PODCAST · society
Cross Examined Life
by Chris Tatem
Cross 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.
Episodes
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062 - Should Free Speech be Unlimited Online?
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...
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061 - Should the US Decrease the Size of It's Military?
Chris 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...
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060 - Must Kids in Public School Wear Masks?
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)...
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059 - Should the US Provide Military Support to Ukraine?
Ramin 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…
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058 - Should We Donate to Animal Related Charities?
Brendan 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...
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057 - Should Married Couples Have Separate Bank Accounts?
Angela 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
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056 - [DEBATE] Will Bitcoin Last or Is it a Fad?
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...
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BONUS - What Does It Mean to be a Racist?
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! [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com...
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BONUS - Did Trump Respond to COVID Well?
Comments: call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!
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055 - Should Twitter Ban Political Ads?
Andrew 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)...
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054 - Does Trump Deserve a 2nd Term?
Frank 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…
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053 - Is a Bachelors' Degree a Waste of Money?
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) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta: @crossexaminedlife Keep...
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052 - Is Rioting Defensible?
Gabe 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.
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051 - Should Stocking Up on Supplies Prior to a Crisis Be Illegal?
Chris 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.…
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050 - Does Fake News Exist?
Ed 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.…
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049 - Does Universal Basic Income Make Sense?
Mike 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...
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048 - Should Kids Have Any Right to Privacy Online?
Ashley 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…
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047 - Are Anti-Vaxxers Making the World More Dangerous?
Marden 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…
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046 - Should Insurance Companies Be Subject to Rules & Regulations?
Stacey 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...
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045 - Must Men Lead Households in Christian Families?
Joel 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...
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044 - Is the Electoral College Still Important for the U.S.?
David 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...
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043 - Is Capitalism Harmful to Society?
Heather 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...
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042 - Must Airlines Permit Emotional Support Animals to Fly?
Stephanie 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...
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041 - Should the Govt Screen our Kid’s Mental Health?
Ryan 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...
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040 - Should Abortion Define How Christians Vote?
Colleen 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...
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039 - Caravan or Caminata - Should We Limit Asylum Claims?
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 TIPS 1. In presenting your position, give the audience a broad outline of your various points. Then, go back and fill...
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038 - Should All Billboards Be Eliminated?
Dan 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
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037 - Can Human Rights Exist?
Rob 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...
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036 - Should Bike Helmets Be Required?
Felicity 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...
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035 - Behind the Scenes with Chris Tatem
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!
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034 - [DEBATE] Should Everyone Have Access to Plans for 3D Printed Guns?
Gail & 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…
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033 - Should Players Be Permitted to Kneel During the National Anthem?
Michael 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...
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032 - Should Big Travelers Buy a 2nd Seat on an Plane?
Katie 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...
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031 - Should Hate Speech be Legal?
Bunmi 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
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030 - Does Identifying as Transgendered Promote Stereotypes?
Rob 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...
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029 - Should Free Speech on the Web Be Absolute?
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...
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028 - Is Provocative Language Helpful in Conversation?
Dylan 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...
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027 - Will Tighter Gun Control Make America Safer?
Bob 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…
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026 - Is It Ok to Charge More for Water When Its in Short Supply?
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 TIPS 1. If you find yourself emotionally invested in a disagreement, take a step back and try to identify your own...
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025 - Is it Time That Confederate Monuments Came Down?
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) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com...
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024 - Should Charter Schools Exist?
Emily 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....
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023 - Sometimes Might the Death Penalty be Appropriate?
Brandon defends: Sometimes, the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment. *No Practical Takeaway Tips this week* Get in touch! call or text (+1) 307-240-9190 [email protected] crossexaminedlife.com facebook.com/groups/crossexaminedlife Tweet us: @CELpodcast Insta:...
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022 - Should Everyone Eat a Vegetarian Diet?
call or text 307-240-9190 to let Chris know your thoughts!
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021 - Is Gentrification a Problem?
Moira 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...
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020 - Should Teachers Be Allowed to Hit Children?
Eric 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...
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019 - Should the Govt Sell National Parks?
Andrea 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…
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018 - Should Children Be Allowed to Vote?
William 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
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017 - Should Copyrights Exist?
Link 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...
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016 - Is Death a Problem?
Sara 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...
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015 - Legalize Physician-Assisted Suicide?
Marc 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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Cross 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.
HOSTED BY
Chris Tatem
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Cross Examined Life have?
Cross Examined Life currently has 65 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Cross Examined Life about?
Cross 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.
How often does Cross Examined Life release new episodes?
Cross Examined Life has 65 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Cross Examined Life?
You can listen to Cross Examined Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Cross Examined Life?
Cross Examined Life is created and hosted by Chris Tatem.
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