Podcasts about Civil discourse

How can we protect our democracy from President Trump's overreach? Joyce Vance is a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, a law professor at the University of Alabama, author of the popular Substack newsletter Civil Discourse, co-host of the #SistersInLaw podcast, and Preet Bharara's co-host on the CAFE Insider podcast. Now, she's a published author. She joined Preet for a live conversation organized by the 92nd Street Y to discuss her new book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy.  Then, Preet answers your questions about George Santos's pardon and the U.S. military attacks on ships in the Caribbean. In the bonus for Insiders, Joyce answers questions from the live audience. Join the CAFE Insider community to stay informed without hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.  You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE's Youtube channel and subscribe. Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the season 3 premiere of Restitch America! Join host Alma Ohene-Opare and producer Jenny Johnson as they embark on a journey to mend the fabric of the nation through dialogue and positivity. In this episode, Alma shares personal milestones, such as his first opportunity to vote as a U.S. citizen and the tragic events that have marked recent history, including attempts on former President Trump and the assassination of Charlie Kirk. They discuss the importance of civil conversations and highlight their new project, Legal Immigrants for the Restoration of America (LIFTRA), aimed at amplifying the voices of legal immigrants. Learn how you can support and engage with their platform, Willful Positivity, and be inspired to make a positive impact on the community. Don't miss out on their announcement about the Voices of Immigrants documentary project and the exciting plans they have for the season!

Artificial intelligence is evolving quickly, shaping conversations both in policy circles and in classrooms. On one hand, policy debates continue over regulation, ethics, and the role AI should play in society. On the classroom side, teachers are examining practical ways AI could enhance learning. This webinar offers educators a chance to learn about the current policy landscape alongside considering how AI may be used to support civil discourse in the classroom. Join Sphere on October 2nd from 7:30–9:00 pm Eastern via Zoom to explore this conversation further.Sphere invites you to join this webinar designed to bring clarity and spark conversation. In the first part of the webinar, leading scholars, Jennifer Huddleston of the Cato Institute and Tatiana Rice of The Future of Privacy Forum, will unpack the current AI policy landscape and explore the opportunities and challenges it presents. In the second part, practicing Sphere alumni educators, Kimberly Hammers of Chesapeake Public Schools and Sasha Litzenberger of Mesa Public Schools, will share how they are experimenting with AI to foster civil discourse skills Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talked with Arizona Talks on how they keep the civil conversations going.

Send us a textToday I welcome back my guest, Grant Young, for a conversation that couldn't be more timely—or more urgent. Together, we take a hard look at the impact of Charlie Kirk, both before and after his tragic death on a college campus, an event that has left people across the country divided, grieving, and searching for answers.Charlie Kirk rose quickly to national prominence as a central figure in America's culture wars. He brought politics into the sanctuary, blending evangelical worship with MAGA rallies and voter registration drives. His voice was amplified not only in churches and stadiums, but also in classrooms and legislatures, shaping policy and public perception. Statues in his honor now appear, intended to symbolize dialogue and civil discourse. But do they?We dig into the contradictions: the image of Kirk as a promoter of “unity” versus the inflammatory rhetoric that too often marked his public statements—about race, religion, immigration, and political opponents. Were his words an expression of truth-telling conviction, or a rejection of the very ideals of mutual respect and dialogue?Grant and I will explore what Kirk's rise—and his sudden, violent end—means for the future of faith and politics in America, and what lessons higher education, the church, and all of us might learn in this moment.SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

