/...
036 - Should Bike Helmets Be Required?
October 13, 2018 19:18 - 75.4 MBFelicity defends: Bike Helmets Should Be Required by Law. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
035 - Behind the Scenes with Chris Tatem
September 30, 2018 00:38 - 107 MBChris Tatem is interviewed by Jeshua from the Joshua D. Noel podcast. In this interview, Chris shares his thoughts on life and his motivations for creating Cross Examined Life. call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!
034 - [DEBATE] Should Everyone Have Access to Plans for 3D Printed Guns?
September 23, 2018 17:15 - 98.7 MBGail & Jeremy debate whether 3D printed guns should be available online to anyone. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Don’t be afraid to verify that you heard the other side correctly. 2. Use series of questions with increasing specificity to drill down on a point you want to highlight. 3. If you disagree with a suggestion, don’t be afraid to voice that disagreement directly and specifically. 4. Resist the temptation to find support for your arguments in personal experiences. Instead, try to ...
033 - Should Players Be Permitted to Kneel During the National Anthem?
August 25, 2018 09:55 - 64.6 MBMichael defends: Players should be permitted to kneel during the national anthem. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Provide facts that might support your opposition – since good arguments is not about a great quantity of facts, but using the consequences of those facts more persuasively. 2. Don’t be afraid to bring up uncomfortable moments in your life, as a way of helping your listener understand and empathize with you. 3. Keep in mind that the First Amendment is only relevant if the Governmen...
032 - Should Big Travelers Buy a 2nd Seat on an Plane?
August 18, 2018 00:36 - 34.6 MBKatie defends: Big travelers should buy 2 seats on a plane. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
031 - Should Hate Speech be Legal?
August 11, 2018 03:11 - 73.3 MBBunmi defends: Hate speech should be illegal. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB
030 - Does Identifying as Transgendered Promote Stereotypes?
July 24, 2018 01:08 - 70.1 MBRob defends: Transgenderism Perpetuates Gender Stereotypes and Ignores Scientific Definitions. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. If you're asked a confusing question, ask that it be rephrased! 2. Acknowledge when your conversation partner is able to neatly restate or summarize a point you struggled to make earlier on. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedl...
029 - Should Free Speech on the Web Be Absolute?
February 17, 2018 17:43 - 47.5 MBJessica Defends: Interactive Services and Companies that help to facilitate online sex trafficking should not be protected by the 1 Amendment right to freedom of speech. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS --> Don't be too quick to run to the flagpole of "freedom of speech" when you are frustrated in an argument. Consider whether there are competing concerns for freedom or safety that might make the right to freedom of speech less important. call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!
028 - Is Provocative Language Helpful in Conversation?
February 04, 2018 00:15 - 70.2 MBDylan defends: Provocative language is helpful in conversation. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. When your conversation partner says something you disagree with or find insulting, try to table that issue for later if it’s not the main point you’re discussing right now. 2. Even when your conversation partner challenges the very foundation of your purpose, continue listening, engaging and asking questions. 3. Don’t get distracted by names or words that aren’t relevant to the argument being advanc...
027 - Will Tighter Gun Control Make America Safer?
November 08, 2017 01:34 - 64.4 MBBob defends: Limiting America's access to firearms will not make America safer. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] 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)
026 - Is It Ok to Charge More for Water When Its in Short Supply?
September 25, 2017 01:14 - 63.1 MBKwesi defends: In the wake of natural disasters (including hurricanes), companies should not inflate their prices on essentials, like water, gas and food. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. If you find yourself emotionally invested in a disagreement, take a step back and try to identify your own contradictions.
025 - Is it Time That Confederate Monuments Came Down?
August 24, 2017 03:09 - 72.2 MBDave defends: Confederate Monuments Should Remain Standing. No Practical Takeaway Tips this week. Instead, let us know what you think by getting in touch via one of the methods below! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] 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)
024 - Should Charter Schools Exist?
August 13, 2017 16:02 - 115 MBEmily defends: Charter schools should not exist. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Don’t hold fast to your position, when your experience tells you the answer is more complicated. 2. Don’t insist on an immediate implementation for a policy that would harm the people the policy is designed to protect. 3. Be willing to concede facts you may disagree with, but take them as true for the purposes of advancing the argument. 4. When you see rabit holes emerge, try to save them for the end of your d...
023 - Sometimes Might the Death Penalty be Appropriate?
July 22, 2017 03:14 - 62.2 MBBrandon defends: Sometimes, the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment. *No Practical Takeaway Tips this week* Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] 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)
022 - Should Everyone Eat a Vegetarian Diet?
July 11, 2017 11:54 - 50.4 MBcall or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!
021 - Is Gentrification a Problem?
June 25, 2017 20:41 - 54 MBMoira defends: Gentrification is bad for diversity. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. If the example or analogy you're using is not resonating with your opponent; find a new one or a new strategy. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] 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)
020 - Should Teachers Be Allowed to Hit Children?
June 17, 2017 16:45 - 69.6 MBEric defends: Corporal punishment should end in American public schools. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] 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)
019 - Should the Govt Sell National Parks?
June 10, 2017 22:42 - 47 MBAndrea defends: Public lands should be protected. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] 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)
018 - Should Children Be Allowed to Vote?
June 03, 2017 12:16 - 62.8 MBWilliam defends: There should be no minimum voting age. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Re-engage with the same question if it hasn’t been answered. Bonus points for finding a respectful and thoughtful way to do that. 2. Avoid cutting one another off. 3. Ask just a single question at a time
017 - Should Copyrights Exist?
May 27, 2017 17:00 - 91.1 MBLink defends: Intellectual Property rights are a contradiction in terms and should not exist. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] 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)
016 - Is Death a Problem?
May 23, 2017 10:58 - 64.9 MBSara defends: Death is not a problem that needs fixing. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Respond to your opponent honestly, even when your response surprises you. 2. Respectfully acknowledge the principles and values held by your opposition, while indicating why you prioritize them differently. 3. Own your position, even when confronted with extreme examples. Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife T...
015 - Legalize Physician-Assisted Suicide?
May 13, 2017 04:49 - 62.1 MBMarc defends: Physician-assisted suicide should not be legal. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS 1. Define terms both within and implied by your argument. 2. Don’t suggest things are wildly different from one another when they are in fact, more closely related. 3. Answer the question asked, without trying to give a new speech. 4. Before attacking it, summarize the argument of your opponent.