How Do We Fix It?
by DaviesContent
We report on the people projects and ideas of Braver Angels, the largest volunteer-led grassroots movement to bridge partisan divides. Braver Angels brings people together from right, left and center, and works to restore America's civic muscle through curiosity and dialogue. From politics to the personal, we're about listening with humility and courage to those we disagree with. Produced by DaviesContent.
Episodes
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Hey, Liberals. Don't Shame the Other Side: Erica Etelson
Writer, depolarization activist, and former human rights attorney, Erica Etelson, is a committed liberal who works with fellow leftists on how to communicate more effectively with moderates and conservatives across lines of difference. As we hear in this lively and revealing episode, some of her...
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Braver Teens. What Happens When We Really Listen: Mary Thomas-Vallens
Lifelong educator and Braver Angels volunteer Mary Thomas-Vallens gets more hopeful about America’s political future when she’s working with teens. “I’m fired up every time I talk to them,” she tells How Do We Fix It?. “I am their biggest cheerleader.” In this episode we also hear from Braver...
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Busting Out of Your Bubble. How Wesley Warshawer Did It
In 2017, data analyst Wesley Warshawer was shocked by a poll that said 50% of Americans supported Donald Trump, about half lived with a gun their home, and a third believed in a literal reading of The Book of Genesis. This didn’t match the views of anyone he knew in Silicon Valley, California.…
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AllSides: Balanced News, Bias Ratings, Dialogue Across Difference. John Gable
What role does the news media play in polarizing us? How do print, radio, TV, and online journalists reinforce our views of the world rather than connecting us to all sides of an issue? Our guest is John Gable, co-founder and CEO of AllSides.com, which rates news media sites for bias, organizes...
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Can Democrats and Republicans Learn To Listen? Patricia Higgins & Doug Teschner
Here’s something many Democrats and Republicans agree on: The way we debate and discuss politics is messed up. We talk past each other instead of getting things done. Huge amounts of time and money are wasted on bickering and bravado. Neither political party has built a lasting coalition to deal...
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Exact Same Place. Very Different Viewpoints. Chauncey Williams & Maryanne Colter
Here’s the bad news about civic renewal: It will not come easily or quickly. Toxic divides won’t be dramatically reduced because of one person or a dramatic election result. Renewal of America’s civic culture will require enormous effort in every state of the nation. Now the good news. Everyone…
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Hope Resilience and Citizenship. Yuval Levin
“Braver Angels events always leave me hopeful and energized,” says Yuval Levin of the recent Convention in Philadelphia. “A lot of people from different parts of our politics, from different parts of our country, from different parts of our economy come together and express a a kind of conviction...
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They Disagree Better on Immigration Reform: Diego Sanchez & Jim Robb
Immigration law reform and enforcement is a very heated and emotional issue. In recent years, no public policy has been discussed with more outrage, demonization, and disgust. Both sides of the immigration debate demand total victory. But their all-or-nothing approach has resulted in nothing. No...
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Braver Angels 2026 Convention Report and Reactions From Delegates
Something remarkable happened in Philadelphia, days before America celebrated its 250th birthday and streets away from where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Nearly 900 Braver Angels delegates at their Convention signed a pledge to be courageous citizens. Being a courageous citizen...
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A Conversation About Differences: Sue Lani Madsen
It's very easy to be outraged or depressed about American politics today, and much more challenging and interesting to consider how things might be better. Instead of dismissing our political opponents or viewing them with disdain or disgust, how can we understand them better and learn from them?...
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Braver Angels Convention: A Pledge Renewed. Mark Metzger
One week before America celebrates its 250th birthday, Braver Angels will hold its annual convention in Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. More than one thousand citizen delegates— Blues, Reds, and Independents— will be in the same place together over...
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Building Bridges, Crossing Divides in Utah. Jorgensen and Bernards
The nation has been shaken by violence yet again. The assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents Dinner was another jarring tear in the fabric of our public life. Every day Americans also hear divisive, angry, rhetoric from national political leaders and media pundits. On "How Do We...
