The Home of Wellbeing and Joy.
Dr Marcus Bull and Charlie Allnutt are two friends who come together to discuss wellbeing, introspection and their journey to becoming better people. The podcast blends personal reflection with evidence-based advice, offering listeners practical tools to improve their wellbeing and boost their mood. In each episode, Charlie and Marcus explore building a likeminded community, working through difficult emotions and finding joy in everyday life. They lean on scientific research to guide these conversations and ensure their evolution aligns with the best evidence available to them.
With guiding pillars; Introspection and Inspiration, Community and Connection, Presence and Gratitude, and Wellbeing and Joy, Charlie and Marcus invite you to learn, reflect, and grow alongside them, one conversation at a time.
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The Home of Wellbeing and Joy.
Dr Marcus Bull and Charlie Allnutt are two friends who come together to discuss wellbeing, introspection and their journey to becoming better people. The podcast blends personal reflection with evidence-based advice, offering listeners practical tools to improve their wellbeing and boost their mood. In each episode, Charlie and Marcus explore building a likeminded community, working through difficult emotions and finding joy in everyday life. They lean on scientific research to guide these conversations and ensure their evolution aligns with the best evidence available to them.
With guiding pillars; Introspection and Inspiration, Community and Connection, Presence and Gratitude, and Wellbeing and Joy, Charlie and Marcus invite you to learn, reflect, and grow alongside them, one conversation at a time.
32. Why We Are So Polarised in 2025: Reflecting on the Art of Debate Pt. 2
The Mood Booster Podcast
1 hour 6 minutes
3 weeks ago
32. Why We Are So Polarised in 2025: Reflecting on the Art of Debate Pt. 2
The Home of Wellbeing and Joy.
Welcome to Episode 32: Why We Are So Polarised in 2025: Reflecting on the Art of Debate Pt. 2, where Dr Marcus and Charlie explore how identity, belonging, and social media have shaped the way we disagree, and why finding common ground feels harder than ever.
From Social Identity Theory to algorithmic echo chambers, this episode unpacks the psychology behind political and cultural polarisation, exploring why so many of us now see those who think differently as not just wrong, but immoral. Together, we look at how to build dialogue that protects dignity without erasing difference.
We explore:
Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and how group belonging shapes belief and bias
The rise of identity politics and what it tells us about belonging, representation, and power
How social media amplifies outrage and reduces nuance (Brady et al., 2017)
What it means to stay grounded in your values while protecting space for dialogue and safety
Practical Advice for Listeners:
Anchor in your values, not your tribe
Don’t confuse empathy with endorsement
Know when to disengage from dehumanising debate
Speak from lived experience, not slogans
Stay aware of algorithmic bubbles
Reframe online reactions: Pause before posting
Remember: humility is strength, not weakness
Thanks for listening! If this episode helps you see debate through a more human lens, share it with someone you disagree with, you might both come away wiser 💬
📍 Pillars explored: Introspection & Inspiration, Community & Connection, Wellbeing & Joy
📚 References cited in this episode:
Brady, W. J., Wills, J. A., Jost, J. T., Tucker, J. A., & Van Bavel, J. J. (2017). Emotion shapes the diffusion of moralized content in social networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(28), 7313–7318. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1618923114
Javed, U., & Javed, U. (2023). The Influence of Social Media Algorithms on Political Polarization and Public Opinion. Online Media & Society, 4(2), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.71016/oms/2ffw9391
Norris, P., & Inglehart, R. (2019). Cultural backlash: Trump, Brexit, and authoritarian populism. Cambridge University Press.
Tajfel, H., Turner, J., Austin, W. G., & Worchel, S. (2001). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. Intergroup relations: Essential readings, 94-109.
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The Mood Booster Podcast
The Home of Wellbeing and Joy.
Dr Marcus Bull and Charlie Allnutt are two friends who come together to discuss wellbeing, introspection and their journey to becoming better people. The podcast blends personal reflection with evidence-based advice, offering listeners practical tools to improve their wellbeing and boost their mood. In each episode, Charlie and Marcus explore building a likeminded community, working through difficult emotions and finding joy in everyday life. They lean on scientific research to guide these conversations and ensure their evolution aligns with the best evidence available to them.
With guiding pillars; Introspection and Inspiration, Community and Connection, Presence and Gratitude, and Wellbeing and Joy, Charlie and Marcus invite you to learn, reflect, and grow alongside them, one conversation at a time.
