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The Extemper's Bible

The Extemper's Bible

By The Extemper's Bible

With interviews, the news, extemp strategy, and more, the Extemper's Bible is the desperately needed podcast for the extemper community. Check out our website (extempers.org) or Instagram (@theextempersbible)!
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Currently playing episode

Extemp's Many Layers | USX Finalists Group Call

The Extemper's Bible Jul 31, 2022

00:00
01:10:36
Double Champions and Kate Squared | Interview with Kate Lee & Waleed Haider

Double Champions and Kate Squared | Interview with Kate Lee & Waleed Haider

At long last, Sruti and Kate chat with the UT Longhorn Winners Kate and Waleed–while trying not to get everyone's names mixed up. Join for a wide-ranging conversation on recruiting new teammates, practice schedule secrets, tackling hypos + triads, & why Bucky's is Texas's best attraction...plus, stay tuned to the end for a farewell!



Thank you for all tuning into the pod throughout the years, and giving me the platform to talk with so many cool ppl. I'll miss this (yes, even w/ the editing)

Feb 28, 202401:23:09
 How to Cross-Extemp-ation!

How to Cross-Extemp-ation!

Vasu and Kate briefly chat about everyone's favorite (or least favorite) part of Extemp: CX!


From clumsy cross stories to some ways you can practice, enjoy this short chatty episode!

Feb 25, 202421:27
AI Taking Over (...Extemp) | Interview with Siri Ural

AI Taking Over (...Extemp) | Interview with Siri Ural

Today, Sruti and Vasudevan speak with Siri Ural, the GMU Champion, and NSDA & NCFL finalist! Impromptu returns, along with advice on the best way to (not) prepare, writing your speeches on t-charts, and tournament banner drops. Oh–and don't forget–a news source better than the Economist??

Jan 24, 202401:01:15
Extemp Hot Takes and Beating a Cow Dead | Interview with Lishore Kumar

Extemp Hot Takes and Beating a Cow Dead | Interview with Lishore Kumar

Beating out 100 other competitors at the Glenbrooks to become its champion, Lishore Kumar chats with Kate Liu (on her first solo host job!) on his thoughts on the tournament and extemp at large!

From Lishore’s Hot Takes (100% trademarked), beating a cow dead (and then resurrecting it), and a memorable (totally not villain) origin story…welcome to the final episode of the Extemper’s Bible until next year ;)

This is part three of our PodMas Special, and the lead up until January 6th— aka MBA! Whether you’re an extemper or ex-extemper.. stay tuned for what’s to come in 2024!

Dec 31, 202356:07
Heartwarming Wins & NY Rivalries | Interview with Eshaal Ubaid

Heartwarming Wins & NY Rivalries | Interview with Eshaal Ubaid

Sruti and Vasu (the second of our new co-hosts!) talk with Eshaal, the champion of the New York Invitational–aka Bronx–and Princeton. Topics include: the #1 book every Extemper should read, the burden of great hair, the tape of death, and a fan club for old podcast host Kevin Li? Whether an old competitor or new, you wouldn't want to miss Part Two of our PodMas Special! (and learn, duh.)

Dec 31, 202301:11:48
Podcasts > Papers (except for NYT games) | Interview with Charlotte Reitman

Podcasts > Papers (except for NYT games) | Interview with Charlotte Reitman

The champion of Blue Key and its Round Robin talks with Sruti and new co-host Kate! Join us to hear about her podcast obsessions (which we def support), camp reunions, legalizing question slips, and Tana Mongeau for President?


This is Part One of Our PodMas special–we'll be uploading four more episodes until January 6th (MBA time!)

Dec 26, 202349:25
Answering Your Burning Extemp Questions

Answering Your Burning Extemp Questions

Curious about substructure, question types, sources, and more? Sruti and Jennifer, our Director of Content, sit down to answer your burning extemp questions from our latest Instagram poll.


Want to learn more about the ins-and-outs of extemp? Visit https://extempers.org/ and stay tuned for our next episode :)

Oct 07, 202320:41
Promises & Podcasts | Interview with Pierce McDade

Promises & Podcasts | Interview with Pierce McDade

For the UKTOC's return to an in-person tournament comes a new extemp champion! Kevin and Sruti join Pierce McDade for an interview that's long overdue. But no need to glaze him anymore—iykyk. Meet the Economist addict, PhD-level tag maker (on PhDs), and the embodiment of the HI-to-Extemp pipeline.

