Conflict Resolution

When We Disagree

#Society #Michael Lee #Marriage #Fight #Politics #Philosophy #Psychology #Negotiation #Compromise #Relationship #Disagreements #Committed #Arguments #Polar

30:21

Hitting plateaus is a common milestone in business, but there’s a difference between stability and a rut. In the last installment of this season, we’ll dive into the ways small business owners push beyond plateaus and find new ways to achieve revenue growth. Jannese and Austin wrap up their time in Nashville, Tennessee with a wonderful visit to N.B. Goods to speak with owner Camille Alston . Camille details the times where she hit a wall with profits, the strategies she implemented to increase revenue, what worked, what didn’t, and the important lessons she learned in the process. You won’t want to miss this informative final chapter! Learn more about how QuickBooks can help you grow your business: QuickBooks.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

26 days ago 22:15

MP3•Episode home

Michael Covington, an experienced government relations officer, reveals the art of navigating the toughest conflicts with strategic persuasion and direct engagement. With a mix of humor and hard-earned lessons from several decades in the world of lobbying, he suggests how to transform heated disagreements into powerful opportunities for meaningful change.

Tell us your argument stories!

Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com
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82 episodes

Conflict Resolution

When We Disagree

published 26 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Tell us your argument stories!

Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram

82 episodes

#Society #Michael Lee #Marriage #Fight #Politics #Philosophy #Psychology #Negotiation #Compromise #Relationship #Disagreements #Committed #Arguments #Polar

All episodes

1
Understanding 24:09

5 days ago24:09

24:09

Kurt Gray, a psychology professor and the author of Outraged : Why We Fight about Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground , discusses leaning into curiosity, asking questions and fostering understanding when political conversations veer into controversial territory. He emphasizes that persuasion begins with empathy, not facts, and argues that deep listening is essential in rebuilding relationships fractured by politics. For Gray, genuine dialogue means recognizing shared moral motivations, even when beliefs differ starkly. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Season 2 Finale: Pluralism 24:10

5 days ago24:10

24:10

Ben Klutsey, executive director of the Mercatus Center whose work to bridge political differences is showcased in the documentary Undivide Us , shares a formative story of encountering racism as a child visiting Germany—a moment of unprovoked hostility that deeply shaped his outlook. Years later, after leaving Ghana and arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin for college, he was met with unexpected warmth, an experience he describes as a healing contrast that sparked his lifelong commitment to what he calls pluralist points . For Klutsey, pluralism means more than diversity—it’s about engaging across difference with tolerance, humility, and patience. When We Disagree returns for season 3 in August 2025. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Challenging Authority 25:08

12 days ago25:08

25:08

Kathryn Joyce, a philosopher and civil discourse director at Ohio State University , recalls a memorable clash with a college professor over unfair tests—an early lesson in the challenges of pushing back against authority. Now an educator herself, she teaches students to hold powerful people accountable with humility and care. For Joyce, civil discourse isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about fostering fairness, connection, and dialogue, especially across power divides. Still, she cautions: not every conversation is worth having—discernment matters just as much as empathy. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Government 27:03

12 days ago27:03

27:03

Jermaine Johnson, a South Carolina state representative and former pro basketball player, shares his frustration with the legislative process, revealing how performative politics often masks real, behind-closed-doors power plays. In his push to reform outdated laws, he’s faced fierce resistance rooted not just in political ideology, but in the weight of our shared history. For Johnson, the real battle isn’t left versus right; it’s past versus present. Still, his fight is fueled by hope—for his grandchildren to live in a world that finally catches up to its ideals. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Listening and Asking Good Questions 23:32

19 days ago23:32

23:32

Martin Carcasson, the director of the Center for Public Deliberation at Colorado State University , shares a debate about the value of, well, debate. While debate at its best sharpens ideas and exposes misinformation, it can devolve into spectacle. Dialogue can foster understanding and trust but lacks rigor. Deliberation, he says, combines the strengths of both to help communities make better collective decisions. Carcasson emphasizes the need to design spaces that tap into our abilities to listen and ask good questions, not our outrage, to tackle complex problems together. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Faith 25:17

