Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us – Details, episodes & analysis

Meet the teams behind Top of Mind and Uncomfy in this special crossover episode, where we share stories of sticking with a challenging perspective while working on the shows. We are exposed to a lot of nuanced viewpoints as we put podcast episodes together, which gives us the perfect opportunity to practice what we preach: choosing to lean into discomfort instead of lashing out or shying away. We’ve found clarity about our own beliefs, empathy for the people around us, and also developed the skills to tackle tough conversations. Tune in to Top of Mind to practice engaging with important, complicated topics. Check out Uncomfy, too, where we’re sharing stories of people choosing to engage in an uncomfortable moment instead of stepping back. And if you’ve had an “Uncomfy” experience lately, share it with us by emailing uncomfy@byu.edu. Guests: Top of Mind producers - Alayna Beck, Caleb Leach, Vanessa Goodman, and James Hoopes. Uncomfy producers - Samuel Benson and Henrique Prado. Related Links: What Does it Mean to Be White in America?: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-does-it-mean-to-be-white-in-america The Changing Ways We Decide Who Gets into College and Why it Matters: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-the-changing-way-we-decide-who-gets-into-college-and-why-it-matters Why We’re So Anxious About Retirement in America — And How We Can Fix It: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-why-were-so-anxious-about-retirement-in-america-and-how-we-can-fix-it What Can We Do About America’s Money in Politics Problem?: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-can-we-do-about-americas-money-in-politics-probl Spending a Day with People Who Think You Hate Them – Jefferson Shupe: https://www.byuradio.org/e14-spending-a-day-with-people-who-think-you-hate-them-jefferson-shupe

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! 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! The new podcast launches July 10th with new episodes every Wednesday on your podcast platform of choice. Make sure to follow or subscribe so that you never miss an episode. 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

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

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

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

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/

Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, political commentators and co-hosts of the Pantsuit Politics podcast, reflect on a pivotal moment in their professional partnership during the 2016 presidential election. Holland had worked on Hillary Clinton's campaign and was a big fan of the candidate. Silvers was not. It was a tough one to navigate - and it was right at the beginning of their friendship and podcasting. But instead of fracturing their collaboration, it taught them how to respect their differences and lean into them to make the podcast more interesting for listeners. Today, Holland and Silvers pride themselves on modeling disagreement as they "take a different approach to the news" to help Pantsuit Politics listeners feel more empowered and enga Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers are the hosts of the podcast Pantsuit Politics and co-authors of Now What? How to Move Forward When We Are Divided About Basically Everything. Related Links Pantsuit Politics website – https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/ Pantsuit Politics Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/pantsuitpolitics/ Their book, Now What? How to Move Forward When We Are Divided About Basically Everything. - https://a.co/d/jbGCoas About the Podcast Uncomfy: Sticking With Moments That Challenge Us is a BYUradio podcast all about people leaning in to uncomfortable moments to grow stronger, communicate better, and bridge divides. If you’re seeking practical tools for navigating a polarized world, come join us! Hosted by journalist Julie Rose. 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/

Hélène Biandudi Hofer shares a story about navigating an awkward meeting where a client tried to sideline her in favor of her business partner, Amanda Ripley. She teaches us how storytelling, staying curious, and asking the right questions can help us turn conflict into a good thing. From a young age, Hofer learned the value of storytelling from her great-grandmother and father. In 2018, after a successful career in broadcast journalism, she took a leap and partnered with Ripley to create Good Conflict, which helps people and organizations embrace conflict as a tool for growth. Hélène Biandudi Hofer is a conflict navigator, storyteller, and co-founder of Good Conflict. Can you think of a time when you felt your perspective or worldview challenged and instead of getting defensive or bailing out, you chose to lean into the discomfort and stick with it – and you’re glad you did? Email your story to uncomfy@byu.edu or share it on Instagram and tag us @uncomfy.podcast, and we’ll share it! Related Links Good Conflict website - https://www.thegoodconflict.com/ Good Conflict Master Class - https://www.thegoodconflict.com/master-class Good Conflict Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegoodconflict/ 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

Constance Scharff takes us on a ride from food tours in Turkey to overcoming a personal battle with trauma and addiction. She opens up about the uncomfortable journey that led to discovering the transformative power of somatic therapy and how it helped heal her deep emotional wounds. So, whether it’s feeling out of place while traveling or tackling deep-seated issues, this chat is all about embracing discomfort to grow and heal. Constance Scharff, dubbed the Indiana Jones of mental health research, travels the world learning from indigenous communities and recently spent a year visiting seven countries for her book on everyday bravery. She is also an author and the director of the Human Resilience Project. Can you think of a time when you felt your perspective or worldview challenged and instead of getting defensive or bailing out, you chose to lean into the discomfort and stick with it – and you’re glad you did? Email your story to uncomfy@byu.edu or share it on Instagram and tag us @uncomfy.podcast, and we’ll share it! Related Links Constance Scharff’s website - https://www.constancescharff.com/ More on the Human Resilience Project - https://youtu.be/p0WbgrPErvo?feature=shared More info on somatic therapy - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951 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

Ali Muldrow and Bria Halama have nearly opposite views on abortion. But they signed up to sit with 12 other strangers looking for common ground. The four-day workshop was organized by Citizen Solutions in Wisconsin and resulted in five policy recommendations the whole group could agree on. It also turned Ali and Bria into friends. They found that listening, being vulnerable, and recognizing others’ humanity were transformative in these polarized discussions. Ali Muldrow is the executive director of the abortion access nonprofit WMF Wisconsin. Bria Halama is a Catholic mental health counselor. Builders is a nonprofit equipping citizens globally to overcome toxic polarization to solve our toughest problems together. Citizen Solutions is a program of Builders that empowers ideologically diverse Americans to co-create state-level solutions to politicized issues suffering from hyper-partisan gridlock. Can you think of a time when you felt your perspective or worldview challenged and instead of getting defensive or bailing out, you chose to lean into the discomfort and stick with it – and you’re glad you did? Email your story to uncomfy@byu.edu or share it on Instagram and tag us @uncomfy.podcast, and we’ll share it! Related Links: Citizen Solutions website – https://www.citizensolutions.us Builders website - https://buildersmovement.org/ More on the Abortion & Family Well-Being solutions session - https://citizensolutions.us/citizensolutions/wi/issue/5 Top of Mind episode on the Abortion Talks - https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-how-to-talk-about-abortion 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 Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/uncomfypodcast.bsky.social Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast X - https://x.com/TheUncomfyPod