How to Have a Healthy Argument

The Atlantic

The Atlantic

27 min, 6 sec

A detailed analysis of the art of productive disagreement, featuring conversations with journalist Amanda Ripley and Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

Summary

  • Host Hunter Rosen dives into the theme of Thanksgiving as a time of familial gatherings and potential disagreements.
  • The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning to disagree effectively, rather than avoiding confrontation or being overly polite.
  • Journalist Amanda Ripley discusses her book, 'High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out', and the nuances between good and high conflict.
  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox discusses the 'Disagree Better' initiative and the importance of productive disagreement for democracy.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Radio Atlantic and the Art of Disagreement

0:02 - 47 sec

Host Hunter Rosen introduces the concept of Thanksgiving as a time that often brings about familial disagreements.

Host Hunter Rosen introduces the concept of Thanksgiving as a time that often brings about familial disagreements.

  • Hunter Rosen discusses the loss of the art of disagreeing well in today's era.
  • The topic of conversation is set to focus on learning to disagree in a more effective manner.

Chapter 2

Preview of Guests

0:49 - 59 sec

A preview of the guests for the episode, including a politician and journalist Amanda Ripley.

A preview of the guests for the episode, including a politician and journalist Amanda Ripley.

  • A politician, who is attempting to change political discourse, and Amanda Ripley will be featured.
  • Amanda Ripley is introduced as a journalist who wrote about the dynamics of conflict.

Chapter 3

Amanda Ripley's Insights on Conflict

1:48 - 49 sec

Amanda Ripley discusses her exploration of different types of conflicts and the importance of the right kind of conflict.

Amanda Ripley discusses her exploration of different types of conflicts and the importance of the right kind of conflict.

  • Ripley spent five years studying toxic conflicts and discovered the significance of engaging in the right type of conflict.
  • The conversation suggests that good conflict is necessary for growth and transformation.

Chapter 4

Personal Anecdotes on Conflict

2:37 - 1 min, 16 sec

Hunter Rosen and Amanda Ripley share personal stories about conflicts in their relationships.

Hunter Rosen and Amanda Ripley share personal stories about conflicts in their relationships.

  • Hunter Rosen recounts a disagreement with his partner about eating healthily.
  • Ripley shares a family conflict regarding the improper loading of a dishwasher.

Chapter 5

Understanding the Nature of High Conflict

3:53 - 1 min, 26 sec

High conflict is defined and distinguished from good conflict, with an emphasis on the importance of being heard.

High conflict is defined and distinguished from good conflict, with an emphasis on the importance of being heard.

  • High conflict is characterized as a specific state of mind that is different from mere annoyance or anger.
  • Good conflict involves a variety of emotions and leads to movement and progress.

Chapter 6

Listening Techniques and Conflict Resolution

5:19 - 1 min, 34 sec

The concept of looping as a listening technique is introduced to improve communication in conflicts.

The concept of looping as a listening technique is introduced to improve communication in conflicts.

  • Looping involves actively listening, distilling what's heard into one's own language, and checking for accuracy.
  • This technique is intended to make others feel heard and thus more willing to reciprocate understanding.

Chapter 7

Utah's Disagree Better Initiative

6:53 - 1 min, 34 sec

Governor Spencer Cox discusses the Disagree Better initiative and the role of conflict in politics.

Governor Spencer Cox discusses the Disagree Better initiative and the role of conflict in politics.

  • Cox emphasizes that disagreeing better is not about avoiding conflict but engaging in healthy conflict.
  • The initiative has been field-tested in Utah and is part of a broader effort to maintain democracy.

Chapter 8

Spencer Cox's Approach to Disagreement

8:27 - 1 min, 35 sec

Governor Spencer Cox shares his personal challenges and journey toward productive disagreement.

Governor Spencer Cox shares his personal challenges and journey toward productive disagreement.

  • Cox reflects on past experiences where his language may have contributed to unproductive conflict.
  • He discusses the importance of understanding opposing views without necessarily changing them.

Chapter 9

The Impact of Leadership and Conflict

10:01 - 2 min, 14 sec

Governor Cox shares his perspective on the current political landscape and the importance of leadership in fostering better disagreement.

Governor Cox shares his perspective on the current political landscape and the importance of leadership in fostering better disagreement.

  • Cox expresses concern about the potential collapse of democratic institutions due to unproductive conversations.
  • He criticizes Donald Trump's approach to disagreement and discusses the challenges Republican leaders face.

Chapter 10

Governor Cox's Regrets and Doubts

12:15 - 40 sec

Governor Cox expresses doubts about his actions regarding a controversial Congressional map and the consequences for trust in government.

Governor Cox expresses doubts about his actions regarding a controversial Congressional map and the consequences for trust in government.

  • Cox reflects on the potential harm caused by gerrymandering and its impact on public trust.
  • He acknowledges the difficulty in communicating his stance and the resulting public anger.

Chapter 11

Conclusion and Thanksgiving Message

12:55 - 14 min, 9 sec

The episode concludes with Hunter Rosen linking back to his personal conflict story and wishing listeners a Happy Thanksgiving.

The episode concludes with Hunter Rosen linking back to his personal conflict story and wishing listeners a Happy Thanksgiving.

  • Rosen and Ripley revisit the personal conflict story, and Rosen resolves to communicate better with his partner.
  • Rosen wishes listeners a productive approach to any conflicts that may arise during Thanksgiving.