Positivity to the Rescue: 8 Uniting Americans Podcasts

America’s happiness has been on the slide for decades now, while polarization has gone up, up, up.

If you’re down about the state of politics in America, consider listening to these podcasts that focus on helping America depolarize by way of civil discussion.

Together they represent those fostering positivity, bridge-building and Common Ground Movement where Americans come together to find reunify by supporting one another.

Most are going shows, while others are single episodes. All are listed are on my resources page. If you have more, contact me and I’ll add them to the list.

How Do We Fix It?

In our new series, we’re reporting on the work and actions of Braver Angels — the nation’s largest cross-partisan volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide.

We continue to ask questions about constructive, practical how to make the world a better place. Host and producer Richard Davies, sound designer Miranda Shafer and former co-host Jim Meigs have made more than 400 episodes. We feature smart, fun, spontaneous interviews with a remarkable range of guests. We welcome playful, constructive and unusual opinions.

Why America’s bitter politics are like a bad marriage

Episode 122 of the Speaking of Psychology podcast, produced by the American Psychological Association, features Eli Finkel, a professor in the psychology department and in the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

How Do We Fix It?

“In our new series, we’re reporting on the work and actions of Braver Angels— the nation’s largest cross-partisan volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide. We continue to ask questions about constructive, practical how to make the world a better place.”

Derate the Hate

“I am your host, Wilk Wilkinson. Your blue-collar sage, calming outrage and helping to navigate a world divided by FOG, & those who spread that fear, outrage, and grievance. Each week I’m sharing stories from my path & using the power of conversation and collaboration with great guests. Together, we chart a course toward understanding, bridging divides, and fostering a community where wisdom prevails over discord.”

The Common Ground Show

“2 Men from very different backgrounds dive into tough racial issues on “The Common Ground” podcast.”

Right, Left & Center

“KCRW’s weekly politics show where we take on the tough, divisive issues you’re afraid to talk about with your own family.”

Leaning Into Paradox: How We Can Block, Bridge & Build Our Democratic Future Together

(Single episode, Othering and Belonging Institute)

“We are facing a moment in history that requires us to develop new organizing modalities. We have to come together to block the threats we are facing to our democratic values, we need to bridge across differences to foster broad-based movements with the widest participation, and we have to build together the future we want to live within our communities.”

Want Proven Advice for Bridge-building? Be Humble and Curious

(Single episode, Interfaith America)

“Author and journalist Mónica Guzmán joins Eboo Patel to discuss strategies for bridging sociopolitical divides through cultivating curiosity and humility.”

Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other

“Politics and Religion. We’re not supposed to talk about that, right? Wrong! We only say that nowadays because the loudest, most extreme voices have taken over the whole conversation. Well, we‘re taking some of that space back!”

Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide

“This radio program stands out amidst a firehouse of media stories that not only seem to accept polarization as an inalterable truth but, at times, even stoke it. By contrast, this program focuses on solutions to polarization. The production team spent more than a year researching and reporting on how people can maintain relationships despite stark political differences, offering hope for a divided electorate that Americans can still come together.”


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