Derate The Hate

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Exposing the Cost of Fear: School Closures, Media Failures, and COVID Truths In DTH Episode 262, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with investigative journalist and author David Zweig to explore the pandemic-era decisions that reshaped American education. David, widely known for his work on the Twitter Files and now his explosive new book, An Abundance of Caution, unpacks how fear, flawed media narratives, and political tribalism drove the closure of schools—with devastating consequences for children and society.From misinformed public health messaging to the silencing of dissenting voices, this episode pulls back the curtain on what really happened during COVID—and how we can make sure it never happens again.🔎 Topics include: ✅ Why school closures were more harmful than helpful ✅ How fear-mongering in the media shaped destructive policies ✅ The lasting impact on student learning, development, and mental health ✅ The dangers of manufactured consensus and silence among experts ✅  How political polarization endangered education Don't miss this powerful conversation with one of today’s most courageous investigative voices. If you’ve heard my conversations with Dr. Francis Collins (former NIH Director) and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (current NIH Director), this episode is an essential follow-up. Where they explored restoring trust in science and medicine, David shines a light on some of the how and why that trust was lost in the first place. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!How do we turn information into true transformation? This week on Derate The Hate, I’m joined by Kim Bach, cofounder of Dailyhuman Inc., mindset coach, and Chief People Officer, who is on a mission to close the gap between knowing and becoming. In this conversation, we explore what Kim calls the "humaning crisis" — a growing struggle with negativity, disconnection, and lack of essential soft skills.Kim shares tools and insights around self-reflection, storytelling, and the development of a growth mindset — all essential for rebuilding trust in ourselves and with others. With 80% of our 80,000 daily thoughts being negative, it’s easy to see how default thinking can feed polarization and discontent. But the good news? We can change the story we tell ourselves.If you're ready to take the next best step toward becoming the next best version of yourself, this episode is for you.👉 Connect with Kim Bach and Dailyhuman at: 🌐 Website: dailyhuman.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Kim Bach on LinkedIn 📸 Instagram: @dailyhumanco 📺 YouTube: Watch Kim on YouTubeBe sure to check out the full show notes on the Derate The Hate website, www.DerateTheHate.comThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!What happens when we stop trying to win arguments and start trying to understand each other? In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Sydney-based creative and entrepreneur Jonah Primo, producer of Australia’s #1 philosophy podcast Principle of Charity and host of The Overexamined Life. Together, they explore how empathy, mindfulness, and the principle of charity can shift the way we engage with others—especially when we disagree.Jonah shares his powerful personal journey from dissatisfaction to deep fulfillment, shaped by years of studying philosophy, meditation, and lived human experiences. This conversation dives into the mental frameworks that help reduce polarization, foster gratitude, and bring presence into everyday life.🎧 Topics include:The principle of charity: engaging with opposing views in good faithWhy tribalism leads to moral blindnessHow mindfulness helps us manage anger and anxietyUsing philosophical tools for practical, real-world fulfillmentThe importance of honoring lived experiences in dialogueIf you’re tired of toxic discourse and ready to rethink how we relate across divides, this one’s for you.🔗 Learn more about Jonah Primo’s work:The Overexamined Life podcastPrinciple of Charity podcastStudioPrimo productions🧠 Whether you’re curious about improving dialogue, managing your emotional triggers, or just living with a bit more joy, this episode delivers.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this conversation resonated with you!The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Episode 259 – Dr. Bruce Chalmer: When Communication Isn’t the Real Problem in Relationships (or in Society)What if the root of conflict in our relationships — and in our divided world — isn’t a failure to communicate, but a failure to tolerate discomfort?In this episode of Derate The Hate, I sit down with couples therapist and author Dr. Bruce Chalmer to explore how anxiety, not poor communication, is often the true barrier to meaningful connection — both in marriages and across ideological divides.Bruce has worked with couples for nearly 30 years, and his book It’s Not About Communication! challenges everything we think we know about relationship struggles. But what makes this conversation especially powerful is how deeply his insights apply beyond romantic partnerships — to how we engage in tough conversations with those we disagree with.In this episode, you’ll discover:✅ Why communication isn’t the root problem in many relationships✅ How anxiety disrupts connection and meaningful dialogue ✅ Why tolerating discomfort is essential to emotional intimacy ✅ How ideas lead to growth, but ideologies often create rigidity ✅ The impact of confirmation bias on both romantic and political conversations ✅ Why faith in others’ humanity is foundational for bridging divides ✅ How the tools of couples therapy can strengthen civil discourseWe also discuss Bruce’s podcast with his wife Judy, Couples Therapy in Seven Words, where they explore love, faith, and what it means to truly connect in a world