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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:

He Left Mainstream Media to Do News Differently. Here’s What He Learned. – Mosheh Oinounou (Mo News) Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Are you tired of not knowing who to trust in the news? In this episode of Uncomfy, journalist and Mo News founder Mosheh Oinounou opens up about why he walked away from a successful career in traditional news media—and what it takes to build trust in today’s broken media landscape. Mosheh shares some of the shortcomings of traditional media, the origin of Mo News during the pandemic, his reasons for now picking a side, and ways we can all stay informed without getting overwhelmed. What does it really mean to be non-partisan? Is it possible to fight the algorithm and still grow an audience? And how do we stay curious when the news makes us want to shut down? Connect with Mosheh Oinounou and Mo News: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mosheh Podcast: https://www.mo.news/podcast Website: https://mo.news More from Julie Rose: Podcast: Top of Mind with Julie Rose – Narrative deep dives into tough topics. Available on all major podcast apps. https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Join the Conversation: What’s your most trusted news source? How do you break out of your media bubble? Let us know in the comments, on social media, or email uncomfy@byu.edu. Follow/subscribe to make sure you catch next week’s conversation. Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/he-left-mainstream-media-to-do-news.html Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Meet Mosheh Oinounou: From Traditional News to Social Media 04:08 The Evolution of News Consumption 10:18 Balancing Bias and Fair Reporting 15:58 Advice for Informed Citizenship 20:30 Conclusion and Additional Resources

From Enemies to Allies: Mark Rosenberg and Jay Dickey's Unlikely Friendship Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

What happens when two people on opposite sides of a heated debate come together? Mark Rosenberg, a gun violence research advocate and former CDC official, and the late Congressman Jay Dickey, a staunch NRA supporter, were once bitter enemies. Their clash over the Dickey Amendment, which halted federal funding for gun violence research, seemed insurmountable. Yet, through a series of candid conversations and shared personal experiences, they discovered common ground and mutual respect. This Uncomfy conversation was adapted from a recent episode we did on gun violence over on our other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose, which you can check out here: https://www.byuradio.org/2ca1d0ad-385b-45f8-91ec-a88a2474c347/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-what-a-surprising-friendship-can-teach-us-about-gun-violence-in-america Related Links Rosenberg/Dickey op-ed 2012 - https://web.archive.org/web/20120801190312/https:/www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/we-wont-know-the-cause-of-gun-violence-until-we-look-for-it/2012/07/27/gJQAPfenEX_print.html Rosenberg/Dickey op-ed 2015 - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/time-for-collaboration-on-gun-research/2015/12/25/f989cd1a-a819-11e5-bff5-905b92f5f94b_story.html 1993 CDC-funded study that prompted the Dickey Amendment - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199310073291506 Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/from-enemies-to-allies-mark-rosenberg.html Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Meet Mark Rosenberg 01:24 The Feud with Congressman Jay Dickey 02:53 An Unexpected Meeting 04:40 Building an Unlikely Friendship 10:38 Lessons Learned and Shared 16:08 A Call for Unity and Hope 17:53 Conclusion and Further Listening

Challenging the Stories We're Told About Each Other - Traci Ruble Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

What if the stories we’re told about each other aren’t true? Therapist Traci Ruble doesn’t buy what the media tells her about people—so she took to the streets to find out for herself. She and a group of volunteers set up Sidewalk Talk, an experiment in radical listening: sitting in public spaces with a sign that says Free Listening and inviting strangers to share whatever’s on their minds. It’s raw, awkward, sometimes heartbreaking—but also unexpectedly hilarious and deeply human. In this episode, Traci shares what she’s learned from thousands of sidewalk conversations—how deep listening challenges assumptions, reveals the goodness in people, and even rewires the way we see the world. Related Links Sidewalk Talk website - https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/ Sidewalk Talk bus tour - https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/2025-listening-bus-tour Sidewalk Talk the Podcast - https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/podcast Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/challenging-stories-were-told-about.html Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy 00:45 Meet Traci Ruble and Sidewalk Talk 01:17 The Birth of Sidewalk Talk 02:27 First Experiences and Challenges 03:32 The Power of Listening 05:07 Memorable Stories from the Sidewalk 08:09 The Importance of Human Connection 10:25 Becoming a Sidewalk Talk Listener 15:05 Expanding Sidewalk Talk 17:57 How to Get Involved 18:30 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Resisting Injustice, Even When It’s Exhausting – Jemar Tisby Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

