Podcasts about have fearlessly curious conversations

Given the country's political divide, we often hear that conversations are the key to empathy and connection. Which is true. But that also doesn't scale very well. One way to combat this is to correct dangerous political misperceptions and help us find more overlap. In fact, a Hidden Tribes study shows that 85% of Americans are more similar than we think.Today, James Coan explains the Perception Gap and how it forces us to see each other as threats rather than with compassion. This applies to the workplace as much as politics. He talks about why conversations are great, but indirect interceptions also help close this gap and bring us together. This includes More Like US's work in education, journalism, and the arts to portray each other in a more accurate light. James also shares some advice for creatives and creators on how they can help. The work is intriguing and frankly, makes a lot of sense - and it can be used by corporate leaders as well. This conversation could not be more important right now, so please learn more about their work and take a listen. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Books, movies, and other media that feature characters who are “not like us” are not there to convert your children; they are there to expose people to different experiences and lives for better understanding. We're never going to be able to tap into the conversations and the empathy of listening to one another until we realize that we're closer than we think we are.People who feel threatened, especially to their safety and security, are more open to authoritarian tendencies. By focusing on the desire for atypical leadership, people are able to work better together rather than fight. "Every day Americans tend to be more similar ideologically than fellow Americans tend to realize. An average Democrat or Republican will agree on more and are less extreme than people realize." — James CoanEpisode References: Mónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesEdwin Rutsch: How Empathy Circles Can Change the WorldSimilarity HubTrusting NewsHidden Tribes StudyBridge Entertainment LabsBuildersBraver AngelsStanford Strengthening Democracy ChallengeFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About James Coan, Co-Founder and Executive Director, More Like USJames Coan is Co-Founder and Executive Director of More Like US, which corrects dangerous political misperceptions of each other at scale. He previously served as DC Alliance Co-chair and Mid-Atlantic Regional Lead for Braver Angels, one of the largest organizations dedicated to reducing political divides, and previously co-led social media and Ambassador outreach nationally. He has been involved closely in the field since shortly after the 2016 election, with a main interest in achieving goals at scale. He brings 10+ years of strategy consulting experience and has worked at a think tank after receiving a degree in public policy from Princeton.Connect with James Coan More Like US: https://www.morelikeus.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-coan-6465b15/ Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back Monica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, host of A Braver Way podcast, CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, and author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Monica's mission is to help bridge America's political divides through fearless curiosity. With deep reflections on the 2024 election, evolving friendships across ideological lines, and her renewed commitment to bridge building, Monica shares how we can stay grounded and connected—especially when it feels impossible. What We Discuss: How Moni processes political polarization and stays grounded—even when the world feels divided Practical strategies for engaging with people across ideological lines without compromising your values Why shared outrage across political lines can be a gateway to unity The role of empathy, humility, and curiosity in depolarizing conversations How journalists and moderators can better navigate falsehoods without censoring legitimate concerns Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] – Mónica explains how her emotional radar helps her know when to seek out conversations with people who see politics differently. [00:08:00] – Unexpected agreement: conservatives and liberals are both frustrated with Congressional dysfunction and executive overreach. [00:14:00] – Moni shares how talking with people who had different experiences during COVID reshaped her understanding and empathy. [00:21:00] – Corey and Mónica discuss boundaries in bridge building—when is it time to walk away from a relationship? [00:29:00] – Moderating contentious conversations: “police the structure, not the content.” [00:36:00] – The relationship between activism and dialogue—and why one without the other can be reckless or ineffective. [00:46:00] – Tips for recognizing quality journalism and avoiding emotionally manipulative content. [00:56:00] – Mónica's closing advice: engagement is not endorsement. Curiosity and conversation don't mean you're compromising your values. Featured Quotes: “I've been persuaded over and over again that positions against mine are not ludicrous.” – Mónica Guzmán “Engagement is not endorsement. Having a conversation doesn't mean you're capitulating.” – Mónica Guzmán “Find your edge—and push it. That's all you need to do to build a bridge.” – Mónica Guzmán “I don't want a decision or a position to get in the way of our relationship. I want to understand it better.” – Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: I Never Thought of It That Way by Monica Guzmán - moniguzman.com/book Braver Angels - braverangels.org

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back Monica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, host of A Braver Way podcast, CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, and author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Monica's mission is to help bridge America's political divides through fearless curiosity. With deep reflections on the 2024 election, evolving friendships across ideological lines, and her renewed commitment to bridge building, Monica shares how we can stay grounded and connected—especially when it feels impossible. What We Discuss: How Moni processes political polarization and stays grounded—even when the world feels divided Practical strategies for engaging with people across ideological lines without compromising your values Why shared outrage across political lines can be a gateway to unity The role of empathy, humility, and curiosity in depolarizing conversations How journalists and moderators can better navigate falsehoods without censoring legitimate concerns Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] – Mónica explains how her emotional radar helps her know when to seek out conversations with people who see politics differently. [00:08:00] – Unexpected agreement: conservatives and liberals are both frustrated with Congressional dysfunction and executive overreach. [00:14:00] – Moni shares how talking with people who had different experiences during COVID reshaped her understanding and empathy. [00:21:00] – Corey and Mónica discuss boundaries in bridge building—when is it time to walk away from a relationship? [00:29:00] – Moderating contentious conversations: “police the structure, not the content.” [00:36:00] – The relationship between activism and dialogue—and why one without the other can be reckless or ineffective. [00:46:00] – Tips for recognizing quality journalism and avoiding emotionally manipulative content. [00:56:00] – Mónica's closing advice: engagement is not endorsement. Curiosity and conversation don't mean you're compromising your values. Featured Quotes: “I've been persuaded over and over again that positions against mine are not ludicrous.” – Mónica Guzmán “Engagement is not endorsement. Having a conversation doesn't mean you're capitulating.” – Mónica Guzmán “Find your edge—and push it. That's all you need to do to build a bridge.” – Mónica Guzmán “I don't want a decision or a position to get in the way of our relationship. I want to understand it better.” – Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: I Never Thought of It That Way by Monica Guzmán - moniguzman.com/book Braver Angels - braverangels.org

Mónica Guzmán is author of I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times; founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity; Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels; and host of A Braver Way podcast. In this week's conversation, Yascha Mounk and Mónica Guzmán discuss how to build trust across political divides and the joy of heated debates. Please do listen and spread the word about The Good Fight. If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone. Email: podcast@persuasion.community  Website: http://www.persuasion.community Podcast production by Mickey Freeland, and Leonora Barclay Connect with us! Spotify | Apple | Google Twitter: @Yascha_Mounk & @joinpersuasion Youtube: Yascha Mounk LinkedIn: Persuasion Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode of This is My Silver Lining, I sit down with Dan Kowalski, founder of Plan A Thinking and author of W.I.S.E. Choices at Work: Go From Doubting to DECISIVE When the Clock is Ticking.Dan's mission is to empower individuals and teams to make better decisions through deliberate and disciplined thinking. From his humble beginnings to navigating career transitions and founding his own consulting firm, Dan shares how curiosity, resilience, and a framework for decision-making have shaped his journey.We explore the importance of creating space for reflection, asking the right questions, and understanding the downside of every choice. Dan also shares his insights on the evolving role of technology—especially AI—in decision-making and how to strike a balance between speed and thoughtful consideration in a fast-paced world.Whether you're a leader, a professional facing tough decisions, or simply someone striving to think more effectively, Dan's wise and practical approach will leave you inspired.Episode Links and ResourcesPlan A ThinkingW.I.S.E. Choices at Work: Go From Doubting to DECISIVE When the Clock is TickingDialogue Mapping: Building Shared Understanding of Wicked Problems, Jeff ConklinVisual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions, Temple GrandinThink Again, Adam GrantI Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, Mónica GuzmánSupport this podcast by subscribing and reviewing. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Audio Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by: Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2025 Silver Linings Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Ditch the drama and rebuild connection where it counts. Feeling overwhelmed by workplace polarization, the loneliness epidemic, and the constant whirl of change? You're not alone—and neither are your teams. On this episode of Radical Candor, Kim and Amy bring in Heather McGowan, future-of-work strategist, to dig into why we're so divided and distracted at work—and what leaders can actually do about it. Heather gets real about the deeper roots of these challenges, from shifting demographics to technology's relentless pace, and shares her signature brand of practical, no-nonsense advice for fostering respect, empathy, and collaboration. It's not about ignoring differences or plastering on a quick fix—it's about creating the kind of human connections that help teams thrive. Learn how to lead with intention, listen to what's not being said, and ditch the divide in favor of working better together. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Heather E. McGowan - ImpactEleven | LinkedIn Heather McGowan Navigating the once a century shifts: cultural, social, demographic, technical, and economic Loneliness Epidemic is Leaving Us Distracted and Divided Managing Post-Election 2024 Tension At Work 6 | 43 I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times Bowling Alone: Revised and Updated: The Collapse and Revival of American Community The Adaptation Advantage: Let Go, Learn Fast, and Thrive in the Future of Work The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries Braver Angels The No Asshole Rule Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim and Amy introduce the episode's focus on workplace polarization with guest Heather McGowan.(00:02:12) Why We're DividedThe societal and workplace factors fueling polarization.(00:06:42) Balancing Rights and Income InequalityThe interplay between workplace equity and broader societal trends.(00:09:02) Short-Term Thinking in LeadershipHow short-term decisions undermine long-term organizational health.(00:12:03) Intentional Conversations Across DividesPractical tips for engaging with diverse perspectives meaningfully.(00:16:21) Finding Common Ground at WorkBuilding relationships through shared experiences and lighthearted topics.(00:22:12) Drawing Ethical BoundariesKnowing when to disengage while maintaining openness elsewhere.(00:26:32) The Future of Work and LearningWhy adaptability and continuous learning matter more than ever.(00:33:46) Loneliness in the WorkplaceCombating workplace isolation with intentional connection and empathy.(00:41:27) Embracing Discomfort and CuriosityWhy great leaders lean into questions, not answers.(00:45:53) Radical Candor TipsStart conversations, focus on humanity, and take small steps to connect.(00:49:10) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we overcome the adversity of our divided times without losing a radical love for those on the other side? On the third Sunday after Pentecost, Christopher Mack notices parallels between anxieties about political leadership in the time of Samuel and our own. He offers practical tools for how to co-create understanding and connect across differences. [1 Samuel 8:4-9, 19-22 ].   Reflection Where might you acknowledge your own understanding as partial and incomplete?  Have you experienced co-creating understanding with someone? What might it look like for you to take one step closer to someone important to you, who you disagree with this week? Resources Book: I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán Video: Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides by Geoffrey L. Cohenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shqgkOTeS6U  Video: How to Understand and Be Understood by Dr. Ruchi Sinha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU7Dg8VP3dA

Immediately after she delivered an electrifying keynote speech at Pacific Lutheran University's Wang Symposium on March 7, 2024, ACTA's Doug Sprei interviewed Monica Guzman, the best-selling author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Ms. Guzman's influential work in the civil discourse movement has expanded through her leadership at Braver Angels for the past several years. More recently, she became the inaugural McGurn Fellow at the University of Florida, working with researchers at UF's College of Journalism and Communications to explore ways to employ the techniques described in her book to boost understanding and intellectual humility.

