Episodes

  • When Faith, Family, and Politics Collide — Kaitlyn Schiess (REPLAY)

    When Faith, Family, and Politics Collide — Kaitlyn Schiess (REPLAY)
    Dec 24 2025
    How do you stay curious when someone’s words feel like a personal attack? In this replay episode—perfect for a season full of family gatherings, big emotions, and unexpected disagreements—host Julie Rose sits down with theologian, author, and podcast host Kaitlyn Schiess (The Ballot and the Bible; The Holy Post). Kaitlyn shares real stories from her life and ministry that reveal what’s actually going on beneath our most heated conflicts. She explains why political or theological disagreements often feel so personal, how family and identity shape our reactions, and what it takes to ask better questions when the conversation gets tense. Learn more about Kaitlyn Schiess’ work - https://kaitlynschiess.com/ We’d love to hear how you’ve navigated disagreement in your faith community. Email us at uncomfy@byu.edu or connect with us on social media. CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:19) Introducing Kaitlyn Schiess (2:21) Kaitlyn Schiess on Teaching Kids (3:36) Navigating Tough Conversations (8:48) Personal Stories of Conflict (17:05) Theological and Practical Reasons for Engagement (21:26) Kaitlyn's Upcoming Projects (21:46) Conclusion Episode originally aired on January 25, 2025.
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    24 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
  • A Lost Letter, a Stranger’s Kindness, and a Christmas to Remember. #LightTheWorld

    A Lost Letter, a Stranger’s Kindness, and a Christmas to Remember. #LightTheWorld
    Dec 17 2025
    When Amy Dott Harmer, executive director of the Utah Refugee Connection, discovered a forgotten note tucked inside Santa’s chair after a holiday celebration for refugees, she didn’t know what to do. The letter listed humble wishes: clothes, diapers, even toilet paper. Overwhelmed and out of time, Amy turned to social media, and that’s when Lenice Paulsen stepped up. In this special Light the World episode of Uncomfy, host Julie Rose talks with Amy Dott and Lenice about how an uncomfortable moment turned into a Christmas miracle and how paying attention to the needs around us can change lives. Learn more about Light the World, a global invitation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to spread light and serve others during the holiday season: https://www.lighttheworld.org Check out Utah Refugee Connection - https://serverefugees.org/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:44 The Gathering of Light Celebration 01:53 The Letter to Santa 05:13 Lenice's Response and Action 07:20 Delivering Christmas Miracles 10:30 Reflections on Light and Service 12:08 Conclusion
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    13 mins
  • From Anti-War Activist to Defender of American Power — Shadi Hamid

    From Anti-War Activist to Defender of American Power — Shadi Hamid
    Dec 10 2025
    When’s the last time you took a hard look at your own side? Political columnist and foreign policy expert Shadi Hamid joins Uncomfy to talk about the difficult, often painful process of changing your mind — especially when it means challenging the people on your own side. Hamid, once an outspoken critic of American power and an anti-war activist, now argues the opposite in his new book, “The Case for American Power.” In this episode, he opens up about: - His post-9/11 political awakening - Why he went from protesting U.S. power to believing it’s sometimes the only moral option - Cognitive dissonance around U.S. foreign policy - Why progressives shouldn’t give up on influencing American power from within - How we can disagree deeply while still living together in a democracy Shadi Hamid’s new book, “The Case for American Power” - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Case-for-American-Power/Shadi-Hamid/9781668031889 Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/12/from-anti-war-activist-to-defender-of.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Introducing Shadi Hamid 01:34 Shadi Hamid's Formative Years and Political Awakening 04:23 The Evolution of Shadi Hamid's Views on American Power 07:37 The Role of Identity and Experience in Shadi Hamid's Perspective 11:08 A Call to Action for Progressives 15:39 Conclusion
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    18 mins
  • I Picked Up a Stranger and It Changed Both Our Lives #LightTheWorld

    I Picked Up a Stranger and It Changed Both Our Lives #LightTheWorld
    Dec 3 2025
    When Tucson mom Rachel Scholes stopped to help a homeless woman on the side of the road, she didn’t know what to do next. Years later, she learned that her small act of kindness had changed a life forever. This heartwarming true story reminds us that no act of service is wasted even when it feels small or inconvenient. This episode is part of the “Light the World” initiative, a global invitation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to spread light and serve others during the holiday season. Learn more and find ways you can serve at https://www.lighttheworld.org/. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/12/i-picked-up-stranger-and-it-changed.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Light the World 00:40 Rachel's Story: An Ordinary Morning in Tucson 01:30 Meeting Jackie 03:01 Bringing Jackie Home 09:15 The Unexpected Reunion 13:20 Reflections on Service and Faith 16:03 Conclusion
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    17 mins
  • The Disagreement Julie Rose Wishes She Handled Better

    The Disagreement Julie Rose Wishes She Handled Better
    Nov 26 2025
    This week, we’re sharing something a little different on Uncomfy. Our host, Julie Rose, joins Michael Lee on his podcast When We Disagree—a show about arguments, why we have them, and what they teach us about ourselves. In this conversation, Julie opens up about one of her deepest regrets: a long-running disagreement with her late mother over what news she watched. It’s a raw, personal reflection on how our emotions can block us from seeing the people we love with compassion and curiosity. Listen to more episodes of When We Disagree - https://whenwedisagree.buzzsprout.com/2311101 Connect with Julie on social media - https://linktr.ee/i_am_julie_rose CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy and When We Disagree 04:02 Julie's Story – A Disagreement with Her Late Mother 12:01 Reflecting on Regrets and Lessons Learned 22:42 Conclusion
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    24 mins