Episode 029: Changing Minds in a Polarized World with David McRaney

Why do people sometimes become more entrenched in their beliefs when they are challenged? In this episode, David McRaney, science journalist and creator of the You Are Not So Smart podcast, book, and blog, joins us as we dive into the psychology of persuasion and explore how and why people change their minds. Together, we investigate the psychological need for connection and how, under certain circumstances, that need can lead people to gravitate toward extremist communities. We also consider ways to protect ourselves and others from such polarized thinking and practice active open mindedness. David discusses the challenges inherent in conversing with people who do not share our beliefs and why these discussions often don’t go as planned. We also share a powerful technique to change someone’s mind, including your own.