In this episode of “Read by Example,” I sat down with educators and authors Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney to discuss their influential book, Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities (Corwin, 2022). They explore the urgent need for structured, empathetic dialogue in K-12 classrooms, especially in today's politically charged environment. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds in social studies education and leadership, Joe and Nichelle provide practical frameworks and strategies for teachers to foster productive conversations, empower student voices, and build stronger, more understanding classroom communities.Key topics discussed include:* The four foundational building blocks of civil discourse: Courage, Understanding, Belonging, and Empathy.* The crucial difference between “contentious” and “controversial” topics.* Strategies for moving classroom activities from debate to more inclusive discussions and dialogues.* The importance of grounding student opinions in evidence-based sources and curated text sets.* Practical advice for teachers on how to prepare for difficult conversations and build a support system within their school.* How administrators can create a supportive “sandbox” for teachers and the importance of transparent communication with parents and the community.After listening to this episode, you will walk away with a greater appreciation for supporting student conversations in every classroom.Take care,MattP.S. Next week Thursday, 5:30pm CST, I speak with Jen Schwanke, author of Trusted (ASCD, 2025). Full subscribers can join us for this professional conversation!Official TranscriptMatt Renwick: Welcome to Read by Example, where teachers are leaders, and leaders know literacy. I am joined by two colleagues and educators who I have looked forward to speaking with ever since I read their book, Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities. Welcome, Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney.Joe Schmidt: Thanks for having us, Matt.Matt Renwick: You were both formerly high school classroom teachers and are now in leadership roles. Nichelle and Joe, would you share a little bit about your backgrounds?Nichelle Pinkney: Hi, I'm Nichelle Pinkney. I'm entering my 21st year of education. It's hard to say out loud. I started teaching elementary for a year or two, then decided I wasn't ready for that season and went to high school. I went from first graders to 12th graders and started teaching government and economics, then moved into AP Government and Econ. I've pretty much taught everything at the high school level.A few years ago, I wanted to help other teachers learn what I had, so I became an instructional coach at the middle school level. Now, I'm a curriculum director in my district, overseeing social studies and world languages, curriculum, professional learning, and teacher development. I'm involved in my state organizations, and I love social studies and students learning about the world we live in.Matt Renwick: And you were just elected president of that organization?Nichelle Pinkney: Yes, I'm president-elect of the Texas Social Studies Leadership Association, starting in February. I'm super excited because my dream has always been to fight for social studies, and I'll get to do that through work with legislation.Matt Renwick: Well, congratulations. Joe?Joe Schmidt: I started as a high school teacher in rural Wisconsin. My first year was 9th grade, my second was 10th, and my third was 11th. I had one student seven times across our block schedule in those three courses. I left the classroom after nine years to become Madison, Wisconsin's first Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator. I was also the state specialist for Maine, and since then, I've worked for a couple of national non-profits.I'm currently the president-elect of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and will become president on July 1st, 2026, three days before America turns 250. I will be the lead host for the Chicago conference in 2026. This December, NCSS will also have a conference in Washington, D.C. (link to conference here). NCSS is the largest professional organization for social studies educators, with more than 8,000 members.I went from being a classroom teacher where people said, “You have good ideas,” and I felt like I was just making it up, to a district coordinator, to the state level, always feeling that same way. That's why I say teachers are humble heroes; it's very rare for them to toot their own horn. I do more than 100 trainings with over 2,000 teachers a year, and almost without fail, someone will share something brilliant they “just made up.” Anytime I can help teachers celebrate and recognize their own expertise is a good day. That's what has driven me: finding different venues to not only support teachers but celebrate them.Matt Renwick: We have two knowledgeable individuals in the social studies realm here, and I'm honored. As a former principal, I learned that there's so much knowledge in every classroom. It's not about improvement but about surfacing that expertise so everyone can benefit. It's great you're in positions to connect colleagues.I had your book for a couple of years after we did a statewide book study on it. I'll be honest, I didn't read it until I went to the Sphere Summit through the Cato Institute. I brought the book, and it connected perfectly with the sessions. I was back in my hotel room reading it while everyone else was out. It just really clicked for me. It feels like your book is so needed right now, especially as I see teachers self-censoring and avoiding certain books because they don't want to deal with the politics or conflict.I'll start with how you frame your book around four building blocks of civil discourse: Courage, Understanding, Belonging, and Empathy. Can you say a little more about how you came to those four guiding principles?Nichelle Pinkney: I'm an acronym junkie. Joe is very intelligent, and he'll explain things, and I'll say, “Okay, it's got to be simplified.” We were on a call with our author mentor, Julie Stern, and I was just writing down words, trying to make it simpler. We knew all these components had to be there, but it had to click.It was broken down this way because a lot was going on when we were writing this during COVID. We were at home—I think we were just stir-crazy. But seriously, the ideas of courage and understanding were huge. I think understanding and belongingness are huge because you can't have the necessary conversations in our world today without them. And the courage part—as you said, you were at the conference, you had the book, and you felt a need for it. That was courageous. Then, instead of going out, you dug deeper into the book. You took the courage to build understanding, and now you're applying the other pieces—belongingness and empathy—so these things can happen in a bigger venue.Matt Renwick: So it's like a simple first step. You don't have to start by talking about immigration on day one. Maybe the first step is just to get your book or another resource to become more knowledgeable.Joe Schmidt: Part of the impetus for the book was that as COVID hit, I was doing a lot of virtual sessions. People kept asking for sessions on what is now civil discourse. We were heading into the 2020 election, and people would say, “I told my department not to talk about the election; it's too contentious.” I thought, “They're not going to get this in math class.” We can't just abdicate our responsibility.But we had to acknowledge that this isn't easy. It's important, but it's not easy. We always start there. We know this is hard, but it is worth it. We don't want people to think there's a judgment if you're not doing it. The point is, let's just do it. It's hard, and we're not going to be perfect at it. We made mistakes. But don't just jump in on day one with the most controversial topics. That's how you end up on the news.That takes you through the progression: Is there understanding? Is everyone on the same page? Does everyone feel like they belong? Otherwise, you can't have the conversation. My favorite, which is often overlooked, is what we put under empathy: students need to know that we can disagree and still be friends. This is not a zero-sum game. If I could get every kid to understand that their classmates, people online, and people in their communities are all human beings trying to do their best, that would be the greatest gift we could give society.Matt Renwick: I'm thinking about schools that have banned cell phones. What are you going to do in the classroom in the meantime? How are you changing instruction? The kids want to talk about these topics, but they need structure and support. You mentioned “controversial,” and I liked how you differentiated it from “contentious.” What's the difference?Joe Schmidt: I was doing a presentation and realized the words felt different. A woman told me to look at the Latin sub-roots. The root of “controversial” is “quarrelsome,” which to me is fighting. But the root of “contentious” means “to strive,” which I believe is a striving for understanding. We can either be quarrelsome or strive for understanding.Even if the definitions don't feel different, I've never met someone who wants a controversy in their classroom. We strive to have contentious conversations. I've had to get on a soapbox recently to say that social studies is not controversial. Teaching history is not controversial. Is it contentious? Do people disagree? Yes, absolutely. That goes back to courage—this isn't easy. But teaching this is not controversial, and I don't ever want a teacher to have to apologize for teaching.Nichelle Pinkney: I agree. The minute you say, “We're going to talk about something controversial,” everybody's bodies shift. Adults do it. Their mannerisms shift. What happens with students? History is contentious across the world; that doesn't make it bad. We try to correct things throughout the process—not by erasing history, but through our actions. Throughout history, we've always strived to do better. We made a decision, realized it wasn't the best, so we amended it. A Supreme Court decision was wrong, so we changed it. We are always striving to do better, not by erasing the past, but by learning from it.Matt Renwick: That language was helpful for me, as was differentiating between “versus” and “or.” Those little shifts in language reminded me of the book Choice Words by Peter Johnston.Joe Schmidt: I remember in the early days, if you had told me I was about to write 600 words on the difference between “versus” and “or,” I would have never believed you. But language does matter, and we need to be reminded of that.Matt Renwick: It seemed to support a move away from a winner-take-all debate to a non-judgmental discussion of alternatives. Did you notice kids claiming more autonomy in their opinions when you shifted your language?Joe Schmidt: The big thing is the difference between dialogue, discussion, and debate. I know I defaulted to debate as a teacher, but that's rarely how the world works. A key part of debate is rebutting the other side. But a discussion is an acknowledgment of different views. If we're deciding where to go for dinner and Nichelle wants Italian, I don't lose anything as a human being if we go with her choice. Maybe tomorrow, I'll get my choice of pizza.That is freeing for students. It's okay to have a different opinion—with the disclaimer that we're still not being racist, sexist, or homophobic. If you like red and I like blue, that's fine. If you want Italian and I want tacos, that's also fine. Just because I didn't get my way doesn't mean I lost anything. I think that helps them be more authentic.Nichelle Pinkney: I moved away from debates in my class around the 2012 election. It was getting so heated. If I were honest with myself, I wasn't preparing students for what a debate should look like. What they see as a debate is completely different from what you would see in The Great Debaters or an actual Lincoln-Douglas debate. This generation sees a lot, but they don't see what a debate should be.Matt Renwick: Exactly. From what I remember, debates in the 1800s weren't about calling each other out. It was more like a discussion where people would concede points. It seems things have changed.Joe Schmidt: Kids have a perception of what a debate is. If you say you're having one, they think they know what it looks like. They want the zinger, the viral moment, the mic drop. That's why we try to move them toward discussion. There is a place for debates, but not for highly contentious, emotional topics where students expect you to pick a winner. I'm not going to debate someone's identity. I don't want to put a student in a position where they feel like a part of them “lost.”If you're going to ask a question for discussion in class, you need to ask one where you want a split opinion—50-50 or even 30-40-30. Don't ask a question that puts a kid in the position of defending something you're uncomfortable with. If the question puts fundamental values at risk, ask a different question.Matt Renwick: So, how do you help kids separate their identities from their beliefs? The goal isn't to change minds but to broaden perspectives.Nichelle Pinkney: In the book, we talk about preparing students. I always start by saying that everyone has a bias, whether we want to agree with it or not. Our biases are preconceived based on where we grew up, the food we eat, the music we listen to, and so on. I used to tell my students to “check those biases at the door,” which means we're not going to judge people or put them in a box.From there, everything was rooted in research and sources. When students responded, it was always grounded in resources. Before sites existed that show where news sources fall on the political spectrum, I had to make sure I provided materials showing different sides. I grew up in a small town in Texas and had a very limited view until I went to college in North Carolina, where my roommate was from Connecticut. She had seen a world I had never seen. So, in my classroom, I made sure students could see other sides, because in some environments, you won't get that. We used a thinking routine: “At first, I think this because I don't know any better. But now that I see all these different sides, I may still think the same thing, but at least I'm informed.”Matt Renwick: That sounds like you created awareness for the kids in a natural way about how our environment and culture shape our beliefs.Joe Schmidt: I would work very hard to curate a text set with multiple perspectives using primary sources or different news articles. The shorthand with students was, “If you can't point at it, it's probably not evidence.” I curated the set for you; don't ignore the ten pages of reading and then tell me what your uncle said on Facebook. You build that habit, and kids will start to reinforce it with each other. In a Socratic seminar, you start by saying, “I'm on page 3, line 17,” and give everyone a second to get there.Using structures like sentence stems can keep conversations from boiling over. If you want students to speak in a certain way, give them the stems and hold them accountable. Kids are the best body-language readers. If they see you're not consistent with the rules for everyone, the structure falls apart. If you're consistent, it may feel rigid, but it provides the structure kids need to be successful.Matt Renwick: You wrote in the book that a classroom's strength lies in its ability to handle disagreements without breaking bonds. That speaks to a shared sense of humanity. You also challenge the reader: when you are fearful of teaching a topic, who are you thinking about? For me, it was a former school board where a few people were out to get teachers. How can leaders help teachers reclaim their agency to handle criticism when they bring in contentious topics?Joe Schmidt: That question is from Dan Krutka. Often, when we say “my kids aren't ready for that,” it's really “I don't want to deal with the outside factors.” I remind teachers they have to stay in the sandbox—the legal rulings are consistent that you can't indoctrinate students. But then I tell administrators, you build the sandbox. If you want teachers doing this work, you need to support them.I was working with a district where people wanted a middle school teacher fired for teaching current events. I told the administration they needed to release a statement supporting the teacher. That's the job. But I know some administrators don't want to deal with the pressure. So if your principal won't support you, find someone who will—an assistant principal, a department chair, a guidance counselor. Don't give up your agency. Think about this ahead of time. Don't wait until all hell breaks loose to figure out your support system. Practice it like a fire drill, so when a situation arises, you are responding, not reacting.Matt Renwick: The book is very thorough. You call that prep “Day Zero Planning.”Nichelle Pinkney: As an administrator, I support my 250 teachers 100%, and they know that from day one. That's our role; it's what we signed up for. I can be that voice. I can say, “It's in the standards,” or “It's what happened.” Here in Texas, our standards are specific, and I can point directly to them.Another big thing is that out of fear, we've closed our classroom doors. We need to change the narrative. The narrative is that teachers are doing something wrong. I say be transparent. I over-communicated with parents to the point where they'd say, “Oh my god, another email from Ms. Pinkney.” I would tell them, “In this unit, we're going to talk about the principles of government. Here's what they are. Please ask your child about them when they get home.” Very few parents visited, but they all knew what was happening. We have a loud group saying one thing, and we get quiet. I say we need to be loud. We need to put it out there and say, “This is what we're doing. I would love for you to come see it.” Get your administrator involved. Invite everyone. Create an open-door policy so everyone knows what's happening in your room.Matt Renwick: So, communicate, use the standards, and find leaders who will back you up. That's all great advice. I think we're out of time, but I will just say that this is a social studies book, yes, but it's also a literacy book. It's a book for any K-12 classroom. It connects so well to the speaking and listening standards that everyone should be teaching.Again, the book is Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities. I'm here with Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney. Thank you so much for joining me. Good luck with your school years.Joe Schmidt: Thank you, Matt.Nichelle Pinkney: Thank you, Matt. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