What keeps someone going when justice feels out of reach? Historian and bestselling author Jemar Tisby joins us to talk about the spirit of justice—that relentless, unshakable force that calls people to resist injustice, even when the road is long and exhausting. He shares the powerful experience of Myrlie Evers-Williams, a civil rights leader who never stopped pushing for accountability, even when her husband’s killer walked free for 30 years. We also explore the courage of Sister Thea Bowman, a Black Catholic nun who refused to shrink herself in spaces that weren’t built for her. For Jemar, the fight for justice isn’t just history—it’s alive in all of us today. But staying committed to that fight often means stepping into discomfort. He opens up about his own journey of faith, race, and resistance. Related Links Jemar Tisby’s new book, The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance – https://jemartisby.com/the-spirit-of-justice/ Jemar Tisby’s new children’s book, I Am the Spirit of Justice - https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310145561/i-am-the-spirit-of-justice/ Jemar Tisby’s website - https://jemartisby.com/ Top of Mind episode on teaching kids about race - https://www.byutv.org/0c936fc0-94c9-428b-b147-b587ee5411e8/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-common-ground-in-the-debate-over-teaching-kids-about-race-in-school Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/resisting-injustice-even-when-its.html Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast

How to Stay Politically Engaged When You Feel Like Giving Up – Jennifer Walker Thomas Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

What's the point of contacting lawmakers and advocating for policies if people in power don't seem to be listening? Jennifer Walker Thomas knows that feeling all too well. In this episode, Jennifer, who co-leads a nonpartisan group advocating for ethical government, shares how leaning into discomfort and choosing to act anyway has helped her and thousands of others find their voices in advocacy, navigate tough political conversations, and create meaningful change—without abandoning kindness. From drafting op-eds to sitting down with legislators, she explains why the most effective advocates aren’t the loudest but the most persistent. Jennifer Walker Thomas is the co-executive director of MWEG, a nonpartisan, faith-based community of women that advocates for ethical government, and co-host of the Proclaim Peace podcast. Related Links MWEG website – https://www.mweg.org/ The Proclaim Peace podcast - https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace MWEG Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mormonweg/ Top of Mind episode on activism - https://www.byuradio.org/2cd9f87f-8ec0-44bc-b750-3d80775728d2/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-does-activism-work-being-a-social-activist-in-todays-world Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/how-to-stay-politically-engaged-when.html Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast

Sharon McMahon's Secret to Finding Strength in Tough Conversations and Online Criticism Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Sharon McMahon—aka "America’s Government Teacher"—is proving that social media doesn’t have to be a battlefield. Instead, it can be a place for learning, connection, and meaningful conversations. By staying curious—even when facing criticism and controversy—she’s built a large, engaged community that thrives on thoughtful discussion. In this episode, Sharon reveals how one small, fact-based video changed the course of her career, leading her to educate millions about government, history, and civic engagement. She opens up about the discomfort of going viral, the resilience it takes to navigate online discourse, and the philosophy that guides her: “Just do the next needed thing.” Whether she’s breaking down political complexities or mobilizing her followers to raise millions for medical debt relief, Sharon demonstrates how stepping into discomfort can lead to meaningful change. A former high school government teacher turned social media educator, Sharon McMahon is the author of The Small and the Mighty, a New York Times bestseller highlighting unsung heroes who shaped American history. She also hosts the popular podcast Here's Where It Gets Interesting, where she brings history to life with engaging storytelling and deep dives into civic topics. Can you think of a time when you felt your perspective or worldview challenged and instead of getting defensive, you chose to lean into the discomfort? Email your story to uncomfy@byu.edu or share it on Instagram and tag us @uncomfy.podcast, and we’ll share it! And if you enjoyed this episode, you should check out the conversation we had with Kurt Gray a few weeks ago on why we get so angry and what we can do about it - https://youtu.be/Hkzm9iQmAsk Related Links: Sharon McMahon’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso/ Sharon McMahon’s Book, The Small and the Mighty - https://sharonmcmahon.com/book Sharon McMahon’s Podcast, Here’s Where It Gets Interesting - https://sharonmcmahon.com/podcast Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot

Lessons in Aging, Patience, and Compassion – Scottie Gassner Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Aging is a natural part of life, but it can bring challenges—especially when it comes to caring for elderly loved ones. In this episode, Scottie Gassner reflects on how his relationship with his aging parents shifted after working with his longtime client, Dave, who started training with him at 79. Over the course of their 12 years together, Scottie saw firsthand the realities of aging—both the struggles and the small victories. That experience gave him a new perspective on what it means to grow older and helped him approach his parents with more patience and understanding. Julie and Scottie talk about the complexities of caring for aging parents, the importance of being present, and how small acts of compassion can make a big difference. Scottie also shares his approach to staying engaged and purposeful at any stage of life. Scottie Gassner is a personal trainer, life coach, and host of the podcast Just Be with Scottie G. Related Links Scottie Gassner’s website - https://heyjustbe.com/ Top of Mind episode on aging - https://www.byuradio.org/adc3edb5-6e8f-4be9-848f-2fe549704153/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-hope-or-dread-lets-rethink-our-obsession-with-aging Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Uncomfy.Podcast Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast

Why We Get So Angry (and How to Fix It) – Kurt Gray Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Ever had a moment where you were certain you were in the right—only to realize the other person felt just as strongly that they were the real victim? That’s exactly what happened to psychologist Kurt Gray. As a teenager, Gray nearly caused a car accident while driving with his friends. What followed was an explosive confrontation—one fueled by outrage and the deep conviction that each party had been wronged. That heated moment didn’t just shake him—it sparked a career-long fascination with moral psychology. Why do we get so emotionally charged in moments of perceived injustice? And more importantly, how can we break through these cycles of outrage to find common ground? Gray, now a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina and author of Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground, explores how our moral instincts shape our reactions—and how understanding them can help us bridge the divides that seem deeper than ever. Can you think of a time when you felt your perspective or worldview challenged, and instead of getting defensive, you chose to stick with the discomfort? We’d love to hear your story! Send it our way at uncomfy@byu.edu, or reach out on Instagram @uncomfy.podcast. And if this episode got you thinking, share it with a friend—you never know what kind of conversation it might spark! If you enjoyed this episode, you won’t want to miss another Uncomfy conversation where a car accident takes an unexpected turn, leading to an unlikely friendship. - https://youtu.be/zO6bQJ4M23M Related Links Gray’s book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground - https://outragedbook.com/ Gray's Website - https://www.kurtjgray.com/ Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Uncomfy.Podcast Threads - https://www.threa

Turning Pain into Purpose Through Art - James Rees Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

How do we navigate life’s unexpected twists? For nationally recognized artist and educator James Rees, the answer lies in embracing discomfort and using creativity as a tool for growth. In this episode, Rees shares how his art explores themes of burdens, resilience, and support—and how one deeply moving moment at an art show changed his perspective on the power of connection and healing. When a woman purchased one of his pieces to honor her sister who died by suicide, Rees saw firsthand how art can give meaning to grief and transform pain into purpose. After 30 years of teaching and serving as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, he reflects on the lessons he’s learned about courage, creativity, and the beauty of embracing uncertainty. Related Links James Rees’ website - https://www.jamesreesart.com James Rees’ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamesreesart Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Uncomfy.Podcast

Tips for Managing Tough Conversations About Faith and Politics – Kaitlyn Schiess Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Kaitlyn Schiess (Curiously Kaitlyn, The Holy Post) opens up about a pivotal conversation with someone at her church that reshaped how she approaches the tricky intersection of politics and faith. She dives into the power of asking meaningful questions to get at the heart of others—even when beliefs feel under attack. Sharing stories from her own journey of teaching kids in church, wrestling with tough theological questions, and navigating heated debates about the Bible and American politics, Schiess reminds us how curiosity and a steady heart can pave the way for deeper connections and insights. Kaitlyn Schiess is a theologian, podcast host, and author of The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go From Here. She is currently pursuing a PhD in political theology at Duke Divinity School. Another Holy Post podcast regular, David French, was also on Uncomfy recently talking about being willing to admit you’re wrong. Check it out here - https://youtu.be/wD7V1_-0w2w Related Links Kaitlyn’s Website – https://kaitlynschiess.com/ Kaitlyn’s book, The Ballot and the Bible – https://kaitlynschiess.com/the-ballot-and-the-bible Kaitlyn’s podcasts - https://kaitlynschiess.com/podcasts Follow us on social media! Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast/ Threads – https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast/

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