The Mark Groves Podcast #491: Curiosity Is the Antidote to Division: Monica Guzman
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Dec 22, 2025 
Monica Guzman, an author and journalist dedicated to bridging divides, joins the conversation. She emphasizes how curiosity can transform our responses to fear and division. They discuss the need for self-awareness to unpack our assumptions and how identity can trigger threat responses in discussions. Monica warns of the dangers of misinformation and stresses the importance of real-life conversations to reduce hate. By building connections and practicing deep listening, we can reclaim meaningful dialogue and dismantle stereotypes in a polarized world.
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Curiosity Converts Certainty Into Humility
- Much of our social division stems from failing to see what's missing in our understanding of others.
- Curiosity converts certainty into humility and reduces radicalized, siloed opinions.
Fear Masks Differences As Danger
- Fear makes differences feel like physical danger and shuts down curiosity.
- Engagement is not endorsement, but fear often prevents people from engaging at all.
From Small-Town Reporting To Family Rift
- Monica started curious reporting by discovering how easily she could misrepresent people in small-town journalism.
- Her family's political split after naturalization pushed her to practice hard conversations at home.