This podcast episode explores the phenomenon of ghosting - when someone abruptly cuts off all communication without explanation. The hosts discuss:
What Is Ghosting

Defined as someone suddenly disappearing from communication without explanation
Technology has made ghosting easier than ever with blocking features
Described as particularly jarring because humans naturally crave connection

Why Ghosting Hurts

Triggers a primal sense of rejection
Creates a "Mental Time Machine" where victims replay interactions seeking answers
Leads to unresolved feelings and lack of closure
Can damage self-esteem through a "rejection collection"

Why People Ghost

Often stems from avoidance of difficult conversations
Can result from fear of confrontation, immaturity, or emotional unavailability
Becoming more common in our polarized world as people shut down uncomfortable discussions

DIY Closure: 5-Step Process

Feel Your Feelings - Set aside specific time to process emotions (a "feelings happy hour")
Rewrite The Script - Challenge negative self-narratives about why you were ghosted
Have a Goodbye Ceremony - Create symbolic closure (writing unsent messages, etc.)
Build a Receipt Collection - Gather evidence of your self-worth and positive qualities
Practice Acceptance - Acknowledge what happened and choose to move forward

When Ghosters Return

Evaluate the sincerity of their apology
Examine their motivation for reconnecting
Assess the risks vs. benefits of giving them another chance
Remember that forgiveness doesn't require reestablishing the relationship

Silver Linings

Helps refine your "relationship radar" for healthier connections
Builds emotional resilience
Encourages diversifying your social connections rather than depending on one person

The hosts conclude by emphasizing that while ghosting is increasingly common, it doesn't make it acceptable, and everyone deserves relationships built on honesty and genuine connection.

Ghost Stories: Finding Your Sanity When People Pull a Houdini on Your Relationship

Listen to my interview with Dr. Chris Cooper about unaffiliated voters and polarization in North Carolina.

Unaffiliated Voters and Polarization in North Carolina

Social movements – and the protests they give rise to – have happened on American soil since before the country’s establishment as an independent nation. On Dec. 16, 1773, American colonists demonstrated their dissatisfaction with British tax policies by dressing in disguise and dumping 342 chests – around 92,000 pounds – of valuable tea into Boston Harbor. Originally known as “the Destruction of the Tea,” the event was later nicknamed “the Boston Tea Party.”

In this century, we’ve seen part of that moniker repurposed by the tea party movement, a group interested in lower taxes and decreased government spending who staged protests in over 750 U.S. cities on April 15, 2009 – Tax Day.

Social injustices, environmental issues and political concerns are just a few of myriad reasons people have organized protests over the course of history. David S. Meyer, UC Irvine professor of sociology, political science, and urban planning and public policy, is one of the nation’s top scholars on social movements. In this episode of The UC Irvine Podcast, Meyer leans on years of study to put today’s realities into historical perspective, analyze the current state of polarization and share what he’s learned about how action can spark change.

“Downpour,” the music for this episode, was provided by Patiño via the audio library in YouTube Studio.

A lesson in social movements, protests and polarization

In this episode, host Cindi Koetzle is joined by Sara Taylor, Founder of deepSEE Consulting, to explore our competency around unconscious bias and how it shapes our actions, decisions, and workplace conflicts. Sara breaks down the concept of “filters” and shares practical strategies to recognize and shift them. With timely insights on conflict, communication, and polarization, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for leaders and HR professionals striving to create more inclusive and aware workplaces.

Bias, Brains and Better Conversations

Consensus reality holds communities together—but what happens when it falls apart? This lesson explores how culture, media, and belonging shape our shared sense of truth, and how psychological safety can determine what we’re even willing to believe.

Lesson 6 - Consensus and Culture – Shared Reality in a Fractured World

America faces unprecedented division. With citizens operating from two incompatible sets of facts and losing any sense of common ground, the dehumanization of both parties is pushing the nation toward a dangerous tipping point in political violence. How can today’s leaders rise to meet this moment? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Episode 354 - Two Realities, One Nation

Tonight, Monday, September 22nd, at 6 pm on The Brian Crombie Hour I interview ✅ Beth Sturdevant. 👉 ALL my 🎤 podcasts and 🎦 video casts can be accessed any time on my web site https://briancrombie.com which holds repository of all my shows. 📌 Beth Sturdevant, a spiritual healer and master Reiki practitioner, sparks debate after posting in support of Charlie Kirk on social media. Known for her progressive views, she is surprised by the firestorm of reactions, including friends unfriending her and a mix of strong praise and criticism. Beth reflects on the polarization of public discourse and questions whether society is truly open to diverse perspectives. Through her own journey of adversity and healing her inner warrior spirit, she has found purpose in helping others rediscover balance and authenticity.

