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An Open Conversation with Mark and MonicaAuthor: Mark Neubauer and Monica Neubauer
Mark and Monica Neubauer have invested hours and years into cultivating good conversation skills with each other and with others. People are complex beings and we live in shades of nuance that are best understood in conversation and the telling of stories. They will share stories of the journeys of their lives and have conversations with others about topics that may be tough to show how much we all really have in common. Language: en-us Genres: Philosophy, Relationships, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Who is my Enemy?
Episode 27
Wednesday, 5 November, 2025
In this thoughtful episode, Monica Neubauer and Mark Neubauer dive into the timely and often loaded concept of "enemy" in today's culture. With personal stories and perspectives, they reflect on how social media and politics have shifted the meaning and frequency of the word enemy, both in public discourse and personal relationships. The conversation unpacks the roots of tribalism, how beliefs form "tribes," and why it's become so easy to label others as enemies—even when true harm might not be present. The hosts consider the definition of "enemy," question whether the term is being used too loosely, and discuss the impact this has on families, friendships, and society at large. This episode also introduces their upcoming "It's Complicated" series, promising open, nuanced discussions about the toughest topics facing us today. Major Talking Points The increasing use of "enemy" in social and political conversations Personal experiences of feeling targeted or labeled Tribalism and the human need for "the other" How beliefs and group identity drive division The shift from competitor to enemy in political environments The dangers of viewing fellow citizens as enemies rather than people with differing views Practical reflections: questioning who our real enemies are, and encouraging empathy Teaser: Introduction of the "It's Complicated" series, which will tackle challenging and divisive topics Memorable Quotes Monica Neubauer "Who is my enemy? I mean, when I meet people, if they had a different opinion of me... we either talked about it and just changed perspective or we... moved on.'" Mark Neubauer "To be human is to be tribal... But I'm kind of holding 'enemy' loosely in that context of we perceive people, we put them into the enemy camp, but they're not really enemies. They're just people that are not in our tribe.'" Monica Neubauer "Are you calling someone an enemy? Who is your enemy? Do they really wish you harm?'" Resources Mentioned Heineken "Worlds Apart" Ad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKggA9k8DKw Email for topic suggestions: anopenconversation@gmail.com Call to Action Monica and Mark invite listeners to reconsider how they use and interpret the word "enemy" and to send in suggestions for complicated topics they'd like discussed in future episodes. Thanks for listening to An Open Conversation with Mark and Monica! If you have feedback or want to suggest a future topic, reach out via the contact in the show notes. Watch for the upcoming "It's Complicated" series for more open, challenging dialogues. Stay connected: Community: Join here and receive 10 conversation starters to spark deeper discussions. Facebook: Follow us for updates and new episodes. About the Hosts Monica Neubauer – Speaker, Author, and Emcee | www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer – Artist, Creator, and Innovator | www.TheLaughingArtist.com If you enjoyed this episode, please share your thoughts and experiences with us. We always love hearing from our community! Join An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations. Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contactWe will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation
