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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:

How Cold, Early Morning Runs Led to a Life-Changing Friendship – Olivia Chadwick and Garnet Morris Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Olivia Chadwick was a personal trainer. Garnet Morris was an entrepreneur looking for support as he tried to improve his health. Their early morning runs, often before sunrise in the middle of Canadian winter, became the start of a meaningful friendship and a journey neither of them expected. In this episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose talks with Olivia and Garnet about the habits that helped them both through difficult life transitions. Along the way, they discovered the value of coaching, friendship, and simply showing up. Olivia and Garnet are co-authors of the book, “17 Runs: The Unbeaten Path to Unlock Life’s True Potential.” Learn more about their book at https://17runs.com. 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-cold-early-morning-runs-led-to-life.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Olivia and Garnet 01:09 The Journey Begins: Training for Success 02:13 Overcoming Challenges and Building Habits 05:32 The Power of Coaching and Mentorship 07:35 Personal Stories of Transformation 13:54 Key Lessons and Final Thoughts 15:07 Conclusion and Next Steps

How Gorillas Helped Me Understand Humans – Dawn Prince-Hughes on Autism & Belonging Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Dawn Prince-Hughes spent years misunderstood—ostracized, unhoused, and struggling to find her place in the world. Everything changed the day she met a 500-pound silverback gorilla. In this powerful episode of Uncomfy, Dr. Prince-Hughes shares her extraordinary story of being identified as autistic at age 36—and how her connection with gorillas helped her understand human connection, truth, and herself. She explores what it means to belong, to embrace differences, and to connect on a primal, honest level. Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, primatologist, author, and co-chair of the Cultural Autism Studies Program at Yale. Read Dawn’s memoir: Songs of the Gorilla Nation: My Journey Through Autism – https://a.co/d/hwE3EBJ Learn more about the Cultural Autism Studies Program at Yale (CASY) – https://culturalautismstudiesatyale.space/ Share your Uncomfy story with us – uncomfy@byu.edu Subscribe/follow so you never miss an Uncomfy conversation! Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/06/how-gorillas-helped-me-understand.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Understanding Autism: Statistics and Awareness 01:08 Meet Dawn Prince-Hughes: Anthropologist and Primatologist 01:46 Dawn's Journey: From Homelessness to Working with Gorillas 03:38 Lessons from Gorillas: Social Interactions and Humor 08:32 Identifying Autism: Dawn's Personal Experience 12:49 The Power of Cultural Belonging 15:40 Societal Changes for Autistic Individuals 17:23 Conclusion

She Lost Her Voice. Then She Found Herself. – Greta Morgan May 28, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the thing you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears? Greta Morgan, acclaimed singer-songwriter (The Hush Sound, Springtime Carnivore) and former touring member of Vampire Weekend, faced that terrifying question when she lost her singing voice due to Spasmodic Dysphonia, a rare neurological condition she suspects was triggered by long COVID. In this deeply personal episode of Uncomfy, Greta opens up about the shock of losing her vocal range, the identity crisis that followed, and the surprising way she found healing—not through medicine, but through solitude, storytelling, and a transformative silent retreat in Zion National Park. The Lost Voice by Greta Morgan is available now - https://m.cmpgn.page/QGMSs0 More from Greta - https://linktr.ee/gretamorgan Has discomfort ever helped you grow or change? Email us at uncomfy@byu.edu or find us on social media. We’d love to hear from you. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge and change us. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/she-lost-her-voice-then-she-found.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Discomfort 00:44 Meet Greta Morgan 01:20 The Lost Voice: A Life-Altering Diagnosis 06:44 Coping with Silence: A Journey to Zion 12:22 Rediscovering Creativity: Writing and Healing 14:51 Redefining Voice: Embracing Imperfection 20:08 Conclusion: Finding New Voices

The Hidden Heroes of Arlington and What We Miss on Memorial Day – Gary Zelinski May 21, 2025

Show notes

On this special Memorial Day episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer Gary Zelinski, author of “A Walk Among Heroes: Searching for America’s Better Angels,” to discover the hidden stories buried at Arlington National Cemetery. From boxing legend Joe Louis to Audie Murphy’s unsung wife, Pamela Opal Lee, Zelinski shares the deeply personal journeys that led him to uncover the silent heroes of our nation’s military past—and why he believes the families of service members deserve our honor just as much as the fallen themselves. What does Memorial Day mean to you? Who are the heroes in your family? Tell us in the comments or email us at uncomfy@byu.edu. Get Gary's book, “A Walk Among Heroes: Searching for America’s Better Angels” - https://garyzelinski.com/books/ Check out Julie’s other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose - https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Subscribe/follow for more conversations that challenge, inspire, and invite us to grow. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-hidden-heroes-of-arlington-and-what.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Memorial Day and Arlington National Cemetery 01:13 Intro to Gary Zelinski: A Walk Among Heroes 01:28 Gary's Personal Connection to Arlington 03:56 Joe Louis: A Hero Beyond the Ring 06:51 The Story of Pamela Opal Lee 09:32 Honoring Military Families 11:11 Reflections on Memorial Day 14:44 Conclusion

I Forgave My Absent Father. Here’s Why. — Justin Jones-Fosu May 14, 2025

Show notes

Why would someone willingly step into an uncomfortable conversation, especially with someone who’s hurt them deeply? In this episode of Uncomfy, author and meaningful work researcher Justin Jones-Fosu shares the moving story of confronting his absentee father—not to accuse, but to understand. What followed changed his identity, his peace of mind, and even his connection to his heritage. Justin’s book, I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World — https://workmeaningful.com/books/ Justin’s company, Work. Meaningful. — https://workmeaningful.com/ Have you stepped outside your circle of comfort lately? Tell us about it — uncomfy@byu.edu Subscribe for more thoughtful, real conversations that push boundaries and invite growth. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/i-forgave-my-absent-father-heres-why.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:45 The Impact of Avoidance 01:33 A Personal Story: Confronting My Father 03:59 The Concept of 'Taking the Exit' 05:24 The Journey to Understanding and Forgiveness 11:45 The Circles of Grace Challenge 15:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare, and Why She Speaks Out – Dawn Peabody (Kids and Car Safety) May 07, 2025

Show notes

Sometimes the hardest stories are the ones we need to hear most. In this episode of Uncomfy, Dawn Peabody shares the unimaginable loss of her 2-year-old daughter, Maya, who died after being accidentally left in a hot car. Dawn opens up about how she and her husband faced the tragedy, how faith and forgiveness helped them survive, and why she now speaks out in hopes of saving lives. Dawn reminds us that even the most loving, attentive parents can fall victim to distraction—and that we all have a role to play in preventing similar heartbreak. Learn more about car safety advocacy: https://www.kidsandcars.org Share your own Uncomfy moments with us: uncomfy@byu.edu Julie’s other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose: https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-parents-worst-nightmare-and-why-she.html Uncomfy is a BYUradio podcast hosted by journalist Julie Rose.

Dancing in Discomfort: Lessons from a Refugee Advocate – Amy Dott Harmer Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

What would you do if you had to start over in a new country, far from everything familiar? Amy Dott Harmer has spent a decade answering that question—not for herself, but for thousands of refugees in Utah. As Executive Director of Utah Refugee Connection, Amy shares what it's like to truly show up for people who have lost everything, and how dancing awkwardly in a circle of refugee women taught her one of her most important lessons about empathy, connection, and courage. In this episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose joins Amy Dott as she reflects on the joy and heartbreak of her work, the persistent misunderstandings around refugee, immigrant, and asylum status, and how, more and more, her efforts to serve and advocate have started to feel political in ways they didn’t before. Subscribe for more thought-provoking stories that challenge, inspire, and get a little Uncomfy. Learn more or get involved with Utah Refugee Connection: https://serverefugees.org Share your own “uncomfy” story at uncomfy@byu.edu Check out Julie’s other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose: https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/04/dancing-in-discomfort-lessons-from.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Meet Amy Dott Harmer: A Decade with Refugees 01:13 Dancing Out of the Comfort Zone 03:38 Building Connections and Understanding 05:21 The Role of Utah Refugee Connection 08:18 Challenges in a Politicized Climate 13:19 Personal Reflections and Broader Impact 15:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

