This Is Civity

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Civity is a culture of deliberately engaging in relationships of respect and empathy with others who are different. Our world today is one of haves and have-nots, insiders and outsiders, people who belong and people who are marginalized because they are other. By reaching out person-to-person to others who are different, all of us together create the relational infrastructure to build solidarity, justice, and resilience in our communities. Our differences are our strengths. This is ‘civity.’ Our podcast showcases interviews with people bridging power-based divides to move communities forward on issues grounded in inequities.

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60 recent

June 15, 202630 min

Beyond the Politics of Contempt with Beth Malow & Doug Teschner

In this episode, we talk with Beth Malow and Doug Teschner, authors of Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. Doug is a new England regional leader for Braver Angels, and Beth is a volunteer moderator and debate chair with Braver Angels. Their book focuses on how to find hope and build a culture of kindness and respect in the face of polarization, misinformation, and negativity. To learn more, go to BeyondthePoliticsofContempt.com, and check out their Substack, Together Across Differences, at TogetherNow.substack.com.

June 6, 202629 min

My Omaha Filmmaker Nick Beaulieu on Building Relationships Across Difference

In this episode, we talk with Nick Beaulieu, writer & director of the documentary film, My Omaha, about his personal journey to reach across divides in his community – and his family – to make connections and build relationships across differences.To learn more, go to MyOmahaFilm.com.

June 3, 202637 min

The Power of Photos to Create Connection & Community with Roman Williams of Interfaith Photovoice

In this episode, we talk with Roman Williams, a visual sociologist, and founder of Interfaith Photovoice, which uses photos to allow people to share stories through visuals and hear and see the stories of others.Find out more at InterfaithPhotovoice.org.

April 26, 202639 min

The Importance of Civic Culture to Democracy, with Laurie Patton, President of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

In this episode, we talk with Laurie Patton, President of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and scholar of early Indian religions and religion in the public square. Our discussion explores the recognition that civic culture is democracy's foundation, and to have a strong civic culture, we need to engage in a way that recognizes each other’s humanity.To learn more, go to amacad.org.

March 24, 202638 min

Linda Tropp on the Power of Intentionality in Relationship Building to Address Power Differences

In this episode, we talk with Linda Tropp, professor of social psychology at the University of Massachusetts and expert in how people experience engagement across lines of difference. She has worked in the U.S. and around the world to foster equity and inclusion by intentionally building relationships across power and status differentials. To learn more, go to LindaTropp.com.

February 10, 202636 min

Kelsey Blahnik on How “And” Can Help Us Adapt, Accept, and Connect Across Difference

In this episode, we talk with Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, author of The AND Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World. Blahnik explores both the interior and exterior work we all need to do to stay grounded, choose kindness and compassion, and recognize each other’s humanity, even when we feel at odds or don’t agree. This book helps us learn to develop skills of tolerance, empathy, and emotional resilience necessary for authentic peacemaking.To learn more, go to TheAndWayTherapy.com.

January 27, 202639 min

Facing the Fracture: Managing Distress in Polarized Times, with Tania Israel

In this episode, we talk with Tania Israel, professor emeritus at UC Santa Barbara, and author of the books Facing the Fracture and Beyond your Bubble. Israel’s focus is on navigating political division – both engaging with others and managing toxic, polarizing messaging, which can lead to distressing thoughts and feelings. This can help us re-engage with our community to move our society forward.To learn more, go to TaniaIsrael.com.

December 9, 202538 min

Nathan Smolensky on Finding Common Ground in Our Everyday Lives

My guest is Nathan Smolensky, Independent strategist and Author of the book Common Ground from the Ground Up: How rethinking politics can help us feel heard, heal relationships, and fix our democracy. This book offers mindsets and tools we can use to engage in more productive conversations and lay the foundation for positive societal change.

December 1, 202541 min

Changing Perceptions to Heal Relationships, with April Ossmann

In this episode, we talk with April Ossmann, poet and independent editor, and author of WE… a collection of poems focused on bridging divides by exploring unconscious prejudices. In We, Ossmann hopes to change our perceptions to heal our families and friendships.

November 19, 202536 min

The Critical Role of Civic Spaces in Connecting Us Across Difference

In this episode, we talk with Seth Pinsky…CEO of the 92nd St. Y in New York, a cultural stalwart in the city focused on convening people across difference, with the goal of helping everyone connect and be in community with each other. For more, go to 92ny.org.