Changing Political Views

'Forbidden Conversations' podcast with Freely Ashley

My guest on the latest episode of the Forbidden Conversations podcast is Freely Ashley, a former leftist turned independent conservative that shares political and cultural commentary on YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter. With a refreshingly healthy dose of common sense.

I’ve always found it rather interesting to learn about what it is that causes people to change their beliefs—whatever they might be. How does someone become entrenched in one belief and what allows them to challenge their own point of view? As you’ll hear in our conversation, Ashley’s beliefs were rather entrenched.

We also get into some topics that were more “unscheduled,” like abortion. A contentious subject, and yet, despite our differing views, we are able to hold a civil discourse around it—unlike so many of our peers. Which brings us to another subject: Why is it so difficult to have conversations with those around us who disagree? What happens when people resort to personal attacks? And what happens when people on each “side” take extreme positions?

Sure, our views might not exactly align on a number of topics, but what Ashley and me share is a willingness to not view our ideological opposites as “enemies” or “evil” and to try and understand how other people’s views are shaped, as well as to try and find some common ground.

Have a future guest you’d like to suggest? Leave a comment below!

---

The FORBIDDEN CONVERSATIONS Podcast is a series that takes on topics that don't always get attention or are more challenging to tackle and seeks to address them through civil discourse and nuanced exploration. To view all episodes so far, visit here. Please subscribe, like and comment. You know, all the YouTube things. It helps a LOT!

Want to listen only? Find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

---

---

☕️ Enjoying this series and want to support my work by making a donation and buying me a coffee? Here’s how.

NOTE TO READERS:
Thank you for keeping me company. Although I try to make many posts public and available for free access, to ensure sustainability and future growth—if you can—please consider becoming a paid subscriber. In addition to supporting my work, it will also give you access to an archive of member-only posts. And if you’re already a paid subscriber, THANK YOU. Please also share, like, and comment. Got ideas for future posts? Email me.