While it may seem that life moves at a faster pace, we are the ones who set that pace. Many of us like to do things quickly but that doesn't mean we have to. This episode begins by exploring what good things might happen if we just slow down a bit. Source, Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress (https://amzn.to/3v9JpzD). It seems almost impossible to have a civil political debate. Why is that? Why must things get so nasty? Is there a way to discuss our differences and still be kind to one another and not accuse the other person of being ignorant and uninformed? The answer is yes according to Monica Guzman. She is a journalist who wants to show people how to depolarize a conversation so people can talk in a way that fosters understanding without offending those who disagree. Monica is author of the book I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (https://amzn.to/3LcQK7i)  Anxiety abounds. People just seem more anxious and worried than ever before. Of course, not all anxiety is bad. We have to worry about some things. Yet we often find that many of the things we worry about are never as horrible as we anticipate. So, how do we control our own anxiety so it doesn't control us? Here with some insight is Ellen Vora. She is a psychiatrist and author of the book The Anatomy of Anxiety (https://amzn.to/3863pKp) If you want to sharpen up your memory a bit, you might try stepping outside. Listen as I reveal how nature can improve memory. https://www.spring.org.uk/2009/01/memory-improved-20-by-nature-walk.php PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Indeed is offering SYSK listeners a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING We love the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast! https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast NerdWallet lets you compare top travel credit cards side-by-side to maximize your spending! Compare & find smarter credit cards, savings accounts, & more https://NerdWallet.com TurboTax Experts make all your moves count — filing with 100% accuracy and getting your max refund, guaranteed! See guarantee details at https://TurboTax.com/Guarantees Dell Technologies and Intel are pushing what technology can do, so great ideas can happen! Find out how to bring your ideas to life at https://Dell.com/WelcomeToNow eBay Motors has 122 million parts for your #1 ride-or-die, to make sure it stays running smoothly. Keep your ride alive at https://eBayMotors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America. She is host of A Braver Way, a podcast that equips people with the tools they need to bridge the political divide in their everyday lives, and founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world.Mónica is also the author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.Mónica is the inaugural McGurn Fellow at the University of Florida, working with researchers at the UF College of Journalism and Communications and beyond to better understand ways to employ techniques described in her book to boost understanding.She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, the Glenn Beck Podcast, Reader's Digest, BookTV, and EconTalk, and she is an advisor for Starts With Us and the Generations Over Dinner project.In This EpisodeMónica Guzmán's Website---If you'd like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast. Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other newsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America; host of A Braver Way, a podcast that equips people with the tools they need to bridge the political divide in their everyday lives; founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world; and author of "I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times." ​Monica is the inaugural McGurn Fellow at the University of Florida, working with researchers at the UF College of Journalism and Communications and beyond to better understand ways to employ techniques described in her book to boost understanding. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public.  Her work has been featured in The New York Times, the Glenn Beck Podcast, Reader's Digest, BookTV, and EconTalk, and she is an advisor for Starts With Us and the Generations Over Dinner project. Making Media Now is sponsored by Filmmakers Collaborative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting media makers from across the creative spectrum. From providing fiscal sponsorship to presenting an array of informative and educational programs, Filmmakers Collaborative supports creatives at every step in their journey.   About the host: www.writevoicecreative.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-azevedo/   Sound Engineer: A.J. Kierstead 

Meme(s): "Italians be like we'll put out a few snacks.""So it is a dining room in a house and basically the entire picture is filled with a table that has like mountains and mountains of food on it. It looks like it could be a holiday or it could just be a regular Sunday." - Matt KwiatkowskiFollow us on Instagram @memesmetaphorsandmagic to view the meme(s) for this episode.Metaphors:Some examples of metaphors from the conversation include:LIFE IS AN ITALIAN FAMILY GATHERED AROUND A TABLE AND A MEAL."LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GONNA GET." - Mrs. Gump in Forrest GumpUnderlying, or primary, metaphors:IMPORTANCE IS SIZE.PURPOSES ARE DESTINATIONSTIME IS A CONTAINER. Magic5 Lifepath Number (Numerology)Connectedness (Gallup CliftonStrengths)Context (Gallup CliftonStrengths)Pop Culture:American BeautyCast AwayEverybody Loves RaymondForrest GumpMoonstruckResources:4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanI Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Monica GuzmanFoundations of Meaning: Primary Metaphors and Primary Scenes by Joseph GradyRestorative Practices

We continue our Best of 2023 episodes with an  episode from the How Do We Fix It? podcast, hosted by Richard Davies and Jim Meigs. Toxic polarization is "the problem that eats all other problems... It's the sludge at the base of everything else," our guest Mónica Guzmán tells us. In this really useful repeat episode from 2022, we learn how to fight back against the confusion and heartbreak of living with rigid divides.This show is a curtain raiser for a series we are doing this fall with funding from Solutions Journalism Network. We will be examining threats to our society from polarization and recent efforts to build a national movement to bridge divides.Monica is a bridge builder and author of the highly-praised book "I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times". She serves as a Senior Fellow for Public Practice at the national depolarization organization, Braver Angels.This interview contains surprises. One of them, says Monica, is that "the anger and the rage that we see out there that defines our division doesn't actually exist that much on the one-to-one level,"She argues that the best tool we can use to have successful conversations with those we disagree with is our own curiosity. We also learn about Monica's personal story as the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who strongly supported Donald Trump. We hear how Mónica discovered ways to overcome divisions that hurt our relationships and society.In this episode, Monica discusses how we can put our natural sense of wonder to work, finding the answers needed to work with people,rather than score points against them. Bridging the gap involves asking questions that help you get across the difficult divides that are causing so much pain in our families and communities.We also learn about the work and practice of Braver Angels and its current campaign, "Rise For America."Additional InformationHow Do We Fix It? PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group

How can you have meaningful conversations in increasingly divided times, whether it's against the backdrop of American politics or the Israel-Gaza war? To author Mónica Guzmán, it's by asking yourself, “What am I missing?” John Donvan sits down with Guzmán to talk about her work at Braver Angels, staying hopeful in times of conflict or during world events, and why using curiosity to navigate today's polarized landscape is easier than you think.     Mónica Guzmán is the author of "How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" and Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mónica Guzmán wants us to have better conversation with the people we disagree with. She's the Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, and in 2022, she released her book, "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times." This year, she launched a brand new podcast called "A Braver Way," which is about how we can disagree about politics without losing heart. We talk about how to have curious conversations, why we would want to do so, and how we can learn from other peoples' example. For a transcript of this episode, visit this episode's page at: http://opinionsciencepodcast.com/episodes/Learn more about Opinion Science at http://opinionsciencepodcast.com/ and follow @OpinionSciPod on Twitter.

Have you ever wondered how to have a meaningful conversation with someone with whom you disagree vehemently on a particular topic? Do you have family members that you disagree with politically, and cannot have a conversation without things becoming heated and toxic? What if there were a book that could teach you "How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times"? There is, and this week I am honored to have the author of that book on the Derate the Hate podcast to talk about her latest book, "I Never Thought Of It That Way"Who is Mónica Guzmán?is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She's director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes. Mónica has most recently launched the Braver Way Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-braver-way/id1709364674Take-aways and Quotes from Mónica Guzmán:"Those who are underrepresented in your lives, will always be over-represented in our imaginations"Curiosity in 1-to-1 conversations will save us (like no politician, group, or institution can)"If there's one thing that most people on the left and right can agree on, it's that the way we treat and talk to the other side is broken"Monica's promise: "This book will equip and inspire you to be one level more curious about the people who disagree with you than you have ever been."What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people, and that begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another, be grateful for everything you've got, and make each and every day the day that you want it to be!Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter . Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast, and if we book them for a conversation, I'll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.comI look forward to hearing from you!Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

In April of 2023, Alex speaks with Monica Guzman about the need for curiosity as a remedy for the increasing polarization in American discourse and her recent book on the subject "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" Monica's book: https://a.co/d/j6xKME7 

In episode 112, Coffey talks with Monica Guzman about how organizations can promote healthy dialogue about social and political issues.They discuss the current perceived and actual US social and political divide impacts workplaces; employees' changing expectations of employers; “pernicious assumptions in our politics”; certainty vs. curiosity; using curiosity as a tool to mitigate conflict; the importance of curiosity in innovation and business; creating a culture of curiosity; the importance of “ritualizing” organizational values in responding to conflict; understanding other's workstyles and preferences; and how leaders can develop curiosity as a skill.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Mónica Guzmán is a bridge builder, journalist, and author who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. Her new book, "I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" was featured on the Glenn Beck Podcast and named a New York Times recommended read. She's Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world; cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey; and advisor for Starts With Us and the Generations Over Dinner project. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public.She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents.Monica Guzman can be reached at:https://www.moniguzman.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniguzmanhttps://twitter.com/moniguzmanhttps://www.facebook.com/moniguzmanhttps://www.instagram.com/moniguzman/?hl=en About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year. Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the impact of external social-political factors on the workplace.2. Use of curiosity as a conflict-resolution tool.3. Cultivate a culture of curiosity in the workplace to maintain a healthy environment.

