Kamen works as a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness as a speaker, author, and positive psychology expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Lisa has impacted millions of people around the world.

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Managing Political Discord: Morality, Fighting, and the Path to Understanding with Kurt Gray, PhD

Many people in the US have grown weary of the non-stop political discord that permeates every aspect of their lives. Some of the information is so polarized that it begs to be agreed with or opposed to, often leading to online fighting and further fracturing societal cohesion. Managing this pervasive tension requires understanding the underlying frameworks that shape our sense of morality.

For tips on engaging in amicable civil discourse, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with social psychologist and author, Kurt Gray.

Kurt shares real-world stories about discovering shared values with others regardless of their political or moral views. He reveals the studies and conversation methods outlined in his book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.

Original Air Date Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

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Meet Our Guest:

Podcast about political discord, morality, fighting and understanding with Kurt Gray PhD

Social Psychologist Kurt Gray, PhD, is an award-winning researcher and teacher. He uses interdisciplinary methods to study people’s deepest held beliefs and ways to bridge moral divides.

He is an Associate Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. Kurt is also an adjunct associate professor of organizational behavior at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, where he teaches about organizational ethics and team processes.

Book: Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground

Kurt Gray — Managing Political Discord:

In Align Your Mind, Britt contends that our inner CEO should lead the mind’s peacemaking In Outage, Kurt reveals the origin of human moral judgment. {3:21}
65% of Americans are exhausted by the current political discord. {6:08}
How to respond to misinformation or disinformation. {10:25}
The CIV method for engaging in civil discourse. {17:36}

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Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

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Shareables:

“Fear has been so weaponized in the past several years.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “I'm an optimist. I think 99% of people are good in their hearts.” @kurtjgray on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “65% of Americans are part of something called the exhausted majority.” @kurtjgray on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “We are hardwired to be worried and threatened.” @kurtjgray on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.