Episode
The Role of Disagreement in Healthy Communication
- Podcast
- The Secrets of Being Podcast
- Published
- Feb 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1758
- Processing state
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Summary
On this episode of The Secrets of Being Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist, media contributor, and best-selling author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety and Can I Say That? Why Freedom of Speech Matters and How to Use it Fearlessly. From the beginning, I knew this conversation could go in so many directions because it touches on two things I care deeply about, which are speaking your truth and learning how to work with anxiety instead of feeling ruled by it. I open with a Dr. Seuss quote that feels just as relevant for adults as it does for children, because we are living in a time where so many people feel divided, afraid to speak, or unsure how to disagree without losing connection. Dr. Chloe shares how her book Can I Say That? came from her own experiences of self-censorship, beginning in college and continuing through her doctoral training and career. She explains how often she felt pressured to smile and nod, even when something did not feel fully scientific or fully honest, because speaking up could cost her opportunities, professional relationships, or public approval. Then COVID became the turning point. Dr. Chloe shares how a decision involving her young son and masking brought her to a moment where she felt she could not stay silent anymore. She speaks candidly about backlash, the clarity that came from finally having real conversations, and the emotional relief that followed. We talk about how speaking up can sharpen your thinking, strengthen your social support, and help you discover who your real people are. One of the most valuable parts of this episode is our discussion about how to disagree agreeably, especially in families, relationships, workplaces, and communities. Dr. Chloe explains refle…