What's the Res?

What's the Res - Summer 3 - The Formative Power of Debate in the Life of Russell Kirk: An Interview with Mrs. Annette Kirk

In this episode, Josh interviews Mrs. Annette Kirk about the late Dr. Russell Kirk and the way his years debating in high school and college prepared him for his career in the public square. Dr. Kirk was the founder of the intellectual conservatism movement with the publication of his Conservative Mind, and he spent his career advocating for the "permanent things" in the face of the endless "whirl" of modernity. He advised presidents, debated radicals, and maintained a ceaseless pace of publication. Mrs. Kirk tells us about Dr. Kirk, including his shyness as a teenager, and their romance during the late 1960s! Check it out, and let us know what you think at WhatsTheRes@gmail.com!

What's the Res - Summer 2 - Debate between Conservatives and Progressives through the Common Ground Initiative: An Interview with Gleaves Whitney

In this episode, Josh interview Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. Gleaves explains the history of the Common Ground Initiative, the value of finding common ground with those on an opposing political position, and outlines the unique debate methods used by the Common Ground Initiative at Grand Valley State University. Gleaves is also a Senior Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal, and towards the conclusion of the episode Gleaves explains Kirk's role in American intellectual history. Enjoy! And if you have questions or feedback, email us at WhatsTheRes@gmail.com!

 

What's the Res? - Summer 1 - Debate in the Southern Baptist Convention: A Conversation with Phillip Herring (Debate in Public Life)

This episode breaks from our usual pattern of focusing on resolution analysis to consider where debate happens outside of tournament competition. Josh interview his dad, Dr. Phillip Herring, about the role debate plays in the largest denominational gathering in the United States each year. Just in time for #SBC19, this episode explains the nature of the convention, the way Baptists function democratically, and how debate gives every Messenger a voice to leadership. Check it out! And let us know what you think! You can email us at Whatstheres@gmail.com, or follow on Instagram and Twitter @Whatstheres_.

(E34) What's the Res? - Coolidge Cup 2019 Unilateral Free Trade - Interview with Tyler Bonin (Unilateral Free Trade)

In this episode, Josh and Tyler Bonin go into detail about unilateral free trade, and explain the ins and out as to what this would look like. Tyler Bonin shares his insight on the economics of free trade policy.

Email us: whatstheres@gmail.com

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(E33) What's the Res - Coolidge Cup 2019 Resolution Analysis: Free Trade, Tariffs, and China

In this episode, Ethan and Josh discuss the Coolidge Cup (2019) resolution, and give insight on potential arguments and strategies. They talk about the meaning of "unilateral free trade," the impacts that such a position would have on current US-China trade relations, and the moral arguments vs economic arguments in this resolution. Check it out, and let us know what you think! This is the last episode in What's the Res? Season 1 - be on the lookout for our sporadic summer episodes, and Season 2 beginning in August!

 

Email us: whatstheres@gmail.com

 

Instagram and Twitter: @whatstheres_

(E32) What's the Res - Debate camps, founding tournaments, and spreading debate: An Interview with Albert Feng

In this episode, Josh interviews Albert Feng, graduate student at Stanford University, on his experience in the debate world, and his current plans on forwarding the practice of competitive debate. Albert is launching an online debate camp helping NSDA LD qualifiers prepare for nationals - check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/2019-nsda-ld-camp

Josh and Albert discuss the unique challenges facing small programs, the way debate summer camps can jumpstart a debate career, and the longterm value of debate. Let us know what you think: Email us at whatstheres@gmail.com, and you can follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @whatstheres_

 

(E31) What's the Res - Technology Giants, Antitrust Laws, and Narrative Arguments: NSDA Nationals 2019 Public Forum (Resolution Analysis)

Josh and Ethan analyze the #Nats19 NSDA Public Forum resolution - "Resolved: The United States federal government should enforce antitrust regulations on technology giants." After a grammatical breakdown, they walk through the Sherman Act, the FTC Act, and the Clayton Act. They describe the current top financial tech companies, and offer thoughts about Pro and Con argumentation strategy. Check it out, and let us know what you think at whatstheres@gmail.com! 

(E30) What's the Res - Public Speaking, Socratic Pedagogy, and Unfailing Support: A Conversation with Dr. Melissa Edwards

Without administrative support, debate in a school setting could not happen. In this episode, Josh sits down with Dr. Melissa Edwards, Administrator of Thales Academy Rolesville JH/HS. They discuss her doctoral research, the value she sees in speech and debate, her view on #NCRedForEd, and the effects of speech and debate in students. We had a great conversation - check it out, and let us know what you think at Whatstheres@gmail.com.

(E29) - What's the Res - Adversity Scores: Invalidating the SAT? (Bonus)

Josh and Ethan explore the College Board's new Adversity Score system, and argue that it is an unjust system that compromises the objectivity of the SAT. They base their analysis on the Wall Street Journal's article (5/16) breaking the story, and focus on the many ways this adversity score system can be abused and how it harms students who have worked hard to demonstrate their academic prowess. By the end of the episode, Josh suggests boycotting the SAT and considering the Classic Learning Test as an alternative route. If you want to contact us about anything in the episode, or share your thoughts on this new College Board system, email us at whatstheres@gmail.com. 

 

Correction - In this episode, Josh stated that the ACT is owned by the College Board. That statement was incorrect, and this correction means the threat of a testing monopoly is less severe than the conclusion of this episode explains. Apologies.

(E28) - What's the Res - International Relations, Obscure Revolutions, and Felt Oppression: A Conversation with Nathan Orlando (NSDA Nats)

Josh interviews Nathan Orlando, an old friend who has gone on to pursue a PhD in International Relations from Baylor University and currently teaches at St. Vincent College. They discuss the #Nats19 LD resolution, expand on the analysis given in E24, and bring Nathan's research to the questions of justice, revolution, violence, and oppression. Check it out, and let us know what you think by emailing us at whatstheres@gmail.com!