19 days ago25:17

25:17

Lisa Silvestri, a professor at Penn State University, reflects on the deep emotional stakes of political disagreement, describing her post-2024 election disillusionment as a kind of heartbreak rooted in love for her country. Drawing from her upbringing in a loud Philadelphia household, she sees conflict not as dysfunction but as a sign of care—a refusal to disengage. Her hope persists. For her, choosing vulnerability over cynicism is essential to living fully and resisting the temptation to turn away from those we love, even when they vote differently. Her latest book is Peace By Peace . Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Conflict Resolution 22:15

26 days ago22:15

22:15

1
Having Kids 24:09

26 days ago24:09

24:09

Jancee Dunn, a New York Times columnist and the author of How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids , recalls the explosive arguments that erupted between her and her husband after the birth of their child. These disagreements were often triggered by seemingly trivial moments like a missing bottle of wine. With resentment building and roles unspoken, their marriage transformed as they struggled with sleep deprivation, overwhelming responsibility, and the new pressures of parenthood. Though the tension seemed insurmountable, Jancee candidly shares how self-reflection, therapy, and a renewed commitment to understanding her and her husband's evolving conflict styles ultimately strengthened their relationship and transforms their approach to arguing. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Gut Check 22:20

5 weeks ago22:20

22:20

Matt Bares, CEO of Chandler Construction Services, shares the tough decisions he faced during the pandemic. Torn between public safety, personal liberty, and business survival, he mandated COVID vaccines despite potentially fierce opposition from his workforce. Looking back, he stands by his choice, though the weight of those disagreements lingers. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Our Differences 18:31

5 weeks ago18:31

18:31

Carol Gorelick, a lifelong educator, shares a powerful story of a painful disagreement with a South African colleague that reshaped her understanding of race and societal dynamics. Reflecting on the complexities of identity and inequality, she emphasizes the need to accept our differences, advocating for one-on-one conversations to bridge societal divides. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Great Books and Great Minds 30:45

6 weeks ago30:45

30:45

In 2018, Phelosha Collaros, a senior leader at St. John's College, faced a social media firestorm after announcing the college president’s upcoming appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show. The announcement, which aimed to showcase the college’s commitment to ideological diversity and civil dialogue, sparked intense backlash, with personal attacks and divided reactions from alumni and parents. Collaros became the face of the controversy as both sides of the political spectrum expressed concerns about the college's direction. She runs Depolarwise , a website that showcases cutting-edge work in common ground. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Trust 21:44

6 weeks ago21:44

21:44

Kristal Hudson-Randall, a retired IT executive and former educator, shares an internal struggle about the direction of the nation. A former optimist, she now wonders whether she can really trust her fellow citizens and, more generally, her country. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Time and Distance 27:08

7 weeks ago27:08

27:08

Jenn Wiggin, an executive producer of TV shows, films, and plays, discusses the shifting dynamics of her 30-year friendship with an actress in New York. After Jenn married and moved away from New York, her best friend accused her of neglecting their connection, leading to a two-year period of distance. Jenn responded calmly to the accusation, and she reflects on the tension between the expectations of frequent contact and the reality of evolving lives and responsibilities. Ultimately, the relationship healed after a life-altering event, teaching Jen that true friendship transcends daily communication. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
God 25:31

7 weeks ago25:31

25:31

David Dudrick , a Catholic philosopher at Colgate University, shared his religious commitments with a colleague only to have his beliefs utterly dismissed. Despite being initially cast as foolish by his colleague, their disagreement about religion and philosophy evolved into a productive, respectful intellectual partnership. Through candid debates, they learned to engage with opposing views without compromising their beliefs. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

1
Talk Radio 21:15

8 weeks ago21:15

21:15

What happens when we shift from "winning" an argument to genuinely seeking common ground? Bryan Gentry, a strategic communications professional, made what we now calls a reckless post on social media in 2008 mocking his friend’s support for Barack Obama. Bryan wrote the post in a aggressive, talk radio style. His friend was upset, and Bryan quickly regretted the post. As they talked it out, Bryan learned quite a bit about himself, his relationships, and his politics. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Humility 22:28

