Épisodes

  • BONUS: Why We Choose to Lean into the Discomfort of Making this Podcast.

    BONUS: Why We Choose to Lean into the Discomfort of Making this Podcast.
    Oct 28 2024
    Meet the teams behind Top of Mind and Uncomfy in this special crossover episode, where we share stories of sticking with a challenging perspective while working on the shows. We are exposed to a lot of nuanced viewpoints as we put podcast episodes together, which gives us the perfect opportunity to practice what we preach: choosing to lean into discomfort instead of lashing out or shying away. We’ve found clarity about our own beliefs, empathy for the people around us, and also developed the skills to tackle tough conversations. Tune in to Top of Mind to practice engaging with important, complicated topics. Check out Uncomfy, too, where we’re sharing stories of people choosing to engage in an uncomfortable moment instead of stepping back. And if you’ve had an “Uncomfy” experience lately, share it with us by emailing uncomfy@byu.edu. Guests: Top of Mind producers - Alayna Beck, Caleb Leach, Vanessa Goodman, and James Hoopes. Uncomfy producers - Samuel Benson and Henrique Prado. Related Links: What Does it Mean to Be White in America?: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-does-it-mean-to-be-white-in-america The Changing Ways We Decide Who Gets into College and Why it Matters: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-the-changing-way-we-decide-who-gets-into-college-and-why-it-matters Why We’re So Anxious About Retirement in America — And How We Can Fix It: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-why-were-so-anxious-about-retirement-in-america-and-how-we-can-fix-it What Can We Do About America’s Money in Politics Problem?: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-can-we-do-about-americas-money-in-politics-probl Spending a Day with People Who Think You Hate Them – Jefferson Shupe: https://www.byuradio.org/e14-spending-a-day-with-people-who-think-you-hate-them-jefferson-shupe
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    36 min
  • TRAILER - Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

    TRAILER - Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us
    Jun 12 2024
    Real stories from guests who dared to get uncomfortable in a moment that challenged their worldview. In the thick of intense emotions, they chose to stay curious and open, rather than lash out or shy away, and came out the other side with stronger relationships, clearer beliefs, and increased confidence. And you can do it too! If you want to engage with others on important topics but aren’t sure how, or are burned out on social media and wish you could bring the humanity back into discussions online or in real life, look no further! Whether you're a seasoned seeker of new ideas or just dipping your toes into the Uncomfy waters, this podcast is your go-to destination for learning how to improve your communication, disagree more productively, and be a more inspired leader. In such a polarized world, we believe learning how to stick with moments that challenge us, without getting defensive or shutting down, is a direct antidote for division. Are you ready to lean in, listen up, and get Uncomfy with us? Let's dive in together! The new podcast launches July 10th with new episodes every Wednesday on your podcast platform of choice. Make sure to follow or subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments that Challenge Us is hosted by journalist Julie Rose and is a BYUradio production. #reallifestories #communication #polarization #relationshipskills #communicationskills #leadershipskills #leadershiptraining #community #communitybuilding #disagreebetter #buildingbridges #perspectives #worldview #resilience #emotionalresiliance #mentalhealth #training #mindfulness #conflictresolution #growthmindset #empowerment #problemsolving #respect #curiosity #activelistening #collaboration
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    2 min
  • BONUS – How to Make the Most of Those Uncomfy Holiday Moments.

    BONUS – How to Make the Most of Those Uncomfy Holiday Moments.
    Dec 25 2024
    In this special bonus drop, four of our 2024 Uncomfy guests give some advice on how to stick with the discomfort that can come around the holidays. From potentially uncomfortable encounters with relatives to dealing with mental health struggles, we hope this advice helps you to get Uncomfy during this festive season. Featured Guests: Vanessa Otero (Ad Fontes Media), Erik DaRosa (From Survivor to Thriver), David French (The New York Times), and Rich Harwood (The Harwood Institute) Related Links: Vanessa Otero’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/ms7b-aDHMjk Erik DaRosa’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/aBTyU2UZeU0 David French’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/wD7V1_-0w2w Rich Harwood’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/jCpJ1e2Uwj4 Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Uncomfy.Podcast Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/uncomfypodcast.bsky.social Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast X - https://x.com/TheUncomfyPod
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    11 min
  • From Anti-War Activist to Defender of American Power — Shadi Hamid

