Why Braver Angels Workshops Bring Surprise and Hope. Maryanne Colter
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In this episode of How Do We Fix It?, host Richard Davies interviews Maryanne Colter, state coordinator for Braver Angels in Illinois, about the transformative power of the organization's workshops in bridging America's deep political divides. Colter shares how these structured, skill-based gatherings—such as Red-Blue dialogues, Common Ground Workshops, and Walk a Mile in My News—help participants move beyond tribalism by fostering empathy, curiosity, and active listening. Despite the overwhelming negativity in mainstream media, Colter finds hope in the tangible changes she witnesses: people leaving workshops with new understanding, unexpected common ground, and a renewed belief in constructive disagreement. The episode highlights real-life moments, including a powerful meeting with Chicago Young Republicans held just after the murder of Charlie Kirk, where participants found unity in shared grief and mutual respect. Colter emphasizes that the goal isn't to convert or convince, but to humanize the 'other' and rebuild the capacity for civil discourse in a polarized nation.
Braver Angels workshops use structured dialogue to help people listen deeply and identify shared values, even on contentious issues like abortion.
The LAP skills—Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, Perspective—are foundational tools that teach constructive disagreement without requiring agreement.
Curiosity over conviction is central: asking 'What shaped your views?' helps break down stereotypes and fosters empathy.
Participants often leave workshops changed, reporting reduced anger and renewed hope, proving that human connection is possible even in divided times.
Events like 'Family in Politics' and 'Walk a Mile in My News' help people understand how media bias and identity shape political views.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Crisis of Polarization and the Need for Connection
“It's a really difficult time to convince Americans to come together, to honor our differences by listening to those we disagree with, often strongly. To be a little less angry and despairing.”
The Magic of the Workshop: Where Change Happens
“I go do a workshop and I get people together in a room and they're just, they walk out changed somehow. And that's what gives me hope.”
How Braver Angels Workshops Are Structured to Build Bridges
Colter details the different types of workshops, including Red-Blue dialogues, Common Ground Workshops, and Walk a Mile in My News. These are designed to dismantle stereotypes, explore personal values, and uncover shared concerns, especially on divisive topics like abortion.
The LAP Skills: Listening, Acknowledging, Pivoting, and Sharing Perspective
“If you're talking and nobody's listening, you're just making noise.”
A Moment of Unity After Tragedy: The Chicago Young Republicans Meeting
“No, this is where we needed to be tonight. This was the most important place that we could be.”
“I go do a workshop and I get people together in a room and they're just, they walk out changed somehow. And that's what gives me hope.”
“If you're talking and nobody's listening, you're just making noise.”
“No, this is where we needed to be tonight. This was the most important place that we could be.”
Host
Guest
Maryanne Colter
person
Braver Angels
organization
Richard Davies
person
Chicago Young Republicans
organization
LAP Skills
other
WTTW Documentary: First Hand Democracy
media
Problem Solvers Caucus
organization
Charlie Kirk
person
Equality Caucus
organization
The Democracy Group
organization
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