Changed My Mind

The Depolarization Project

Changed My Mind is The Depolarization Project’s podcast, hosted by Alex Chesterfield, Laura Osborne and Ali Goldsworthy. We ask guests to tell us a substantive issue they have changed their mind on, why and what they have learned from it. We work with global media outlet Open Democracy to bring this podcast to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    Dr Emma Yhnell on the challenge of changing science, changing our minds

    In an era where scientific expertise is heavily scrutinized and algorithms trap us in ideological bubbles, how do we create the conditions for people to truly open their minds? In this episode of Changed My Mind, we’re joined by Dr. Emma Yhnell, Reader and Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion based at Cardiff University. Drawing on her experiences running clinical trials and teaching in large university lecture halls, Dr. Yhnell explores the emotional complexities of genetic testing and the vulnerability required to challenge the consensus. Plus, she opens up about her own profound shifts in perspective: why she completely re-evaluated why people at risk of terminal illnesses choose to avoid genetic testing, and the ethical dilemmas of encouraging young women into male-dominated science fields. What you’ll learn: The Information Avoidance Paradox: Why only 10% to 15% of people at risk for Huntington's disease choose to take a predictive genetic test, and the profound emotional and psychological reasons behind wanting to not know.Science Communication as a Superpower: Why making complex academic research accessible to the patients it is designed to help is just as vital as the research itself.Opening vs. Changing Your Mind: The critical psychological difference between completely reversing your stance and simply creating the cognitive headspace to entertain an alternative view.Embracing the Pushback: How intentionally creating spaces for experiential learning and critique empowers younger generations to confidently dissent from the group.Buy Alison, Laura and Alexandra’s new book, Poles Apart: Why People Turn Against Each Other, and How to Bring Them Together  https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8711/9781847942975 Subscribe to openDemocracy’s weekly newsletter: https://www.opendemocracy.net/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  2. Jun 17

    Saumitra Jha on why he changed his mind about climate change, and unexpected tricks that work to reduce polarization

    In a political climate dominated by echo chambers, media polarization, and democratic backsliding, how do we actually get people to change their minds? In this episode of Changed My Mind, we’re joined by Saumitra Jha, professor of political economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Citing financial experiments in Israel, Palestine, and post-referendum Britain, Professor Jha shares both historical insights and behavioural evidence on how to bridge deep societal divides. Plus, he opens up about his own profound shift in perspective: why he completely changed his mind on the relationship between global poverty and climate action. What you’ll learn:The Power of “Skin in the Game”: Why giving people small financial stakes to trade in conflicted markets appears to bypass cognitive biasSwords into Bank Shares: How historical societies used finance to successfully pacify deep caste and political conflictsThe Double-Edged Sword of Hero Worship: How the immense trust earned by a World War I General led his loyal network of soldiers straight into Nazi collaborationClimate Change is Not a Luxury: Why the traditional economic theory that environmental protection is a luxury reserved for wealthy nations no longer holds upBuy Alison, Laura and Alexandra’s new book, Poles Apart: Why People Turn Against Each Other, and How to Bring Them Together  https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8711/9781847942975 Subscribe to openDemocracy’s weekly newsletter: https://www.opendemocracy.net/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Changed My Mind is The Depolarization Project’s podcast, hosted by Alex Chesterfield, Laura Osborne and Ali Goldsworthy. We ask guests to tell us a substantive issue they have changed their mind on, why and what they have learned from it. We work with global media outlet Open Democracy to bring this podcast to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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