Surviving Triangulation in a Polarized World

It's time to reckon with one of the toughest questions in our current public discourse: “How can you think that?” Through stories from his personal and professional life, host Corey Nathan unpacks the emotionally draining phenomenon of triangulation—when we’re caught in the middle of opposing viewpoints—and explores how we can respond with curiosity and conviction without losing our sanity.

From navigating impossible conversations to confronting conspiracy theories (like the FBI staging Jan. 6?!), Corey challenges listeners to stay in tough conversations while guarding their own well-being. Drawing inspiration from a powerful essay by Christopher Armitage on The Existentialist Republic, this episode dives into the psychology of belief, the cost of defection from "reality bubbles," and the quiet strength of one-degree influence.

Whether you're a peacemaker, bridge-builder, or just trying to keep your sanity in polarized times, this one’s for you. 🙏

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[00:00:00] 🎧 Intro: What drives Corey bananas? Triangulation!

[00:01:30] What triangulation really looks like in everyday life

[00:03:00] Caught in the crossfire: The emotional toll of being “the middle guy”

[00:05:00] 🤯 “How can you think that?” — when conspiracy logic collapses

[00:08:00] Discovering The Existentialist Republic and its insights

[00:10:00] Armitage on why people cling to destructive systems

[00:12:00] Humility, bubbles, and the danger of total delegitimization

[00:13:30] 💬 “Not much. But not nothing.” — The power of one degree

[00:15:00] Living in the age of triangulation without losing your soul

Triangulation Hurts: Being the middle person between two polarized groups can feel like being dragged into an emotional war.

The Power of Presence: Staying in relationship—even with those we disagree with—gives us the chance to be heard and to listen.

One-Degree Influence Matters: A single thoughtful question can shift someone’s perspective more than a thousand arguments.

Belief Systems Are Sticky: It’s costly—psychologically and socially—for people to change their minds, especially within closed systems.

Stay Gentle, Stay Grounded: Keep showing up with love, humility, and curiosity. That’s how change begins.

The Existentialist Republic: cmarmitage.substack.com

Corey is @coreysnathan on...

And we are proud members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org