Why do we build walls—emotional, social, ideological—and what would it take to break them down? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfy, anthropologist Anand Pandian joins host Julie Rose to explore the infrastructure of discomfort in America.

Drawing from his new book, “Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American Life and How to Take Them Down,” Pandian recounts stories from his journey across America, including attending a Trump victory rally as a liberal, or choosing to reconnect with a conservative childhood friend. These experiences reveal how fear and familiarity shape our comfort zones and what happens when we choose to step beyond them.

You can check out Anand Pandian’s book, “Something Between Us,” here: https://www.sup.org/books/anthropology/something-between-us

What walls have you built in your own life? And what might happen if you dared to peek over them? Share your story at [email protected] or connect on socials.

And subscribe to Uncomfy for more conversations about growth, discomfort, and staying curious even when it’s difficult.

Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-walls-between-us-can-we-truly.html

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy

01:29 Intro to Anand Pandian

01:48 Personal Reflections and Experiences

06:16 The Importance of Breaking Down Walls

09:46 Stories of Connection and Empathy

16:24 Organizing Against Division

19:23 Conclusion and Call to Action