What does trust really do?

Host Richard Roman unpacks three groundbreaking studies that explore how trust operates across political systems, workplace dynamics, and everyday human connections.

From the rise of political extremism to the success (or failure) of high-performing teams, and to the surprising power of a seven-minute conversation with a stranger, this episode explores how trust shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. You’ll learn why trust isn’t just a “soft skill,” but a strategic, measurable force that influences everything from democratic participation to collaboration and empathy.

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Referenced Studies:

Dirks, K. T. (1999). The effects of interpersonal trust on work group performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 84(3), 445–455.

Ghazi, S. H. (2025, March 24). Can we reduce political antagonism by promoting trust? Greater Good Magazine.

Broockman, D. E., & Kalla, J. L. (2016). Durably reducing transphobia: A field experiment on door-to-door canvassing. Science, 352(6282), 220–224.

Why doesn’t trust in government rise when things improve? What if we've been measuring the wrong thing all along?

In this solo episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman unpacks a groundbreaking study from 2019 that reframes political trust, not as approval or confidence, but as a willingness to accept vulnerability.

If you're a researcher, public leader, or trust-focused changemaker, this episode provides a practical framework for understanding (and measuring) trust more precisely.

Read more and subscribe on Substack: https://rjoroman.substack.com.

Referenced Study: Hamm, J. A., Smidt, C., & Mayer, R. C. (2019). Understanding the psychological nature and mechanisms of political trust. PLOS ONE, 14(5), e0215835. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215835

In this solo episode, host Richard Roman reintroduces himself and shares the story behind Trust Be Told. From his journey as a first-gen, queer policy leader to lessons learned from past guests across the first series, Richard reflects on what trust really means today and what’s ahead for the show.

Featuring reflections on: (1) Trust and leadership; (2) Higher ed and public institutions; (3) Personal identity and professional voice

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