Following the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, Shannon Russell, who was at the event, Natalie Perry, Grace Raje, a student at UVU, and Kimball Call discuss the effects of the internet and polarization, how we can help each other and our families, and how we deal with these issues we're facing by recognizing and following our internal compass.   00:00 Introduction and Host's Welcome 00:44 Panel Introductions 01:21 Grace's Perspective on the Assassination 02:13 Natalie's Experience at the Event 08:07 Discussion on Social Media and Misinformation 19:23 Generational Differences and Digital Natives 27:15 Impact of Internet on Young Men 30:27 The Impact of Internet Rabbit Holes on Young Men 31:06 Promoting Positive Masculinity in Education 31:55 Escapism and Its Role in Extremism 32:54 The Importance of Connection Over Avoidance 33:26 Maternal Feminism vs. Modern Feminism 35:27 Fostering Critical Thinking in the Digital Age 37:30 The Dangers of Overstimulation and Dopamine Addiction 41:13 Challenging the Untruths of Fragility, Emotional Reasoning, and Us vs. Them 46:20 The Pressure to Form Immediate Opinions 50:22 Encouraging Civil Discourse and Embracing Failure 55:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   “We recognize and follow our intuitive internal compass to speak and act with integrity. And so as we teach this tenet at an international level, we are so blessed to hear from mothers and women all over the globe who believe in following our internal compass. And that is something that every person on this earth has and needs to learn how to use and, and how do we tap into that internal compass? How do we speak, how do we act? Those are the issues I think that we need to address and are very relevant to what happened this week.” - Natalie Perry   “Personally, I think we're gonna look back at kids having social media the same way we look back on how prevalent smoking was in the seventies and eighties… We're gonna say, ‘What were we thinking? Giving kids access to that amount of information before they were trained or taught how to process it, how to filter it out, how to use it for good or use it for other uses.' It's seriously doing some real damage to not just our kids, but to adults as well. I think there's a lot of interesting research coming out about that, but I don't think you need to be in the research to see the negative effects. I think you can just look at what's been happening over the last week.” - Kimball Call   “I think that the family unit is the best place and arguably the only place that's really suitable to hold space for our generation. As we process this disassociation, as we process this dystopian pit in our stomach and the expectation to speak articulately about our thoughts on social media, because that's what's expected of us, even though we're actually processing an emotional thing, and our hearts and brains aren't always communicating. So the family and mothers specifically have a very special and unique ability to hold space for my generation to not have to be articulate, to not have to post right away, to maybe even feel indifferent or to feel sick or to feel whatever they're feeling without criticism, because this is an emotional event.” - Grace Raje   “We need to get back to reality, and we need to help kids grow up in reality. So one of the best ways moms and parents can help their kids is to give them a childhood that resembles the childhood [they] probably experienced. . . .Before the internet was a thing, get kids off video games, get kids off. Don't let them have social media. Get them in touch with books. Help them fall in love with reading. Help them fall in love with nature, help them fall in love with sports and in-person social activities with friends.” - Kimball Call   “When you can stop seeing things as us versus them, you can think critically.” - Kimball Call   “There's this moral obligation to have opinions about everything. . . not that it's wrong to have an opinion, anybody who knows me knows I'm remarkably opinionated, but the problem is that we confuse our identity with our opinions, and then when you're wrong or you have new information, it's hard to admit that you're wrong because it feels like a compromisation of your worth. And the thing that I've learned in order to . . . interface with difficult concepts and be able to hear other people's opinions, is to remove my worth from my opinions, to remove my emotional response from my opinions, and then understand that my internal compass is the gift that I have to discern between the two, and that that takes practice. But as you continue to practice that, it'll be a lot easier, and all of a sudden I can just admit that I'm wrong about something, but I know who I am and I know the worth of the person I'm discussing this, too, and it's not so emotionally charged anymore. It can be about ideas and this sort of effortlessly starts to happen as we practice and as we recognize our own internal worth.” - Grace Raje   “Don't be afraid of failure. Don't be afraid of adversity. I think something that the Charlie Kirk assassination teaches us is that, I mean, here was a guy, whether or not you agree with his politics, here was a guy out there not afraid to be open with where he stood, and let people challenge him. He wasn't afraid of failure. He wasn't afraid of that, and I think in a lot of ways I've seen people on both sides of the aisle recently praising that behavior.” - Kimball Call     The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt  Kimball Call is an economics student at Brigham Young University and the lead editor of The Cougar Chronicle, an independent student newspaper. Kimball is passionate about issues and policies surrounding family, faith, and young men. He has been with Big Ocean Women for 5 months and is excited to continue contributing his insights on the rising generation. He can be found on instagram and X @kimballcall, where he shares insights on economics, family issues, and matters related to Gen-Z.    Wife to Anthony for 28 wonderful years, Natalie Perry is a dedicated full-time mother of six children, proud grandmother of two (with two more on the way!), and a passionate advocate for marriage, fathers, and the vital role of motherhood. A natural gatherer, Natalie cherishes every opportunity to bring people together—whether it's for dinners, birthdays, vacations, movie nights, or spontaneous game nights. She finds joy and purpose in creating meaningful connections with those around her. As a member of Big Ocean Women, Natalie uplifts and empowers women through faith, family, and community. Her life is a testament to the power of love, connection, and purposeful living as a disciple of Jesus Christ.   Grace Raje is the Director of Global Strategy and has served various roles within Big Ocean Women, including WAVE leader, Digital Presence Manager, and Event Coordinator. She is currently pursuing a degree in Global Politics and is passionate about social change through the non-profit and government sectors. When she is not working, you can find Grace exploring national parks, rock climbing, or gardening with her husband.

Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it's finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address.  This Flying Pig Episode: If you're trying to build community in this fractured time (for anything), have we got a hack for you. At a time when binaries rule the day (you're either with “us” or “them,” with us or against us), “complicating the narrative” between groups has a powerful effect on the conversations and relationships that are even possible. That means civic entrepreneurs need to be on the lookup for unexpected combinations—of traits in people, of relationships between people, of coalitions of groups. We call it being criss-crossey, a term we're just sure is going to sweep the nation. Miss the first Flying Pig Academy Episode? Find it here. The second in the series, after "Location, Location, Location" is an homage to our intellectual hero (and lucky for us, our friend and colleague) Dr. Jonathan Haidt who - literally - wrote the book for Pigs With Big Dreams. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. Oh and if you haven't watched the "hive switch-y" Almost Famous Tiny Dancer scene we mention toward the end of the episode, here's your chance. Find the full list of Flying Pig Academy Episodes online here. The Village Square is a proud member of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Our nation has followed a disturbing trend of late. It seems we have lost the ability to practice civil discourse and respect for free expression and exchange of ideas in the public square. This has, at the same time, resulted in an increasing trend of tragic violence to plague our nation. We need Jesus.

Our nation has followed a disturbing trend of late. It seems we have lost the ability to practice civil discourse and respect for free expression and exchange of ideas in the public square. This has, at the same time, resulted in an increasing trend of tragic violence to plague our nation. We need Jesus. 

