Episode 167: In a world that often feels increasingly rude, hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the challenge of combating incivility in our everyday lives.

The rise in rudeness, Kyte says, can be largely attributed to heightened stress and anxiety levels worldwide. "When people are stressed, they are not on their best behavior," he said. "They're less patient with others and more prone to reacting impulsively."

This dynamic can play out in a variety of settings, from the workplace to public spaces like retail stores and on the road. But Kyte emphasizes that not all rude behavior is equal. He distinguishes between occasional lapses in civility, which may stem from neglect or preoccupation, and chronic, intentional rudeness that often comes from a place of dislike for others.

Rada and Kyte also delve into the contagious nature of both rudeness and kindness, underscoring the responsibility we all have in shaping the social environments we inhabit. By supporting customer service workers, reaching out to loved ones, and being open to positive interactions with strangers, individuals can help foster more considerate behavior.

Read more

How to deal with rude people at work (10 effective steps), Indeed

New research shows that workplace rudeness is 'contagious,' by Megan Border, Anderson School of Management

Coping With The Rise Of Incivility, by Joyce Russell, Forbes

The increase in road rage, The Washington Post

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."

Episode 166: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada debate the value of existing federal holidays and the potential for adding new ones.

The discussion begins by examining the dual functions of holidays — some serve as occasions for celebration, while others are meant to encourage reverence and reflection on national values.

While the hosts support making Election Day a federal holiday, there was less agreement about what to do with Columbus Day. Both hosts agree that the holiday should be scrapped, but the suggestion to turn it into Explorer's Day was only embraced by Rada.

Throughout the discussion, Kyte expressed skepticism about adding too many new federal holidays, citing concerns that they often become more about commercial opportunities than meaningful observance.

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."

Episode 165: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the troubling decline of trust in American institutions. From government and science to religion and media, public faith in once-revered pillars of society has plummeted in recent years.

Kyte attributes this crisis to reduced interdependence and collaboration among citizens. "We don't depend on other people in the course of our daily lives nearly as much as previous generations did," he said. "We've lost the habit of working together."

This erosion of casual, face-to-face interactions has fueled a growing cynicism, with many Americans increasingly distrustful of experts and authority figures.

The hosts also examine the role of media, noting how a "mean world syndrome" — a focus on negative news — can contribute to a sense of despair and distrust.

"Media's focus on bad news creates a sense of despair and distrust in the world," Kyte said.

Kyte also distinguishes between healthy skepticism, which questions knowledge claims, and destructive cynicism, which stems from a negative view of human nature. He advocates for cultivating hope — a belief in the fundamental goodness of people.

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."