America's remarkable experiment in a pluralist democracy is under threat from toxic polarization. In this episode, we discuss two current nationwide campaigns to tackle this crisis head-on,

America Talks, on Saturday-Sunday, June 12-13, is a powerful conversation event that invites thousands of Americans to connect one-on-one on video across our political divides. By doing so, we remind ourselves that the “other” is – just like us – a person with family, friends, hopes, fears, values, beliefs, and intrinsic worth.

The fourth annual National Week of Conversation, June 14-20, organized by #ListenFirst Coalition and over 300 organizations, invites Americans of all views and backgrounds to listen and discover common interests. Sign up for both events at AmericaTalks.us.

Our guests are Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project, Director at AllSides, and 17-year-old Zoë Jenkins, a civic activist who founded DICCE — diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, and equity.

Recent polling found that more than 9-in-10 Americans recognize that polarization is a problem, while 7-in-ten say democracy is in danger.

This podcast looks at the crisis and the opportunity for changing and strengthening democracy. We also discuss Moral Foundations Theory, Open Mind Platform for schools and workplaces, student-led BridgeUSA, and the work of Bridge Alliance.

Recommendation: Jim is watching "Our Planet" on Netflix, narrated by David Attenborough, who recounts his life, and the evolutionary history of life on earth.