My heart feels so heavy right now. Everywhere I turn, whether it's Facebook, X, or even LinkedIn, I see a wave of social media toxicity and division that leaves me feeling drained and heartbroken. It seems like we've forgotten how to have conversations. Instead, we're caught in an endless cycle of outrage, cancel culture, and online attacks that end up damaging not just our relationships but also our personal and professional reputations. We will talk about that in today's episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. The truth is, the world feels more divided than ever in 2025, and the weight of global anxiety is showing up in how we treat each other online. When we post without thinking, when we lash out in anger, we're not just releasing stress in the moment, but also creating lasting damage to our brands, our businesses, and our own mental health. I don't have a magic solution, but I do believe we can choose differently. We can choose kindness when it feels easier to fight. We can lean into curiosity instead of judgment. We can create positive Ripples instead of amplifying the negativity that's already out there. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the noise online or worried about how what you post today might impact your future, listen until the end. I hope that it gives you perspective, maybe even a little hope, and reminds you that the Ripples we put into the world matter more than we think.   Ripple with Steve Harper  Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com   Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.   #podcast #podcasting #newpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastlife #podcastcommunity #spotify #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcastrecommendation #podcastshow #businesspodcast #leadershippodcast #personaldevelopmentpodcast #mindsetpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #inspirationpodcast #professionalgrowth #rippleeffectpodcast

David and Brad examine the stark divide in how Americans responded to Charlie Kirk's assassination - with one side organizing prayer vigils and seeking faith-based healing, while others celebrated the murder on social media. The hosts dissect why the marketplace of ideas has been replaced by the marketplace of violence, explore how algorithmic echo chambers convince weak minds that opposing viewpoints justify murder, and explain why blaming inanimate objects for human evil remains intellectually bankrupt. They discuss the dangerous precedent of treating political disagreement as grounds for assassination, the role of social media in radicalizing extremists, and why calling your opponents 'Nazis' inevitably leads to someone deciding Nazis deserve bullets. Plus: Why the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, not the right to execute people whose ideas you dislike - a distinction apparently lost on a generation that thinks debate is violence but actual violence is justice.

The right has unleashed a cancel culture of its own in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Lee Fang, Thomas Chatterton Williams and Leighton Woodhouse discuss the state of civil discourse and threats to free speech in the US.  --------------------------- Watch full episodes on Rumble, streamed LIVE 7pm ET. Become part of our Locals community Follow System Update:  Twitter Instagram TikTok Facebook  

As attacks on public officials increase and repeat offenders go unpunished, this episode of the Austin Crime Report asks: Where's the accountability?We dive into:The rise of political violence and its chilling effect on civil discourseHow Austin officers are navigating politicized policingThe impact of lenient prosecution on repeat violent offendersLocal examples like the Royal Blue Grocery break-insWhy we must restore justice and community trust before it's too lateWe're here to represent a perspective you won't often hear — from the front lines of public safety.Let's bring back real dialogue, real accountability, and real solutions.

Dr. Janet Smith joins to talk about her article in Crisis Magazine about Charlie Kirk. Meg Hunter-Kilmer visits to talk about Saints who teach us we can disagree and still be respectful. Dr. Carrie Gress tell us 7 ways to increase devotion to the Holy Face of Christ. Plus, Shrines and Wonders is a visit to Montecassino and St. Benedict's Abbey - and Two Sense offers a lesson with 5 core values of journalism.

‘Consequence Culture’ Comes for the Angry Left Please Subscribe + Rate & Review Philip Teresi on KMJ wherever you listen! --- KMJ’s Philip Teresi is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever else you listen. --- Philip Teresi, Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific News/Talk 580 & 105.9 KMJ DriveKMJ.com | Podcast | Facebook | X | Instagram --- Everything KMJ: kmjnow.com | Streaming | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Consequence Culture’ Comes for the Angry Left Please Subscribe + Rate & Review Philip Teresi on KMJ wherever you listen! --- KMJ’s Philip Teresi is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever else you listen. --- Philip Teresi, Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific News/Talk 580 & 105.9 KMJ DriveKMJ.com | Podcast | Facebook | X | Instagram --- Everything KMJ: kmjnow.com | Streaming | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark and Gary confront a grim week in American politics following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. They explore the unraveling of civil discourse, rising extremism, and the eerie role of video in shaping public reaction—before ending with a provocative clip from E. Jean Carroll's post-trial interview that sparks its own debate.Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at YouTube.com/ReasonableDoubtPodcast and subscribe while you're thereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Netanyahu exploits Charlie Kirk's death to get the American right back into line. Plus, Glenn answers your questions about the future of online discourse, Tucker's Sam Altman interview, and more.  --------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on Rumble, streamed LIVE 7pm ET. Become part of our Locals community Follow System Update:  Twitter Instagram TikTok Facebook  

In this powerful episode of the Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor sits down with Rob Chadwick to unpack the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it means for America. They examine the broader implications for free speech, the conservative movement, and the growing threat of political violence. The discussion sheds light on how media narratives shape public perception, the importance of protecting civil discourse, and the resilience needed to preserve unity in divided times. Together, they reflect on the challenges facing American institutions and why hope remains essential in confronting terrorism and adversity. The Tudor Dixon Podcast is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. For more visit TudorDixonPodcast.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former State Senators were in leadership positions in the Minnesota Legislature, but even though their politics are different, they are friends first and foremost. Find out their thoughts on the state of poltics, the future for Governor Walz, and his Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. All on The Capitol Clash!

The former State Senators were in leadership positions in the Minnesota Legislature, but even though their politics are different, they are friends first and foremost. Find out their thoughts on the state of poltics, the future for Governor Walz, and his Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. All on The Capitol Clash!

In this emotional episode of Good Morning Liberty, Nate and Charlie discuss the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. They navigate their grief and attempt to understand their profound emotional response to the loss of someone they respected and admired, despite differing viewpoints. The conversation touches on the dangers of political violence, the importance of civil discourse, and the legacy of Charlie Kirk in promoting meaningful discussions on campuses. The episode also includes reflections on the potential paths forward for society, with a plea for empathy, understanding, and peaceful resolution. Featuring a poignant speech from RFK Sr. following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., this episode is a heartfelt call to honor Charlie Kirk's commitment to nonviolent advocacy and dialogue. 00:00 Intro 01:36 Reflecting on Charlie Kirk's Impact 04:34 Personal Reactions and Emotional Struggles 07:11 The Importance of Civil Discourse 20:43 Details on the Shooter and Investigation 22:34 Trump's Tribute and Moving Forward 26:37 Debating the Consequences of Political Violence 27:35 Speculations and Uncertainties Surrounding the Shooter 30:07 Charlie Kirk's Faith and Reflections on Tragedy 33:34 The Role of Ideology and Violence in Politics 35:51 The Power Struggle and Government Overreach 40:54 Justice, Punishment, and Moral Dilemmas 46:15 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Holly and Greg dig into deeper questions about violence, division and the future of civil discourse in Utah with Tami Pyfer, Chief External Relations Officer and co-creator Dignity Index.