Kristyn Komarnicki started Oriented to Love 13 years ago, almost accidentally, in an effort to include the voices of gay people who weren't present in Christian spaces that she was involved in. Since then, this program, under the aegis of the Christians for Social Action, has become deeper, broader, and more intentional about engaging Christians who have different stances on LGBT topics and bringing them into dialogue with each other. We talked with Kristyn about how she facilitates dialogues between people with very different convictions. We appreciate her work: in helping us ask better questions. In practicing care. In becoming oriented toward love. We hope you'll join us! About Our Guest: Kristyn Komarnicki is director of dialogue and convening at Christians for Social Action (CSA). The creator of CSA's Oriented to Love dialogues about sexual/gender diversity in the church, Kristyn gathers Christians of different sexual orientations, gender identities, and theological convictions together so they can begin to know, understand, and love each other, in search of a unity that is deeper than agreement. Fascinated and encouraged by what happens when we approach our “other” in the posture of a learner—with vulnerability, bravery, curiosity and humility—Kristyn enjoys helping people have more generative conversations, reframing conflict not as something to be feared or avoided but as an opportunity for maturing in Christ. A xenophile who loves to travel and swap stories with people from around the world, Kristyn has studied and worked on three continents, having made a home in Paris, Toronto, and Hong Kong. Today she lives in Philadelphia with her husband of over 30 years. — Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you're new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out Communion & Shalom episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠ __________ Timestamps (00:23) A transformative journey of privilege (08:16) What if everyone takes the posture of a learner? (16:56) How do you/OTL navigate tensions in this (LGBT) conversation? (20:34) Postures of the heart that help this conversation (29:17) Dialoguing with truth, love, and the slippery slope (39:52) Being a straight ally (44:15) Resources for getting involved in OTL (45:25) How has OTL affected participants' lives? (48:13) Resources for better question-asking __________ Links and References Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter by Will Wise and Chad Littlefield I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Monica Guzman High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How to Get Out of It by Amanda Ripley The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Oriented to Love program: christiansforsocialaction.org/programs/oriented-to-love/ Tip Sheet: “Crafting Dialogue-Nurturing Questions” from OTL Workshop: “Transforming Conflict through Curiosity” __________ If you like this podcast, please consider… → Sharing feedback or questions! www.podpage.com/communion-shalom/contact → Supporting us on Patreon! patreon.com/communionandshalom → Following us on Instagram! @communionandshalom — Credits Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson (www.carlswensonmusic.com) Podcast Manager: Elena

Toxic polarization is "the problem that eats all other problems... It's the sludge at the base of everything else," our guest Mónica Guzmán tells us. In this really useful repeat episode from 2022, we learn how to fight back against the confusion and heartbreak of living with rigid divides.This show is a curtain raiser for a series we are doing this fall with funding from Solutions Journalism Network. We will be examining threats to our society from polarization and recent efforts to build a national movement to bridge divides.Monica is a bridge builder and author of the highly-praised book "I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times". She serves as a Senior Fellow for Public Practice at the national depolarization organization, Braver Angels.This interview contains surprises. One of them, says Monica, is that "the anger and the rage that we see out there that defines our division doesn't actually exist that much on the one-to-one level,"She argues that the best tool we can use to have successful conversations with those we disagree with is our own curiosity. We also learn about Monica's personal story as the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who strongly supported Donald Trump. We hear how Mónica discovered ways to overcome divisions that hurt our relationships and society.In this episode, Monica discusses how we can put our natural sense of wonder to work, finding the answers needed to work with people,rather than score points against them. Bridging the gap involves asking questions that help you get across the difficult divides that are causing so much pain in our families and communities.We also learn about the work and practice of Braver Angels and its current campaign, "Rise For America." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" is as encouraging a book as I can imagine. It is a curiosity guidebook par excellence, chock full of tips and tricks and a lovely reminder that, as author Monicá Guzmán puts it, “understanding the people who confound us is always, always worth it.” Monicá Guzmán, founder of Reclaim Curiosity, is senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels. She dedicates her days -- and, as best I can tell, most of her nights and weekends as well -- to helping the rest of us build our curiosity muscle so we can, together, build trust and save our democracy. You're going to want to get to know Monicá Guzmán: https://www.moniguzman.com Check out Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org Theme music by Sean Balick. “Shift of Currents” by Aeronaut, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world; and author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.

Episode #164 Ask HOW not WHY. This week Daisy is back with the final part of the discussion from The Next Big Idea Daily podcast with Mónica Guzmán talking about her book, I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. In this episode, Daisy shares insights from Mónica about how to ask the right questions and also the importance of keeping bridges open for potential future conversations. Find out more about Mónica Guzmán's book, I Never Thought of it That Way, in this 5 Key Insights article: https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/never-thought-way-fearlessly-curious-conversations-dangerously-divided-times-bookbite/33900/ Please consider helping us make more episodes by supporting Daisy on Patreon. https://bit.ly/MondayMindsetPatreon If you have enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave us a review on iTunes or whichever platform you listen on. It really helps new people hear about the podcast. Connect with and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube: https://bit.ly/MondayMindsetFB https://bit.ly/MondayMindsetIG https://bit.ly/MondayMindsetYT

This episode from the Village SquareCast is a conversation between Manu Meel, executive director of Bridge USA and Mónica Guzmán, a senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels and author of I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.Manu and Mónica discuss how to fight back against political division and find the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want across the divides you want, curiously. Mónica argues that seeing where people are coming from isn't just possible, it's easier than you think.I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided TimesSubscribe to the Village SquareCast 

Dangerously Divided Times I'd like you to think of some examples of where there are divides in your life. It could be with a friend or relative that has radically different beliefs about politics or social causes. Or it could be someone at work that you just strongly disagree with. The differences have created a divide. The reason I want you to think about them is because we're having an important discussion today about how to have fearlessly curious conversations in dangerously divided times. Actually that's the subtitle of Mónica Guzmán's book. Mónica joins us to talk about her deeply insightful book I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Time. If you feel the polarization in culture and in the workplace is just too daunting to do anything about, Mónica's book is packed with practical ideas that you can start implementing right away. This remarkable woman is on a mission to help us address the divides in our life--and she's been making a difference. I consider this a must-read book and can't wait to introduce some of the ideas in today's discussion. Learn more about Mónica and her work at BraverAngels.org/. Project Management for Students If you've listened for a while, you've heard me talk about our e-learning program entitled Getting Stuff Done: Project Management for Students. The feedback from the program has been fantastic but here's what I want you to know. We radically reduced the price to just $49 US. We want to make it available to as many people as possible. If you have a high school or college-age student in your life and want to invest in their ability to lead and deliver, you can do that now for an even better price. Give them a head start to more confidently lead and deliver. Learn more and get a copy for them at PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com/GettingStuffDone. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: The Gigantic Epic Day After Tomorrow by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/413-the-gigantic-epic-day-after-tomorrow License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fantastic World by WinnieTheMoog Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7042-fantastic-world License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America. She's also founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world, and author of "I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times."moniguzman.comI Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, by Mónica Guzmán38: Curiosity Is a Skill We Can Learn, with Mónica Guzmán - Where We Go Next66: Embracing Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing, with Pete Davis - Where We Go NextBraver AngelsMónica Guzmán - I Never Thought of It That Way - with Jonathan Rauch - YouTubeHeineken: Worlds Apart Campaign - YouTubeWhy Would a Lefty Talk to Glenn Beck? | Monica Guzman | The Glenn Beck Podcast | Ep 138 - YouTubeSelf-Reliance, by Ralph Waldo Emerson1: How to Bridge Political Divides, with John Wood, Jr. - Where We Go NextMónica's Twitter: @moniguzmanMónica's Instagram: @moniguzman----------Are you a fan of Where We Go Next? I'd love to hear from you. Listen to the very end of this episode for details.Email: wherewegopod@gmail.comInstagram: @wwgnpodcast

Alex speaks with Monica Guzman about the need for curiosity as a remedy for the increasing polarization in American discourse and her recent book on the subject "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" Monica's book: https://a.co/d/j6xKME7 

All good things must come to an end. It's our last day with Mónica Guzmán, journalist, political de-polarizer, and author of "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times." This week, she's been our anti-debate coach, teaching us how to have tough talks about thorny topics that don't end in fisticuffs. In her final chat with Michael, she says that once you've built a bridge that connects you to someone on the other side of the ideological divide, you should do everything you can not to burn it. • Have you heard about The Next Big Idea app? It has hundreds of non-fiction book summaries (written and read by the authors themselves), dozens of e-courses (with folks like Dan Pink and Susan Cain), ad-free episodes of this show, and invitations to live author Q&As. Download it today!

This week, award-winning journalist Mónica Guzmán stops by to teach us how to cross the political divide, find common ground, and learn from people whose worldviews radically differ from our own. Mónica's new book is "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times." (Have you checked out our app? It's loaded up with hundreds of book summaries read by the authors themselves. Download it here!)

What if we could learn how reduce the polarization in our politics, our families, and our workplace? In this episode, we learn practical tips to do just that as we sit down with Monica Guzman--bridge builder, journalist and author of the book,  I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.  A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents.We hope you enjoy this illuminating discussion as much as we did. Watch Mónica's fantastic Ted Talk, How Curiosity Will Save Us. https://www.ted.com/talks/monica_guzman_how_curiosity_will_save_us_jan_2022 Check out Monica's:  I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. https://a.co/d/b34aHOm Learn more about the Braver Angels organization - https://braverangels.org/.  Learn more about Mónica on her website - https://www.moniguzman.com/.

Modern media and the state of journalism today is, well…interesting. With fake news, misinformation, and clickbait - combined with more news outlets folding or being snapped up by private equity companies - it's a bit of a minefield. So I reached out to my friend Dr. Gina Baleria to help us make sense of it all. Today, Gina and I talk about the state of the journalism industry. We discuss that in addition to knowing how to write, research, and interview, journalists need intangible skills such as empathy, curiosity, community engagement, and tenacity to ensure all voices are included and authentically conveyed.  We discuss how journalists balance empathy and connection with their task at hand. Gina also shares how we, as consumers, can reduce our draw to misinformation, why media plays to our emotions, and offers strategies to help us build media literacy so we  consume it in a more thoughtful way to engage and see each other's humanity, rather than disconnect.Key Takeaways:Social media allows for more voices to be heard that may not previously have had a platform. This is a double-edged sword.Journalists can put the information out into the world, but they do not have control over how consumers choose to engage with that content.Have external cues to stop yourself from Doom Scrolling on social media. The more “suggested for you” content you look at, the more you will be shown.Give yourself pause to do a little bit of research before you share inflammatory news articles or posts. You have the option to be discerning about what you choose to consume and share."As people are less aware of what's going on in their local community, and only see national news, studies show that lack leads to more polarization, which leads to less civic engagement, which leads to a whole host of issues." —  Dr. Gina BaleriaAbout Dr. Gina Baleria:Dr. Gina Baleria, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of digital media, media writing, podcasting, and journalism at Sonoma State University and a former broadcast and digital journalist. Her book, The Journalism Behind Journalism explores how to cultivate intangible journalistic skills, such as curiosity, empathy, tenacity, recognizing implicit biases, and writing inclusively. Gina also produces and hosts the podcast News in Context. Prior to teaching, Gina was an award-winning broadcast & digital journalist at stations including KCBS Radio, KGO TV, & KGO Radio in San Francisco; KXTV & KFBK in Sacramento; and KCAL in Los Angeles. She also helped create and manage a digital newsroom at the nonpartisan nonprofit governance organization, California Forward. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She and her husband live in San Francisco. Connect with Gina BaleriaBook: The Journalism Behind Journalism:  Going Beyond the Basics to Train Effective Journalists in a Shifting Landscape (Routledge 2021) Also available on Amazon.Her podcast: News in Context - http://newsincontext.net/Sonoma State University: https://coms.sonoma.edu/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginabaleria/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newsdawg13Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newsincontext/Twitter: https://twitter.com/newsincontextsfEpisode References: The Dart Center: https://dartcenter.org/Civity: https://civity.org/Edwin Rutsch: How Empathy Circles Can Change the WorldMónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesDon't forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathyConnect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

