The podcast emphasizes the importance of engaging in constructive conversations across differing political views to foster societal improvements.
It highlights the negative impact of technology, particularly smartphones, on social interactions among younger generations and the need for healthy communication.
Deep dives
The Birth of a Unique Podcast Concept
The podcast reflects on its origins, having launched ten years ago with a fresh perspective on political discourse. Instead of the typical adversarial tone prevalent in many media outlets, it aimed to explore solutions and foster constructive conversations between differing viewpoints. Co-hosts Richard Davies and Jim Meggs championed an approach that encouraged listeners to take risks with their opinions while focusing on ways to improve society rather than falling into the usual left-right dichotomy. This vision distinguished the podcast from its contemporaries and laid the groundwork for its ongoing mission of seeking common ground and understanding amidst political polarization.
Navigating Changing Political Landscapes
The discussion highlights how the political landscape has evolved since the podcast's inception, especially with the rise of figures like Donald Trump, who redefined traditional party lines. Co-hosts note their personal political shifts over the years and reflect on how their earlier definitions of liberalism and conservatism have become more fluid. The conversation emphasizes how today's political identity is less about strict ideological allegiance and more about a complex interplay of values that can differ significantly even within the same party. By drawing parallels and presenting examples of how these changes manifest, the podcast illustrates the need for open dialogue in understanding modern political complexities.
The Impact of Technology on Society
An important theme discussed is the significant impact of technology, particularly smartphones, on the social behaviors of younger generations. The podcast reflects on a study showing how young adults would rather inflict mild discomfort on themselves than endure boredom in isolation, highlighting a shift in how they engage with each other and the world around them. A guest, Abigail Baird, expressed concerns about how technology affects student interactions, emphasizing the decline in spontaneous social connections. This observation resonates with the broader theme of the podcast regarding the importance of fostering healthy communication and social skills in an increasingly digital environment.
Championing a Culture of Open Discourse
The podcast champions the need for a culture that prioritizes rational discourse and the exchange of diverse ideas, especially within the context of growing political extremism. Guests like Jonathan Haidt underscore the importance of confronting the ideology of 'safetyism,' which prioritizes perceived safety over intellectual engagement and risk-taking in discussions. This cultural shift threatens to stifle robust debate and ideas, potentially leaving individuals feeling powerless in a complex world. By promoting conversations across ideological divides, the podcast calls for a collective effort to revitalize the values of the Enlightenment, enabling individuals to navigate their opinions critically while fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience.
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 angry attacks. How Do We Fix It? focused instead on solutions journalism and what might be improved if we listen carefully to others who we don’t agree with. We urge listeners to get out of their comfort zone.
Right from the start, co-hosts Jim Meigs (leans red) and Richard Davies (leans blue) embraced nuance and celebrated the ideas of contrarians and compromisers alike. Their weekly podcast partnership lasted nine years. Together in this episode Richard and Jim consider a range of ideas that we have discussed.
Our podcast was well ahead of many others in its stout defense of free speech for all sides and firm support of enlightenment ideals. We also share examples here of how we broke ground with episodes on the impact of smartphones on children and college students, the spread of COVID, and the need for carbon-free nuclear power to be part of the response to climate change.
In this episode we include extracts from our rich catalog of episodes that date back to 2015. All of our shows can be found at howdowefixit.me.
Recommendations: Jim and Richard are both avid podcast listeners. Two of their favorites are "Breaking History" and "Strangers on a Bench". Eli Lake interviews historians, academics and reporters for Breaking History, "mining the past of human experience to figure out the present. " British singer-songwriter Tom Rosenthal hosts Strangers on a Bench. He meets people for the first time while sitting on a park bench, usually somewhere in London..
How Do We Fix It? is a proud member of the Democracy Group podcast network. We recorded this episode at The Manhattan Institute in New York. Thanks for their help and support.
