Outrage Overload: Finding calm through science and balanced perspectives
If you're angry, frustrated, or scared about the state of politics and media and looking for thoughtful, balanced discussions, this podcast is for you. About 30 minutes every few weeks. It will change your life.
Outrage Overload explores the extreme polarization and political bias dominating politics and media today. We dive into the anger and outrage that drive divisions between people, distort the news, and fuel political violence. Each episode features leading scientists, researchers, authors, and community leaders tackling topics like outrage fatigue, toxic polarization, extremism, healthy conflict, disinformation, social media's role in outrage, and the influence of technology and artificial intelligence.
Join us to rediscover humanity in your rivals, improve your mental health, and find practical strategies to feel less stressed and more in control in a world fueled by outrage.
Outrage Overload: Finding calm through science and balanced perspectives
51. The complex interplay between burnout, outrage, and societal challenges - Gary Simonds
How Neuroscience Can Help Us Fight Burnout in an Age of Outrage and Division
A compelling conversation with Dr. Gary Simonds, a neurosurgeon and burnout expert, to unpack the emotional toll of our outrage-saturated media environment. We explore how the relentless cycle of negative news, social media hype, and political bias can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even outrage fatigue. Dr. Simonds provides a unique perspective on how these stressors impact our mental health, drawing connections between personal struggles and the larger societal effects of engagement algorithms and media distortion.
Through a blend of real-world experience and practical advice, Dr. Simonds outlines strategies such as self-compassion, gratitude, and focusing on what we can control to combat feelings of nihilism and anger. He highlights how these tools have been instrumental in helping his surgical team navigate high-pressure situations and shows how we can apply them to reclaim balance in our daily lives. Whether you're feeling drained by political fights, social media extremes, or the distortion of news, this episode offers actionable insights to build resilience, reduce outrage, and foster a sense of optimism in a polarized world. Don't miss this thoughtful discussion about finding clarity and strength in the midst of overwhelming negativity.
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.