Finding Common Ground in Uncomfortable Times
Summary
Host Dacher Keltner explores bridging social divides through interviews with Jesse Kelly, who shares his journey from an HBCU to Columbia, and political scientist Leah Howard, who leads students on empathy-building road trips in Pennsylvania. The episode highlights how active listening, curiosity, and recognizing shared humanity can reduce polarization and foster connection across cultural and political differences.
Topics discussed
Intro: Jesse Kelly on Harlem and Columbia
Science of Happiness: Bridging differences
Ads: Medical devices and Wayfair
Interview with Jesse Kelly begins
HBCU experience and social justice workshop
Workshop dynamics: Embracing awkwardness
Navigating elite spaces and shared humanity
Courage, family legacy, and institutional reach
Leah Howard: Political Empathy Lab intro
Ads: Lazy Genius, Cachava, and Odoo
Empathy mapping and observation skills
Listening techniques and debriefing
Practicing empathy and future plans
Outro: Awe, credits, and sign-off
Promo: Stories from a Stranger podcast
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