Love Dan's willingness to explore and discuss so many volitile and sensitive subjects and yet still talk openly and honestly about them.
Additionally, Dan is a standup guy, always interesting to talk with and a lot of fun to boot.
This poor guy suffers from serious identity issues likely rooted in trauma of some sort. His loose tethering of “faith” to the self soothing sessions he refers to as podcasts is akin to yoga for people with mood disorders and enablement far more so than anything intellectual. If you would like to explore how to justify your globo homo multi culti white guilt effeminate views through a lens that makes you feel better about your Godless politics but still want to think you are Christian then this is for you!
The reason I titled the review as such is that I want to acknowledge the bias associated with this podcast (every single person on the planet has one, so it’s cool). But Koch recognizes and acknowledges his bias, and thus maintains his intellectual honesty and credibility. I think season two, specifically, was an important conversation to be had. So thanks for the podcast, guys!
Dan and Ellen have created an incredibly helpful podcast for navigating the complexities of this political climate. I have found myself being challenged to think more critically about my own worldview. I have also come to understand so much more about the other side of the table. Dan and Ellen, thank you so much for creating this podcast, I'm only on episode 6 of season 2 but so far it is incredible.
This show made it into my top give podcasts when I heard season 1. But Dan really outdid himself in season 2! For those who think season 1 was too biased season 2 will show you how hard he is aiming to Depolarize this country. This podcast has pushed me to understand people with opposing views, and to engage Conversation rather than debate. I have been able to have Depolarizing moments consistently because this show has pushed me to understand rather than judge. I will also say I view Trump voters with greater clarity and respect since season 2 came on. I appreciate the work Dan has put into this and I look forward to another season.
I love the topics and the idea of this podcast, but I feel like it is way too edited. Dan is obviously trying to construct a narrative rather than just put ideas out there and let us form our own conclusions. I would be so much more interested in hearing the whole interview with people on both sides of the aisle rather than snippets that are edited and presented with a purpose.
Let me clearly state that the only way someone could say that this last seaon of Depolarized "skewed far left" is that they must be a right wing extremist, incapable to hearing contrary opinions to their own. I'm a conservative to moderate, & a registered Republican, & I was SHOCKED at how fair their coverage of Trump's election was, both based on who they gave voice to, & what they allowed them to say. BRAVO!
Don't listen if you aren't comfortable occasionally being challenged - no matter what position you take on a subject they address, you WILL at times feel uncomfortable. That's what I respect & love about it.
Keep doing what you do, guys!
Disregard rjspillz(spelling?)
The host have strong opinions that you may or may not agree with. They do a great job sharing the views of others and giving their thoughts on them.
Debate is not the point. Trying to seriously understand the different views of other’s is.
I assumed that Evagelicalism had replaced their Christianity with politics-Jesus has left the building. In spite of this, Depolarize! shows that some have not. I expected the conservative -leaning folks to be mean-spirited. I know a few that are but obviously some are not. Cool.
This show has become my favorite podcast. I have never seen my country as polarized as it’s been this past couple years. I enjoy listening to the conversations here. Because the people interviewed are given the chance to go in depth about their views and experience in life, it helps us to stop vilifying each other. I wish that people weren’t so often misrepresented. This is part of the solution. (Love & Hugs to Dan & Ellen. Keep up the good work!)
Dan is great about introducing his ideas in a way that peaks the interest of what I can only imagine would be most everyone. You can tell that he has spent a lot of time putting the material together. Topics are very interesting. However, the sound of his voice makes me want to just hit him as hard as I possibly can in the face. Anyways, great podcast!
Dan takes great effort to explore some very polarizing issues in politics today while remaining level-headed and very thoughtful. He'll clarify things often to make sure he's not overstating claims or generalizing. He seems to have a genuine desire to understand both sides even while he's transparent about his own stance on issues. Definitely worth a listen.
I greatly appreciate not only the topic of this podcast but the hosts' attempts to maintain objectivity and examine as many sides of an issue as possible. And with the 2016 election, that's a lot of sides.
I am so thankful for thoughtful people like Dan that are good at articulating their views and being reflective in why they hold such views. I really enjoy this podcast even though I don’t follow politics very closely. I would love it if Dan did another podcast on more general topics about Christianity. I know there are a lot of others that already do this but Dan would be a great additional voice in my opinion. Great podcast!
Well done! I especially related to the panic attack’s about the rapture, only my prayer as a kid involved seeing all the Star Wars movies before Jesus came back lol. Find this very balanced and funny as well.