    From Anti-War Activist to Defender of American Power — Shadi Hamid
    Dec 10 2025
    When’s the last time you took a hard look at your own side? Political columnist and foreign policy expert Shadi Hamid joins Uncomfy to talk about the difficult, often painful process of changing your mind — especially when it means challenging the people on your own side. Hamid, once an outspoken critic of American power and an anti-war activist, now argues the opposite in his new book, “The Case for American Power.” In this episode, he opens up about: - His post-9/11 political awakening - Why he went from protesting U.S. power to believing it’s sometimes the only moral option - Cognitive dissonance around U.S. foreign policy - Why progressives shouldn’t give up on influencing American power from within - How we can disagree deeply while still living together in a democracy Shadi Hamid’s new book, “The Case for American Power” - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Case-for-American-Power/Shadi-Hamid/9781668031889 CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Introducing Shadi Hamid 01:34 Shadi Hamid's Formative Years and Political Awakening 04:23 The Evolution of Shadi Hamid's Views on American Power 07:37 The Role of Identity and Experience in Shadi Hamid's Perspective 11:08 A Call to Action for Progressives 15:39 Conclusion
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    18 min
  • I Picked Up a Stranger and It Changed Both Our Lives #LightTheWorld

    I Picked Up a Stranger and It Changed Both Our Lives #LightTheWorld
    Dec 3 2025
    When Tucson mom Rachel Scholes stopped to help a homeless woman on the side of the road, she didn’t know what to do next. Years later, she learned that her small act of kindness had changed a life forever. This heartwarming true story reminds us that no act of service is wasted even when it feels small or inconvenient. This episode is part of the “Light the World” initiative, a global invitation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to spread light and serve others during the holiday season. Learn more and find ways you can serve at https://www.lighttheworld.org/. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/12/i-picked-up-stranger-and-it-changed.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Light the World 00:40 Rachel's Story: An Ordinary Morning in Tucson 01:30 Meeting Jackie 03:01 Bringing Jackie Home 09:15 The Unexpected Reunion 13:20 Reflections on Service and Faith 16:03 Conclusion
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    17 min
  • The Disagreement Julie Rose Wishes She Handled Better

    The Disagreement Julie Rose Wishes She Handled Better
    Nov 26 2025
    This week, we’re sharing something a little different on Uncomfy. Our host, Julie Rose, joins Michael Lee on his podcast When We Disagree—a show about arguments, why we have them, and what they teach us about ourselves. In this conversation, Julie opens up about one of her deepest regrets: a long-running disagreement with her late mother over what news she watched. It’s a raw, personal reflection on how our emotions can block us from seeing the people we love with compassion and curiosity. Listen to more episodes of When We Disagree - https://whenwedisagree.buzzsprout.com/2311101 Connect with Julie on social media - https://linktr.ee/i_am_julie_rose CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy and When We Disagree 04:02 Julie's Story – A Disagreement with Her Late Mother 12:01 Reflecting on Regrets and Lessons Learned 22:42 Conclusion
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    24 min
  • Fighting For What You Want Without Things Getting Ugly – Alexis Morgan

    Fighting For What You Want Without Things Getting Ugly – Alexis Morgan
    Nov 19 2025
    Is it possible to keep heated political debates from devolving into name calling and ugliness? In this episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose sits down with Idaho public education Alexis Morgan. Morgan shares how The Dignity Index reshaped her approach to conflict—especially during Idaho’s heated debate over a controversial school voucher law. From moderating tense town halls to facing opponents in court, Alexis opens up about the emotional toll of advocacy, how she bridges divides without backing down, and why she believes dignity isn’t just a tool but a mindset. In this episode: - The Idaho school voucher fight and what it reveals about political division - How The Dignity Index helps people disagree without dehumanizing - Real-world examples of turning tension into understanding - Why treating opponents with respect might be the strongest strategy of all Alexis Morgan is former president of the Idaho state PTA and host of the Purple Zone podcast. Learn more about The Dignity Index: https://dignity.us Listen to The Purple Zone: https://www.thealexismorgan.com/the-purple-zone Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/11/fighting-for-what-you-want-without.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:51 The Heated Debate on Idaho's School Voucher Law 01:23 Introducing Alexis Morgan 01:57 Uncomfy Moment at a Town Hall Meeting 05:21 Handling Conflict with Dignity 07:49 Discovering The Dignity Index 14:23 Applying Dignity in Advocacy 18:39 Outro and Additional Resources
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    20 min
  • Can We Disagree Without Contempt? — Tim Shriver (The Dignity Index)

    Can We Disagree Without Contempt? — Tim Shriver (The Dignity Index)
    Nov 12 2025
    What if you could disagree with someone — even someone who attacks your beliefs — without losing your cool or your dignity? Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics International and co-creator of The Dignity Index, joins host Julie Rose to unpack how contempt creeps into our conversations and how to replace it with curiosity, humility, and respect. Together they explore: - What “The Dignity Index” is and how it evaluates our dialogue - Why we often find contempt hiding inside ourselves - How to respond with dignity when someone lashes out - Why kindness isn’t weakness but power Learn more about The Dignity Index: https://www.dignity.us Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/11/can-we-disagree-without-contempt-tim.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Tim Shriver: Special Olympics and The Dignity Index 03:48 Understanding The Dignity Index Scale 07:51 The Power of Words and Dignity 08:51 Responding to Personal Attacks with Dignity 13:54 Changing the Culture of Contempt 17:21 Conclusion
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    19 min