Episode 4 - Us vs. Them: How Identity Shapes What We Think Is Happening

Examines how identity, belonging and social roles influence belief formation and defensiveness.

Core Theme: Identity, belonging and defensiveness 

Reflection Prompts 

• When has disagreement felt personal rather than intellectual? 
• What identities feel most “activated” during political or social conversations? 
• How does belonging shape what feels believable? 

Exercise: Identity Pause 

Participants silently finish this sentence: 

• “When this topic comes up, I feel like I’m defending ________.” 

Facilitator Note: Optional sharing, no cross-talk.