Why difference triggers threat responses

In this episode Mark sits down with author and journalist Monica Guzman for a deeply necessary conversation about curiosity, fear, and what it will actually take to heal our fractured culture. Together they unpack why difference feels so threatening in the body and how fear shuts out curiosity.  They explore how media, identity, and belonging quietly radicalize us, why talking about people instead of with them keeps us divided, and how simple human contact can dismantle stereotypes faster than any argument. This episode is a powerful invitation to examine your own assumptions, build the skills to stay present across difference, and reclaim conversation as a radical, humanizing act in a world addicted to outrage.

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; advisor at Braver Angels; and host of A Braver Way podcast. Mónica serves on the Board of Directors for the The Viewpoints Project. She received an honorary doctorate degree from Wheaton College, and completed study and research fellowships at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, and the University of Florida. 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.

—Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniguzman/ 

—Website: moniguzman.com

—This episode is sponsored by:

• Institute for Integrative Nutrition: Certified Health Coach Training: Use code MARKGROVES20 for 20% off ALL courses from IIN & Chopra at http://bit.ly/MARKIIN

—How are your Nervous System + Attachment Style connected? https://markgroves.com/connectthedots

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