Category Archives: Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Angela Bradbery – Frank Karel Chair in Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism & Communications. Angela spearheads the annual Public Interest Communications Summer Institute — bringing educators, researchers, practitioners and others together to explore how to best communicate in the public interest. Angela’s work in Public Interest Communications …

Continue reading “How Public Interest Communications Can Benefit Communities, with Angela Bradbery”

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Leshnower, Bridging & Democracy Advisor at AmeriCorps. Jennifer and I discuss the importance of bringing people together — and how relationship building through service, and looking outward from ourselves to see others, can help build meaningful relationships to tackle sticky problems and strengthen communities. To learn more, go to americorps.gov.

In this episode, we talk with Ben Bain, volunteer Brick Yard leader for the Washington, D.C. area for the organization More Perfect Union. More Perfect Union seeks to strengthen communities through social connection, service, and civic engagement. Ben is a veteran – and a dog lover – who wanted to find ways to weave connective tissue …

Continue reading “Ben Bain of More Perfect Union on Strengthening Communities Through Relationships”

In this episode, we talk with Michael McRay, experiential story coach, and founder of Becoming Restoried. Michael helps others find and share their own stories, toward healing, reconciling, and connection. The stories we create have the power to connect or divide – and when someone does not have control of their story, it can be dehumanizing. …

Continue reading “Michael McRay on Becoming Re-storied to See the Humanity in Yourself and Others”

In this episode, we talk with Mónica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, and author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Mónica at first dedicated her career to connecting people across differences through journalism… but then moved into the bridging space to …

Continue reading “Mónica Guzmán on the importance of curiosity to build relationships that bridge divides”

In this episode, we talk with David Brooks, New York Times columnist and author of How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. We explore David’s journey to find ways to know other people better and learn how to share his own stories and experiences as part of the knowing …

Continue reading “New York Times Columnist David Brooks on How to Know a Person”

In this episode, we chat with Alexandra Hudson about her new book -The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves. Hudson explores the difference between politeness and what Hudson calls civility – and we call CIVITY – truly seeing an OTHER and recognizing their humanity and dignity. Alexandra is also founder of …

Continue reading “Writer and Civic Renaissance Founder Alexandra Hudson on “The Soul of Civility””

In this episode, we explore the importance of strong neighborhood and community relationships to the health of nations, and we discuss the fact that many neighborhoods in the U.S. don’t have strong local ties and need structural and systemic help. My guest is Seth Kaplan – Author of Fragile Neighborhoods Repairing American Society One Zip …

Continue reading “Seth Kaplan on Fragile Neighborhoods Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time”

In this episode, we talk with Riaz Patel, executive producer and director focusing on reality shows that depict people connecting and having positive transformations. Riaz created what he calls the EPIC system – with EPIC standing for Equalization, Personalization, Information Gathering, and Collaboration – which is very in line with Civity’s approach to helping people …

Continue reading “Riaz Patel on Connecting Across Difference by Recognizing Our Shared Humanity”

In this episode, we explore how “othering” has led to increased marginalization and vilification of people who are un-housed – and how civity can help counter this trend by helping people who are housed see the humanity of those without housing. My guest is Eric Tars, Legal Director of National Homelessness Law Center, who reminds …

Continue reading “How Seeing Humanity Helps Us Address Homelessness More Effectively, with Eric Tars”