PhD candidate Don Shafer recently interviewed writer and 2024 Massey Lecturer, Ian Williams on his podcast Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones Exploring the Power of Words in a Polarized World.
Shafer and Williams talk about William’s work, his latest book, and his PhD research which focused on the nuanced dimensions of tone and voice in print, examining how people’s identities and intentions are subtly encoded in their written words, particularly through everyday typing and texting. The two talk about the transformative power of open, authentic conversations in fostering trust and understanding amid societal polarization.
About the Podcast
Don Shafer’s podcast Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones: Exploring the Power of Words in a Polarized World is part of his Ph.D. dissertation work with GRSJ. The podcast explores the power of words in a polarized world by looking at the psychological, cultural, and emotional components of these conversational ecosystems to gain insight and improve on existing knowledge of how we engage with each other. The series includes activists, academics, and change-makers around the world who join share how they engage in difficult conversations.
