How to Stand Up to a Bully

<div class="DraftEditor-paragraphElement"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>It's Independence Day! There's no better way to celebrate than standing up to a bully. Whether it's a twice-indicted Russian mafia asset running for president, or his cult of violent white supremacists, there's no shortage of bullies running amok these days. Science journalist and bestselling author David McRaney, author of the books</span></span> <a class="sc-1bctqj2-0 iUIcXv" href="https://www.davidmcraney.com/howmindschangehome"><span> <span>How Minds Change</span></span></a> <span><span>and</span></span> <a class="sc-1bctqj2-0 iUIcXv" href="https://www.davidmcraney.com/yanldhome-1"><span><span>You Are Now Less Dumb</span></span></a><span><span>, shares his research on how to handle a situation where the person you're talking to insists on an alternative reality, using that to try to gaslight, intimidate, and, in a word, bully.</span></span></div> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"> </div> </div> <div class="DraftEditor-paragraphElement"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>At Gaslit Nation, one of the questions we often get from our listeners is how to help loved ones lost to a disinformation cult, like QAnon and Trump's Big Lie. From harassing election workers to overwhelming school board meetings to disinformation merchants challenging actual experts to debates ("Debate me, bro!"), the Bannon strategy of flooding the zone with shit has ensnared people, separating families and friends. McRaney shares his surprising insights on how to reach people and provide an empathetic space for them to find their way back. For more on this topic, listen to Gaslit Nation's</span></span> <a class="sc-1bctqj2-0 iUIcXv" href="https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2022/4/13/cults-dr-janja-lalich"> <span><span>d</span></span><span><span>i</span></span><span><span>s</span></span><span><span>c</span></span><span><span>u</span></span><span><span>s</span></span><span><span>s</span></span><span><span>i</span></span><span><span>o</span></span><span><span>n</span></span> <span><span>w</span></span><span><span>i</span></span><span><span>t</span></span><span><span>h</span></span> <span><span>c</span></span><span><span>u</span></span><span><span>l</span></span><span><span>t</span></span> <span><span>e</span></span><span><span>x</span></span><span><span>p</span></span><span><span>e</span></span><span><span>r</span></span><span><span>t</span></span> <span><span>D</span></span><span><span>r</span></span><span><span>.</span></span> <span><span>J</span></span><span><span>a</span></span><span><span>n</span></span><span><span>j</span></span><span><span>a</span></span> <span><span>L</span></span><span><span>a</span></span><span><span>l</span></span><span><span>i</span></span><span><span>c</span></span><span><span>h</span></span></a><span><span>, who recommends a slightly approach. Both discussions are essential guides for navigating this time of rampant disinformation and toxic political cults.</span></span></div> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"> </div> </div> <div class="DraftEditor-paragraphElement"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>In our bonus episode, McRaney takes the Gaslit Nation Self-Care Q&amp;A. For our next Gaslit Nation live taping,</span></span> <span><span><strong>join Andrea and comedian Kevin Allison of the RISK! Storytelling podcast for a show at Caveat in New York on Saturday August 5th at 4pm</strong></span></span> <span><span>to celebrate the launch of the new Gaslit Nation graphic novel Dictatorship: It's Easier Than You Think!</span></span> <strong><span><span>To join in person or virtually,</span></span> <a class="sc-1bctqj2-0 iUIcXv" href="https://www.caveat.nyc/events/gaslit-nation-presents-dictatorship-its-easier-than-you-think--8-5-2023"> <span><span>reserve your ticket here!</span></span></a></strong> <span><span>Signed copies of the book can be ordered at the event!</span></span></div> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"> </div> </div> <div class="DraftEditor-paragraphElement"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>To submit your own answers and share inspiration for ways to recharge as we together run a marathon to protect our democracy, leave your answers in the comments section or send an email to</span></span> <a class="sc-1bctqj2-0 iUIcXv" href="mailto:GaslitNation@gmail.com"><span><span>G</span></span><span><span>a</span></span><span><span>s</span></span><span><span>l</span></span><span><span>i</span></span><span><span>t</span></span><span><span>N</span></span><span><span>a</span></span><span><span>t</span></span><span><span>i</span></span><span><span>o</span></span><span><span>n</span></span><span><span>@</span></span><span><span>g</span></span><span><span>m</span></span><span><span>a</span></span><span><span>i</span></span><span><span>l</span></span><span><span>.</span></span><span><span>c</span></span><span><span>o</span></span><span><span>m</span></span></a><span><span>. We'll read some of the responses on the show!</span></span></div> </div> <div class="DraftEditor-paragraphElement"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>Gaslit Nation Self-Care Questionnaire</span></span></div> </div> <ol class="public-DraftStyleDefault-ol"> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-reset public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What's a book you think everyone should read and why?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What's a documentary everyone should watch and why?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What's a dramatic film everyone should watch and why?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>Who are some historical mentors who inspire you?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What's the best concert you've ever been to?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What are some songs on your playlist for battling the dark forces?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>Who or what inspires you to stay engaged and stay in the fight?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What's the best advice you've ever gotten?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What's your favorite place you've ever visited?</span></span></div> </li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr"><span><span>What's your favorite work of art and why?</span></span></div> </li> </ol>