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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:

“Band of Brothers” Writer Tackles Love Across the Political Divide in New Film – Erik Bork Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

What happens when love crosses the political divide? Host Julie Rose sits down with “Band of Brothers” writer and producer Erik Bork to talk about his directorial debut, “The Elephant in the Room” — a romantic comedy where a Liberal and a Trump voter fall for each other. Inspired by Erik’s real-life friendships and fueled by a desire to explore America’s deepening polarization, this episode dives into the uncomfortable but necessary conversations around politics, relationships, and empathy. Check out “The Elephant in the Room,” available to rent digitally now - https://www.elephantintheroomfilm.com/ Are you in a mixed marriage of political ideology? Tell us about it – uncomfy@byu.edu Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/band-of-brothers-writer-tackles-love.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Episode Introduction 01:12 Introducing “The Elephant in the Room” 01:28 Inspiration Behind the Film 05:48 Challenges of Writing Cross-Partisan Characters 08:34 Balancing Perspectives in the Film 14:01 Hopes and Takeaways from the Film 15:54 Conclusion and Call to Action

The Pain of Suicide Loss, and the Power of Naming It – Melissa Bottorff-Arey Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

“We're not moving on — we're moving forward.” In this touching episode of Uncomfy, grief coach Melissa Bottorff-Arey opens up to host Julie Rose about losing her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide, and why she chose to name it in his obituary. Melissa shares how stigma, silence, and misunderstanding compound the pain of suicide loss, especially for mothers. She explains how simply showing up, even when you don't know what to say, can make all the difference, and how separating a person from the way they died can be a crucial part of healing. Melissa’s website and podcast, The Leftover Pieces - https://www.theleftoverpieces.com/ If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free & available 24/7. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-pain-of-suicide-loss-and-power-of.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Content Warning 00:25 Introduction 01:07 Meet Melissa Bottorff-Arey 01:21 Discussing Suicide Openly 04:20 Misconceptions About Suicide 08:19 Normalizing Suicidality 10:40 Supporting Grieving Mothers 13:15 Alex's Legacy 14:37 Conclusion and Resources

Why Small Acts of Kindness Matter More Than You Think – Nicole Karlis Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

When was the last time you did a small act of kindness for someone else? In this episode of Uncomfy, award-winning journalist Nicole Karlis shares the surprising story that inspired her book, Your Brain on Altruism: The Power of Connection and Community During Times of Crisis. What began as an unusual, uncomfortable challenge from a Vedic astrologer in India turned into a life-changing exploration of how serving others impacts our mental, emotional, and even physical health. Learn more about Nicole’s book – https://www.nicolemkarlis.com Has someone shown you a little kindness lately? Share this episode with them! Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/why-small-acts-of-kindness-matter-more.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Meet Nicole Karlis: Journalist and Author 01:05 The Origin Story: A Journey in Rishikesh 02:05 The Prescription: Acts of Kindness 04:18 Exploring the Science of Altruism 07:00 The Benefits of Small Acts of Kindness 10:27 Imagining a Caring Community 11:51 Conclusion and Call to Action

