The Extemper's Bible

On this episode of the Extemper’s Bible, I interview Gary Arndt, a nationally-acclaimed former extemp coach. While coaching several state champions and national finalists is certainly an accomplishment in itself, it’s Gary’s other exploits that make him a truly interesting interviewee. From traveling to over 130 countries to running his own successful podcast (Everything Everywhere), Gary is an incredibly knowledgable source of information. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Sorry for the big gap between episodes, I have some exciting developments lined up for the podcast that I hope to share soon (including getting more hosts and posting more frequently)! In the meantime, check out our website extempers.org!

Gary can be reached out to on Discord: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh

On this episode of the Extemper’s Bible, I interview Gary Arndt, a nationally-acclaimed former extemp coach. While coaching several state champions and national finalists is certainly an accomplishment in itself, it’s Gary’s other exploits that make him a truly interesting interviewee. From traveling to over 130 countries to running his own successful podcast (Everything Everywhere), Gary is a truly knowledgable source of information. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Stay tuned for part 2 and check out our website extempers.org in the meantime!

Gary can be reached out to on Discord: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh

Time Stamps: 

Extemp Portion: 0:46

Traveling Portion: 15:25

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?

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

What do the national champions of speech & debate have in common? How can members of this community give back? What are some practice routines to improve delivery?  

On this episode of the Extemper's Bible, I interview Nathan Fair, founder of Debating for America's Youth. Over his illustrious career, Nathan has interviewed countless national champions in speech and debate events, and has instilled their knowledge (and his own!) into this episode. Make sure to check out the links below! 

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ink4KatEgnhCmv1iJqoFA

Nathan's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrkexJgvCkFQ6RvAxsqfvtg

Nathan's website: https://debatingyouth.weebly.com/

Follow us on Instagram! My handle is @theextempersbible, Nathan's is @debatingyouth.

On this episode of the Extemper's Bible, I dive into the history of police violence in the US, the current protests, proposed solutions, the political implications of everything, and more. Linked below is a comprehensive list of ways to support the black community: 

https://creative-capital.org/2020/06/03/resources-ways-to-support-black-lives-matter/

Quick update: It has been brought to my attention that I misspoke. The four officers involved in George Floyd's murder have been charged, not convicted. 

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

No nonsense, and straight to the point :) 

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! 

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.