Sally Kohn

” Our challenge is to find the compassion for others that we want to have for us.” Sally Kohn

Sally Kohn is the author of The Opposite of Hate a field guide to repairing our humanity. From her perspective she in our global society we are facing an epidemic of incivility and hate. From divisive political speeches, online trolling/bullying and rises hate crimes. It’s a journey that began with her and now Sally is on a mission to find our WHY and how we can stop it.

In this episode, we chat about her experiences and research with hate. Having travelled the world exploring the evolutionary and cultural roots of hate, meeting with and interviewing the likes of terrorists, white supremacists and the more humble twitter troll Kohn gains insight that may open your eyes to the world of hate. Including talks with scientists and researchers, Kohn discovers why hate is the gateway to much worse.

Guest Bio

Sally Kohn is one of the leading progressive voices in America. She is currently a columnist and CNN political commentator. Previously a Fox News contributor, she has been a frequent guest on MSNBC and writes for media outlets, including the Washington Post, the New York Times, New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, the Daily Beast, Time, and many others. Kohn lives in Brooklyn with her partner, Sarah Hansen, and their daughter, Willa.

Topics of discussion 

• The growing problem that is hate and why we should talk about it.
• Why we all hate at some level. Does hate serve a puspose.
• In-groups, out-groups and beloning – an evolutionary standpoint.
• Is hate normal? Biological capacity to hate.
• The common gorunds of conection through hate and victimhood.
• How to tackle hate – awarenesss, choice and responsibility.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Sleep. Reading. Being curious.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Wander a little bit more.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Going to the bed at the end of each day feeling that I was able to make the world a little bit better.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Switch it off. Turn off the internet, email, tech.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Figure out how to serve others.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

A chicken, zuccini and peach dish cooked by my partner.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Playing with my kid.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron

The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity by Sally Kohn

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

You are loved.  Please treat others lovingly.

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes.  The beauty and the challenge of life are trying to find it.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Being able to make a difference for others and feel fulfilled and joyful doing so.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

To make the world a better place.  I hope that all of us, to some degree, have that as a deep and enduring goal.

How to connect with Sally 

The best way to reach out to Sally is on her website Sally Kohn. 

Check out her TED talk here.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.