The Importance of having uncomfortable conversations in a comfortable community with Josh Szeps

When was the last time you had a conversation with someone that was uncomfortable?

When you heard something they said, and you got the floods. Your heart rate spiked, your hands started to shake, you wanted to not just show them how wrong they were for saying that, but to utterly dominate them into submission?

Did you stop to think about why it was uncomfortable? Were they being out and out racist? Misogynistic? Cruel?

Were they pointing out something in you that you don’t like, and instead of realising that indeed you hold views that you yourself find awful - you projected that anger back on to them?

For example, you’re 100% against vigilante justice, and when someone asks you - but what if it was your child that was the victim, do the feelings of rage that arise inside you make you so uncomfortable that they’re even there that you get upset at the other person for suggesting you would ever carry out an extrajudicial beating?

Uncomfortable conversations are vital to have. And if you’re not very good at them, thankfully Josh Szeps is - and you can hear him having uncomfortable conversations every week on his podcast of the same name.

Josh is a broadcaster, political satirist, and television presenter, widely recognized for his engaging work on the ABC network here in Australia. With a diverse background hosting shows like Weekend Breakfast, NSW Afternoons, and The Drum, Josh brings a wealth of experience and insight to our conversation.

I get challenged every single time I speak with Josh, and I relish in the practice of being challenged on my ideas by someone who I trust and consider a great friend - because it’s good practice to not feel like I myself am being challenged, just the idea.

I take big breaths when I speak to Josh, but I love it. He’s got a brain on him and I can’t wait for you to hear this chat. Josh has an unflinching commitment to social justice, and is a powerful voice for change. He’s absolutely committed to making the world a more just and equitable place which I’m sure you’ll be inspired by, just as I am.

LINKS

• Check out Josh's podcast Uncomfortable Conversations
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