How Do We Fix It?

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 Security Advisor Ben Rhodes.“Young people today are going to have to imagine a new US government and a new set of international institutions,” says Ben. A future administration “will have to renegotiate the terms of a new international order.”This hour-long episode is a recording of a live event held on May 22 in Washington D.C., produced by the Democracy Group and The McCourtney Institute. “How Do We Fix It?” is one of eighteen network members of Democracy Group, which features podcasts about civic engagement, civil discourse and the future of our democracy.Ben Rhodes is cohost of the foreign policy podcast, “Pod Save the World”. He served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting under President Obama. With former Biden advisor Jake Sullivan, Rhodes the co-chair of National Security Action, a political NGO. He is the author of two books: “After the Fall”, and “The World As It Is.”This Democracy Group recording is cohosted by Kamy Akhavan, who leads the Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California, and Stephanie Gerber Wilson, host and producer of the podcast/column “Freedom Over Fascism”.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 lifeDoug Teschner and Beth Malow are co-authors of the forthcoming book "Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times." Their work builds on what they've both learned as bridge builders and Braver Angels volunteers. They also write about their work on Substack.Imagine a country where people of opposing political beliefs and different social, geographical and educational backgrounds get along pretty well, and manage to make progress together on vital issues that they care about. Our two guests show how it can be done."We've always had debate and disagreement," Doug tells us. "The concern now is that this has become personalized. If you don't agree with me that means you're evil." People should disagree, but when it's about "us versus them, this is really dangerous for our country."Most Americans want to get along, says Beth. "I just think there are forces out there tearing us apart because that's what they see their profit and power in... We need to stand up and say enough is enough. We're better than this."Beth Malow leans blue. Doug Teschner leans red. He is a former Republican State Legislator in New Hampshire. Doug served as a Peace Corps country director in Ukraine and West Africa. He volunteers for Braver Angels as New England political leader. Beth Malow is a neurology physician, science and health communicator and lives in Vermont. She is also a trained volunteer moderator and debate chair for Braver Angels.This is our latest episode on the people, projects, and ideas of Braver Angels: The volunteer-led nationwide citizens’ group that’s working to bring people together across rigid and often antagonistic divides. During our interview Beth mentioned a May 20th Braver Angels New Hampshire debate that she's involved with.Our podcast host, Richard Davies, is a media trainer who works with clients to strengthen their public speaking, messaging, and interview skills. His email is daviescontentatgmail,com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessie Mannisto, Director of Debates at Braver Angels, is on a mission to restore civic dialogue in a polarized America. She stresses the importance of understanding opposing views as a crucial step towards healing divisions. The conversation dives into how Trump's policies have impacted political discourse, with a focus on Braver Angels’ unique debate format that encourages respectful communication. Jessie also shares how humor and trust are essential in fostering constructive conversations amidst a politically charged environment.

David Blankenhorn, President of Braver Angels and a seasoned advocate for community engagement, shares his insights on bridging America's political divides. He reflects on the organization's inception after the 2016 election, highlighting its commitment to fostering dialogue between conservatives and liberals. With a focus on hope over optimism, Blankenhorn discusses the importance of deep listening and personal connection in overcoming polarization. He emphasizes the challenge of rebuilding trust in democracy through meaningful conversations across ideological lines.

Wilk Wilkinson, a Christian conservative and Braver Angels volunteer leader, shares his journey from political rage to fostering dialogue across divides. He emphasizes the importance of having civil conversations with those who hold opposing views, advocating for empathy and understanding instead of animosity. Through his podcast 'Derate the Hate,' he engages with diverse guests to explore themes of gratitude and accountability. Wilk believes that everyone, regardless of political stance, has valuable insights worth discussing, promoting unity over division.

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 Administration to make the right recommendations on health issues at least “a fair amount,” down from nearly two-thirds (65%) in June 2023. About 1 in 4 Republicans parents now say they’ve akipped or delayed some children’s vaccines."Why Should I Trust You?" is a new podcast about why so many Americans have lost trust in science and public health. We hear from two of the show's co-hosts, journalists Brinda Adhikari and Tom Johnson. They speak about what they've learned from a remarkably broad range of skeptics, scientists and doctors who have different opinions about vaccines and public policy on healthcare. "How Do We Fix It?" reports on the people, projects and ideas of Braver Angels, America's volunteer-led cross-partisan movement working to bring people together across rigid lines of partisan division. Braver Angels' Truth and Trust Project was featured on episode 414 of "How Do We Fix It?". This work aims to bridge divides among people with different views on official responses to the pandemic. Braver Angels helped Brinda and Tom as they launched their podcast.Tom Johnson is an award winning producer with experience in documentary series, digital, cable and network news. Brinda Adhikari is the former executive producer of The Problem with John Stewart.This episode also looks at the changing public comments from Robert F Kennedy Jr., who may be the most powerful voice in US public health today. As we release this episode he's set to become President Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary. Kennedy's Senate nomination hearings have been highly contentious. To critics he's a destructive vaccine skeptic and spreader of conspiracy theories. Many Trump supporters see Kennedy as a hero and a fighter, willing to take on a broken healthcare system. We also learn more about the remarkable contrast between the high level of distrust over the introduction of vaccines against COVID, and what happened during the 1950’s after the polio vaccine was introduced. Then there was a huge amount of acceptance. Some thought the vaccine was almost a gift from God. The vaccine reduced fear and increased trust of doctors and public health officials. Thank you to Braver Angels for help with making this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Beckwith, an Episcopal Bishop and author, discusses the Braver Faith initiative, which aims to bridge divides through interfaith dialogue. He emphasizes the role of faith in fostering unity and understanding, particularly in today’s polarized climate. The conversation touches on how doubt can enhance belief and the historical contributions of faith communities to social justice. Beckwith also shares insights from a recent Braver Faith event, highlighting the power of diverse voices coming together to promote healing and reconciliation.

Joseph Sim, a young British filmmaker and director of the documentary "A Road Trip Across a Divided America," shares insights from his journey across the U.S., where he asks over 200 strangers how we can reconnect with our communities. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity in bridging divides and fostering empathy. The discussion highlights various initiatives and personal stories that showcase how constructive dialogue can combat polarization. Joseph’s reflections inspire hope for overcoming societal isolation through genuine conversations.

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 creatively about how to minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with parents, family, and friends.Tania Israel is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara and award-winning author of "Beyond Your Bubble: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation".Arthur C. Brooks is Professor of the Practice of Public and NonProfit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. We discuss the findings of his book "Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America From the Culture of Contempt".We make podcasts about the work, ideas, and projects of Braver Angels, the volunteer-led, cross-partisan network of American citizens who are working together across divides to push back against toxic polarization. This episode is very much in the spirit of what Braver Angels are working to achieve.This show is released just weeks after the election of Donald Trump to serve a second term as President. Divisive rhetoric by both sides during the campaign added to recent bitterness and division. Polarization is "not only hurting our connections with other people, it's hurting our health and our democracy," says Tania Israel. She argues that Americans "need to strengthen our connections with other people and tolerate, even embrace differences". A longer version of the interview with Tania was first published by the podcast, "Let's Find Common Ground".In the second half of this podcast we hear about the radical ancient teachings of Jesus, Buddah and many religious leaders— love your enemies." This is a "subversive, sort of crazy-sounding idea", Arthur Brooks tells us. But it can have a profound impact on how we live. "It's pretty easy to love your friends, but to love your enemies is something entirely different," he says. "You see them in an entirely different way. You change your own heart."Our "How Do We Fix It?" interview with Arthur Brooks was first recorded in 2018. Richard Davies and his co-host Jim Meigs asked the questions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.