that often prioritizes being right over being human.Key Takeaways:✅ Emotional connection requires vulnerability, not just technique✅ Communication “problems” are often anxiety in disguise✅ Real transformation comes from deep listening and mutual respect✅ The goal of conversation isn’t to win — it’s to connect✅ We must create shared space for dialogue, even amid disagreementLearn more about and connect with Dr. Bruce Chalmer by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.comThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Join landscape architect and community organizer Eric Higbee as he explores the transformative power of place-based community engagement. Eric discusses how real-world connections are essential to rebuilding social trust, emphasizing that online interactions fall short. He highlights the role of empathy in reducing social anxiety and the impact of grassroots efforts alongside local government. Dive into how physical spaces can foster community healing and how collaborative projects can unite people across divides, making civic renewal a local affair.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!The End of Solitude, Culture, and the Fight for IndividualityIn this episode of Derate The Hate, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with award-winning essayist, cultural critic, and author William Deresiewicz for an insightful conversation on solitude, the internet’s impact on society, political polarization, and the importance of civic engagement in an increasingly fragmented world.William Deresiewicz is the author of The End of Solitude: Selected Essays on Culture and Society, a powerful collection that examines how digital technology has reshaped our relationships, eroded genuine human connection, and deepened societal divides. As a former Yale and Columbia professor and an influential voice in cultural criticism, Bill brings a unique perspective on individuality, self-examination, and the need for real community in an age dominated by online interactions.Key Takeaways from this Episode:✅ The Importance of Solitude: How the internet has altered our relationship with solitude and why reclaiming it is essential for deep thinking and self-awareness. ✅ The Internet & Society: The ways in which digital technology has reshaped our social interactions, often leading to community decay, polarization, and dehumanization. ✅ Political Polarization & Self-Examination: How emotional investment in beliefs fuels division and why intellectual humility is critical for a healthier civic discourse. ✅ Civic Engagement as an Antidote to Online Toxicity: The role of real-world community-building in counteracting the negative effects of social media-driven discourse. ✅ Pro-Human Philosophy: As a new member of the ProHuman Foundation’s Board of Advisors, Bill discusses the need to reinforce individuality and shared humanity in today’s divided culture. ✅ The Future of Culture & Identity: Why people are growing dissatisfied with extreme ideological divides and how embracing nuanced, human-centered discussions can lead to positive change.Learn more About William Deresiewicz in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.comThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Breaking the Cycle: Trauma, Emotional Intelligence and Rewriting Human ConnectionHere at the DTH podcast, we don’t just talk about division, anger, and outrage—we focus on solutions, on healing, on finding common ground in a world that so often feels fractured.Today, I have the privilege of sitting down with someone who understands that journey firsthand. Brandon Bishop is not just an advocate for emotional intelligence—he’s a disruptor, a visionary, and the founder of TrueEQ, a movement dedicated to redefining human connection. Brandon’s life has been shaped by deep trauma, by emotional isolation, and by a society that often values status over substance. But instead of letting that define him, he’s used it as fuel—to build a platform that challenges the very systems that keep us disconnected.His story is raw. Raised in an emotionally barren home, perfectionism became his survival mechanism. But over time, he saw through the rigid ideologies—whether religious, corporate, or social—that prioritize control over compassion. And that realization led him to a new mission: to help others break free, reclaim their worth, and build relationships rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and radical authenticity.Through TrueEQ, Brandon is creating something different—an intentional social network that isn’t about algorithms, clout, or ego, but about real human connection. He believes that emotional intelligence is the key to personal growth, meaningful relationships, and ultimately, a better society. And he’s not just talking about it—he’s doing something about it, building a space for those who are willing to step beyond the noise, lean into vulnerability, and rewrite the rules of connection.TakeawaysEmotional intelligence is crucial for meaningful relationships.Personal experiences can drive advocacy for emotional intelligence.True EQ aims to connect individuals based on emotional intelligence scores.Building resilience is key to overcoming trauma.Self-awareness is foundational for developing emotional intelligence.True EQ provides a safe space for real conversations.The platform is designed to foster supportive connections.Learn more about and connect with Brandon Bishop The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Censorship in the Arts and the Fight For Free ExpressionToday’s episode is part of our ProHuman Foundation Board of Advisors series, where we have been highlighting voices committed to promoting our shared humanity, open dialogue, and diverse perspectives.My guest today is someone who embodies those values in her work and advocacy. Rosie Kay is an internationally renowned dancer and