Episodes

  • BONUS: Why We Choose to Lean into the Discomfort of Making this Podcast.

    BONUS: Why We Choose to Lean into the Discomfort of Making this Podcast.
    Oct 28 2024
    Meet the teams behind Top of Mind and Uncomfy in this special crossover episode, where we share stories of sticking with a challenging perspective while working on the shows. We are exposed to a lot of nuanced viewpoints as we put podcast episodes together, which gives us the perfect opportunity to practice what we preach: choosing to lean into discomfort instead of lashing out or shying away. We’ve found clarity about our own beliefs, empathy for the people around us, and also developed the skills to tackle tough conversations. Tune in to Top of Mind to practice engaging with important, complicated topics. Check out Uncomfy, too, where we’re sharing stories of people choosing to engage in an uncomfortable moment instead of stepping back. And if you’ve had an “Uncomfy” experience lately, share it with us by emailing uncomfy@byu.edu. Guests: Top of Mind producers - Alayna Beck, Caleb Leach, Vanessa Goodman, and James Hoopes. Uncomfy producers - Samuel Benson and Henrique Prado. Related Links: What Does it Mean to Be White in America?: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-does-it-mean-to-be-white-in-america The Changing Ways We Decide Who Gets into College and Why it Matters: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-the-changing-way-we-decide-who-gets-into-college-and-why-it-matters Why We’re So Anxious About Retirement in America — And How We Can Fix It: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-why-were-so-anxious-about-retirement-in-america-and-how-we-can-fix-it What Can We Do About America’s Money in Politics Problem?: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-can-we-do-about-americas-money-in-politics-probl Spending a Day with People Who Think You Hate Them – Jefferson Shupe: https://www.byuradio.org/e14-spending-a-day-with-people-who-think-you-hate-them-jefferson-shupe
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    36 mins
  • TRAILER - Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

    TRAILER - Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us
    Jun 12 2024
    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! 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! The new podcast launches July 10th with new episodes every Wednesday on your podcast platform of choice. Make sure to follow or subscribe so that you never miss an episode. 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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    2 mins
  • BONUS – How to Make the Most of Those Uncomfy Holiday Moments.

    BONUS – How to Make the Most of Those Uncomfy Holiday Moments.
    Dec 25 2024
    In this special bonus drop, four of our 2024 Uncomfy guests give some advice on how to stick with the discomfort that can come around the holidays. From potentially uncomfortable encounters with relatives to dealing with mental health struggles, we hope this advice helps you to get Uncomfy during this festive season. Featured Guests: Vanessa Otero (Ad Fontes Media), Erik DaRosa (From Survivor to Thriver), David French (The New York Times), and Rich Harwood (The Harwood Institute) Related Links: Vanessa Otero’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/ms7b-aDHMjk Erik DaRosa’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/aBTyU2UZeU0 David French’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/wD7V1_-0w2w Rich Harwood’s Uncomfy episode – https://youtu.be/jCpJ1e2Uwj4 Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Uncomfy.Podcast Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/uncomfypodcast.bsky.social Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast X - https://x.com/TheUncomfyPod
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    11 mins
  • How Gorillas Helped Me Understand Humans – Dawn Prince-Hughes on Autism & Belonging

    How Gorillas Helped Me Understand Humans – Dawn Prince-Hughes on Autism & Belonging
    Jun 4 2025
    Dawn Prince-Hughes spent years misunderstood—ostracized, unhoused, and struggling to find her place in the world. Everything changed the day she met a 500-pound silverback gorilla. In this powerful episode of Uncomfy, Dr. Prince-Hughes shares her extraordinary story of being identified as autistic at age 36—and how her connection with gorillas helped her understand human connection, truth, and herself. She explores what it means to belong, to embrace differences, and to connect on a primal, honest level. Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, primatologist, author, and co-chair of the Cultural Autism Studies Program at Yale. Read Dawn’s memoir: Songs of the Gorilla Nation: My Journey Through Autism – https://a.co/d/hwE3EBJ Learn more about the Cultural Autism Studies Program at Yale (CASY) – https://culturalautismstudiesatyale.space/ Share your Uncomfy story with us – uncomfy@byu.edu Subscribe/follow so you never miss an Uncomfy conversation! Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/06/how-gorillas-helped-me-understand.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Understanding Autism: Statistics and Awareness 01:08 Meet Dawn Prince-Hughes: Anthropologist and Primatologist 01:46 Dawn's Journey: From Homelessness to Working with Gorillas 03:38 Lessons from Gorillas: Social Interactions and Humor 08:32 Identifying Autism: Dawn's Personal Experience 12:49 The Power of Cultural Belonging 15:40 Societal Changes for Autistic Individuals 17:23 Conclusion
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    19 mins
  • She Lost Her Voice. Then She Found Herself. – Greta Morgan

