Mónica Guzmán, a senior fellow at Braver Angels and author, joins journalist Jenn Brandel to tackle the challenge of discussing political disagreements with family, particularly their father. They explore practical strategies for converting heated debates into meaningful conversations. Mónica emphasizes the need for understanding over agreement while sharing techniques like personal storytelling and emotional management. Their journey aims to bridge ideological divides, demonstrating that political discussions can strengthen familial bonds.
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Monica's Parents
Monica Guzman's parents, Mexican immigrants, voted for Trump.
Her father even lied about his political beliefs to avoid judgment.
insights INSIGHT
Understanding vs. Agreement
Monica realized her father voted for Trump due to perceived dishonesty in politics and Trump's perceived authenticity.
This understanding doesn't equal agreement, but it fosters empathy.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Prioritize Understanding
Recognize that political fights often mask deeper issues, especially the need to be understood.
Prioritize understanding over agreement in conversations.
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How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times
Mónica Guzmán
In this book, Mónica Guzmán provides practical tools and insights on how to overcome fear and certainty to understand and learn from people with differing political opinions. Drawing from her personal experiences, including conversations with her family and her work with Braver Angels, Guzmán shows how curiosity can be used to grow smarter from tense interactions, ask meaningful questions, and find common ground. The book addresses the current state of polarization and offers a pathway to healing relationships and society through empathetic and curious conversations.
Jenn and Todd Brandel have a close, loving relationship with their father, Bruce. But one thing makes their blood boil: his political chain emails. The messages are often forwarded commentary written in a provocative tone, and are an unwelcome reminder of just how far apart the family is politically. On this episode of How To!, we’re joined by Mónica Guzmán, senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels and author ofI Never Thought Of It That Way: How To Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. In the first of a special two-part episode on talking politics with our parents, Mónica teaches Jenn and Todd how to aim for understanding with their dad, not agreement. Next week, Jenn, Todd, and their dad Bruce will put these tips into practice—on mic—around the kitchen table, as Mónica provides post-game analysis. We’ll dive into what worked, what got a little messy, and how to keep making progress.
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