Amanda Ripley

Amanda Ripley began her life as a journalist covering crime, disaster, and terrorism. Then in 2018, she published a brilliant essay called “Complicating the Narratives,” which she opened by confessing a professional existential crisis. We journalists, she wrote, “can summon outrage in five words or less. We value the ancient power of storytelling, and we get that good stories require conflict, characters and scene. But in the present era of tribalism, it feels like we’ve reached our collective limitations … Again and again, we have escalated the conflict and snuffed the complexity out of the conversation."Yet what Amanda has gone on to investigate — and so, so helpfully illuminate — is not just about journalism, or about politics. It touches almost every aspect of human life in almost every society around the world right now. We think we’re divided by issues, arguing about conflicting facts. But at a deeper level, she says, we are trapped in a pattern of distress known as “high conflict” — where the conflict itself has become the point, and it sweeps everything into its vortex. So how to get out? What Amanda has been gathering by way of answers to that question is an extraordinary gift to us all.Amanda Ripley is an investigative journalist who sometimes describes herself as a "recovering journalist" — and a trained conflict mediator. She's written several acclaimed books, including High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out. You can find her essay “Complicating the Narratives” on the Solutions Journalism blog. She is the co-founder of the company Good Conflict and hosts the Slate podcast How To!. Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.___________Sign up for The Pause to receive our seasonal Saturday morning newsletter and advance invitations and news on all things On Being.And: if you can, please take a minute to rate On Being in this podcast app — you'll be bending the arc of algorithms towards this adventure of conversation and living.

Amanda Ripley, author of "The Unthinkable," delves into the fascinating dynamics of human behavior during disasters. She explains how people often freeze instead of panicking, posing a significant risk. Trust in neighbors is crucial for survival, as civilians frequently save lives in emergencies. Ripley highlights that emotional responses drive our risk assessments, leading us to fear the wrong things. Practical advice includes community training, clear communication, and methods like box breathing to stay calm under pressure.

Conflict expert and investigative journalist, Amanda Ripley, discusses good vs. high conflict, the importance of engaging effectively, and ways to avoid escalating disagreements. Topics include understanding perspectives, reframing conflicts, building relationships, and strategies for effective communication.

Amanda Ripley, bestselling author and award-winning journalist, investigates high conflict and how people get trapped in it. She discusses the impacts of high conflict and the conditions that lead to it, as well as the importance of good conflict. Amanda Ripley also explores the intense rivalry between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, their presidential election, the role of humiliation and rejection, and the efforts of Benjamin Rush to reunite them.

Guest Amanda Ripley, author of survival guide for 2024, discusses suggestions to survive the future. Topics include blocking Trump from ballot, Texas law to arrest immigrants, and dangers of cognitive distortions.

Amanda Ripley, an American author and journalist known for her exploration of disaster survival, joins Yascha Mounk to delve into human behavior during crises. They discuss the psychological dynamics that influence cooperation versus selfishness in disasters. Ripley highlights how community ties and trust can significantly enhance resilience. The conversation also tackles lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, examining varying global responses and the role of effective risk communication in building community preparedness.

Amanda Ripley, author of High Conflict, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox discuss the importance of healthy arguments. They explore engaging in conflict, uniting for democracy, changing minds, and the importance of respect in arguments.

Amanda Ripley, an expert on emergency preparedness and survival, joins the conversation to share her insights on how individuals can better prepare for disasters. She discusses the importance of community support and personal resilience during crises. Listeners learn about crucial preparedness resources like CERT training and local emergency alerts. The dialogue also highlights the psychological phases of disaster response, emphasizing trust and communication as vital for survival. Ripley's updated insights will inspire you to be proactive when facing the unexpected.

Amanda Ripley, a conflict expert and investigative journalist, shares invaluable insights on navigating healthy conflict. She explains how to diffuse high-conflict situations and emphasizes the importance of understanding shame responses for better resolutions. The conversation highlights the pitfalls of binary thinking in relationships and introduces practical strategies like the BIF approach for effective communication. By advocating for empathy and curiosity, Ripley provides a fresh perspective on resolving disagreements while maintaining personal integrity.

Amanda Ripley, a contributing columnist, joins former 'Jeopardy!' contestants Alexandra Petri, Drew Goins, and Ryan Vogt to discuss the show's cultural significance. They reflect on how 'Jeopardy!' has stood the test of time in a 'post-truth' America, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and community. The guests share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the psychological pressures of competition, and the show's role in fostering intergenerational connections. With humor and nostalgia, they explore what makes 'Jeopardy!' a beloved staple in American homes.