

134. Mónica Guzmán | The Gift of Curiosity
May 15, 2025
Mónica Guzmán, a journalist and Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, shares her insights on the power of curiosity in bridging divides. She emphasizes the importance of understanding differing viewpoints instead of just seeking to change beliefs. Guzmán discusses her EPACT framework for initiating sensitive conversations, and how authentic dialogue can combat political polarization. Through personal anecdotes, she illustrates how curiosity can transform perspectives and foster genuine connections, even on contentious topics. Tune in to discover the art of fearlessly curious conversations!
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Political Divide in Family
- Monica Guzman grew up in a politically divided household with different views from her parents.
- This early exposure shaped her curiosity about understanding people with differing opinions.
Curiosity Is a Practice
- Curiosity is a mental capacity and practice, not a personality trait.
- It helps us break barriers and enrich perspectives across disagreements.
Three Spheres of Discourse
- Societal discourse divides into consensus, legitimate discourse, and deviance spheres.
- Recognizing these helps us understand what topics are open for genuine debate.