He Lost His Leg. Then He Gained His Purpose. – James Dixon Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Born with life-threatening medical conditions and told he wouldn’t survive—let alone walk—James Dixon ultimately had his leg amputated as a child. But through relentless determination, deep faith, and his grandmother’s belief that he was Superman, he transformed what others saw as a disability into his greatest superpower. In this powerful episode of Uncomfy, James takes host Julie Rose through his incredible journey—from being called "crippled" to earning a Division I basketball scholarship and now changing lives as a motivational speaker and CEO of Absolute Motivation. He shares his path through loss, rejection, faith, resilience, and purpose—and how discomfort can lead to transformation. Content warning: this episode includes a story involving attempted suicide and medical trauma. It ends in hope, but please take care as you listen. James’s book, Absolute Motivation: Battle Tested Principles for Next-Level Living – https://a.co/d/6LFXg1b Follow James on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/absolutemotivationofficial Julie’s other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose - https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/he-lost-his-leg-then-he-gained-his.html What’s the biggest challenge you’ve turned into purpose? Email us at uncomfy@byu.edu or connect with us on our socials! Uncomfy is a BYUradio podcast hosted by Julie Rose.

“Is God Even Listening?” An Honest Easter Conversation - Reverend Kyle Norman Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

"Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? Is God even real?" Especially around Easter, when faith is supposed to feel joyful and full, these questions can feel even heavier. In this special Easter episode, host Julie Rose speaks with Reverend Kyle Norman—Rector and Dean of St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral and author of “Alive, Loved, and Free: Finding Jesus When Faith is Hard.” Together they talk through the hidden struggles of spiritual discouragement, doubt, and the quiet shame that can follow when life falls apart—especially for those who deeply believe. Kyle shares how his wife’s battle with cancer led him to some of the hardest faith questions of his life: “Is God judging my family? If we were better Christians, would this not have happened?” Julie and Kyle explore what it means to keep seeking God, even when He feels far away—and how Easter can be a time of renewed hope for those stuck in spiritual dry seasons. If you’ve ever felt like you're doing faith “wrong,” or wondered why prayer feels pointless, this conversation is for you. Learn more about Kyle's work, including his new book: https://revkylenorman.ca Share your “Uncomfy” story: uncomfy@byu.edu or @uncomfy.podcast on Instagram Listen to Julie’s other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose: https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/is-god-even-listening-honest-easter.html

The Power of Saving and Suffering a Little – Shang Saavedra Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

What if a little financial discomfort today could buy you freedom tomorrow? Host Julie Rose talks with Shang Saavedra—founder of Save My Cents and author of Wealth is a Mindset—about how extreme frugality, mindset shifts, and some seriously uncomfortable choices helped her reach financial independence by age 31. Whether you're buried in money stress or just looking for more freedom, this episode is for you. Learn more: https://savemycents.com/ Wealth is a Mindset, available now: https://savemycents.com/book/ Follow Shang: https://www.instagram.com/savemycents/ Share your Uncomfy story: uncomfy@byu.edu Uncomfy is a BYUradio podcast hosted by Julie Rose. Also check out our sister show, Top of Mind with Julie Rose - https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-power-of-saving-and-suffering.html CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: 00:47 Meet Shang Saavedra: Financial Freedom Journey 01:04 Early Financial Struggles and Realizations 02:53 Extreme Frugality: Living on One Income 05:26 Challenges and Mishaps of Frugal Living 12:29 Shang's Turning Point: Toxic Work Environment 13:27 Achieving Financial Independence 14:39 Shang's Message: Financial Security for All 18:13 Faith and Wealth: A Christian Perspective 19:32 Final Thoughts and Resources

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