Colin Woodard

Colin Woodard, Director of the Nationhood Lab, discusses the geographical history of the US, regional divides in gun violence rates, tailoring arguments based on regional values, and the challenge of keeping the United States together.

Join historian and journalist Colin Woodard as he delves into the roots of America’s polarization in a captivating discussion. He explores how distinct regional cultures created rival colonial identities that still influence modern politics and societal issues. Sharon McMahon shares a poignant personal story of how a stranger’s kindness saved her husband’s life through a miraculous kidney donor chain. They tackle pressing listener questions about government debt, military action in Nigeria, and the role of partisanship in federal communications.

Colin Woodard, an author and researcher known for his work on regional political cultures, delves into America's complex divisions. He discusses how his regional map, illustrated in his book *Nations Apart*, reveals deep cultural divides that are increasingly volatile. Woodard highlights the impact of post-Cold War neoliberal policies and social media in exacerbating these fractures. He also analyzes how local institutions preserve cultural traits and why these regional identities threaten national unity more than ever.