Your Doctor Might Be Wrong: What Can You Do? — Dr. Erin Nance Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Why do so many patients feel dismissed by their doctors? In this episode of Uncomfy, orthopedic surgeon, podcast host, and FeelBetr founder Dr. Erin Nance pulls back the curtain on what really happens when doctors get it wrong and why it’s more common than we’d like to believe. From unconscious bias and misdiagnoses to the fear of admitting mistakes, Dr. Nance shares a rare, insider perspective on the discomfort many doctors face and the harm it can cause. She uncovers uncomfortable truths about the medical system, how patients can advocate for themselves, and why humility might be the most powerful medical tool we have. More from Dr. Erin Nance: Social media – https://www.instagram.com/doctorerinnance/ (Instagram) https://www.tiktok.com/@littlemissdiagnosed (Tik Tok) Book, Little Miss Diagnosed: A Surgeon’s Guide to Mending Bones and Breaking Rules – https://www.harpercollins.com/products/little-miss-diagnosed-erin-nance-md Podcast, The Medical Detectives – https://www.themedicaldetectivespodcast.com/ Health-focused social media platform, FeelBetr – https://www.feelbetr.health/ Have you chosen to own up to a mistake lately? Share your story with us - uncomfy@byu.edu Subscribe to Uncomfy for more powerful conversations! Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/07/your-doctor-might-be-wrong-what-can-you.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Introducing Dr. Erin Nance 01:06 Doctors Make Mistakes: Acknowledging Human Error 02:36 A Personal Story of Bias in Medicine 05:16 Addressing Bias and Improving Patient Care 08:02 The Role of Social Media in Medical Awareness 09:33 Defensive Medicine and Patient Trust 11:52 FeelBetr: A Platform for Health Literacy 14:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What American Culture Gets Wrong About Grief — Matthew Whoolery Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Why are Americans so uncomfortable around sadness and grief? Cultural psychologist Matthew Whoolery has lived and taught all over the world—from Egypt to India to Bulgaria—and he’s learned something surprising: in many cultures, emotional pain is shared, not hidden. In this episode of Uncomfy, Professor Whoolery chats with host Julie Rose about the time his Egyptian students cried with him after his father died and why their immediate response of closeness and community shocked his American sensibilities. He shares how our Western obsession with individualism can make grief worse and what we can learn from other cultures about caring for others in times of need. Matthew Whoolery’s most recent TEDx Talk, “We Are Not Okay” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOBkk3EU0_8 Matthew Whoolery’s Substack - https://substack.com/@culturalpsychologist Share this episode with someone who showed up for you when you needed them! Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/07/what-american-culture-gets-wrong-about.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Cultural Differences in Handling Grief 01:11 Personal Stories of Grief 02:44 Cultural Scripts and Empathy 04:16 Impact of Cultural Differences 06:04 Radical Empathy and Connection 14:34 Practical Steps to Support Others 16:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

The Most Uncomfortable Question I Ever Had to Ask – Heidi Yewman Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Gun safety advocate, documentarian, and author Heidi Yewman sits down with host Julie Rose to talk about the most uncomfortable question she ever asked: “Do you have guns in your home, and are they locked up?” After her former teacher and coach was killed in the Columbine High School massacre, Heidi turned her grief into action. In this episode of Uncomfy, she shares how asking the right question could prevent tragedy, what she learned from interviewing people gun owners and who pulled the trigger, and why empathy—not judgment—is the key to meaningful conversations around guns in America. Heidi’s documentary, “Behind the Bullet” – https://heidiyewman.com/behind-the-bullet/ Heidi’s upcoming memoir, “Dumb Girl: A Journey from Childhood Abuse to Gun Control Advocacy” (August 19, 2025) – https://heidiyewman.com/dumb-girl/ Heidi’s website – https://heidiyewman.com/ Got a story of your own uncomfortable question? Email us - uncomfy@byu.edu Subscribe to Uncomfy for more challenging but inspiring conversations. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-most-uncomfortable-question-i-ever.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Heidi Yewman 01:27 Columbine and Gun Safety Advocacy 02:21 The Asking Saves Kids Campaign 03:38 The First Time Asking About Guns 04:19 Strategies for Asking About Gun Safety 06:50 The Importance of Gun Safety Conversations 08:01 Behind the Bullet 10:47 Empathy and Understanding in the Gun Conversation 14:11 Conclusion and Call to Action

Carrying the Weight: A First Responder’s Journey Through PTSD – Chris Fields Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Former firefighter Chris Fields became the face of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing when a photo of him carrying a dying infant from the rubble was seen around the world. But behind that iconic image was a man carrying the weight of years of unprocessed trauma. In this powerful episode of Uncomfy, Chris opens up about what it was really like to serve as a first responder for over 30 years—from his first harrowing call to the mass casualty event that nearly broke him. He shares the long, painful journey through PTSD, addiction, and ultimately, healing, with Chris now working to help other first responders navigate their own trauma before it's too late. Resources mentioned: Trauma Behind the Badge - https://www.traumabehindthebadge.us/ Survive First - https://www.survivefirst.us/ Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) - Call or text 988 Share your thoughts - uncomfy@byu.edu Subscribe to Uncomfy for more conversations that challenge us to grow. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/07/carrying-weight-first-responders.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Meet Chris Fields: A Firefighter's Journey 04:59 The 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing 06:34 The Iconic Photo 08:52 The Long Road to Healing: PTSD and Seeking Help 12:19 Finding Purpose: Helping Others Through Trauma 17:16 Oklahoma First Responders Wellness Division 19:06 Resources and Final Thoughts