Yes, he’s a bit biased toward the left. I would not encourage my most conservative friends to listen.
However, as a liberal leaning person it has helped me to moderate and become more compassionate.
I would recommend it to liberal leaning folks who would like to learn about the issues and those across the aisle in a safe way—because the show’s approach doesn’t get my heckles up I’m better able to process other points of view.
Dan has always come across as one of the most intellectual people in our generation. IMO he is a good voice of reason and does a great job of breaking down topics for the listeners better understanding.
I've been listening since episode 5 and have been a Patreon supporter for a few weeks, though I'm sorry to say this is the first time I've gotten around to dropping a review.
Dan sounds like he's been doing this a long time and is a skilled interviewer. From where I stand, and based on what I know of Dan's views from outlets, he does an adirable job of not injecting his opinion and political leanings into the conversion, rather choosing to let the guest have the floor. I don't think the show always hits it's goal of depolarizing the issue and fairly sharing both sides, but I trust Koch's motives and more often then not, I leave having a more nuanced view point than before. As previous guest Prof. Aurelian Craiutu pointed out, moderation is like walking a tightrope.
All in all, I'm so grateful this podcast is here. It's pulled me closer to the middle of the policial spectrum and helped me better empathize with those who have different opinions and experiences than myself.
I am so incredibly tired of the polarized political climate in the United States. We need constructive dialog, and that means we need to listen to each other and understand our differences even if we might never agree. This is what Dan Koch has brought to the table. Sometimes I wish this show was required listening before citizens could vote. The podcast is not just about the value of being moderate in a world of extremism, it's very informative. Dan clearly takes great effort to represent conservatives, liberals, and those like me who are just fed up with the whole process. The production value and guests are great and Dan's preparation and ability to ask poignant questions are on point. Bravo!
I'd have to say this podcast has become a well-spring of information and direction in our political climate. I am incredibly impressed by the diversity and depth of people on the show. Thanks for making this happen Dan!
I will admit that for the most part the podcast is mostly speaking to my interests, which leads me to believe it's probably more left leaning than in the middle, but episodes like the guy supporting Evan McMullen are getting there.
I do NOT care about politics one iota. BUT I do care about people. And the episodes about immigration and refugees were awesome in that you can tell that Dan and whoever he is interviewing are really interested in helping others, specifically the least of these. I really like this podcast and Dan has a very soothing voice and is fun to listen to imo.
May I suggest episode 11 as your first choice. It has a nuanced yet honest conversation about the opposing political cultures without either needing to concede. It felt productive. More like this please!!
I've heard Dan on a bunch of podcasts in the last couple years and always appreciated his thoughtful conversation and input. He was often coming for a different angle than many in the Evangelical realm he was traveling, and he was generally very respectful and articulate.
This trend has continued here in his new podcast, but even better. It's nice to hear more of where he really lands on topics without keeping the discourse firmly planted in his camp.
Inasmuch as we can be unbiased and present things fairly, Dan does a great service to this here. And when he doesn't, he quickly and freely admits his bias and why. Awesome work!
I appreciate Dan's determination to seek to understand and humanize people of all different types of worldviews. Truly excited for the future of this podcast.
I'm loving this podcast (especially so close to Election Day)! Dan is clearly a man who puts a lot of thought into what he does and, while he has his bias (which I think he clearly makes known so there isn't trickery going on), he is a host who is willing to 1. Admit he might have some things wrong or misunderstood some things (which so few are willing to do) and 2. He is more than willing to give the other side their day in court and provide thoughtful questions to them so that they can fully explain themselves instead of just fall into whatever stereotype exists about their political stance or view.
I met Dan when "debating" him on Pastor with No Answers. He is a well-read, well-informed guy that has thought through many issues. While you may disagree with him, he commands respect because he knows what he believes and has come to his positions through rigor and intellectual honesty. I like Dan a lot and enjoy listening to him!
I have this podcast a solid chance. Historically Dan has been a cool headed and methodical thinker who seems to be open to apposing views. On paper, you would think he would be a great person to have a political discussion with. After listening to both episodes of this podcast and his comments in a recent Bad Christian podcast (great podcast by the way) I realize that Dan is simply using this media as a platform for bashing Trump while convincing himself that he's taking the higher road by doing so. The way the podcast is introduced makes it seem like it will deal each side a relatively fair deck, but after these two episodes, it's clear that the deck is stacked and sharply steered to the polar left. Not cool Dan. Try again
