Shows
Opinion Science#107: Showing Open-Mindedness with Mohamed HusseinMohamed Hussein studies how the psychology of persuasion and politics interact. He is an assistant professor of marketing at Columbia Business School. On the podcast, we talk about his work on "receptiveness," or people's openness to hearing out opinions they disagree with. (For more on receptiveness, check out episode 56, Receptiveness to Other Opinions with Julia Minson). But the research we talk about includes studies on how "you" versus "we" language affects how receptive we seem (Hussein & Tormala, 2024) as well as studies showing the costs of being receptive across political party lines (Hussein & Wheeler, 2024). For a 2025-05-0551 min
Choiceology with Katy MilkmanThe Reality Trap: With Guests Ken Adelman & Julia MinsonIs it ever possible to see the world objectively, as it is? Turn on the news, open social media, engage with that family member at Thanksgiving, and it appears to some the answer is yes. But what if our biggest blind spot is thinking we don't have a blind spot? In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we look at how we can easily be fooled into believing that our subjective experience of the world is objective, and believing that anyone who disagrees with us must be biased or wrong.We consider how this wa...2025-04-0738 min
SPEAK LIKE A CEO280: How to Disagree Without Falling Out With Harvard’s Julia MinsonWhy is it so hard to disagree without falling out? And how can we get better at managing disagreements?To find out, Oliver speaks to Julia Minson, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. They explore the crucial skill of productive disagreement in life and at work.Discover why smart people struggle with disagreements, the biggest mistakes we make in tough conversations, and practical strategies to foster a culture of constructive dialogue. Julia introduces her 'HEAR' framework – Hedging, Emphasizing Agreement, Acknowledgement, and Reframing to the Positive – and explains how to app...2025-03-2730 min
Hidden BrainThe Conversations that Bring Us CloserLast week on the show, we looked at the science of conversation, and how even ordinary chats can involve a delicate dance of coordination. This week, we explore the discussions we all dread: the tough ones. Telling someone they treated us poorly. Demanding a raise. Taking away an elderly relative's car keys. We talk with Alison Wood Brooks about what makes difficult conversations difficult, and a series of psychological techniques to help you navigate them.If you missed part one of our conversation with Alison, be sure to check it out! It's titled "We Need to Talk." S...2025-02-1749 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills.2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and strategies that can shape our communication and careers. In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams takes us through ten standout lessons from the past year. These aren’t just ideas to remember — they’re practices to evolve with. From Priya Parker’s insights on generous authority to Huggy Rao’s call to cut through jargon monoxide, each concept highlights how small sh...2025-01-0721 min
Chaptered MindsDifficult Conversations at WorkNavigating difficult conversations in the workplace is a critical skill for effective leadership and collaboration. Harvard Business Review (HBR) offers several resources to assist professionals in managing these challenging interactions:
"Difficult Conversations (HBR 20-Minute Manager Series)": This concise guide provides practical advice on preparing for and engaging in tough discussions, aiming to help readers handle sensitive topics with confidence and clarity.