Annie is joined by Hans von Spakovsky—senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation, former FEC commissioner, and DOJ lawyer—to reflect on a nation reeling from tragedy. With the country already remembering the heartbreak of September 11th, the assassination of Charlie Kirk casts a new and painful shadow. Von Spakovsky offers sharp insight into the dangerous decline of civil discourse, the weaponization of language in politics, and the chilling environment on American college campuses. Together, Annie and Hans examine how rhetoric can fuel violence, the DOJ's troubling priorities, and whether Americans still have the ability—or willingness—to stand together when it matters most.

September 11, 2025 ~ Chris, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson, authors of The Civility Book, about the current state of political discourse and the feeling that the country is regressing to a time when political violence is normalized. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Monday, August 25th, 2025Today, the DOJ has released the audio and transcripts of the witness tampering meeting between Todd Blanche and Ghislaine Maxwell; the government has threatened to deport Kilmar Abrego to Uganda if he doesn't plead guilty to the two charges against him; John Bolton's house has been raided in search of classified emails sent on a private server; a federal judge orders the dismantling of the Florida concentration camp; Fort Bliss - where the Japanese were interned during WWII - is operating as an internment camp again; the White House lists Smithsonian exhibits it wants to erase from history; the Justice Department's release of the Epstein files to House Oversight is a joke; the Pentagon plans to deploy the military to Chicago; Homeland Security is violating the law by refusing to retain text messages; Illinois announces a first of its kind legal hotline for the LGBTQ community; residents keep repainting the Pulse nightclub rainbow sidewalk after the city keeps removing it; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, HomeChefFor a limited time, get  50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/DAILYBEANS.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.Thank You, Naked Winesnakedwines.com/DAILYBEANS and use code DAILYBEANS for both the code and password.Guest: Joyce VancePreorder Giving Up Is Unforgivable by Joyce Vance - 10/21/2025 Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance | Substack#SistersInLaw - Podcast - Apple Podcasts, The Insider Podcast - CAFE@joycewhitevance.bsky.social on BlueskyLive with Allison Gill and Joyce Vance | Joyce Vance SubstackLive with Allison Gill and Joyce Vance | MuellerSheWrote SubstackYou Can Nominate Dana Goldberg for this year's Out100!2025 Out100 Readers' ChoiceNational Security Counselors - DonateNPHC & FBF stand united w/ CDC, NIH, & other HHS agencies in formal dissent of HHS Sec Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. & his political rhetoric that led to the Aug 8 attack on CDC & his response. Help ensure safety of public servants. Hold RFK Jr accountable by signing the letter: savehhs.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/firedbutfighting.bsky.social/post/3lwtfq56klc2gStoriesJustice Dept. Sent Congress Epstein Files That Were Already Public, Democrats Say | The New York TimesNational Security Counselors - DonatePentagon plans military deployment in Chicago as Trump eyes crackdown | The Washington PostHomeland Security Tells Watchdog It Hasn't Kept Text Message Data Since April | The New York TimesJapanese American groups blast use of Fort Bliss, former internment camp site, as ICE detention center | NBC NewsWhite House Lists Smithsonian Exhibits It Finds Objectionable | The New York TimesFlorida ordered to dismantle Alligator Alcatraz over environmental impact | The Washington PostPritzker announces 'first of its kind' legal hotline for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans | Chicago Sun-TimesRainbow crosswalk repainted outside Pulse; Florida troopers seen standing by | News 6 Orlando Good Trouble IRS asks for public input on free tax filing options to inform congressional report | Internal Revenue Service From The Good NewsApplication of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service - Comments open until September 2Joy SaxtonThe Art of Arpilleras under Augusto Pinochet's Authoritarian Rule – Retrospect JournalReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Our Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - DonateMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueWhistleblowerAid.org/beansFederal workers - feel free to email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Find Upcoming Actions 50501 Movement, No Kings.org, Indivisible.orgDr. Allison Gill - Substack, BlueSky , TikTok, IG, TwitterDana Goldberg - BlueSky, Twitter, IG, facebook, danagoldberg.comCheck out more from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | SubstackShare your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good TroubleHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?The Daily Beans | SupercastThe Daily Beans & Mueller, She Wrote | PatreonThe Daily Beans | Apple Podcasts

Critical care physician Jess Bunin, co-founder of All Levels Leadership, discusses the article, "Civil discourse as a leadership competency: the case for curiosity in medicine." They challenge a core tenet of medical culture: the pressure to project certainty and always have the right answer. Jess argues that this fixation on "knowing" makes clinicians fragile and sabotages the ability to navigate difficult conversations on topics like racial equity and systems of power. The solution she proposes is civil discourse, which requires shifting one's identity from being "correct" to being "curious." She emphasizes that providing psychological safety is a leader's primary responsibility in making this shift possible. The conversation provides actionable skills like active listening and perspective-taking, reframing them not as "soft skills" but as essential survival skills for a health care system strained by polarization and burnout. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Our guest is Ildi Tillmann, a Hungary-born, New York–based photographer, author, and educator whose work spans art, documentary, narrative journalism, and commissioned photography, placing human stories in a global context. Tillmann will discuss the power of visual rhetoric to deliberate, convey ideas, and facilitate “multimodal” civil discourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!On the Road with US United: How Sheriffs Spark Community ConnectionIn this episode of Derate The Hate, I'm joined by Adam Mizel, Co-Founder and CEO of Us United, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of how communities heal. Adam and his team are literally on the road, traveling across America to meet with sheriffs, local leaders, and everyday citizens. Their mission? To spark conversations, rebuild trust, and remind us that unity is still possible—even in these divided times.We dive into the dangers of labels and identity politics, and how they shut down dialogue before it even begins. Adam shares stories from the road about sheriffs stepping up as community connectors, about how sports and local events can bring neighbors together, and about the simple power of listening to one another.What I love about Adam's work with Us United is how much it complements the mission we're pursuing at Braver Angels: creating space for people to show up, talk honestly, and treat one another with respect. This episode will inspire you to think differently about how we bridge divides—because unity isn't about winning arguments. It's about communication, connection, and courage.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you've got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America's largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

