Spencer Cox, the Republican governor of Utah, and Troy Williams, the activist at the head of Utah’s most active LGBTQ rights organization, don’t buy the notion that a good way to stand for the ideas on your side is to attack the people on the other. Reflecting on their sometimes contentious relationship, the two talk with Mónica about how they’ve both been able to advance their sides through honest dialogue and good-faith engagement, resulting in some surprising win-win policy outcomes for the people in their state.    Featured Song: “While There Is Still Time”- Hillary Rollins and Michele Brourman A Braver Way is a production of Braver Angels.  We get financial support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Reclaim Curiosity. If you’ve found yourself mulling on a concern or reflection as you’ve listened, turn it into a question and share it with us in a quick email to abraverway@braverangels.org. Mónica and friends will be answering questions on an upcoming episode. If you like what you’ve heard, hit subscribe, give us that 5 star review, and share this episode with your friends all across the political spectrum and, um, any elected representatives you happen to know? We’d love to hear from them!  Follow us on Instagram at @abraverway Disagree Better- National Governor’s Association Chair’s Initiative Equality Utah - LGBTQ Civil Rights Organization Gangstagrass- Artists in Residence Braver Angels Braver Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Mónica — a liberal — joins the two people she’s argued with most — her conservative parents — for a candid conversation about one family’s struggles with a political divide that cuts right through their own home. Looking back on the biggest disagreements that tested their relationships, like Moni’s pro-choice stance on abortion and her parents’ votes for Donald Trump, they open up about the strategies that keep them talking. *** A Braver Way is produced with financial support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Reclaim Curiosity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mónica talks to two friends whose lives changed in profound ways when they discovered that the family of one had owned the family of the other as slaves. Exploring our racial and religious divides as well as our political ones, their conversation takes on tough questions about how we honor past and future in our shared story, and the role repentance and forgiveness can play in relationships burdened by pain.  *** A Braver Way is produced with financial support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Reclaim Curiosity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian Ron C. White discusses how Lincoln bridged differences during the Civil War. They explore moral disagreements, handling anger, and Lincoln's ability to write powerful speeches with minimal education. The chapter also covers authenticity in communication, Lincoln's vision for peace, bridging divides, and personal perspectives on pro-life vs. pro-choice. They reflect on balancing curiosity and passion while maintaining moral convictions.

Done with the divisiveness in our politics and ready to do something about it? Host Monica Guzman is joined by guests from across the political spectrum to unearth tools, insights, and messy real life stories that can guide you over the divide in your everyday life. So whether you’re Red, Blue, or something entirely different, “A Braver Way” will help you hear and be heard by people who confound you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.