Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

Why Helping a Stranger Feels So Uncomfortable — Bob Fabey

Pastor and author Bob Fabey shares a moment that changed the way he sees people forever — when an elderly woman collapsed in a grocery store and shoppers literally stepped over her to check out. Host Julie Rose and Father Fabey explore why fear, inconvenience, and social conditioning keep us from stopping, even when we know someone needs help. From everyday moments of discomfort to the devastating consequences of dehumanization, this conversation examines what happens when we stop seeing people as people. Bob Fabey is a pastor at Living Faith Anglican Church in Tempe, Arizona, author of “Not My Jesus” and “The Dignity Gap,” and a TEDx speaker whose work focuses on dignity, faith, and human connection. (https://www.bobfabey.com/) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:18) Meet Bob Fabey (0:55) A Woman Collapses in a Grocery Store (2:36) When People Are Stepped Over Instead of Seen (3:16) The Rationalizations We Make to Avoid Helping (4:11) Fear, Inconvenience, and Choosing to Be Uncomfy (5:32) Learning to Practice Compassion in Real Time (7:24) A Teacher Who Changed Everything (10:27) Dignity vs. Respect (11:24) Loving People You Don’t Like (12:49) Rwanda and the Cost of Dehumanization (15:48) Final Thoughts

A Fresh Start: How Curiosity Can Repair Relationships — Justin Jones-Fosu (REPLAY)

Happy New Year! As many of us think about fresh starts, healing strained relationships might be part of that journey. Today, host Julie Rose revisits a powerful conversation with Justin Jones-Fosu, meaningful work researcher and author of “I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” Justin shares the deeply personal story of reconciling with his father after years of distance and hurt — not by seeking an apology, but by choosing curiosity over assumptions and conversation over confrontation. His insights remind us that reconciliation doesn’t always require agreement. Sometimes it simply asks us to stay on the road with people instead of “taking the exit.” Learn more about Justin Jones-Fosu’s work - https://workmeaningful.com/ CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:46) Justin Jones-Fosu on Avoidance and Curiosity (2:35) A Personal Story of Reconciliation (5:00) The Concept of 'Taking the Exit' (12:47) The Circles of Grace Challenge (16:27) Conclusion

When Faith, Family, and Politics Collide — Kaitlyn Schiess (REPLAY)

How do you stay curious when someone’s words feel like a personal attack? In this replay episode—perfect for a season full of family gatherings, big emotions, and unexpected disagreements—host Julie Rose sits down with theologian, author, and podcast host Kaitlyn Schiess (The Ballot and the Bible; The Holy Post). Kaitlyn shares real stories from her life and ministry that reveal what’s actually going on beneath our most heated conflicts. She explains why political or theological disagreements often feel so personal, how family and identity shape our reactions, and what it takes to ask better questions when the conversation gets tense. Learn more about Kaitlyn Schiess’ work - https://kaitlynschiess.com/ We’d love to hear how you’ve navigated disagreement in your faith community. Email us at uncomfy@byu.edu or connect with us on social media. CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:19) Introducing Kaitlyn Schiess (2:21) Kaitlyn Schiess on Teaching Kids (3:36) Navigating Tough Conversations (8:48) Personal Stories of Conflict (17:05) Theological and Practical Reasons for Engagement (21:26) Kaitlyn's Upcoming Projects (21:46) Conclusion Episode originally aired on January 25, 2025.

A Lost Letter, a Stranger’s Kindness, and a Christmas to Remember. #LightTheWorld

When Amy Dott Harmer, executive director of the Utah Refugee Connection, discovered a forgotten note tucked inside Santa’s chair after a holiday celebration for refugees, she didn’t know what to do. The letter listed humble wishes: clothes, diapers, even toilet paper. Overwhelmed and out of time, Amy turned to social media, and that’s when Lenice Paulsen stepped up. In this special Light the World episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose talks with Amy Dott and Lenice about how an uncomfortable moment turned into a Christmas miracle and how paying attention to the needs around us can change lives. Learn more about Light the World, a global invitation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to spread light and serve others during the holiday season: https://www.lighttheworld.org Check out Utah Refugee Connection - https://serverefugees.org/ Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-lost-letter-strangers-kindness-and.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:44 The Gathering of Light Celebration 01:53 The Letter to Santa 05:13 Lenice's Response and Action 07:20 Delivering Christmas Miracles 10:30 Reflections on Light and Service 12:08 Conclusion

From Anti-War Activist to Defender of American Power — Shadi Hamid

When’s the last time you took a hard look at your own side? Political columnist and foreign policy expert Shadi Hamid joins Uncomfy to talk about the difficult, often painful process of changing your mind — especially when it means challenging the people on your own side. Hamid, once an outspoken critic of American power and an anti-war activist, now argues the opposite in his new book, “The Case for American Power.” In this episode, he opens up about: - His post-9/11 political awakening - Why he went from protesting U.S. power to believing it’s sometimes the only moral option - Cognitive dissonance around U.S. foreign policy - Why progressives shouldn’t give up on influencing American power from within - How we can disagree deeply while still living together in a democracy Shadi Hamid’s new book, “The Case for American Power” - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Case-for-American-Power/Shadi-Hamid/9781668031889 Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/12/from-anti-war-activist-to-defender-of.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Introducing Shadi Hamid 01:34 Shadi Hamid's Formative Years and Political Awakening 04:23 The Evolution of Shadi Hamid's Views on American Power 07:37 The Role of Identity and Experience in Shadi Hamid's Perspective 11:08 A Call to Action for Progressives 15:39 Conclusion