Best Depolarization Podcasts (2025)

1
63. Moral Psychology and the Harm-Based Roots of Political Polarization - Sam Pratt 29:14

1d ago29:14

29:14

How Perceptions of Harm Drive Moral Outrage and Political Conflict In episode 61, we explored Outraged! with Kurt Gray, discussing the harm-based model of morality and how our perceptions of harm and victimization fuel moral outrage. But there’s so much more to uncover. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the research behind these ideas wit…

1
Episode 38: The Ridvan Message of 2025 31:33

9d ago31:33

31:33

An exploration of the Universal House of Justice's Ridvan message for 2025. Includes an exploration of the construct of 'hope' - a summary of key achievements over the past year - and an appeal based on the urgency of the hour. The episode concludes with an original song, "Ridvan 2025", exploring key themes in the message. Contents: 0:00 Introducti…

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62. Reducing Online Outrage: What Role Can Community-Driven Algorithms Play - Paul Resnick 35:04

15d ago35:04

35:04

How Systems Like Community Notes on Twitter/X Aim to Break the Cycle of Misinformation Are social media algorithms fueling misinformation and deepening echo chambers—or can they help bridge divides? In this episode, we talk with Paul Resnick, a pioneer in recommender systems and digital trust, about how platforms curate content, the truth behind fi…

1
Engineering Musculoskeletal Health with Spencer Lake 35:19

15d ago35:19

35:19

On the season finale of Engineering the Future, we conclude our focus on Engineering Human Health with Spencer Lake, associate professor in mechanical engineering & materials science. Lake describes his work on orthopedic soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments that let the body move. Lake’s lab works to advance our fundamental understanding …

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BONUS - How Authoritarianism Creeps In: Lessons from Postcards to Hitler - Bruce Neuburger 34:42

22d ago34:42

34:42

Why Resistance Matters: Lessons from Postcards to Hitler How does authoritarianism take hold? What warning signs do we often miss? In this episode, we speak with Bruce Neuburger, author of Postcards to Hitler: A German Jew’s Defiance in a Time of Terror, about the rise of political extremism—then and now. Neuburger shares his grandfather’s incredib…

1
Episode 37: The Bahá’í Home 43:53

26d ago43:53

43:53

An exploration of two key messages by the Universal House of Justice exploring Bahá’í family life: The message of March 19th, 2025 and its Naw Ruz message (2025) to the Baha'is of Iran. We explore the evolution of a new construct in our new Society Building aspirations: 'The Bahá’í Home' - focusing on marriage, family, community and the role of fam…

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61. Outraged! The New Science of Moral Outrage - Kurt Gray 38:20

29d ago38:20

38:20

Why is outrage so powerful? And why does it feel so addictive? In this episode, Dr. Kurt Gray joins us to discuss his new book, Outraged!, which offers a groundbreaking look at the psychology of moral fury, social media outrage, and political division. If The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt set the stage for understanding moral differences, Outrag…

1
Engineering Interdisciplinary Neuroscience with ShiNung Ching 34:37

30d ago34:37

34:37

In the latest episode of Engineering the Future, host Shawn Ballard dives into the realm of brain science and the future of mental health with guest ShiNung Ching, associate professor in the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering. They explore the intersection of engineering and neuroscience, discussing the complexities of …

1
BONUS - From Outrage to Reflection 11:18

1M ago11:18

11:18

A Ritual for Intentional Living In this special bonus episode of Outrage Overload, I share a personal ritual that keeps me grounded and mindful of the ripples we create in our daily lives. Originally recorded for What’s Your Ripple?, this conversation explores the power of small, intentional actions and how they shape the world around us. I sit dow…

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60. PODCASTHON: Bridging the Tech Divide with Dev Mission - Leonardo Sosa 31:24

1M ago31:24

31:24

In this special PODCASTHON episode of Outrage Overload, we’re spotlighting Dev Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring underserved young adults for careers in tech. We sit down with Leonardo Sosa, founder and executive director of Dev Mission, to discuss how the organization is closing the digital divide, increasing diversity in te…

