Outrage Overload

In this special documentary-style episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we look at the world of electoral politics and the challenges of close elections. Drawing inspiration from the movie "Swing Vote" and real-life insights from history, political science, and contemporary discourse, we explore the trend of close elections and the implications of razor-thin margins. We discuss the importance of understanding how democracy works, the role of swing voters, and the impact of affective political polarization. The episode also examines the dangers of undemocratic takeovers and the need for compromise and cooperation in a divided society. I hope you enjoy this first of a kind episode on the Outrage Overload podcast. We hope to do more of these documentary-style episodes in the future and we really appreciate your feedback. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How to Rise Above Nasty Politics In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, host David Beckmeyer interviews Thomas Zeitzoff, a professor specializing in political violence and political psychology. The episode explores the concept of "nasty politics" and its impact on political discourse and democracy. Zeitzoff discusses the different forms of negativity in politics, from insults and conspiracy theories to threats of violence and actual violence. He explains that while voters may claim to dislike nasty politics, it often grabs their attention and can even signal toughness. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Discover how seemingly neutral topics can become politicized in this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast. Host David Beckemeyer is joined by researcher Dino Carpentras to explore the dynamics of polarization and dialogue. They discuss how even simple topics like circles and pencils can become battlegrounds for political ideologies, and the implications this has for our society. Learn how polarization can occur in new topics and how neutral attitudes can become polarized. Gain insights into the challenges of reducing uncertainty and lowering the temperature in today's supercharged world. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How Broken Trust is Poisoning American Democracy In this episode, host David Beckmeyer interviews Andreas Schedler about his research on political polarization in the United States. Schedler challenges the traditional understanding of polarization as a simple left-right divide and argues that the breakdown of trust is a fundamental factor driving hostility between political factions. He explains that people increasingly believe the other side is willing to break the rules of democracy to win, leading to a dangerous lack of trust. Schedler discusses the importance of recognizing these perceptions and engaging in dialogue to bridge the divide. He also highlights the need for critical thinking and self-reflection to overcome polarization. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Why We Resist Facts & How to Fight Back! In this episode, we explore the concept of knowledge resistance with Dr. Åsa Wikforss. We discuss the complex factors that contribute to knowledge resistance, including confirmation bias and motivated reasoning. The conversation highlights the importance of trust in reliable sources of knowledge and the need for a well-functioning information landscape. Dr. Wikforss emphasizes the social dimension of knowledge and the role of institutions in fostering trust and promoting critical thinking. They also touch on the challenges posed by the current information environment and the potential solutions, including deliberative polling and citizen assemblies. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Why we need to abandon the Left-Right political spectrum paradigm In this episode of Outrage Overload, we explorer the concept of left versus right thinking with guest Hiram Lewis. They discuss the flaws in the left versus right paradigm and how it hinders productive political discourse. Lewis argues that these labels do not represent consistent philosophies but rather a broken paradigm based on social conformity. He suggests that focusing on individual issues and abandoning the political spectrum would lead to more rational and civil political discussions. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How Braver Angels is Lowering the Temperature in Political Conversations In this episode, David interviews Luke Nathan Phillips, the Publius Fellow for Public Discourse at Braver Angels. They discuss the mission of Braver Angels and how the organization is working to bridge the political and cultural divide in America. Luke shares the origins of Braver Angels and how it has grown into a national organization dedicated to helping Americans find value in each other without necessarily agreeing on political issues. They explore the importance of depolarization work and how it can foster understanding and trust among individuals with diverse political beliefs. Luke also highlights the role of emotions and social practices in depolarization work, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue and respectful engagement. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Success Stories: Why You Need the Dignity Index in Your Toolbox Tami Pyfer, Chief of Staff and Project Director for UNITE, returns to discuss the progress of the Dignity Index, a scale that rates speech for dignity or contempt. The goal is to encourage healthy debate and problem-solving by treating others with dignity. The index is being used to score political speech, with the hope of holding us accountable for our language. The focus is on finding higher ground and creative solutions. Listen in to uncover success stories, equip yourself with actionable strategies you can implement in your own conversations, online interactions, and civic engagement, and understand how you can contribute to building a more civil and productive political landscape. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Why even those who value democracy might contribute to its decline Americans across the political spectrum express concerns about the health of democracy. In this episode of the Outrage Overload Podcast, host David Beckmeyer delves into the paradox of democratic erosion with researcher Alia Braley. They discuss the perception that political opponents are ready to subvert democratic norms and how this perception fuels democratic backsliding. The episode explores the potential for reversing negative trends by bridging the perception gap and promoting costly signals of good faith. Discover how understanding political psychology can contribute to lowering the temperature and strengthening democracy. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How a Fun Game Reduces Political Polarization Discover how a fun online game called GuesSync! is reducing political polarization and fostering empathy across party lines. In this episode, host David Beckmeyer interviews Ashwin Rajadesingan, the creator of GuesSync!, about the surprising results of the game and its potential to lower the temperature in our politically divided society. Find out how the game corrects misperceptions and encourages civil discourse, and learn about the future of this innovative approach to bridging the political divide. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on Outrage Overload. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How Real-Life Communities Are Tackling Tough Topics in Education In this episode, we meet Ken Futernick, the host of the podcast "Courageous Conversations About Our Schools." We discuss the importance of dialogue over debate in addressing the culture wars and divisive issues in education. Ken shares his concerns about claims of indoctrination in schools and the banning of books. He emphasizes the need for healthy conflict and listening to different perspectives to find common ground. The conversation explores the role of trust, relationships, and empathy in fostering understanding and depolarization. Through examples and personal experiences, Ken and David highlight the complexity of issues like book banning, immigration, and abortion, and how drilling down to specific policies can reveal more agreement than initially perceived. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Is This Podcast Part of the Problem or the Solution? In this thought-provoking episode, host David Beckemeyer takes a deep dive into the Outrage Overload podcast, offering a self-reflective analysis of our approach to navigating the intricate landscape of American democracy. The episode serves as a meta-analysis, scrutinizing our treatment of topics such as polarization, potential pitfalls of false equivalences, potential limitations of civil dialogue, and threats to democracy arising from a radicalizing right. The meta-analysis encourages the audience to critically assess the podcast's handling of complex topics and participate in conversations that go beyond simplistic narratives. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How to be the adult in the room, no matter your age. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Kevin Smith, a political science professor, about the challenges of political division and the erosion of democratic norms. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of gracefully accepting defeat in a democracy and the responsibility of individuals to promote civility and critical thinking. He discusses the role of media consumption, education, and individual agency in combating polarization and rebuilding a healthier democracy. The conversation highlights the need for good dialogue, compromise, and the recognition of shared values in order to navigate the challenges of a polarized climate. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Selling Fury: How Television Turned Outrage into a Commodity In this episode, we heard from Professor Robert Thompson about the history of television and its impact on our society. They discuss the evolution of news media, from the golden age of TV to the rise of trash TV and reality shows. They also explore the current state of news commentary and the role it plays in fueling outrage and division. Professor Thompson provides insights into the incentives that drive media companies and the challenges of finding common ground in a fragmented media landscape. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How distorted memories of the Civil Rights Movement fuel today's divisions In this bonus episode for MLK Day, host David Beckmeyer interviews Hajar Yazdiha, an assistant professor of sociology and author of "The Struggle for the People's King." They discuss the hidden narratives and complexities of the civil rights movement, the misperceptions surrounding Martin Luther King Jr., and how the memory of the movement has been distorted to fuel outrage and political agendas. They also explore the role of race in American society, the importance of critical and spiritual education, and the need for a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How Outrage Addiction Hijacked Our Conversations Peter Coleman discusses the current state of political polarization in America and offers practical strategies for bridging divides and fostering understanding. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the "exhausted middle majority," the majority of Americans who are tired of the vitriol and division in politics. Coleman explains that the perception gap, where each side believes the other is more extreme than they actually are, contributes to the polarization. He suggests intentionally complicating our understanding of complex issues and seeking out diverse perspectives to combat oversimplification. Coleman also introduces "The Challenge," a four-week program designed to help individuals and communities engage in civil discourse and find common ground. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

