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Beyond The Gavel

Beyond The Gavel

Written by: The Teen Debater
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Welcome to Beyond the Gavel, the official podcast of The Teen Debater, an innovative community dedicated to revolutionizing debate education for students across India. At "Beyond the Gavel," we dive deep into the intricate world of debate and discourse. Each episode unpacks current world events with detailed analyses to enhance our listeners' understanding of global issues, preparing them for any debate stage.

We explore the myriad facets of debating, covering various formats and providing practical tips and strategies. Our podcast serves as a platform for expert interviews, featuring seasoned debaters, educators, and professionals who share their insights on everything from debate theory to practical career advice.

Beyond the Gavel transcends traditional debate topics, exploring a wide range of subjects that leverage debate skills for personal and academic growth. We discuss related areas such as college applications, essay writing, and broader topics like theater, public policy, and even philosophy.

Each episode is crafted to not only educate but also to entertain, blending discussions on serious topics with lighter, engaging content on current debate trends. Central to our mission is promoting a global debate culture, highlighting stories that showcase debate as a tool for social mobility and change, making it accessible to all, especially the underprivileged.

Join us at Beyond the Gavel as we explore, discuss, and unfold the dynamic world of debating, fostering a community that supports and inspires the next generation of global thinkers and leaders. Tune in to transform the way you think and speak, one argument at a time.

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Episodes
  • Socialising at MUNs with Abhinav and Sidhartha
    Oct 28 2025

    📚 Welcome to Season Two Episode Six — Socialising at MUNs with Abhinav and Sidhartha!

    In this light-hearted and relatable episode of Beyond the Gavel, our hosts explore one of the most memorable aspects of every Model UN — the people and the social dynamics that make MUNs so unique. From the confident “Power Delegate” who commands every debate to the charming “Social Butterfly” who networks their way through every bloc, Abhinav and Sidhartha dive into the different personalities you’ll meet and how to navigate them with confidence and authenticity.

    🎙️ Drawing from their own experiences as seasoned MUNers, they discuss how socialising isn’t just about making friends — it’s about building alliances, creating trust, and learning diplomacy beyond formal speeches. The hosts reflect on how casual hallway conversations, late-night drafting sessions, and post-committee socials can teach as much about leadership and teamwork as the actual debates themselves.

    Listeners will gain practical tips on balancing diplomacy and personality, approaching intimidating delegates, and finding the right mix between being assertive and approachable. Abhinav and Sidhartha also share humorous anecdotes about crisis chaos, procedural sticklers, and the unpredictable “wildcards” who make every conference unforgettable.

    💬 The discussion further explores how every archetype — from the researcher to the diplomat — brings a unique strength to the MUN experience, reminding us that success comes not just from speaking well, but from understanding people and connecting with them meaningfully.

    Finally, the episode wraps up with a powerful takeaway: that socialising at MUNs is not about popularity — it’s about presence. Building genuine relationships, learning from diverse personalities, and growing through collaboration are what truly take your MUN experience beyond awards and accolades.

    🎧 Tune in to S2E6: Socialising at MUNs with Abhinav and Sidhartha, and join us as we go beyond the speeches, beyond the resolutions — and beyond the gavel!

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    36 mins
  • Multitasking with Nasser and Abhinav
    Jul 6 2025

    📚 Welcome to Season Two Episode Five—Multitasking with Nasser and Abhinav of Beyond the Gavel! In this episode, our hosts dive into a topic every student can relate to: finding balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. Drawing from their own journeys as students juggling sports, studies, and leadership roles, Nasser and Abhinav reflect on the struggles of overcommitment and how they learned to navigate their packed schedules.

    Listeners will hear insights on planning out a week effectively, including practical tips for prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals. The hosts share their thoughts on why studying too much or taking on too many extracurriculars can lead to burnout, and how creating a balance is key for long-term success and well-being.

    The conversation also explores strategies for maintaining consistency in sports and academics, emphasizing the importance of knowing your priorities and commitments. Nasser and Abhinav discuss their personal methods for managing time and staying productive without compromising their mental health or passions.

    Finally, the episode wraps up with actionable advice for students to design schedules that work for them—highlighting that balance isn’t about doing less, but about doing what matters most with intention.

    🎧 Tune in to S2E5: Multitasking with Nasser and Abhinav and join us as we push the conversation beyond the gavel!Multitasking with Nasser and Abhinav

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    23 mins
  • Post-COVID Education and Inequality with Mr. Jayant Ahlawat
    Jun 30 2025

    📚 Welcome to Season Two Episode Four—Post-COVID Education and Inequality with Mr. Jayant Ahlawat of Beyond the Gavel! In this episode, Mr. Ahlawat takes us through one of the most urgent conversations of our time: how the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified educational inequality between the Global East and West. With first-hand insights shaped by growing up in under-resourced areas, he reflects on the challenges faced by students during school closures, power outages, and limited digital access in low-income communities.

    Listeners will hear about his research on global academic disparities, which explores the structural barriers—from digital divides to policy gaps—that left millions of students behind. Drawing from his paper, Mr. Ahlawat discusses how these divides are not just a result of the pandemic but are deeply rooted in long-standing socio-economic inequalities.

    The conversation also shines a light on youth-led change—how young people are stepping up to close the gap. Mr. Ahlawat shares personal stories of mentorship, community work, and initiatives he has helped lead, all aimed at improving educational access for vulnerable groups. He outlines first steps toward academic empowerment, such as local tutoring programs, tech access drives, and collaborative study models.

    Mr. Ahlawat closes with a strong message for today’s youth: you have the power to transform education systems. By taking initiative, forming networks, and sharing knowledge, young people can turn inequality into opportunity—and drive sustainable change from the ground up.

    🎧 Tune in to S2E4: Post-COVID Education and Inequality with Mr. Jayant Ahlawat and join us as we push the conversation beyond the gavel!

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    36 mins
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