Apr 30, 202356:43
Becoming Cambridge Tour Guides | Harvard Finalists Group Call

Becoming Cambridge Tour Guides | Harvard Finalists Group Call

Sruti and Kevin chat with the other 2023 Harvard finalists: Amy Cao, McKinley Paltzik, Phoena Lin, and Taylor Burris. New Jersey extempers, beware (you'll see why very quickly). Other topics include: Instagram food accounts, Ice Spice in Info, canceling prom–and, oh yeah, the tournament itself!

Apr 14, 202301:00:55
Fast Preps and Faster Flights | Interview with Teddy Gercken

Fast Preps and Faster Flights | Interview with Teddy Gercken

Topping the NSDA points race and making weekly national appearances, Teddy Gercken stands out despite being such a familiar face. The double champion of the James Logan MLK Jr. Invitational and finalist in (quite literally) countless others joins Kevin and Sruti to talk about his inspirations, his unreal prep strategy, and his... emotive tactics? Hear about regional divides, how you too can prep in under 5 minutes, and something about a war and a battle!

Feb 16, 202301:20:19
Considering Interp with Akshita Krishnan

Considering Interp with Akshita Krishnan

Akshita Krishnan guides extempers through maybe our greatest fear: showing emotion. Okay, maybe not for all extempers... Still, hear us (and her) out on why Interp will make you a better extemper!

Feb 13, 202314:34
State of the Season with Logan Scisco | 2022-2023 Mid-Season Review

State of the Season with Logan Scisco | 2022-2023 Mid-Season Review

In the inaugural episode of our new, semi-seasonal series, Kevin, Sruti, and Logan Scisco recap the significant tournaments of the season so far while looking forward to MBA. Congratulations to all 16 invitees!

Jan 02, 202301:10:27
Potomac Back on the Map | Interview with Taylor Burris

Potomac Back on the Map | Interview with Taylor Burris

New co-host and a new Potomac Champ! Join Kevin and Sruti as they talk to Taylor Burris, the champion of the GMU Patriot Games. From Virginia locals to Blue Key, to landing an invite to MBA, Taylor is charting her path on the national circuit. Just don't ask her any questions about education!

Dec 24, 202236:27
Hypothetically Carefree | Interview with Jack Ververis

Hypothetically Carefree | Interview with Jack Ververis

Florida: known for its harsh climate, harsher politics, and possibly an even harsher field of extempers. In this episode, Kevin and McKinley are joined by Blue Key champion and NSDA IX finalist Jack Ververis who, despite missing our last invite for the podcast, is finally on to tell us about a new tenet of his. Key to his success? Having fun, and hating on cryptocurrencies (Jack was right about FTX?!). A callback to Brazil, Georgia with the midterm moves, and looking forward to UT Longhorn are all included.

Nov 25, 202243:54
That Extemp School (Which Now Does Interp) | Plano West Sr. High School Group Call

That Extemp School (Which Now Does Interp) | Plano West Sr. High School Group Call

Perhaps no other school in recent history has had as much success and consistency on the national extemp circuit as Plano West Senior High School. So, what really goes on behind the scenes? Are extemper's just bigger (and better) in Texas? Is Plano running an extemp mill for middle schoolers? Or, do they just practice in a diligent manner?

Off the heels of the Yale University Invitational, McKinley Paltzik and Kevin Li are joined by Kyle Letterer, Phoena Lin, Gabriel Bo, Madeline Tsao, and Anirudh Prasanna in a group call that's sure to excite! Just don't mind the incessant mentions of rain, or travel, or funds, or chants, or...

Oct 21, 202201:11:06
The Extemp Central Crossover | Interview with Logan Scisco Part Two

The Extemp Central Crossover | Interview with Logan Scisco Part Two

If you didn't listen to part one, go do that now! Now that you're back for part two, McKinley and Kevin ask Scisco about the creation of Extemp Central, ongoing trends at the national level, and concerns over a post-pandemic world of speech and debate.

Sep 09, 202201:05:04
The Extemp Central Crossover | Interview with Logan Scisco Part One

The Extemp Central Crossover | Interview with Logan Scisco Part One

The man, the myth, and the legend Logan Scisco has been running Extemp Central for over a decade. So, what does it take to go from an NFL (now called the NDSA) Final Round champion to leading one of the largest websites for free extemp briefs? In part one, McKinley and Kevin dive into the days of early 2000's competition, Scisco's coaching style, and (of course) which national tournament has the best judge's lounge. Look out for part two, where the conversation shifts towards the upcoming season.

