On the Other Hand

# 99, OTOH, Glen, April, & Jerry Henderson provide update on polarization research and solutions, Part 5 of 5, Feb 6 2025

For this 5th and final part of our update on political polarization research and thinking, Glen begins with his thoughts on solutions for political polarization related problems, which include research on societal characteristics that are associated with peaceful societies. For the remainder of this final episode, we all discuss several other ideas, which include contact theory, and other positive practices. We then conclude our discussion with some thoughts on how we might best proceed in our society’s political conversations so that we retain a healthy, functioning democracy and society.

# 98, OTOH, Glen, April, & Jerry Henderson provide update on polarization research and solutions, Part 4 of 5, Feb 6 2025

In part 4 of our 5 episodes devoted to updates on polarization research and related topics, Glen and April provide specific information that they chose as important in understanding and dealing with various polarization related issues. Glen begins by describing how various behaviors in society are enabled by powerful effects of social modeling, then he focuses on mis- & disinformation as a growing and malevolent influence on polarization. Glen offers suggestions for how we might address this increasing problem of erroneous information in our digitally influenced society. Suggestions include the importance of education that helps us all improve our media literacy, as well as the importance of building community. April encourages continued respect toward those who may be inadvertently spreading bad information and to continue to engage with others, even when some of their ideas are uncomfortable for us.  Jerry points out how compassion and mindfulness practices can serve as a healing alternative to excessive reliance on either emotion or reason.  April then discusses various types of civility and how they can be either more or less helpful in dealing with conflict. We conclude this round with a more in-depth discussion of the key points covered. Next up will be our 5th and final episode in this series on polarization research and thinking.

#97, OTOH, Glen, April, & Jerry Henderson provide update on polarization research and solutions, Part 3 of 5, Feb 6 2025

In this 3rd of 5 episodes for our polarization research update, our guest Jerry Henderson starts by providing information on current thinking in Evolutionary Psychology and on origins of tribalism as a powerful force.  Jerry describes how this all relates to understanding polarization and why we are prone to many of the behaviors and problems we currently see in our society related to political differences and conflict. Glen points out how the age of Enlightenment and its new focus on reason, while largely a positive development in civilized society, failed to understand the huge role played by emotion, intuition and other unconscious processes in how we believe and behave. April then discusses potential imitations in relying excessively upon rationality and the importance of utilizing effectively the emotions and intuitions that influence us. We continue to vigorously discuss our thoughts regarding the new information covered.

# 96, OTOH, Glen, April, & Jerry Henderson provide update on polarization research and solutions, Part 2 of 5, Feb 6 2025

For part 2 of our polarization research update, Jerry and Glen present their thoughts on topic 1 (Why is it important to understand political polarization?), after which April, Glen and Jerry all discuss the new information from Glen and Jerry. Discussion points include the impact of polarization on societal health, both of individuals and of democracy itself; Influences from media and the digital environment; and role of social norms in how we respond to polarization.
In part 3 next, we’ll begin having each of us present information on a topic of our choice that relates to the overall intent of providing an update to the latest research and thinking about political polarization and related issues.

# 95, OTOH, Glen, April, & Jerry Henderson provide update on polarization research and solutions, Part 1, Feb 6 2025

For this first of 5 parts of an extended conversation, Glen and April welcome a returning guest, Dr. Jerry Henderson, a retired psychologist. In 2022, Glen and Jerry discussed some key research findings and expert opinions on political polarization, formation of beliefs in humans, and related topics. In this new 5-part series, the three of us are updating information in this rich field of study, as we each provide some of our highlights from the latest research and thinking on political polarization and related topics. After we provide a brief introduction to the structure of the series, we each briefly describe our credentials and other work that establishes our credibility in providing this information. We then begin to provide our thoughts on topic 1:  Why is it important to understand political polarization? April starts with some basic definitions and questions for how we can assess our own degree of polarization. Next, we all engage in discussion about the information April provided.
In the next episode, part 2 in this series, Jerry and Glen will present their thoughts on the importance of understanding polarization, after which we engage in discussion about the newly presented information. 

