Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

110 episodes

The Secret to Getting More Done (Without Burning Out) – Elizabeth Svoboda
07/22/2026 | 16 mins.
If you've ever felt guilty for resting, struggled with burnout, or wondered how to sustain meaningful work without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, award-winning science writer Elizabeth Svoboda shares how years of overwork, anxiety, and burnout led her to rethink everything she believed about productivity. Drawing on the research behind her book, “The Art of Pacing,” she explains why elite athletes rest and recover as intentionally as they train and why the rest of us should, too.

ABOUT GUEST
Elizabeth Svoboda is an award-winning science writer and the author of “The Art of Pacing,” a guide to building a more sustainable, fulfilling approach to work and life (https://elizabethsvoboda.com/).

Hero's Journey Restorying Intervention - https://bostoncollege.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_724BzzxcIUzIEku

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:21) College Burnout Spiral
(2:36) The Do More Mindset
(3:40) Anxiety and the Quick Fix
(6:18) From Time Management to Pacing
(8:19) Energy Management Rhythms
(9:44) Athletes and Recovery Lessons
(11:27) Re-storying
(13:14) Advice to Younger Self
(14:21) Conclusion
How to Love and Support a First Responder – Erin Nugent
07/15/2026 | 18 mins.
First responders care for people on the worst days of their lives, but they can carry those experiences with them long after the call is over.

As both the spouse of a firefighter and a former police detective, Erin Nugent has experienced the realities of first responder life from two sides. She shares about the time she got the late-night text every first responder's spouse fears, why more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty, and how loved ones can best support them.

ABOUT GUEST
Erin Nugent is a former Australian police detective and certified life and wellness coach who helps first responders and their families navigate trauma, resilience, and mental health. She is the host of the podcast “I Will Hold Space for Your Darkness” and the radio show “Holding Space” on the Thin Line Rock Station (https://www.erinjanecoaching.com/).

CHAPTERs
(0:00) Introduction
(0:51) Meet Erin Nugent
(1:33) The Text
(5:31) What Others Miss
(7:49) Trauma and Coping
(10:42) Three Ps Practices
(12:06) Supporting at Home
(15:04) Why She Served
(16:56) Conclusion
Former First Lady of Iceland on How to Trust Yourself When There's No Rulebook - Eliza Reid
07/08/2026 | 21 mins.
When Eliza Reid’s husband unexpectedly became president of Iceland, she found herself in a role with no instruction manual—forcing her to confront self-doubt, challenge outdated expectations, and learn how to trust her own voice.

In this conversation, Eliza reflects on why being a lifelong rule follower made the job unexpectedly difficult, why she embraced secondhand clothing and spoke Icelandic despite her accent, and how leaning into discomfort ultimately helped her grow into the role.

ABOUT GUEST
Eliza Reid is a Canadian-born writer, gender equality advocate, and the former First Lady of Iceland, where she served from 2016–2024 alongside her husband, President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. Her latest book is, “The First Lady Next Door: A Memoir of Iceland, Identity, and Unexpected Adventure” (https://elizareid.com/).

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:49) Meet Eliza Reid
(1:40) The Handshake Snub
(3:19) From Canada to Iceland
(5:11) Iceland President Explained
(7:44) No Rulebook
(9:44) Style Spotlight Pressure
(12:16) Immigrant Identity Voice
(13:47) Speaking Out NYT Op-Ed
(16:40) Taking Up Space
(17:11) What She’s Proud Of
(19:28) Conclusion
A PhD Student's Honest Confession About ChatGPT – Christian Carmody
07/01/2026 | 18 mins.
When ChatGPT first appeared, Christian Carmody found himself facing an uncomfortable question: If AI could do much of the work for him, why not use it?

As a stressed PhD student juggling graduate school, multiple jobs, a new baby, and financial pressure, the temptation was real. But what started as a question about academic integrity became a deeper conversation about learning, intellectual character, trust, and what we risk losing when AI does our thinking for us.

ABOUT GUEST
Christian Carmody is a PhD candidate in Education at the University of New Hampshire and a Senior Researcher at the nonprofit Research Institute for Learning and Development.

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:40) Meet Christian Carmody
(1:25) ChatGPT in a Crunch
(2:54) Where to Draw Lines
(4:31) Nietzsche and Struggle
(7:27) Judging AI Ideas
(12:10) Trust in an AI World
(14:10) Teaching Intellectual Character
(16:48) Conclusion
I Thought Gen Z Had It Easier. I Was Wrong. - Sean Murphy
06/24/2026 | 14 mins.
Many adults assume today's young people have it easier than previous generations. Sean Murphy used to think something similar until a classroom discussion stopped him in his tracks.

In this episode. Sean reflects on the uncomfortable moment that forced him to listen more closely, rethink long-held beliefs, and see a new generation through a different lens. Along the way, he shares what he learned from hundreds of poems written by young people about hope, resilience, and the future they're inheriting.

ABOUT GUEST
Sean Murphy is director of the Center for Story at Shenandoah University and founder of 1455, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing writers and building community through storytelling. Learn more about their Young Poets Anthology here: https://1455litarts.org/ypa/

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:42) Meet Sean Murphy
(1:30) The Compliment That Backfired
(2:47) Bullying in 2026
(3:34) Checking Our Assumptions
(6:01) What Young People Carry
(8:28) Hope in Young Poets
(9:40) “How to Unburn the World”
(12:16) Inspired to Do More
(12:51) Conclusion

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About Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

Real stories from guests who dared to get uncomfortable in a moment that challenged their worldview. In the thick of intense emotions, they chose to stay curious and open, rather than lash out or shy away, and came out the other side with stronger relationships, clearer beliefs, and increased confidence. And you can do it too! So, if you: • Want to engage with others on important topics but aren’t sure how, OR • Are burned out on social media and wish you could bring the humanity back into discussions online or in real life, Look no further! Whether you're a seasoned seeker of new ideas or just dipping your toes into the uncomfy waters, this podcast is your go-to destination for learning how to improve your communication, disagree more productively, and be a more inspired leader. In such a polarized world, we believe learning how to stick with moments that challenge us, without getting defensive or shutting down, is a direct antidote for division. Are you ready to lean in, listen up, and get uncomfy with us? Let's dive in together! Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments that Challenge Us is hosted by journalist Julie Rose and is a BYUradio production. #reallifestories #communication #polarization #relationshipskills #communicationskills #leadershipskills #leadershiptraining #community #communitybuilding #disagreebetter #buildingbridges #perspectives #worldview #resilience #emotionalresiliance #mentalhealth #training #mindfulness #conflictresolution #growthmindset #empowerment #problemsolving #respect #curiosity #activelistening #collaboration

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