Ep. 139: Hiding Control in Virtuous Language

What do phrases like “pro-life,” “law and order,” and “family values” have in common?

They sound virtuous—but they’re often just control, dressed up as morality.

In this episode, Ben and Jamesa—coming to you from our life here in Portugal—unpack how language that sounds good on the surface can actually be a tool for domination, silence, and harm. We explore how these phrases shape everything from public policy to workplace culture, and how control often hides behind ideas that seem unassailable.

We also share what it means to move beyond that—to lead and live with more honesty, more discomfort, and a lot more connection.

Support the show