#94 OTOH, Anthony Taylor, Catholic Bishop of Little Rock, Part 2, Feb 5 2025

In this second part of our conversation with Little Rock Catholic Bishop Anthony Taylor, Glen and April explore with him how he deals with polarized congregations and other potentially difficult conversations with groups or individuals. One intriguing guideline he suggests following in such situations is to "will the good," an approach he explains in terms of religious and personal strategies. Anthony also provides insight into his views on navigating potential conflicts between religion and government, science, non-believers, and others. He also describes his thinking on dealing with religious extremists of various faiths, including those within Christianity. He ends with a story about the highly unusual circumstances of his entry into school as a first grader. 

#93 OTOH, Anthony Taylor, Catholic Bishop of Little Rock, Part 1, Feb 5 2025

April and Glen welcome the Bishop of the Little Rock Catholic Church, Anthony Taylor, on our podcast. In this first part of our conversation with Bishop Taylor, he provides us with insight into early influences on his religious and moral values, which include a family history of persecution during the holocaust. Anthony also draws a distinction between the laws of government and religion, the latter of which he describes as a "higher law." Anthony's explanations of how Catholic teachings and traditions emphasize the common good are explored in several specific examples from the Catholic faith. He also highlights his long history of working with the Hispanic community, as well as his and the church's views of immigration as a human right. 

#92 OTOH, Kate Tandy, Bridge USA founder at UA, part 2, 1-31-25

In the second part of our conversation with UA student and founder of the local Bridge USA chapter at the university, Kate Tandy speaks with April and Glen about various barriers encountered by her fellow students, including some surprising difficulties that reflect the dramatic changes in communication that pose challenges for young people only familiar with the current, largely digitized communication system in our country. Kate shares some of the issues that she sees as energizing young adults politically, as well as her choice to have hope for the future, despite several discouraging elements currently facing her generation and the country. 

#91 OTOH, Kate Tandy, Bridge USA founder at UA, part 1, 1-31-25

#91 OTOH, Kate Tandy, Bridge USA founder at UA, part 1, 1-31-25
Glen and April welcome University of Arkansas student Kate Tandy, who founded the UA Fayetteville branch of Bridge USA, a national organization of college students who are working to build bridges across the political divide with youth in higher education settings. In this first part of our conversation, we hear about how Kate came to have a strong interest in politics and how she eventually acted to form a chapter of Bridge USA in her university setting. Among the matters we discuss in this part of the interview, we learn how Kate came to her current political views, which differ significantly from those with which she was familiar growing up in her family. She also describes her values that help her maintain close, positive relationships with family members and others, even when significant political differences are present. She then begins with us an exploration of possible generational differences she sees as relevant in understanding the divisions in our society. 

#90, OTOH, Preston Clegg, Pastor of 2nd Baptist in Little Rock, Part 3, Dec 9, 2024

In this final, 3rd part of our interview with Preston Clegg, Pastor of 2nd Baptist in Little Rock, Glen and April learn more about Preston’s views regarding the importance of living and talking about a positive alternative to the negatives he sees in society.  Using key points from author Parker Palmer, Preston talks about the need for more public spaces and opportunities for citizens in our society, even allowing that “more pubs” could be one part of that expansion of public opportunities.  Continuing his emphasis on living Jesus’ Great Commandments, Preston provides advice that he also  as consistent with Braver Angels’ approach to addressing political polarization, stating: "we can't speak the truth to people who we don't love" and "If we don't learn to love sinners, we'll find it hard to find anyone to love." Preston would most like to be remembered in a manner consistent with what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated based on the parable of the Good Samaritan: not merely helping folks on the side of the road who are in need, but also tending to the road and what about that road led to so many roadside casualties. We conclude our interview with a personal story he tells about how a Black pastor he once spoke with changed his life and his world view in 45 seconds.