Mónica Guzmán explores how curiosity helps bridge social divides
By Ashly Lopez, March 17, 2026
After years working in journalism, Mónica Guzmán said she noticed the platform meant to tell the public’s stories was no longer trusted in the same way across communities. She said she felt there was something broken, and the disconnect made her question whether simply telling stories was enough.
“I can tell stories as a journalist, but these people over here won’t read it or trust it,” Guzmán said. “I’m thinking this isn’t enough I need to step out and go underneath and take a broader look at what’s going on, what’s getting in the way our being able to listen to each other, and that led to this book.”
Guzmán visited Cal Poly Pomina as a keynote speaker on March 10, 2026 for the university’s Common Read Program, which encourages the campus community to read, engage and discuss a selected book as a collective. Guzmán spoke about her bestselling book “I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times,” which she said highlights the importance of curiosity and understanding opposing viewpoints as an important step toward healthier public discourse.
Mario Guerrero, the department chair of political science at CPP, said he was excited for Guzmán to come to campus and share her work, especially during a time when there is a great social and political divide.
“Political polarization is about each of our individual attitudes, but it also reflects the current state of the world and a broader crisis of institutions unfolding across democracies worldwide,” Guerrero said.“Universities are ground zero for unpacking this current state of affairs. Even CPP itself is a clear example of how institutional incentives shape discourse, either by inviting open inquiry and shared democratic governance or by narrowing debate because of this uncertainty and turmoil.”
The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Guzmán spoke about living and growing up in a politically divided household. Her conservative parents are strong supporters of President Donald J. Trump, whereas she considers herself a resolute liberal.
During her talk, Guzmán said while writing her book her parents’ opposing political views were always in mind.
“My parents, they’re in there challenging me,” Guzmán said. “I love them, so I want to hear them out. Sometimes I have to concede a point, but I find places where I can’t, I can’t concede that point.”
“I Never Thought of It That Way” focuses on the idea of empathizing with the “enemy,” referring to someone who holds opposing views.
Republicans and Democrats are more divided today than at any point in the past two decades. About 66% of conservative Republicans say Democratic policies threaten the nation’s well-being. By comparison, 50% of liberal Democrats say Republican policies jeopardize the nation’s well-being, according to the Pew Research Center.
In today’s society, political and social disagreements have quickly turned into proving “the other side” is wrong, Guzmán said. She hopes her book encourages people to take a different approach, one rooted in curiosity rather than confrontation.
Guzmán emphasized the importance of asking questions like, “How did you come to that belief?” or “What experiences shaped your opinion?” She said questions like this help facilitate dialogue and create a space where people can have understanding.
“Begin with curiosity by getting folks to be storytellers,” Guzmán said. “Begin with your experience. Stop. Pause. Let the other person react. Gain data about how receptive they are. If there’s receptiveness there, then you tell your story and your experience before flipping to absolute opinions about the wider world. The more that you can connect on experience, the better the conversation about opinions is going to go.”
Although Guzmán emphasized the importance of curiosity and empathy, she also said she understands these conversations are often triggering, emotional and difficult to have.
Caitlyn Castillo, a CPP alumna, said having political discussions has affected some of her personal relationships.
“I’ve cut off quite a few so-called friends after the election,” Castillo said. “I tried to understand their point of view, but I strongly feel I can’t agree or even agree to disagree on topics that infringe on people’s freedom, topics that disenfranchise people. Like the Charlie Kirk’s of the world, I feel they embody hate, … and it’s not my cup of tea.”
Ultimately, Guzmán said her message isn’t about forcing or convincing people to change their stance, but rather fostering an environment or a society built on understanding, especially during such divided times.
She acknowledged the U.S. is a democratic republic, and its citizens have the freedom to advocate for their beliefs. However, Guzmán emphasized activism that does not consider why opponents believe what they believe is ultimately risking misrepresenting those views.
“Conversation is the real resistance,” Guzmán said. “That’s the thing no one expects anymore. It’s not soft. Right now, building up to peace is actually some of the hardest work there is.”