Modern media and the state of journalism today is, well…interesting. With fake news, misinformation, and clickbait - combined with more news outlets folding or being snapped up by private equity companies - it's a bit of a minefield. So I reached out to my friend Dr. Gina Baleria to help us make sense of it all. Today, Gina and I talk about the state of the journalism industry. We discuss that in addition to knowing how to write, research, and interview, journalists need intangible skills such as empathy, curiosity, community engagement, and tenacity to ensure all voices are included and authentically conveyed.  We discuss how journalists balance empathy and connection with their task at hand. Gina also shares how we, as consumers, can reduce our draw to misinformation, why media plays to our emotions, and offers strategies to help us build media literacy so we  consume it in a more thoughtful way to engage and see each other's humanity, rather than disconnect.Key Takeaways:Social media allows for more voices to be heard that may not previously have had a platform. This is a double-edged sword.Journalists can put the information out into the world, but they do not have control over how consumers choose to engage with that content.Have external cues to stop yourself from Doom Scrolling on social media. The more “suggested for you” content you look at, the more you will be shown.Give yourself pause to do a little bit of research before you share inflammatory news articles or posts. You have the option to be discerning about what you choose to consume and share."As people are less aware of what's going on in their local community, and only see national news, studies show that lack leads to more polarization, which leads to less civic engagement, which leads to a whole host of issues." —  Dr. Gina BaleriaAbout Dr. Gina Baleria:Dr. Gina Baleria, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of digital media, media writing, podcasting, and journalism at Sonoma State University and a former broadcast and digital journalist. Her book, The Journalism Behind Journalism explores how to cultivate intangible journalistic skills, such as curiosity, empathy, tenacity, recognizing implicit biases, and writing inclusively. Gina also produces and hosts the podcast News in Context. Prior to teaching, Gina was an award-winning broadcast & digital journalist at stations including KCBS Radio, KGO TV, & KGO Radio in San Francisco; KXTV & KFBK in Sacramento; and KCAL in Los Angeles. She also helped create and manage a digital newsroom at the nonpartisan nonprofit governance organization, California Forward. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She and her husband live in San Francisco. Connect with Gina BaleriaBook: The Journalism Behind Journalism:  Going Beyond the Basics to Train Effective Journalists in a Shifting Landscape (Routledge 2021) Also available on Amazon.Her podcast: News in Context - http://newsincontext.net/Sonoma State University: https://coms.sonoma.edu/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginabaleria/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newsdawg13Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newsincontext/Twitter: https://twitter.com/newsincontextsfEpisode References: The Dart Center: https://dartcenter.org/Civity: https://civity.org/Edwin Rutsch: How Empathy Circles Can Change the WorldMónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesDon't forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathyConnect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

How can we feel more connected to our loved ones, even when they're not around? Our guest tries a practice shown to make us feel less lonely and more socially connected. Episode summary: Mónica Guzmán describes herself as a raging extrovert, but she still feels less connected to others than she'd like to. Working from home, she often finds herself alone, or worse — feeling alone because she's still in work mode when her family is around. She tried a Reminders of Connectedness practice by making subtle changes to the interior of her home – like decorating with more family photos and rearranging the living room  – and found that these seemingly small changes made a big difference in how she felt throughout her day.  We also hear from clinical psychologist Tegan Cruwys about the powerful influence our sense of connectedness can have on our mental health. Practice: Reminders of Connectedness Look around your home, office, or classroom and notice what things around you remind you of being connected to others – words, photographs, memorabilia. As you move through your day, keep an eye out for things that evoke a feeling of connection. See where you can use them to add more reminders of connection to your space by adding them in or replacing existing objects.  Finally, consider how the furniture is arranged. Are chairs facing toward or away from each other? Find any changes you can make to common spaces so that they're more conducive to spontaneous interactions.  Learn more about this practice at Greater Good In Action: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/reminders_of_connectedness Today's guests: Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world. She's also the author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.  You can check out the book here: https://boook.link/I-Never-Thought-of-It-That-Way Visit Mónica's website:https://www.moniguzman.com/ Follow Mónica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniguzman/?hl=en Follow Mónica on Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/3k4pn4c4 Follow Mónica on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moniguzman Tegan Cruwys is a professor and clinical psychologist at Australian National University.  Learn more about Tegan and her work: https://tinyurl.com/ykepk5r4 Resources from The Greater Good Science Center: 11 Things to Do When You Feel Lonely: https://tinyurl.com/b8m86fhy What the Longest Happiness Study Reveals About Finding Fulfillment: https://tinyurl.com/2s3b59fn What Psychedelics Can Teach Us About Human Connection: https://tinyurl.com/5buyydw7 Skills You Need for Happier Relationships with Family: https://tinyurl.com/weeusepn More Resources The Atlantic - What Makes Us Happy: https://tinyurl.com/2nxpbhsd NYT - I Love You But I Don't Want To Sleep With You: https://tinyurl.com/tjnxbdtt Scientific American - Why We Are Wired To Connect: ​​https://tinyurl.com/59u4ffua Tell us about your experiences of connectedness. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

One of the central themes of this show is the importance of the stories we tell about ourselves. But in focusing on the egocentric stakes of storytelling, one of the things we overlook—I certainly do—is the importance of the stories we tell about others.We make sense of life in the terms of our own experience. We conceptualize the world in a way that corresponds to what we've seen and what we understand. This allows us to tell our own story in a pretty nuanced way. But it limits us in the kind of stories we can tell about others—particularly others who, for political or cultural or social reasons, might be very different from us. We put other people into a box: and not the box that would best fit them, but rather one of the ones we have lying around which we've previously used to make sense of our own world.This is a topic I've thought about a lot in my writing, my previous choice of podcast guests, and in my academic research—but what I love about my guest today is that she, more than anyone else I know, has actually lived it. Mónica Guzmán is a journalist and Director of Storytelling at Braver Angels, America's largest grassroots organization dedicated to political depolarization. Her new book is I Never Thought of It That Way, in which she explores her own experience trying to connect people across political and social divides.In this conversation, Mónica and I cover so much: from the importance of stories in movies and TV, to our relationships with our families, to Mónica's specific tactics for understanding others. But one of the things that stood out to me is this great line she gives later in the conversation about modern life being “tired, scared, and busy.” It reminded me of the famous characterization of pre-modern life by Thomas Hobbes: nasty, brutish, and short.I think it speaks to something, it's so easy to forget: Each of us is living out our own complicated human experience. There is no one who has everything figured out, no one who has reached the point of quiescence. It's easy to see other people—particularly those with different beliefs from our own—as emblematic of some nefarious other way of life. But, when it comes down to it, there's no simple way through existence. Everyone is dealing with their own struggle. We're better off as human beings the more we can come to appreciate the process of that struggle, rather than judge its results.Mónica's book is I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. It's out now.Monica's choices for three books that have most influenced her:* The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho* Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson* Midnight in Paris (the movie) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit codykommers.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Luis is joined by Monica Guzman, author of “I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" and the director of digital  storytelling at Braver Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the partisan divide.Monica and Luis engage in a very interesting conversation about navigating politics when it seems almost impossible to do so. Monica explores the polarity between judgment and curiosity as well as why we have come to equate disagreement with threat and how that dynamic has resulted in spaces where we judge each other more and engage with each other less. Luis and Monica also share common experiences that have nurtured their capacity for curiosity even regarding politics: 1) having dual identities and 2)their parents voted for Donald Trump but they did not. For more information on Monica's work, visit: https://braverangels.org/  For more information on Luis' work, visit: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/

As we slide into Thanksgiving here in the United States, I'm facing mixed emotions about this holiday as I get older and wiser. Now, don't get me wrong, I have a lot to be thankful for, but let's talk for a second about the myth of thanksgiving. From a traditional perspective, gathering with friends and family and reflecting on all we have to be grateful for holds comfort and joy. No matter how dysfunctional our communities or our families may be, many of us are able to come together on this holiday, to eat amazing food, watch the kids play, catch some football, and gracefully sidestep any divisive political debates, which in recent years has taken on a whole new level of Herculean effort, but having a more realistic understanding of the roots of this holiday, gives me pause. Listen in to hear about the true story of the first Thanksgiving, get some tips around being truthful and compassionate, while still honoring tradition, and recognize the evolution of knowledge and truth and how it can help us to become better as humans. Happy Thanksgiving to all who are listening! Key Takeaways:The first Thanksgiving was a harvest festival, not a banquet that the pilgrims and indigenous people were both invited to, and after which, relationships turned sour.We can be honest and still honor our own family traditions.We can't have conversations around empathy without acknowledging that one of the country's most revered holidays is a false picture of history, and has roots in oppression.Shatter facades and replace them with something that is honest, true, and loving, both in your personal life and in your professional life.  "Please don't be afraid of how our knowledge evolves, even if it means uncomfortable mindset shifts. That's how we get better over time as humans." —  Maria Ross  References: Jasmine Bradshaw, First Name Basis podcast, The Untold Story of Thanksgiving (Encore)The Empathy Edge podcast: Elisa Camahort Page: The Art of Empathy in Politics, Activism, and Media BSThe Empathy Edge podcast: M.E. Hart: How to Have Honest Conversations at WorkThe Empathy Edge podcast: Mónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesThe Empathy Edge podcast: David Weissman: From MAGA to Jewish Liberal Progressive   Don't forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

As we slide into Thanksgiving here in the United States, I'm facing mixed emotions about this holiday as I get older and wiser. Now, don't get me wrong, I have a lot to be thankful for, but let's talk for a second about the myth of thanksgiving. From a traditional perspective, gathering with friends and family and reflecting on all we have to be grateful for holds comfort and joy. No matter how dysfunctional our communities or our families may be, many of us are able to come together on this holiday, to eat amazing food, watch the kids play, catch some football, and gracefully sidestep any divisive political debates, which in recent years has taken on a whole new level of Herculean effort, but having a more realistic understanding of the roots of this holiday, gives me pause. Listen in to hear about the true story of the first Thanksgiving, get some tips around being truthful and compassionate, while still honoring tradition, and recognize the evolution of knowledge and truth and how it can help us to become better as humans. Happy Thanksgiving to all who are listening! Key Takeaways:The first Thanksgiving was a harvest festival, not a banquet that the pilgrims and indigenous people were both invited to, and after which, relationships turned sour.We can be honest and still honor our own family traditions.We can't have conversations around empathy without acknowledging that one of the country's most revered holidays is a false picture of history, and has roots in oppression.Shatter facades and replace them with something that is honest, true, and loving, both in your personal life and in your professional life.  "Please don't be afraid of how our knowledge evolves, even if it means uncomfortable mindset shifts. That's how we get better over time as humans." —  Maria Ross  References: Jasmine Bradshaw, First Name Basis podcast, The Untold Story of Thanksgiving (Encore)The Empathy Edge podcast: Elisa Camahort Page: The Art of Empathy in Politics, Activism, and Media BSThe Empathy Edge podcast: M.E. Hart: How to Have Honest Conversations at WorkThe Empathy Edge podcast: Mónica Guzmán: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Divided Political TimesThe Empathy Edge podcast: David Weissman: From MAGA to Jewish Liberal Progressive   Don't forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

When was the last time you really connected with someone who disagrees with you? Or saw a post on social media that challenged your views? Or listened to a newscast from across the political aisle? Modern life places us in all kinds of echo chambers – so what happens when these divides stop us from actually seeing and understanding one another? Today's guest, journalist Mónica Guzmán, is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted –twice– for Donald Trump. Now the chief storyteller for “Braver Angels”, an organization dedicated to political depolarization, Monica shares the tools she uses to find common ground with her loved ones. She talks about why interacting with (and listening to) different points of view is critical work – and how through curiosity we can achieve the seemingly impossible task of understanding those we tend to think of as our enemy. Her book, “I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times” is out now.

