In this engaging discussion, siblings Jen and Todd Brandel chat with their dad, Bruce, to navigate their differing political views. Jen is an advocate for respectful dialogue, while Bruce offers insights from his conservative perspective. They explore the evolution of political language and the emotional complexities of discussing contentious issues like immigration and voting rights. Mónica Guzmán provides valuable analysis, emphasizing empathy, personal storytelling, and the necessity of understanding in bridging political divides within families.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Focus on Understanding
Focus on understanding, not winning arguments or changing minds.
Approach political discussions as explorations, not debate team exercises.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Look Beyond Talking Points
Notice how people try to move beyond political talking points.
Try to understand their motivations and what they truly want.
insights INSIGHT
Stirring the Pot
Sharing provocative content can be an attempt to highlight perceived differences and spark discussion.
This approach can stem from a desire for deeper communication and understanding.
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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.
Today we’re going to see if one American family can flip the usual, tortured and tedious script for arguing about politics and do something more interesting. Jenn and Todd Brandel sit down with their dad, Bruce, to see if they can come to a better understanding about what has shaped their different political views. 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, is back to provide some insightful post-game analysis. In this second episode of our special two-part series, she breaks down what went well, what got a little messy, and what we can all apply to our own conversations with loved ones.
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