Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

96 episodes

You’re Not Actually Listening (Here’s How to Change That) - Mónica Guzmán
04/15/2026 | 16 mins.
Have you ever left a conversation thinking, “They didn’t hear me at all”?

Journalist and author Mónica Guzmán shares stories from her own life, from not fully listening to her daughter, to navigating emotional disagreements with her mom, to setting intentional conversations with people who see the world differently.

She unpacks what’s really going on in our heads when we stop listening and how small shifts can completely change the way we connect, especially with our loved ones.

ABOUT GUEST
Mónica Guzmán is the author of “I Never Thought of It That Way,” an advisor with Braver Angels, and the founder of Reclaim Curiosity (https://linktr.ee/moniguzman).
Check Mónica out on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/moniguzman/

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:31) Mónica’s Call with Mom
(3:35) What She Needed from Mom
(4:47) Acknowledge Good Points
(5:37) Three Conversations at Once
(7:03) Spanish at Home Lesson
(9:24) Critical Listening Trap
(10:34) Repairing Missed Moments
(12:36) Scheduling Disagreement Talks
(15:15) Wrap Up and Resources
The Night No One Showed Up…and Why He Kept Going – Michael Wilker
04/08/2026 | 16 mins.
What would you do if you planned an event and nobody showed up?

Michael Wilker knows exactly how that feels. One night, after years of organizing a monthly meetup, he sat alone at a bar waiting for people that never came. It was awkward, humbling, and it almost made him quit.

But he didn’t.

Instead, Michael kept showing up, and, over time, that simple decision helped grow a small gathering of six dads into a thriving community of more than 400 men in his neighborhood.

ABOUT GUEST
Michael Wilker is one of the co-founders of Del Ray Dads, a grassroots community of 400+ men in Alexandria, Virginia.

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:48) Nobody Showed Up
(3:37) How Del Ray Dads Began
(4:50) The Listserv
(6:40) Support in Grief
(8:54) Bollywood Dance Rehearsals
(12:15) Rules That Prevent Drama
(13:37) Why It Lasts
(15:05) Conclusion
“Perfectly Hidden Depression” and the Power of Transparency – Dr. Margaret Rutherford
04/01/2026 | 18 mins.
What if the people who seem the most “put together” are actually struggling the most?

Clinical psychologist Dr. Margaret Rutherford unpacks something she calls “Perfectly Hidden Depression” — the kind of struggle that hides behind achievement, perfectionism, and a life that looks flawless from the outside.

Dr. Rutherford shares how perfectionism can become emotional armor protecting us from pain, but also disconnecting us from real feelings, real relationships, and even ourselves.

ABOUT GUEST
Dr. Margaret Rutherford is a clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author of several books. Her latest is “The Perfectly Hidden Depression Workbook” (https://drmargaretrutherford.com/).

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:49) Therapist Tells Her Truth
(3:31) Fear of Being Judged
(5:43) What is Perfectly Hidden Depression
(7:21) Perfectionism as Armor
(10:45) Emotional Range Shrinks
(12:33) First Steps Toward Change
(15:09) Transparency Over Vulnerability
(16:52) Julie Reflection and Conclusion
What Paramedics See That Changes Them Forever – Kevin Hazzard
03/25/2026 | 21 mins.
When someone calls 911, they’re not just asking for help, they’re handing over everything.

Author and former paramedic Kevin Hazzard takes us inside his very first cardiac arrest call: a Thanksgiving dinner, a grandmother collapsing at the head of the table, and a room full of people waiting for a miracle that might not come.

But the moment that stayed with him isn’t what you’d expect.

ABOUT GUEST
Kevin Hazzard is an author, journalist, TV and film writer, and former paramedic. His memoir is called “A Thousand Naked Strangers.” His new book is “No One’s Coming: The Rogue Heroes Our Government Turns to When There’s Nowhere Else to Turn” (https://a.co/d/0eVCVDLA)

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:00) Meet Kevin Hazzard
(1:25) Thanksgiving Cardiac Arrest
(4:29) Aftermath and Family Grace
(5:48) Medicine on Display
(7:30) Why the Job Hooks You
(9:47) Tourist to True Believer
(12:03) Mortality and Presence
(13:09) Burnout and Wake Up Call
(16:09) What Heroism Really Means
(18:37) The New Book
(20:00) Conclusion
How to Make Someone Feel Heard (Even When You Say No) - Julia Minson
03/18/2026 | 23 mins.
What if the goal of disagreement isn’t to win but to build a bridge to the next conversation?

Harvard Kennedy School professor Julia Minson studies one thing: how to disagree better. In this episode of Uncomfy, she shares why most of us confuse disagreement with conflict and how that mistake quietly damages our closest relationships.

From ballroom dancing arguments with her husband to a life-and-death disagreement with her mother’s oncologist, Julia explains the powerful difference between being receptive and being persuaded.

“You don’t have to give in to make someone feel profoundly heard.”

ABOUT GUEST
Julia Minson is a professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and author of the new book, “How to Disagree Better” (https://www.juliaminson.com/)

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:56) Meet Julia Minson
(1:30) Kitchen Dance Disagreement
(4:12) Disagreement vs Conflict
(6:07) Studying Disagreement
(7:18) Receptive Not Persuaded
(8:43) Mom’s Doctor Story
(13:01) Listen With Your Mouth
(15:08) HEAR Framework Breakdown
(19:12) Authenticity and Practice
(21:03) 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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