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Why Braver Angels Workshops Bring Surprise and Hope. Maryanne Colter
Right now is a really difficult time to convince Americans to come together and listen to the other side. How can we be hopeful at a time of so much anger, division, violence and despair when our political leaders speak with such venom about their opponents? “What we’re doing now is sorting into...
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Braver Angels Ambassadors. Barbara Hancin and Ron McFarland
Braver Angels Ambassadors are among the most courageous of courageous citizens. Not only do they bridge the partisan divide, these volunteers meet people where they are. At meetings and events across the country, they go speak about Braver Angels as they try to convince skeptics that rebuilding...
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Braver Angels Citizens Commission on Immigration. David Lapp
Is it possible to find points of agreement on some of the most heated and divisive issues in American politics? Can people who profoundly disagree sit down and learn from each other? The answers to both questions is an emphatic "yes!". In this episode we hear about the current work of the…
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Braver Angels Courageous Citizens. Wilk Wilkinson and Maury Giles
Conflict entrepreneurs get money, influence and power by sparking anger and outrage. The Braver Angels call for courageous citizenship does precisely the opposite. In this podcast we hear the case for citizen power not paralysis, action not reaction, and why building America's civic muscle is so...
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Minnesota ICE Surge Is Ending. What Happens Next? Melinda Voss and Scott Schluter
The recent immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to several thousand arrests, mass detentions, angry protests, deepening political divides, and the deaths of two US citizens in Minneapolis is coming to an end. What’s life been like for the residents of the Twin Cities during the recent…
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What Braver Angels Learns From Gen Z: Natalie Laroche and Genevieve Raushenbush
If we’re going to get out of the political mess that we’re in right now, we will need a lot of help from Gen Z. Young people inherited our broken civic space, and they’re ones who will be the courageous citizens who reimagine it. In this episode we learn from two former Braver Angels debate...
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Braver Angels Debates: Different and Fun. Sam Rechek
For many Americans, taking part in a debate is just about the last thing they’d put on their dance card. But Braver Angels debates are different. In this episode Sam Rechek explains why. “Braver Angels debates are fun,” Sam tells us. “We’ve created a structure where people can have productive...
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Chats In A Park With Strangers: Chauncey Williams
Pick a controversial topic. Whether it’s immigration, race, climate change, the role of religion, or the economy, many of our assumptions that we view as completely reasonable can seem whacky or wrong to others. This may well include very smart, thoughtful people, who’ve had very different life...
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More Outrage? No! Citizen-Led Solutions Yes! Steve Saltwick
More than at any time in our nation’s history, news coverage of politics and public events is dominated by national media, but many of the solutions to Americans toxic partisan divides are to be found at the local level. In this episode we hear from Steve Saltwick, the inaugural Senior Fellow of...
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Thanksgiving Special: Disagreeing Better With Those You Love. Mónica Guzmán
Many people say Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday: No cards to be sent. No presents to be purchased. A pause with family and close friends before the year-end holiday rush. Thanksgiving is about gratitude, but it can also be a time of anxiety, and even dread. What do you say to family…
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Be The People. Healing America and Restoring Civic Muscle: Maury Giles
Just over three months into his new role as leader of Braver Angels, we hear from CEO Maury Giles about his hopes, plans and goals for America's largest volunteer-led movement working to bridge partisan divides and disagree better for the common good. America has lost much of its civic muscle…
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Why Contempt Destroys Democracy and How to Push Back: Zachary Elwood
Liberals and conservatives are caught in a politically toxic feedback loop. Our guest, Zachary Elwood, argues that when people express contempt for those on the other side, they contribute to a cycle of conflict that weakens our nation. Increasingly, Americans view polarization as a worsening...
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The Power of Storytelling, Curiosity and Hope: Swati Srivastava
How do we help people see their common humanity and find common ground? We discuss this and much more with our guest, independent filmmaker and storyteller, Swati Srivastava. At a time of polarization and deep political divisions in America, growing numbers of citizens are now pushing back…
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A New View of Citizenship: Bill Doherty With Wilk Wilkinson
“Our political leaders— left, right, and center— have a thin view of citizenship,” says Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty. He argues that everything from healthcare and education to public safety and politics “is the work of we the people. That’s the robust idea of citizenship…Ultimately the...
