In this week of technical failures and personal challenges, this week’s podcast investigates the merits of civil conversation. In an angry online environment, can we use the tools of trust building, listening, and empathy to build trust and have greater influence? I discuss my current circumstances and the status of the social media discussion of vaccine hesitancy and genetic engineering. Can we influence the acceptance of good technology with a soft touch? Can we win more hearts and minds with kindness than with data? This is a very important episode I hope you’ll find illuminating. # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/ # TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.