Derate The Hate

Teetering on a Tightrope, A Courageous Bipolar Journey

In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by author Steve W. Wilson to discuss his book, "Teetering on a Tightrope, My Bipolar Journey". They explore the severe mental health crisis in the US, particularly the challenges faced by those with bipolar disorder. Steve shares his traumatic childhood experience of being sexually assaulted and how it may have c...

Is a Civil "Is God Real?" Conversation Possible? 

In this episode of the Derate the Hate podcast, guest host, Julian Adorney, moderates a conversation between his wife, Cassie Kimbriel, a devout Christian, and his friend, Angel Eduardo, an atheist. The main topic of discussion is the existence of God. Angel argues that belief in God is unreasonable and implausible, while Cassie believes that the complexities of t...

Not All Paths To Forgiveness Look The Same

In this captivating conversation, I am happy to welcome Kathleen Israel, a true inspiration, who regales us with her extraordinary tale of traversing 500 miles across the Camino Santiago of Northern Spain at the age of 70. Listen as Kathleen unfolds the rich tapestry of her journey, weaving threads of forgiveness, resilience, and profound self-discovery. She illuminates the transf...

Rebuilding Trust In The Midst of a Knowledge Crisis

In my latest DTH conversation, I am joined by Bonnie Kristian, author of "Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community," The discussion underscores the pervasive lack of trust in institutions and the media within our society. Kristian emphasized how this erosion of trust has far-reaching cons...

How The Mood We Choose Affects Personal Growth

In this conversation, I am joined by Matt O'Neill of “The Good Mood Show” to discuss the power of love and positive attitudes in overcoming hate and negative emotions. Our conversation highlights the importance of personal responsibility and choosing gratitude to improve one's mindset. We explore multiple real-life examples of individuals who have overcome hate and d...

How Feeling Unseen Perpetuates Polarization

In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by New York Times columnist, political commentator and best-selling author David Brooks to discuss the issue of societal disconnection and its consequences. They explore the rise of loneliness, sadness, and hostility in modern communities, as well as the damaging effects of siloing and othering. The conversation touches on topics suc...

What is the formula for Listening AND Being Heard When Talkin' Politics and Religion?

In this episode, Wilk Wilkinson and Corey Nathan discuss the importance of having conversations about politics and religion without resorting to personal attacks. They emphasize the need to approach these conversations with openness and curiosity, seeking to understand the other person's perspective rather than trying to convinc...

The Courage To Step Outside Your Silo
A Covid-19 Paradigm Shift

In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Kevin Bass, a scientist who was dismissed from medical school for his COVID-19 advocacy. They discuss Kevin's initial mindset on COVID-19 and his interest in debunking misinformation. The conversation delves into the toxicity of the initial mindset, the difficulty of stepping outside echo chambers, and...

How To Detox From Toxic Political Polarization

In this episode, Columbia Prof. of psychology Peter Coleman joins Julian Adorney to discuss the concept of affective polarization and its role in fostering toxic polarization. He explains how affective polarization operates as an attractor, drawing individuals into cycles of animosity and antipathy towards opposing viewpoints. Coleman emphasizes the importance of sustained con...

Hope For Healing & Becoming Our Own Champion

In this episode, Linda Bjork joins Wilk to discuss the power of personal transformation and overcoming the challenges of depression. The conversation covers various themes including taking personal accountability, creating our own happiness, and recognizing our own value. Linda shares her own journey and how she came to the realization that we can be the champions of our own...

Recognizing and Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse

In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Dana Diaz, author of the book "Gasping for Air", to discuss narcissistic abuse. They explore the insidious nature of narcissistic abuse and how it gradually escalates over time. Dana shares her personal experience with narcissistic abuse and the challenges of confronting the reality of the abuse. They also discuss the ...

Not making the political personal...

In this conversation, Eva Kurilova returns to the DTH podcast to discuss the impact of identity politics on personal lives and the importance of individuality. Eva emphasizes the need to recognize and respect individual voices rather than categorizing people solely based on their identity labels. The conversation also explores the importance of open conversation and free speech in socie...

A DEI Conversation With More Curiosity And Less Contention

In this episode, guest host Julian Adorney invites Abby Benedetto of Core-Shifts.com for the 2nd of his Difficult Conversation Series as a way to model respectful and humble discussions on topics of disagreement. The value proposition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is explored, along with the benefits and concerns of affinity spaces. The concept of race ...

Today, over 70 years after Brown v. Board of Education, there is an urgent need to reaffirm and advance the core principles of the civil-rights movement. The defining question of our time: How do we break through the demonization and division, and move forward together as Americans? In this DTH episode, Wilk talks with Daryl Davis, Bion Bartning, Letitia Kim and Lory Warren, to explore compelling questions such as, “How much do ide...

Morality Shifts Based Upon False Narratives
In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by filmmaker Eli Steele. They discuss Eli's journey into film-making, the impact of film on his life, and his collaboration with his father, Shelby Steele. They delve into the inspiration behind Eli's documentary, 'What Killed Michael Brown?', and the dangers of oversimplification and identity politics. The conversatio...

Advocating for Unity & Personal Well-Being

Jason Littlefield is an impassioned educator and founder of EmpowerED Pathways. With over two decades of experience, he has influenced students and families globally, from Taiwan to Benin, Africa. Jason co-created the Empowered Humanity Theory, a dynamic framework for life, leadership, and learning. Through initiatives like EmpowerED Pathways and Free Black Thought, he advocat...

The Soul of Civility; Book discussion with Alexandra Hudson

In this episode, guest host Julian Adorney is joined by guest Alexandra Hudson to discuss her book, The Soul of Civility. They explore the difference between politeness and civility, the harm of incivility, and the importance of heroes and mentors in inspiring better behavior. The conversation flows into the importance of courage, balancing compassion and self-pro...

Bridging Divides Through Faith, Loving as Jesus Loved

 In a world marked by increasing divisions, embracing faith becomes a powerful incentive for unity and understanding. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified boundless love and compassion, we find a profound guide on how to navigate societal divides. It is not merely about what we believe but how we embody those beliefs in our actions. Loving as...

Reviving a sense of community and reflecting on his time working with Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s message was rooted in uplifting the people and organizing Americans for a better sense of community. He passionately advocated for equality, justice, and unity, envisioning a society where individuals transcended racial and social divides to stand together in solidarity. King's powerful speeches, such ...