Hey everyone,
You know by now that this show isn't afraid to tackle the negativity and division that permeates our world. But it's also about finding glimmers of hope and solutions amidst the noise.
Remember Tami Pyfer, the founder of the "Call to Unite" initiative, who we spoke with last year? She joined us then to discuss the “Dignity Index” and the importance of fostering respectful discourse, even in the face of differing viewpoints. We were so inspired by her work that we couldn't wait to reconnect and see what progress she's made.
After the last episode, some folks expressed some confusion about the index. So this time around, we try to clear up those concerns. We talk about the challenges of navigating social media, where extreme voices often dominate, and the importance of creating spaces where nuanced conversations and respectful disagreement can thrive.
Holding onto core values, our "red lines" if you will, is crucial. However, Tami emphasizes that demonizing those who disagree with us only deepens the divide. Instead, she advocates for focusing on facts (without weaponizing them), holding individuals accountable for their actions without resorting to personal attacks, and seeking to understand, even when we ultimately disagree.
The conversation isn't sugarcoated. We acknowledge the uphill battle of fostering a culture of respect in today's political climate. But Tami's unwavering optimism is infectious. She believes that by shifting the incentive structure, where dignity is rewarded and contempt is held accountable, we can create positive change.
This episode isn't just about the "Call to Unite" initiative. It's about each of us taking responsibility for fostering respectful dialogue in our own communities, online and offline. It's about remembering the humanity of those we disagree with, and about choosing empathy over outrage.
Throughout this podcast, we'll continue to explore various approaches to bridging divides and lowering the temperature, offering you a diverse range of perspectives and practical tools. We'll look at community initiatives, educational programs, and individual acts of respect, all aimed at inspiring you to be part of the solution.
So, are you ready to join us on this journey? Tune in to be less stressed out and more effective in civic action.
Join my new subscriber chat
Today I’m announcing a brand new addition on Substack: the Outrage Overload subscriber chat.
This is a conversation space in the Substack app that I set up exclusively for my subscribers — kind of like a group chat or live hangout. I’ll post short prompts, thoughts, and updates that come my way, and you can jump into the discussion.
To join our chat, you’ll need to download the Substack app, now available for both iOS and Android. Chats are sent via the app, not email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss conversation as it happens.
How to get started
Download the app by clicking this link or the button below. Substack Chat is now available on both iOS and Android.
Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.
That’s it! Jump into my thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.
New This Week in Outrage Episode!
It’s everything the Outrage Overload podcast is not. It’s not edited. It’s not scripted. It’s lightly researched. It’s David and Lisa talking about this week in outrage, what was in the news, in the memes, and maybe finding some backstory with a humorous (at least to us) twist.