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A journalist's trick for talking to people you can't stand | Joshua Johnson

Aug 3, 2026 · 9m

Summary

Journalist Joshua Johnson argues that moving closer to people with opposing views fosters understanding better than maintaining neutral distance. He distinguishes between neutrality, which hides opinions, and objectivity, which involves studying beliefs like a scientist examines samples. By asking short questions and seeking personal stories, we can uncover the human reasons behind controversial stances. This approach helps bridge political divides and transform difficult conversations into meaningful connections.

Topics discussed

Intro: Moving closer to people you disagree with Sponsors: Defender, Apple Card, and Dell The failure of neutrality in a Confederate interview Objectivity vs. Neutrality: The microscope metaphor Parking opinions to learn without judgment Connecting with a traumatized police officer Three tips for better conversations Outro and production credits Sponsors: Kohler, Capital One, and Choiceology
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