In BigTentUSA’s October 13 livestream with Jessica Tarlov and moderator Rachel Janfaza, the duo unpacked how healthy disagreement can become a practical skill anyone can build.
Drawing from her book, “I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends”, Tarlov urged viewers to lead with a “soft start,” use humor to lower defenses, and listen more than speak. Her message: acknowledge another perspective without accepting it, and aim to open minds rather than force a conversion. Strong arguments require preparation: pair personal stories with reliable data, follow polling trends, and resist cherry-picking findings that confirm your beliefs.
The conversation also explored engaging younger voters, prioritizing results over party labels, and the personal risks of speaking out in today’s political climate. Throughout, Tarlov emphasized kindness, conviction, and knowing when to step back.
Take these tools to your next difficult conversation: stay curious, speak with substance, and be sharp without ever being cruel.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Jessica Tarlov joined FOX News Channel as a contributor in 2017 and serves as a rotating co-host of “The Five” (weekdays, 5-6PM/ET). She also offers political analysis across FNC and FOX Business Network’s (FBN) programming. Tarlov has played a role in coverage of major political headlines since joining the network, providing analysis throughout the 2024 election cycle from the primaries to Inauguration Day. Notably, “The Five” made television history as the first non-primetime program to rank as the number one program in viewers and the A25-54 demo. Tarlov also hosts the podcast “Raging Moderates” alongside Scott Galloway.
Rachel Janfaza is the founder of The Up and Up, a research, media, and strategy firm focused on Gen Z. A member of Generation Z herself, Janfaza is best known for her theory of The Two Gen Zs. Her written work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Vox, The Free Press, Glamour, POLITICO Magazine, Teen Vogue, Vogue, Elle, Cosmo, and Bustle. And her on-air analysis has been featured on CNN, CBS, C-SPAN, NY-1, and WNYC Public Radio. She is also a contributor to The Bulwark.