"Five Critical Behaviors for Navigating Difficult Interactions": This perspective piece outlines key approaches to foster productive dialogue during challenging interactions, emphasizing behaviors such as active listening, showing curiosity, practicing inclusion, being transparent, and demonstrating...2024-11-2730 min
Help To Grow Talk: Effective Communication Skills7. Conversational Receptiveness - A Talk With Michael Rain (ENODI & Harvard University)Listen, and learn about Conversational Receptivenss in this talk with our guest Michael Rain. Michael founded ENODI, a media and research company focused on all people with immigrant backgrounds. His TED Talk 'What it's like to be the child of immigrants' has over 1 million views. Michael is also a practitioner-in-residence at Harvard University, jointly at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics and the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research. In this Help To Grow Talk Episode, Michael Rain talks about the importance of conversational receptiveness, a crucial communication skill th...2024-06-2525 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the NuanceDisagreement and conflict may look the same on the surface, but the two concepts are, in fact, very different. According to Julia Minson, knowing how these notions differ is crucial to how you approach them. In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Minson and strategic communication lecturer Matt Abrahams delve into the intricacies of conflict and disagreement. Minson, an associate professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford University alumna, also shares her expertise on decision-making and conflict negotiation. Minson emphasizes the need for genuine curiosity and receptiveness in communication to foster productive d...2024-04-0225 min
Hidden BrainAre You Listening?Have you ever sat across from your spouse, colleague or friend and realized that while they may be hearing what you're saying, they aren't actually listening? Poor listening can lead to arguments, hurt feelings, and fractured relationships. But the good news is that active, thoughtful listening can profoundly benefit both people in the conversation. This week on the show, psychologist Guy Itzchakov helps us understand where interactions go awry, and how to become a more attentive listener. For more of our work on how to better connect with the people in your life, check out these episodes:2024-03-2549 min
The Whole Parent PodcastMy Partner and I Disagree on Parenting #012For all things Whole Parent: CLICK HEREThe originator of the HEAR acronym is Dr Julia Minson of Harvard Have you ever felt like your parenting style is worlds apart from your partner's, yet you both yearn for a harmonious household? Together, we weave through the complexities of parenting partnerships and the artistry of conflict resolution. This episode brings you heartfelt stories and expert insights on empathetic communication, crucial for aligning with your partner to foster resilient children and a compassionate relationship. We delve into the transformative power of seeing through each other's eyes, understanding t...2024-02-2253 min
PolicyCastWe can productively discuss even the toughest topics—here’s howAs our discourse and our politics have become both more polarized and paralyzed, Harvard Kennedy School faculty members Erica Chenoweth and Julia Minson say we need to refocus on listening to understand, instead of talking to win. In mid-2022, the School launched the Candid and Constructive Conversations initiative, based on the idea that frank yet productive discussions over differences are not only vital to democracy and a functioning society, but that the ability to have them was also an essential skill for students, staff, and faculty in the Harvard community and beyond to learn. The effort—which uses techniques an...2024-02-1646 minHidden BrainUS 2.0: Living With Our DifferencesConflicts are inevitable — both at a global scale and in our personal lives. This week, in the latest in our US 2.0 series, psychologist Peter Coleman explains how minor disagreements turn into major rifts, and how we can defuse even the most salient of disputes in our lives.Interested in learning more?For additional ideas about how to keep conflict from spiraling, check out our conversation with researcher Julia Minson. And for a look at how violence shapes political outcomes on a global scale, be sure to listen to our interview with political scientist Erica Chenoweth.
2024-02-1252 min
Funny Medicine Podcast Funny Medicine Podcast Episode 33: Cold Plunge#funnymedicinepodcasthttps://linktr.ee/funnymedicineAre you ready to dive into the icy depths of cold plunge therapy? Join us and personal trainer Monica Garcia as we banish the pros and cons of cold water immersion. Monica, a seasoned professional who's been training independently after parting ways with L.A. Fitness during the pandemic, gives us her insight into this popular fitness trend. Watch us narrate our personal cold plunge experiences, discuss the potential benefits, including boosting the immune system and aiding muscle recovery, and the hilarity often ensuing when the icy shock sets in...2024-01-1632 min
No Stupid Questions169. Can We Disagree Better?Do you suffer from the sin of certainty? How did Angela react when a grad student challenged her research? And can a Heineken commercial strengthen our democracy? RESOURCES:"Disagree Better," National Governors Association initiative led by Spencer Cox (2023-2024)."Cooling Heated Discourse: Conversational Receptiveness Boosts Interpersonal Evaluations and Willingness to Talk," by Julia Minson, David Hagmann, and Kara Luo (Preprint, 2023)."Megastudy Identifying Effective Interventions to Strengthen Americans’ Democratic Attitudes," by Jan G. Voelkel, Robb Willer, et al. (Working Paper, 2023).Conflicted: Why Arguments Are Tearing Us Apart and How They Can Bring Us Together, by Ian...2023-10-2938 min
My Unsung HeroJulia Minson's StoryWhen Julia's mother was struggling with late-stage cancer, Julia had a conversation with a doctor that made her feel heard.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life....2023-07-1104 min
NAM Scholars in Dx ExBehavioral Change with Dr. Julia MinsonNAM Scholar in Dx Ex, Dr. Kimberly Claeys, interviews Dr. Julia Minson about her research on communication and the psychology of disagreement, and how her work applies to diagnosis. Dr. Minson discusses the importance of thoughtful engagement and how the specific language we use affects the success of a conversation.
