#80 College in a Polarized World: Navigating Conflict with Resilience with Bob Bordone

Conflict on college campuses has changed—and not just because of roommates and group projects.In this episode of College Is Fine, Everything’s Fine, we’re joined by Bob Bordone, conflict and negotiation expert, former Harvard Law School professor, and author of Conflict Resilience, for a timely conversation about how students can navigate disagreement when the stakes feel personal, political, and deeply tied to identity.From classroom discussions and group chats to social media posts and friendships strained by global events, Bob helps us understand why conflict feels so overwhelming right now—and why avoidance has become the default coping strategy. He introduces the concept of conflict resilience, a skill that isn’t about “winning,” fixing, or resolving differences, but about staying present, authentic, and connected in the face of discomfort.Together, we explore:Why conflict avoidance feels safer—but costs us more in the long runHow polarization and social media amplify fear, reactivity, and disconnectionThe difference between aggression, assertion, and avoidanceWhat “disagreeing better” actually looks like in dorm rooms, classrooms, and relationshipsHow to raise hard topics without betraying your values—or yourselfWhy conflict resilience is a core leadership and life skill, not just a communication tacticBob also shares practical ways students can start building conflict resilience right now, including reframing conflict as a normal (and even connective) part of relationships and learning to sit with discomfort instead of immediately fleeing it.If you’ve ever felt anxious about speaking up, setting boundaries, or engaging with someone who sees the world very differently than you do, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful path forward.Links to Bob Bordone’s book Conflict Resilience and his work are below:https://www.bobbordone.com/https://www.bobbordone.com/booksWant to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcastTik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcastEmail: [email protected] is Deadbeats by Rex Banner