Wow! This one is critically important! As soon as I got wind of Monica Guzman and her efforts to depolarize America, I knew I had to speak to her. Monica is Director of Storytelling at Braver Angels – the largest cross-partisan organization seeking to build bridges across the political aisles. She is also the author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How To Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations In Dangerously Divided Times.
Some of the topics covered include:
How is curiosity the answer to our divides, political or otherwise?
Why are our current political divides “dangerous?”
What would you say to people who have tried to find common ground with people they disagree with, and no matter what they do or say, it just doesn’t work. so they give up on even trying?
What would you say to someone who is so mistrustful of the media that they no longer take in new information at all?
You suggest that no politician, group, or institution can bridge us the way that 1-on-1 conversations will. What makes conversation so powerful?
How does human nature stand in the way of curiosity?
In your book, you talk about a powerful trip you took to Sherman County in March of 2017. Tell us more about that experience.
What practical tips do you have for approaching family gatherings when you don’t agree with your loved ones?
What tips do you have when engaging online with anyone who doesn’t agree with you?
If you’re trying to have a curious conversation and are hitting a roadblock, how can you change your approach to get more out of the interaction?
Curiosity across divides takes courage, and a willingness to be open and honest. How can people take the first step and practice exercising their curiosity muscle in a safe way before diving into a difficult conversation?
About Our Guest:
Mónica Guzman is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She’s director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation’s largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She recently wrote the book, I NEVER THOUGHT OF IT THAT WAY: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties’ Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents. I was introduced to her via an article she wrote for the Greater Good Science Center at Cal, entitled How to Stay Open and Curious in Hard Conversations, which I loved.
Find out more at:
To order her book, visit,
I Never Thought Of It That Way at Amazon.
To read her outstanding article, visit the Greater Good Science Center,
How to Stay Open and Curious in Hard Conversations
Please remember to like, share and review. Many, many thanks for listening!
If you like what you’ve heard at The Evolved Caveman podcast, support us by subscribing, leaving reviews on Apple podcasts. Every review helps to get the message out! Please share the podcast with friends and colleagues.
Follow Dr. John Schinnerer on
| Instagram | Instagram.com/@TheEvolvedCaveman
| Facebook | Facebook.com/Anger.Management.Expert
| Twitter | Twitter.com/@JohnSchin
| LinkedIn | Linkedin.com/in/DrJohnSchinnerer
Or join the email list by visiting: GuideToSelf.com
Please visit our YouTube channel and remember to Like & Subscribe!
https://www.youtube.com/user/jschinnerer
Editing/Mixing/Mastering by: Brian Donat of B/Line Studios www.BLineStudios.com