How does increased power impact human minds? It’s almost not someone’s fault if empathy wanes while power accumulates. In fact, it’s basically inevitable.  

Joe Smarro, one of the subjects of the HBO documentary, "Crisis Cops: Ernie and Joe," is an exception to the rule. Joe is a police officer and trainer who gives a Master Class in how to sidestep fate when encountering people in crisis. We hear a few fugues from Joe illustrating what it's like to be a cop in these situations. And we give it the post-fugue treatment with inner voice, helping us to understand the cognitive effects of power and how to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Join us for the third and final part of this series on fate and biology. 

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Credits:

Written and produced by Gabriel Berezin.

Original music and sound design by Grant Zubritsky. Additional music courtesy of Sami Jano.

Opening and closing music by Monuments (featuring Grant Zubritsky (bass), Robby Sinclair (drums) and Bryan Murray (saxophone), Gabriel Berezin (guitar)) 

Editorial insight by Melissa "Monty" Montan 

Logo design by Justin Montan

Follow Fugues: Substack | X | Instagram | Threads | TikTok

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Relevant Fugues episodes:

• The Brain's Molotov Cocktail | Fate & Biology | 1
• Bonding, for Better or Worse | Fate & Biology | 2
• Why So Irrational

References:

• HBO’s Crisis Cops, Ernie & Joe
• Joe Smarro’s TEDx talk
• Solution Point + (Joe & Jesse’s first responder training organization)
• Follow Joe on Twitter
• Waco Drama Series Preview
• Waco Siege History
• Gary Noesner
• Digby, The De-escalating Dog (that prevented a suicide)
• Jamil Zaki on police empathy and power
• Cognitive effects of power (Adam Galinksy, Deborah H Gruenfeld, and Joe C. Magee)
• Power drains empathy (Adam Galinksy)