Derate The Hate

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Is a Civil "Is God Real?" Conversation Possible? In this episode of the Derate the Hate podcast, guest host, Julian Adorney, moderates a conversation between his wife, Cassie Kimbriel, a devout Christian, and his friend, Angel Eduardo, an atheist. The main topic of discussion is the existence of God. Angel argues that belief in God is unreasonable and implausible, while Cassie believes that the complexities of the universe and personal experiences point to the existence of a higher power. The trio discuss the problem of suffering and the concept of hell. The conversation highlights the different perspectives and challenges in discussing such a deeply personal and complex topic. In this conversation, Julian, Angel, and Cassie  delve into the importance of belief in God on an emotional level. They explore the role of emotional reasoning in shaping their beliefs and the significance of finding purpose and meaning in life. They also touch on the need for intellectual humility and open conversations when discussing religion and atheism. The conversation highlights the damaging effects of tribalism and the importance of respectful and compassionate dialogue.Key TakeawaysDifferent perspectives on the existence of God are discussed, with Angel arguing that it is unreasonable and Cassie presenting personal experiences and the complexities of the universe as evidence for God's existence.The problem of suffering and the concept of hell are also explored, with Cassie suggesting that suffering is a result of human choices and brokenness, and hell is the consequence of choosing to be outside of God's presence.The conversation highlights the challenges and complexities of discussing deeply personal and philosophical topics. Belief in God is often rooted in emotional reasoning rather than solely logical explanations.Finding purpose and meaning in life is important for human existence.Intellectual humility is crucial when discussing religion and atheism.Open conversations and respectful dialogue can lead to deeper relationships and a better society.Tribalism and arrogance hinder productive discussions and understanding.Learn more about and connect with Julian, Angel and Cassie by checking out the full show notes for this episodThe 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!Not All Paths To Forgiveness Look The SameIn this captivating conversation, I am happy to welcome Kathleen Israel, a true inspiration, who regales us with her extraordinary tale of traversing 500 miles across the Camino Santiago of Northern Spain at the age of 70. Listen as Kathleen unfolds the rich tapestry of her journey, weaving threads of forgiveness, resilience, and profound self-discovery. She illuminates the transformative power of forgiveness, recounting how it served as the cornerstone of her pilgrimage, infusing each step with purpose and healing. Delving into the depths of her own past, she candidly shares the echoes of childhood trauma and the cathartic journey towards forgiveness, drawing upon the ancient Hawaiian practice of ho'oponopono to mend the fractures of her soul. As she traversed the Camino, Kathleen found solace in the embrace of adversity, recognizing it as a catalyst for spiritual elevation. Through encounters with fellow pilgrims, she unearthed pearls of wisdom, each footfall echoing with the resonance of shared humanity. Her book, 'Wisdom on the Camino,' stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit, offering a guiding light for those seeking redemption and enlightenment on their own path.TakeawaysForgiveness is a transformative practice that allows us to heal and raise our vibration.The Hawaiian practice of ho'oponopono can help release emotional binds and promote healing.Taking personal responsibility for our healing journey is essential.Unconditional love requires experiencing and overcoming adversity.Walking the Camino Santiago presents challenges in finding accommodations and suitable food but the mental rewards are tremendous.Learn more about and connect with Kathleen Israel by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the D -Rate to Hate Podcast01:19 Guest Introduction: Kathleen Israel's Journey on the Camino Santiago09:24 Preparing for the Camino Santiago and Overcoming Challenges13:40 The Practice of Ho'oponopono and its Role in Healing22:36 Walking the Camino Santiago at 70: An Incredible Journey24:26 Challenges Along the Camino: Accommodations and 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!Rebuilding Trust In The Midst of a Knowledge CrisisIn my latest DTH conversation, I am joined by Bonnie Kristian, author of "Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community," The discussion underscores the pervasive lack of trust in institutions and the media within our society. Kristian emphasized how this erosion of trust has far-reaching consequences, corroding the foundations of our political discourse and communal integrity.Central to our conversation was the pivotal role of media consumption in shaping individual perspectives and contributing to societal polarization. Bonnie stresses the importance of responsible media consumption. She highlights the need for individuals to cultivate expertise in a limited number of issues and to actively seek out media outlets that prioritize accuracy and transparency, issuing corrections when mistakes are made. By exercising discernment and holding media sources accountable, she contends, we can begin to mitigate the deleterious effects of misinformation and rebuild a foundation of trust in our shared public discourse.One of the many vitally important takeaways in this amazing conversation is the tendency of some to see those with different beliefs as evil, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Kristian addresses the allure of conspiracism and suggests that engaging in real-life community and conversations can help combat it.Learn more about and connect with Bonnie Kristian by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.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 The Mood We Choose Affects Personal GrowthIn this conversation, I am joined by Matt O'Neill of “The Good Mood Show” to discuss the power of love and positive attitudes in overcoming hate and negative emotions. Our conversation highlights the importance of personal responsibility and choosing gratitude to improve one's mindset. We explore multiple real-life examples of individuals who have overcome hate and discrimination through love and forgiveness. We also discuss the impact of guilt and judgment on our well-being and provide strategies for building unshakable confidence.  