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October 9, 2025 52 mins

Are you ready to unravel the hidden psychology of moral outrage and discover practical tools for turning intense conflict into genuine understanding? In this eye-opening episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets, social psychologist and author Dr. Kurt Gray joins the hosts to reveal how our sense of right and wrong shapes everything from social media disputes to personal relationships and political division.

Together, we unpack why humans are so deeply wired for moral outrage, the evolutionary forces that keep us alert to wrongdoing, and how our brains quickly flip people from friends to foes. Dr. Gray explores why liberals and conservatives clash over who is vulnerable, explains the fundamental attribution error, and digs into how social media intensifies group anger.

Most importantly, you will learn actionable techniques for shifting from outrage to curiosity, building empathy, and connecting through storytelling both at home and in society. If you want to break free from cycles of blame and find new ways to listen, this episode will empower you to have braver, more transformative conversations one story at a time.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

  • Psychological roots of moral outrage
  • Harm perception in political disagreements
  • Overcoming conflict through curiosity
  • Impact of social media echo chambers
  • Building empathy with personal storytelling

View extended shownotes here

Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12

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