In this timely and informative episode, Rhetoric Rob [Watkins] advises not on what to think, but how to think.

We also cover:

• How to detect bias in information sources and hidden agendas

• How to avoid common fallacies

• How and why our brains are wired to reject certain truths (and how to override that)

• Why changing your mind is a source of intelligence and maturity

• How to avoid common fallacies

• How to prevent closed-mindedness

• How to equip your kids to be comfortable with divergent views, form and communicate their opinions, spot fake news, and identify argument gaps in a way that’s effective and fun

Dr. Watkins is a professor of rhetoric and Idaho State University. Find more helpful insight and tips on his Instagram page, @rhetoric_rob

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Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

Having majored in political science and minored in psychology, I am particularly interested in politics and human dynamics. I am also continuously committed to learning, growing, and connecting - as you likely are, too.

In this solo episode, I approach politics through the lens of balance and nuance. I offer insight on:

• prioritizing truth over ideology

• avoiding common misconceptions

• recognizing manipulative tactics

• identifying red flags

• finding common ground and discussing politics maturely and constructively

• evaluating political ideas and policies

• sourcing credible information

• maintaining perspective

• balancing between apathy and burnout

• doing your part to improve the world

• preserving hope

I hope you finish feeling informed, grounded, discerning, and inspired.

I hope this opens your eyes, mind, and heart.

I hope you feel even more connected to yourself and to others.

Thank you for listening.

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

Feminism gets a bad rap, and is clouded by myths and misunderstandings. I’m here to [possibly] change your understanding, not your mind. This episode aims to clarify and illuminate something many may support without even knowing it: feminism. I debunk myths, I explain what feminism is and is not, and I share my thoughts and experiences being a woman in this world. If you’re a human, this episode is for Y O U. You decide what to believe and how to live your life.

Happy National Women’s History Month.

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xx,

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You know those conversations that leave you feeling connected and inspired? This is one of those.

Dr. Nathan Richardson (no relation), Ph.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Department Chair at the University of Texas at San Antonio, joins me to discuss some pretty key topics: the role of kindness and emotions in politics; the power of curiosity in relationships and critical thinking; and the futility of polarization.

We address whether or not being centrist means you lack strong opinions, and if being open minded means you lack bravery or conviction.

Humans first. Labels second. Kindness always.

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It’s here. Finally.

I share my story on joining - then leaving - the Latter-Day-Saint (Mormon) Church, and how I feel about it now. I offer questions to consider, no matter your personal beliefs.

I hope you listen - and live - with open eyes, open hearts, and open minds.

I love you.

The Brené Brown podcast episode I reference is from April 20 and April 27 (it’s a two-parter): Brené Brown with Father Richard Rohr on Spirituality, Certitude, and Infinite Love, Part 1 and 2

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The people have spoken. I canvassed for what you wanted to hear, and this was one of the requests: how “nothing can be discussed anymore without throwing politics into it” (and truth be told, ironically I talked about politics while talking about how we can’t talk about anything without talking about politics. Sigh).

I share some thoughts. I suggest some perspectives. I offer some outlooks. I propose some points.

Power to the people (not the politics).

Lemme know what you think.

Thank you.

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Wow. I get into it with this episode. There are a lot of hurting/struggling/frustrated/disgruntled people in the world, and especially in the US. And there are a lot of reasons behind the suffering and discontent - as well as a lot of proposed solutions. There’s also a lot of blaming, criticizing, and side taking.

What’s the role of perspective in all of this? What’s the worth of other perspectives, particularly when facing a problem? What’s the value of staying open and entertaining other views? Should we allow for nuance? Is it worth our time considering a problem’s cause and contributors when seeking a solution? Does the problem/solution have to be binary, either/or, us or them? Is it always “wrong” versus “right”?

Happy listening.

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