Jessica Tarlov says goal of her book is opening minds to alternative views

Discussing her approach to media discourse at ADWEEK House, liberal Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov said that people are driven toward intentional conversations because of prevalent bad-faith debates.

Jessica Tarlov Explains Success on The Five

Tarlov serves as one of the liberal co-hosts on Fox News’ top-rated program, The Five, which pits her against four right-leaning colleagues each weekday evening. She attributes her longevity and success on the program to thorough preparation, curiosity, and remaining human during tense discussions. That unique skill set has allowed her to listen closely to opposing viewpoints and determine whether an interlocutor engages in good faith or bad faith.

Her ability to stay quiet while points are validated by opponents has empowered her approach to televised debates. Her outspoken participation on the network has also placed her in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump over the years.

Lessons From a Bestselling Book on Disagreement

Tarlov spoke about her best-selling book, Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends, which was published by Penguin Random House. She told ADWEEK’s chief content officer Zöe Ruderman during the Agree to Disagree session that a core rule of her book is avoiding any attempt to change an opponent’s mind during a single conversation. Instead, the actual goal remains opening someone’s mind to the mere idea that an alternative viewpoint deserves consideration.

Real growth and change require a long-term commitment, according to Tarlov, who dismissed bad-faith engagements as a waste of time. She also addressed her vulnerable side in the book, recalling how a personal attack from Donald Trump years ago initially broke her down. However, that mean-spirited personal attack fundamentally reframed how she approaches high-stakes debates today. When someone is attacking you on style, you have won on substance, Tarlov said.

Outreach Advice for Brands Seeking Broad Audiences

Before committing to Fox News on a full-time basis, Tarlov worked as a researcher at Bustle. Drawing on that background, she offered specific advice for corporate brands attempting to communicate with diverse public audiences. She asserted that everyday people are tolerant, politically diverse, kinder, and open than many organizations assume.

She encouraged brands to conduct more on-the-ground outreach rather than relying solely on shopping patterns. According to Tarlov, corporate entities simply cannot capture the full spectrum of public interests by looking at shopping patterns alone.