More In Common

The stories we tell about "those people"

We told ourselves these stories were just being careful. Discerning. Realistic. This week Keith and Gerren get into why that's almost never actually true — and what the brain is really doing when it writes narratives about other people before we've said a word to them.

Keith tells the story of a missing wallet, a homeless man on Manhattan Beach Pier, and what happened when they chose curiosity over certainty. Gerren brings research showing that dehumanizing narratives about groups literally constrain what policies people will accept — even against their own national interests. Together they work through the contact hypothesis, Jackie Robinson, warmth vs. competence, and why you cannot simply decide to stop stereotyping.

This is the arc finale. It earns everything that came before it. Neither of us settled it.

The Arc: 🎧 Episode 1 — The Trust Recession 🎧 Episode 2 — The Cost of Being Right 🎧 Episode 3 — Tightly Held Values, Loosely Held Beliefs 🎧 Episode 4 — The Stories We Tell About Those People

Resources Mentioned: 📊 2026 Political Research Quarterly → https://prq.sagepub.com 📚 Contact Hypothesis → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_hypothesis

Find Us: 🌐 https://www.moreincommonent.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent 🐦 https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent 📘 https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

Gerren Taylor: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@gerrent 💼 https://linkedin.com/in/gerrenT

Tightly Held Values, Loosely Held Beliefs

Tightly held values. Loosely held beliefs.

This week Keith and Gerren close out a three-episode arc on identity, truth and the cost of being right. The question driving it all: what are you actually protecting when you defend a belief? And what happens when you build your identity around values instead of roles, labels and group memberships?

They get into identity-protected beliefs and why evidence doesn't break through them, the Kahan paradox, AA's complicated success rate and what it tells us about how change actually works, and why the asymmetry between marginalized and dominant groups matters when we talk about identity protection.

Plus — Keith defines his own identity on mic in a way that might make you rethink yours.

Key Topics: Identity-protective cognition, the Kahan paradox, AA and the value of imperfect solutions, defining identity beyond roles, tightly held values vs. loosely held beliefs.

Resources Mentioned: 📚 AA Research → https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860574/ 🧠 Identity Protective Cognition → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity-protective_cognition

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The Cost Of Being Right

What are you willing to sacrifice for the feeling of being right?

This week Keith and Gerren get into why needing to win isn't just an ego problem — it's a neurological one. Being wrong activates the same brain regions as physical pain. Your brain generates counter arguments instead of evaluating evidence. And when your identity gets fused to your ideas, any challenge to what you believe feels existential.

They also get into why the Socratic method has never actually changed anyone's mind, what intellectual humility looks like in practice, and the therapist quote that sums up the whole thing in eleven words: you can be right, or you can have a relationship.

Key Topics: The neuroscience of being wrong, identity fusion and belief, the dopamine reward loop of winning arguments, intellectual humility, and what it actually takes to reset how we relate to each other.

Resources Mentioned: 🧠 Charlie Bloom — on being right vs relationships → https://www.huffpost.com/author/charlie-bloom

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The Trust Recession

It started with a debate about pie. It went somewhere much bigger.

This week Keith and Gerren get into trust — where it went, why it's so hard to rebuild, and what we're actually asking of each other when we say we want to repair it. From the neuroscience of why distrust is a physiological response to the very real question of whether political fractures can ever fully heal, this one covers a lot of ground without pretending any of it is simple.

Also: only 20% of Americans trust the federal government right now. The most trusted institution? Your employer. We leave that one right there.

Next week they're coming back for identity and what it has to do with all of this. Stay tuned.

Key Topics: The neuroscience of distrust and why it isn't a choice, Dunbar's number and the social architecture of trust, in-group vs. out-group conflict, what accountability actually requires, and the Edelman Trust Barometer's most uncomfortable finding.

Resources Mentioned: 📊 Pew Research — Public Trust in Government → https://www.pewresearch.org 📊 Edelman Trust Barometer → https://www.edelman.com/trust 📚 Dunbar's Number → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar%27s_number

Find Us: 🌐 https://www.moreincommonent.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent 🐦 https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent 📘 https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

 

Like what you heard? Leave us a comment in your podcast app — it genuinely helps more people find the show. See you next week.

The Man Talk Nobody's Having

Two guys, a microphone, and zero interest in pretending masculinity isn't having a moment.

This week Keith and Gerren dig into something they've been circling for a while — what masculinity actually means, what it costs when we get it wrong, and why so many men are still performing a version of themselves that was never really theirs to begin with.

From performative bravado to the very real mental health crisis sitting underneath it, this is the conversation your group chat is too scared to start. They get personal, they get honest — and they stick around at the end for Gerren's halftime karaoke debut at a Tijuana Zonkeys game. Yes, really.

Key Topics: Performative masculinity and why the bravado doesn't hold up, the influence of media and online communities on how men define themselves, vulnerability as strength rather than weakness, and what it looks like to actually build space for men to be real with each other.

