Episodes

  • Sitting Down with My Best Friend’s Killer - Amanda Carrasco

    Sitting Down with My Best Friend’s Killer - Amanda Carrasco
    Sep 10 2025
    “I had a need to tell him how I felt. I wanted him to feel some of my pain.” Amanda Carrasco, restorative justice advocate and author of "Becoming the Brave One: My Journey to Justice," shares her story of choosing to have a restorative justice meeting with the man who killed her closest friend, Susan, who had taken Amanda in as a teen and become like a sister to her. In this powerful conversation with host Julie Rose, Amanda explains what restorative justice really is, why it’s not “soft on crime,” and how the process helped her release fear and reclaim her voice. Learn more about Amanda’s work and new memoir - https://amandacarrasco.com/ Check out the “Top of Mind” episode on the purpose of prisons and their role in the justice system - https://www.byuradio.org/1267d7ae-9f9b-48f8-b005-b7814846ccb6/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-what-is-the-purpose-of-prison Share your Uncomfy story with us - uncomfy@byu.edu Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Meet Amanda Carrasco: Restorative Justice Advocate 00:57 Understanding Restorative Justice 01:46 Amanda's Personal Story: A Journey Through Pain 05:06 The Restorative Justice Meeting: Preparation and Experience 08:12 The Impact of the Meeting: Fear, Healing, and Forgiveness 12:47 Rethinking Justice: Beyond Punishment 15:40 A Vision for Restorative Justice 17:44 Reflecting on Justice and Healing 18:09 Outro and Podcast Recommendation
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    20 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 Disability Made Me a Better Parent — Jessica Slice

    How Disability Made Me a Better Parent — Jessica Slice
    Sep 3 2025
    What makes someone fit to parent? In this episode of Uncomfy, writer Jessica Slice shares her story of becoming disabled at 28, learning to let go of perfectionism, and eventually embracing motherhood in her own way. Jessica talks about the obstacles she and her husband faced while trying to become foster parents, how she adapted parenting to her body, and why disability doesn’t equal tragedy. Check out more of Jessica’s work - https://www.jessicaslice.com/ Jessica’s latest book, Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World - https://www.jessicaslice.com/books Subscribe to Uncomfy for more honest conversations every Wednesday. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 0:34 Meet Jessica Slice 1:40 Becoming Disabled at 28 3:33 From Perfectionism to Parenthood 5:45 Finding Joy Within Limits 7:40 Being Better Prepared for Parenthood 9:36 Challenges with Becoming Foster Parents 12:04 Bringing Baby K Home 14:00 Parenting Adaptations 16:28 Rethinking Disability and Parenting 18:43 Closing Reflections
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    20 mins
  • How Concerts Can Turn Fans into Activists – Caleb Johnson

    How Concerts Can Turn Fans into Activists – Caleb Johnson
    Aug 27 2025
    What if your parents didn’t believe your life’s work was a priority issue? Planet Reimagined’s Caleb Johnson knows what that’s like. Growing up in a conservative evangelical family, climate change wasn’t exactly dinner table conversation. But a wildfire that came to their doorstep, and later losing their fire insurance, changed everything. In this episode of Uncomfy, Caleb shares how empathy helped him bridge that divide, why local stories matter more than abstract science, and how his work at Planet Reimagined uses concerts (yes, concerts!) to spark real climate action. Learn more about Planet Reimagined - https://www.planetreimagined.com/ Share your own “Uncomfy” story – uncomfy@byu.edu Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/how-concerts-can-turn-fans-into.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Meet Caleb Johnson 01:03 The Intersection of Music and Climate Activism 02:51 Bridging Climate Divides with Family 06:39 Empathy in Climate Conversations 09:46 Planet Reimagined: From Understanding to Action 10:44 Amplify: Turning Concerts into Climate Action 14:58 Success Stories and Future Goals 18:21 Conclusion and Additional Resources
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    20 mins
  • “Band of Brothers” Writer Tackles Love Across the Political Divide in New Film – Erik Bork

    “Band of Brothers” Writer Tackles Love Across the Political Divide in New Film – Erik Bork
    Aug 20 2025
    What happens when love crosses the political divide? Host Julie Rose sits down with “Band of Brothers” writer and producer Erik Bork to talk about his directorial debut, “The Elephant in the Room” — a romantic comedy where a Liberal and a Trump voter fall for each other. Inspired by Erik’s real-life friendships and fueled by a desire to explore America’s deepening polarization, this episode dives into the uncomfortable but necessary conversations around politics, relationships, and empathy. Check out “The Elephant in the Room,” available to rent digitally now - https://www.elephantintheroomfilm.com/ Are you in a mixed marriage of political ideology? Tell us about it – uncomfy@byu.edu Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/band-of-brothers-writer-tackles-love.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Episode Introduction 01:12 Introducing “The Elephant in the Room” 01:28 Inspiration Behind the Film 05:48 Challenges of Writing Cross-Partisan Characters 08:34 Balancing Perspectives in the Film 14:01 Hopes and Takeaways from the Film 15:54 Conclusion and Call to Action
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    18 mins
  • The Pain of Suicide Loss, and the Power of Naming It – Melissa Bottorff-Arey

    The Pain of Suicide Loss, and the Power of Naming It – Melissa Bottorff-Arey
    Aug 13 2025
    “We're not moving on — we're moving forward.” In this touching episode of Uncomfy, grief coach Melissa Bottorff-Arey opens up to host Julie Rose about losing her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide, and why she chose to name it in his obituary. Melissa shares how stigma, silence, and misunderstanding compound the pain of suicide loss, especially for mothers. She explains how simply showing up, even when you don't know what to say, can make all the difference, and how separating a person from the way they died can be a crucial part of healing. Melissa’s website and podcast, The Leftover Pieces - https://www.theleftoverpieces.com/ If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free & available 24/7. Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-pain-of-suicide-loss-and-power-of.html CHAPTERS 00:00 Content Warning 00:25 Introduction 01:07 Meet Melissa Bottorff-Arey 01:21 Discussing Suicide Openly 04:20 Misconceptions About Suicide 08:19 Normalizing Suicidality 10:40 Supporting Grieving Mothers 13:15 Alex's Legacy 14:37 Conclusion and Resources
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    16 mins