
About this episode
As Trump’s sweeping tariffs continue to spark chaos and backlash nationwide, Ravi delivers a blistering breakdown of the administration’s latest moves and the economic risks they’ve created. He challenges the populist rhetoric behind the trade war, exposes the political theater driving the latest policies, and explains what Trump’s getting wrong about jobs, immigration, and manufacturing.
Then, Richard Kahlenberg returns to the pod to discuss his new book, Class Matters. Ravi and Richard examine what’s changed - and what hasn’t - since the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action. They also talk about the role of legacy admissions, the case for class-based college admissions, and what a more equitable future for higher education could look like.
Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570
Learn more about Ravi's novel and upcoming events: GARBAGE TOWN
The Branch is nominated for three Webbys! Vote for us:
Fights in the Forgotten Borough (Best Limited Series, News and Politics): https://bit.ly/thebranchwebbys
Killing Justice (Best Limited Series, Crime and Justice): https://bit.ly/WebbysKillingJustice
Killing Justice (Best Partnership/Collaboration): https://bit.ly/killingjustice
---
Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta
Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia
Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/
Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate
• Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw
• iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Get every episode summarized
Each time Lost Debate publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Lost Debate

Negative Immigration, Trump on Data Centers, Alpha Schools
Lost Debate
Sep 2, 202644:51pending

The Future of AI and Education (with Reed Hastings)
Lost Debate
Aug 28, 20261:18:36pending

Primary Takeaways + Free Speech & Boycotts
Lost Debate
Aug 19, 202657:45pending

What We Did in the Shadows
Lost Debate
Aug 12, 202644:45pending