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Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us — Education
Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

Real stories from guests who dared to get uncomfortable in a moment that challenged their worldview. In the thick of intense emotions, they chose to stay curious and open, rather than lash out or shy away, and came out the other side with stronger relationships, clearer beliefs, and increased confidence. And you can do it too!

So, if you:
• Want to engage with others on important topics but aren’t sure how,
OR
• Are burned out on social media and wish you could bring the humanity back into discussions online or in real life,

Look no further! Whether you’re a seasoned seeker of new ideas or just dipping your toes into the uncomfy waters, this podcast is your go-to destination for learning how to improve your communication, disagree more productively, and be a more inspired leader.

In such a polarized world, we believe learning how to stick with moments that challenge us, without getting defensive or shutting down, is a direct antidote for division.
Are you ready to lean in, listen up, and get uncomfy with us? Let’s dive in together!

Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments that Challenge Us is hosted by journalist Julie Rose and is a BYUradio production.

#reallifestories #communication #polarization #relationshipskills #communicationskills #leadershipskills #leadershiptraining #community
#communitybuilding #disagreebetter #buildingbridges #perspectives #worldview #resilience #emotionalresiliance #mentalhealth #training
#mindfulness #conflictresolution #growthmindset #empowerment #problemsolving #respect #curiosity #activelistening #collaboration

Copyright: © 2024 BYU Broadcasting

Latest Episodes:

Why Helping a Stranger Feels So Uncomfortable — Bob Fabey Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

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. ABOUT THE GUEST 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/) Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2026/01/why-helping-stranger-feels-so.html 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) Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

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) Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

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 Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

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 Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

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

I Picked Up a Stranger and It Changed Both Our Lives #LightTheWorld Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

When Tucson mom Rachel Scholes stopped to help a homeless woman on the side of the road, she didn’t know what to do next. Years later, she learned that her small act of kindness had changed a life forever. This heartwarming true story reminds us that no act of service is wasted even when it feels small or inconvenient. This episode is part of the “Light the World” initiative, a global invitation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to spread light and serve others during the holiday season. Learn more and find ways you can serve at https://www.lighttheworld.org/. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/12/i-picked-up-stranger-and-it-changed.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Light the World 00:40 Rachel's Story: An Ordinary Morning in Tucson 01:30 Meeting Jackie 03:01 Bringing Jackie Home 09:15 The Unexpected Reunion 13:20 Reflections on Service and Faith 16:03 Conclusion

The Disagreement Julie Rose Wishes She Handled Better Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re sharing something a little different on Uncomfy. Our host, Julie Rose, joins Michael Lee on his podcast When We Disagree—a show about arguments, why we have them, and what they teach us about ourselves. In this conversation, Julie opens up about one of her deepest regrets: a long-running disagreement with her late mother over what news she watched. It’s a raw, personal reflection on how our emotions can block us from seeing the people we love with compassion and curiosity. Listen to more episodes of When We Disagree - https://whenwedisagree.buzzsprout.com/2311101 Connect with Julie on social media - https://linktr.ee/i_am_julie_rose CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy and When We Disagree 04:02 Julie's Story – A Disagreement with Her Late Mother 12:01 Reflecting on Regrets and Lessons Learned 22:42 Conclusion

Fighting For What You Want Without Things Getting Ugly – Alexis Morgan Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Is it possible to keep heated political debates from devolving into name calling and ugliness? In this episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose sits down with Idaho public education Alexis Morgan. Morgan shares how The Dignity Index reshaped her approach to conflict—especially during Idaho’s heated debate over a controversial school voucher law. From moderating tense town halls to facing opponents in court, Alexis opens up about the emotional toll of advocacy, how she bridges divides without backing down, and why she believes dignity isn’t just a tool but a mindset. In this episode: - The Idaho school voucher fight and what it reveals about political division - How The Dignity Index helps people disagree without dehumanizing - Real-world examples of turning tension into understanding - Why treating opponents with respect might be the strongest strategy of all Alexis Morgan is former president of the Idaho state PTA and host of the Purple Zone podcast. Learn more about The Dignity Index: https://dignity.us Listen to The Purple Zone: https://www.thealexismorgan.com/the-purple-zone Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/11/fighting-for-what-you-want-without.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:51 The Heated Debate on Idaho's School Voucher Law 01:23 Introducing Alexis Morgan 01:57 Uncomfy Moment at a Town Hall Meeting 05:21 Handling Conflict with Dignity 07:49 Discovering The Dignity Index 14:23 Applying Dignity in Advocacy 18:39 Outro and Additional Resources

Can We Disagree Without Contempt? — Tim Shriver (The Dignity Index) Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

What if you could disagree with someone — even someone who attacks your beliefs — without losing your cool or your dignity? Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics International and co-creator of The Dignity Index, joins host Julie Rose to unpack how contempt creeps into our conversations and how to replace it with curiosity, humility, and respect. Together they explore: - What “The Dignity Index” is and how it evaluates our dialogue - Why we often find contempt hiding inside ourselves - How to respond with dignity when someone lashes out - Why kindness isn’t weakness but power Learn more about The Dignity Index: https://www.dignity.us Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/11/can-we-disagree-without-contempt-tim.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Tim Shriver: Special Olympics and The Dignity Index 03:48 Understanding The Dignity Index Scale 07:51 The Power of Words and Dignity 08:51 Responding to Personal Attacks with Dignity 13:54 Changing the Culture of Contempt 17:21 Conclusion

How One Citizen Got Congress to Work Together on Climate Change — Jay Butera and Sam Daley-Harris Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to make your voice heard in Congress? In this episode, Host Julie Rose talks with Sam Daley-Harris, founder of RESULTS and Civic Courage, and Jay Butera, the citizen advocate who helped create the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in Congress. Jay shares how he spent three years hearing “no” before finally convincing one Republican member of Congress to say “yes” to working across the aisle on climate change. Sam explains how transformational advocacy—showing up, building trust, and listening deeply—can turn ordinary citizens into powerful changemakers. Sam’s book, Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen's Guide to Transformational Advocacy - https://reclaimingourdemocracy.com/ Get in touch with Sam – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCQuqj-4O2eh4Sfy_E-dfVntbPlqg1A4T4oQ8E2J0nuZbD-w/viewform Climate Solutions Caucus - https://climatesolutionscaucus-garbarino.house.gov/ Top of Mind episode on what to do if you’re feeling unheard by Congress - https://www.byuradio.org/feeling-unheard-by-congress-heres-what-you-need-to-know Subscribe for more stories about growth, discomfort, and courage! Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/11/how-one-citizen-got-congress-to-work.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Sam Daley-Harris and Jay Butera 01:14 The Birth of the Climate Solutions Caucus 02:07 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Advocacy 05:33 Building Relationships in Congress 08:09 The Turning Point: Congressman Curbelo's Involvement 12:06 Impact and Reflections on Advocacy 17:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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