PODCAST · education
Ready To Be Strong
by Ready To Be Strong
In each episode we explore timely topics, fostering knowledge, skills, and empowerment. Together, we'll broaden our minds, open our hearts, and strengthen connections to face the challenges of living in a divided world. Tania Israel is a psychologist, professor, and award-winning author of two books about navigating political division. Elizabeth Scharpf is a social entrepreneur, leader in global innovation and impact, and urgent optimist.
Episodes
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27. Reflecting on Civil Rights
In this episode, Tania shares her recent trip to Alabama. Tania and Elizabeth discuss implications of the civil rights movement for what's happening in the U.S. today. They discuss the significance of key sites like the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the lynching memorials, and the ongoing relevance of...
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26. Report From the Bridging Summit
In this episode, Tania shares her experience attending the Bridging Summit, a gathering of organizations working to strengthen social cohesion and democracy in the U.S. Read 26. Tania’s blog about the Bridging Summit Learn about award-winning grassroots bridge building initiatives Tune into the...
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25. Acting Locally
In this conversation, Tania and Elizabeth discusses Elizabeth's effective altruism and the need for more thoughtful philanthropy, emphasizing the value of direct community involvement and the connections formed through shared experiences. Through Elizabeth's transition from global work in Eastern...
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24. Sports
In this episode, Tania and Elizabeth explore the intersection of sports and political division, discussing how sports can foster community, connection, and a sense of belonging among diverse individuals. They delve into the tribalism inherent in fandom, the cultural shifts in youth sports, and…
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23. Capacity Building
Summary In this episode, Tania and Elizabeth discuss the concept of capacity building, emphasizing its importance in community engagement and individual empowerment. They explore the shift from traditional charitable approaches to empowering communities to solve their own problems. The…
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22. Feeling Unsafe
Summary In this episode, Tania and Elizabeth explore the evolving concepts of safety, harm, and trauma in today’s society. They discuss how feelings of being “unsafe” have become more common, even when there is no immediate physical threat, due in part to what psychologists call “concept…
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21. Hands Off Hands On
In this episode, Tania and Elizabeth discuss the importance of activism and community engagement, particularly in the context of the recent Hands Off protests. They explore the effectiveness of protests, the need for ongoing activism beyond the initial demonstration, and the significance of local...
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20. Join or...
In this episode, Tania and Elizabeth explore the decline of civic engagement in society, referencing Robert Putnam's work 'Bowling Alone' and the film 'Join or Die'. They discuss the importance of social capital, the differences between online and in-person connections, and the generational...
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19. Misinformation
In this episode, Tania and Elizabeth delve into the pervasive issue of misinformation, exploring its roots in cognitive bias, the importance of reliable sources, and the narratives that shape public perception. They discuss how misinformation can exacerbate divisions in society and the role of...
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18. Overwhelmed
In this episode, Tania and Elizabeth navigate through overwhelm in the wake of recent political activities targeting USAID, DEI, and LGBTQ people. They share personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed by the rapid changes and the emotional toll it takes. The conversation explores coping...
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17. Commitments to Collectives
In this episode, Tania chats with Pema Rocker about the significance of oaths, commitments, and aspirations in the context of democracy and community engagement. They explore the presidential oath, the Constitution, and the importance of individual and collective commitments to strengthen...
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16. Fresh Start: Embracing New Habits for the New Year
Welcome to the new year and a jew journey with Ready to Be Strong. In our first episode in 2025, we introduce you to our new co-host to the show as we embark upon a new Administration on this inauguration day. On the cusp of a new chapter in U.S. history, Tania and Elizabeth explore the concept…
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15. Learn, Dammit!
What Tania find most frustrating when it comes to talking politics, and so much more! Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation. https://taniaisrael.com/writing-books/facing-the-fracture-book/ Tania Israel is…
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14. Post-Election Check-In
Tania and Pema unpack what they’re thinking and feeling about the 2024 election, not as authors and experts, but as dear friends just trying to figure it out. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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13. Swing State Stories
In this solo episode, Tania shares stories from her time canvassing in Pennsylvania just before the 2024 election. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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12. Post-Election Uncertainty
Are you struggling with anger after the 2024 election? Tania is joined by her friend, a Buddhist lama, to talk strategies for making sense of our big feelings about politics. Tania’s latest book is Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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11. Grief and the Political Divide
Tania and Pema unpack their feelings around the 2024 election results, and how understanding grief can help us cope and move forward — in our own time. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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10. Join the Bridging Movement
Did you know there are over 500 organizations who are already working together to strengthen social cohesion and democracy in the US? Tania and Pema dig into some inspiring examples, figure out ways to get involved, and unpack why it can feel so daunting to take baby steps towards a less divided...
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9. Participate Meaningfully in Community and Country
Feeling anxious or unsure about the election? There’s a ton you can do to get involved. Tania and Pema break down what it’s really like to knock doors, write postcards, and more. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a...
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8. Engage Effectively across the Divide
Tania and Pema talk tips, tricks, and some surprising research behind how to have an effective conversation with someone who disagrees with you. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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7. Open Your Heart
Tania and Pema explore what's so hard about practicing compassion — seriously. Plus why it's worth it, and one of Tania's preferred methods of cultivating it. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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6. Broaden Your Mind
Pema and Tania talk about the emotional toll of broadening our minds, and why it’s important to do some of this work on our own, instead of in dialogue. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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5. Foster Emotional Resilience
Are our pre-historic brains hijacking our ability to be wise and strong in the modern world? Tania shares science and tips to help us better understand ourselves when we're feeling threatened. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of...
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4. Correct Distorted Perceptions
Everybody has prejudices — they’re part of being human. But that doesn’t make them any less damaging. Tania breaks down our most common political misperceptions. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation....
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3. Use Social Media Intentionally
Pema explores what makes mindlessly scrolling so much more addictive than just watching TV, and Tania doles out tips and tricks to help you stay connected while gaining more freedom from your phone. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the…
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2. Consume News Wisely
Tania and Pema talk about the slant in our trusted news sources, how to spot a narrative (and why you should), misinformation, and practical tips to stay informed in distressing times. Find more on this topic in Tania’s latest book, Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in…
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1. Get the Facts about Polarization
Pema shares some of her personal journey with — and questions about — political polarization, and Tania provides jaw-dropping data showing we're much less polarized and less political than we think we are. Plus, what this podcast has to do with Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Find more on this topic in...
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Welcome to Ready To Be Strong
In each episode we unpack what's making us feel so polarized — because we're actually not as divided as we think we are. Together, we'll broaden our minds, open our hearts, and strengthen connections in a politically charged election season and beyond. Tania Israel is a psychologist and expert in...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
In each episode we explore timely topics, fostering knowledge, skills, and empowerment. Together, we'll broaden our minds, open our hearts, and strengthen connections to face the challenges of living in a divided world. Tania Israel is a psychologist, professor, and award-winning author of two books about navigating political division. Elizabeth Scharpf is a social entrepreneur, leader in global innovation and impact, and urgent optimist.
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Ready To Be Strong
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