Peacebuilding with Dr. Pollack

How Politicians Use Threats to Rewire Your Brain

Dr. Jeremy Pollack

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Why do fear-based political messages work so well? The answer has less to do with politics than with neuroscience.

In this episode, Jeremy Pollack, Ph.D., explores how fear-based messaging can shape the brain and why it is such a powerful tool for influencing beliefs and behavior.

Drawing on neuroscience and the principles from his new book, Wired for Peace, Jeremy explains how neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new patterns during moments of heightened emotional arousal. When political leaders, media personalities, or online influencers repeatedly frame the world as dangerous and present themselves as the source of safety, they may be conditioning audiences to associate them with nervous system regulation.

This episode explores:

  • How fear accelerates the brain's learning process
  • Why threat-based messaging is so persuasive
  • How the same psychological mechanisms extend beyond politics into media and online content
  • A practical way to become more aware of these patterns without disengaging from important issues

Rather than telling you what to think, this conversation offers a framework for understanding how our brains respond to fear and how greater awareness can help us make more intentional choices.

📘 Wired for Peace: Using 7 Neuroscience-Based Principles to Resolve Conflicts is available now.

If you're looking to build healthier conflict dynamics within your team or organization, learn more about Pollack Peacebuilding Systems and schedule a free consultation at pollackpeacebuilding.com.

🎧 Listen now to learn how building conflict competency can transform tension into trust, alignment, and stronger performance.


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🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com
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📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com
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Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems

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