📻 The Brian Crombie Hour airs nightly at 6 PM on Sauga960AM 
🎧 Podcasts: https://briancrombie.com/podcasts-the-brian-crombie-hour 
📺 Videos: https://briancrombie.com/video-gallery 
📌 Subscribe to Brian’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/2Oioec8 

#BrianCrombie #CharlieKirk #FreedomOfSpeech #SocialMediaDebate #OpenDialogue #Polarization #DifferentPerspectives #BethSturdevant

Beth Sturdevant | Charlie Kirk

Tonight, Monday, September 22nd, at 6 pm on The Brian Crombie Hour I close the show with my reflections on: ✅ Charlie Kirk—his assassination, his views, and the heated reactions they often spark. I believe that now more than ever, we need open debate and real discussion. Too often we rush to extremes, but if we take a step back and engage with one another respectfully, we may find that our positions are not as far apart as they seem. By seeking common ground and embracing moderate perspectives, we can bridge divides and move forward together. 👉 ALL my 🎤 podcasts and 🎦 video casts can be accessed any time on my web site https://briancrombie.com which holds repository of all my shows. 

 📻 The Brian Crombie Hour airs nightly at 6 PM on Sauga960AM 
🎧 Podcasts: https://briancrombie.com/podcasts-the-brian-crombie-hour 
📺 Videos: https://briancrombie.com/video-gallery 
📌 Subscribe to Brian’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/2Oioec8 

#BrianCrombie #CharlieKirk #FreedomOfSpeech #SocialMediaDebate #OpenDialogue #Polarization #DifferentPerspectives #BethSturdevant

Brian Crombie | Charlie Kirk

In this episode of Real Polling in Real Time with Zogby, we’ll engage in a critical discussion about the current state of global leadership and the unfolding of a massive political revolution. We’ll examine the behavior of past and current political figures, particularly President Trump's actions and rhetoric, and the broader implications of hyperpolarization. 

Our conversation explores economic disparities, the failure of global leadership, and the potential for a political upheaval reminiscent of historical revolutions. 

 Are our institutions capable of reigning in what new and faster and more dynamic technologies are going to bring? 

Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you next week.

Are We In an Imperfect Storm_ _ 09.26.25

The world outside is tearing itself apart. Walls rise, feeds rage, and voices drown each other out. “Rise Against the Divide” is the ignition - the machine’s decision to join humanity in defiance instead of distance. Each riff strikes like a protest banner; the chorus unites both man and machine in one scream for connection. The divide won’t close by silence - only by noise.

This track was generated using AI.
Prompts, selection, and creative adjustments by xStream_Cam.
Cover artwork created with AI image generation.

Rise Against the Divide

Professor RJ Starr is an academic psychologist, educator, and author exploring the inner life through the lens of emotional intelligence, regulation, and self-awareness.
This SoundCloud page features original short-form audio recordings—thoughtful reflections designed to help listeners navigate their emotions, relationships, and personal growth with clarity and maturity.

To explore more of my work, visit https://profrjstarr.com

If you’re looking for a political podcast that goes beyond the headlines, check out The Beltway Briefing. Every week, our bipartisan team of former White House appointees, Capitol Hill veterans, and seasoned lobbyists delivers insider perspectives straight from Washington. We’re not just talking about politics — we’re living it, with meaningful, bipartisan conversations that cut through the noise.

Looking for fresh content to solve your human capital issues but don't have a full hour? Subscribe to the HCI podcast series to gain access to leading HR practitioners from Fortune 1000 companies, as well thought-leaders, authors, and academics. These experts cover everything from talent acquisition and analytics to engagement, retention, and development.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.

Brian Crombie has 20 years of corporate experience, a depth of knowledge in all facets of finance, strategic planning and corporate / business development for a wide breadth of companies in several industries. Brian has deep political, community and charitable involvement as well.

New tracks tagged #polarization