This Might Get Awkward
Could "Yes, and..." mend America's cultural and political divide? Psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman and comedian Allison Reese put improv's golden rule to the test. They laugh, listen and spar with those on the frontlines of our divide, from polarizing public figures to the social scientists who study it. And if they can't mend it, they'll at least have a good laugh trying.
Podcasting since 2025 • 7 episodes
This Might Get Awkward
Latest Episodes
The Psychology of Outrage: Dr. Kurt Gray on Finding Common Ground
In this episode, social psychologist Dr. Kurt Gray explains why outrage feels so constant in modern politics, and why it’s more real, more human, and more fear-based than we often assume.Author of the book "Outraged", Kurt breaks down t...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
57:03
Fighting Fascism with Humor: Lessons from Activist Loretta J. Ross
In this episode, MacArthur Fellow and lifelong human rights activist Loretta J. Ross shares why humor may be one of the smartest ways to fight fascism, and why outrage alone often falls short.Drawing on more than 50 years of activism, i...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
57:33
Why Admitting Our Errors Could Save Our Political Future with Aaron Dimmock
In this episode, former naval officer and Republican candidate Aaron Dimmock talks about what it really takes to stay honest; in politics, in community, and with ourselves. He reflects on polarization, party identity, and the cultural forces th...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
1:06:10
Exposing the Myth of Online Polarization with Aaron Parnas
Independent journalist Aaron Parnas shares how growing up in a partisan household shaped his early conservative political views, and how moving out helped him rethink what he believed. With Scott and Allison, they explore online polarization, i...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
30:06
How to Talk to People You Disagree With (feat. Dr. Caroline Fleck)
Psychologist Caroline Fleck joins Allison and Scott to reveal the one tool that helps us connect with those with whom we may disagree. Caroline, a Stanford psychologist and author of the book "Validation", breaks down why we confuse validation ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
58:03