Why Persuasion Fails When You Lead With Data

Why Persuasion Fails When You Lead With Data

From The Strong Towns Podcast by Strong Towns

April 20, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 699

About this episode

Chuck Marohn and Joshua Bandoch discuss the importance of empathy and values in persuasion over data-driven arguments.

Good arguments fail when they ignore how people feel. Chuck Marohn and Joshua Bandoch talk through using empathy, ethical persuasion, and values-based stories with everyone from public works directors to concerned residents. Their examples reveal why understanding fears and incentives often matters more than another chart or study. Additional Show Notes Joshua Bandoch (LinkedIn) How to Get What You Want (Book) How to be more persuasive (Tedx Talk) Joshua Bandoch (Site) Chuck Marohn (Substack) This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you!

People in this episode

Host: Chuck Marohn

Guest: Joshua Bandoch

Topics covered

  • persuasion
  • empathy
  • public works
  • values-based stories
  • data
  • community engagement

Keywords

  • persuasion
  • empathy
  • public works
  • data
  • community
  • stories
  • fears
  • incentives

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Strong Towns

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