8 weeks ago22:28

22:28

Clint Eisenhower recounts a career-shifting clash with a retiring CEO, where unspoken fears about aging and relevance turned a professional transition into a personal battle. Despite feeling deceived, Clint reflects on how life changes—like retirement—can cloud judgment, and how self-awareness is key in conflict. Now, as a leader of the Forward Party, he's channeling those lessons, using civility and compassion to navigate political conflicts and build a more inclusive future. His journey from personal discord to political revolution highlights the power of addressing challenges head-on while embracing humility. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Conflict Avoidance 26:04

9 weeks ago26:04

26:04

Rachael McNamara is a health educator. She identifies as a recovering conflict avoider and has worked hard to recast relational tension. Rachael explains how several key conflicts in her life showed her that setting boundaries doesn’t end relationships - boundaries clarify, even strengthens relationships. She highlights key tactics for navigating conflict, including pausing, reframing situations, and focusing on understanding rather than winning. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
My Friend's Friend 25:14

9 weeks ago25:14

25:14

Randall Geddings, a therapist, shares an experience of conflict with a close friend. Rick started hanging out with someone Randall didn't trust. When Randall expressed his feelings to Rick, their argument escalated. Randall reflects on how his calm, analytical approach to arguments clashes with those who expect emotional intensity. Ultimately, the conflict was resolved by a mutual understanding of each other's perspectives, but it also led Randall to reconsider how he navigates future disputes. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Military Widows 25:02

10 weeks ago25:02

25:02

Barclay Murphy's husband was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. She's been arguing with the federal government about spousal death benefits ever since. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
How to Make Change 31:30

10 weeks ago31:30

31:30

Jamelle Bouie is a columnist at the New York Times. The way he argues in public is very different from the way he argues in his private life. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
The Gun 22:04

11 weeks ago22:04

22:04

Aly Kenny has been teaching manners and mindfulness classes for 10 years and has a popular Instagram account (@chasingcivility) devoted to these subjects. Aly had to face her own manners and mindfulness crisis not too long ago. She was having some work done in her house, and she was shocked when the handyman showed up carrying tools, a ladder, and a gun at his side. When she posted about her reaction to the gun in her house on Instagram, the amount of negativity she faced was staggering. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Getting an Education 22:57

11 weeks ago22:57

22:57

When Kyle Gillette, now a theater professor at Trinity University in San Antonio, was 18, he followed his dream of exploring the world of art and ideas and attended a liberal arts college. His father and stepfather thought he was making a mistake, one that would risk poverty and unpredictability. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
The Campaign 17:18

12 weeks ago17:18

17:18

Dr. Annie Andrews is a pediatrician and mom. After working as a pediatrician at children's hospitals for 15 years, she decided to run for Congress and became the Democratic nominee in South Carolina’s first congressional district in 2022. The campaign was vicious on the whole, but one issue - trans healthcare - grew so big that it dominated the headlines and involved Dr. Andrews' employer. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
COVID Protocols 22:22

12 weeks ago22:22

22:22

Techa Smalls-Brown was working on her Ph.D. during the COVID crisis. When one of Techa's friends and fellow doctoral students tested positive for COVID, the ensuing dispute over whether and how to interact in a tight space threatened their relationship. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
The Abortion Debate 18:53

13 weeks ago18:53

18:53

Zara Smith was pro-choice. Her boyfriend wasn't sure what his position on abortion was. Zara chose to end their relationship. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
Confrontational or Non-confrontational? 21:52

13 weeks ago21:52

21:52

Joel Caldwell is a accomplished photographer, writer, and filmmaker whose work has appeared in the New York Times, National Geographic, and many other outlets. For the past ten years he has focused on telling conservation and environmental justice stories from around the world. He characterizes himself as non-confrontational. Is he? Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Politics as Usual 22:24

14 weeks ago22:24

22:24

Mia McLeod is a prominent former state senator in South Carolina. During her time in office, Mia wanted to make sure that political appointees were qualified for their jobs. One of Mia's colleagues became furious that she was disrupting the normal political process. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Conservatives and Conservatism 20:01