Resources Mentioned: 📚 Scott Galloway on Masculinity → https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Scott+Galloway 🎬 Inside the Manosphere (Netflix) → https://www.netflix.com/title/81920687 🧠 Men's Mental Health Resources → https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/

Find Us: 🌐 https://www.moreincommonent.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent 🐦 https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent 📘 https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

 

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Like what you heard? Leave us a comment in your podcast app — it genuinely helps more people find the show. We'll see you next week.

How Bias Shapes Our Digital Lives

Summary

In this episode, Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson explore the complex relationship between social media, human psychology, and connection. They discuss groupthink, biases, the neurological impact of social media, and strategies for healthier engagement.

 keywords

social media, groupthink, human psychology, biases, neurological impact, connection, emotional awareness, AI, mental health, digital detox

 key  topics

Groupthink and social influence
Neurological effects of social media
Bias and perception in digital spaces

 guest  name

Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson

 sound bites

"That's how algorithms work on social media"
"They know exactly what hair products to send you"
"Our brains tend to choose brighter colors"

Chapters

00:00 The Art of Conversational Dance
01:16 Understanding Groupthink and Its Implications
02:59 The Influence of Algorithms on Decision Making
05:04 Navigating Social Media and Human Connection
08:43 The Impact of Social Media on Face-to-Face Interactions
12:34 Bias, Memory, and Decision Making
16:36 The Role of Emotional Awareness in Conversations
20:04 Generative AI and Its Effect on Reality
21:56 Finding Balance in a Digital World
25:45 Creating Healthy Boundaries with Social Media

 resources

Dolly Chug - The Person You Mean to Be - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4X7V4X
University of Kentucky Study on Social Media and Face-to-Face Contact - https://uknowledge.uky.edu/psychology_facpub/123
AI and Relationship Dynamics - https://www.example.com/ai-relationships

 

 

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The Cycle of Generational Judgment and How to Break It

summary

Explore generational differences, societal perceptions, and strategies for fostering understanding and connection across age groups. Kelly Brinkman, Keith Richardson, and Gerren Taylor delve into the roots of generational stereotypes, the impact of social media, and practical ways to build empathy and resilience.

 keywords

generations, social media, empathy, mental health, workplace, youth development, social change

 key  topics

Generational stereotypes and their origins
Impact of social media on youth and mental health
Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding across generations

 guest  name

Kelly Brinkman, Keith Richardson, Gerren Taylor

Titles

Bridging Generational Gaps: Understanding and Empathy in a Changing World
The Cycle of Generational Judgment and How to Break It

 sound bites

"This cycle of judgment repeats every 20 years."
"We want our kids to succeed but judge them harshly."
"Embrace your regional identity and differences."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Generational Perspectives
03:29 The Cycle of Generational Judgment
06:24 Cognitive Bias and Memory
09:10 The Impact of Environment on Behavior
12:19 Navigating Youth Sports and Competition
15:20 Understanding Generation Z's Mental Health
18:23 Mentorship and Support for Gen Z
21:13 Cultural Shifts and Emotional Well-being
24:26 Concluding Thoughts and Practical Takeaways

 resources

Bridgeworks on Generational Dynamics - https://bridgeworksonline.com
Understanding Social Media's Impact on Youth - https://www.example.com/social-media-impact
Mentorship Strategies for Young Employees - https://www.example.com/mentorship-strategies

 guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kellybrinkman
Twitter - https://twitter.com/keithrichardson

 

 content  type

Interview

 primary  goal

Discussion

 

The Future of Work: Adapting Leadership for Generational Diversity

Summary

Join us as Kelly Brinkman, a generational dynamics expert, explores the nuances of workplace stereotypes, generational differences, and how leadership can adapt to a rapidly evolving workforce. This episode offers research-backed insights and practical strategies for fostering collaboration across generations.

keywords

generational differences, workplace stereotypes, leadership, collaboration, work culture, remote work, generational traits

key topics

Generational stereotypes and their impact on workplace dynamics
How leadership can adapt to generational differences
The role of technology and remote work in shaping new work norms

sound bites

"Every individual is a unique snowflake."
"Leadership must be flexible and adaptable."
"Generational cycles repeat every 80 years."

Chapters

00:00 Generational Dynamics and Cultural References
05:21 Understanding Stereotypes and Their Impact
10:02 Navigating Workplace Communication Across Generations
15:27 The Evolution of Work Expectations
19:59 Leadership in a Multigenerational Workplace
25:09 Future Generations and Societal Cycles

resources

BridgeWorks - Generational Insights - https://bridgeworks.com/
The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe - https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Turning-Annealing-Crisis-Change/dp/0761514001
ChatGPT by OpenAI - https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/

 guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellybrinkman/
BridgeWorks - https://bridgeworks.com/

 

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Bridging Generations: How Formative Years Shape the Modern Workplace | Kelly Brinkman

Episode Description 

In this episode of More In Common, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor sit down with Kelly Brinkman, generational dynamics expert at BridgeWorks, to unpack how formative experiences shape workplace behavior across generations.

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, Kelly explains how brain development, cultural context, technology, and major world events influence how each generation approaches trust, loyalty, feedback, authority, and ambition.

Using neuroscience and sociology, the conversation explores why workplace friction isn’t about age — it’s about context. Kelly breaks down how neural pathways formed during adolescence create “rumble strip” moments when we encounter unfamiliar behaviors, and how understanding this can transform conflict into collaboration.