There's a lot of talk today amongst millennials about cutting ties with the people who hurt you, bring you down, disagree with you - our show wades into that territory quite often as well. And while that route might be the wiser one at times, the fact is that we will have disagreements at some point with almost everyone in our lives and we can't cut ties with all of them. Not only will that hurt us and our families, but arguably it has contributed significantly to the deep political dysfunction we see in the US today. We talk to our guest Mónica Guzmán who is a mom, journalist, author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, and a Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels which is the largest nonprofit in the US tackling political polarization at the grassroots level.

‘The way you show people that they matter is aiming your curiosity at them. Ask yourself “what kinds of people do I talk about, but never with?” Whoever is underrepresented in your life will be overrepresented in your imagination.' —Mónica Guzmán Ready to fight back against the confusion, heartbreak, and madness of our dangerously divided times? Find the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want across the divides you want, curiously. Seeing where people are coming from isn't just possible. It's easier than you think. Mónica Guzmán is a bridge builder, journalist, and author who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. Her new book, “I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times,” was featured on the Glenn Beck Podcast and named a New York Times recommended read.  Monica is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents. The program will be facilitated by Village Square friend and Executive Director of Bridge USA, Manu Meel. Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The weeks leading up to Election Day have been full of campaign attack ads and an onslaught of divisive political messages. Many people have been left feeling anxious and increasingly mistrustful of people who hold different political views.   So, how do we talk to each other now that the voting is over? How do we begin to heal from polarization?  MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how divisive and contested elections stress communities and how we can reconnect through fearless and curious conversations with people with different political views.   Guests:   Joi Lewis is a coach, consultant and community healer. “Dr. Joi,” as she's known to many, is founder of The Healing Justice Foundation and CEO of Joi Unlimited. She's also the author of the book “Healing: The Act of Radical Self-Care.”  Mónica Guzmán is a senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America. She's also author of the book “I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.”  Ryan Pérez is a political campaign manager for COPAL, a grassroots statewide organization whose mission is to unite Latinos in Minnesota.  Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

How often do you challenge your assumptions about others and get curious - especially about those in your workplace or your family who have different views than you, political or otherwise? In our increasingly polarized society, my guest today, Mónica Guzmán, believes that we can't count on institutions to bridge those divides for us - we have to do it one conversation, one person, at a time.  Today, we discussed how she got involved in the work of helping people understand each other better and what role her journalism career played in that mission. We dived into how to bring emotion back into conversations rather than trying to win arguments with data, and a magic question you can ask people who disagree with you to better understand them. We talked about how to have more curious conversations and how to navigate roadblocks. Some great tips for those of you going into election season or tense family dinners over the holidays!Key Takeaways:You can't have a negotiation if there is no talking. We are judging more while talking less and that only leads further to divide, and not to empathy and understanding.The level we think change doesn't matter, one-on-one conversations, is where change happens the most.You often believe that the people that you love and care about who disagree with you are not the majority but an exception to the rule. However, if you talk with others who disagree with you, you will find out that they are not the exception, but the rule"If we don't engage across disagreement, we risk not seeing variables that are really important to other people, and make for a far more honest accounting of everything that's at play when people make decisions." —  Mónica GuzmánAbout Mónica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels:Mónica Guzmán is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She's the director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. Monica's new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times has been praised by the media, readers and influencers alike. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents.Resources  Mentioned:The Empathy Edge: Interview with Edwin Rutsch, How Empathy Circles Can Change the WorldCenter for Building a Culture of Empathyhttp://cultureofempathy.com Empathy Circle Websitehttp://www.empathycircle.com Check out Edwin and an Empathy Circle in action in the documentary Trumphobia: What Both Sides Fear: trumphobiamovie.com/watchConnect with Mónica Guzmán:Braver Angels Website: https://braverangels.org/Monica's Website and info about her book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times: https://reclaimcuriosity.comWebsite: https://moniguzman.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/moniguzmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniguzman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reclaimcuriosityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniguzman/  Don't forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

How often do you challenge your assumptions about others and get curious - especially about those in your workplace or your family who have different views than you, political or otherwise? In our increasingly polarized society, my guest today, Mónica Guzmán, believes that we can't count on institutions to bridge those divides for us - we have to do it one conversation, one person, at a time.  Today, we discussed how she got involved in the work of helping people understand each other better and what role her journalism career played in that mission. We dived into how to bring emotion back into conversations rather than trying to win arguments with data, and a magic question you can ask people who disagree with you to better understand them. We talked about how to have more curious conversations and how to navigate roadblocks. Some great tips for those of you going into election season or tense family dinners over the holidays!Key Takeaways:You can't have a negotiation if there is no talking. We are judging more while talking less and that only leads further to divide, and not to empathy and understanding.The level we think change doesn't matter, one-on-one conversations, is where change happens the most.You often believe that the people that you love and care about who disagree with you are not the majority but an exception to the rule. However, if you talk with others who disagree with you, you will find out that they are not the exception, but the rule"If we don't engage across disagreement, we risk not seeing variables that are really important to other people, and make for a far more honest accounting of everything that's at play when people make decisions." —  Mónica GuzmánAbout Mónica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels:Mónica Guzmán is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She's the director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. Monica's new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times has been praised by the media, readers and influencers alike. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents.Resources  Mentioned:The Empathy Edge: Interview with Edwin Rutsch, How Empathy Circles Can Change the WorldCenter for Building a Culture of Empathyhttp://cultureofempathy.com Empathy Circle Websitehttp://www.empathycircle.com Check out Edwin and an Empathy Circle in action in the documentary Trumphobia: What Both Sides Fear: trumphobiamovie.com/watchConnect with Mónica Guzmán:Braver Angels Website: https://braverangels.org/Monica's Website and info about her book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times: https://reclaimcuriosity.comWebsite: https://moniguzman.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/moniguzmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniguzman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reclaimcuriosityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniguzman/  Don't forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

Mónica Guzmán joins Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis as they reach across the political divide to explore how the Left and Right might better engage one another in respectful debate.  Mónica shares her experiences as a liberal living in deep, blue Seattle yet grappling with her immigrant parent's support for Trump.  They also discuss the limitations of reason to resolve our differences, why viewing people as complex and not merely complicated helps us bridge divides, and why Mónica has hope for a brighter future.   About Mónica Guzmán Per her website, Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, host of Crosscut's interview series Civic Cocktail, and author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. ​ Moni was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public. ​ Before committing to the project of helping people understand each other across the political divide, Mónica cofounded the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey and led a national network of groundbreaking local newsletters as VP of Local for WhereBy.Us. ​ She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign.  

Monica Guzman is Braver Angels' Senior Fellow for Public Practice and the author of the best-selling book "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times." Over the past few months, Monica's been traveling the country to lead curious conversations inspired by the themes of her book. Here she joins Braver Angels CMO Ciaran O'Connor to discuss what she's learned about the state of our nation's divisions, how different audiences engage bridge-building depending on their ideologies and identities, and how we can get more curious, together, as a nation in crisis. 

Chad Jackson and Justin Malone discuss their new film, Uncle Tom II, a sequel to Uncle Tom, unveiling the ways that radical, centrist ideologies clothe themselves with a thin civil rights façade and in the process erase the achievements of minority communities in history. Even efforts to centralize government power and redistribute wealth to supposedly battle climate change has become a “racial” issue. - - - - - Collister Johnson of CFACT reveals the new plan to save the Right Whale of the eastern seaboard which has very narrowly avoided extinction. - - - - - Liberal Seattle journalist Monica Guzman shares insights from her book I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times that you can use to have difficult conversations with those who do not share your views on controversial issues. Friends and family relationships can be saved without compromising principle. Understanding can be achieved.

Wow! This one is critically important! As soon as I got wind of Monica Guzman and her efforts to depolarize America, I knew I had to speak to her. Monica is Director of Storytelling at Braver Angels - the largest cross-partisan organization seeking to build bridges across the political aisles. She is also the author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How To Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations In Dangerously Divided Times. Some of the topics covered include: How is curiosity the answer to our divides, political or otherwise? Why are our current political divides “dangerous?” What would you say to people who have tried to find common ground with people they disagree with, and no matter what they do or say, it just doesn't work. so they give up on even trying? What would you say to someone who is so mistrustful of the media that they no longer take in new information at all?You suggest that no politician, group, or institution can bridge us the way that 1-on-1 conversations will. What makes conversation so powerful? How does human nature stand in the way of curiosity? In your book, you talk about a powerful trip you took to Sherman County in March of 2017. Tell us more about that experience. What practical tips do you have for approaching family gatherings when you don't agree with your loved ones? What tips do you have when engaging online with anyone who doesn't agree with you? If you're trying to have a curious conversation and are hitting a roadblock, how can you change your approach to get more out of the interaction? Curiosity across divides takes courage, and a willingness to be open and honest. How can people take the first step and practice exercising their curiosity muscle in a safe way before diving into a difficult conversation?About Our Guest:Mónica Guzman is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She's director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She recently wrote the book, I NEVER THOUGHT OF IT THAT WAY: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents. I was introduced to her via an article she wrote for the Greater Good Science Center at Cal, entitled How to Stay Open and Curious in Hard Conversations, which I loved.Find out more at:https://braverangels.org To order her book, visit,I Never Thought Of It That Way at Amazon.To read her outstanding article, visit the Greater Good Science Center,How to Stay Open and Curious in Hard ConversationsPlease remember to like, share and review. Many, many thanks for listening!If you like what you've heard at The Evolved Caveman podcast, support us by subscribing, leaving reviews on Apple podcasts. Every review helps to get the message out! Please share the podcast with friends and colleagues.Follow Dr. John Schinnerer on| Instagram | Instagram.com/@TheEvolvedCaveman| Facebook | Facebook.com/Anger.Management.Expert| Twitter | Twitter.com/@JohnSchin| LinkedIn | Linkedin.com/in/DrJohnSchinnererOr join the email list by visiting: GuideToSelf.comPlease visit our YouTube channel and remember to Like & Subscribe!https://www.youtube.com/user/jschinnererEditing/Mixing/Mastering by: Brian Donat of B/Line Studios www.BLineStudios.com

