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How To Survive In A World Of Assholes | Melinda Wenner Moyer

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Jun 14, 2025

Guest

Melinda Wenner Moyer

Melinda Wenner Moyer, a science journalist and bestselling author, dives into the complexities of maintaining integrity and empathy in today's chaotic world. She shares insights on raising resilient children amidst societal negativity and the importance of fostering critical thinking to combat misinformation. They discuss how adult behaviors shape children's moral perceptions and the necessity of moral education. Moyer emphasizes nurturing curiosity and informed dialogue while navigating media influences, ultimately advocating for a hopeful, compassionate approach to parenting in turbulent times.

01:10:33

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insights

INSIGHT

Resist Negativity With Virtue

The modern world feels filled with negativity, making it hard to stay good without becoming bitter.
We must cultivate empathy, integrity, and curiosity to resist being dragged down by the world's harshness.

insights

INSIGHT

Parenting Counters Cynicism

Being a parent increases the urgency to resist cynicism and maintain hope.
Parenting forces you to push against a cynical worldview for the sake of your children.

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ADVICE

Raise Empathetic, Resilient Kids

Teach kids empathy by encouraging them to consider others' feelings and perspectives.
Foster curiosity and resilience to prevent selfishness and apathy.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Navigating Chaos: Stoic Insights for Troubling Times

01:37 • 3min

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Raising Resilient Children in a Challenging World

04:19 • 4min

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Navigating Parenting in a Cynical World

08:33 • 13min

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Navigating Morality in a Changing World

21:56 • 3min

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Nurturing the Moral Compass

25:18 • 14min

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Navigating Morality in Modern Parenting

39:48 • 5min

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Philosophy and Critical Thinking for Kids

44:26 • 7min

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Nurturing Curiosity and Informed Dialogue in Parenting

51:45 • 2min

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Navigating Uncertainty and Empathy in Modern Parenting

53:25 • 22min

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Navigating Family Dynamics and Challenges

In 'Hello, Cruel World', Melinda Wenner Moyer addresses the anxieties of modern parenting and provides practical, research-based advice for raising children who can thrive in a complex world. The book explores various aspects of child development, including mental health, technology use, and substance use. Moyer emphasizes the importance of building resilience and self-compassion in children, encouraging parents to allow their kids to experience discomfort and develop coping skills. She challenges common misconceptions about parenting and offers a balanced perspective on issues such as social media and academic pressure. By integrating scientific evidence with real-world examples, the book aims to empower parents to make informed decisions and foster their children's well-being.

The Odyssey

Homer

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes

Melinda Wenner Moyer

How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes is a deeply researched, evidence-based primer that provides a fresh perspective on parenting issues from toddlerhood through the teenage years. Science journalist Melinda Wenner Moyer outlines the traits parents want their children to possess, including honesty, generosity, and antiracism, and offers scientifically-based strategies to instill these characteristics. The book blends cutting-edge science with accessible stories and actionable tips to help parents raise children who are kind, compassionate, and capable of building a better future.

The Road

Tom Stechschulte

Cormac McCarthy

The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.

What does it take to stay good when the world feels like it’s falling apart? And how do we prepare the next generation to do the same? Science journalist and bestselling author Melinda Wenner Moyer joins Ryan to discuss what it means to hold onto empathy, curiosity, and integrity in an age of moral confusion. They discuss how to think critically in a world of misinformation, how to stay hopeful without becoming naïve, and how to not become an asshole in a world full of them.

Melinda Wenner Moyer is an award-winning journalist whose work explores the intersection of science and everyday life. Her work deep dives into subjects that have both scientific and societal implications, addressing issues that are relevant to parents, families, and the general public.

She is contributing editor at Scientific American magazine and a regular contributor — and former columnist at The New York Times. Melinda’s first book, How To Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes, was published in July 2021 and won a gold medal in the 2022 Living Now Book Awards.

Her second book, Hello Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times, is out now!

Follow Melinda on Instagram @ MelindaWMoyer and check out her substack, Now What?

📚 Grab signed copies of both How To Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes and Hello Cruel World! at The Painted Porch

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