Earn & Invest 704. Can I Say That? w/ Chloe Carmichael
Feb 2, 2026
Dr. Chloe Carmichael, clinical psychologist and bestselling author who studies anxiety and free speech. Conversation covers cancel culture and when distancing someone is reasonable. Talks about harms of self-censorship, why hearing opposing views builds resilience, and a practical WEIGHT test to decide when to speak up.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Literalizing 'Words Are Violence' Risks Real Harm
- Chloe warns that treating the phrase "words are violence" literally risks justifying physical retaliation.
- She says people are increasingly interpreting metaphorical language as literal permission for violence.
Publishing A COVID Take Sparked Her Shift
- Chloe describes moving to Florida during COVID to avoid masking her young son and then publishing an article that challenged the media consensus.
- Her piece triggered significant reaction and helped her realize the mental-health benefits of speaking openly.
Self-Censorship Harms Mental Health
- Chloe links self-censorship to rising loneliness and poorer emotional health because people avoid vulnerability.
- She explains naming emotions and honest talk lower cortisol and improve problem-solving.
