Nursing the System

40: What U.S. Gun Violence Reveals About Our Myths of Progress


Listen Later

šŸŽ§ Episode Overview:

This episode is a little heavier because I’m talking about something both personal and systemic: how we talk (and think) about big, broken problems like gun violence.


I’m walking you through three common myths that hold change makers back—not just around policy, but in our teams, organizations, and careers. These myths come from the broader Nine Change Myths framework I teach in Change Maker Essentials, and today we’re applying them to a real-world challenge so you can see how these patterns show up and how to think differently.


šŸ”‘ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
  • Three common myths that get in the way of real change—and how to spot them
  • How well-meaning people can unintentionally stall progress by falling into faulty logic
  • Why motivation isn’t enough to make systems change
  • What it actually takes to lead change (hint: it’s not just passion)
  • How to start shifting thinking in your workplace or community


🧠 Key Ideas to Take With You:
  • Believing there’s a single ā€œright answerā€ often keeps us stuck
  • Perfect rollouts don’t exist—iteration is where change really happens
  • Motivation without know-how leads to burnout and stagnation
  • Systems problems require systems thinking, not silver bullets


šŸŽ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:

This episode blends real-world systems analysis with mindset reframing. Listen with your critical thinking cap on and consider where these myths might be showing up in your own work. If you feel stuck in your organization, this might give you language for why.


šŸ› ļø Practical Actions You Can Take:
  • Reflect on which of the three myths you hear most often in your team or org
  • Use the scripts I share in the episode to interrupt faulty thinking with curiosity
  • Identify one problem you’ve been over-complicating (or oversimplifying) and map out how you might prototype instead
  • If you’re ready for deeper tools and strategy, join the CME waitlist and book a clarity call with me


šŸ“£ Special Announcements:


✨ The September cohort of Change Maker Essentials opens next week! Join the waitlist, to save $300 and access a free 15-minute 1:1 call with me.


šŸ“„ We also created a funding/business case PDF to help you request tuition or work-time approval from your employer. Use it—it’s effective, research-backed, and designed to advocate for you.


🚨 Not sure if CME is right for you? Take the quiz to find out!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Nursing the SystemBy Claire Phillips, DNP RN