Matt dives deep in the development of shame and the cycle of hurt that can lead to destructive behavior. He shares personal stories of his family's experiences and emphasizes the importance of finding the truth and realizing that we are all born perfect and deserving of love. Matt also highlights the significance of taking responsibility for our lives and choosing happiness over victimhood. We discuss the power of response and ability, and how embracing challenges can lead to personal growth. The conversation concludes with an invitation to continue exploring these topics on the Good Mood Show podcast. Takeaways Choosing love and positive attitudes can help overcome hate and negative emotions. Personal responsibility and gratitude are essential for improving one's mindset. Real-life examples demonstrate the power of love and forgiveness in overcoming hate and discrimination. Guilt and judgment can hinder personal growth and well-being, and it is important to counteract them with self-compassion and self-acceptance. Shame can develop from early experiences of feeling not good enough or deserving of love. The cycle of hurt can perpetuate destructive behavior and negative self-perception.  Taking responsibility for our lives and choosing happiness is essential for personal growth and well-being. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth can lead to a more fulfilling life.Learn more about and connect with Matt O'Neill by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.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 Feeling Unseen Perpetuates PolarizationIn this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by New York Times columnist, political commentator and best-selling author David Brooks to discuss the issue of societal disconnection and its consequences. They explore the rise of loneliness, sadness, and hostility in modern communities, as well as the damaging effects of siloing and othering. The conversation touches on topics such as the rural-urban divide, the feeling of invisibility, and the power of storytelling in fostering empathy. They also discuss the polarization in politics and the role of emotions in shaping people's beliefs and actions. The conversation explores the themes of political anger, personal stories, moral formation, and community building. In response to a question from David, Wilk shares his personal experience of feeling angry and disillusioned during the Obama administration and his own feelings about the 2016 election. David goes on to emphasize the importance of storytelling and understanding others' perspectives to depolarize conversations. They discuss the decline of moral formation in society and the need for kindness and consideration in interpersonal relationships. Brooks introduces the organization Weave, which supports local community leaders called 'weavers' who work to build social connections and trust.TakeawaysSocietal disconnection is a pressing issue that leads to loneliness, sadness, and hostility in communities.The rural-urban divide and the feeling of invisibility contribute to the sense of disconnection.Polarization in politics is fueled by siloing and othering, where people only engage with those who think alike.Emotions play a significant role in shaping people's beliefs and actions, often leading to voting based on hate or anger rather than policy. Political anger can stem from feeling unheard or misrepresented by the government.Storytelling and understanding others' perspectives can help depolarize conversations.Moral formation and the practice of kindness and consideration are essential for a healthy society.Weave is an organization that supports local community leaders who work to build social connections and trust.Learn more about and connect with David Brooks online bThe 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 is the formula for Listening AND Being Heard When Talkin' Politics and Religion?In this episode, Wilk Wilkinson and Corey Nathan discuss the importance of having conversations about politics and religion without resorting to personal attacks. They emphasize the need to approach these conversations with openness and curiosity, seeking to understand the other person's perspective rather than trying to convince them to change their beliefs. The conversation covers topics such as confirmation bias, echo chambers, active listening, and recognizing our common humanity. They also highlight the value of nurturing relationships and making people feel heard and valued. The episode emphasizes the importance of attacking positions, not people, and separating personal identity from political or religious beliefs. The conversation explores the importance of effective communication and understanding in divisive times. It emphasizes the need to separate individuals from their beliefs and to avoid making assumptions based on identity or political affiliation. The guests discuss the dangers of identitarianism and the need to prioritize relationships over winning debates. They also highlight the importance of recognizing biases and being open-minded in conversations. The conversation concludes with a call to bridge divides and prioritize understanding.TakeawaysApproach conversations about politics and religion with openness and curiosity, seeking to understand the other person's perspective.Recognize the dangers of confirmation bias and echo chambers, and actively seek out diverse viewpoints.Practice active listening and reflect back to the other person to show that you understand their position.Recognize and value the common humanity in others, even if they have different political or religious beliefs.Attack positions, not people, and separate personal identity from political or religious beliefs.Nurture relationships and make people feel heard and valued in conversations. Separate individuals from their beliefs and avoid making assumptions based on identity or political affiliation.Prioritize relationships over winning debates and focus on understanding.Recognize biases and be open-minded in conversations.Bridge dThe 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 Courage To Step Outside Your SiloA Covid-19 Paradigm ShiftIn this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Kevin Bass, a scientist who was dismissed from medical school for his COVID-19 advocacy. They discuss Kevin's initial mindset on COVID-19 and his interest in debunking misinformation. The conversation delves into the toxicity of the initial mindset, the difficulty of stepping outside echo chambers, and the fear of speaking out. They emphasize the importance of engaging in conversations with differing viewpoints and finding common ground through open and fearless dialogue. The episode highlights the need to mend the divides in our society and prioritize understanding and empathy.TakeawaysStepping outside echo chambers and engaging in conversations with differing viewpoints is crucial for personal growth and understanding.Fear of speaking out and the consequences of challenging the consensus can prevent individuals from questioning or exploring new ideas.Mending the divide and finding common ground requires open and fearless conversations that prioritize understanding and empathy.There is a need to address the polarization and misinformation in society and promote a culture of free and open dialogue.