On the Other Hand

#62 Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe history professor, Part 2, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 62

In this second part of our interview with Dr. Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe professor of history, we further explore his insights into the culture and politics of rural Arkansans in the Ozark region, who he terms "Ozarkers." In this episode, he provides additional detail into the reality, as opposed to stereotypes, of Ozarkers' frequently described distrust of outsiders. He includes lessons from history and his studies that suggest ways to reduce misunderstandings of people such as rural Arkansans, and he outlines some of the understandable and rational basis for some of their views. He also offers one model of how to use debate exercises in the classroom about historical events as a means of helping students to better appreciate diversity of views and ideologies, while promoting critical thinking about an issue. Current suspicion in some quarters about the value of higher education is also discussed. Dr. Perkins concludes with a humorous story of how another professor's energetic engagement with his class ended up revealing more of the professor than he likely wanted. 

#61 Blake Perkins, ASU Beebe history professor, Part 1, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 61

Dr. Blake Perkins, History professor at ASU-Beebe, talks with Glen and April about his research on the history of "Ozarkers" or rural folk in the Arkansas mountains over the last couple of centuries. He specifically addresses aspects of how these Arkansans have tended to view "outsiders," whether those from state or federal government, from more urban areas, or persons with money and influence. Given the importance of such divisions in understanding polarization in our current society, we felt it helpful to hear his insights, which not only are academic in nature, but also arise in part from his early life being born and raised in rural Arkansas. Blake talks in some detail about both the realities of this culture as well as some myths or stereotypes that don't always correspond to reality. He cites examples of "outsiders" who thrived in the Ozark culture, for example. We also delve into current controversies regarding potential changes in the status of the Buffalo River's national park designation, as well as the recent LEARNS law and its changes that pose some concerns to rural Ozarkers. 

#60 Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activist, Jan 30 2024, Part 2: OTOH Episode 60

In this second part of our talk with former judge and social justice activist Wendell Griffen, we hear his defense of the importance for civility in discourse and the willingness to engage with those on the other side. He points to how the games we played - and their rules that we followed as children - continues to be a critical model for us to follow as adults. He sees the need for similar attention to laws and civil behavior in our political discourse. Wendell also tells us about his experiences during a recent public forum on the Middle East conflict and how he and the other panelists, with strongly differing views, were able to follow guidelines and thus have a respectful and productive exchange of perspectives on this highly divisive topic. He offers reason for hope for our future in young people, who he sees as wanting civil discourse and as being willing to get involved in their community.  Finally, he offers his thoughts on how each of us can make a difference in our community. 

#59 Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activitist, Jan 30 2024, Part 1: OTOH Episode 59

Here's a guest you should make a point to listen to: Wendell Griffen, a veteran, attorney, retired judge, CEO of his own organization, author, public speaker, and the pastor at the New Millennium Church in Little Rock. In part 1 of this interview, April and Glen sit down with Wendell, well known in Arkansas as a passionate advocate for various social justice issue. Here he explains how his views originate from influences by his parents growing up, as well Jesus, Martin Luther King, Jr, and others. He especially resonates with the call to "love the least of these."  Wendell embraces a version of Christianity that he contrasts with what he terms "empirical Christianity," a version that troubles him and is covered in his upcoming book "The Hateful Faithful."  Yet he urges being open to talking to others as critical for growth ("iron sharpens iron"). The struggle he sees is chaos vs community, where fear feeds chaos. He sides with the forming and strengthening of community. In a powerful metaphor, he relates a personal story that helped motivate him to be more active in his community.  The inspiration came to him in learning to swim as an adult and led him to realize that we need the courage to "get off the side of the pool" and into the deep water in order to "learn how to swim."