Sep 07, 202252:20
Extemp's Many Layers | USX Finalists Group Call

Extemp's Many Layers | USX Finalists Group Call

The best is saved for the last and 3rd episode of our national finalist series! Kevin and McKinley (!!!) talk to the 2022 NSDA USX finalists: Peter Alisky, Kush Narang, Ananth Veluvali, Kyle Letterer, Dev Ahuja, and William Chien. Kyle contemplates life on a long bus ride, Dev can’t figure out how to cross a particular someone, and Peter remarks on his winning speech! Warning: a third of this episode is dedicated to roasting layered analysis.

Jul 31, 202201:10:36
DiCaprio's Iceberg, International Heatwaves, and Brazil | IX Finalists Group Call

DiCaprio's Iceberg, International Heatwaves, and Brazil | IX Finalists Group Call

Treading our way into the 2nd episode of a 3-part series, Kevin rings up the 2022 NSDA IX finalists: McKinley Paltzik, Daniel Kind, Majid Shabbeer, Ajay Gupta, and Gabriel Bo (Jack Ververis low-key forgot about the call). The cross clash of two titans, complaining about this year’s (and next year’s) heat, and a now-infamous on-top moment are all included.

Jul 31, 202201:10:53
B.D.E. | NCFL Group Call

B.D.E. | NCFL Group Call

In the first of a 3 part series on national finalists, Kevin chats with the 2022 NCFL finalists in Extemp: Daniel Kind, Ananth Veluvali, Rhea Rajvansh, Siri Ural, Rishika Bansal, and Mukta Dharmpaurikar. Enjoy a dose of travel stories and extemp tips from the people at the very top of the game! Also, they wanted a laugh track at one moment in particular, so watch out for that…

Jun 30, 202201:19:34
Cameron Roberts’ Trickle Down Popularity - Interview with the ETOC Champ

Cameron Roberts’ Trickle Down Popularity - Interview with the ETOC Champ

Cross-ex catfights, DX slander, and Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Barring further hypotheticals, Kevin and surprise host McKinley Paltzik chat with the reigning Queen of ETOC, McKinley’s words I promise.

May 20, 202254:40
Russia Sucks and Here’s Why | The Global Toll of War

Russia Sucks and Here’s Why | The Global Toll of War

In a special spin-off episode of our news series, Kevin delves into the Russo-Ukrainian war just in time for you to absorb the info before TOCs. Take notes, simply memorize, whatever. Just don't use any of this if you hit Kevin or Chirag in a room.

Apr 04, 202212:44
The MBA Superstar on Equity and Notecards | Interview with McKinley Paltzik

The MBA Superstar on Equity and Notecards | Interview with McKinley Paltzik

The champion of Yale, Bronx, Arizona States, and (the most prestigious tournament in all of extemp) MBA, McKinley Paltzik herself goes over her extemp finesse with Chirag and Kevin. With a learning curve that probably matches her MBA graph, Paltzik talks about time and trophies in the 2nd-ever interview we've done with an MBA Champion!

Mar 18, 202230:42
Stopping Kind and Predicting the Future of America | Interview with Marc Zavarro

Stopping Kind and Predicting the Future of America | Interview with Marc Zavarro

In a surprise to the extemp community, Marc Zavarro ended up winning Harvard. Then, he added to his tally by being Florida's USX Champion. In this episode of the Extemper's Bible, Kevin chats with Marc about his victories and his thoughts on a couple of key events to America's future. P.S. Danny, we know you're already planning revenge.

Mar 12, 202201:25:10
The World Sucks and Here’s Why | World War III Edition?

The World Sucks and Here’s Why | World War III Edition?

In this episode, Chirag walks through the admittedly complicated conflict in Ukraine so far. Hopefully, the editing isn't bad this time!!

Feb 27, 202211:44
The Benefits of Impromptu | With Mukta Dharmapurikar

The Benefits of Impromptu | With Mukta Dharmapurikar

In this episode, Director of Content Mukta Dharmapurikar talks about the importance of Impromptu, despite the event frequently being the butt of jokes made by extempers.

Feb 20, 202206:16
The World Sucks and Here's Why | January Edition

The World Sucks and Here's Why | January Edition

Another month, another opportunity to complain about the world. In this episode, Chirag and Kevin talk about the retiring Supreme Court Justice, a military-led coup in Burkina Faso, and most dangerously, the whole Russia situation. Grab your dose of news and depressing impacts with The World Sucks and Here's Why, January Edition!

