Getting Below The Surface of Toxic Polarization... DTH Episode 189 with guest host Julian Adorney & Mark Johnson

12/13/23 • 42 min

Getting Below The Surface of Toxic Polarization
Human evolution in perspectives is a dynamic process shaped by experiences, education, and self-reflection. Individuals often display a tendency to forgive themselves swiftly for past views and mistakes, while adopting a less forgiving stance towards others. This discrepancy in standards suggests a complex interplay of ego, empathy, and self-awareness. It underscores the challenge of extending the same compassion to others that one grants oneself.

Responsibility for emotions and life experiences lies with individuals, highlighting the power of personal choices in shaping one's reactions to circumstances. Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" serves as a compelling example of how one can choose their response in the face of adversity and even horrific circumstance, emphasizing the profound impact of mindset on the human experience. The advice to avoid defining one's identity by fleeting thoughts underscores the importance of self-awareness and the recognition that personal growth involves transcending temporary perspectives.

Despite this potential for growth, individuals remain deeply influenced by their un-evolved brains, acknowledging the ongoing impact of instinctual and ingrained behaviors. The journey toward understanding and empathy requires a continual commitment to self-reflection, challenging ingrained biases, and embracing the capacity for personal evolution. Listen as my good friend and fellow Braver Angel Julian Adorney guest hosts, discussing these topics and more with Mark Johnson, getting below the surface of toxic polarization.
Who is Mark Johnson?

Mark is a men’s coach, business and relationship coach, facilitator, and wilderness guide with more than 20 years of experience helping people and companies grow. He has been part of The Undaunted Man since 2014, and its CFO since 2016. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Plea

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop our Derate The Hate Merchandise store by clicking here!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Plea

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop our Derate The Hate Merchandise store by clicking here!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Previous Episode

DEI vs. Diversity of Thought... Replay of DTH Bonus Episode with Dr. Tabia Lee

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

DEI vs. Diversity of Thought
I recently read an article in the Free Black Thought substack written by my friend Dr. Tabia Lee entitled: DEI COLLEAGUES: YOUR ANTI-SEMITISM IS SHOWING. With recent events being what they are in the middle east, and the ensuing hate mongering that is taking place world-wide, the article stood out instantly. You might remember Dr. Tabia Lee from our DTH conversation back in March of this year soon after she was stripped of her position as Faculty Director for the office of Equity, Social-Justice, and Multicultural Education at De Anza College, a California community college. I'll be looking to have Dr. Lee back on the podcast in early 2024, but for now, please enjoy this replay of our conversation back in March of 2023, and check out this article in Free Black Thought.
Who is Dr. Tabia Lee?
Dr. Tabia Lee, EdD, a founding member of Free Black Thought, has contributed to the design, implementation, and evaluation of numerous educational and professional development programs. Her commitment to teacher education and pedagogical design is grounded in her experience as a lifelong educator and a National Board Certified English, Civics, and Social Studies teacher in urban American public middle schools. Dr. Lee prepares K-12 and higher education faculty to work with diverse students by focusing on better understanding the pedagogical and curricular implications of ideology-in-practice.
Learn more about Dr. Lee by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.comWhat have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Ma

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop our Derate The Hate Merchandise store by clicking here!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Next Episode

Can Christians and Atheists Get Along? DTH Episode 190 guest host Julian Adorney and Angel Eduardo

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Can Christians and Atheists Get Along?
Christians and Atheists often face roadblocks in understanding and accepting each other due to deeply ingrained differences in belief systems. One major obstacle is the perception of morality and purpose. Christians may view their faith as the ultimate source of moral guidance and purpose, while Atheists often derive their morality from secular humanism and find purpose in life without relying on religious frameworks. This is among many fundamental differences that can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of empathy, as each group may struggle to comprehend the basis for the other's ethical principles. So, can Christians and atheists get along?

To foster better understanding and recognize the shared humanity between Christians and Atheists, it is essential to engage in open and respectful dialogue. Both parties can benefit from actively listening to each other's perspectives without judgment, seeking common ground in shared values such as compassion, kindness, and the pursuit of a just society. Emphasizing the shared human experience, focusing on similarities rather than differences, and acknowledging the diversity within both belief systems can help bridge the gap and foster a more inclusive and tolerant environment where individuals from different backgrounds can coexist harmoniously. Listen as guest host Julian Adorney and our mutual friend Angel Eduardo model such a conversation. What some may refer to as a difficult conversation, done with fearless curiosity, the way it should be done.
Guest Host Julian Adorney and Angel Eduardo
Julian Adorney is an author and speaker focused on preserving and rebuilding the West against the threats of illiberalism and affective polarization. He's written for Quillette, Queer Majority, National Review, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) and a few other sites; and is on the Braver Angels media team. He's the founder of Heal the West, a substack movement.
Angel Eduardo is a writer, musician, photographer, and designer based in New York City, best-known for coining and promoting the rhetorical concept of star-manning. He works as Senior Writer & Editor for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), and serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation Against Intolerance

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop our Derate The Hate Merchandise store by clicking here!

I look forward to hearing from you!