Best Vicki Jakes Podcasts (2025)

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#35 - Empowering All Students Through the PEOPEL Unified PE Program with Janine Wilkins 44:00

Play Pause

22h ago44:00

44:00

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of four, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Today’s guest is Janine Wilkins, a veteran teacher at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, where she’s been inspiring students for more than 23 years. Janine earned her degree in Kinesiology from the…

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Does the Effective Altruism Movement Get Giving Right? 52:07

3m ago52:07

52:07

Effective altruism is a philosophical and social movement that uses empirical data to maximize the impact of charitable efforts. Those who champion EA praise its methodological framework for maximizing the effectiveness of donations, thus ensuring equal consideration for all individuals. Those who challenge EA argue that its emphasis on measurable …

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Should the U.S. Militarize the War on Drugs? 53:15

10d ago53:15

53:15

he Trump administration is taking the War on Drugs in a bold direction, using aircraft carriers, intelligence networks, and direct military strikes to target alleged smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Supporters of militarization argue that previous strategies to stop cartels have failed, and only aggressive deterrence will sto…

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BONUS: Why Debate Matters — Robert Rosenkranz on Clearer Thinking 1:07:37

13d ago1:07:37

1:07:37

We are pleased to share an episode from the Clearer Thinking Podcast featuring Open to Debate Founder Robert Rosenkranz in conversation with Spencer Greenberg. About this episode: What makes a forum truly open-minded rather than performative? When does listening change minds instead of just hardening identities? Are we teaching citizens to separate…

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Generational Divides with Nick Gillespie 53:15

17d ago53:15

53:15

How big is the divide between different age groups? In this inaugural episode of a new Open to Debate series, “Generational Divides,” Reason’s editor-at-large Nick Gillespie brings together a Baby Boomer, a Gen X-er, and a Gen Z-er to discuss Social Security benefits and how they’ll affect future generations, homeownership, and 1950s nostalgia, whe…

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#34 - Rediscovering the Joy of Movement with Dr. Vicky Randall 56:36

3h ago56:36

56:36

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Dr Vicky Randall is an educator, researcher and consultant in Physical Education, with over 20 years experience in the field. She holds fellowships in the UK with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and …

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Is Europe Too Late to Compete in the Chip War? 53:15

20d ago53:15

53:15

The U.S. and China are the two largest competitors in the race for semiconductors and in creating the most powerful AI chips. Europe could become a major stakeholder thanks to its demand for tech sovereignty and lithography near-monopoly, while others see the continent as too hampered by regulation, labor, and limited venture capital to get ahead. …

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Think Twice: The Seven Rules of Trust with Jimmy Wales 53:15

25d ago53:15

53:15

At a time when misinformation thrives, institutions crumble, and algorithms mediate truth, trust has become one of democracy’s most fragile foundations. Our team at Open to Debate has been thinking twice recently about trust — how it’s earned, how it breaks, and how it might be rebuilt between one another in a time of deep division. Jimmy Wales, th…

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Should America End Birthright Citizenship? 53:15

1M ago53:15

53:15

Birthright citizenship guarantees citizenship to anyone born within the United States’ territory, regardless of a parent’s nationality. But should this legal principle be removed from the Constitution? Those arguing it shouldn’t say that it prevents children from being punished for their parents’ status, while encouraging long-term economic and civ…

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#33 - Standards-Based, Student-Led Activities with Paddy Bailey 47:52

1M ago47:52

47:52

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Paddy received his bachelors degree in K-12 PE and a Masters in Physical Education Leadership through SUNY Cortland. He has been teaching elementary PE for 10 years, and is entering year 3 at Van Renssel…

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Will the Future Be Abundant? 53:15

1M ago53:15

53:15

Today, humanity is thriving, but there are fears the good times will not last. Will tomorrow be better than today? Those arguing “yes” say people have better access to resources and technological advances are making us more prosperous. Those arguing “no” say there are widening socio-economic disparities, our globalized world is bound to collapse, a…

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Is War Inevitable? 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

From ancient battles to modern proxy wars, conflicts have been a constant in human history. But does that mean we are destined to continue treating it as an option? Those saying war is inevitable argue that our global system is anarchic and no overarching authority exists to stop war, so states prioritize survival and power. But others argue that c…

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#32 - Prioritizing Skill Development and Challenging the Status Quo with Jake Miller 1:13:34

2M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. After teaching elementary PE for three years, Jake has been teaching junior high physical education for the past 17 years. first in Montana, and currently at North Junior High in the Boise school distric…

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Wartime Kill Switch: Human or AI? 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

As modern warfare becomes increasingly automated and AI-reliant, questions arise about the use of a “kill switch” overriding autonomous weapons in conflict zones. Should the ultimate decision be in humans’ or AI’s hands? Those arguing for human oversight say moral reasoning, empathy, and legal accountability are essential, especially in wartime. Su…

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Debating the Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