Discomfort is Her Superpower. Here’s Why. — Anne Bonney Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

What would it look like to dance in the discomfort zone? In this episode of Uncomfy, Anne Bonney—keynote speaker, self-proclaimed “discomfort enthusiast,” marathoner, and podcaster—joins host Julie Rose for a conversation about how choosing discomfort helped her transform her life. From quitting her teaching job to work with sea lions, to running marathons on all seven continents, Anne shares unforgettable stories of risk, resilience, and trusting yourself through uncertainty. Anne Bonney’s website - https://yourchangespeaker.com/ What’s a recent uncomfortable moment that helped you grow? Share your story – uncomfy@byu.edu. Subscribe for more episodes of Uncomfy — real stories that challenge, uplift, and push us just outside our comfort zones. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/07/discomfort-is-her-superpower-heres-why.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Anne Bonney: Discomfort Enthusiast 01:07 Anne's Uncomfortable Upbringing 02:34 From Teacher to Seal Trainer 05:38 The Value of Discomfort 08:17 Marathon Adventures 11:59 Interpersonal Challenges 16:52 Daily Practices for Embracing Discomfort 17:47 Conclusion and Next Steps

The Walls Between Us: Can We Truly Understand Each Other? – Anand Pandian Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Why do we build walls—emotional, social, ideological—and what would it take to break them down? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfy, anthropologist Anand Pandian joins host Julie Rose to explore the infrastructure of discomfort in America. Drawing from his new book, “Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American Life and How to Take Them Down,” Pandian recounts stories from his journey across America, including attending a Trump victory rally as a liberal, or choosing to reconnect with a conservative childhood friend. These experiences reveal how fear and familiarity shape our comfort zones and what happens when we choose to step beyond them. You can check out Anand Pandian’s book, “Something Between Us,” here: https://www.sup.org/books/anthropology/something-between-us What walls have you built in your own life? And what might happen if you dared to peek over them? Share your story at uncomfy@byu.edu or connect on socials. And subscribe to Uncomfy for more conversations about growth, discomfort, and staying curious even when it’s difficult. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-walls-between-us-can-we-truly.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy 01:29 Intro to Anand Pandian 01:48 Personal Reflections and Experiences 06:16 The Importance of Breaking Down Walls 09:46 Stories of Connection and Empathy 16:24 Organizing Against Division 19:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

How to Have Conversations That Actually Work Even on Hot-Button Issues - Becca Kearl Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Becca Kearl had just moved to a new town when she decided to organize a public conversation about one of the most controversial topics: sex education. No formal training. No guarantees. Just a desire to understand her community better. What started as an ambitious idea turned into a surprising and powerful night of connection between people with deeply different beliefs. In this episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose talks with Becca about how that first event sparked her career in community dialogue, what makes conversations go well (or fall apart), and why your story is always more powerful than your opinion. Becca is now the executive director of Living Room Conversations, which provides free resources to help people host meaningful discussions across divides. Learn more at https://www.livingroomconversations.org. Got an Uncomfy story to share? We'd love to hear from you: uncomfy@byu.edu. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/06/how-to-have-conversations-that-actually.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Becca Kearl: The Power of Community Conversations 01:05 The First Big Conversation: Tackling Sex Education 03:25 Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue 07:25 The Impact of Personal Stories 09:48 Living Room Conversations: Tools and Framework 15:54 Encouragement and Resources for Starting Your Own Conversations 16:41 Conclusion and Next Steps

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