Episodes

  • What Paramedics See That Changes Them Forever – Kevin Hazzard

    What Paramedics See That Changes Them Forever – Kevin Hazzard
    Mar 25 2026
    When someone calls 911, they’re not just asking for help, they’re handing over everything. Author and former paramedic Kevin Hazzard takes us inside his very first cardiac arrest call: a Thanksgiving dinner, a grandmother collapsing at the head of the table, and a room full of people waiting for a miracle that might not come. But the moment that stayed with him isn’t what you’d expect. ABOUT GUEST Kevin Hazzard is an author, journalist, TV and film writer, and former paramedic. His memoir is called “A Thousand Naked Strangers.” His new book is “No One’s Coming: The Rogue Heroes Our Government Turns to When There’s Nowhere Else to Turn” (https://a.co/d/0eVCVDLA) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:00) Meet Kevin Hazzard (1:25) Thanksgiving Cardiac Arrest (4:29) Aftermath and Family Grace (5:48) Medicine on Display (7:30) Why the Job Hooks You (9:47) Tourist to True Believer (12:03) Mortality and Presence (13:09) Burnout and Wake Up Call (16:09) What Heroism Really Means (18:37) The New Book (20:00) Conclusion
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    22 mins
  • 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 to Make Someone Feel Heard (Even When You Say No) - Julia Minson

    How to Make Someone Feel Heard (Even When You Say No) - Julia Minson
    Mar 18 2026
    What if the goal of disagreement isn’t to win but to build a bridge to the next conversation? Harvard Kennedy School professor Julia Minson studies one thing: how to disagree better. In this episode of Uncomfy, she shares why most of us confuse disagreement with conflict and how that mistake quietly damages our closest relationships. From ballroom dancing arguments with her husband to a life-and-death disagreement with her mother’s oncologist, Julia explains the powerful difference between being receptive and being persuaded. “You don’t have to give in to make someone feel profoundly heard.” ABOUT GUEST Julia Minson is a professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and author of the new book, “How to Disagree Better” (https://www.juliaminson.com/) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:56) Meet Julia Minson (1:30) Kitchen Dance Disagreement (4:12) Disagreement vs Conflict (6:07) Studying Disagreement (7:18) Receptive Not Persuaded (8:43) Mom’s Doctor Story (13:01) Listen With Your Mouth (15:08) HEAR Framework Breakdown (19:12) Authenticity and Practice (21:03) Conclusion
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    23 mins
  • How Advocating for My Child Led to My ADHD Diagnosis – Caitlin Kindred

    How Advocating for My Child Led to My ADHD Diagnosis – Caitlin Kindred
    Mar 11 2026
    What do you do when you hear your child’s teacher may be treating them unfairly — and you hate confrontation? Caitlin Kindred shares the phone call that left her shaking… and forced her into “mama bear” mode. What started as an uncomfortable school conflict led to something unexpected: her son’s ADHD diagnosis — and ultimately her own diagnosis at age 38. ABOUT GUEST Caitlin Kindred is a mom, former middle school teacher, and co-host of the podcast “How to Be a Grownup: A Humorous Guide for Moms” (https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:46) A Call from A Concerned Parent (3:09) Avoiding Confrontation (4:18) Email and Meeting Plan (5:32) ADHD Discovery (7:40) Late Diagnosis Validation (9:49) ADHD Traits and Time (11:30) Parenting With ADHD (13:15) News Stress and Boundaries (16:22) Conclusion
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    18 mins
  • Why You Should Skip the Small Talk — Kalina Silverman

    Why You Should Skip the Small Talk — Kalina Silverman
    Mar 4 2026
    What if one big question could change your life? Kalina Silverman became known around the world for walking up to strangers and skipping the small talk. Instead of “How’s the weather?” she asks questions like: - What are you proud of? - What’s been the darkest time of your life—and how did you get through it? - What do you want to do before you die? She calls it Big Talk, and she thinks everyone should be doing it. ABOUT GUEST Kalina Silverman is the creator of Big Talk (@makebigtalk on Instagram and Tik Tok) and author of the new book, “Big Talk: How to Skip the Small Talk, Make Meaningful Connections, and Enrich Your Life” (https://www.kalinasilverman.com/) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:41) Meet Kalina Silverman (1:39) The First Big Talk Experiment (2:59) The Simple Intro That Works (4:35) The Magic of Talking to Strangers (6:16) Big Talk 101 (7:31) Big Talk Conversations After Disasters (9:42) Listening Without Fixing (10:20) Who the Book Is For (11:39) Personal Impact (12:57) Conclusion
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    15 mins
  • The Text That Could’ve Torn Them Apart — Anne Marie Denman

    The Text That Could’ve Torn Them Apart — Anne Marie Denman
    Feb 25 2026
    What happens when someone you love doesn’t react the way you do to something that feels viscerally wrong? After the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Anne Marie Denman texted her mom, and what followed was a conversation that could have deepened a painful divide. Instead, it deepened their connection. CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:42) Meet Anne Marie Denman (2:05) Mom Checks In—And the Reply That Stung (4:34) Catching Dysregulation & Choosing a New Response (5:32) Naming the Real Issue (8:03) The Risk of Uncomfy Conversations (8:59) Her Mom’s Response (and Why It Was Enough) (10:07) A Troubled History and What the Email Changed (13:18) How Their Family Stays Connected Through Deep Differences (15:52) Why Anne Marie Shares Her Story (18:27) Conclusion
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    20 mins