Jan 29, 202212:56
Conquering the Out Rounds

Conquering the Out Rounds

In the second part of a two-part series, Chirag offers his advice on doing your best in the dreaded and esteemed out rounds. We know it is hard to consistently break past your first out round, but hopefully this episode helps make breaking a bit easier. We believe in you!!

Jan 22, 202210:48
Conquering the Prelims

Conquering the Prelims

In the first part of a two-part series, Kevin gives some tips on approaching the preliminary rounds. A little bit of strategy, psychology, and more coming up! Be sure to check out the next part too!

Jan 21, 202206:41
The World Sucks and Here's Why | December/New Year's Edition

The World Sucks and Here's Why | December/New Year's Edition

Everyone's favorite segment of the Extemper's Bible Podcast is back! Today, Chirag and Kevin tackle the omicron variant and a number of elections to wrap up a conflicted and controversial year as we head into the second half of the extemp season.

Dec 31, 202110:10
At the End of the (Extemp) Road | Interview with Daniel Kind

At the End of the (Extemp) Road | Interview with Daniel Kind

Our holiday gift to the extemp community is an interview with the extemper at the top of pretty much every single results list. That’s right, in this episode, Chirag and Kevin have a chat with Daniel Kind and his experience in extemp. The winner of the Season Opener, Blue Key, and probably a dozen more, gives us insight into what it takes to be a great extemper and how much extemp can truly mean.

Dec 24, 202144:10
Engaging with the Extemp Community and Alumni | Interview with Nicholas Blauz

Engaging with the Extemp Community and Alumni | Interview with Nicholas Blauz

Learning extemp isn't easy. Today, we talk to Nick Blauz from Nova High School about how his connections with alumni have shaped his experience in extemp. Learn more about the importance of alumni to the extemp community in this interview!

Dec 10, 202120:08
The World Sucks and Here's Why | November Edition

The World Sucks and Here's Why | November Edition

Oil. Africa. High-profile American legal cases, and more. This isn't just a bad parody of Avatar, but our new series on the most applicable news for extempers: The World Sucks and Here's Why...

Nov 26, 202111:55
How to Bounce Back

How to Bounce Back

We've all had bad tournaments, but it's always important to bounce back. In this episode, Chirag and Kevin talk about ways to improve and come back better for your next competition.

Nov 26, 202108:19
Extemp in and Online Era, and a Couple of Changes for This Season

Extemp in and Online Era, and a Couple of Changes for This Season

Chirag and Kevin talk about the future of the podcast and reflect on the past year and a half of online extemp.

Nov 19, 202114:14
Creating Effective Statements of Significance

Creating Effective Statements of Significance

On this episode of the podcast, I'll take a deep dive into creating effective statements of significance in extemp, so you can maximize your extemp ethos! 

Apr 05, 202109:46
Framing Extemp Speeches: Answering "How" vs "Should" vs "Why" Questions

Framing Extemp Speeches: Answering "How" vs "Should" vs "Why" Questions

On this episode of the Extemper's Bible, I'll take a look at how to frame your question, depending on the exact wording of it. Then, we'll take a look at a few examples and some sample outlines: 

- What should Pete Buttigieg's biggest priority be as head of the Department of Transportation?

- Should the United States withdraw troops from Afghanistan?

- Will Iran develop nuclear weapons in the near future?

- Is peace possible in Yemen?

- How can _____ country grow their economy?

Mar 26, 202112:57
Interview with Gary Arndt (part 2)
Jan 17, 202155:06
Interview with Gary Arndt (Part 1)
Nov 02, 202059:09
Interview with MBA & National Impromptu Champion Mo Marks

Interview with MBA & National Impromptu Champion Mo Marks

Check out the condensed version of this interview on our website extempers.org

Interview Timestamps: 

0:00 - Introduction to Mo Marks.

0:35 - How did you got started in extemp?

1:20 - What specific qualities drove you to extemp?

3:11 - What was that aha! moment where everything clicked and you realized that you could be successful in this activity?

5:03 - Who were your extemp role models & whose speaking styles did you most appreciate?

7:10 - Mo’s harrowing source check story with Olivia Shoemaker.

8:40 - What was it like going to Roosevelt in the wake of Jacob Thompson, Lily Nellans, and Nathan Leys?

10:10 - Are there any particularly good or bad questions you remember drawing throughout your extemp career?

