The Prime Meridian of the mind: Holding Empathy and Your Ground in Critical Conversations - with Craig Harper

In this episode, we take a journey from the Prime Meridian to the emotional equator, where gratitude, fragility, and fierce compassion intersect. Drawing inspiration from Emile Durkheim, Jonathan Haidt, Marshall Rosenberg and Dr. Bernie Siegel, we explore how to stay grounded and emotionally regulated in high-stakes conversations without losing yourself, or the other person.

We dive into the psychology behind emotional contagion and vicarious trauma, and how your presence, not your prescription, is often the most powerful gift you can offer. You’ll learn why advice often fails, how to recognize when you’re stealing someone’s power instead of supporting them, and what "naming it to tame it" really looks like in a real conversation.

We’ll unpack the difference between sympathy and empathy, explore theory of mind, and show how non-violent communication and empathetic reflection can transform not only how we communicate, but how we believe in the people we’re speaking to.

Because in a world full of noise, the most radical thing you can do… is listen.

Visit us at:

www.theselfhelpantidote.com