It's easier than ever to make someone else the villain. We label them. We pathologize them. We build a case against them — and it feels justified. But what if demonizing the people in your life is quietly costing you the very connections you most want to protect? Robin Quinn Keehn and Nina Mercie get honest about why we demonize others, the psychological payoffs that keep us doing it, and what it actually takes to stay curious instead of certain. Including a personal story from Robin about being on the receiving end of demonization — and what that taught her.
In this episode, Robin and Nina explore one of the most common — and costly — habits in human relationships: making someone else wrong.
They discuss: — How labels like "narcissist" and "psychopath" become shortcuts that shut down empathy — The psychological payoffs of demonizing someone you love — Nina's story of staying curious and connected with a politically passionate family member — Robin's personal experience of being demonized — and what it feels like to have the door shut on you — Self-regulation and why it's the foundation of every good conversation — Questions to ask yourself when you notice the pattern
What conversation is worth your courage?
— People Skillz: pplskillz.com
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— Book: Stop Stealing From Yourself — coming summer 2026
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