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Overcoming Geographic Divides: Kirk Tatnall, Starla Brown, Cade Smith
Americans are divided by geography. Most of us live in overwhelmingly red or blue Congressional Districts. We are less likely than ever to know someone from the other side of the political spectrum. We are often misinformed about what members of the other tribe actually believe. In this episode…
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Reduce the Rancor Bus Tour: Braver Angels Melinda Voss and Scott Schluter
Political speech in America is all too often dominated by hyperbole. We don’t just disagree, we find those on the other side to be offensive or even worse. All too often the language of curiosity, nuance and humility is missing from our dialog. In this episode we look at a novel way to reach…
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America’s Changing Role in the World. Democracy Group Event: Ben Rhodes
What is America’s role in a dramatically changing world? How does the health of our democracy impact other nations? In this episode we hear a rich mix of ideas in a conversation with podcaster, commentator, and former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes. “Young people today are going...
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Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Beth Malow & Doug Teschner
If you’re disturbed or simply turned off by America's rigid political divisions this is the show for you. We discuss creative skills and practices that put a little hope back in your political life Doug Teschner and Beth Malow are co-authors of the forthcoming book "Beyond the Politics of…
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Compromisers and Contrarians. Our 10th Anniversary Podcast: Richard and Jim
Ten years ago this month we launched our first show at a time of new beginnings for podcasts. We were early to this game, and well before podcasting became part of mainstream media. In contrast to other shows about politics and current affairs we ran against the grain, avoiding snarky slogans and...
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Braver Angels First 100 Days Debates: "Is Trump Making America Great?" Jessie Mannisto
We release this show at a moment of high political drama. Economics, financial markets, and America’s relations with the rest of the world are in a state of tumult. So how on earth do we talk with and listen to people on the other side? Should you even try? Jessie Mannisto, Director of Debates at...
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Braver Angels: Beginnings and Today’s Challenge. David Blankenhorn
I don’t do this work in optimism. I do it in hope”, Braver Angels President David Blankenhorn tells our podcast. “If we’re going to have any chance to fix this and save our country, this is what needs to be done.” Soon after the tumultuous 2016 election Braver Angels sprung to life— co-founded by...
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Braver Angels. Learning & Listening Across Political Divides: Wilk Wilkinson
What do you think of people who you totally disagree with about politics? Can you listen to their point of view and have a constructive conversation? Do you dismiss the other side as evil or deplorable? In this episode we hear from Wilk Wilkinson, a Christian conservative who voted for Donald...
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Why Should I Trust You? Vaccines and Public Health. Brinda Adhikari and Tom Johnson
In the five years since the COVID pandemic began, trust in public health institutions and vaccines has plummeted. According to a new opinion poll, just over half of the public now says they trust the Food and Drug Administration to make the right recommendations on health issues at least “a fair...
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Braver Faith: Building Bridges With Respect Not Agreement. Mark Beckwith
How Do We Fix It? raises questions about solutions to divisive topics of politics and public policy: Decidedly secular matters. In this episode we look at how religious groups and institutions can help bring people together across divides. Braver Faith is our focus. The Right Rev. Mark Beckwith…
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Braver Angels "Road Trip Across a Divided America": Joseph Sim
In the fall 2024, a young British filmmaker jumped in a small car and drove across America, asking more than 200 strangers the same two questions: "How did we lose connection with our neighbors, and how do we get it back?" Many of the answers and explanations are fascinating. "I am a firm…
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Holiday Helper: Embracing Disagreement With Love. Tania Israel and Arthur Brooks
The holiday season is here, but many people across the country may dread sitting down with their nearest and dearest— all because of politics. In this episode we share down-to-earth advice from two wise experts who have thought deeply and creatively about how to minimize conflict and maximize...
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Braver Angels Reds and Blues: Election Day 2024 and Beyond
Some wore red hats, others wore blue. Outside scores of polling places in many states across the country, pairs of Democrats and Republicans sat together in a radically simple experiment called the Braver Angels Election Day Initiative. The contrast between dire media forecasts of violence, and...
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Tangle: Independent, Non-partisan News. Isaac Saul
Do you believe what you see in newspapers, websites and on TV? Most Americans don't trust the people who are supposed to truthfully report the news. A new Gallup poll says Americans have record-low trust in mass media. Only one-in-three adults has a "great deal" or a "fair amount" of confidence…
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Braver Angels Election Day Initiative. Elizabeth Doll and Don Goldberg
Are you fed up with politics and especially the presidential campaign? On How Do We Fix It? we're reporting on the people, projects and ideas of Braver Angels. This nationwide citizen-led movement is a growing coalition of liberals and conservatives working to restore hope and co-operation to our...
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Braver Angels: Red and Blue Voters Together on Election Day
These final days before the election are tense times. Today’s toxic politics are hurtful and heart breaking for many of us. Maybe we all need a hope vaccine. An injection of kindness, curiosity and understanding for those who see the world differently than we do. In our latest report on the work,...
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Braver Angels Trustworthy Elections Report: Larry Mayes and Walt McKee
Elections are vital to all democracies: The authority of the government comes solely from the consent of the governed. But millions of Americans don’t trust the electoral process and have highly negative views of politics.. Many have little or no confidence that all votes will be fairly and...
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How Braver Angels is Bridging Divides. David Blankenhorn (part 2)
Braver Angels is addressing a huge threat that could disrupt the future of our democratic republic: The rigid, often bitter, divisions between reds and blues. While nearly four in ten voters identify as "independent", more than nine in ten Americans fall into one of two broad categories. They...
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Braver Angels: Past Present & Future. David Blankenhorn (part 1)
“I don’t do this work in optimism. I do it in hope”, Braver Angels President David Blankenhorn tells us. “If we’re going to have any chance to fix this and save our country, this is what needs to be done.” Soon after the tumultuous 2016 election Braver Angels sprung to life— co-founded by David,...
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Braver Angels Truth & Trust. Francis Collins and Wilk Wilkinson
When renowned physician-scientist Francis Collins was about to have his first conversation with Christian conservative Wilk Wilkinson in early 2022, he admits that he had concerns. "I thought oh boy, this is going to be a tough one". Dr. Collins had recently stepped down as Director of NIH— The...
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Braver Angels: Guide Across The Divide. Móni Guzmán
Toxic polarization is "the problem that eats all other problems... It's the sludge at the base of everything else," says our guest Mónica Guzmán. Think how much progress could be made on the great problems of today if politics were much more about discovering nuance than shouting slogans. This…
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Braver Angels at The Republican Convention: Jessie Mannisto and Luke Nathan Phillips
This is our first in a series of new reports on the work, people and projects of Braver Angels— the largest volunteer-led group in the bridging community. The show was recorded a few days after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Our guests are Jessie Mannisto and Luke Nathan…
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Special Announcement About Our Future
In the last episode Jim Meigs and Richard Davies celebrated more than nine years as co-hosts. They also announced that their podcasting partnership was ending. But "How Do We Fix It?" is not going away. Instead we plan to focus on something we've covered a great deal recently, and is of urgent...
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Jim & Richard: A Friendship Across Divides
When we first started our podcast in the spring of 2015, Jim and Richard came from different political tribes. They still do. But during more than 400 shows they've deepened their friendship and learned a tremendous amount from each other, and our remarkable guests. While "How Do We Fix It?"...
About this show
We report on the people projects and ideas of Braver Angels, the largest volunteer-led grassroots movement to bridge partisan divides. Braver Angels brings people together from right, left and center, and works to restore America's civic muscle through curiosity and dialogue. From politics to the personal, we're about listening with humility and courage to those we disagree with. Produced by DaviesContent.
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