Overcoming Polarization, Anger, and Divisiveness with Shared Values, Humanity, and Optimism with Dr. Emily Bashah & Hon. Paul E. Johnson

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Bashah and Hon. Paul E. Johnson. They are hosts of the influential podcast “The Optimistic American” and authors of the insightful book “Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency When Politics Fail You”. Dr. Bashah is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Hon. Paul E. Johnson is a political analyst and the former mayor of Phoenix. They talk about the dangers of ideology and radicalization in the current political environment. Dr. Bashah’s experience in criminal, immigration, and civil courts alongside the political savviness of Hon. Paul E. Johnson makes them expert analysts on not only why people tend to move to the extreme but also how to find agency, peace, and healing amid anger and hostility and politically charged discussions and surroundings. Emily explains the current political climate by tapping into research in neuroscience while Paul shows us how both the left and the right on the political spectrum alongside media outlets have engaged in aggressive tactics and fear-based strategies to further their own agendas. Yet, it is important that we look at the facts and consult different sources and that we foster personal agency throughout and not fall sway to the inherent negative bias. We all have the capacity to do good or evil and often it comes down to personal choice. As a result, we ought to tap into our shared humanity and values and choose what is best for ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our country. In fact, the movers and shakers of history have always believed that they can bring about positive change, and we should not lose sight of the many options and opportunities that are within reach and within each of us to solve these lingering issues together and with love and empathy.