“I get so upset during conversations about politics with certain family members, I feel like my body's on the verge of explosion, with body parts flying off and blood splattering all over walls.” Do you ever feel like Julie does when you're trying to have a meaningful discussion with someone with whom you vehemently disagree? Then you're going to love this episode with journalist Mónica Guzmán, author of the book I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. As the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted twice for Donald Trump, Mónica knows from personal experience how hard these conversations can be. Now she joins Julie and Eve to explain why we're so polarized, how–whether you're red or blue–your perceptions of the other side of the political divide are grossly overblown, and how you can talk to people whose worldviews are different from yours in a way that feels productive (or at least in a way that keeps the walls clean and everybody's limbs intact). “We've got facts,” Mónica says, “too many facts. What we need is trust.” Mónica Guzmán is the Director of Digital and Storytelling at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, and host of the Crosscut interview series, Northwest Newsmakers. She was a 2019 Fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 Fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public. Before committing to the project of helping people understand each other across the political divide, Mónica co-founded the award-winning Seattle newsletter, The Evergrey. She was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Seattle and served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes. She is the author of the recent book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Find us on Twitter (@bookdreamspod) and Instagram (@bookdreamspodcast), or email us at contact@bookdreamspodcast.com. We encourage you to visit our website and sign up for our newsletter for information about our episodes, guests, and more. Book Dreams is a part of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy. Since you're listening to Book Dreams, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows about literature, writing, and storytelling like Storybound and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mónica Guzmán is an author, journalist, and bridge builder. She is the Director of Digital Storytelling at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, and author of the book “I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times”. Móni and her parents immigrated to the US from Mexico when she was a teenager. Móni is a liberal, but her parents voted for Trump… twice. Our conversation focuses on the importance of curating connection to those we disagree with, and the practice of maintaining curiosity about ideas and opinions we don't understand. We speak about how to prioritize trust above “truth,” the polarizing role of the media, and the danger of getting sucked into ideological silos. Móni explains how it is possible to remember that we are all smarter and more capable than what they want us to believe, but only when we make space for and reclaim vulnerable conversations, and a connection to one another.Mónica's book recommendation: The Collected Essays of Ralph Waldo EmersonFind Mónica on Twitter, Instagram, and ReclaimCuriosity.comClick here to learn more about Contact Beyond Contact.Click here to sign up for the Sex at Dawn Retreat this September in Montana, hosted by Chris Ryan, Cameron & Melayne Shayne, and me! (Only two spots left).Songs featured: “Moving” by Eskimotion, “Back to You” by Benjamin Gordon, and “Going Home” by ÁsgeirHow to support the show:Rate, review and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes!Become a paid subscriber on Substack.Visit my website - AnyaKaats.com & Find me on InstagramA Millennial's Guide to Saving the World is a reader and listener supported publication. If you find this content valuable, and have the means to donate financially, please consider becoming a paid subscriber for only $5/month. Get full access to A Millennial's Guide to Saving the World at anyakaats.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Ryan Moyer speaks with journalist & author, Monica Guzman about her new book I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. They discussed barriers that get in the way of effective communication, how judgment is the opposite of curiosity, how social media poisons political discourse, why it's harmful to close your mind to the views of others, and how to use conversation to build bridges of understanding. For more on Monica, visit her personal website or visit www.braverangels.org to learn more about her nonprofit organization. Why Do We Do That? is a psychology podcast that deconstructs human behavior from the perspectives of social scientists, psychologists, and others that use applied psychology in their work. Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Monica Guzman, author of "I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" about the power of curiosity and the value of talking to people whose ideas you might consider strange.

Mónica Guzmán is on a mission to help us see that questions should not be used as weapons to establish superiority, but rather as tools in our curiosity toolbox.   Mónica is the Director of Digital and Storytelling at Braver Angels, a non-profit working to depolarize America, as well as the author of the book "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times."   In this conversation, you'll hear about the many push-pull moments and circumstances of Mónica's life that have led her to seek out more instances when she has the chance to say "I never thought of it that way."   And during such deeply divided and polarized times, Mónica believes one of the most critical questions to ask is "What am I missing?"   Watch Mónica's remarkable TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSL0zNREHAE   Check out Mónica's work, including her book, at https://reclaimcuriosity.com, and connect with her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/moniguzman.

What a treat to bring you today's conversation with Mónica Guzmán. Mónica is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She's director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award- winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents. Personally, I have been a fan of Mónica and the Braver Angels organization more broadly over the past few years. Their work cannot be understated; we all recognize that polarization is one of the key threats to our society today. If you are someone who wants to build bridges, check out their work. As Mónica discusses, bridge building does not mean that you necessarily shift your views to be more centrist; on the contrary, you can hold strong political opinions grounded firmly in your values AND at the same time understand and respect someone else's opinions and values. In this episode we discuss Mónica's experience of being the liberal daughter of two Trump-voting parents; the different types of polarization we face today; why Mónica believes curiosity is the strongest antidote to polarization; the tendency to have more empathy for our in-group versus out-group; building "short bridges;" the story of Braver Angels and its work across the country, including with members of congress; the future of debates; the problem with trying to control misinformation; how to have productive political conversations with others; and more. Purchase Mónica's book, "I Never Thought It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times": https://www.amazon.com/Never-Thought-That-Way-Conversations/dp/1637740328 Highlights from this episode: "If all you're doing is disqualifying people when they don't affirm facts, that doesn't address what's really underneath it all—which is people's concerns.... The real work is listening to each other's honest concerns." "As a society we need to have a collective search for truth... the problem is that any conversation does not involve all of us, because we're so fractured. in order to make sure that conversation involves all of us, we're going to have to build trust." "Building trust means that you have to listen to someone without correcting them." "We're not going to build truth until we build trust." Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nsHhFJVZ48s Follow Dr. Goodman: Instagram: @matthewgoodmanphd Website: https://matthewgoodmanphd.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Stress-Reduction-Effective-Practices-ebook/dp/B09R1D6HN2 If you find this useful, please consider sharing with a friend/loved one, rating or reviewing, or supporting the show : ) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/matthewgoodmanphd/support

Mónica Guzmán lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. She's Director of Digital and Storytelling at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, host of the Crosscut interview series Northwest Newsmakers, and author of the upcoming title from BenBella Books: I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Follow @11QuestionsPod on Instagram & Twitter for more. https://www.instagram.com/11questionspod https://www.twitter.com/11questionspod #11Questions #MonicaGuzman #INeverThoughtOfItThatWay

In this episode, Sharon talks with Mónica Guzmán, whose new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times helps us learn how to get more comfortable with the uncomfortable. Monica argues that we need to chase “I never thought of it that way” moments we have in order to grow in curiosity. When we manufacture certainty, we tend to see people and the world around us as one-dimensional. It's important to understand the views of others because we're not always happy in our echo chambers; we lose relationships, we feel anxiety about the future, and we pin the blame wherever we can. Once we begin to get curious and shine a light on what we perceive as a threat, that threat feels less insurmountable. It's through curiosity that we can begin to see people from multiple dimensions–they aren't monsters, they are people, just like us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mónica Guzmán has some difficult conversations with her parents. She's a liberal Democrat, while her mom and dad voted enthusiastically for Trump both times. So, how does she bridge the political divide and maintain a loving relationship with her parents, despite their differences of opinion? And what can you and I do to develop intellectual curiosity and see difficult issues from different points of view? Mónica is the Digital Director at Braver Angels , the nation's largest nonprofit working to depolarize America. She is also the author of the new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Mónica joins Ross to discuss how she navigates the relationship with her conservative Republican parents, describing why it's important to maintain connections with friends and family who don't see things the way you do. Mónica explains how condescension and curiosity are mutually exclusive, challenging us to begin conversations by believing that the other person's perspective is valid and asking questions around how they came to their beliefs. Listen in to understand how the more facets of an issue you see, the closer you are to the truth, and learn how to be open to influence or new information that might change your opinion. Connect with Nori Purchase Nori Carbon Removals Nori's website Nori on Twitter Check out our other podcast, Carbon Removal Newsroom Resources I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Monica Guzman Braver Angels Monica on Braver Angels Monica's Website --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/reversingclimatechange/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/reversingclimatechange/support

A Republican and a Democrat walk into a bar. They see a liberal buying a conservative a drink, while a priest chats with a rabbi and minister. A CEO is talking with a union leader. A grandmother is there with her granddaughter, while an environmentalist is speaking to an oil company exec. “Is this a joke?” one of them asks. The bartender points to a sign above the bar. It reads: “No talking about religion or politics. It's how we stay in business.” That's not how our guest Mónica Guzmán thinks we should be doing business. She believes talking openly about today's issues brings about better solutions. Yet, she has witnessed how today's political polarization leads to discord and strained communication among family members, friends, co-workers, and community leaders. In this episode, this director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, shares ways we can broaden our perspectives to become better listeners and better communicators. Do you want more moments of “I never thought of it that way?” We talk to Mónica about how to make those moments happen. Guest Mónica Guzmán Mónica Guzmán is the author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. She embraces conversations that encourage all participants to think about and assess their unique biases, prejudices, and feelings on matters large and small. This journalist, author, and community collaborator has worked to find the intersection between communications and personal perspectives, so as to generate a greater understanding of where we all stand in times of disruption, political polarization, and a search for truth. Guzmán also is the director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, and host of the Crosscut interview series Northwest Newsmakers. She's a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public.LINKS: I Never Thought Of It That Way: How To Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times Braver AngelsThe Reclaim Curiosity Newsletter Follow us on Twitter @speakgoodpodCheck out our blogGot an episode idea?

Journalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own built-in curiosity. Partisanship is up, trust is down, and our social media feeds make us sure we're right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding one another is hurting our relationships and our society. In I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (BenBella Books, 2022), Mónica takes us to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. Drawing from cross-partisan conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want, curiously. This podcast episode is a recording of a live event co-hosted by Gather, an initiative of the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon that focuses on community-centered journalism. Jenna Spinelle is a journalism instructor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She's also the communications specialist for the university's McCourtney Institute for Democracy, where she hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Journalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own built-in curiosity. Partisanship is up, trust is down, and our social media feeds make us sure we're right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding one another is hurting our relationships and our society. In I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (BenBella Books, 2022), Mónica takes us to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. Drawing from cross-partisan conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want, curiously. This podcast episode is a recording of a live event co-hosted by Gather, an initiative of the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon that focuses on community-centered journalism. Jenna Spinelle is a journalism instructor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She's also the communications specialist for the university's McCourtney Institute for Democracy, where she hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Journalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own built-in curiosity. Partisanship is up, trust is down, and our social media feeds make us sure we're right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding one another is hurting our relationships and our society. In I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (BenBella Books, 2022), Mónica takes us to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. Drawing from cross-partisan conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want, curiously. This podcast episode is a recording of a live event co-hosted by Gather, an initiative of the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon that focuses on community-centered journalism. Jenna Spinelle is a journalism instructor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She's also the communications specialist for the university's McCourtney Institute for Democracy, where she hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/language

Journalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own built-in curiosity. Partisanship is up, trust is down, and our social media feeds make us sure we're right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding one another is hurting our relationships and our society. In I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (BenBella Books, 2022), Mónica takes us to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. Drawing from cross-partisan conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want, curiously. This podcast episode is a recording of a live event co-hosted by Gather, an initiative of the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon that focuses on community-centered journalism. Jenna Spinelle is a journalism instructor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She's also the communications specialist for the university's McCourtney Institute for Democracy, where she hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

Journalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own built-in curiosity. Partisanship is up, trust is down, and our social media feeds make us sure we're right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding one another is hurting our relationships and our society. In I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (BenBella Books, 2022), Mónica takes us to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. Drawing from cross-partisan conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want, curiously. This podcast episode is a recording of a live event co-hosted by Gather, an initiative of the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon that focuses on community-centered journalism. Jenna Spinelle is a journalism instructor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She's also the communications specialist for the university's McCourtney Institute for Democracy, where she hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

Journalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own built-in curiosity. Partisanship is up, trust is down, and our social media feeds make us sure we're right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding one another is hurting our relationships and our society. In I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (BenBella Books, 2022), Mónica takes us to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. Drawing from cross-partisan conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want, curiously. This podcast episode is a recording of a live event co-hosted by Gather, an initiative of the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon that focuses on community-centered journalism. Jenna Spinelle is a journalism instructor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She's also the communications specialist for the university's McCourtney Institute for Democracy, where she hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Mónica Guzmán is the loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted—twice—for Donald Trump. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Mónica set out to find what was blinding us and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own built-in curiosity. Partisanship is up, trust is down, and our social media feeds make us sure we're right and everyone else is ignorant (or worse). But avoiding one another is hurting our relationships and our society. In I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (BenBella Books, 2022), Mónica takes us to the real front lines of a crisis that threatens to grind America to a halt—broken conversations among confounded people. Drawing from cross-partisan conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere from the echo chambers on social media to the wheat fields in Oregon to raw, unfiltered fights with her own family on election night, Mónica shows how you can put your natural sense of wonder to work for you immediately, finding the answers you need by talking with people—rather than about them—and asking the questions you want, curiously. This podcast episode is a recording of a live event co-hosted by Gather, an initiative of the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon that focuses on community-centered journalism. Jenna Spinelle is a journalism instructor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. She's also the communications specialist for the university's McCourtney Institute for Democracy, where she hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/journalism

There's no way around it — it's a challenging time in America. Societies have lived through pandemics and political strife before, but never with powerful tools like social media and the Internet. It makes for a special brand of division that most of us have experienced in some way, from dinner table arguments with relatives to heated interactions at the grocery store. Have we forgotten how to interact and connect, despite our differences? Journalist Mónica Guzmán knows the struggle all too well. She's the liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who voted — twice — for Donald Trump. She's also the chief storyteller for the national cross-partisan depolarization organization Braver Angels, which works to bring Americans together and strengthen our democratic republic. When the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, Guzmán set out to cut through the fog and discovered the most eye-opening tool we're not using: our own curiosity. In her new book, I Never Thought of It That Way, Guzmán drew from conversations she's had, organized, or witnessed everywhere, from the echo chambers on social media to the raw, unfiltered fights with her family on election night. Guzmán shared how to put a natural sense of wonder to work by talking with people — rather than about them — and asking tough, meaningful questions across divides while maintaining openness and curiosity. Together with political cartoonist David Horsey, Guzmán discussed how to overcome fear, labels, and assumptions and have human conversations with people whose identities and values are different from, or even opposed to, our own. Mónica Guzmán is a journalist and entrepreneur who lives for good conversation sparked by challenging questions. She's the cofounder of The Evergrey, an award-winning newsletter and community in Seattle, and serves as an adviser to Braver Angels, a national organization out to depolarize America, and Together Washington, an organization building collaborative local relationships among leaders in Washington state. Mónica is a former columnist at The Seattle Times, GeekWire, and the Columbia Journalism Review. She studied social and political division as a 2019 Henry M. Jackson leadership fellow, and spent the 2015-2016 academic year studying how journalists can evolve to better meet the needs of a participatory public as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard. She is an immigrant, a Latina, a dual U.S.-Mexico citizen, and the mom of two bilingual kids. David Horsey is a two-time recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for political cartooning. Syndicated by Tribune Content Agency, David's work has appeared in hundreds of media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Politico, and MSNBC.com. After a long career at Seattle Post-Intelligencer and six years as a political commentator for The Los Angeles Times, Horsey is now based at The Seattle Times. Buy the Book: I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (Hardcover) from Elliott Bay Books Presented by Town Hall Seattle, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, and the Western Washington Braver Angels Alliance.

How many times have you heard that - “We live in a fast-paced world?” Yet, in many ways we set that pace for ourselves. We like to do things quickly. So, this episode begins with a look at things that would go a lot better for all of us if we just slowed down a little. Source, Debbie Mandel, author of “Addicted to Stress” https://amzn.to/3v9JpzD Politics has gotten downright nasty. It seems people on opposite sides of a political issue can't have a civil discussion about their differences anymore. Why is that? More importantly, how do we fix this so we can discuss our differences without accusing the other person of being stupid, uninformed or crazy for holding the beliefs they do? Here to help is Monica Guzman a journalist who is on a crusade to depolarize the conversation and get people talking in way that helps us understand why people have the opinions they do and how to express our own opinions without offending those who disagree. Monica is author of the book I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times (https://amzn.to/3LcQK7i)  It would appear that anxiety is rampant. People just seem a lot more anxious than they used to. Of course not all anxiety is bad. We need to worry about some things. Yet many of the things we worry about happening are never as horrible as we anticipate. So how do we control our anxiety, so it doesn't control us? That's what Ellen Vora is here to discuss. Ellen is a psychiatrist and author of the book The Anatomy of Anxiety (https://amzn.to/3863pKp) If you want to sharpen your memory it may be as simple as going outside. Listen as I explain how nature can improve memory. https://www.spring.org.uk/2009/01/memory-improved-20-by-nature-walk.php PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! We really like The Jordan Harbinger Show! Check out https://jordanharbinger.com/start OR search for it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen!  Helix Sleep is offering up to $200 off all mattress orders AND two free pillows for our listeners at https://helixsleep.com/sysk.  Go to https://Indeed.com/Something to claim your $75 credit through April 30th! Go to https://Shopify.com/sysk, for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify's entire suite of features! With Avast One, https://avast.com you can confidently take control of your online world without worrying about viruses, phishing attacks, ransomware, hacking attempts, & other cybercrimes! With prices soaring at the pump, Discover has your back with cash back! Use the Discover Card & earn 5% cash back at Gas Stations and Target, now through June, when you activate. Get up to $75 cash back this quarter with Discover it® card. Learn more at https:discover.com/rewards. Download Best Fiends FREE today on the App Store or Google Play!    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mónica Guzmán is a woman that is fueled by curiosity and driven by engaging conversations. Guzmán, author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, talks about the stories and interactions that led her to write a book.Guzmán, transparently left leaning, was raised by two Mexican immigrants that voted for Trump. That is a phrase that leaves many of her colleagues, and friends speechless but it has never changed the love she has for her parents. Her goal was to dive into the “why?” Why did they vote for Trump? Throughout her journey of navigating engaging conversations about the toughest issues facing our country, Guzmán was able to share solutions to some of the biggest problems that are polarizing America.To hear about her writing process, the stories behind the chapters, and who Mónica Guzmán is beyond the book, listen to this episode of the podcast.Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exploring Washington State Podcast! Please subscribe to the show and leave us a review, comment, or just say hello.Your reviews and feedback will help us continue to deliver great content and reach even more listeners. If you want to read or listen about some of the many places to explore in Washington State, the Explore Washington State website is the perfect resource to get you onto your next adventure. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ExploringWash)

How'd you hear about The Purple Principle? Click here to answer our one question survey: https://fluentknowledge.com/tpp-survey Our TPP guest this episode, Mónica Guzmán of Braver Angels, is a fascinating conversationalist who knows how to stop a conversation, particularly among blue-leaning Seattle friends discussing politics. Guzmán merely mentions that her Mexican immigrant parents avidly supported Donald Trump and the room goes silent. We kick off Episode 8 of Season 3, “Like Family, Like Nation,” with Guzmán's retelling of that conversation stopper also featured in her new book, I Never Thought of It That Way. Part personal memoir, part communication guide, the book is informed by her work at Braver Angels, one of the nation's most successful facilitators of cross-partisan dialogue.  “The opinion…. is just above the surface,” observes Guzmán. “Underneath is everything that backs it up, all their experiences.” As a result, she cautions that, “you're not going to change someone's mind in the course of conversation unless they were already at the cusp of changing it on their own.”  Important points from a uniquely qualified voice. Tune in for an entertaining and informative episode on the challenges and rewards of communication across the great American divides.  Original music by Ryan Adair Rooney SHOW NOTES Our Guests Mónica Guzmán: Director of Digital & Storytelling at Braver Angels, Host of Civic Cocktail, and Author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Mónica Guzmán's website, Twitter  Visit our website for a list of additional resources related to today's episode: fluentknowledge.com/shows/the-purple-principle/monica-guzman Join Us for Premium Content: Apple: https://link.chtbl.com/PurpleApple Patreon: patreon.com/purpleprinciplepodcast Find us online! Twitter: @purpleprincipl Facebook: @thepurpleprinciplepodcast Instagram: @thepurpleprinciplepodcast Our website: https://bit.ly/2ZCpFaQ Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/2UfFSja 

Have you ever wondered how to have a meaningful conversation with someone with whom you disagree vehemently on a particular topic? Do you have family members that you disagree with politically, and cannot have a conversation without things becoming heated and toxic? What if there were a book that could teach you "How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times"? There is, and this week I am honored to have the author of that book on the Derate the Hate podcast to talk about her latest book, "I Never Thought Of It That Way"MÓNICA GUZMÁNis a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She's director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award- winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents.Take-aways and Quotes from MÓNICA GUZMÁN"Those who are underrepresented in your lives, will always be over-represented in our imaginations"Curiosity in 1-to-1 conversations will save us (like no politician, group, or institution can)"If there's one thing that most people on the left and right can agree on, it's that the way we treat and talk to the other side is broken"Monica's promise: "This book will equip and inspire you to be one level more curious about the people who disagree with you than you have ever been."What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people, and that begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another, be grateful for everything you've got, and make each and every day the day that you want it to be!Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter . Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast, and if we book them for a conversation, I'll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.comI look forward to hearing from you!Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Mónica Guzmán is the author of a wise, entertaining, inspiring and fantastically helpful new book called “I never thought of it that way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.” It's the first book I've read on the subject that actually made me look forward to my next difficult conversation.Mónica's insights and strategies are hard won. In addition to being the chief storyteller for the national cross-partisan depolarization organization Braver Angels, as an individual and a journalist, she's organized and participated in many bridge-building conversations across our political divide. A Mexican immigrant, Latina,  dual US/Mexico citizen, and self-proclaimed liberal, she's also the loving daughter of conservative parents who twice voted for Trump.Among many other notable achievements, Mónica was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public.  She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, and served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes.I think you'll enjoy and appreciate our conversation.__________________For more insights into the art and science of difficult conversations, check out my website. You can also sign up for my free newsletter.

CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan joins Sangita Shresthova, research director at Civic Paths Group, and Monica Guzman, journalist and author, to discuss her latest book and share insights on how to better understand and connect with those whose opinions and beliefs vastly differ. Featuring: Kamy Akhavan - Executive Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Mónica Guzmán - Author, "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times," Digital Director, Braver Angels Sangita Shresthova - Director of Research, Civic Paths Group at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Mónica Guzmán, author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, is the Director of Digital and Storytelling at Braver Angels which is a cross-partisan nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging America's widening political divide. Mónica's background in journalism and her own life experiences brought her to Braver Angels as a person interested in conversation without judgment. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants who considered themselves Republicans and a journalist, Mónica understands political party differences on a personal and professional level. In the episode she describes her journey to Braver Angels and details how the organization creates spaces, through workshops, where citizens across party lines can have difficult conversations. As she and Henry explore divides within family structure she notes how family ties put more at stake in these political conversations but how that can be extremely powerful even though it is uncomfortable. Trust and listening are more important than people may think when trying to have these conversations and Braver Angels helps people develop those skills. The end of the episode also addresses some of the controversy the organization has had recently surrounding the conservative opinions related to the January 6th Capitol attack and Henry and Colin discuss how Braver Angels transparently discussed their podcasting practices in relation to misinformation and conspiracies. A full transcript of this episode will be available soon!Here are some of the references from this episode, for those who want to dig a little deeper:Mónica GuzmánBook: I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided TimesBraver AngelsMónica's earlier journalism for The Evergrey (Seattle)Interview with The Daily Kos (“you don't have to talk to a Nazi tomorrow”)Braver Angels' list of roles we play in family conversations about politicsUSC Norman Lear Center research on media consumption among liberals, moderates and conservativesJonathan Haidt: The moral roots of liberals and conservativesAnd more about his book, The Righteous MindBraver Angels podcast and controversy:Depolarization in the Age of Misinformation | Jonathan Rauch with David Blankenhorn & Ciaran O'Connor (our clip starts around min 7)A Conservative Perspective on January 6th & the 2020 Election | Peter Wood with Ciaran O'Connor (our clip starts around min 17:00)Braver Angels national debate to open up the larger question—"Should we draw lines?"—to hundreds of people. President David Blankenhorn chimes in toward the end of the videoBraver Angels Podcast host Ciaran O'Connor's op-ed in the Deseret News with more of the product of Braver Angels' reflection on what happened, and also YouTube's roleMónica's own reflection on the issue in an interview with the American Press Institute asking "what might journalism learn from 'bridging'?."Share your thoughts via Twitter with Henry, Colin and the How Do You Like It So Far? account! You can also email us at howdoyoulikeitsofarpodcast@gmail.com.Music:“In Time” by Dylan Emmett and “Spaceship” by Lesion X.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––In Time (Instrumental) by Dylan Emmet  https://soundcloud.com/dylanemmetSpaceship by Lesion X https://soundcloud.com/lesionxbeatsCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/in-time-instrumentalFree Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lesion-x-spaceshipMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/AzYoVrMLa1Q––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CPF Executive Director Kamy Akhavan joins Sangita Shresthova, research director at Civic Paths Group, and Monica Guzman, journalist and author, to discuss her latest book and share insights on how to better understand and connect with those whose opinions and beliefs vastly differ. Featuring: Kamy Akhavan - Executive Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Mónica Guzmán - Author, "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times," Digital Director, Braver Angels Sangita Shresthova - Director of Research, Civic Paths Group at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Hosted by Andrew Keen, Keen On features conversations with some of the world's leading thinkers and writers about the economic, political, and technological issues being discussed in the news, right now. In this episode, Andrew is joined by Monica Guzmán, the author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Mónica Guzmán is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She's director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation's largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents. Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gZNKTyc7 Email Andrew: a.keen@me.com Watch the show live on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajkeen Watch the show live on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gatW6J8v Watch the show live on Facebook: https://lnkd.in/gjzVnTkY Watch the show on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gDwPgesS Subscribe to Andrew's newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gzwFsxPV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we speak with Mónica Guzmán. We discuss what makes Mónica so good at being curious, how being an immigrant helped open her eyes to the benefits of curiosity, and her concept of SOS—Sorting, Othering, and Siloing—and how it affects our discourse. We also discuss whether we've always been this divided or if we're uniquely divided now, the ways technology and social media affect communication, the tension and interplay between fear, ignorance, and uncertainty—and how these emotions affect our ability to be curious, how to foster curiosity in others, and much more.    Mónica is the Director of Digital and Storytelling at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America. She's also co-founder of the award winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey, host of the Crosscut Interview series Northwest Newsmakers and author of the recent best-selling book, I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.

We think we have the answers. But what happens when we start asking more questions? In her new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, Braver Angels' director of storytelling Mónica Guzmán explains how and why we should get more curious—and how it might just hold the key to bridging our political divide. To learn more about Mónica's work and buy her new book, visit www.moniguzman.com.  Twitter: @braverangels, @ciaranjoconnor, @moniguzman

This week, Alice and Kim talk about trans women authors. Follow For Real using RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. For more nonfiction recommendations, sign up for our True Story newsletter, edited by Alice Burton. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Nonfiction in the News Netflix Orders White House Mystery Drama ‘The Residence' From Shondaland, ‘For the People' Creator [Variety] New Nonfiction  Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation by Erika Krouse Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times by Azar Nafisi I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán Lady Icarus: Balloonmania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie Blanchard by Deborah Haynes Weekly Theme: Books by Trans Women Fairest by Meredith Talusan How to Fail as a Pop Star: A Play by Vivek Shraya To My Trans Sisters by Charlie Craggs Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality by Sarah McBride Reading Now KIM: From Hollywood with Love: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of the Romantic Comedy by Scott Meslow ALICE: The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President—and Why It Failed by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch CONCLUSION You can find us on SOCIAL MEDIA – @itsalicetime and @kimthedork. Amazing Audio Editing for this episode was done by Jen Zink. RATE AND REVIEW on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so people can find us more easily, and follow us there so you can get our new episodes the minute they come out.

Mónica Guzmán stops in to discuss her new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times . She and Bridget discuss how whenever there are lots of people who stand on opposite sides of an issue that division has a reason for being there and we should strive to understand it, why belonging is the number one concern for most people, the tension between understanding and judgment, and why we should all just start with the baseline assumption of, "I'm probably wrong." They also cover finding common ground with people on a personal level, how severing ties amongst family members has a societal cost, how changing our mind about something big is almost like a death, therefore it can take a long time for our opinions to change about something big, learning how to be wrong, and small steps that people can take in their everyday lives to start having their own fearlessly curious conversations.

What would happen to the divisions in our country if we set aside our phones, and our assumptions, and truly tried to understand people who are different from us? Mónica Guzmán did this in her own family, and she's convinced that the country could do it, too. The Seattle-based journalist, entrepreneur and self-described liberal starts her new bookwith the personal story of coming to terms with her own parents, Mexican immigrants who voted twice for Donald Trump for president. The rest of the book is a guide for the rest of us: I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Longtime readers will remember Guzmán as a technology columnist who wrote regularly for GeekWirein the early years of the site. We also worked together previously at the Seattle P-I newspaper, where she started the Big Blog for SeattlePI.com. She wrote for the Seattle Times and went on to co-found The Evergreynewsletter in Seattle. She's currently digital director of the non-profit Braver Angels, whose mission of bringing together people of different political beliefs matches the premise of her recent work. She's also the host of Crosscut's Northwest Newsmakers. We talk about her new book, and the role of technology in all of this, on this episode of the GeekWire Podcast. Hosted by GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has gone mad. In recent weeks, many people have reached out to say they feel overwhelmed by how divided we are. Many feel like the mainstream media is not doing a good enough job at digging into the complexity of the issues we're facing, and that it is failing to reflect the full spectrum of views and experiences out there. Today's guest has thought deeply about the challenges facing the media. Mónica Guzmán is a Seattle journalist. She's also a director at Braver Angles, a grassroots organization that works to address polarization -- and a former fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Mónica is the author of a new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. She joins Tara today on the podcast to talk about the book, and the overlooked superpower that she says we all need to rediscover – the magic of a good conversation.

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Monica Guzman on the power of curiosity. They discuss the main theses of her book on seeing the humanity of others by using curiosity. They talk about the three challenges of human nature (sorting, othering, & siloing). They mention the challenge of scaling individual interactions to the group level, us vs. them, and whether people change their opinions. They discuss the assumptions of other groups, the intoit model, filling the knowledge gaps, and how not to make assumptions.  Monica Guzman is a journalist, writer, and Director of Digital and Storytelling at Braver Angels. She was a 2019 at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and co-founder of The Evergrey. She is the author of her first book, I never Though of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. You can find her main website here and other work here. Twitter: @moniguzman

Drew Perkins talks with Mónica Guzmán about her new book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, and her work with Braver Angels and the applications to great teaching and learning. Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Order I Never Thought of It That Way moniguzman.com Mónica's LinkTree @moniguzman Braver Angels The TeachThought Podcast Ep. 210 Polarization, Racism, And Education The TeachThought Podcast Ep. 154 Depolarizing America Through Inquiry And Critical Thinking Visit wegrowteachers.com for info on our workshops and services.