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In this episode, we talk with Eric Schurenberg, Executive Director of the Alliance for Trust in Media. One of the defining divides in our current moment is between the news media and audiences. A proliferation of misinformation online has led to people not knowing what they can and can’t trust. Journalists and news outlets used to providing information are now figuring out how to connect with audiences who need verified, contextual information. Learn more at alliancefortrust.com, and listen to Eric's podcast, In Reality, at In-Reality.FM.

In this episode, we talk with D.G. Mawn, President of the National Association for Community Mediation, or NAFCM. NAFCM is a national network of members – including Civity – that supports community mediation all over the country. And its approach is very “civity.” Learn more at NAFCM.org

For the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the U.S., Baha’i has crafted a narrative of unity with difference. It’s called A Common Endeavor: Realizing the Promise of America, and the goal is to help people connect across and celebrate our differences as we build community together. Learn more at ACommonEndeavor.org.

In this episode, we talk with Beth Malow and Doug Teschner, authors of Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. Doug is a new England regional leader for Braver Angels, and Beth is a volunteer moderator and debate chair with Braver Angels. Their book focuses on how to find hope and build a culture of kindness and respect in the face of polarization, misinformation, and negativity. To learn more, go to BeyondthePoliticsofContempt.com, and check out their Substack, Together Across Differences, at TogetherNow.substack.com.

In this episode, we talk with Nick Beaulieu, writer & director of the documentary film, My Omaha, about his personal journey to reach across divides in his community – and his family – to make connections and build relationships across differences. To learn more, go to MyOmahaFilm.com.

In this episode, we talk with Roman Williams, a visual sociologist, and founder of Interfaith Photovoice, which uses photos to allow people to share stories through visuals and hear and see the stories of others. Find out more at InterfaithPhotovoice.org.

In this episode, we talk with Laurie Patton, President of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and scholar of early Indian religions and religion in the public square. Our discussion explores the recognition that civic culture is democracy's foundation, and to have a strong civic culture, we need to engage in a way that recognizes each other’s humanity. To learn more, go to amacad.org.

In this episode, we talk with Linda Tropp, professor of social psychology at the University of Massachusetts and expert in how people experience engagement across lines of difference. She has worked in the U.S. and around the world to foster equity and inclusion by intentionally building relationships across power and status differentials. To learn more, go to LindaTropp.com.

In this episode, we talk with Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, author of The AND Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World. Blahnik explores both the interior and exterior work we all need to do to stay grounded, choose kindness and compassion, and recognize each other’s humanity, even when we feel at odds or don’t agree. This book helps us learn to develop skills of tolerance, empathy, and emotional resilience necessary for authentic peacemaking. To learn more, go to TheAndWayTherapy.com.

In this episode, we talk with Tania Israel, professor emeritus at UC Santa Barbara, and author of the books Facing the Fracture and Beyond your Bubble. Israel’s focus is on navigating political division – both engaging with others and managing toxic, polarizing messaging, which can lead to distressing thoughts and feelings. This can help us re-engage with our community to move our society forward. To learn more, go to TaniaIsrael.com.

My guest is Nathan Smolensky, Independent strategist and Author of the book Common Ground from the Ground Up: How rethinking politics can help us feel heard, heal relationships, and fix our democracy. This book offers mindsets and tools we can use to engage in more productive conversations and lay the foundation for positive societal change.

In this episode, we talk with April Ossmann, poet and independent editor, and author of WE… a collection of poems focused on bridging divides by exploring unconscious prejudices. In We, Ossmann hopes to change our perceptions to heal our families and friendships.

In this episode, we talk with Seth Pinsky…CEO of the 92nd St. Y in New York, a cultural stalwart in the city focused on convening people across difference, with the goal of helping everyone connect and be in community with each other. For more, go to 92ny.org.

In this episode, we talk with James Coan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of More Like US, a national organization that seeks to correct political misperceptions – helping people see that we’re not really as different as we sometimes think we are. Coan says the goal of More Like US is to help increase the scale of bridging efforts. For more information and to check out the lesson plans and other resources, go to MoreLikeUS.org.

In this episode, we talk with John Paul Lederach – professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, focused on international peacebuilding. Lederach spent much of his career helping build peace in conflict areas around the world, and has written extensively on his experiences. Together, we explore the importance of building relationships across divides and differences to achieve meaningful foundations for building lasting peace. We also discuss how we might apply these lessons here in the U.S. before polarization becomes sustained violence. Of particular relevance to our current situation in the U.S. is Lederach’s Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War: Surprising ideas from everyday people who shifted the cycles of violence. To learn more about John Paul Lederach and peruse his writings, go to JohnPaulLederach.com.