1
Episode 36: Bahá’í Approaches to Social Action (Part Four - Learning in Action) 28:40

1M ago28:40

28:40

An exploration of Bahá’í-inspired approaches to social action, one of the key pillars of 'society building'. In Part Four, we explore how our approaches need to facilitate learning in action across four stages: Action, reflection, consultation and study which is framed by application of the Creative Word and scientific analysis. The episode conclud…

1
Engineering arrhythmia therapies with Jon Silva 27:36

1M ago27:36

27:36

On this episode of Engineering the Future, Jon Silva, professor of biomedical engineering and of computer science & engineering, discusses his work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and cardiac care. Tune in to learn more about Silva’s interdisciplinary research in treating cardiac arrhythmia using augmented reality and his entrepreneu…

1
Episode 35: Bahá’í Approaches to Social Action (Part Three - Capacity Building) 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

An exploration of Bahá’í-inspired approaches to social action, one of the key pillars of 'society building'. In Part Three we explore the power of capacity building - and how even impossible dreams can be met as we cultivate this capacity. We explore this on three levels of capacity building: for the individual; for institutions; and for the commun…

1
Okay Boomer - Mental Health - Valerie Beck 13:56

2M ago13:56

13:56

Why do younger generations feel so disconnected from the world their parents grew up in? Are millennials just complaining, or is there something deeper at play? In this special OK Boomer episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Valerie Beck, a holistic health practitioner and founder of Intrepid Wellness, to explore the com…

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59. Outrage, Fear, and Perception: Understanding Cultivation Theory - James Shanahan 33:34

2M ago33:34

33:34

How Media Shapes Reality James Shanahan, a leading expert on cultivation theory, joins David Beckemeyer to explore how television, news, and social media influence public perception, fear, and political polarization. They discuss the Mean World Syndrome, the rise of outrage media, and how algorithms amplify division. Tune in to learn how media effe…

1
Engineering Cardiovascular Health with Jessica Wagenseil 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

In this episode of Engineering the Future, Jessica Wagenseil, professor of mechanical engineering & materials science and Vice Dean for Faculty Advancement, discusses how her interdisciplinary work combines mechanics and biology to understand cardiovascular health. Wagenseil uses computational models to predict disease progression and collaborates …

1
BONUS - The Imperial Presidency? Executive Overreach and the Constitution 59:03

2M ago59:03

59:03

Is the U.S. presidency becoming too powerful? Imagine a president ignoring court rulings, dismantling government agencies, and bypassing oversight. It’s not just a hypothetical—it’s happening now. In this episode, we explore the rise of executive overreach and its implications for democracy. 🔹 Guests: Professor Kevin Smith – Political scientist spe…

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58. The Truth Behind Political Division: Are We Really That Different? - James Coan 26:36

2M ago26:36

26:36

How Correcting Misperceptions Can Heal Political Divides Ever wonder why political conversations feel more heated than ever? It might not be about the issues themselves but how we perceive the other side. In this episode of Outrage Overload, we explore the "perception gap"—the distorted views we hold about political opponents—and how correcting the…

1
Episode 34: Baha'i Approaches to Social Action (Part Two - Participation and Agency) 28:33

2M ago28:33

28:33

An exploration of Bahá’í-inspired approaches to social action, one of the key pillars of 'society building'. In Part Two, we explore how our approaches should be participatory, giving agency to all. We discuss how this builds on the construct of 'universal participation' and frame agency as both right and responsibility. We conclude by focusing on …

1
Engineering Air Quality Management with Jay Turner 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

In this episode of Engineering the Future, we continue our focus on Engineering Human Health with a look at how air quality impacts health in ways far beyond the respiratory system. Jay Turner, the James McKelvey Professor of Engineering Education, vice dean for education, head of the Division of Engineering Education and professor of energy, envir…

1
BONUS - Fairness, Biology, and Outrage: The Complexity of Sex Development 42:42

3M ago42:42

42:42

How Biology Challenges the Male-Female Binary In this documentary-style episode, Outrage Overload dives into the intricate and often misunderstood world of sex development, using the controversy surrounding female boxers at the Paris Olympics as a case study. We unpack the science, ethics, and personal stories behind Differences in Sex Development …

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57. The Surprising Revival of Vinyl Records, Instant Cameras, and Analog Joys - David Sax 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

Why Physical Experiences Still Matter in a Digital World Vinyl records are outselling CDs. Instant-print cameras are finding their way back into people’s hands. Even paper notebooks remain a must-have for many. But why are we seeing this resurgence of analog technologies in an overwhelmingly digital world? In this episode, David Sax, award-winning …

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Engineering AI for Health with Chenyang Lu 26:36

3M ago26:36

26:36

This season on Engineering the Future, our theme is Engineering Human Health, and we’re starting with a look at how AI is changing the health landscape from hospitals to public health policy. Chenyang Lu, the Fullgraf Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, discusses his efforts to bring together collaborators from across Was…

1
BONUS - Behind the Curtain: A Conversation with DNC Chair Candidate Jason Paul 36:58

3M ago36:58

36:58

We're joined by Jason Paul, an attorney, political strategist, and candidate for Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Jason brings his wealth of experience and bold ideas to the table, offering insights on the challenges facing the Democratic Party and his vision for revitalizing its structure and operations. Whether you’re a political…

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56. The Cost of Innovation: Who Pays for Silicon Valley’s Bold Experiments? - Émile P. Torres 46:53

3M ago46:53

46:53

How Silicon Valley Elites Decide the Future Without Us Silicon Valley’s technological breakthroughs promise to change the world, but at what cost? In this episode, we sit down with philosopher and technology critic Dr. Émile P. Torres to examine the hidden price of innovation. From AI’s environmental footprint to the ethical failures in its develop…

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BONUS - Aphantasia, Face Blindness, and the Diversity of Inner Worlds - Sadie Dingfelder 29:31

4M ago29:31

29:31

Do I Know You? A Journey Through Neurodiversity and Inner Lives Journalist and author Sadie Dingfelder takes us on a journey through the hidden diversity of human perception. Diagnosed with aphantasia (the inability to create mental images) and face blindness, Sadie has learned firsthand how drastically inner worlds can differ from person to person…

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55. Surviving the Age of Misinformation - David Helfand 35:53

4M ago35:53

35:53

How to Survive the Age of Misinformation We are joined by Dr. David Helfand, an esteemed professor of astronomy at Columbia University and author of A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age. Dr. Helfand shares practical tools to help listeners sharpen their critical thinking skills, question the narratives they encounter, and distinguish between …

1
BONUS - Special: The Hosts in the Hot Seat! 41:24

4M ago41:24

41:24

Guest host Ross "Yergz" Yerger flips the script and puts David and Lisa Beckemeyer—the voices behind the podcast—on the other side of the mic! 🎧 Listeners have asked to know more about the people behind the show, so here’s a fun, candid role-reversal episode just for you. Whether you’re driving on Christmas Day, unwinding after the festivities, or …

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54. Civic Renewal: Fighting Polarization with Local Solutions That Work - Rich Harwood 34:32

4M ago34:32

34:32

Why Building Together Is the Key to Healing Divided Communities How can communities overcome disconnection, address anger, and rebuild trust in today’s polarized and often overwhelming world? In this episode of Outrage Overload, Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, discusses the roots of civic disconnection and how …

1
BONUS - The Hate Next Door: Unmasking the New Face of White Supremacy - Matt and Tawni Browning 21:21

5M ago21:21

21:21

How Understanding Can Combat Hate: Insights from “The Hate Next Door” In this episode of Outrage Overload, we delve into the unsettling reality of hate and extremism in America with Matt and Tawni Browning, authors of "The Hate Next Door: Undercover Within the New Face of White Supremacy." Matt, a former undercover detective, infiltrated white supr…

