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 l…

Chris defends: The US should reduce the size of its military.Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB…

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) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.…

Ramin defends: The US should send more aid to Ukraine and impose stricter sanctions.Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB…

Brendan defends: No one should donate to animal-related charitiesPRACTICAL 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…

Angela defends: Married couples should have separate bank accounts. Reach out: questions@crossexaminedlife.comKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeSignup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com

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 pa…

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.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodc…

Comments: call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!

Andrew defends: Twitter should not ban political ads. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.com…

Frank defends: Donald Trump deserves a 2nd term. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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. Altho…

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) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB (…

Gabe defends: Riots are a valuable and effective form of protest. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. Layer your arguments in support of one another. 2. Cite both historical and recent examples in support of your position.

Chris defends: Stocking up on supplies prior to and during a crisis should be illegal.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 …

Ed defends: Fake News is a significant problem in 2020.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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! 1-307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.…

Mike defends: Universal Basic Income Does Not Make Sense.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 me…

Ashley defends: Kids under 16 should not have privacy online. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 answ…

Marden defends: Anti-Vaxxers Are Making the World More Dangerous.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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…

Stacey defends: Insurance companies should not be regulated. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 you…

Joel defends: Men must lead households in Christian families. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 po…

David defends: The U.S. electoral college should be eliminated. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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…

Heather defends: Capitalism is harmful to society. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 …

Stephanie and Antony debate this question. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 pa…

Ryan defends: The Govt Should Screen our Kids' Mental Health Each Year. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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…

Colleen defends: Christians should be willing to vote for pro-choice candidates. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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! 1-307-240-9190questions@cro…

The 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 TIPS1. 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…

Dan defends: All Billboards Should Be EliminatedGet in touch! 1-307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB: facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeSignup for updates at www.crossexaminedlife.com

Rob defends: Many human rights do not exist. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 perso…

Felicity defends: Bike Helmets Should Be Required by Law.Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB

Chris 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!

Gail & Jeremy debate whether 3D printed guns should be available online to anyone. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 dis…

Michael defends: Players should be permitted to kneel during the national anthem. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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…

Katie defends: Big travelers should buy 2 seats on a plane. Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB…

Bunmi defends: Hate speech should be illegal. Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB

Rob defends: Transgenderism Perpetuates Gender Stereotypes and Ignores Scientific Definitions.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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) 307-240-9…

Jessica 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 fo…

Dylan defends: Provocative language is helpful in conversation. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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, …

Bob defends: Limiting America's access to firearms will not make America safer. Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB (request to JOIN)…

Kwesi defends: In the wake of natural disasters (including hurricanes), companies should not inflate their prices on essentials, like water, gas and food.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. If you find yourself emotionally invested in a disagreement, take a step back and try to identify your own contradictions.…

Dave 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) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKe…

Emily defends: Charter schools should not exist. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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, bu…

Brandon defends: Sometimes, the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment. *No Practical Takeaway Tips this week*Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Com…

call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!

Moira defends: Gentrification is bad for diversity. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @…

Eric defends: Corporal punishment should end in American public schools. Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB (request to JOIN)…

Andrea defends: Public lands should be protected. Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB (request to JOIN)…

William defends: There should be no minimum voting age. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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

Link defends: Intellectual Property rights are a contradiction in terms and should not exist. Get in touch!call or text (+1) 307-240-9190questions@crossexaminedlife.comcrossexaminedlife.comfacebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlifeTweet us: @CELpodcastInsta: @crossexaminedlifeKeep the debate going in the Cross Examined Life Community on FB (request to J…

Sara defends: Death is not a problem that needs fixing. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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 example…

Marc defends: Physician-assisted suicide should not be legal. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY TIPS1. 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…