Good Life Project Tired of Fighting With “opponents,” What if There Was a Better Way? | Scott Shigeoka
Aug 21, 2025
Scott Shigeoka, a Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, shares his transformative journey of curiosity and connection. He details his year-long road trip, where he engaged with people holding opposing views, revealing how curiosity can bridge divides. The discussion includes his DIVE framework for navigating tough conversations and how personal stories foster empathy. Scott emphasizes the power of transforming fear into curiosity, suggesting that understanding our fears can lead to meaningful connections and deeper relationships.
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Personal Stories Opened Doors At A Rally
- At a Minnesota Trump rally Scott shared personal vulnerability and found shared experiences of being othered.
- Personal storytelling opened empathy and mutual recognition across political lines.
Curiosity Unwinds Fear And Anxiety
- Scott discovered curiosity reduces fear and anxiety when approaching people who scare us.
- Repeated curious encounters made him feel more optimistic and less threatened.
Train Your Curiosity Muscle Gradually
- Start with small, achievable curiosity exercises and build the muscle over time.
- Increase the challenge gradually before attempting bolder, high-stakes conversations.
