Choosing Love in a Divisive World: Empathy as Our Guiding Light with Scott Stabile

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Sep 26, 2025

Scott Stabile, an author and speaker focused on love and empathy, shares personal stories about overcoming tragedy and addiction in his family. He emphasizes that love is a conscious choice and discusses the transformative power of forgiveness and compassion. Stabile explores how shame distorts self-image and how empathy can bridge political divides. He challenges the notion of happiness as merely a choice and advocates for consistent action to manage fear and encourage personal growth. Through his insights, he highlights the complexities of addiction and the necessity of ongoing emotional work.

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INSIGHT

Choice Shapes Inner Energy

The two wolves parable highlights that inner energy and choice shape who we become.
Awareness and compassion let us learn from both loving and darker impulses.

INSIGHT

Naming Shame Weakens It

Shame thrives on secrecy and external standards that never fit anyone perfectly.
Announcing hidden shame removes its power and often brings immediate relief.

ANECDOTE

Relief From Revealing Truths

Scott shares coming out as gay in his twenties and the relief it brought him.
He also recounts hiding his early balding under a cap and later feeling free to remove it.

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In this episode, Scott Stabile explores the idea of choosing love in a divisive world and how empathy can be our guiding light when life feels fractured. Scott shares deeply personal stories — from the tragedy of losing his parents to addiction in his family — and how forgiveness and compassion became the most difficult, yet most healing choices of his life. He talks about the role of awareness, the lies of shame, the futility of chasing quick fixes, and why love isn’t a fleeting feeling but an action we can commit to again and again.

Key Takeaways:

The transformative power of love as a conscious choice.
The parable of the two wolves and the importance of feeding the good impulses.
The role of awareness and compassion in personal growth.
The impact of shame and the healing power of sharing personal struggles.
The relationship between forgiveness, empathy, and personal healing.
The complexities of addiction and its multifaceted nature.
The distinction between happiness as a feeling versus actions that promote happiness.
The management of fear through consistent action and self-care.
The futility of seeking a single solution to emotional struggles.
The importance of ongoing personal growth and the acceptance of emotional impermanence.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Scott Stabile, check out these other episodes:

How to Be Enough As You Are with Scott Stabile

Omid Safi on Radical Love

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