13:13 - Do you have any books or pieces of theory that you really enjoy using in extemp speeches?

17:27 - How do you answer really broad questions in extemp?

18:57 - What has been the most helpful piece of advice you’ve received in your extemp career?

23:17 - What are you favorite sources to read in extemp?

25:15 - What are some structural changes / rule changes you’d like to see in extemp?

28:28 - Why Mo doesn’t like autofilers.

29:14 - How did you win the most prestigious extemp round robin in the nation (MBA)?

35:28 - MBA is known for its very creative questions. Are there any really memorable questions that stand out from the round robin?

40:15 - One of the experimental rounds you discussed allowed extempers to write their own questions. What was the weirdest question you remember someone writing?

41:41 - How do answer really specific questions while still having relevant & up-to-date sources?

44:20 - You’re someone who comes from a smaller school. Do you have any pieces of advice for other extempers who come from smaller schools?

48:16 - What has been your proudest extemp achievement?

50:45 - If you didn’t extemp, what event would you do?

54:07 - Mo’s funny story on how she unintentionally got into informative speaking & wrote her info days before the tournament.

59:26 - What are you future plans now that you’ve graduated high school?

Sep 04, 202001:01:30
Interview with 2020 USX NSDA National Champion Jimmy Gao

Interview with 2020 USX NSDA National Champion Jimmy Gao

On this episode of the podcast, I interview the national champion Jimmy Gao. Check out our new website extempers.org for all-things extemp!

Jul 27, 202042:37
What Makes a National Champion: Interview with Nathan Fair
Jun 11, 202025:04
George Floyd & Police Brutality
Jun 05, 202017:34
Some Important Updates: A Camp & 3 New Series

Some Important Updates: A Camp & 3 New Series

On this episode of the Extemper's Bible, I give some important updates about the future of this podcast, including a new camp that I am launching and three new podcast series that I'm really excited to host. Sign up for the camp below! https://forms.gle/MHGPGTBWWM8NKgMr9

May 31, 202004:31
The 3 Most Helpful Pieces of Extemp Advice I've Ever Received

The 3 Most Helpful Pieces of Extemp Advice I've Ever Received

No nonsense, and straight to the point :) 

May 13, 202002:57
Economics 101: Government Tools During a Recession

Economics 101: Government Tools During a Recession

On this episode, I go in-depth, explaining interest rates, the zero lower bound, fiscal vs monetary policy, factors to consider during a recession speech (including the distinction between a "how likely" & a "how to") question. Also, keep a look out for camp information & LMK if there are any other economic concepts you want me to cover, this is only part one of many! 

May 08, 202016:22
Interview with NCFL champion & two-time TOC finalist Brian Zheng

Interview with NCFL champion & two-time TOC finalist Brian Zheng

Today I interview Brian Zheng. He is a two-time TOC finalist, two-time MBA invitee, and NCFL champion. On the podcast, we discuss Brian's best advice, how to approach questions through a more creative lens, research strategy & his favorite sources, approaching topics you've never heard about, and more. Brian is an incredibly intelligent extemper, and, as you'll see, he fully answers each question, providing very helpful advice. 

May 04, 202047:04
Coronavirus 101: Everything You Should Know for Extemp

Coronavirus 101: Everything You Should Know for Extemp

In this episode, I explain what the coronavirus is, it's environmental, social, & economic impacts, and how to limit the spread of the disease. Considering how often we'll draw questions about the coronavirus, it is important that we understand the topic both as extempers and as civically-engaged citizens. Link to free extemp sessions: https://forms.gle/aAS1TDBNuXcw5oW89

Apr 27, 202012:52
Interview with Harvard Champion & Two-Time MBA Invitee Jack Silvers

Interview with Harvard Champion & Two-Time MBA Invitee Jack Silvers

On this episode, I interview Jack Silvers, champion of Harvard and two-time MBA invitee. Together, we discuss extemp strategy, keeping a calm composure during tournaments, great sources to read, and more. Jack truly offers a unique perspective on how to succeed in this activity! 

Apr 24, 202027:29
The Online TOC - My Experience & What it Means for Nationals

The Online TOC - My Experience & What it Means for Nationals

Over the weekend, I was competing at the online tournament of champions, where I had a blast of a time! On this episode of the Extemper's Bible, I dissect my experience with the tournament and what I think this means for online nationals. Intro: Say Good Night by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/SZkVShypKgM

Apr 21, 202006:11