Why it's so hard to listen when you disagree | Emily Kasriel
Summary
Journalist Emily Casriel challenges the myth that listening implies agreement, arguing that this fear fuels polarization. She introduces "deep listening," a practice that separates empathy from endorsement, illustrated by her failed interview with an Ethiopian leader and global research showing that feeling heard softens rigid beliefs. Through stories from Latvia and Lebanon, she demonstrates how curiosity and presence allow people to connect across deep divides without surrendering their core values.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The myth that listening means agreeing
Sponsor segments: Apple Card, MSK, and Perk
Emily Casriel: The psychological bug of listening
Case study: Failed interview with Ethiopian President
Root cause: Childhood conditioning of listening as obedience
Context: Deep listening in polarized Latvia
Practical steps: Ilona's journey and the 'third ear'
Research findings: Global study on deep listening
Case study: Harah and Syrian refugees in Lebanon
Call to action: Experiment with a difficult conversation
Conclusion: Separating listening from agreement
Credits and production team
Sponsor segments: NerdWallet and Gymshark
Sponsor segment: Perk travel and spend platform
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