How Not to Let Politics Ruin Your Friendships (with Adam Grant)
Summary
Preet Bharara interviews organizational psychologist Adam Grant about his new book, Vibe, exploring the crisis of loneliness and the psychology behind human connection. They discuss the impact of political polarization on friendships, the distinction between associates, allies, pals, and companions, and why social skills atrophy without practice. Grant also shares research on how shared values and deep conversations foster rapid bonding, while Preet reflects on his own experiences with political rifts and the importance of maintaining diverse relationships.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Americans United and TikTok
Introduction and guest Adam Grant
The crisis of disconnection and loneliness
Applying psychology to law and peace
Research on 'mean girls' and inequality
Golf, CEO performance, and correlation vs causation
Friendship ruptures over politics
The four types of connections: associates, allies, pals, companions
Sponsors: Quince, Mint Mobile, and Upwork
Parenting, friendship quantity, and aging
The importance of college friendships
Debating politics and finding common ground
Love at first sight and the stolen basketball story
Vulnerability, confession, and the Chris Rock story
Judging first impressions and the Seeds of Peace camp
Book recommendation and sponsor ads
Cornell rape case and special prosecutor appointment
DOJ antitrust investigation into TV networks
Outro, credits, and final sponsor ads
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