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 Leah Howard, whose students practice political empathy in Pennsylvania. The episode highlights how listening, curiosity, and shared humanity can reduce polarization and build trust across differences.
Topics discussed
Intro: Jesse Kelly on Harlem and Black culture
Bridging differences through empathy and connection
Jesse Kelly's HBCU experience and identity
Social justice workshop: Embracing awkwardness
Facilitating shared humanity and vulnerability
Navigating Columbia and Harlem's cultural history
Courage, family legacy, and institutional responsibility
Leah Howard's Political Empathy Lab introduction
Empathy mapping and listening techniques
Debriefing, reducing polarization, and future trips
Outro: Finding wonder in everyday life
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