DiscoverMindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of ChangeEmpathy Isn't the Problem: Untangling the Myths and Staying Engaged Without Burning Out
Empathy Isn't the Problem: Untangling the Myths and Staying Engaged Without Burning Out

Empathy Isn't the Problem: Untangling the Myths and Staying Engaged Without Burning Out

Update: 2025-07-16
Share

Description

Empathy isn’t the problem—but lately, some voices claim that it is, arguing that empathy leads to irrational decisions or even “civilizational suicide.” If you’re someone who cares deeply, you probably reject the idea that empathy is a threat to society. In fact, you likely believe we need more empathy in the world, not less. Yet at the same time, you might find yourself struggling with empathy exhaustion & wondering how to stay engaged without burning out. This episode is to help you unpack how this flawed argument is connected to your exhaustion & how you can stay engaged in meaningful social change while caring for yourself as a compassionate person.

In this episode of Mindset Unlimited, I explore how empathy is a complex human capacity we need to understand to avoid manipulation & prevent burnout.


Some of what I explore in this episode includes:

  • Unmasking the manipulation of empathy in political & media narratives
  • Breaking the cycle of empathy & self-erasure
  • Understanding compassion fatigue
  • Engaging practical tools for emotional resilience

Thoughts or questions? Share them with me!

https://www.speakpipe.com/MindsetUnlimited


EPISODES REFERENCED:

How to Avoid Overwhelm and Access Joy

How to Prioritize Your Needs (Beyond Maslow)

How to Navigate Societal Gaslighting & Stay Empowered 

 

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Darwin Misunderstood 

Interview with Sam Altman 

Suicidal Empathy critique 

Nazi Mind

Are Billionaires Good For Society? 

The People’s Media Project

From Compassion Fatigue to Resilience 

Hypernormalization  

Dr. Scott Lyons 

In Defense of Empathy

Why a Lack of Empathy Is the Root of All Evil

Social Change Now

 

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

Valerie’s newsletter

Schedule an exploration call

 

This podcast was produced by VF Coaching

Proud member of FPC

Send me a text!

Support the show

Comments 
loading
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Empathy Isn't the Problem: Untangling the Myths and Staying Engaged Without Burning Out

Empathy Isn't the Problem: Untangling the Myths and Staying Engaged Without Burning Out

Valerie Friedlander