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast01:19 Kevin Bass's Background and Interest in Debunking Misinformation08:28 The Difficulty of Stepping Outside Echo Chambers11:04 Initial Mindset on COVID-19 and Government's Response23:18 Understanding Different Perspectives and Depolarization33:47 Consequences and Challenges Faced by Kevin Bass37:59 Future Plans and Mending the Divide41:19 Conclusion and Call to ActionLearn more about and connect with Kevin Bass by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.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 To Detox From Toxic Political PolarizationIn this episode, Columbia Prof. of psychology Peter Coleman joins Julian Adorney to discuss the concept of affective polarization and its role in fostering toxic polarization. He explains how affective polarization operates as an attractor, drawing individuals into cycles of animosity and antipathy towards opposing viewpoints. Coleman emphasizes the importance of sustained contact and engagement with individuals holding divergent political perspectives. He also discusses the need for guardrails and structural changes to combat toxic polarization effectively. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to participate in the Polarization Detox Challenge.TakeawaysAffective polarization operates as an attractor, drawing individuals into cycles of animosity and antipathy towards opposing viewpoints.Sustained contact and engagement with individuals holding divergent political perspectives is crucial for combating toxic polarization.Guardrails and structural changes are needed to address the deep divisions and hate in society.Times of destabilization present opportunities for individuals and communities to reassess their priorities and choose a more decent path forward.Who is Peter T. Coleman?Dr. Peter T. Coleman is Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University where he holds a joint-appointment at Teachers College and The Earth Institute. Dr. Coleman directs the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR), is founding director of the Institute for Psychological Science and Practice (IPSP), and is co-executive director of Columbia University’s Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity (AC4).   Chapters00:00 Introduction and Gratitude03:15 Understanding Affective Polarization06:01 Affective Polarization as an Attractor09:18 Complexity Systems and Affective Polarization13:00 The Importance of Sustained Contact21:37 The Prisoner's Dilemma in Politics25:08 The Rise of Political Violence27:31 The Need for Guardrails and Structural Changes3The 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!Hope For Healing & Becoming Our Own ChampionIn this episode, Linda Bjork joins Wilk to discuss the power of personal transformation and overcoming the challenges of depression. The conversation covers various themes including taking personal accountability, creating our own happiness, and recognizing our own value. Linda shares her own journey and how she came to the realization that we can be the champions of our own stories. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindset, self-belief, and taking small action steps towards personal growth and happiness. Linda also discusses the work of the Hope for Healing Foundation and her podcast, Linda's Corner.TakeawaysPersonal transformation and overcoming challenges require taking personal accountability and recognizing our own value.Creating happiness is within our control and comes from our own actions.Taking small action steps can lead to personal growth and happiness.Focusing on gratitude and changing our mindset can have a profound impact on our well-being.Who is Linda Bjork?Linda is an overcomer, someone who has been able to overcome depression, social anxiety, and trauma. Linda is someone who understands what it means to overcome self-limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, low confidence, low self-esteem and more. She now joyfully lives an authentic and fulfilling life. Linda is passionate about hope, healing and personal transformation. It is because of this passion that Linda created the non-profit, Hope for healing, to help empower others to overcome as well.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast01:19 Themes: Personal Transformation and Overcoming Depression04:40 Becoming the Champion of Our Own Story06:06 Overcoming Depression and Finding Hope14:41 Personal Accountability and Creating Happiness25:05 The Power of Focus and Gratitude27:02 Self-Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage30:47 Hope for Healing Foundation and Linda's Corner Podcast35:18 Conclusion and GratitudeLearn more and connect with Linda Bjork by checking 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!Recognizing and Overcoming Narcissistic AbuseIn this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Dana Diaz, author of the book "Gasping for Air", to discuss narcissistic abuse. They explore the insidious nature of narcissistic abuse and how it gradually escalates over time. Dana shares her personal experience with narcissistic abuse and the challenges of confronting the reality of the abuse. They also discuss the ongoing hate and judgment that survivors of narcissistic abuse often face. The episode concludes with a quiz that Dana has created to help listeners determine if they are dealing with narcissistic abuse.TakeawaysNarcissistic abuse is a serious issue that can occur in personal relationships, childhood, and divorce.Recognizing the signs of narcissistic abuse is crucial in order to protect oneself and seek help.Sharing personal stories of narcissistic abuse can help raise awareness and support others who may be going through similar experiences.Listening to one's gut instincts and setting boundaries is important in dealing with narcissistic abuse.Who is Dana S. Diaz? Dana S. Diaz studied journalism and psychology at DePaul University. While there’s no better teacher than life experience and Dana has had life-long experiences with narcissistic abuse, her education did give her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims. Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement. Learn more and connect with Dana Diaz by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. 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.