It’s been five years since the pandemic began, but was our public health system or society to blame for our country’s failures to stop the spread? Some argue that public health leaders were unprepared, mismanaged the crisis, and provided inconsistent guidance. Others argue the failures were societal, citing widespread mistrust, misinformation, and …

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#31 - The Return of the Presidential Fitness Test: Repeating the Past or Reimagining the Future, with Kathy Harvey and Jamie Sparks 45:19

2M ago45:19

45:19

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ... In this episode, Kathy Harvey, Jamie Sparks and I talk about the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, whether or not it belongs in a high-quality PE program, and the impact it can have on students…

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Is Masculinity A Prison? 53:50

3M ago53:50

53:50

Men are falling behind in our society, and some point to traditional ideas of masculinity as the cause. What does it mean to “be a man” today, and how do labels like toxic masculinity impact that question? For some men, masculinity is a continually evolving identity that goes beyond narrow definitions placed upon it. For others, it's a rigid set of…

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TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding the Teaching Profession? 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

It’s Back to School season, and TikTok has been taking a larger role in helping students learn — but should it? Some teachers argue that using TikTok can help make whatever subjects they study more digestible and adaptable to different types of learners. Others call the app distracting and capable of undermining classroom authority and prioritizing…

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Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator? 1:18:43

3M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

In some policy circles, the idea of the U.S. electing a CEO-style dictator running the country like a company is gaining momentum. But should the idea be embraced? Those proposing the Dictator CEO, like Curtis Yarvin, argue it would challenge existing institutions and deliver cutthroat efficiency. But democracy advocates, like E. Glen Weyl, argue t…

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Don't Eat Anything With a Face 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

More Americans are moving away from eating meat toward a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. But is continuing to eat animals a personal choice—or an ethical failure? Those favoring a plant-based lifestyle argue that eating animals is morally indefensible when plant-based alternatives can provide the same nutrition without pain. But meat lovers argue th…

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#30 - Back to School 2025: Creating a PE Program That Welcomes Every Learner with Juli Neace 40:08

3M ago40:08

40:08

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ... This episode is the final installment of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningfu…

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Fast Fashion: Shop or Stop? 51:59

3M ago51:59

51:59

Fast fashion has taken over the fashion industry, but is less expensive, trendy clothing really worth the purchase? Those who say to “stop” argue fast fashion harms the environment in many ways and exploits workers in countries with lax regulations. Those who say “keep shopping” argue it’s up to shoppers to choose, as fast fashion offers affordable…

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Is Our Productivity Culture Toxic? 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

The pressure to constantly be productive and achieve has become an aspiration one should aspire. But is this mindset worth the effort? Those claiming it’s toxic argue it creates impossible standards, opening the door for anxiety, burnout, and disconnection. But some argue the problem isn’t productivity itself, but how we’ve come to define success —…

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#29 - Back to School 2025: Building a Culture of Belonging in PE with Courtney Lukasavitz 54:37

4M ago54:37

54:37

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for al…

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Is It Time for the Catholic Church to Ordain Women as Deacons? 53:15

4M ago53:15

53:15

Pope Leo XIV’s accession could mean a new opportunity to reform the Catholic Church by allowing women as ordained deacons. Those advocating for this change argue that allowing women would represent a return to early Church tradition and showcase an evolving Church ready for modernity. Those against this argue that it would blur theological lines an…

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Think Twice: The Idaho Four Tragedy with Vicky Ward 53:15

4M ago53:15

53:15

The shocking 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students have resulted in a life sentence for the killer and still-unanswered questions — about new genealogy tech, media exposure, lessons for law enforcement —worth Thinking Twice about. John Donvan sits down with journalist Vicky Ward, who co-authored with James Patterson “The Idaho Four: An A…

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#28 - Back to School 2025: Co-Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines with Rhys Meredith 45:09

4M ago45:09

45:09

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for al…

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Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human? 1:02:25

4M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Love in the time of AI? Some people seeking romance or friendship are turning to AI chatbots to fulfill those desires, but could they surpass traditional human relationships? Those who say they can argue that AI can offer empathy and safety, and it’s a solution for those left out of traditional dating. Those saying they can’t argue that intimacy is…

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mr. noah 6:23

4M ago6:23

6:23

[edit] the podcast made by us, for us and the community all around us.By A/\G

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ava 4:06

4M ago4:06

4:06

[edit] the podcast made by us, for us and the community all around us.By G/\A

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jazz 4:03

4M ago4:03

4:03

[edit] the podcast made by us, for us and the community all around us.By A/\G

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ms. vicki 3:22

4M ago3:22

3:22

[edit] the podcast made by us, for us and the community all around us.By A/\G

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RECESS 5:37

4M ago5:37

5:37

[edit] the podcast made by us, for us and the community all around us.By A/\G

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mr. jake 4:30

4M ago4:30

4:30

[edit] the podcast made by us, for us and the community all around us.By A/\G

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Two Conservatives Debate: Is the Big, Beautiful Bill a Disaster? 53:15

