Deep, meaningful conversations require active listeners. It’s obvious that part of what makes a good discussion is listening. But as it turns out, being an ethical listener requires effort. Krista Tippett joins us to share her insight into what makes a good listener. She’s the host of a public radio show and podcast called On Being. She’s been on the radio for almost two decades, and in that time, she’s become one of the best interviewers on the air. And it’s not because she asks hard-hitting, clever questions or goads people into saying something controversial. It’s because she is so clearly present, and has so clearly cultivated a kind of listening superpower.

We’ll also hear an essay by the philosopher and ethicist Bob Fischer, who explores what it means to do this real work of being present for one another and for the causes we believe in.

What do you think? Send us a comment or a voice memo to: examiningethics@gmail.com.

Follow us on Twitter @ExaminingEthics. You can also find us on Facebook.

Show Notes:

• Krista Tippett’s public radio show and podcast On Being
• The Civil Conversations Project
  • Better Conversations Starter Guide
• Why Act When It Doesn’t Make a Difference by Bob Fischer
  • More about our narrator Joe Heithaus

Thanks to Evelyn Brosius for our logo. Music used in this episode (in order of appearance):

1. 1. “Cases to Rest” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   2. “A Palace of Cedar” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   3. “Highway to the Stars” by Kai Engel
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   4. “Summer Days” by Kai Engel
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   5. “Heliotrope” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0

To contact us, email examiningethics@gmail.com

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