On the Other Hand

#30 Chris Jones, Democratic Party candidate, Part 1, 2-14-23: OTOH Episode 30

In this first part of a conversation with recent Democratic candidate for governor Dr. Chris Jones, Glen and April explore with Chris how he views his politics, some of the early life influences on his political views, and his strong belief that all points on the political spectrum can contribute to problem solving.  He explains his approach to dealing with political differences, which includes preference for "high conflict" vs "conflict entrepreneurs." He also discusses the voluntary nature of our social contract and the need to "re-humanize" each other, and he compares the concepts of "calling out" vs "calling in" when faced with possible destructive political views and actions by others.  

#29 Caroline Stevenson peace activist 1-20-23 Part 2 Episode 29

OTOH Episode 29: Part 2 of a conversation with Caroline Stevenson
This second episode of Glen and April's interview with long-time community activist Caroline Stevenson begins with her describing how she worked as a peace activist alongside members of the military in developing and funding the Beacon of Peace and Hope in North Little Rock and how both groups came to have enduring and respectful relationships despite their differences. Caroline explains her hopes in Arkansas for an eventual swing toward more moderation and mutual respect in its politics, which she saw during the Winthrop Rockefeller governorship. She recommends using one's own life experiences as a basis for taking action on matters of personal importance to each of us. 

#28 Caroline Stevenson peace activist 1-20-23 part 1: OTOH Episode 28

Glen and April interview long-time community activist Caroline Stevenson, who has provided advocacy in areas such as mental health, peace, and interfaith relationships. In this first episode, Caroline discusses how the development early in life of a serious mental illness in one of her sons fueled her interest in mental health, which led her and a few other families in Arkansas to develop a state affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness for support of families and reduction of stigma of mental illness. Caroline also disclosed how the death of another son in the PanAm airline bombing in 1988 initially led to bitterness and thoughts of vengeance, yet she chose to instead embark on a life-long attempt to reach across differences in religious beliefs. Additionally, she became active in peace movements, while still seeking to develop relationships with others who saw things differently, including members of the military. 

#27 Monica Guzman, author and Braver Angels leader, 2-9-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 27

In this 2nd episode of a conversation with journalist, national Braver Angels leader, and best-selling author Monica Guzman, April & Glen explore with Monica her assertion that "people underrepresented in our lives are overrepresented in our imagination" and how that requires us to  get to know more people who differ from us. She points out how talking with those others helps us to check our darker visions with the realities we find when we talk with curiosity with others. Monica identifies politics and journalism as two key institutions that may be mostly responsible for our current polarization but that they can also be our best hope for helping solve those problems. They can change by learning and incorporating the best new ideas of our current people and culture. Seeing many opportunities for discovering common ground across our various groups, Monica tells stories of how others have grown closer via their discovery of unexpected common ground. She describes the "temperamental revolution" required of all of us, especially politicians whose yelling in public discourse is often an audition for media appearances. Finally, she talks about her hopes for our country and culture and asserts that "there is no one not worth talking to."

#26 Monica Guzman, author and Braver Angels leader, 2-9-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 26

Glen & April welcome Monica Guzman, a journalist, Braver Angels national leader, and best-selling author of the book "I Never Thought of It That Way:  How To Have Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times."  In this first episode, Monica traces her journey in journalism as she encounters pressure to take sides and instead commits to promoting multiple voices and perspectives.  She describes how an extended conversation with someone on the other side taught her to be patient in order for an understanding and relationship to develop, so that each of them could recognize flaws on their side and acknowledge good points on the other side. She emphasizes the importance of this complete understanding in revealing truth, and how that approach requires intellectual humility, curiosity, and courage in the face of uncertainty.  When so much of us easily view others as monsters or as posing an existential threat to our way of life or our identity, Monica notes the role of fear in this process, and how it greatly distorts the reality and the truth that can ultimately bring us together. 

#25 Ray Hanley, AR government and private sector leader, 12-1-22, Part 2: OTOH Episode 25

In Episode 25, Ray Hanley defends his efforts to support government programs that help kids and families with healthcare access as being consistent with a conservative, pro-family and pro-business approach.  He also talks in some depth about how he was able to persuade many persons on the value of such programs to their community. As someone who has spent much of his career as a conservative but who sometimes takes positions not usually associated with a Republican philosophy, he describes lessons he has learned about how to successfully negotiate or talk with persons generally in opposition to his ideas. He ends with his analysis of the likely future of Arkansas politics in coming years.

#24 Ray Hanley, AR government and private sector leader, 12-1-22, Part 1: OTOH Episode 24

In Episode 24, we feature Part 1 of an interview with Ray Hanley, a long time figure in Arkansas politics and in the private sector.  He served, for example, for 7 years as an executive in EDS, the technology company headed by Ross Perot.  Ray also has had extensive service in Arkansas government, including his time in the Huckabee administration when he played a key role in getting Medicaid expansion for children passed (ARKIDS First). He also helped spearhead the effort for Arkansas to adopt Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act years later. Despite his generally conservative views politically, Ray has faced criticism from some Republican quarters for these and other stances. He explains how he views his positions as very consistent with a conservative, pro-family and pro-business approach.  

#23 Sherry Simon, vice-president of Pax Christi AR, 10-13-22 Part 2: OTOH Episode 23

In part 2 of their conversation with Dr. Sherry Simon, psychologist and leader in Pax Christi AR, April and Glen explore with Sherry strategies for handling difficult moments in the work she does. In addition to approaches derived from her profession as a psychologist, Sherry also discusses ways that mindfulness-based approaches help her deal with the blowback she and others in Pax Christi sometimes experience from those who may not agree with their work.  Glen and April also weigh in with insights from their professional and personal experiences in dealing with difficult conversations. 

#22 Sherry Simon, vice-president of Pax Christi AR, 10-13-22 Part 1: OTOH Episode 22

April and Glen talk with vice-president and board member of Pax Christi, Arkansas, psychologist Dr. Sherry Simon. Pax Christi is a Catholic organization devoted to the pursuit of peace. Sherry talks about the work Pax Christi does, how persons of various political views work together for the cause of peace, and how her knowledge and skills as a psychologist help her in this work.  She discusses the active approach required in a pursuit of peace. 

#21 David Childs, Red co-coordinator for Braver Angels in Arkansas, 8-5-22 Part 2: Episode 21

In part 2 of this conversation, April and Glen speak with David Childs, Red co-coordinator for Braver Angels in Arkansas, about why he joined Braver Angels. David describes his past experiences with serving in public office and as a government employee, and how his time in Braver Angels has led to an evolution in how he interacts with others during political conversations.