If you’ve ever wondered why Gen Z seems impatient, why Gen X values independence, or why Millennials blend personal and professional identity — this episode provides clarity.

At its core, this conversation is about one thing: building stronger human connection across differences.

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Keywords

generational differences, workplace culture, Gen Z in the workplace, Millennials at work, Baby Boomers leadership style, Gen X independence, formative years psychology, neural pathways and behavior, workplace conflict resolution, generational trust, loyalty in the workplace, generational communication styles, neuroplasticity, generational dynamics expert, More In Common podcast

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Core Themes & Takeaways

• Generations are shaped by formative brain development, not just age.

• Technology influences expectations of speed, access, and advancement.

• Trust and loyalty look different across generations.

• Neural pathways formed early in life create behavioral defaults.

• Workplace tension is often contextual, not personal.

• Neuroplasticity allows us to adapt — but it takes intention.

• Understanding context reduces judgment.

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Sound Bites

“It’s not about age — it’s about context.”

“Those deep neural pathways formed in our formative years become our default lane.”

“If you drive on the shoulder, you hit the rumble strips — and your instinct is to get back in your lane.”

“Gen Z isn’t entitled — they’ve grown up in a world where change happens every six months.”

“Trust is innate for some generations. For others, it has to be earned.”

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Chapters / Time Stamps

00:00 – Neural Pathways & The “Rumble Strip” Analogy
02:00 – Meet Kelly Brinkman & BridgeWorks
03:10 – What Defines a Generation? Formative Brain Development
06:30 – Baby Boomers: Authority, Loyalty & Structure
09:15 – Gen X: Independence, Disruption & Skepticism
12:45 – Millennials: Collaboration, Identity & Technology
15:30 – Gen Z: Speed, Smartphones & Imposter Syndrome
18:40 – Trust & Loyalty Across Generations
22:00 – Feedback, Advancement & Workplace Expectations
25:00 – Neuroplasticity & Breaking Out of Default Patterns
28:45 – Context vs Age: Reframing Workplace Conflict
32:20 – Final Reflections & Personal Insights

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Episode Through-Line

This episode reframes generational tension through neuroscience and sociology.

The friction we feel isn’t about “kids these days” or “outdated leadership.”
It’s about deeply wired expectations formed during our most impressionable years.

Understanding that context doesn’t eliminate differences — but it gives us a path to bridge them.


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Navigating the Truth: A Conversation with Jen Oliver

Episode Description 

In this episode of More In Common, Keith Richardson sits down with Jen Oliver for a deeply personal and grounded conversation about truth, recovery, relationships, and self-awareness.

Jen opens up about her lived experience navigating honesty in recovery, the subtle ways we distort truth to protect ourselves, and how self-protection can quietly erode intimacy. The conversation explores how unspoken narratives shape relationships, how motives influence communication, and what it takes to build trust when honesty feels risky.

This episode isn’t about abstract philosophy — it’s about the practical, emotional work of telling the truth when it costs you something. Together, Keith and Jen unpack how emotional maturity develops, how recovery sharpens self-awareness, and why integrity in relationships requires both courage and humility.

If you’ve ever struggled with hard conversations, protecting yourself in conflict, or reconciling your internal truth with what you present to the world, this episode will hit close to home.

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Keywords

truth in relationships, honesty in recovery, emotional maturity, self-protection, emotional intelligence, relationship conflict, communication skills, recovery journey, personal accountability, relational integrity, vulnerability, navigating honesty, growth mindset, modern relationships

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Core Themes & Takeaways

• Truth often reveals itself through tension.

• Recovery sharpens awareness of motive.

• Self-protection can become isolation.

• Integrity requires alignment between inner and outer truth.

• Honesty in relationships is built, not assumed.

• Emotional maturity is developed through discomfort.

• The stories we tell ourselves shape how we show up.

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Sound Bites (Aligned to Episode Tone)

“Sometimes the truth isn’t what we say — it’s what we’re avoiding.”

“You can protect yourself right out of connection.”

“Recovery forces you to look at your motives.”

“Honesty doesn’t mean being harsh. It means being aligned.”

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Chapters / Time Stamps

00:00 – Introduction & Framing the Conversation
02:18 – Finding Your True Voice in a Noisy World
08:07 – The Impact of Untruths in Relationships
14:25 – Motives, Self-Protection & Emotional Safety
20:40 – Honesty in Recovery: What It Really Requires
26:15 – Conflict, Accountability & Growth
32:48 – Navigating Truth Without Losing Compassion
38:10 – Living in Alignment with Your Values
42:30 – Final Reflections on Integrity & Connection

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Episode Through-Line

Jen is on the show to explore how truth functions as a muscle — one strengthened through recovery, relationship friction, and self-examination.

Throughout the conversation, the recurring thread is this:

Truth isn’t just about accuracy — it’s about alignment.

When our motives, words, and actions drift apart, connection erodes. When they realign, trust grows.

This episode reinforces a central More In Common idea: growth happens when we’re willing to examine ourselves honestly — especially in the places we’d rather not.

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