American politics today has been marred by increasing levels of “us vs. them” thinking, leading to the destruction of our social fabric and democracy. But critical thinking, facts, and reason can lead us out of that path. 

For its newest episode, out today, the nonpartisan debate series and podcast Open to Debate is joined by the renowned YouTuber, podcaster, and MSNBC contributor Brian Tyler Cohen for a conversation, “America the Dysfunctional?” to address the issue of increasing polarization in the US, and what can be done to fix it. Editor-at-large of Reason magazine and frequent Open to Debate guest moderator Nick Gillepsie hosted the discussion.

Listen to/watch the new episode, recorded on August 13th in Washington D.C., HERE

Since he began his YouTube channel five years ago, Brian Tyler Cohen has earned two billion views and counting across his breakdown and analysis videos, and major interviews with a high number of influential figures in our culture today. His guests have included everyone from ambassadors to politicians at the highest levels like Elizabeth Warren and President Joe Biden, who gave his first-ever Youtuber interview to Cohen in 2022. 

In his new upcoming book, “Shameless,” Cohen discusses America’s increasing dysfunction and what today’s leaders can take from the present moment to create a better future. 

In the wide-ranging conversation with Nick Gillespie, he expounds on those topics while also discussing the skewed media landscape, the future of democracy in America, the shake-up in the 2024 Election that’s played out these past six weeks, and more.

True to Open to Debate’s commitment to both sides of any issue, the organization will soon host a guest from the other side of the political spectrum to discuss how they would address barriers to democracy, as well.

Open to Debate is available wherever you get your podcasts, or visit OpenToDebate.org

About Brian Tyler Cohen

Brian Tyler Cohen is a renowned YouTube star, host of the No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen podcast, and MSNBC contributor. Brian has interviewed some of the most influential figures in American society, from the president, politicians and influential commentators from both sides of the aisle. In his new book, "Shameless," he delves into America's increasing dysfunction and takes a step back from the day-to-day news cycle to explain how American politics has turned into such a "dumpster fire." He explores how today's leaders can harness the present moment to create a brighter future and how to engage younger voters through digital media.

About Nick Gillespie

Nick Gillespie is a frequent Guest Moderator for Open to Debate, editor-at-large of Reason, the libertarian magazine of "free minds and free markets," and the host of The Reason Interview podcast with Nick Gillespie. His recent debates include "Is Wokeness Killing Comedy?" and "Do Unions Work for the Economy?" A two-time finalist for the digital National Magazine Awards, he is co-author of "The Declaration of Independents: How Libertarian Politics Can Fix What's Wrong with America."

About Open to Debate

Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. We are the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.