#26 Monica Guzman, author and Braver Angels leader, 2-9-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 26

Glen & April welcome Monica Guzman, a journalist, Braver Angels national leader, and best-selling author of the book "I Never Thought of It That Way:  How To Have Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times."  In this first episode, Monica traces her journey in journalism as she encounters pressure to take sides and instead commits to promoting multiple voices and perspectives.  She describes how an extended conversation with someone on the other side taught her to be patient in order for an understanding and relationship to develop, so that each of them could recognize flaws on their side and acknowledge good points on the other side. She emphasizes the importance of this complete understanding in revealing truth, and how that approach requires intellectual humility, curiosity, and courage in the face of uncertainty.  When so much of us easily view others as monsters or as posing an existential threat to our way of life or our identity, Monica notes the role of fear in this process, and how it greatly distorts the reality and the truth that can ultimately bring us together.