The post Behavioral Change with Dr. Julia Minson first appeared on NAM Scholars in Dx Ex.2023-05-0316 min
The Last Negroes at HarvardThe “Psychology of Disagreement”Julia Minson is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
She is a decision scientist with research interests in conflict, negotiations and decision making.
Her primary line of research involves the “psychology of disagreement” – How do people engage with opinions, judgments and decisions that are different from their own?2022-12-1459 min
How to Be Awesome at Your Job815: How to Get Along with Anyone at Work with Amy GalloAmy Gallo shares how to constructively deal with difficult people at work.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The massive costs of bad relationships at work2) How to build your immunity to criticism3) How to work well with eight key types of difficult peopleSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep815 for clickable versions of the links below.— ABOUT AMY — Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review. She is the author of the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict and Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone, and a cohost of HBR's Women at Work podcast. Her articles have been collected in doze...2022-11-0747 min
How to Be Awesome at Your Job815: How to Get Along with Anyone at Work with Amy GalloAmy Gallo shares how to constructively deal with difficult people at work.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The massive costs of bad relationships at work2) How to build your immunity to criticism3) How to work well with eight key types of difficult peopleSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep815 for clickable versions of the links below.— ABOUT AMY — Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review. She is the author of the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict and Getti...2022-11-0745 min
The Decision CornerHow to argue with Julia MinsonIn this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke discusses disagreement with Julia Minson, an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and former lecturer at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Her research explores the psychology behind disagreement and collaboration — why we often suck at turning the former into the latter, and how we can be better. Brooke and Julia dissect the thought processes that often fuel our discussions, how discussions turn into arguments (particularly, unproductive ones), and the reasons we can’t seem to figure out why. Julia gives us practical inte...2022-10-1137 min
Down to Earth with Terry VirtsEPS 54: Combatting Russian propaganda with emailsJulia Minson tells Terry about her work with the website providers of to help people in Russia gain access to independent media, addressing disinformation and propaganda. The website sends emails to individuals in Russia, allowing people to download software to enable access to international media sources, whilst protecting them from government surveillance. Julia joined forces with the creator to provide her psychological perspective, and her expertise in persuasion and conflict resolution theory to address the wider problem of individuals who believe the propaganda, or who are on the fence. If you’re interested in: - how this tactic works - wh...2022-05-0555 min
HBR IdeaCastHow Political Polarization Is Changing WorkPolitics has traditionally been a taboo topic to discuss on the job. But as people get more vocal about their views -- on everything from from climate change to racial justice, elections to invasions -- it's increasingly hard to keep debate out of the workplace. And that can lead to conflicts between colleagues. Julia Minson of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Francesca Gino of Harvard Business School have studied how political polarization is affecting organizations and have advice on handling the challenges it presents. Together, they wrote the HBR article “Managing A Polarized Workforce: How to Foster Debate an...2022-04-1227 min
Prácticas Empresariales#61 - Cómo abordar los desacuerdos de manera productiva· ¿Es posible preservar la confianza y la colaboración si fomentamos el debate?
· ¿Cómo cultivar una mentalidad receptiva y una cultura de tolerancia en el trabajo?
Cada vez que optamos por evitar una conversación difícil donde la persona que tenemos enfrente difiere con nuestros puntos de vista, nos estamos cerrando de antemano a intercambiar ideas, pensando que la razón únicamente nos asiste a nosotros.