5M ago53:15

53:15

President Trump has officially signed the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act into law. There is debate among conservatives about whether it will end up driving economic growth or increasing our debt. One side argues that ordinary Americans will pay the price and the long-term fiscal outcome is terrible. Another side argues these policies will encourage in…

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Did Harvard Have It Coming? 55:48

5M ago55:48

55:48

The Trump administration enacted severe actions against Harvard University that threaten its endowment, funding, and ability to enroll international students, based on accusations of antisemitism. Do these actions go too far? Prominent voices long affiliated with Harvard – former university president Larry Summers and law professor emeritus Alan De…

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Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice Stephen Breyer 53:15

5M ago53:15

53:15

As an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court for almost three decades, Stephen Breyer was no stranger to hearing arguments for different sides in major cases. In this episode, our moderator-in-chief, John Donvan, and Chief Content Officer, Lia Matthow, interview Justice Breyer and discuss his book “Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, …

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Are Sanctions An Effective Policy Tool? 53:15

5M ago53:15

53:15

Open to Debate, in partnership with the Human Rights Foundation and the Oslo Freedom Forum, is examining a strategy employed by many countries to respond to aggressive or authoritarian regimes. In recent years, these have been levied against countries such as Russia, Venezuela, and Iran, which have ranged from freezing assets and trade bans to trav…

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Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally? 53:15

5M ago53:15

53:15

Under President Trump, America’s role on the global stage is being redefined — but can other countries trust its allyship under his leadership? Critics argue his transactional approach and threats to abandon allies undermine trust and force nations to reconsider their security. Supporters counter that demanding more from partners is “tough love” th…

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Free Speech in the Trump 2.0 Era 50:30

6M ago50:30

50:30

The new Trump presidency has led to pressure on the First Amendment, and the lines between free expression and political enforcement are blurring. Those who say speech is now freer argue that his actions are restoring viewpoint diversity. Those who argue it’s more restricted argue it’s a crackdown on speech that doesn’t align with the administratio…

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BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now? 54:02

6M ago54:02

54:02

In light of today's breaking news—Israel’s targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, and Iran's retaliation—we are re-releasing our episode that confronts one of the most urgent questions of our time. Originally aired in January 2025, this debate has only grown more relevant, with our two experts offering insights critical for…

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Trump's Russia Policies: Return to Normalcy or Defeat for America? 53:15

6M ago53:15

53:15

As he did in this first presidential term, President Trump has continued to signal closer alignment with Vladimir Putin. This included a tense February Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he claimed Ukraine was responsible for the war. The U.S. also joined Russia in voting against a UN resolution condemning Russi…

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#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

6M ago36:49

36:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe It’s the final episode of the first year of the Distinguished PE Podcast — and it’s all about taking time to reflect. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Mullis to talk about wrapping up the school year with purpose: how to reflect on your teaching, your students’ …

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#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe What happens when four PE teachers commit to growing their practice together? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith - all participants in the Distinguished PE Book Study - to talk about how the experience reshape…

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Think Twice: Original Sin with Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson 1:11:19

6M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Coming off the long weekend, an early release of this week's episode: The first 2024 presidential debate was a turning point in President Biden’s candidacy. In this episode, moderator-in-chief John Donvan and chief content officer Lia Matthow sit down with CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson to discuss the book that has Washington buzz…

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Is Trump Good for Israel? 53:15

6M ago53:15

53:15

With Trump’s return to office, some have high hopes for his relationship with Israel. But amid the Gaza war, will his policies help? Those arguing “yes” say Trump has given Israel unprecedented backing and would continue shifting U.S. policy in favor of Israeli sovereignty and security. Those arguing “no” are concerned that his policies would resul…

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Can the U.S. Outpace China in AI Through Chip Controls? 53:15

7M ago53:15

53:15

The AI revolution is underway, and the U.S. and China are racing to the top. At the heart of this competition are semiconductors—especially advanced GPUs that power everything from natural language processing to autonomous weapons. The U.S. is betting that export controls can help check China’s technological ambitions. But will this containment str…

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#25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) with Kelly Donnelly 40:42

7M ago40:42

40:42

What would you do if 200 new students walked into your gym — most of them speaking a language you don’t understand? That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Donnelly, a PE teacher in Denver Public Schools. In this powerful episode, Kelly shares how welcoming a wave of Spanish-speaking migrant students changed her teaching, pushed her outside her comfo…

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LEO XIV - a Deep State coadjutor 56:33

7M ago56:33

56:33

LEO XIV - a Deep State coadjutor? Have the Jesuits entrenched their web so deeply in the American system that they have revealed their geographic hand of power domestically? If so, it means that it is the same place they nursed and built the career of their political pawn, Barrack Obama, as Chicago now produces Rome’s first American Pope. Historica…

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Trump’s First 100 Days: The Economic Agenda 53:15

7M ago53:15

53:15

The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have come with a wide range of changes for the nation’s economy and global supply chains. Could these changes lead to a more prosperous America, or hardship for individuals and businesses? In partnership with Bloomberg, five renowned economists look at President Trump’s economic agenda during his …