In today’s episode, Brooke and Ben dive into different ways of thinking — open and closed, fixed and fluid and whatever exists in between. They discuss their different approaches to rule-following, how they deal with opinion chameleons and why finding common ground is one of the most effective ways to have a constructive conversation.

Ben also explains why he loves playing the devil’s advocate (and why Brooke finds it infuriating!) and finishes with a hard-hitting question: rigid or flexible lollies — which is better?

They discuss:

• hypersensitivity
• Brooke’s EMDR experience
• dealing with narrow-minded people
• chameleon opinions and why they’re so confusing
• rule-followers vs rebels
• improving cognitive flexibility
• how to engage different opinions without losing your mind
• why hope hurts sometimes
• the great lolly debate: rigid vs flexible

Thanks for listening!

Links:

• Find everything mentioned in today’s show at brookemcalary.substack.com 
• Become a paying supporter of ttath and get double the episodes! Weekly shows delivered straight to your inbox for just $8AUD/month or $80AUD/yr.
• If video is your jam, subscribe to our YouTube channel @thetortoiseandthehare
• Access the full, human-made transcript here

Credits:

• the tortoise & the hare is a McAlary Media production.
• Produced and hosted by Brooke McAlary and Ben McAlary
• Edited by Ben McAlary
• Studio equipment supplied by shot.studio
• Theme music is Edgar Allan Poe by Modern Aquatic