When Persuasion Doesn't Work ft. Trump Tariffs — Daily Persuasion with Joshua Lisec Ep. 208

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ABOUT TODAY'S EPISODE:

What if the best persuasion move… is walking away?

In Episode 208 of Daily Persuasion with Joshua Lisec, titled “When Persuasion Doesn’t Work ft. Trump Tariffs,” we dive into the painful but liberating truth every persuader must face: sometimes, persuasion doesn’t work. And when it doesn’t, your next move can either drain your energy—or free your life.

In this episode, Joshua Lisec—New York Times bestselling author, ghostwriter of 97 nonfiction books, and certified hypnotist—dissects the psychological patterns behind debates that never go anywhere. Using the current online discourse around Trump tariffs and the return of memes filled with factual inaccuracies, Lisec exposes what it looks like when persuasion is impossible—and why.

Right now, Trump tariffs are once again a hot topic. And with that comes the usual swarm of Facebook Americans, as Lisec calls them—people who base their understanding of economics and history on sarcastic memes and conspiratorial groupthink. They’re quick to cite the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 without understanding the nuances, and they’ll confidently proclaim that tariffs “cause depressions” while ignoring the full tariffs explained history.

Lisec expertly dismantles the misinformation around Trump tariffs with historical clarity. He notes that figures like William McKinley and Teddy Roosevelt effectively used tariffs long before Trump—and yes, even Democratic figures like Andrew Jackson were part of tariff legislation before the Republican party existed. But here’s the lesson: facts don’t matter when persuasion doesn’t work.

This is where the episode shines. Lisec shares persuasion techniques not just for winning debates, but for knowing when to stop. He draws from persuasion psychology to explain why some people aren’t reachable—why some conversations are actually traps designed to waste your time. If you’ve ever felt the urge to go “one more round” with someone who isn’t listening, this episode is your intervention.

Using the metaphor from Master and Commander, Lisec paints a powerful picture: if someone is dragging the whole ship down, you must be willing to cut the rope. You’re not killing the person—you’re releasing your burden of responsibility. When persuasion doesn’t work, you let go. And in doing so, you save your mission, your crew, and your peace of mind.

Lisec even draws from the Milo Yiannopoulos strategy, a powerful example of how to disarm and disengage with grace. When faced with an unpersuadable argument, simply say: “Yes, it’s a very unfortunate situation.” Then move on. It’s persuasion through withdrawal. It's setting the terms of the conversation—not being dragged into a losing one.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear Lisec model real persuasive techniques and break down classic examples of persuasion in advertising and discourse. You’ll learn how techniques of persuasion in writing mirror what works in real life—and how not all persuasion examples are created equal. Some people just want to argue.

And when that happens, the most advanced persuasion technique is detachment.

💡 In Daily Persuasion Episode 208: “When Persuasion Doesn’t Work ft. Trump Tariffs,” you’ll learn:
• Why the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 is constantly misused
• What to say when someone bombards you with factual inaccuracies
• How to apply Donald Trump tariffs explanation with nuance
• When to deploy the Milo Yiannopoulos strategy for graceful exits
• How to spot when someone is unpersuadable—and what to do next

So if you’re ready to stop wasting energy on people who only argue to feel smart—and start using your time to reach those who actually can be influenced—this episode is your manual. It’s not about “giving up.” It’s about moving on.

🎧 Listen to Joshua Lisec on Daily Persuasion Ep. 208.

And finally learn how to persuade someone to do something—including yourself.