Can Debate Heal Polarization?

What happens when people with deeply opposing views actually listen to each other? Doug Sprei of the College Debates and Discourse Alliance shares stories from more than 300 campus debates designed to help students disagree without dehumanizing one another. In one unforgettable moment, two students with radically different perspectives speak back-to-back, and the entire room shifts from tension to genuine listening. The episode explores why students are hungry for spaces where they can speak openly, challenge ideas, and be heard with respect. It’s a conversation about how debate—done well—can restore curiosity, courage, and humanity to public disagreement.

Re-release from January 2025. When We Disagree is on spring break!

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