What Happens When Students Talk Across Generations?We sit down with with Dr. June Klees, a historian and educator at Bay College, about the Waging Dialogue initiative — a unique civics program designed to help students develop the confidence and skills to engage in dialogue across generational and ideological divides. Students are paired with older conversation partners in what's called an “intergenerational dyad,” encouraging sustained, intentional conversations that challenge assumptions, stretch comfort zones, and build common ground.You'll also hear directly from students reflecting on their personal experiences, growth, and takeaways from the program.Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, DavidSupport the showShow Notes:https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.HOTLINE: 925-552-7885Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episodeIf you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That's the best way to support it.Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

The Connection Opportunity Report: Hope, Barriers, and the Path ForwardHow can we truly connect across political, racial, religious, and class divides? In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer dives into the Connection Opportunity report from More in Common with guests Kate Carney and Calista Small.Discover:✅ Why most Americans still want connection—even across differences✅ The biggest barriers keeping us apart✅ How working together locally can overcome political tensions ✅ Digital tools and organizations fostering healthy dialogue ✅ Practical steps anyone can take to help build a culture of connectionKate and Calista share surprising insights from one of the most comprehensive studies on social cohesion and offer hope and actionable ideas for bridging divides in our communities.Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, DavidSupport the showShow Notes:https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.HOTLINE: 925-552-7885Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episodeIf you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That's the best way to support it.Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Universities have always been places of protest and dissent, but University of Toronto English professor Randy Boyagoda argues that it should be something more — a place for productive discourse. He says we must check the assumption that our lived experience, well-formed arguments, or even knee-jerk responses are all there is to any given matter. That means staying open to the possibility of being wrong.In January 2024, he became the university's Advisor on Civil Discourse, the first position of its kind in Canada, prompted in part by campus convulsions since October 7th. Boyagoda explores the question: what are universities for? *This episode originally aired on Oct. 7, 2024.

In this new podcast episode, I speak to Dave Smith about issues pressing the new independent media landscape such as the role of experts and the rise of misinformation. The podcast is structured as a kind of formalized response to Sam Harris and Douglas Murray's recent podcast on the same subject which mentions Dave Smith throughout:Dave and I also delve into the complexities of terrorism, foreign policy, and the historical context of U.S. involvement in the Middle East. We discuss the double standards in defining terrorism, the grievances that fuel radicalization, and the implications of military actions taken by both the U.S. and Israel. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of these issues, the importance of negotiation over military intervention, and the challenges posed Links:Spotify / Apple(Video version will be up tomorrow)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Illusion of Consensus Podcast06:01 Debate Dynamics: Gad Saad and Douglas Murray12:04 The Role of Experts in Media18:01 Civil Discourse and Respectful Engagement23:46 The Role of Joe Rogan in Public Discourse29:52 Concluding Thoughts on Current Events40:19 Debate Dynamics and Media Representation47:00 Expertise and Public Discourse53:59 Misinformation and Institutional Accountability01:04:14 The Role of Experience in Argumentation01:12:48 Debating Evidence and Claims01:18:32 Critique of Argumentation Tactics01:26:36 The Complexity of Truth and Responsibility01:35:13 Navigating Sensitive Topics in Debate01:48:47 Assertions vs. Arguments: The Debate Dynamics01:54:47 Understanding Radical Islam: A Complex Landscape02:00:08 The Impact of Foreign Policy on Terrorism02:06:39 The Nuances of Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis02:19:29 Charity in Discourse: The Challenge of Misinformation02:26:04 Strawman Arguments in Foreign Policy02:32:30 Historical Context of Military Interventions02:37:51 Negotiation Strategies in Conflict Resolution02:44:29 Alternatives to Military Action02:49:50 The Complexity of Asymmetrical Warfare02:55:28 The Right to Self-DeterminationSupport The Illusion of Consensus!The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. I need your support now more then every as I launch the new season of the show this week. If you support the high-quality science and Big Pharma journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Restoring Our Belief in Each Other: A New Civic Path for Healing America – Episode 272 with Rich Harwood In Episode 272 of Derate The Hate, Wilk welcomes Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute, to discuss how civic engagement, shared aspirations, and community agency can overcome toxic division in America. Drawing on decades of experience revitalizing communities, Rich explains how we can reject the ugliness of politics and embrace the dignity of building together. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to restore connection, purpose, and hope in their community.Key Topics:Civic engagement in a divided timeThe “Enough Time to Build” campaignReclaiming empathy and dignityBuilding a new civic pathCreating visible action in local communitiesRestoring agency and shared aspirationsWho is Rich Harwood? Rich Harwood is President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and author of The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation. He's spent over 35 years leading efforts to heal fractured communities and drive social change through public innovation.Connect with Rich Harwood:

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Bridging Divides Through Living Room ConversationsIn this episode of Derate The Hate, host Wilk Wilkinson welcomes Stewart Fletcher, Director of Communications for Living Room Conversations. They explore the power of civil dialogue in healing political and social divides, the importance of empathy and curiosity, and how structured conversations can help build trust across differences.Stewart shares his personal story of entering the bridge-building space and explains how Living Room Conversations works to reconnect communities through meaningful, respectful discussion.Learn more about Stewart and Living Room Conversations:

