How Do We Fix It?
News & Politics
About
From politics to the personal, we're about bridging rigid partisan divides and listening with respect to different points of view. Our podcast is hosted by longtime journalist Richard Davies. We challenge authors, experts and provocateurs in a search for positive, practical ideas. Guests include David Blankenhorn, Mónica Guzmán, Dr. Francis Collins, and other leaders and members of Braver Angels. “How Do We Fix It?" - a repair manual for the real world. Produced by DaviesContent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- 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, r…
- 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 abo…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 &…
- 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 tel…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 t…
- 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&n…
- 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 nat…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 misinforme…
- 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 h…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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? Sh…
- 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.” S…
- 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 W…
- 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 Administratio…
- 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…
- 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 answ…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 con…
- 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 thos…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 afte…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 Dona…
- 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 somethin…
- 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 o…
- The Case For Ranked Choice Voting. Rob Richie
Supporters of Ranked Choice Voting argue that we need to a big change how we vote. Our “choose-one” elections, they say, deprive voters of meaningful choices, create increasingly toxic campaign cycles, advance candidates who lack broa…
- Refuge: A Unique Strength of Liberalism: Professor Bryan Garsten
Liberalism is out of fashion. You might say that it's under siege. From the populist right to the progressive left, liberal touchtones of limited government, personal freedom, the rule of law, and a mixed economy have come in for harsh cri…
- The Collapse of Local News and How to Rebuild Regional Journalism: Anna Brugmann
In much of the country local news has collapsed, threatening civic pride and a sense of community for countless towns and cities. This dramatic change has also deepened America's divides . As our guest, journalist and public pol…
- Diversity Is Great. DEI Isn't. Amna Khalid and Jeff Snyder
Diversity equity and inclusion: Sounds like a good thing in an incredibly diverse country such as ours, especially when teaching young people at American colleges and universities. But the DEI industry - or DEI Inc. — has arguabl…
- Politics: Majority In The Middle. Shannon Watson
News coverage of Super Tuesday and other party primaries focused mainly on base voters— Democrats and Republicans. But most Americans are actually on the political sidelines or somewhere in the middle. Many have a mix of conservative…
- Changing Journalism: Boosting Trust in the News Media. Joy Mayer
Only four-in-ten Americans say they have a lot of trust in the news media. That's a big problem for our democracy, especially in this volatile presidential election year. While journalists are supposed to tell the truth and get…
- Ideas For Everyone: The Virtues of a Liberal Education. Roosevelt Montás
What is the point of a good education? Do we need it to learn a narrow set of skills ro help us get ahead in the workplace, or should knowledge and learning to be used over a…
- What Could Go Right? 2024 Predictions Show
From the economy and prospects for a Biden vs Trump rematch to the future for global energy and artificial intelligence, Richard and Jim make their forecasts for 2024. And we re-visit our predictions from exactly a year ago and repor…
- How to Escape The Identity Trap - Yascha Mounk (part two)
We continue our discussion with Yascha Mounk, one of the leading public intellectuals of our time. The subject is a hugely influential ideology that attempts to put racial, sexual and gender identity at the center of our social, cultu…
- The Origins of Today's Identity Politics - Yascha Mounk (part one)
Having skewered right-wing populism and its demagogues in his two previous best-selling books, politics professor, writer, and podcaster Yasha Mounk turns now to the threat posed to liberalism from those progressives who champi…
- Imaging a Better Future. How Doomers Prevent Progress. James Pethokoukis
Yes, it's our 400th episode. But instead of looking back over the past eight-and-a-half years of our podcasts, we consider the future: How collective optimism or pessimism can have a huge impact on the economy, risk taking,…