    She Lost Her Voice. Then She Found Herself. – Greta Morgan
    May 28 2025
    What happens when the thing you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears? Greta Morgan, acclaimed singer-songwriter (The Hush Sound, Springtime Carnivore) and former touring member of Vampire Weekend, faced that terrifying question when she lost her singing voice due to Spasmodic Dysphonia, a rare neurological condition she suspects was triggered by long COVID. In this deeply personal episode of Uncomfy, Greta opens up about the shock of losing her vocal range, the identity crisis that followed, and the surprising way she found healing—not through medicine, but through solitude, storytelling, and a transformative silent retreat in Zion National Park. The Lost Voice by Greta Morgan is available now - https://m.cmpgn.page/QGMSs0 More from Greta - https://linktr.ee/gretamorgan Has discomfort ever helped you grow or change? Email us at uncomfy@byu.edu or find us on social media. We’d love to hear from you. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge and change us. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/she-lost-her-voice-then-she-found.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Discomfort 00:44 Meet Greta Morgan 01:20 The Lost Voice: A Life-Altering Diagnosis 06:44 Coping with Silence: A Journey to Zion 12:22 Rediscovering Creativity: Writing and Healing 14:51 Redefining Voice: Embracing Imperfection 20:08 Conclusion: Finding New Voices
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    22 mins
  • The Hidden Heroes of Arlington and What We Miss on Memorial Day – Gary Zelinski

    The Hidden Heroes of Arlington and What We Miss on Memorial Day – Gary Zelinski
    May 21 2025
    On this special Memorial Day episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer Gary Zelinski, author of “A Walk Among Heroes: Searching for America’s Better Angels,” to discover the hidden stories buried at Arlington National Cemetery. From boxing legend Joe Louis to Audie Murphy’s unsung wife, Pamela Opal Lee, Zelinski shares the deeply personal journeys that led him to uncover the silent heroes of our nation’s military past—and why he believes the families of service members deserve our honor just as much as the fallen themselves. What does Memorial Day mean to you? Who are the heroes in your family? Tell us in the comments or email us at uncomfy@byu.edu. Get Gary's book, “A Walk Among Heroes: Searching for America’s Better Angels” - https://garyzelinski.com/books/ Check out Julie’s other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose - https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Subscribe/follow for more conversations that challenge, inspire, and invite us to grow. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-hidden-heroes-of-arlington-and-what.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Memorial Day and Arlington National Cemetery 01:13 Intro to Gary Zelinski: A Walk Among Heroes 01:28 Gary's Personal Connection to Arlington 03:56 Joe Louis: A Hero Beyond the Ring 06:51 The Story of Pamela Opal Lee 09:32 Honoring Military Families 11:11 Reflections on Memorial Day 14:44 Conclusion
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    16 mins
  • I Forgave My Absent Father. Here’s Why. — Justin Jones-Fosu

    I Forgave My Absent Father. Here’s Why. — Justin Jones-Fosu
    May 14 2025
    Why would someone willingly step into an uncomfortable conversation, especially with someone who’s hurt them deeply? In this episode of Uncomfy, author and meaningful work researcher Justin Jones-Fosu shares the moving story of confronting his absentee father—not to accuse, but to understand. What followed changed his identity, his peace of mind, and even his connection to his heritage. Justin’s book, I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World — https://workmeaningful.com/books/ Justin’s company, Work. Meaningful. — https://workmeaningful.com/ Have you stepped outside your circle of comfort lately? Tell us about it — uncomfy@byu.edu Subscribe for more thoughtful, real conversations that push boundaries and invite growth. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/i-forgave-my-absent-father-heres-why.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:45 The Impact of Avoidance 01:33 A Personal Story: Confronting My Father 03:59 The Concept of 'Taking the Exit' 05:24 The Journey to Understanding and Forgiveness 11:45 The Circles of Grace Challenge 15:06 Conclusion and Call to Action
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    17 mins
  • A Parent’s Worst Nightmare, and Why She Speaks Out – Dawn Peabody (Kids and Car Safety)

    A Parent’s Worst Nightmare, and Why She Speaks Out – Dawn Peabody (Kids and Car Safety)
    May 7 2025
    Sometimes the hardest stories are the ones we need to hear most. In this episode of Uncomfy, Dawn Peabody shares the unimaginable loss of her 2-year-old daughter, Maya, who died after being accidentally left in a hot car. Dawn opens up about how she and her husband faced the tragedy, how faith and forgiveness helped them survive, and why she now speaks out in hopes of saving lives. Dawn reminds us that even the most loving, attentive parents can fall victim to distraction—and that we all have a role to play in preventing similar heartbreak. Learn more about car safety advocacy: https://www.kidsandcars.org Share your own Uncomfy moments with us: uncomfy@byu.edu Julie’s other podcast, Top of Mind with Julie Rose: https://lnkfi.re/TopofMind Episode transcript: https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-parents-worst-nightmare-and-why-she.html Uncomfy is a BYUradio podcast hosted by journalist Julie Rose.
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    11 mins
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