In this episode, Erec Smith speaks with Andrew Hartz, a practicing clinical psychologist and Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Open Therapy Institute. Hartz and Smith discuss the detrimental effect that identity politics have had on talk therapy and how the Open Therapy Institute works to remedy that effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Competencies in Civil Discourse, Erec Smith speaks with attorney Kaitlin Puccio, Director at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights. They discuss the ethical foundations of human dignity, bioethics in a pluralistic world, and how civil discourse can guide policy across cultural and ideological divides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Competencies in Civil Discourse, I speak with Chris Bush and Joia Houheneka, the co-founders of 1776 Forward and hosts of the Free Speech Forward Podcast. 1776 Forward is a for-profit organization dedicated to sparking a cultural-political-philosophical revolution based on Philosophical Liberalism—an ideal that maximizes human freedom, flourishing, and greatness. They host the podcast "Free Speech Forward" in partnership with the Institute for Liberal Values and publish "The Philosophical Liberal" on Substack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Beyond the Politics of Contempt – DTH Episode 266 with Beth Malow and Doug Teschner In this powerful episode of Derate The Hate, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with fellow Braver Angels Beth Malow and Doug Teschner to discuss their upcoming book, Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. In a time when toxic polarization threatens the fabric of our nation, Beth and Doug offer a hopeful and actionable roadmap to reconnect with one another—across political, personal, and cultural divides.Key Topics Covered:The rise of "conflict entrepreneurs" and their role in fueling divisionWhy people are craving meaningful connection in today's polarized climateHow self-reflection and emotional intelligence are vital for healing dividesPractical tools for restoring relationships damaged by political conflictBridge-building activism that promotes dignity, respect, and understandingThe role of hope and empathy in shaping a better futureTips for standing firm in your beliefs while building bridgesNotable Quotes:“People are looking for something better.”“Self-reflection is key to change.”“It's about being part of the solution.”“We can solve any problem if we feel heard.”“Hope is essential for our country.”Connect & Subscribe:

Stanford psychology professor Greg Walton returns for his second appearance on The Puck to discuss his new book, Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Three years after our first conversation, Greg rejoins the show to reflect on how our world has changed—and how subtle, science-backed interventions can help us find common ground and foster belonging. From reducing recidivism among formerly incarcerated youth to encouraging empathy across political divides, Greg explores how grace, discomfort, and deep listening can drive meaningful transformation.

School and district leaders are uniquely positioned to implement interdisciplinary civil discourse as schoolwide practices that empower educators and allow for each student's voice to be heard. By doing so, leaders build positive school cultures where students and staff bridge diverse viewpoints and have space for discussion, understanding, and reflection.In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of current educational leaders on how they build and foster civil discourse practices. They will discuss supporting educators and students and addressing concerns and challenges. Learn tips for supporting educators and planning the next steps for your community.You'll also learn about Sphere's new Leadership Toolkit for Civil Discourse, a collection of free resources designed to support you in getting started, planning action steps, setting goals, and more to foster civil discourse and empower educators. Our suite of new resources is designed for administrators, instructional coaches, department chairs, and other leaders to foster civil discourse at the school or district level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Competencies in Civil Discourse, Erec Smith welcomes William Deresiewicz to explore the mission of the Matthew Strother Center for the Examined Life. Together, they unpack the role of intellectual courage, liberal education, and moral seriousness in reviving thoughtful dialogue in an age of ideological conformity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Notes In a time of tense politics with increasing polarization, we will be talking to CDI president Jack Siegel and CDI co-media chair Marty Dwyer, about the value of civil discourse and how CDI aims to responsibly promote respectful conversations about controversial subjects.

Fair News Weekly | 4/25/25

In today's often polarized climate, even school governance isn't immune to political tension. That's why fostering civility among school board members is more important than ever. Join David Dulio, Ph.D.—political science professor and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University—for a thoughtful conversation with MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE. Together, they explore the importance of respectful dialogue, the role of civic engagement, and what we can all learn from choosing civility in challenging times.

Sphere is excited to introduce a new suite of interdisciplinary globalization resources to spark discussion with students about the impacts of globalization on society and progress. Globalization has been evolving and connecting societies for centuries, but it has faced renewed attention, particularly in relation to trade and tariff policies. Through moderated discussion with Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics and the Cato Institute's Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, we will explore what globalization is, what is produced, what alternatives there are, and perspectives on how individuals view global integration in the future.Following our discussion, we will examine strategies for integrating economic concepts in your class to help students analyze and evaluate the underpinnings of decisions impacting policies around topics that influence current and future global integration. We will demonstrate how you can help students visualize globalization through integrative projects in a lesson suite based on a simulated world and with standalone explainer lessons helping students understand economic concepts such as comparative advantage. Through tools, lessons, and multimedia resources, we are excited to help you bring topics explored in this webinar to your classroom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025Today, possible results in the Wisconsin and Florida elections; Senator Cory Booker takes to the Senate floor to disrupt business as usual; Mike Waltz used GMAIL to discuss national defense information; Senator Adam Schiff says he will put an indefinite hold on the confirmation of Ed Martin as D.C. US Attorney; multiple plaintiffs have filed suit to block Trump's voter suppression executive order; internal fallout has paused the firing of 10000 Health and Human Services employees; the Trump administration has admitted that it deported a Maryland father to CECOT over an administrative error; Senator Gallego says he will hold up Trump's VA nominees to protest cuts to the VA workforce; the Trump administration has cut millions of dollars from Planned Parenthood; DOGE is trying to steal a $500M building; and Allison delivers your Good News.Guests: Joyce VancePreorder Giving Up Is Unforgivable by Joyce Vance - 10/21/2025 Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance | SubstackSistersInLaw PodcastJoyce White Vance (@joycewhitevance.bsky.social) — BlueskyJoyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) / XThank You, HomeChefFor a limited time, get  50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/DAILYBEANS.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert..Thank You, Pique LifeGet 20% off on the Radiant Skin Duo, plus a FREE starter kit at Piquelife.com/dailybeans.Stories:Florida, Wisconsin election results live | CNN PoliticsWaltz and staff used Gmail for government communications, officials say | The Washington PostAn ‘Administrative Error' Sends a Maryland Father to a Salvadoran Prison | The AtlanticInternal fallout at HHS delays 10,000 firings | POLITICOTrump admin cuts tens of millions from Planned Parenthood | POLITICODOGE Is Trying to Gift Itself a $500 Million Building, Court Filings Show | WIREDJohn Oliver Sued by Health Insurance Executive Over On-Air Rant | The Daily BeastGood Trouble:The 2020 Brown Democracy Medal winner, Srdja Popovic, was a leader in the revolution that brought down the Milošević regime in Serbia and he continues to help protestors around the world learn effective, sometimes humorous, nonviolent tactics. Pranksters vs. Autocrats by Srdja Popovic and Sophia A. McClennen | Free eBook | Cornell University PressTrump and Musk are attempting an illegal power grab is a crisis we must stop. HandsOff2025.com From The Good NewsWhat led to ‘No' votes on all Louisiana amendments? An elections analyst explains | WWNOOn Call by Anthony Fauci, M.D.: 9780593657478 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: BooksDANIELA (@calirockchick) • InstagramReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts