29. This is basically trying to avoid civil war - Peter Coleman Artwork

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media

If politics and media leave you feeling angry, overwhelmed, or exhausted, Outrage Overload is for you.

In about 30 minutes every few weeks, we explore how outrage spreads, how polarization distorts perception, and how media and technology amplify emotional extremes.

Through conversations with leading scientists, researchers, and authors, we unpack the psychology, incentives, and systems shaping today’s political climate — and offer practical tools to think clearly, stay grounded, and respond constructively.

Outrage Overload helps listeners with critical questions about outrage culture, political polarization, misinformation, and media manipulation—offering science-based insight, expert interviews, and practical tools to stay grounded in a divided world.

If you’ve ever asked yourself…

• How can I stay politically informed without feeling outraged or exhausted all the time?

• Why is political polarization getting worse, and what can we do about it?

• What exactly is outrage culture, and how does it manipulate us?

• How do I talk about politics without it turning into a fight?

• Am I being misled by the media? How can I tell?

• What’s the psychological toll of living in an outrage-driven media environment?

• How can I build critical thinking skills to make sense of today’s news?

• What role does social media play in fueling outrage and misinformation?

• Is it possible to care about politics without losing your mind?

• What practical tools or insights can help me deal with toxic politics and media?

…then this is the politics show you didn’t know you needed.

Join host David Beckemeyer—science communicator and founding CTO of EarthLink—as he explores the mechanics of outrage, speaks with experts in psychology, media, and political science, and equips listeners with strategies for navigating today’s high-conflict culture with emotional resilience, critical thinking, and civil discourse.

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Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media

29. This is basically trying to avoid civil war - Peter Coleman

January 03, 2024 • David Beckemeyer • Episode 29

0:00 | 38:49

How Outrage Addiction Hijacked Our Conversations

Peter Coleman discusses the current state of political polarization in America and offers practical strategies for bridging divides and fostering understanding. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the "exhausted middle majority," the majority of Americans who are tired of the vitriol and division in politics. Coleman explains that the perception gap, where each side believes the other is more extreme than they actually are, contributes to the polarization. He suggests intentionally complicating our understanding of complex issues and seeking out diverse perspectives to combat oversimplification. Coleman also introduces "The Challenge," a four-week program designed to help individuals and communities engage in civil discourse and find common ground.

Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David

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