The Unburdened Leader

EP 128: The Humanity Behind the Science: Challenging Misinformation with Empathy featuring Dr. Jess Steier

18 Apr 2025

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Many things we once widely accepted as true and considered non-controversial galvanize intense debates.Leaders are often advised to stay neutral, to not get political when these issues come up in their organizations.Of course leaders should be mindful of what they discuss, how, and with whom. But that isn’t the same as being apolitical or neutral. In fact, our collective discomfort with being political often has less to do with neutrality and more to do with avoiding discomfort or even silencing conversations outright.When leaders stifle discussions because they fear losing control, that’s not neutrality, that’s avoidance. And avoidance doesn’t make a space safe; it makes it fragile.As leaders of teams from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and viewpoints, it is neither responsible nor possible to be truly neutral. But what we can do is create cultures of openness, generosity, and meaningful discussion. And in a time when science, health, food security, education, and mental well-being are being politicized, it’s essential.In the second part of this series on science communication, my guest is an incredible leader, scientist, and science communicator. She shares critical reflections on what we can do to fight misinformation, regardless of our training and expertise.Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP is a public health scientist, advocate, science communicator, and Co-Founder and CEO of Unbiased Science. She is driven by a mission to bridge divides and foster trust through empathetic, evidence-based communication. As the founder of the Unbiased Science podcast and newsletter, she is committed to breaking free from echo chambers and tackling health and science literacy with clarity and compassion. Dr. Steier specializes in evaluation science, leveraging data and storytelling to inform health policy and program improvement. Her work focuses on building connections, encouraging dialogue, and making complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Listen to the full episode to hear:How pop understandings of science-related buzzwords make communication harderHow Jessica works to account for her own biases when creating contentWhy connection and empathy are key to beginning to break down misinformationHow connection without expertise, especially on social media, creates a flood of misinformationWhy we have to address the roots of people’s mistrust of scientific institutionsHow Jessica and other science communicators are supporting each other through online abuseWhat to watch out for when influencers talk about health and wellnessThe real risks and impacts of some of the most common health misinformationLearn more about Dr. Jessica Steier:Unbiased ScienceUnbiased Science PodcastUnbiased Science NewsletterInstagram: @unbiasedscipodLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:Politics, Andrew HeywoodThe Human Condition, Hannah ArendtMarking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy | Freedom HouseHow Democracies Die, Daniel Ziblatt , Steven LevitskyTo combat misinformation, start with connection, not correctionBooster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children's Health, Adam RatnerKendrick Lamar - Not Like UsFringeWeekend at Bernie'sDon't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

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13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

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12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

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The Unburdened Leader

EP 128: The Humanity Behind the Science: Challenging Misinformation with Empathy featuring Dr. Jess Steier

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

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