Research shows that developing empathy, connection and compassion is crucial to a sustainable and humane society. But, in order to do that we must first admit our own biases, overcome them and step outside of our bubbles - or comfort zones.  

So, how do we do that?  Claire Cain Miller is a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist who covers gender, work, family and the way technology changes our lives. She writes for The Upshot - a New York Times site about politics, economics and everyday life. In one of her recent articles, How to Be More Empathetic, she offers a guide on doing just that - bursting our bubbles to become better members of society with evidenced-based exercises anyone can do to increase empathy.

Show notes & links:

• How to Be More Empathetic
• The Upshot

Reading literary fiction is one of those evidenced-based exercisers. We’ve listed three books Claire recommends during the episode:

• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

In addition, this The Ezra Klein Show episode also came up during our conversation with Claire: Jay Rosen is Pessimistic About the Media. So am I.

Original music by Podington Bear