En este episodio revisamos el aporte que hacen algunos estudios recientes respecto a cómo abordar situaciones donde el desacuerdo está presente y sobre todo de manera pr...2022-02-2820 minOpinion Science#56: Receptiveness to Other Opinions with Julia MinsonJulia Minson studies the psychology of disagreement. In particular, she's been working to understand what sorts of people are receptive to other opinions and how our perceptions of other people's receptiveness can improve conversations. Dr. Minson is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of government.Some things that come up in this episode:StoryCorps and the One Small Step initiative (the clip at the beginning of the episode is from "Family Politics")For a big overview of the kinds of things we discuss, check out...2022-02-1453 min
Conflict, Power & PersuasionJulia Minson - Receptiveness: The Science of Being HeardJulia Minson is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a social psychologist with research interests in conflict, negotiations and judgment, and decision making. Her primary line of research addresses the “psychology of disagreement” – how do people engage with opinions, judgments, and decisions that are different from their own? She explores this theme in the context of group decision making to uncover the psychological biases that prevent managers, consumers, and policy-makers from maximizing the benefits of collaboration. She also studies the conditions that make people willing to listen and be receptive to vie...2022-02-0448 min
The Braver Angels PodcastThe Psychology of Disagreement | Julia Minson with Greg SteinbrecherCooperation feels good. Human society is built on it. So why do we clash so destructively—in our marriages, at work, and especially when talking about politics? Julia Minson is a social psychologist who studies the psychology of disagreement, aiming to tease out ways we can make fraught conversations more enjoyable and productive. Her current research is inspired by Braver Angels' workshops, and her studies may have revealed the "secret sauce" that makes them so effective. The answer...probably won't be what you expect! Along the way, Julia touches on simple behaviors that can improve our...2021-04-2658 min
X's lezen risutoData Colada Seminar Series - 20200522 - Julia Minson (Harvard Kennedy School)Data Colada Seminar Series - 20200522 - Julia Minson (Harvard Kennedy School)2020-07-3159 min
Squeezing the OrangeIt Doesn't Hurt to AskWant to come across as more likeable? Social science has an answer for you, and it's simpler than you might think: ask more questions. This week, Dan and Akin discuss a study that finds we humans underestimate the value of asking questions.
- Research Paper: 'It doesn’t hurt to ask: Question-asking increases liking.' by Huang, Karen, Michael Yeomans, Alison Wood Brooks, Julia Minson, and Francesca Gino
2019-11-0636 min
Behavioral Grooves PodcastFrancesca Gino: Curiosity and Rebellion Makes Your CareerImagine a company where 100% of the employees are rebels – would it be chaotic or wonderful? Our guest from the Harvard Business School, Francesca Gino PhD, argues that rebels are not just essential, but they can improve corporate effectiveness.
Francesca is a professor and researcher at Harvard Business School who describes herself as a curious behavioral scientist, passionate about teaching and helping leaders make wiser decisions that can improve their lives and those of the people around them. She’s the author of dozens of peer-reviewed articles on decision making and her books include Sidetracked (2013), and more recently, Rebe...2019-03-241h 18
This Week in DystopiaCan We Agree to Disagree?Host Christopher Robichaud sits down with Julia Minson, Assistant Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, to discuss her research into listening, cognitive dissonance, and disagreement. Together, they answer the questions: Is productive disagreement possible? How can we encourage civil disagreement?
More information about this episode can be found on Medium at medium.com/@WeekinDystopia.
Want more This Week in Dystopia? Don't forget to subscribe, follow This Week in Dystopia on Twitter @WeekinDystopia, and like the show on Facebook.
This Week in Dystopia is produced by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance...2017-10-1732 min
The Black GoatIt's So ComplicatedAll three of us were all around, at various career stages, before the "replicability crisis" became a thing. In today's episode we each share stories of our personal journeys with the larger replicability discussion in psychology, and how we went from clueless to naively optimistic to whatever we are today. Plus: A letter-writer asks how to respond to an advisor who asks you to p-hack. And Alexa tells how her students reacted to her telling them that she is an atheist.
