Shermin Kruse: When empathy becomes a strategy
From Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda by Alan Alda
March 17, 2026 · 38 min · Season 33
About this episode
Shermin Kruse discusses her mother's use of empathy in a dangerous situation and introduces the concept of stoic empathy.
Her mother’s skillful use of empathy to defuse a potentially dangerous encounter on the streets of Tehran when she was nine has stayed with her ever since. It led to her developing the concept of stoic empathy as a way to navigate challenges.
People in this episode
Host: Alan Alda
Guest: Shermin Kruse
Topics covered
- empathy
- stoic empathy
- personal experiences
- conflict resolution
- cultural insights
Keywords
- empathy
- stoic empathy
- Tehran
- conflict resolution
- personal story
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Tehran
More episodes of Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda
- Chris Duffy: How laughter connects us · June 9, 2026 · 37 min
- Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda: Season 34 Trailer · June 2, 2026 · 26 min
- Roger Rosenblatt: Aging well · May 26, 2026 · 39 min
- Sonja Lyubomirsky: Lost that loving feeling? · May 19, 2026 · 37 min
- Julia Minson: Disagreeing agreeably · May 12, 2026 · 37 min
- Ina Garten: Cooking to connect · May 5, 2026 · 36 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda podcast page.