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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