Links:
Do-Gooder Derogation: Disparaging Morally Motivated Minorities to Defuse Anticipated Reproach, by Julia Minson and Benoit Monin
How Many Athe...2017-06-281h 07
The Black GoatIt's So ComplicatedAll three of us were all around, at various career stages, before the "replicability crisis" became a thing. In today's episode we each share stories of our personal journeys with the larger replicability discussion in psychology, and how we went from clueless to naively optimistic to whatever we are today. Plus: A letter-writer asks how to respond to an advisor who asks you to p-hack. And Alexa tells how her students reacted to her telling them that she is an atheist.
Links:
Do-Gooder Derogation: Disparaging Morally Motivated Minorities to Defuse Anticipated Reproach, by Julia Minson and Beno...2017-06-281h 07
British Public Radio Awards"Judgemental!" (episode of "The Vegan Option")A British Public Radio Awards entry in the category Documentary: Long Form
Scientist Julia Minson studies what veggies and meat-eaters really think of each other; while two vegan activists say how they explore or embrace the temptation to judge meat-eaters.
#vegan #psychology #activism2013-07-1429 min
show - The Vegan OptionExtended interviews on iTunes, starting with Dr Julia MinsonIf you’re like most of our listeners, you get The Vegan Option show via the podcast feed – an automatic index of shows that’s read by iTunes, Stitcher and other “podcatchers”. (If you haven’t heard any of the shows – what are you waiting for? Use the “Listen” menu at the top, pick a show that piques your interest, and press play. That’s the other way of hearing episodes.)
The shows usually focus on topics rather than individual interviewees – talking to a range of people to get a full picture. This can mean that only a few minutes out of a...2013-01-0800 min
The Vegan Option including Vegetarianism: The Story So FarExtended interviews on iTunes, starting with Dr Julia MinsonIf you’re like most of our listeners, you get The Vegan Option show via the podcast feed – an automatic index of shows that’s read by iTunes, Stitcher and other “podcatchers”. (If you haven’t heard any of the shows – what are you waiting for? Use the “Listen” menu at the top, pick a show that piques your interest, and press play. That’s the other way of hearing episodes.)
The shows usually focus on topics rather than individual interviewees – talking to a range of people to get a full picture. This can mean that only a few minutes out of a...2013-01-0800 minshow - The Vegan OptionJudgemental: with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Dr Julia Minson, and Marla RoseJudgemental!
Those judgemental vegans. A charge you’ve probably heard (or perhaps even uttered).
But what is “judgement”? How does it really affect the relationships between vegans and others? What can scientists say about it? And how do vegan activists react to the charge?
Dr Julia Minson explains the science.
Marla Rose explains exactly how Bacon Loving Hipsters Can Kiss Her Vegan Ass.
And Colleen Patrick-Goudreau discusses the psychology and experience of “judgemental vegans”.
http://archive.org/download/TheVeganOptionJudgemental/theVeganOption_judgementalB.mp3
(30 min) Play or download ...2012-10-0700 minThe Vegan Option including Vegetarianism: The Story So FarJudgemental: with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Dr Julia Minson, and Marla RoseJudgemental!
Those judgemental vegans. A charge you’ve probably heard (or perhaps even uttered).
But what is “judgement”? How does it really affect the relationships between vegans and others? What can scientists say about it? And how do vegan activists react to the charge?
Dr Julia Minson explains the science.
Marla Rose explains exactly how Bacon Loving Hipsters Can Kiss Her Vegan Ass.
And Colleen Patrick-Goudreau discusses the psychology and experience of “judgemental vegans”.
http://archive.org/download/TheVeganOptionJudgemental/theVeganOption_judgementalB.mp3
(30 min) Play or download ...2012-10-0700 min