1
Engineering communication with Seema Dahlheimer 26:25

5M ago26:25

26:25

Seema Dahlheimer, director of the Engineering Communication Center, joins host Shawn Ballard for the final episode of season 1 of Engineering the Future. Dahlheimer describes her mission with the ECC to support all McKelvey people as they work on various writing and communication projects. She also shares her approach to engineering education and h…

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53. The Impact of Political Attacks on Social Media - Ariel Hasell 31:08

5M ago31:08

31:08

How Social Media Hostility Impacts Democracy Together with our guest, Ariel Hasell, a leading expert in media, communication, and political psychology, we unpack how the outrage fueled by hostile political posts spreads across social media platforms, driving polarization and shaping public discourse based on findings of the research paper "When Soc…

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52. Nobody wants to be an idiot - Andrew Selepak 26:52

5M ago26:52

26:52

Are We Finally Sick of the Media Outrage Machine? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Selepak, media professor at the University of Florida, for an eye-opening conversation on the shifting landscape of media and its role in stoking public outrage. Selepak explains how the decline in trust toward traditional media stems from several factors, in…

1
BONUS - Post-Election 2024 Special: What Are Voters Really Saying? 28:35

6M ago28:35

28:35

What Are Voters Really Saying? In this special post-election episode of Outrage Overload, we examine the surprising twists of the 2024 election. What were voters truly trying to tell us, and what drove their choices this year? Join us as we unpack the results with fresh insights from top experts, including political scientists and a computational a…

1
Engineering brain dynamics with Addison Schwamb and BethAnna Jones 26:37

6M ago26:37

26:37

On this episode of Engineering the Future, Addison Schwamb and BethAnna Jones, graduate students in the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering, describe their systems-based approaches to brain dynamics and dispel some science-fiction inspired misconceptions. With their adviser ShiNung Ching, associate professor of electrica…

1
Episode 33: Bahá’í Approaches to Social Action (Part One - Organic Growth & Coherence) 32:21

6M ago32:21

32:21

An exploration of Bahá’í-inspired approaches to social action, one of the key pillars of 'society building'. In Part One, we explore two key principles: Organic Growth (that initiatives should start small and grow over time) and coherence (finding balance between our material and spiritual needs). CONTENTS 0:00 Introduction 5:10 Organic Growth 20:1…

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51. The complex interplay between burnout, outrage, and societal challenges - Gary Simonds 36:44

6M ago36:44

36:44

How Neuroscience Can Help Us Fight Burnout in an Age of Outrage and Division A compelling conversation with Dr. Gary Simonds, a neurosurgeon and burnout expert, to unpack the emotional toll of our outrage-saturated media environment. We explore how the relentless cycle of negative news, social media hype, and political bias can lead to burnout, emo…

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BONUS - Tech Bro Apocalypse Dreams - David Troy 21:20

6M ago21:20

21:20

How Tech Bros Like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel want to Shape Our Future In this special episode, we're tackling the intriguing—and often troubling—world of "techno-libertarianism." We sit down with tech entrepreneur and researcher David Troy to unpack this movement’s bold vision of a future free from government control and centralized institutions, d…

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Engineering indoor air with Jenna Ditto 23:26

6M ago23:26

23:26

Did you know Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, primarily in their homes? This week on Engineering the Future, Jenna Ditto, assistant professor of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, describes her work on indoor environments and offers listeners some research-based advice for improving indoor air quality to reduce their exposure t…

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50. I got to the point where I just didn't even want to consume the news anymore - Julie Rose 29:04

6M ago29:04

29:04

Why Embracing Complexity and Nuance is Critical for Personal Growth and Informed Decision-Making We sit down with Julie Rose, host of the Top of Mind podcast, to explore her journey from feeling overwhelmed by the negativity in the news to fostering thoughtful, nuanced conversations. Julie shares how she broke free from the media’s tendency to over…

