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Empathy Isn't the Problem: Untangling the Myths and Staying Engaged Without Burning Out

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Content provided by Valerie Friedlander. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Valerie Friedlander or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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Empathy isn’t the problem—but lately, some voices claim that it is, arguing that empathy leads to irrational decisions or even “civilizational suicide.” If you’re someone who cares deeply, you probably reject the idea that empathy is a threat to society. In fact, you likely believe we need more empathy in the world, not less. Yet at the same time, you might find yourself struggling with empathy exhaustion and wondering how to stay engaged without burning out. This episode is to help you unpack how this flawed argument is connected to your exhaustion and how you can stay engaged in meaningful social change while caring for yourself as a compassionate person.

In this episode of Mindset Unlimited, I explore why empathy isn't the problem or the solution but a complex human capacity that we need to understand to avoid manipulation and prevent burnout.

Some of what I explore in this episode includes:

  • Unmasking the manipulation of empathy in political and media narratives
  • Breaking the cycle of empathy and self-erasure
  • Understanding compassion fatigue
  • Engaging practical tools for emotional resilience

EPISODES REFERENCED:

How to Avoid Overwhelm and Access Joy

How to Prioritize Your Needs (Beyond Maslow)

How to Navigate Societal Gaslighting and Stay Empowered

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Darwin Misunderstood

Interview with Sam Altman

Suicidal Empathy critique

Nazi Mind

Are Billionaires Good For Society?

The People’s Media Project

From Compassion Fatigue to Resilience

Hypernormalization

Dr. Scott Lyons

In Defense of Empathy

Why a Lack of Empathy Is the Root of All Evil

Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

Ask Valerie

Sign up for Valerie’s newsletter

Schedule an exploration call

This podcast was produced by Valerie Friedlander Coaching

Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective

Support the show

  continue reading

130 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 494750301 series 2824596
Content provided by Valerie Friedlander. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Valerie Friedlander or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Send me a text!

Empathy isn’t the problem—but lately, some voices claim that it is, arguing that empathy leads to irrational decisions or even “civilizational suicide.” If you’re someone who cares deeply, you probably reject the idea that empathy is a threat to society. In fact, you likely believe we need more empathy in the world, not less. Yet at the same time, you might find yourself struggling with empathy exhaustion and wondering how to stay engaged without burning out. This episode is to help you unpack how this flawed argument is connected to your exhaustion and how you can stay engaged in meaningful social change while caring for yourself as a compassionate person.

In this episode of Mindset Unlimited, I explore why empathy isn't the problem or the solution but a complex human capacity that we need to understand to avoid manipulation and prevent burnout.

Some of what I explore in this episode includes:

  • Unmasking the manipulation of empathy in political and media narratives
  • Breaking the cycle of empathy and self-erasure
  • Understanding compassion fatigue
  • Engaging practical tools for emotional resilience

EPISODES REFERENCED:

How to Avoid Overwhelm and Access Joy

How to Prioritize Your Needs (Beyond Maslow)

How to Navigate Societal Gaslighting and Stay Empowered

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Darwin Misunderstood

Interview with Sam Altman

Suicidal Empathy critique

Nazi Mind

Are Billionaires Good For Society?

The People’s Media Project

From Compassion Fatigue to Resilience

Hypernormalization

Dr. Scott Lyons

In Defense of Empathy

Why a Lack of Empathy Is the Root of All Evil

Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

Ask Valerie

Sign up for Valerie’s newsletter

Schedule an exploration call

This podcast was produced by Valerie Friedlander Coaching

Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective

Support the show

  continue reading

130 episodes

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