How to Have Difficult Conversations with Mónica Guzmán

This podcast interviews Monica Guzman about the importance of cross-political dialogue in deeply divided times. The conversation explores the reasons why people avoid such conversations (fear, perceived bad faith of the other side), and counters these with research showing widespread misperceptions and the potential for persuasion through genuine engagement. Guzman advocates for "asking how" instead of "why" to elicit personal stories and build trust, emphasizing that effective activism requires understanding, not just opposing, the other side. The interview also touches on the dangers of conflating avoidance with courage and the importance of creating alternative communities for those seeking to change their beliefs. A key takeaway is the suggestion to find your "edge" – the point where you can start engaging with those who hold different views, even if it's just a short conversation.