In this Healing Mindset episode, host Nazish sits down with David Deighton, a France raised artist and conversational experimenter now based in the mountains of New Mexico. David breaks down why real human connection is getting harder in a world shaped by digital echo chambers and political polarization.
You will hear how he uses calm public spaces, non-confrontational questions, and art-led prompts to help strangers talk without turning it into a debate. The core idea is simple. Stop trying to prove someone wrong. Start listening for the emotion underneath the opinion, then build a bridge from there.
About the Guest :
David Deighton is the creator behind Triptych Dialogue, a creative project exploring how people reconnect across political and social divides. His work includes spontaneous conversations with strangers, public art experiments, and anonymous “altruism books” designed to spark curiosity, listening, and grounded dialogue.
Key Takeaways :
Connection gets easier when you stop trying to “win” and start practicing active listening in daily life, especially around taboo topics like politics.
David’s biggest surprise was how many strangers want to be heard, if the setting feels safe and the conversation is anonymous or low-stakes.
A simple bridge is naming the shared emotion underneath an opinion, like anger, fear, grief, or hope, then connecting on that human layer first.
Changing the venue changes the nervous system. Calm spaces like national parks reduce reactivity and make disagreement less combustible.
Art works because it pulls people out of autopilot. A creative prompt makes the exchange feel like exploration, not interrogation.
The “one word” exercise compresses a long rant into a core value. That single word becomes a portable tool for future conversations.
Using senses can disarm polarization. Asking “What does democracy taste like or smell like?” creates a pause and invites curiosity.
When you feel triggered, grounding with nature objects and remembering impermanence helps you stay present and respond instead of react.
Anonymous altruism books and hidden messages scale the practice. The point is not control of outcomes but sparking ripple effects.
How to Connect With the Guest :
YouTube: Search for “Triptych Dialogue” (stylized as “TRIPTYYCH Dialogue” in his work).
Leave a comment on his videos to start a dialogue. He also mentioned he may share how to make the art books and may be able to send one when feasible.
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