choreographer whose career has taken her across the world, using the power of movement to explore deep societal issues. She’s the founder of K2CO and Freedom in the Arts, a vital organization dedicated to protecting artistic freedom and defending artists against cancel culture.Rosie is also a fellow board advisor for the ProHuman Foundation, where we work alongside other thought leaders to push back against the growing culture of division. Her own journey in the arts has come with its challenges—particularly as political ideologies and conformity have taken hold in creative spaces. She’s been at the center of debates on gender ideology, free expression, and the role of self-discipline in art, and today, we’re diving into all of it.We’ll explore how self-censorship is creeping into the arts, why gender ideology is impacting women’s rights and spaces, and why open debate is essential for understanding one another. Rosie’s perspective is a powerful reminder that courage, resilience, and a return to shared humanity are more important than ever.TakeawaysDance is a powerful medium for expressing societal issues.Artists often face pushback for challenging the status quo.The arts have become increasingly conformist in recent years.Self-discipline is essential for artists alongside self-expression.Political alignment in the arts can lead to self-censorship.Fear and loathing have created a hostile environment for artists.Gender ideology impacts women's rights and spaces.Art connects the body, mind, and spirit in profound ways.Open debate is crucial for understanding differing viewpoints.The Pro Human Foundation promotes shared humanity and diverse beliefs.photo credit ~ Brian SlaterLearn more about and connect with Rosie Kay by getting the full shThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!The Transformative Power of Forgiveness: Unlocking Healing and ResilienceToday we’re diving back into a topic that I believe is fundamental to personal growth, emotional healing, and resilience: forgiveness.Now, we all hear that word a lot—people say, “Just forgive, forget and move on,” like it’s some quick decision, a one-time event. But my guest today, Katharine Giovanni, knows firsthand that forgiveness isn’t a destination—it’s a process, a journey, and sometimes, the hardest step we’ll ever take.Katharine is a three-time award-winning, best-selling author, a dynamic speaker, and a highly sought-after forgiveness coach. Beyond the accolades, what makes Katharine truly stand out is her personal story of resilience. From surviving stage 3 breast cancer to overcoming a traumatic childhood, she’s lived through experiences that many would call unforgivable—and yet, she’s found a way to move forward, not just surviving, but thriving.Her latest book, The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power, is a game-changer because it doesn’t just tell you to forgive—it shows you how with a step-by-step approach. Takeaways from our conversation today:  Forgiveness is essential for personal healing.Self-forgiveness is often the hardest but most important step.You can forgive without wanting a relationship with the offender.Forgiveness can be a step-by-step process.Energy plays a significant role in how we experience forgiveness.Forgiving others can lead to emotional freedom.You can forgive even the unforgivable by breaking down the memory.Forgiveness is a journey, not a sprint.Your energy attracts similar energy from others.Forgiveness can transform your life and relationships.Learn more about and connect with Katharine Giovanni  by getting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.comThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Do You Want Revenge or Do You Want a Better America?Today, I have the privilege of welcoming back award-winning filmmaker, writer, and storyteller, Eli Steele. Eli is known for films like How Jack Became Black, What’s Bugging Seth, and most recently, What Killed Michael Brown?—a powerful and thought-provoking documentary he produced with his father, Shelby Steele. He also shares his insights on his Man of Steele Substack, where he continues challenging narratives and pushing for deeper discussions on race, identity, and the American experience.Eli and I dive into one of the most pressing issues facing our country today—the growing desire for revenge in our political and cultural landscape. Too often, we see frustration turning into retribution, but where does that really lead us? Do we move forward as a nation by tearing each other down, or is there a better path—one rooted in accountability, responsibility, and reconciliation?We’ll talk about how history has shaped the current racial and political climate, why the victimhood mentality is so destructive, and how the cycle of revenge only deepens division. Through the powerful Tar Baby analogy, we’ll explore how getting stuck in anger and resentment holds us back from real progress. This is a conversation about moving beyond identity politics, beyond blame, and beyond the toxic cycles that keep us from truly thriving.TakeawaysThe desire for revenge can consume individuals and hinder progress.The "Tar Baby" folk story illustrates the futility of seeking revenge.Historical context is crucial in understanding current racial dynamics.Revenge often leads to the creation of new tribal divisions.Empathy and compassion are vital in overcoming hatred.The fight for equality has been ongoing and complex.Trump's presidency is seen by many as a reaction to long-standing frustrations.Seeking revenge can compromise American principles and values.True progress requires moving beyond identity politics. Revenge leads to a never-ending cycle of conflict.Education is crucial for societal improvement.Civic engagement is essential for community rebuilding.We must talk to our neighbors to undThe world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.