March 31, 2025

Mónica Guzmán: Breaking the Cycle of Outrage Through Fearlessly Curious Conversations

1 hour 3 minutes

In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back Monica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, host of A Braver Way podcast, CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, and author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Monica’s mission is to help bridge America’s political divides through fearless curiosity. With deep reflections on the 2024 election, evolving friendships across ideological lines, and her renewed commitment to bridge building, Monica shares how we can stay grounded and connected—especially when it feels impossible.

What We Discuss:

How Moni processes political polarization and stays grounded—even when the world feels divided

Practical strategies for engaging with people across ideological lines without compromising your values

Why shared outrage across political lines can be a gateway to unity

The role of empathy, humility, and curiosity in depolarizing conversations

How journalists and moderators can better navigate falsehoods without censoring legitimate concerns

Episode Highlights:

[00:03:00] – Mónica explains how her emotional radar helps her know when to seek out conversations with people who see politics differently.

[00:08:00] – Unexpected agreement: conservatives and liberals are both frustrated with Congressional dysfunction and executive overreach.

[00:14:00] – Moni shares how talking with people who had different experiences during COVID reshaped her understanding and empathy.

[00:21:00] – Corey and Mónica discuss boundaries in bridge building—when is it time to walk away from a relationship?

[00:29:00] – Moderating contentious conversations: “police the structure, not the content.”

[00:36:00] – The relationship between activism and dialogue—and why one without the other can be reckless or ineffective.

[00:46:00] – Tips for recognizing quality journalism and avoiding emotionally manipulative content.

[00:56:00] – Mónica’s closing advice: engagement is not endorsement. Curiosity and conversation don’t mean you’re compromising your values.

Featured Quotes:

“I’ve been persuaded over and over again that positions against mine are not ludicrous.” – Mónica Guzmán

“Engagement is not endorsement. Having a conversation doesn’t mean you’re capitulating.” – Mónica Guzmán

“Find your edge—and push it. That’s all you need to do to build a bridge.” – Mónica Guzmán

“I don't want a decision or a position to get in the way of our relationship. I want to understand it better.” – Corey Nathan

Resources Mentioned:

I Never Thought of It That Way by Monica Guzmán - moniguzman.com/book

Braver Angels - braverangels.org

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