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How to Connect in Divisive Times
These resources can help you turn debates into dialogues.
Published on July 12, 2022
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers
Maxwell KingRight now we could all use a refresher on how to be a good neighbor in spite of our differences. And what better teacher than the man who united generations of viewers through his lessons on kindness and inclusion? Let this biography of Fred Rogers (aka, Mister Rogers) — narrated by the also-beloved LeVar Burton — inspire you to reach out across the aisle and ask, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
Jonathan HaidtThe U.S. has reached crippling levels of polarization when it comes to politics as well as morals. Much of this has to do with how people’s beliefs are grounded in emotion rather than logic and reasoning. Drawing on neuroscience, social psychology, genetics, and evolutionary modeling, Haidt developed a framework of moral values that he believes applies to all human beings and could be used to bridge conservative and liberal messaging.
Kind World
67 podcast episodes
Kind World
67 podcast episodesSpeaking of kindness, there’s a podcast actually called “Kind World,” and it’s as sweet as it sounds. Each episode delves into the transformative power of simple acts of kindness to connect us. Maybe one of these real-life stories will prompt you to take similar action.
What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don't, Fourth Edition: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter
What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don't, Fourth Edition: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter
Jessamyn ConradThis is one of those rare nonpartisan guides to politics in the United States. It breaks down issues ranging from the economy to education, clarifies where the different parties stand on said issues, and provides important cultural and historical context for each topic.
Use Your Difference to Make a Difference: How to Connect and Communicate in a Cross-Cultural World
Use Your Difference to Make a Difference: How to Connect and Communicate in a Cross-Cultural World
Tayo RocksonThe irony of this digital age that’s never been so interconnected and globalized is that it feels harder than ever to communicate with one another. Knowing how to communicate across diverse cultures and backgrounds is an essential skill that this book addresses. Whether you’re an educator, manager, business owner, leader, or politician, this guide can help you strengthen your cross-cultural competencies and collaborate in an inclusive and effective way.
Let's Talk About Hard Things
Anna SaleLike the name of her podcast suggests, the host of “Death, Sex, and Money” isn’t afraid to tackle taboo topics with her guests. Sale’s collection of essays about the power of honest communication can help make it a little less scary to open up. She stresses that we don’t have to agree, but truly listening might help us feel less disconnected.
This I Believe
100 podcast episodes
This I Believe
100 podcast episodesBased on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name, “This I Believe” features people from all walks of life and the stories behind their core beliefs. Episodes cover topics ranging from an impassioned defense of board games to the power of the word “hello.” See the world through someone else’s eyes, if only for a few minutes.
We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter
Celeste HeadleeUsually the phrase “We need to talk” can strike terror into our hearts and have us itching to get away, but Celeste Headlee’s thoughtful guide on how to communicate productively changes that. The NPR host shares 10 tips for conducting a meaningful, respectful conversation and demonstrates how really listening to each other can deepen connections and bridge divides.
I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations
I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations
Sarah Stewart HollandHow do we turn combative conversations about politics into open and respectful dialogues? It’s not easy, but two authors who are friends and sit on opposite sides of the political spectrum are here to tell you it’s possible. Holland and Silvers, hosts of the “Pantsuit Politics” podcast, share their tips on how to have more thoughtful conversations, embrace differences, and learn how to disagree respectfully with someone while still treating them as a human being.
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out
Amanda RipleyConflict isn’t inherently negative. Done right, healthy conflict offers an opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives. Bad conflict, on the other hand, is fueled by anger and blame, devolving into the “us versus them” mentality exemplified by U.S. politics. Heavy in scientific research and laced with compelling stories, Ripley’s “High Conflict” delivers strategies for escaping this divisive trap, reducing chaos and stress in our daily lives.
How to be Heard: Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening (Communication Skills Book)
How to be Heard: Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening (Communication Skills Book)
Julian TreasureIt all too often feels like we’re all shouting over each other, but nobody’s interested in what anyone’s actually saying. It can be a real struggle to feel heard, especially for folks who’d rather avoid contentious conversations. Julian Treasure provides actionable advice on how to get your points across compellingly, and — especially important now — how to listen with empathy.
Matter of Opinion
3 podcast episodes
Matter of Opinion
3 podcast episodesIf you’ve been shutting out opposing political opinions, it’s time to get out of your bubble and start listening in order to better understand where other folks are coming from. Because, as “The Argument” podcast says, “for democracy to work, we need to hear each other out.” New York Times Opinion columnists break down political arguments from the left, right, center, and everywhere in between so that listeners can empathize with what “the other half thinks.”
Just Breathe: Mastering Breathwork for Success in Life, Love, Business, and Beyond
Dan BruleBefore you freak out about how to engage with someone with different beliefs, take a deep breath to calm down. Everyone knows this advice (see, we all do have something in common!), but do you know all the other ways that controlling your breathing can improve your interactions with others? In addition to stabilizing your mood, it makes you less reactive and less likely to snap at others in tense times. Dan Brule will teach you breathing techniques to deal with high-stress situations and keep you calm during difficult conversations.
Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change
Frank SesnoGaining power, knowledge, and insight is as simple as asking the right questions at the right time. However, the trick is knowing how to use questions in a methodical and strategic way. Sesno, an Emmy-award-winning journalist, lays out the different types of inquiries (strategic, diagnostic, empathetic, confrontational, and creative) that can break down barriers and lead to groundbreaking solutions.
Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement
Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement
Jacqueline M. StavrosAll too often, we navigate through conversations by focusing on what we want to avoid rather than what we want to happen. If we want to generate creativity and solutions, we need to start with conversations that are constructive and curious, not critical and negative. Using the framework of Appreciative Inquiry, you can communicate more effectively and focus on what’s working rather than what’s not.