How social media gives us what captures our attention rather than what we actually want In this episode we talk to Dr. Steven Rathje, building on research from prior episodes, we look at how out-group animosity drives engagement on social media. Dr. Steven Rathje discussing research that found that social media creates incentives for out-group animosity, which can be a factor in increasing polarization. It is also harmful for mental health and society. In this episode, we talk about the increasing problem of transparency of social media platforms and how independent researchers are being shut out. This makes it impossible for researchers to examine the impacts of these platforms on society. In this episode you will learn about negative affect language, moral language, negativity bias, social identity theory, and much more. This is a remix of episodes 8 and 9. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we hear from Matt Levendusky, a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, about political polarization and bridge building. Levendusky discusses the challenges of political polarization and the toll it takes on our mental and emotional health. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on our shared values and identities to build bridges and find common ground. Levendusky also addresses the role of media in exacerbating polarization and offers strategies for reducing polarization and engaging in respectful dialogue with people who have different views. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

In this one-year anniversary episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we reflect on the past year of diving deep into the outrage machine and searching for ways to lower the temperature. We’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Peter Ditto, our very first guest, as we reexamine the ongoing challenges of political polarization and the erosion of trust in democracy. One year ago, Professor Ditto warned us about the deepening divide in American politics, the erosion of trust in our institutions, and the potential for even more conflict. Now, he’s back to assess the damage and perhaps offer some much-needed hope. So, strap in, folks, and get ready for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of our democracy. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Late-Night Comedy, Far-Right Talk Shows, and Why You Might Be Wrong In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, host David Beckmeyer interviews Dannagal G. Young, a communication expert who studies how the media influences our political beliefs. They discuss the similarities between late night comedy shows and far right talk shows, the impact of these shows on viewers, and the shared characteristics of their audiences. They also explore the demand side of wrongness and how our need for comprehension, control, and community can influence our beliefs. Young offers insights into how we can be more intentional about our online presence and embrace intellectual humility to combat misinformation. Key Takeaways: Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Show Notes: https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. HOTLINE: 925-552-7885 Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it. Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.