#58 Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 58

In part 2 of his second appearance on our podcast, Ryan shares with us information about his work on increasing civil engagement by Arkansans. Those actions include initiatives that Americans for Prosperity Arkansas provides for any Arkansans who are interested in becoming more involved and engaged in political actions and advocacy.  He also discusses how he combines advocacy for the conservative, free-market approach to government with strong support for cross-partisan engagement. Finally, we hear about his involvement in the recent movement to provide protection for Arkansas's nationally respected Freedom of Information law and how he and others from across the political spectrum are taking steps to maintain that level of transparency for Arkansas.

#57 Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 57

Glen & April invite Ryan Norris back for a repeat interview. As Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, Ryan has been in charge of an organization that nationally has been associated with strongly Red views, yet he has persistently advocated and acted in accordance with values of civility and maintaining relationships across the political divide. In the first part of this second interview, Ryan provides insight into the importance he attaches to including people of various views in negotiations, as long as they maintain a respectful approach. He even advocates hearing from those with extreme views of either ideological slant, with the caveat that they remain civil in their approach. He provides details on some of the work his group has done with Arkansans in relation to bills considered in the 2023 legislative session. 

#56 Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 56

In part 2 of our interview with Dr. Robert Richards of the Clinton School of Public Service, we learn about the various communication systems and practices that the students learn to help them appreciate the perspectives of others whose views differ from their own. Drawing distinctions between dialog and deliberation, Robert helps us better understand how students with such diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences become effective practitioners of those and other approaches, thus making them valued members of the organizations with which they work. Robert's optimistic view of the future draws on the optimism he sees in these young (and some not so young) students.  He sees that they share expectations that people of varying backgrounds and beliefs can communicate effectively and work together for goals that help move their organizations, and even countries, forward.

#55 Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 55

April & Glen welcome Dr. Robert Richards, Assistant Professor at the Clinton School of Public Service, who provides insight into the work done in training future professionals in government, non-profits, and for-profit organizations. For those who are curious about the nature of the Clinton School's vision and work with its students, Robert provides details on the training, both academic/research oriented work, as well as real-world experience in various companies and organizations or governments both in the US and around the world. We hear about the varied characteristics of those in the program, and perspectives of international students who come from differing cultural and government backgrounds, as they live and work in the US and are exposed to the American political and cultural environment.  Robert also outlines several key communication and related techniques for having productive interactions with people of differing views.

#54 Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 54

In part 2 of our interview with Clarke Tucker, Glen & April hear Clarke's account of recent work in the 2023 legislative session, including being able to get some long-sought measures in criminal justice reform included in a bill that became law. He describes its benefit in reducing recidivism and yet notes the many ways that some of that recent legislation is likely to prove counterproductive, failing to actually make Arkansans safer. He worries about the strong divisiveness between the parties in Arkansas and the country. Clarke provides an in-depth explanation of the factors that are contributing to or even worsening the current high level of tribalism and polarization, along with how certain democratic reforms that he feels would help reduce this problem. This conviction has led him to regularly file legislation that  would help reduce this division by changing the primary system, but he has not yet been able to get enough support for its passage.  However, he sees some hope for more bipartisan work recently in a couple of key areas, where persons across the political spectrum have been collaborating to support measures that would improve education in Arkansas and would strengthen and protect government transparency. He concludes with a humorous story of an experience he had while going door to door to garner support for his re-election. 

#53 Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 53

Glen and April sit down with Clarke Tucker, an attorney who currently serves as the Democratic Senator in the Arkansas Legislature from Little Rock, District 14. In this first part of our interview with Clarke, we learn how he serves in government out of a strong sense of obligation, given the many privileges he has been blessed with in his life. As we explore his view of politics in Arkansas and nationally, he explains how he sees the changes in recent years as "partisan, not political." He also provides insightful background into the nature of the legislative process in Arkansas these days, which is "grueling" in terms of the required fundraising and the strong pressure to "run with the party." Despite the realities of that current system, he tries to work for the people in his legislative activities. He believes that how one responds to that balancing act reveals the true nature of the politician. There are those who try to do honest work for the people of Arkansas, but too many are "posturing for re-election" and are only in it to win, seeing the process as merely a game.