14 weeks ago20:01

20:01

Nicholas Mosvick has worked within and on behalf of the American conservative intellectual movement for many years. He has witnessed several variations of one central fight on the right: what is conservatism? Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
My Room 8:24

15 weeks ago8:24

8:24

Eva went away to college. When she left her childhood home, Eva's sister moved into her room without telling her. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
Steve Jobs' House 21:35

15 weeks ago21:35

21:35

Before Brian Turner was the president and CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston, he worked for the National Trust for Historic Preservation for several years. In a sense, Brian's career has been defined by legal, social, and historical debates about America's past, but one dispute about whether Steve Jobs could demolish a historic home in California has stuck with him. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Viewpoint Diversity 24:02

16 weeks ago24:02

24:02

Nafees Alam is an influential proponent of viewpoint diversity. His support for viewpoint diversity is motivated by a memorable disagreement about race he had over a decade ago. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
Journalism 23:34

16 weeks ago23:34

23:34

Before Mike Serazio was a professor at Boston College, he was an investigative journalist. He loved the work, but the persistent and heated interpersonal conflicts that journalists face took a toll on him. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Free Expression 18:15

20 weeks ago18:15

18:15

Doug Sprei has organized hundreds of debates reaching thousands of college students since 2018. One stands out. When We Disagree is on holiday break until January 8, 2025. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
Christopher Columbus 19:58

20 weeks ago19:58

19:58

Mikaela Neubauer's father and brothers often tease her about her political beliefs. More specifically, they will make statements - Christopher Columbus was a good person, for example - to provoke Mikaela and seem to enjoy her frustration. When We Disagree is on holiday break until January 8, 2025. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
The Apology 22:52

21 weeks ago22:52

22:52

Tom Cunneff got into a heated political argument on social media with a childhood friend. Tom felt that he was rude during the argument and personally apologized to his friend. His apology led to curious results. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Slavery 19:28

21 weeks ago19:28

19:28

Margaret Seidler was researching her family's history in a library archive and discovered a shocking secret. A member of her family was a prominent figure in the buying and selling of enslaved African people in the early 1800s. Margaret went public and wrote a book about her discovery of this history. When she encouraged other families with similar histories to go public as well, she met fierce resistance. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Ego 18:32

22 weeks ago18:32

18:32

Tracie Potts was the PTA president at a local school. When she and a colleague disagreed about PTA priorities, Tracie thought the best way forward was for the whole organization to vote on which option they thought was best. Tracie lost that vote and set about leading an organization while having a bruised ego. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Public Engagement 23:06

22 weeks ago23:06

23:06

Maureen Tobin was the Communications and Engagement manager for a small town in California during the COVID outbreak. She dealt with a tremendous amount of blowback related to public health information, lockdowns, mask restrictions, and more. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Feminism 19:00

23 weeks ago19:00

19:00

Becky Kuehl was moderating a debate about the future of feminism at a South Dakota library. When a participant made an argument that Becky didn't agree with - and then nobody in the audience challenges the claim - Becky had to decide whether to abandon her neutral role as debate moderator. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
Tribes 23:02

23 weeks ago23:02

23:02

Roger Pielke is a climate change researcher. His life changed drastically when some of his work became controversial in surprising ways. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
Representation 20:47

24 weeks ago20:47

20:47

What does it mean for a group of people to be "positively," "negatively," "accurately," or "inaccurately" represented in media? Ed Schiappa has spent quite some time thinking about these questions, and his research complicates what many think of as a "good" representation. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram…

When We Disagree

1
The Dao 25:22

24 weeks ago25:22

25:22

When Elijah Siegler gets into arguments, he thinks about an ancient idea from the Dao: what's the point? Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
The High Road 21:10

25 weeks ago21:10

21:10

Kathy Black's commitment to showing respect for others - as well as her Christian faith - are tested during a disagreement with her daughter. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
The Art of Debate 18:02

25 weeks ago18:02

18:02

Sarah Moriarty directs a literary festival, and she uses her work to show audiences the beauty of disagreement. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

When We Disagree

1
Trump 23:36

26 weeks ago23:36