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BONUS - You can't influence someone you are not connected to - Karin Tamerius 30:42

7M ago30:42

30:42

How to Have Better Political Conversations (Even with Your Most Difficult Relatives) In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Dr. Karin Tamerius, a political psychiatrist and founder of Smart Politics, a nonprofit that helps progressives communicate persuasively while maintaining respect for differing viewpoints. Th…

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Engineering Depolarization with Jean Springsteen 25:07

7M ago25:07

25:07

On this episode of Engineering the Future, Jean Springsteen, a graduate student in WashU’s Division of Computational and Data Sciences, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where social media isn’t so polarized. Tune in to learn how Springsteen and her advisers Will Yeoh, associate professor of computer science & engineering in McKelvey Engin…

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49. What would an environmental saint look like? - Roger S. Gottlieb 26:37

7M ago26:37

26:37

Why We Need Courage, Not Hope, to Face Climate Change In this episode, I dive into new territory, exploring the environmental crisis with Dr. Roger Gottlieb, renowned author of The Sacrifice Zone. Dr. Gottlieb offers a striking perspective on the looming threat of environmental devastation, arguing that our greatest enemy is not just the crisis its…

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BONUS - We don't have for election day any particular culture - Jonathan Bernstein 37:26

7M ago37:26

37:26

Can Humor Save Election Day? In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer interviews Jonathan Bernstein, a writer and satirist, about his new visual storytelling project that aims to increase voter turnout through political satire. Bernstein shares how humor can cut through the noise of outrage-driven media and foster civic participat…

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Engineering Curiosity with Anna Goestenkors 28:42

7M ago28:42

28:42

On this episode of Engineering the Future, Anna Goestenkors, a graduate student working with Alexandra Rutz, shares an insider’s perspective on what it really means to be a biomedical engineer. Spoiler alert! They aren’t cyborgs; bioengineers are curious people who like solving problems.By McKelvey Engineering

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48. The complex psychological effects of Twitter use - Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello 30:08

7M ago30:08

30:08

How Twitter Impacts Our Well-being We explore the intricate relationship between Twitter and society with Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello, a fourth-year PhD student at the University of Toronto. Victoria's research sheds light on the psychological effects of Twitter use, exploring how the platform shapes well-being, mental health, and social connectio…

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BONUS - Centrism is no longer viable - Steve McIntosh 27:49

8M ago27:49

27:49

How AI Can Help Address Toxic Polarization In this bonus episode of Outrage Overload, we dive into the intriguing potential of artificial intelligence to reduce political polarization in online spaces. Our guest, Steve McIntosh—developmental philosopher, author, and co-founder of the Developmental Politics Project—joins us to discuss his work on De…

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Engineering Balance with Patty Weisensee 25:43

8M ago25:43

25:43

On this episode of Engineering the Future, Patty Weisensee, associate professor of mechanical engineering & materials science, discusses her journey from music to mechanical engineering and how she has maintained a healthy work-life balance along the way.By McKelvey Engineering

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47. People have already decided what is factual and correct - Samuel C. Spitale 25:23

8M ago25:23

25:23

How to Combat the Misinformation Crisis In this episode, we sit down with Samuel Spitali, author of How to Win the War on Truth, to unravel the complexities of misinformation and its impact on society. Samuel offers a deep dive into the history of media polarization, examining key moments like the removal of the Fairness Doctrine and the rise of pa…

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BONUS - Rethinking Your News Diet: Two Approaches to a Healthier Information Intake - Drew Steigerwald & Alex Fink 25:10

8M ago25:10

25:10

How Platforms Like OtherWeb and 1440 Are Changing News Consumption In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of news consumption with Alex Fink, CEO of OtherWeb, and Drew Steggerwald, co-founder of 1440 News. We explore how their platforms are reshaping the way we engage with information, focusing on curating a balanced and healthy media…

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