This Might Get Awkward

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The Second City

7 episodes

2 weeks ago

In this episode, social psychologist Dr. Kurt Gray explains why outrage feels so constant in modern politics, and why it’s more real, more human, and more fear-based than we often assume. Author of the book "Outraged", Kurt breaks down the steps to quell outrage and find moral ground. He describes why our brains are wired to fixate on harm and the role of social media in creating stress levels that mirror PTSD. He brings in findings from his research to explore why outrage can push people aw...

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Episodes (7/7)

This Might Get Awkward

The Psychology of Outrage: Dr. Kurt Gray on Finding Common Ground

2 weeks ago

57 minutes

This Might Get Awkward

Fighting Fascism with Humor: Lessons from Activist Loretta J. Ross

In this episode, MacArthur Fellow and lifelong human rights activist Loretta J. Ross shares why humor may be one of the smartest ways to fight fascism, and why outrage alone often falls short. Drawing on more than 50 years of activism, including her work deprogramming white supremacists, Loretta explains the philosophy of her new book “Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel.” The discussion explores authoritarian psychology, cancel culture, and what actua...

3 weeks ago

57 minutes

This Might Get Awkward

Why Admitting Our Errors Could Save Our Political Future with Aaron Dimmock

In this episode, former naval officer and Republican candidate Aaron Dimmock talks about what it really takes to stay honest; in politics, in community, and with ourselves. He reflects on polarization, party identity, and the cultural forces that make admitting mistakes feel risky. Through stories from military life, his congressional run, and everyday human moments, Aaron explores why transparency is so hard and why it matters. The conversation weaves through psychology themes like threat p...

4 weeks ago

1 hour 6 minutes

This Might Get Awkward

Exposing the Myth of Online Polarization with Aaron Parnas

Independent journalist Aaron Parnas shares how growing up in a partisan household shaped his early conservative political views, and how moving out helped him rethink what he believed. With Scott and Allison, they explore online polarization, identity, media ecosystems, and why social media makes the country feel more divided than it really is. Aaron explains why 80% of Americans actually agree on 80% of issues, how algorithms reward outrage, and why meeting your neighbors can do more for de...

1 month ago

30 minutes

This Might Get Awkward

How to Talk to People You Disagree With (feat. Dr. Caroline Fleck)

Psychologist Caroline Fleck joins Allison and Scott to reveal the one tool that helps us connect with those with whom we may disagree. Caroline, a Stanford psychologist and author of the book "Validation", breaks down why we confuse validation with agreement, how fear shapes our political reactions, and why finding even a “kernel of truth” in someone’s perspective can transform conflict into conversation. Plus, she opens up about the personal story that reshaped her understanding of empathy ...

1 month ago

58 minutes

This Might Get Awkward

Why We Cling to Our Beliefs - and How Humor Sets Us Free with Amanda Knox

Amanda Knox learned the hard way that facts don’t always change minds. After spending eight years on trial for a murder she didn’t commit, she’s now using stand-up comedy to reclaim her story in her own voice. Scott and Allison ask her why people cling to their beliefs, how humor can break through bias, and they play an improv game to help Amanda workshop new jokes. 03:50 – Amanda using standup to re-claim her story 6:10 – When a joke wasn’t funny then, but is now 8:39 – How to invite a...

1 month ago

50 minutes

This Might Get Awkward

Introducing: This Might Get Awkward

Could "Yes, and..." mend America's cultural and political divide? Psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman and comedian Allison Reese put improv's golden rule to the test. They laugh, listen and spar with those on the frontlines of our divide, from polarizing public figures to the social scientists who study it. And if they can't mend it, they'll at least have a good laugh trying.

1 month ago

1 minute